"But why do you assume that attitude on account of what I told you?"
"I was obliged to put questions to you in order to get the news that you propose to hitch up with a dominating water-power syndicate!"
"Only following out your proposition that we must get down to development in this state."
"The development is taking care of itself, Brother Blanchard. As chairman of the water-power commission, I shall submit my report to the incoming legislature. And in that report I propose to make conservation the corollary of development."
Blanchard blinked inquiringly. "What do you mean?"
"Why, I mean just this! Putting it in business terms, I propose to ask for legislation that will make the public the partners of the men who handle and control the water-power."
"I don't know how you're going about to do that in any sensible way," grumbled the other. "There have been a good many rumors about that forthcoming report of yours, Morrison. What's the big notion in keeping it so secret?"
"I have been ordered to report to the legislature, Blanchard! I have prepared my case for that general court, and customary deference and common politeness in such matters oblige me to hold my mouth till I do report officially."
"Nothing to be hidden, then?" probed the magnate.
"Not a thing—not when the proper time comes!"