Uncle Denny, standing before the grate, looked at Jim in a troubled way. The Big Boss, as he loved to call Jim, was looking very tired.
"Well," said Murphy, "Fleckenstein can't make much trouble for a year. Even after he takes his seat it will take time to start things even with the money from the Trust. And in the meantime the Big Boss will be able to put up a great counter-irritant out here if what he's done the last few weeks is any sample."
Jim lighted his pipe and leaned back in his chair. "I won't be here, boys," he said. "This is confidential. I have been asked for my resignation and it takes effect the day after election."
There was utter silence in the room for a moment, then Henderson leaned forward and spat past Uncle Denny into the grate.
"Hell's fire!" he said gently.
"How long have you known this, Boss?" asked Murphy.
"Nearly three months," answered Jim.
"Pen told me," said Dennis. "Suma-theek told her."
Jim looked up in astonishment, then he shook his head. "I'm sorry Pen has that to bother her, too."
Murphy jumped to his feet. "And you have known this three months and never told us! Is that any way to treat your friends? Do you suppose we want to lie by and see you licked off this dam like a yellow cur? It's no use for you to ask this to be kept quiet, Boss. I won't do it."