CHAPTER VII
THE BEST MAN WINS
Before Socola could purchase his ticket for the South, Senator Barton laid his heavy hand on his shoulder.
"I just ran down, sir, to ask you to wait and go in Senator Davis' party. He has been threatened with arrest by the cowards who are at the present moment in charge of the Government. He can't afford to leave town while there's a chance that so fortunate an event may be pulled off. I have decided to stay until Lincoln's inauguration. My wife and daughter will make you welcome at Fairview. And you'll meet my three boys. I'm sorry I can't be with you."
Socola's masked face showed no trace of disappointment. He merely asked politely:
"And the party of Senator Davis will start?"
"A week from to-day, sir—and my wife and daughter will accompany them—unless—of course—"
He laughed heartily.