``There's nothing in that Dorn talk,'' said Hastings. ``You
can't scare me again, Dick, as you did with that Populist mare's
nest ten years ago.''

That had been Kelly's first ``big killing'' by working on the
fears of the plutocracy. Its success had put him in a position
to buy a carriage and a diamond necklace for Mrs. Kelly and to
make first payments on a large block of real estate. ``It was no
mare's nest, Mr. Hastings,'' gravely declared the boss. ``If I
hadn't 'a knowed just how to use the money we collected, there'd
'a been a crowd in office for four years that wouldn't 'a been
easy to manage, I can tell you. But they was nothing to this
here Dorn crowd. Dorn is----''

``We must get rid of him, Dick,'' interrupted Hastings.

The two men looked at each other--a curious glance --telegraphy.
No method was suggested, no price was offered or accepted. But
in the circumstances those matters became details that would
settle themselves; the bargain was struck.

``He certainly ought to be stopped,'' said Kelly carelessly.
``He's the worst enemy the labor element has had in my time.''
He rose. ``Well, Mr. Hastings, I must be going.'' He extended
his heavy, strong hand, which Hastings rose to grasp. ``I'm glad
we're working together again without any hitches. You won't
forget about that there stock?''

``I'll telephone about it right away, Dick--and about Judge
Lansing. You're sure Lansing's all right? I didn't like those