"Of course, I shall be glad of your support," responded Latimer, who knew it would be impossible to win without this important section of Montana.
"Very well. What can you do for us—that is, for Burroughs?"
The judge moved uneasily. "It doesn't seem to me that I can do very much for a man who has practically the whole State at his command."
"You know what we want!" scowlingly.
"I shall have no influence."
"Bah! What's the use talking? He'll make it worth your while. Get Danvers to vote for Burroughs when it comes time to elect United States senator. He never will unless you can persuade him. You know his feeling toward Burroughs, although Bob's been a good husband and father. And there's Charlie Blair, get him pledged and he'll be elected; and——"
"Hold on, Moore!" Latimer's voice trembled with anger. "Why should you oppose me? Haven't my decisions always been just and——"
"I'm not saying anything about your decisions," broke in Moore, "although it would have paid you to be amenable. I knew the time would come when you'd want our political help."
"I don't want your help!" cried the judge, passionately. "If I should be elected through your instrumentality I should feel as though every man in the State believed that a decision handed down by the Supreme Court was tainted with your money. As yet the Supreme Court of Montana has been above suspicion, and so far as it is in my power, it shall remain so!" He struck out, his slight form quivering righteously.
Across the room Danvers saw him, and walked quickly toward the men.