Chapter 7 Summary

The man sitting on the sofa faces the group assembled in his room. He states that some of the men present already know that Duncan has decided not to run with him, which leaves them without a candidate. Despite recent discoveries about Duncan's past, someone as good as he must be announced soon. Schneider says that it was not easy to come up with Duncan, and they are kidding themselves if they think they can come up with a candidate at this late date. Shellman is staying with his firm, and considering Frank is not an option based on his poor record as university president. A voice asks about George, and someone else replies that George has just had surgery, the second in three months, so he is a health risk. The room is silent.

O'Flaherty says he might have someone: Chauncey Gardiner...