Molyneux looked at Hector solemnly—a hard look in his eyes.
"That's right, Major. As long as they do their duty and the administration in this district is efficient, they can count on me. And I've lots of power, Major—lots more than some people think. I control a great deal of organized——"
Was there a threat beneath this assertion? Hector refused to see it.
"Thank you, Mr. Molyneux," he said, rising to go. "And you can count on me to fight any attempted political interference in my district tooth and nail. Make the mess your home if you want to. Goodbye."
Their eyes met; then their hands.
"Goodbye, sir, goodbye!"
Hector was absolutely convinced now. Welland, after hiding himself for years in the States, had ventured back to Canada. Today he was Mr. Steven Molyneux. And Mr. Steven Molyneux had not forgotten.
With the closing of the door on the Superintendent, the politician's face changed. He pitched his cigar away savagely.
A fierce thought was lacerating him:
Had Hector discovered his identity?