The sunlight glinted through the trees into McNew’s eyes, masking the expression that crept into them. “There isn’t any flag of truce,” he answered slowly. “I am on the same terms with the President today that I was five years ago. I have business here today, however, and I came to transact it with the President or his secretary—not with the man who used his high office to slander me. I did not come to ask any favors or offer any friendship; I merely come to do business. I may not even see the President. I hope I make my position clear?”
The men nodded. “Damned clear,” muttered O’Laughlin, but so low that McNew did not hear him.
“Then once more, good-morning, gentlemen.” The editor passed through the ring into the building. As he vanished O’Laughlin gazed after him shrewdly; then turned to Black of the Journal. “Wonder what the devil he really is here for?” he muttered.
“The devil knows and he won’t split on a pal,” misquoted Black. “Cheer up! O’Laughlin! You’ll see it all in the Gazette in the morning.”
But O’Laughlin did not see it in the Gazette, either on the next or on any other day. McNew’s errand at the White House was not for publication.
Passing through the reception hall, with the air of one used to his surroundings, the editor nodded to the colored messenger at an inner door. “Good-morning, Arthur!” he greeted. “Is the secretary at liberty?”
Arthur rose and flung open the door as nimbly as the “rheumatiz” permitted. “Yes, suh! I think so, suh!” he answered. “Walk right in, suh! Ain’t nobody yere this mornin’.”
McNew stepped in. A glance showed him that no strangers were present, and he strode straight up to a man who sat writing at a desk close beneath the big south windows. Grim lines had suddenly started out in his face, and when he spoke all lightness had vanished from his tones. Any one seeing him then could understand how he could have built his paper up from nothing to be a national power.
“Mr. Secretary,” he said. “I must see the President instantly.”
The secretary laid down his pen and rose slowly to his feet. In his way he was as strong a character as McNew—not a man to be hurried or stampeded. “Impossible, just now, Mr. McNew,” he answered briefly. “After the cabinet meeting, perhaps.”