deal, and I'm going to train with 'em." He spoke a bit defiantly. It was
youth declaring itself. It was a spark from the fire that Ivus Niles had
kindled by his sneers.

"Boy," said the old man, cheerfully, "you're prancing just a bit now.
But you needn't be afraid of me, because I said I'd help you. The first
thing I'll do will be to take you around and introduce you to the men
down in the legislature who are proposing to reform the State. So you
see I mean right!"

The State chairman seemed much amused. He chuckled.

The Duke walked to the end of the porch and gazed up at the Jo Quacca
hills, where the dim, red glow still shone against the sky.

"So it took down three stands of buildings, did it, Harlan?" he called.
"Did you tell the boys we'd settle promptly, and for them to keep away
from the lawyers?"

"I arranged it the best I could and got their promise. But they seem to
know the fire was set on purpose, and are pretty gruff about it."

"Of course the fire was set on purpose--and I have a right to clear my
own land when I want to. But I know how to settle, bub, so as to turn
their vinegar to cream. For when I square a political debt, whether it's
pay or collect, there's no scaling down! Full value--and then a little
over!"

He came back and as he passed he tweaked Harlan's ear.