King answered the question.
"It is not much," he added, "but will do for the present."
"At any rate, it is considerably better than entering a house at night and hiding under the bed," said Browning, dryly.
"So it is," answered King, smiling. "You must make allowance for my destitute condition. I little thought that I was in the house of an old friend. I have been asking about you, Tom Butler—I beg pardon, Mr. Browning—and I find that you stand very high in Milwaukee."
A shade of annoyance showed itself on the philanthropist's face when King referred to him under his former name, but when his high standing was referred to he smiled complacently.
"Yes," he said, "I have been fortunate enough to win the good opinion of my fellow-citizens."
"Some one told me that you would probably run for mayor some day."
"It may be. I have been sounded on the subject."
"The worst of running for office is that if a man has ever done anything discreditable it is sure to be brought out against him."
"I hope you don't mean to imply that I have ever done anything discreditable," said Browning, sharply.