“What are you aiming at?” McCarthy asked. The important man explained the purpose of the bridge. “I like that,” said McCarthy. “Now, please, say what you want of me.” “We want you to get the charter.” “Are you planning to spend any money here for that purpose?” McCarthy asked. “We'll lay out any reasonable sum.” “Then I won't have a thing to do with it--not a thing,” said the gentleman. “The legislature must be kept clean.” “We're willing to put ourselves in your hands absolutely,” said the important man. “I hardly need say that we should prefer to have the proposition go on its merits, but you know there's a new element here which is looking for money.” “And you rich men with big projects are going to raise the devil with us if you're not careful,” said McCarthy. “Your plans are so vast and important that you will let nothing stand in their way--not even the price of a thousand men. Now, when you begin to buy votes you'll have more and more of it to do, and by-and-by Albany will be a pest-hole.” “We feel that as keenly as you do,” said the other. “But, you know, those new fellows who have lately come here--Joe and Ed and Sam and Jim and Jack, and a score like them--they've got a following, and every day it increases. Their plan is to hold up the car of progress and demand our money.” “Put the matter in my hands, and I'll get your charter,” said the gentleman. “But you must agree not to interfere or spend a cent of money.” “We put ourselves in your hands absolutely,” said the important man. “Very well, then; I want to name three of the charter members of your board and the conditions under which that body shall begin its work.” “I think I can promise that.” “Well, talk it over with your associates, and let me have your answer in black and white as soon as possible,” said the gentleman. The answer came next day and was all that we desired, and McCarthy began a piece of work which deserves to be lifted out of the limbo of forgotten things, for it was the first big battle with Satan at the State capital. He saw the leading men in both branches of the legislature. He showed them the plans of the great bridge, and explained its purpose and made its value clear. They agreed with him. There seemed to be nothing in our way. But suddenly there came a change: the air was charged with opposition, and we knew that Joe and Sam and Ed and Jim, and other birds of their feather, had been at work. “All right,” said the gentleman; “we're in no hurry. They'll get hungry, and come to see us one of these days.” We had not long to wait. One evening, within a week, who should call at our room in the Delevan but Joe--the handsome, smiling, good-natured, witty captain of our enemies. He was in full dress, and his white hair and imperial were not the least of his assets. “Thane of Glamis and Cawdor,” said he, with a smile and a polite bow, “you are soon to be king, and we must all know you!”