I'd like to know what'd become of them and their families if I
and men like me didn't provide work for 'em.''

``Yes, indeed!'' cried Jane, eagerly seizing upon this attractive
view of the situation--and resolutely accepting it without
question.

In came one of the maids, saying: ``There's a man wants to see
you, Mr. Hastings.''

``What's his name? What does he want?'' inquired Hastings, while
Jane made a mental note that she must try to inject at least a
little order and form into the manners of announcing visitors.

``He didn't give a name. He just said, `Tell the old man I want
to see him.' I ain't sure, but I think it's Dick Kelly.''

As Lizzie was an ardent Democrat, she spoke the name
contemptuously--for Dick Kelly was the Republican boss. If it
had been House, the Democratic boss and Kelly's secret dependent
and henchman, she would have said ``Mr. Joseph House'' in a tone
of deep respect.

``Kelly,'' said Hastings. ``Must be something important or he'd
'a telephoned or asked me to see him at my office or at the
Lincoln Club. He never came out here before. Bring him in,
Lizzie.''

A moment and there appeared in the doorway a man of perhaps forty
years who looked like a prosperous contractor who had risen from