"That's where our independence stands at this moment."
"I had heard of this, but didn't quite believe it," Warrington said. Bill Osborne evidently knew what was going on, then. "I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"None at all."
On the street Warrington was stopped by Ben Jordan, the Telegraph's star reporter, who had worked with Warrington on the Journal.
"Say, Dick, I am glad to see you. I was going up to your house on purpose to see you. Come over to Martin's a minute. I've got some news that might interest you."
"I don't like Martin's place," said Warrington. "Let's compromise on Hanley's."
"All right, my boy."
They walked down to Hanley's, talking animatedly.
"What will you have, Ben?"
"Musty ale."