Waldemar an hour later. The introduction to Average Jones he
acknowledged with a curt nod.

"Want a job for this young man, Waldemar?" he grunted.

"Not at present, thank you," returned the newspaper owner. "Mr.
Jones has a few arguments to present to you."

"Arguments," repeated the Honorable William Lender contemptuously.
"What kind of arguments?"

"Political arguments. Mayoralty, to be specific. To be more
specific still, arguments showing why you should drop out of the
race."

"A pin-feather reformer, eh?"

The politician turned to meet Average Jones' steady gaze and mildly
inquiring smile.

"Do you--er--know anything of submarine mines, Mr. Linder?" drawled
the visitor.

"Huh?" returned the Honorable William Linder, startled.

"Submarine mines," explained the other., "Mines in the sea, if you
wish words of one syllable."

The lids of the Honorable Linder contracted.