The young man slipped a package into his pocket, and came lightly into the office. He waved his hand gayly and called: "Well--well, pater familias, what's on your chest to-day?" His slim figure was clad in gray--a gray suit, gray shirt, gray tie, gray shoes and a crimson rose bud in his coat lapel. As he slid into a chair and crossed his lean legs the Doctor looked him over. The young Judge's corroding pride in his job was written smartly all over his face and figure. "The fairest of ten thousand, the bright and morning star, Tom," piped the Doctor. Then added briskly, "I want to talk to you about Joe Calvin." The young man lifted a surprised eyebrow. The Doctor pushed ahead as he pulled the county bar docket from his desk and pointed to it. "Joe Calvin's business has increased nearly fifty per cent. in less than six months! And he has the money side of eighty per cent. of the cases in your court!" "Well--" replied Van Dorn in the mushy drawl that he used with juries, "that's enough! Joe couldn't ask more." Then he added, eying the Doctor closely, "Though I can't say that what you tell me startles me with its suddenness." "That's just my point," cried the Doctor in his high, shrill voice. "That's just my point, Thomas," he repeated, "and here's where I come in. I got you this job. I am standing for you before the district and I am standing for you now for this election." The Doctor wagged his head at the young man as he said, "But the truth is, Tom, I had some trouble getting you the solid delegation." "Ah?" questioned the suave young Judge. "Yes, Tom--my own delegation," replied the Doctor. "You see, Tom, there is a lot of me. There is the one they call Doc Jim; then there's Mrs. Nesbit's husband and there's your father-in-law, and then there's Old Linen Pants. The old man was for you from the jump. Doc Jim was for you and Mrs. Nesbit's husband was willing to go with the majority of the delegation, though he wasn't strong for you. But I'll tell you, Tom," piped the Doctor, "I did have the devil of a time ironing out the troubles of your father-in-law." The Doctor leaned forward and pointed a fat, stern finger at his son-in-law. "Tom," the Doctor's voice was shrill and steely, "I don't like your didos with Violet Mauling!" The face above the crimson flower did not flinch. "I don't suppose you're making love to her. But you have no business fooling around Joe Calvin's office on general principles. Keep out, and keep away from her." And then the Doctor's patience slipped and his voice rose: "What do you want to give her the household bills for? Pay 'em yourself or let Laura send her checks!" The Doctor's tones were harsh, and with the amiable cast off his face his graying blond pompadour hair seemed to bristle militantly. The effect gave the Doctor a fighting face as he barked, "You can't afford it. You must stop it. It's no way to do. I didn't think it of you, Tom!"