he drifted into Rubinstein's Melody in F, playing it dreamily.




CHAPTER IV


JIM WEEKS CLOSES IN

It was midnight when Jim Weeks reached Tillman City. The next morning at
breakfast he recognized Mr. McNally, and though he nodded pleasantly, his
thoughts were not the most amicable. He knew that McNally meant mischief,
and he also knew that McNally's mischief could be accomplished only
through one man, Michael Blaney. Heretofore Blaney had not troubled Jim.
Jim's power and his hold on Tillman City affairs had combined to inspire
the lesser dictator with awe, and in order to obtain concessions it had
been necessary only to ask for them. Jim never dealt direct with Blaney.
The councilman to whom he intrusted his measures was Bridge, leader of the
pro-pavers. Jim had won him by generosity in transportation of paving
supplies. But when Jim left the hotel that morning he wasted no time on
minority leaders. Bridge was useful to prepare and introduce ordinances,
but was not of the caliber for big deals, so Jim ordered a carriage and
drove direct to Blaney's house. Although the hour was early, the
politician was not at home. His wife, a frail little woman, came to the
door and extended a flexible speaking trumpet that hung about her
shoulders.

"No," she said in reply to Jim's question, "he's down on the artesian road
watching a job. He won't be back till noon."