"Not at all," and as he said that, Willowby reached down and picked up a handful of pebbles. "See these stones? In the same way I hold in my hand a majority of the Supreme Court, over two-thirds of the Senators and most of the Representatives. I can swing the votes of enough of the states to pass any kind of legislation I wish. Now here is my proposition. You handle the cities. I will turn over the country to you. Together we will run the nation, and all I want is just one thing--just one little favor from you." "I bet I can guess what that is," laughed the Old Man. "No doubt, but let me tell you. I want to be the next President." "I thought so." "I think we ought to be together on this thing. Perhaps I could be elected without your help, even in spite of your opposition. But if I am, I will, naturally, try to destroy you. We might end up like the Kilkenny cats. But if we are allies, I have eight years of power and you have eight years of liberty in which to plunder the richest nation in the world. How about it?" The Old Man drew a deep breath. "Is this on the level?" "It has to be. I have a reputation, and it is respectable. I am placing myself in your hands. What is there to prevent you from giving the press an interview tomorrow?" "You would deny it!" "But no one would listen to me." "I suppose not. What do you want me to do?" "I want you to give the order to your leaders. There are a hundred of them, perhaps a few more. No doubt my list is not absolutely accurate. Call them in, from Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Boston and Philadelphia. Have them all in one room. You introduce me. Let me talk to them. I will open the war chest, fifty million to start with, and more to come. You promise them anything you want, and I will make the promise good." "And you will be there? Right in the room with me?" "I will be there." "I won't do it!" growled the Old Man. "I never have and I never will. I don't do things that way. A whisper to one or two, and the business is done, but not a hundred at one time. Some of these boys have never seen me." "Then you want to turn me down?" "Not exactly, but I am opposed to that meeting." "Then we are through talking. I will take you to the five-ten train, or, if you want to, I will have my chauffeur drive you to the city." "Let's talk it over." "No." "How about having six of the Big Boys there?" "No! All on my list or none." "Your list?" "Certainly! I am not sure that it is absolutely correct, but it satisfies me." "Let me see it." "No reason why you should not." The Old Man took the paper that was handed to him. It was no casual glance, he gave the names. At last he handed it back to the little man with the casual comment: "I suppose that is not all you know about my organization?"