At the Boss’s right in to-day’s conclave sat Billy Shevlin, most trusted and adoring of all his followers. At his left was Guy Bourke, Alderman and the Boss’s jackal. Next to Billy was Bonham, Mayor of Granite, and next Giacomo Baltazzi, who held the whole Italian section force of the C. G. & X. and the Sicilian quarter of Granite in the hollow of his unwashed hand. Beyond was Nicholas Caine, proprietor of the _Star_, and to his right Beiser, the Democratic State Chairman. Between a second newspaper editor and the President of the Board of Aldermen lounged Kerrigan, the Ghetto saloon-keeper. A sprinkling of railroad men, heelers and district leaders made up the remainder. Conover was speaking: “And that’s the layout,” said he. “And that’s why I’m not content for this to be just a plain ‘win.’ Two years ago I thought Shearn would be our best man for governor. So I gave the word, and Shearn got in with a decent majority. But it’s got to be a landslide this time, and not a trick’s to be overlooked in the whole hand. Nick, you know the line of editorial policy to start in to-morrow’s _Star_. And be on the lookout for the first break in any of the League’s speeches. It’s easier to think of a fool thing than not to say it, and those Reform jays are always putting their feet in their mouths when they try to preach politics. And, knowing nothing about the game, they’re sure to talk a heap. They never seem to realize that the man who really practices politics hasn’t time to preach it.” “I understand,” answered Caine. “Print, as usual, a ‘spread’ on the windy, blundering speeches, and forget to report the others. Same as when——” “Sure. And pass the ‘press-gag’ sign up-State, too. Standish is certain to make a tour. Beiser,” turning to the portly State Chairman, “I want the county caucuses two weeks from Saturday. I’ve an idea we can work the same old ‘snap’ move in more’n half of them. Pass it on to the county chairman to treble last year’s floaters, and to work the ‘back door’ the way we did in Bowden County in ’97. They understand their business pretty well, most of ’em. And I’ll have Shevlin and Bourke jack up those that don’t, and learn ’em their little lines. Two weeks from Saturday, then. That’s understood? It’ll give us all the time we need, if we hustle. Never mind the other State or city candidates or Congressmen. Those jobs’ll take care of themselves. If the wrong men get into the Assembly or Congress, they’ll get licked into shape quick enough. We’re all right there. I want the whole shove to be made on the Governorship this year. Pass it on! Baltazzi, I hear those dagoes of yours are grouching again. What’s——” “They say they don’t get nothin’. They say all the good jobs goes to the Irish or Dutch or even Americans, and——” “Promise ’em something, then.” “I have. But——”