That's what I told him. He was firm on giving duplicates, and for awhile it looked as if my trip to New York was wasted. But I stuck to my guns. It was originals or nothing with you, I said, and he finally gave in. {Knox} (_Holding up documents._) I can't tell you what they mean to me, nor how grateful-- {Gifford} (_Interrupting._) That's all right. Don't mention it. Gherst is wild for the chance. It will do organized labor a heap of good. And you are able to say your own say at the same time. How's that compensation act coming on? {Knox} (_Wearily._) The same old story. It will never come before the House. It is dying in committee. What can you expect of the Committee of Judiciary?--composed as it is of ex-railroad judges and ex-railroad lawyers. {Gifford} The railroad brotherhoods are keen on getting that bill through. {Knox} Well, they won't, and they never will until they learn to vote right. When will your labor leaders quit the strike and boycott and lead your men to political action? {Gifford} (_Holding out hand._) Well, so long. I've got to trot, and I haven't time to tell you why I think political action would destroy the trade union movement. (_Knox tosses documents on top of low bookcase between fireplace and bedroom door, and starts to shake hands._) You're damn careless with those papers. You wouldn't be if you knew how much Gherst paid for them. {Gifford} You don't appreciate that other crowd. It stops at nothing. {Knox} I won't take my eyes off of them. And I'll take them to bed with me to-night for safety. Besides, there is no danger. Nobody but you knows I have them. {Gifford} (_Proceeding toward door to right._) I'd hate to be in Starkweather's office when he discovers what's happened. There'll be some bad half hours for somebody. (_Pausing at door._) Give them hell to-morrow, good and plenty. I'm going to be in a gallery. So long. (_Makes exit._) (_Knox crosses to windows, which he opens, returns to desk, seats himself in revolving chair, and begins opening his correspondence. _) (_A knock at door to right._) {Knox} Come in. (_Hubbard enters, advances to desk, but does not shake hands. They greet each other, and Hubbard sits down in chair to left of desk._) (_Knox, still holding an open letter, re-volves chair so as to face his visitor. He waits for Hubbabd to speak._) {Hubbard} There is no use beating about the bush with a man like you. I know that. You are direct, and so am I. You know my position well enough to be assured that I am empowered to treat with you. {Knox} Oh, yes; I know. {Hubbard} What we want is to have you friendly. {Knox} That is easy enough. When the Interests become upright and honest-- {Hubbard} Save that for your speech. We are talking privately. We can make it well worth your while-- {Knox} (_Angrily._) If you think you can bribe me--