"What's doing in Helena? I've been gone a week, but I see by the paper you haven't elected a senator yet."
"Naw," returned his companion; "hadn't yesterday, when I took the train."
"Pretty stiff contest."
"Pretty slick man bound to win out."
"Wish I was a member, with all the swag there is floating 'round."
"Wish I was a member with a right pretty woman coaxing for my vote!"
"What's that? I hadn't heard of that yet." The speaker leaned forward, scenting scandal.
"Aw! It's no secret in Helena. It's the talk of the town."
"I never heard a word. I thought politics was free from petticoats out here."
"They never are—anywhere. You know Charlie Blair?"