The sight of that car, moving smoothly and securely up to the top, and the sight of that audacious little boy with the freckled face and the bat-like eyes, that little boy who had played his game so well, who had wrought such havoc, was too much for Henry Ludlow's self-control. Words such as he had never used before, such as he would not have supposed himself capable of using, burst from him. But Freckles stood calmly gazing up at the infuriated lobbyist, and just as Mr. Ludlow was saying, “I'll beat your head open, you little brat!” he calmly reversed the handle and sent the car skimming smoothly to realms below. He was followed by an angry yell, and then by a loud request to return, but he heeded them not, and for some time longer the car made its usual rounds between the basement and the legislative chambers. In just an hour Freckles tried it again. He sent the car to within three feet of the attic floor, and then peered through the grating, his face tied in a knot of interrogation. The eminent lobbyist stood there gulping down wrath and pride, knowing well enough what was expected of him. “Oh--all right,” he muttered at last, and with that much of an understanding Freckles sent the car up, opened the door, and Henry Ludlow stepped in. No word was spoken between them until the light from the floor upon which the Senate Chamber was situated came in view. Then Freckles turned with a polite inquiry as to where the gentleman wished to get off. “You may take me down to the office of the Governor,” said Mr. Ludlow stonily, meaningly. “Sure,” said Freckles cheerfully. “Guess you'll find the Governor in his office now. He's been in the Senate most of the afternoon, watching 'em pass that Kelley Bill.” Mr. Ludlow's lips drew in tightly. He squared his shoulders, and his silence was tremendous. In just fifteen minutes Freckles was sent for from the executive office. “I demand his discharge!” Mr. Ludlow was saying as the elevator boy entered. “It happens you're not running this building,” the Governor returned with a good deal of acidity. “Though of course,” he added with dignity, “the matter will be carefully investigated.” The Governor was one great chuckle inside, and his heart was full of admiration and gratitude; but would Freckles be equal to bluffing it through? Would the boy have the finesse, the nice subtlety, the real master hand, the situation demanded? If not, then--imp of salvation though he was--in the interest of reform, Freckles would have to go. It was a very innocent looking boy who stood before him and looked inquiringly into his face. “William,” began the Governor--Freckles was pained at first, and then remembered that officially he was William--“this gentleman has made a very serious charge against you.” Freckles looked at Mr. Ludlow in a hurt way, and waited for the Governor to proceed.