“I needn’t tell you that this opposition of practically the whole of the New York City delegation, is the most serious set-back to Porter’s chance. Now, we have talked it over, and it seemed to us that it would be a great card for him if he could be nominated by a city delegate. Will you do it?”
“I don’t know him well enough, do I? Doesn’t the nominating delegate have to make a speech in his favor?”
“Yes. But I can give you the material to-night. Or if you prefer, we’ll give it to you all written for delivery?”
“I don’t make other men’s speeches, Mr. Maguire.”
“Suit yourself about that. It shall be just as you please.”
“The difficulty is that I have not decided myself, yet, how I shall vote, and of course such an act is binding.”
Mr. Maguire’s countenance changed again. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hoped you were for Porter. He’s far away the best man.”
“So I think.”
The Senator leaned back in his chair, and tucked his thumbs into the armholes of his waistcoat. He thought he had fathomed Peter, and felt that the rest was plain sailing. “This is not a chap to be tolled. I’ll give him the gaff at once,” was his mental conclusion. Then he asked aloud:
“What do you want?”