"Leave my sister out of it, please," commanded Blair, with dignity. "I can't use a thousand-dollar bank note. I'm not in the habit of flashing bills of that denomination." "You will be if you tie to us," suggested the tempter. "Thousand-dollar bills will be as common in Helena in a few days as nickels in a contribution box. I'm about out of 'em myself, but the old man's bringing in a stack to-night. They come in right handy for contingent expenses." "I suppose so," assented Blair, pocketing the money with a fine air of preoccupation that made the Honorable William smile the smile of the canary-nourished cat. "If there's any money going I'd like to get my share of it, of course, if it could be done without my sister knowing it. But I'll not vote for Burroughs until the last one. Perhaps then I'll see about changing if you are sure that you have a majority." Moore rapidly ran over a list of names. "Will that satisfy you?" he demanded. "You see, I trust you. Every man I have named will vote for Burroughs whenever I say so. I may never call on them all--I won't unless I have to. But"--the pause was purposely impressive--"they are to have their money whether they are called upon or not, and so will you, provided that Burroughs is elected." "You'll never make me believe that Joe Hall can be bought--not until I hear him give his vote for Robert Burroughs. I notice you have him listed. He hates Bob more than I do, and that's saying a good deal." "He was the easiest one of the whole bunch. He was the cheapest, and he's afraid he won't earn his money." "Does Burroughs sanction all this?" Senator Blair was amazed, not so much at the men bought as at the sum total that must have been expended. Why was Burroughs so anxious to go to Congress? He did not need the money that was popularly supposed to accrue to senators in Washington from land grants, timber lands and other large steals; he had millions already. "Well, he's putting up the dough, but I don't trouble him with all the minor details," admitted Moore. "Bob's not the only one who's offering good money for votes," said Blair. "Who has approached you?" "That's like asking who yelled fire at a theater. There are some seven candidates, and a thousand workers--I can't name them all." "We expect to pay every member who votes for Burroughs--of his own party or not. The man who votes for him without being paid is a fool." "Might as well have a red flag of auction placed on the speaker's desk." Senator Blair was inclined to moralize. "Money is a legitimate source of influence in a Legislature." Moore was on the defensive. "I judge that you think so, if no one else. But, see here! I can't vote for Burroughs, any way I see it!" (Moore thought of his vanished thousand-dollar bill!) "I've promised Danvers to vote for the Governor. My friendship for Phil--you know he saved my sister's life----"