"And you told Mr. Haines that I was interested in Altacoola lands?"
The schemer hesitated, and the Senator broke in on him in rage.
"Speak out, man! Tell the truth, if you can."
"I did," admitted the Congressman finally.
"Was there any particular reason for your not telling the truth?" demanded the Mississippian in threatening tone.
"I told the truth," replied Norton. "You are interested in them."
For an instant Langdon seemed about to step toward him, then he controlled himself.
"I didn't know it," he said.
"You have several things to learn, Senator," declared the Congressman.
"I have things to learn and things to teach," he said. "But go on. Why am I interested?"