“That’s fine,” he said. “Old Mother Moody sets a right good table, when she’s a mind to. I wish I c’d live down there myself. It’s a good plan.” He looked at Wint and winked slyly. “Always a good plan to play to the workingman,” he explained. “Good idea of yours, Wint. Living down there. Get the workingmen and the railroad men and all to sympathizing with you. They’ll play you for a martyr, and back you strong. You’ll make a good politician, Wint. I c’n see that.” Wint shook his head. “It’s not politics,” he said. “I--don’t intend to stay there. Just till I get settled uptown. Somewhere.” Amos studied him. “Pshaw, now! That’s too bad. It’d been a good play, Wint.” Wint laughed. “I’ll play the game some other way.” The Congressman nodded. He remained silent for a moment, then said thoughtfully, “I was thinking.... You and me has got to do a lot of talking, planning. I wish you could come and stay with me till your paw comes ’round.” Wint shook his head. “Thanks,” he said, smiling. “That’s good of you. But I’ll--” He hesitated; for through the window he had seen, across the street, Jack Routt and Joan together. They were talking briskly; and Joan was laughing at something Routt had said. Wint stared at them, with slowly burning eyes; and before he could continue Gergue nudged him in the side and told the Congressman smilingly: “That ’uz a bad break, Amos. He can’t come live with you.” Wint looked at him. “Why not?” he asked; and Amos said to Gergue: “That’s right, Peter. I’d forgot.” “Why not?” Wint repeated impatiently; he glanced again toward the two across the street. “Why, he means Miss Joan wouldn’t like it,” the Congressman explained. “Why wouldn’t she?” Gergue pointed across the street. “She’d soon teach you manners,” he chuckled. “The Congressman here’s got a nice-looking daughter of his own, you know.” Wint’s hand clenched at his side. “You’re all wrong there,” he said curtly; and then to Amos: “I think I’ll accept your invitation, after all,” he said. CHAPTER IV INTERLUDE The weeks between his election and his inauguration Wint spent as a guest at Amos Caretall’s home. At which the townsfolk put their tongues in their cheeks and smiled behind the back of the elder Chase. This open alliance between Wint and the Congressman was taken as confession that Wint’s election had been planned between them; and after a day or two Wint perceived the hopelessness of denial, and perceived, too, that those who believed him concerned in the trick respected him the more for it. Therefore, Wint ceased to deny; and it was one of Amos Caretall’s rules never to discuss a thing accomplished.