ongressmen are more eager to serve their
constituents. The people are still with us, and Congress knows it. In
the Senate, however, they are playing for bigger game. The great
interests there hope to divert attention from themselves to the
Consolidated Companies, and if they can secure legislation which will
operate against us they think that the people will so resent it that it
will probably put a stop, for the present at least, to all agitation
against consolidations, good or bad. It is a clever game, and they are
playing it well."

"We must not let them play it better than ourselves," Gorham replied,
decisively.

"We are working hard, Gorham," the Senator replied. "That was a great
move of yours, having each stockholder invest in the Consolidated
Companies to such an extent that it made the welfare of the corporation
a matter of personal concern. Those of us who are stockholders are
fighting for our lives, and the Companies is getting the benefit of it."

"So is the public," Gorham replied, quickly, regretting particularly the
turn the conversation had taken owing to Allen's presence, and noting
the expression on the boy's face. "You and our other colleagues in the
Senate are fighting for the people, and the right is bound to win."

Kenmore laughed nervously. "I don't know that it makes much difference
what you call it," he replied. "We are fighting all right, and the
result is bound to be the same whether it is for the people or for
ourselves. You won't fail us next Tuesday, Gorham? If you can turn the
tide in our favor, you will accomplish the greatest stroke in your
career."

"I shall be there," Gorham replied, and with deliberate intent turned
the conversation into general channels.

Kenmore took his departure shortly after dinner, and Eleanor and Alice
remained with Mr. Gorham and Allen, who lingered a few moments over
their cigars before taking up their evening's labors. Eleanor, in an
effort to relieve her own mind from its oppressing thoughts, quite
unconsciously called attention to Allen's quiet bearing, which Mr.
Gorham had hoped would pass by without attracting attention, knowing as
he did what lay beneath.

"How sober you are to-night, Allen," she said.

The boy looked up quickly. "Forgive me for being such poor company," he
replied, simply. "I was thinking over what the Senator has been telling
us."

"You must leave all that worry to me," Gorham said, kindly. "Great
burdens are not meant for