"Jove! Fine, fine! Too bad the Prime Minister hadn't those words to fling into Molyneux's teeth. What do you think of the other statement—here: 'I speak for my constituents. They were up in arms about that case—and are now'?"
"To a certain extent that's true, sir. Molyneux has the support of many people; but I think the majority still trust me. I'm certain they would not agree with Molyneux's remarks."
"I believe you're right," responded the Commissioner. "But his power is growing. It's a bad thing to have such publicity given these matters as is given by the Eastern press. Then, out here, there's more underhand work than ever. I've had people trying to get you pushed out of the district—Molyneux's friends, I suppose. You know that?"
"I've suspected it."
"Mind you, he's not attempting to climb to power over us, Adair. We're only a side issue. He's getting ahead by graft, slickness, brains. Like an octopus, he has a lot of tentacles and they're all fastening on something. Mark me, that fellow will be a big man in the West before long—and a dangerous enemy."
"Yes, sir," said Hector.
He knew that the Commissioner was working up to something.
"In view—er—of all this, and Molyneux's attitude towards you especially, Adair, I was wondering if—for your own good, y'know—you'd care to be transferred——"
His purpose stood revealed at last. To save Hector from Molyneux, he was offering to transfer him to another district.
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the thought very much. But—well, I doubt if it would do much good, after all, sir; and it would look rather like a victory to our friend—and as if I'd turned my back to the enemy. So, I'd rather stay here, for the present, anyway."