“It will defeat Maguire.”
“No power on earth can do that.”
Peter puffed his cigar.
“You can’t beat him in the convention, Stirling. The delegates pledged to him, and those we can give him elect him on the first ballot.”
“How about November fourth?” asked Peter.
Number One sprang to his feet. “You don’t mean?” he cried.
“Never!” said Number Three.
Peter puffed his cigar.
“Come, Stirling, say what you intend!”
“I intend,” said Peter, “if the Democratic convention endorses Stephen Maguire, to speak against him in every ward of this city, and ask every man in it, whom I can influence, to vote for the Republican candidate.”