With a keen sense of the dramatic, the Congressman let his next words drawl out with full effect. "I've got Senator Langdon interested--financially interested," he said. His two hearers exchanged a significant glance. "How?" asked Peabody, sharply. Norton smiled shrewdly. "Well, I just let his son invest $50,000 of the Senator's money in Altacoola land. That ought to help some." Stevens stared in amazement at his Congressman, his eyes threatening to bulge out of his head. "What!" he gasped. "You got Langdon's money in Altacoola, through his son?" "I sure have, Senator," chuckled Norton. "He's in to the extent of fifty thousand, and I've promised that the fifty shall make a hundred by spring." "It'll make three hundred thousand at least," snapped Peabody. "Norton, you've done a good day's work. By the way, a New York client of mine has a little business that I cannot attend to handily. Doesn't involve much work, and a young, hustling lawyer like you ought to take charge of it easily. The fee, I should say, would be about $10,000. Have you the time to undertake it?" The Congressman drew a long breath. His eyes beamed with gratitude. "I should say I have, Senator. Of course, it won't interfere with any of my duties as a Congressman." Peabody smiled. "Of course not, Norton. I see that your sense of humor is improving. If convenient, run over to New York the last of the week. I'll give you a card. My client's office is at 10 Broadway." The ruler of the Senate nodded a curt dismissal. "Thank you, Senator; thank you very much." And Norton bowed and left, rejoicing. Peabody turned to Stevens. "You see, even a Congressman can be useful sometimes," remarked Stevens, dryly. "Keep your eye on that young man, Stevens. He's the most valuable Congressman we've had from your State in a long while. Does just what he is told and doesn't ask any fool questions. This was good work. Langdon's on the naval committee now sure. Come, Stevens; let's go to some quiet corner in the smoking-room. I want to talk to you about something else the Standard has on hand for you to do." Hardly had they departed from the lobby when resounding commotion at the entrance, followed by the rushing of porters and bellboys and an expectant pose on the part of the clerk, indicated that the new Senator from Mississippi had arrived. CHAPTER V THE BOSS OF THE SENATE INSPECTS A NEW MEMBER An actor playing the rôle of a high type of Southern planter would score a decided success by picturing the character exactly after the fashion of Senator William H. Langdon as he strode to the desk of the International Hotel. A wide-brimmed black hat thrust back on his head, a long black perfecto in his mouth, coattails spreading out behind as he walked, and the "Big Bill" Langdon smile on his face that carried sunshine and good will wherever he went, he was good to look on, an inspiration, particularly in Washington.