"I don't believe the people of Iowa will down any man for stating what he believes is right." "Don't bet too high on that," said the Major in final reply. The Judge dined with Bradley at the dining-room in the little cottage, and it gave Bradley great satisfaction to see that he used his fork more gracefully than the Supreme judge, who sat beside him, and better than the senator, who sat opposite. They had a most delightful time in talking over old legal friends, and the Judge was beaming as he came to pudding. He assured them all that the Honorable Talcott would be heard on the floor of Congress. "We're the winning party now," he said. "We're the party of the future." The others laughed good naturedly. "Don't be too certain of that." They all rose. "You surprised us sleeping on our arms," the general said, "but we're awake now, and we've got pickets out." The Judge enjoyed his visit very much, and only once did he present himself to Bradley with a suspicious heaviness in his speech. He had reformed entirely since he had adopted a son, he explained to his old cronies. On the day when the Judge was to return, as they walked down to the train together, he said, "Well, Brad, we'll go right into the congressional campaign." "I don't believe we'd better do that, Judge." "Why not?" "Well, I could not be elected--that's one thing." The Judge allowed an impressive silence to intervene. "Why not? I tell you, young man, they're on the run. We can put you through. You've made a strong impression down here." "I don't believe I want to be put through. I'm sick of it. I don't believe I'm a politician. I'm sick all through with the whole cursed business. I never'd be here only for you, pulling wires. I can't pull wires." "You needn't pull wires. I'll do that. You talk, and that's what put you here, and it'll put you in Congress." Bradley was in a bad mood. "What's the good of my going there? I can't do anything. I've done nothing here." "Yes, y' have. You've been right on the railroad question, on the oleo question, and the bank question. It's going to count. That speech of yours, yesterday, I'm going to send broadcast in Rock County. The district convention will meet in June early. Foster will pave the way for your nomination, by saying Rock County should have a congressman. We'll go into the convention with a clear two-thirds majority, and then declare your nomination unanimous. You see, your youth will be in your favor. Your election will follow, sure. The only fight will be in the convention." "Looks like spring, to-day," Bradley said. It was his way of closing an argument. "Well, good-by. You'll find the whole pot boiling when you come home," the Judge said, as the train started.