“Just a whole lot,” agreed McClintock. “I think I can pick up contracts enough to keep us busy through the summer. I understand you've always had to shut down.” “Yes, or half-time,” disgustedly. “I guess we can worry through without that; at any rate, I want to,” observed Oakley. “I'll go see how I can manage about our own repairs,” said McClintock. He went out, and from the window Oakley saw him with a bunch of keys in his hand going in the direction of a line of battered day coaches on one of the sidings. The door opened again almost immediately to admit Griff Ryder. This was almost the last person in Antioch from whom Dan was expecting a call. The editor's cordiality as he greeted him made him instantly suspect that some favor was wanted. Most people who came to the office wanted favors. Usually it was either a pass or a concession on freight. As a rule, Kerr met all such applicants. His manner fitted him for just such interviews, and he had no gift for popularity, which suffered in consequence. Ryder pushed a chair over beside Oakley's and seated himself. By sliding well down on his spine he managed to reach the low sill of the window with his feet. He seemed to admire the effect, for he studied them in silence for a moment. “There's a little matter I want to speak to you about, Oakley. I've been intending to run in for the past week, but I have been so busy I couldn't.” Oakley nodded for him to go on. “In the first place, I'd like to feel that you were for Kenyon. You can be of a great deal of use to us this election. It's going to be close, and Kenyon's a pretty decent sort of a chap to have come out of these parts. You ought to take an interest in seeing him re-elected.” Oakley surmised that this was the merest flattery intended to tickle his vanity. He answered promptly that he didn't feel the slightest interest in politics one way or the other. “Well, but one good fellow ought to wish to see another good fellow get what he's after, and you can help us if you've a mind to; but this isn't what I've come for. It's about Hoadley.” “What about Hoadley?” quickly. “He's got the idea that his days with the Huckleberry are about numbered.” “I haven't said so.” “I know you haven't.” “Then what is he kicking about? When he's to go, he'll hear of it from me.” “But, just the same, it's in the air that there's to be a shake-up, and that a number of men, and Hoad-ly among them, are going to be laid off. Now, he's another good fellow, and he's a friend of mine, and I told him I'd come in and fix it up with you.” “I don't think you can fix it up with me, Mr. Ryder. Just the same, I'd like to know how this got out.” “Then there is to be a shake-up?” Oakley bit his lips. “You seem to take it for granted there is to be.” “I guess there's something back of the rumor.” “I may as well tell you why Hoadley's got to go.” “Oh, he is to go, then? I thought my information was correct.”