"I reckon this will wake up old Dangerfield all right," said the reporter, grinning. "He'll be paralyzed. May I use your name in this connection, sir?" "Not at all. My engagement with Governor Osborne is of the most confidential character and our purposes would be defeated by publicity. Remember, you get the exclusive use of this story--the return and immediate departure of the governor, his statement to the people in the Appleweight case--all with the understanding that you use what you have to the best advantage." "This is all right, is it, Miss Osborne?" asked the reporter. "Major Griswold has full authority to act, and you need question nothing he tells you," Barbara replied. "I suppose the governor didn't see the attorney-general to-day?" asked the reporter detainingly, as Barbara rose. She exchanged a glance with Griswold. "Father didn't see Mr. Bosworth at all, if that's what you mean!" "Didn't see him? Well, Bosworth didn't exactly tell me he had seen him to-day, but I asked him about the Appleweight case an hour ago at his house and he said the governor wasn't going to do anything and that was the end of it so far as the administration is concerned." "Print his story and see what happens! We have no comment to make on that, have we, Miss Osborne?" "Nothing at all," replied Barbara scornfully. "I'm at the Saluda House at present. See me to-morrow and I may have another story for you!" and Griswold shook the reporter warmly by the hand as they parted at the carriage door. "Home," said Barbara for the reporter's benefit, and then, to Griswold: "I must speak of another matter. Drive with me a little way until we can throw the reporter off." She spoke quietly, but he saw that she was preoccupied with some new phase of the situation, and as the carriage gained headway she said earnestly: "That young man told the truth--I am sure of it--about Mr. Bosworth. I knew he would do something to injure father if he could, but I did not know he had the courage to go so far." "It's only politics, Miss Osborne," said Griswold lightly. "Besides, you may be sure the _Intelligencer_ will print the governor's side of it in its largest type." "No; it is not politics. It is more despicable, more contemptible, more ungenerous even than politics. But he shall be punished, humiliated for his conduct." "You shall fix his punishment yourself!" laughed Griswold; "but the state's business first. We have a little more to do before I am satisfied with the day's work." "Yes, of course. We must leave nothing undone that father would do were he here to act for himself."