“I’ll do that,” replied Mr. Watson.  “And I’ll get the sixty dollars back that Tom Gates paid him.  I’ll make it a condition of our agreeing not to prosecute the man.”

“It looks as if we were going to win the election,” said Uncle John in a pleased voice.  “If Hopkins was driven to such methods as stuffing ballot-boxes, he must know very well he’s defeated.”

“He acknowledged it to Dr. Squiers.” said Patsy, gaily.  “We have eighteen sure majority, and perhaps more.”

“It’s likely to be more,” predicted Uncle John.

“I suppose congratulations are in order, Ken,” said Louise.

“Not yet, cousin,” he replied.  “Wait until tomorrow night; and then don’t congratulate me, but the campaign managers—­three of the nicest and cleverest girls in existence!”

“You’re right, my boy,” declared Uncle John.  “If you pull through and take your seat in the Legislature, you’ll owe it all to these girls.”

“That is true,” smiled the lawyer.  “Kenneth was badly beaten when you arrived.”

Of course our girls were very happy at receiving this praise, but more pleased to realize they had actually been of service to their boy friend.  They believed that Kenneth would prove a good Representative and carry out his promises to the voters; and if he did, that his political career was assured.

Mr. Burke appeared in the afternoon with a telegram from Dr. Hoyt, the specialist, saying that he would be at Elmwood on the noon train Wednesday.  His engagements prevented him from coming any sooner, and in the meantime Mr. Burke advised keeping a close watch on Eliza Parsons, to see that she did not run away.

“I’ll attend to that,” said Louise, quickly.  “Eliza and I are friends, and I’ll take care of her.”

“Aren’t you going to the polls?” asked Patsy.

“No, dear; why should I go?  Our work is done now, isn’t it?”

“Well, I’m going to the polls and work for every vote,” declared Patsy.  “I shan’t be happy unless Kenneth gets more than eighteen majority.”

When the Hopkins plot was explained to Mr. Burke, the detective readily agreed to go to Fairview and see Mr. Marshall.  As no time was to be lost he was sent over in an automobile, and arrived at the mill just before the hour for closing.

The next day being election day the mill was to be closed, and the manager was very busy in his office when Mr. Burke requested to see him.

“You will have to come around Wednesday,” said Marshall, fussily.  “I can’t attend to you now.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you, sir,” replied the detective, “but my business won’t wait until Wednesday.”

“What is it about, sir?”

“About the election.”

“Then I won’t be bothered.  The election doesn’t interest me,” said Mr. Marshall, turning away.

“Very well, I’ll call Wednesday, sir, at the jail.”

Marshall gave him a quick look.