"And your conditions?" the General asked, with a quiver in his voice.
"They are very simple: Preside to-morrow night at a great Democratic Union Mass Meeting in New York and boldly put yourself at the head of the Union Democracy——"
"And you?"
"I will withdraw from the race."
"What race?"
"For the next term of the Presidency."
"Oh——"
"My convention is but ten months off. Yours can meet a day earlier. I will withdraw in your favor and force my Party to endorse you. Your election will be a certainty."
The General lifted his hand with a curious smile:
"You're in earnest?"