“If we can get the bill through the Senate, do you think there will be the same difficulty in the House?” asked Gorham.

“No,” Kenmore responded; “the Congressmen are more eager to serve their constituents.  The people are still with us, and Congress knows it.  In the Senate, however, they are playing for bigger game.  The great interests there hope to divert attention from themselves to the Consolidated Companies, and if they can secure legislation which will operate against us they think that the people will so resent it that it will probably put a stop, for the present at least, to all agitation against consolidations, good or bad.  It is a clever game, and they are playing it well.”

“We must not let them play it better than ourselves,” Gorham replied, decisively.

“We are working hard, Gorham,” the Senator replied.  “That was a great move of yours, having each stockholder invest in the Consolidated Companies to such an extent that it made the welfare of the corporation a matter of personal concern.  Those of us who are stockholders are fighting for our lives, and the Companies is getting the benefit of it.”

“So is the public,” Gorham replied, quickly, regretting particularly the turn the conversation had taken owing to Allen’s presence, and noting the expression on the boy’s face.  “You and our other colleagues in the Senate are fighting for the people, and the right is bound to win.”

Kenmore laughed nervously.  “I don’t know that it makes much difference what you call it,” he replied.  “We are fighting all right, and the result is bound to be the same whether it is for the people or for ourselves.  You won’t fail us next Tuesday, Gorham?  If you can turn the tide in our favor, you will accomplish the greatest stroke in your career.”

“I shall be there,” Gorham replied, and with deliberate intent turned the conversation into general channels.

Kenmore took his departure shortly after dinner, and Eleanor and Alice remained with Mr. Gorham and Allen, who lingered a few moments over their cigars before taking up their evening’s labors.  Eleanor, in an effort to relieve her own mind from its oppressing thoughts, quite unconsciously called attention to Allen’s quiet bearing, which Mr. Gorham had hoped would pass by without attracting attention, knowing as he did what lay beneath.

“How sober you are to-night, Allen,” she said.

The boy looked up quickly.  “Forgive me for being such poor company,” he replied, simply.  “I was thinking over what the Senator has been telling us.”

“You must leave all that worry to me,” Gorham said, kindly.  “Great burdens are not meant for young shoulders.  The Consolidated Companies is too strong a force to be vanquished without a hard struggle, even when attacked by so mighty an organization as the United States Senate.”

“I was not worrying about that, Mr. Gorham,” Allen replied, and he regretted the words as soon as they had left his lips.