"He's here now."
"Then he hasn't got my letter yet. I sent him a note and signed your name, Senator, to the effect that the Gulf City claims have been brought before you so strongly that you might vote for Gulf City."
Langdon was amazed.
"You sent that note," he exclaimed, "when you know Altacoola is the only proper place and Gulf City is a mud bank?"
The newspaper man smiled.
"Of course," he agreed, "but I had to get a rise out of Peabody. This will show where he stands."
"Oh," said Langdon, "I understand. Thanks, boy."
A servant entered with a note.
"For Senator Peabody, sir, marked 'Urgent.' The messenger's been hunting him for some hours."
Langdon looked shrewdly at Bud, then turned to the servant.