"I've been too long with men not to appreciate a good chief of staff when I see him," laughed the General.
Framed in the big door, with the dim glow of light behind him, he watched them depart.
The Duke walked in the far shadows of the station platform in silence, smoking, until the train whistled.
"Bub, you remember that I told you I'd put you in right," he said, climbing the car steps. "Now follow your hand."
But Harlan Thornton, fresh from that presence, understood that he had pledged a loyalty deeper than the loyalty of mere politics or preferment.
CHAPTER XII
DEALS AND IDEALS
There was no one in the smoking-room of the car, so the Duke discovered with relief. It was late, and the passengers were in their berths. There was no one to spy, ask questions, or guess.
"Complete!" he grunted, satisfiedly, as he sat down. "We've come through with the job in good shape, Harlan. It'll have to be a mind-reader that finds out what I've put up to-day."
He swung his feet upon the seat opposite and sighed.