“Hold on, Smiley, there's a fallacy there--” “Where? Point it out. I'm doing an honest business. The stuff I sell is well made. Do you suppose I care what your government people think? Why, the whole government system is a network of bribes and rake-offs and private snaps.” “Of course, if you're an anarchist--” “Look here, Beveridge, this talk seems to be rather personal--suppose we make it more so. Let's see if we can't find out what your motives are in this business. Are they Christian, or patriotic, or are you, like myself and the tack men, and the law-makers, looking out for number one? The man that was out here before you came I bought off. But it didn't take me long to see that you couldn't be bought. Now why? That's the question. “Was it because you have principles against it? Not at all. Don't get mad. I don't doubt a minute that you have some principles that you learned in Sunday-school; but Lord, when a man's grown up and has his living to fight for, do you think the Sunday-school has any chance. So, you see, I thought it over, and reasoned it out about like this: You and the other man were both ambitious, but where he wanted money, you want position. It's to your interest to keep the confidence of your superiors. That's why I couldn't buy you; it's all right, you've done a good job, but don't try to persuade yourself that your integrity is armor plate, that you've been doing right for the good of the Sunday-school or from patriotic motives. Just because you happen to be on the winning side, because your gang happens to be on top, don't make the mistake of thinking you're better than the rest of us. For you aren't.” Dick saw that Beveridge's tongue was trembling with a keen retort, and he broke in, “But you haven't told how I was worked into this, Henry.” “Oh, that's simple. I wanted to boost you along in the world, but you were young and had notions. So I thought if I could once make you bring down a load of the stuff without knowing it, you would find yourself in for it, and then I could make you see things in the right proportions. I wanted you, bad. With one such man as you, I could have fooled them forever.” He paused and added meditatively: “And I would have made you a rich man, Dick. But just when I had it arranged, you came and told me that you had gone daffy over Cap'n Fargo's little girl, and I saw I had as good as lost you. Yes, sir, I could have made your fortune. Well, anyhow, you 'll get something out of it, after--” Beveridge rose to go to his room, gathering up the papers. “I'm going to write this out now, boys. I 'll see you later.” Late in the evening the statement was ready. Henry read it through, suggested a few emendations, and signed it. Then the three went on deck. Far down on the southwestern horizon was a row of twinkling lights. Above them, in the sky, was spread a warm glow. “We're getting along,” said Henry. “There's Chicago.” “Oh, is it?” exclaimed Beveridge with interest.