“We’ve come to ask you some questions,” Farley continued.
“You always were great on questions, Farley,” said Briggs, with a laugh.
“We’ve been having a racket over you down at the Citizens’ Club,” Farley began, and Briggs glanced smilingly at De Witt and Saunders.
“Farley has made the racket,” Saunders interposed.
“I’ve been trying to persuade those fellows that you’re a much misunderstood man,” said Farley, his manner growing more earnest.
“So we’ve come here to try to understand you, Congressman,” De Witt explained, amiably.
Douglas Briggs continued to look amused. “Anything I can do, gentlemen,” he said, with an encouraging gesture.
“I know I needn’t tell you that I’ve always believed in you, Congressman,” Farley remarked.
“You’ve been a good friend, Farley. I’ve always appreciated that.”
Farley leaned back in his chair. “The fellows have been—well, bothered by those stories the papers have been publishing about you. It’s because they don’t know you. They don’t know, as I do, that you’re incapable of any dirty work.”