Converse was about to mention the matter of the usufruct of the state’s money deposited in the colonel’s banks for the benefit of the syndicate.

Colonel Dodd pulled himself out of his chair and exhibited instant and alarmed confusion.  “We’d better make it a gentlemen’s campaign,” he broke in.

“Very well,” agreed Mr. Converse, politely.  “And now that we are proceeding toward such an amicable understanding, will you allow me to express the hope that the Consolidated will meet us half-way in regard to the legislation that is inevitable?  I have no desire to use any of my powers as the governor of this state to embarrass your interests; let us trust that we can get to a prompt adjustment in the matter of the water-plants.  As a lawyer of some experience, I have to inform you, Colonel Dodd, that the cities and towns of this state are going to own their own systems.  The city of Marion proposes to fight the first test case through.  You are a heavy taxpayer—­I trust you will not help to run your city into debt which is needless.”

“I will confer with you,” admitted the colonel, his manner subdued.

“I will ask you to confer with Mr. Bristol, my partner.  He will have full charge of the litigation.  I am assured that the next city government meeting will attend to the matter of choosing him as counsel, with a suitable retaining fee,” said Mr. Converse, with pride.  “I will appreciate it personally and as chief executive if your interests will favor the matter.  It will be better all around.”

Colonel Dodd did not reply.  But there was much significance in his bow as they retired.

“I trust I did not intimate that I was employing any sort of threats,” said Mr. Converse, when he and Bristol were on their way down-stairs.

“I think he understood, sir.”

“His suggestion that we have a gentlemen’s campaign was very significant, coming from Colonel Symonds Dodd.  The outlook is very hopeful,” stated the nominee.  “We’ll see the state committee chairman to-morrow, Thornton.  I feel quite sure that he will have our speechmaking routes laid out.  Mr. Breed is very convincing—­sometimes—­when he discusses the political situation.”

When they were at the foot of the steps of the Mellicite Club, the young man begged permission to go about some affairs of his own.

“But your own affairs must wait, my boy,” insisted Converse.  “The party claims you from now on.”

“I will do my duty, sir,” said Bristol, smiling; “but this evening I must have for myself.”

“I have invited some gentlemen to dine with us.  It’s an important conference.”

“The conference I hope to have, Mr. Converse, will be the most important one of my life.”

The lawyer blinked, trying to understand.

“I will tell you to-morrow—­I trust it will be the happiest news I ever told to any person—­I will tell you first.”  He hesitated.  “You have always given me good advice, sir.  One night you told me that only a woman can listen with perfect sympathy and comfort a man’s troubles surely.”