Harlan pulled his hand away, and began to eat.

"Served up hot to 'em--that mess was," chuckled the cookee, on the easy
terms of the familiar in the household. "Nothing like a rousin' fire if
you're going to make the political pot bile in good shape."

He chuckled significantly.

The man pushed the food nearer, for Harlan did not seem to be taking
much interest in his supper.

"I suppose you'll be boardin' at Mr. Presson's hotel when you get down
to the legislature. I had a meal there once. They certainly do put it up
fine. Say, Mr. Harlan, what do you say? Can't you use your pull, and get
me a job as waiter or something down there for the session? Excuse me
for gettin' at it so quick, but I thought I'd hop in ahead of the
rush--they'll all be after you for something, now that you're
nominated."

The young man could not discuss with this cheerful suppliant his
indignant resolve not to be a legislator.

"You'll have to stay home here and look after Grandfather Thornton,
Bob," he hedged.

"Oh, thunder! He's goin' right down to spend the winter with you. Was
tellin' Mr. Presson so when they et just now. Said you'd be needin' a
steerin' committee of just his bigness!"

Harlan got up and kicked his chair from under him. It went over with a