"Do you mean there is graft in the Service?" asked Jim sharply.
The older man answered gently, for he knew he was hurting Jim. "The Service is the cleanest bureau in the government. I'll bet you can count on one hand the men in it who don't toe quite straight."
Jim drew a quick breath. "I don't believe there is a crook in the Service."
"How about the sale of the water power up at Green Mountain?" asked Williams. "Do you think that was an open deal? Did the farmers have their chance?"
Jim flushed. "I never let myself think about it," he muttered.
Iron Skull nodded. "You've lived in a fool's paradise, Boss Still, and I for one don't see that you help the Service by shutting your eyes. You know as well as I do that the United States Reclamation Service is developing some mighty important water power propositions. Do you think it's like poor old human nature to argue that the Water Power Trust ain't going to get hold of that power if it can or try to destroy the Service if it can't?"
Jim rubbed his forehead drearily. "Iron Skull, isn't there anything a fellow can keep his faith in?"
"Pshaw!" answered Williams, "you can keep your faith in the Service! This here is just like finding out that, though your wife is a mighty fine woman, she has her weak points!"
Jim stared at the lamp for a long time.