“Yes.”

“We understand that you are friendly to us.  Now, I needn’t say that New York is otherwise a unit in opposing us.”

“No,” said Peter.  “My fellow-delegates from the sixth, Schlurger and Kennedy, stand as I do!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“The change must have been very sudden.  They were elected as Catlin men, we were told.”

“Yes.  But there’s quite a different feeling in the ward now, and they have yielded to it.”

“That’s good news.”

“We all three come here prepared to do what seems best.”

The Senator’s expression lost some of the satisfaction Peter’s news had put into it.  He gave a quick look at Peter’s face, as if to try and find from it what lay behind the words.  He hesitated, as if divided in mind over two courses of action.  Finally he said: 

“I needn’t tell you that this opposition of practically the whole of the New York City delegation, is the most serious set-back to Porter’s chance.  Now, we have talked it over, and it seemed to us that it would be a great card for him if he could be nominated by a city delegate.  Will you do it?”

“I don’t know him well enough, do I?  Doesn’t the nominating delegate have to make a speech in his favor?”

“Yes.  But I can give you the material to-night.  Or if you prefer, we’ll give it to you all written for delivery?”

“I don’t make other men’s speeches, Mr. Maguire.”

“Suit yourself about that.  It shall be just as you please.”

“The difficulty is that I have not decided myself, yet, how I shall vote, and of course such an act is binding.”

Mr. Maguire’s countenance changed again.  “I’m sorry to hear that.  I hoped you were for Porter.  He’s far away the best man.”

“So I think.”

The Senator leaned back in his chair, and tucked his thumbs into the armholes of his waistcoat.  He thought he had fathomed Peter, and felt that the rest was plain sailing.  “This is not a chap to be tolled.  I’ll give him the gaff at once,” was his mental conclusion.  Then he asked aloud: 

“What do you want?”

It was a question susceptible of many different constructions, but as Mr. Maguire asked it, it seemed to him to have but one, and that not very honest.  Peter hesitated.  The temptation was strong to lead the Senator on, but he did not like to do it.  It seemed to savor of traps, and Peter had never liked traps.  Still—­he did want to know if the managers on Porter’s side would stoop to buy his support by some bargain.  As Peter hesitated, weighing the pros and cons, Maguire spoke again.

“What does the other side offer you?”

Peter spoke quickly.  “They haven’t offered me anything, but advice.  That is, Costell said he’d try and help me on some legislation I want—­”

“Special?” interrupted Maguire.

“No, General.  I’ve talked about it with Porter as well”