billboards without having 'em pasted out in the night. To-night the
whole thing's been done for him--Ryan's big town-meeting. Well, we're
going to try to _swipe that meeting_--do you see? I'm getting in some
husky fellows from New York to see fair play, and so on. Oh, it's a
bully chance--you can see! I've spent a nice bunch of father's money
working the scheme up, and, by George! I believe we are going to get by
with it. If we do--well, we give this town the biggest shock it's had in
years, and that's the way reform begins, Larry. _Shock_!"

Something of his contagious enthusiasm spread to and fired Varney. Fate
had thrown in their way a plucky and honest man engaged in an apparently
hopeless fight against overwhelming powers of darkness. He deserved
help. And what possible risk was there now when the _Cypriani's_ work
was practically done?

"I can't say," continued Peter dutifully, "that this is exactly playing
the quiet onlooker, as my orders read. As I said last night, I consider
that this excursion into politics will help our little business, not
interfere with it. It will divert attention. It will seem to explain why
we are here. But if you don't agree with me, if you want me to drop
it--"

"No," said Varney, slowly. "I don't."

"Good for you, old sport!" cried Peter, evidently relieved. "Needless to
say, I'm right on the job whenever you need me. And nothing's going to
happen. Trust me. Now as to this other matter. You got that magazine I
sent this morning?"

"Yes. Thanks for the picture of my twin brother. But why couldn't I