should ingratiate himself with the workers, a
rough-and-ready lot. They were ready to "burst a meeting" or bludgeon a
candidate on occasion.

When Carnac asked his question Junia smiled up at him. "Yes, I think
you'll win, Carnac. You have the tide with you." Presently she added:
"I'm not sure that you've got all the cards, though--I don't know why,
but I have that fear."

"You think that--"

She nodded. "I think Monsieur Barouche has some cards he hasn't played
yet. What they are I don't know, but he's confident. Tell me, Carnac,
is there any card that would defeat you? Have you committed any crime
against the law--no, I'm sure you haven't, but I want to hear you say
so." She smiled cheerfully at him.

"He has no card of any crime of mine, and he can't hit me in a mortal
place."

"You have the right policy for this province. But tell me, is there
anyone who could hurt you, who could spring up in the fight--man or
woman?"

She looked him straight in the eye, and his own did not waver.

"There's no one has a knock-out blow for me--that's sure. I can weather
any storm."

He paused, however, disconcerted, for the memory of Luzanne came to him,
and his spirit became clouded. "Except one--except one," he added.

"And you won't tell me who it is?"

CHAPTER XXIII. THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT

"No, I can't tell you--yet," answered Carnac. "You ought to know; though
you can't put things right."

"Don't forget you are a public man, and what might happen if things went
wrong. There are those who would gladly roast you on a gridiron for what
you are in politics."

"I never forget it. I've no crime to repent of, and I'm afraid of
nothing in the last resort. Look, we're nearing the Island."

"It's your worst place in the constituency, and I'm not sure of your
reception. Oh, but yes, I am," she added hastily. "You always win good
feeling. No one really hates you. You're on the way to big success."

"I've had some unexpected luck. I've got Tarboe on my side. He's a
member of Barouche's party, but he's coming with me."

"Did he tell you so?" she asked with apparent interest.

"I've had a letter from him, and in it he says he is with me 'to the
knife!' That's good. Tarboe has a big hold on rivermen, and he may carry
with him some of the opposition. It was a good letter--if puzzling."

"How, puzzling?"

"He said in one part of it: 'When you come back here to play your part
you'll make it a success, the whole bles