The present incumbent in the city hall was no longer of use to him. He was wise enough to see that harm to his power would come about in case the reform movement got headway; he might even be dethroned. So his general's eye had lighted on Carrington, as the senator's had lighted on Williard; only he had mistaken his man where the senator had not.
"My boy," he began, "I'm going to lecture you."
"Go ahead," said Carrington. "I know what the trouble is. I crossed out Mr. Murphy's name from the list you fixed up for my inspection."
"And his name must go back,"—smiling. "We can't afford to turn him down at this late day."
"I can," said the protégé imperturbably and firmly.
For a moment their glances met and clashed.
"You must always remember the welfare of the party,"—gently.
"And the people," supplemented the admonished one.
"Of course,"—with thin lips. "But Murphy's name must stand. We depend upon the eighth ward to elect you, and Murphy holds it in his palm. Your friend Williard will be forced to accept Matthews for the same reason. It's a game of chess, but a great game."