t to Oak
Hall would want a copy of it."

It may be mentioned here that later on Luke Watson did have the
composition brought out by a metropolitan music publisher. He
dedicated it to the senior class of which he had been a member, and
the song sold very well.

Dave had already secured his berth on the train, so that when his
friends left him he lost no time in retiring. But the novelty of the
journey, and his thoughts concerning Ward Porton, kept him awake for
some time. Finally, however, he went sound asleep and did not awaken
until some time after the Capitol City was reached.

Senator Morr and his family were staying at the New Willard Hotel in
Washington, and Dave soon found a street car that passed the door of
that place. When he entered the hotel, he found Roger in the lobby
waiting for him.

"I thought you'd come right up," cried the senator's son. "I told the
folks I'd meet you. Of course, you haven't had any breakfast? The
folks will be down in a little while and then we'll all go to
breakfast together."

Roger was much interested to learn that Dave had met three of their
old chums, and wanted to know all that had been said and done. The
fact that our hero had also seen Ward Porton was a surprise.

"What a shame you didn't capture him, Dave! Maybe you might have got
on the track of that Basswood fortune."

"Just what I was thinking, Roger. I did my best, but you know what a
New York crowd is. Porton slipped through it and disappeared almost
like magic."

Senator Morr and his wife greeted Dave warmly. The four had breakfast
in a private dining-room, and during the course of the meal the
senator had much to say regarding the departure of his son and Dave
for Texas.

"I know one or two of the men connected with the Mentor Construction
Company," said the senator. "They are very fine fellows, and I think
they will see to it that you are treated rightly."

"Dad, of course, has some influence with them," broke in Roger, "being
a senator, you know."

"I don't use my influence that way, Roger," answered the father,
shortly. "You must not expect special favors because I happen to be a
United States senator. I expect you to make your way on your own
merit."

"And that's what I'm going to do," answered the son, promptly.

"I do hope both of you boys keep out of trouble," said Mrs. Morr. "You
are going close to the border of Mexico, and there has been fighting
going on along that border for many months."