The other laughed. "The office seekers have been at me," he replied; "but I'm all right. What were you going to say?"
His large, muscular hand lay upon the desk, and as he spoke he fingered an open pamphlet. His penetrating eyes were on Galt's face.
Galt lifted the list of names and read it in silence.
"A-ahem!" he said at last and laid it down; then he took it up again.
"I have given a good deal of attention to the educational boards," continued the governor slowly.
"I do not think it is sufficiently realised that only men of the highest ability should be placed in control of institutions of learning."
"Ah, I see," was Galt's comment. In a moment he spoke abruptly:
"I say, Nick, has it occurred to you to ascertain the direction in which the influence of these men will go in the next senatorial election?"
The other hesitated an instant. "Frankly, I have done my best to put such questions aside," he answered.
Galt squared round suddenly and faced him; there was a decisive ring in his voice.