“Do you speak from experience? Because it doesn’t fit this case. I propose nothing of the sort.” “Then what in thunder _do_ you want?” snarled Caleb, thoroughly mystified. “If it ain’t cash or——” “I want you to give Mr. Standish a fair chance. That is all. I want you to remove the embargo from his speeches and advertising; to open the columns of every paper in the Mountain State to him. To promise not to molest him in any way, not to allow your rowdies to break up his meetings nor to prevent him from hiring halls. Not to stuff the ballot-boxes, falsify the returns, employ ‘floaters’ or—in short, I want you to give him an equal chance with yourself; to conduct the campaign honestly, and to leave the issue solely to the voters. Will you do this?” “And if I beat him at that?” “If you are elected by an honest majority, that is no concern of ours. All I demand is that you fight in the open and leave the result to the people.” Caleb thought in silence for a few moments. “If I do this?” he asked at last. “Then, on the afternoon of Election Day, my brother shall turn over to you, or to your representative, the entire Denzlow correspondence.” “I have your word for that? Certified copies and all?” “Yes.” “You don’t lie. That’s about the one foolish trait I’ve ever found in you. If I’ve got your word, you’ll stand by it. Can’t say quite the same of _me_, eh?” “I don’t think that needs an answer.” “Can’t turn over the letters to me now, on my pledge to——?” “I’m afraid not,” said Anice, almost apologetically. “I must——” “And you’re dead right. A promise is such a sacred thing that it’s always wise to keep your finger on the trigger till the real money’s handed over. Just to keep the sacredness from spoiling. As I understand it, I’m to loosen up on Standish; and then if I lick him fair, you and I are quits? I’ll do it. Such a fight ought to prove pretty amusing. It’ll be an experience anyhow, as Sol Townsley said when Father Healy told him he’d some day burn in hell. I’ll accept those silly terms of yours for the same reason so many men stay honest. They don’t enjoy it, but it’s more fun than going to jail. I’ll send out the orders first thing in the morning. And on the afternoon of Election Day I’ll get that Denzlow stuff?” “Yes. And the certified copy the following morning.” “In case I should get absent-minded that night when the votes are counted? You’re a clever girl, Miss Lanier. Pity you’re to be wasted on Standish! Oh, that’s all right. I don’t need to be told. A girl like you isn’t acting the way you do just for the sake of a measly principle. And now,” his bantering tone changing to one of brusque command, “if there’s nothing more, maybe you’ll both get out. I’m tired, and——” Clive and Anice withdrew. The latter, looking back as she left the room, saw Caleb sitting doubled over, motionless, in his chair, his gaze again on the fire.