The two men leaned forward in eager interest. What could the girl mean? Was she serious or merely jesting?
But Shirley was never more serious in her life. She was jubilant at the thought that she had arrived home in time to invoke the aid of this powerful ally. She repeated enthusiastically:
“We need not worry any more. He has but to say a word and these proceedings will be instantly dropped. They would not dare act against his veto. Did you hear, father, your case is as good as won!”
“What do you mean, child? Who is this unknown friend?”
“Surely you can guess when I say the most powerful man in the United States? None other than John Burkett Ryder!”
She stopped short to watch the effect which this name would have on her hearers. But to her surprise neither her father nor Stott displayed the slightest emotion or even interest. Puzzled at this cold reception, she repeated:
“Did you hear, father—John Burkett Ryder will come to your assistance. I came home on the same ship as his son and he promised to secure his father's aid.”
The judge puffed heavily at his pipe and merely shook his head, making no reply. Stott explained:
“We can't look for help from that quarter, Shirley. You don't expect a man to cut loose his own kite, do you?”
“What do you mean?” demanded Shirley, mystified.