To him comes Harpwood, and finds the great contractor, the promoter of the outer docks, the park commissioners, and a half-dozen other great men already on the ground.
"Harpwood," says the boss, "I am out of politics, particularly in your district. Yet, if you can carry the primaries, I could help you considerably. Carry the primaries, me boy, and I'll talk with you further. See you again. Good-bye."
The next day comes Lockwin.
There are no "me-boys" now. Here is the candidate. He must be put in irons.
"Lockwin, what makes you want to go to Congress?"
"I don't believe I do want to go, but I was told you wished to see me up here, privately."
"Well, you ought to know whether or not you want to go. Nobody wants you there if it isn't yourself. Harpwood will go if you don't."
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Well, if you want our support, we must have a pledge from you. I guess you want to go, and we are willing to put you there for the unexpired term and the next one. Then are you ready to climb down? Say the word. The mayor and the senator are out there waiting for me."
"All right. It is a bargain."