first at the one and then at the other, admiring and appreciating both.  He had a sincere, although purely intellectual admiration for any real greatness.  Thus gazing at the two men he saw how great was the responsibility resting on them, and how ably and fearlessly they were meeting it.  He realized clearly that these two grave, honest, earnest, fearless thinkers must find help for the whole country solely in the might of their own minds and in the strength of their own hands.  He knew that no aid ever had been given, or ever would be given, by the government as none could know better than themselves.  All this and much more came to Philip Alston, as he stood looking at Andrew Jackson and Joe Daviess while listening to William Pressley.  Through his whole life this had been his attitude.  He had always looked one way and rowed another, like the boatman in The Pilgrim’s Progress.

“And doubtless you too are giving valuable assistance,” he said, turning his inscrutable gaze on William Pressley, and speaking in the tone of deference which often covered his contempt.  “You will, however, be in a position to make your services far more valuable and much more widely recognized, should the attorney-general resign.  There can be no doubt of your succeeding him.  No one else stands so close to the place.  You shall have it without fail if any influence can aid you.  And then, when things are as we wish them to be in this vicinity, we will send you to Congress to look after our larger interests.  But in order to do this, we must both keep a keen lookout beforehand—­there must be no mistakes.  It might be well for you to meet me to-morrow at Anvil Rock.  I shall pass there at twelve o’clock on my way to Duff’s Fort.  You can then tell me the plans which these able gentlemen are now making.  You will learn them from your uncle.  Take care to remember the smallest detail.  Bear in mind, my dear boy, that you will soon have this whole responsibility on your own shoulders.  You are now in excellent training for it.  Everything that passes between these brilliant lawyers must be of personal value to you in the discharge of your future duties, and to me, also, in order that I may serve you.”

William’s chest swelled out with pride, and he held his head higher in conscious rectitude.  He had not a doubt of his ability to fill the place, nor thought of doubting that he was doing what was right and wise in being perfectly candid with Philip Alston.  He thought it most likely that he could secure the appointment without that gentleman’s influence.  He was quite sure that he would not require any one’s assistance in filling it.  Still, he was willing to pay all proper deference to an old friend, and to the foster-father of the girl who was to be his wife.  These thoughts were an open book which Philip Alston read with another queer smile, while thanking him for the promise to come to Anvil Rock.

“I will leave you now,” Philip Alston said.  “I have business to-day, also, at Duff’s Fort.  And you, left alone, will be free to join your uncle and the distinguished gentlemen who are working with him.”