It was a question susceptible of many different constructions, but as Mr. Maguire asked it, it seemed to him to have but one, and that not very honest. Peter hesitated. The temptation was strong to lead the Senator on, but he did not like to do it. It seemed to savor of traps, and Peter had never liked traps. Still—he did want to know if the managers on Porter’s side would stoop to buy his support by some bargain. As Peter hesitated, weighing the pros and cons, Maguire spoke again.
“What does the other side offer you?”
Peter spoke quickly. “They haven’t offered me anything, but advice. That is, Costell said he’d try and help me on some legislation I want—”
“Special?” interrupted Maguire.
“No, General. I’ve talked about it with Porter as well”
“Oh! Indeed?”
“I’m really anxious to get that. Otherwise I want nothing.”
“Whew,” said the Senator to himself. “That was a narrow squeak. If he hadn’t spoken so quickly, I should have shown my hand before the call. I wonder if he got any inkling?” He never dreamed that Peter had spoken quickly to save that very disclosure.
“I needn’t say, Mr. Stirling, that if you can see your way to nominate Porter, we shall not forget it. Nor will he. He isn’t the kind of man who forgets his friends. Many a man in to-morrow’s convention would give anything for the privilege we offer you.”
“Well,” said Peter, “I realize the honor offered me, but I don’t see my way to take it. It will please me better to see him nominated by some one who has really stood close to him, than to gain his favor by doing it myself.”