This time Trench laughed. “Not a great deal, Judge,” he replied easily, “I’ve got most of it out. We’re going to prove both our cases against Aylett and Eaton. Aylett’s used more money, but Eaton has intimidated. The convention was packed. They threw in Eaton as a third candidate to split Yarnall’s strength; they knew all the investors in his get-rich-quick schemes would follow him, and they’d been warned to do it. I’ve got the evidence. Of course, when Yarnall got them deadlocked, even with that break in his strength, Eaton withdrew and, throwing all his votes suddenly to Aylett, nominated him on the fifth ballot.” The judge scowled at him from under his heavy brows. “What’s this about the Todd test case?” he growled. “Aaron Todd got hold of one of the delegates and found out that he’d been offered a bribe by Eaton. Todd suggested to him to take it and get the matter witnessed; it was done and will be used in court.” “Damned shabby!” said the judge. Caleb smiled. “I call it a harder name, Judge,” he said simply. “I shan’t use it, but, after all, I’m only the junior counsel.” The old man looked at him over his spectacles. “I understand that Yarnall has picked you out as a kind of red flag to the bull, and means to wave you in Eaton’s face.” “So he does, I fancy,” said Trench, “but we’re going to call Judge Hollis.” The judge stared; a dull red crept up to his hair. He had felt the slight when Caleb was chosen, and he suspected that the younger man knew it. Yet the temptation to be in the thick of the fray was like the taste of fine wine in the mouth of the thirsty. “By gum, sir,” he said, “I don’t believe I’ll do it.” “Yes, you will,” said Trench decisively, “we need you. Besides, Mr. Yarnall has written a formal request to you: we want influential men on our side. We’ve got a clear case, but we want the people to understand that we’re not demagogues. And”--Trench suddenly used all his persuasive powers, which were great--“Judge, I lack your experience.” It was a touch of modesty that went to the judge’s heart. He took Diana’s chair--Caleb always called it that in his heart--and they fell to discussing the situation and the most salient points in the case, for it had divided the State and it would affect the election of the United States Senator later.