"I'm considering Gulf City," agreed Langdon.
Peabody brought down his fist on the table.
"It's too late to consider anything, Langdon," he cried. "We're committed to Altacoola, and Altacoola it is. I don't care what you heard of Gulf City. Now, I'd like to settle this thing in a friendly manner, Langdon. I like always for every member of the Senate to have his share of the power and the patronage. We've been glad to put you forward in this naval base matter. We appreciate the straightforwardness, the honesty of your character. You look well. You're the kind of politician the public thinks it wants nowadays, but you've been in the Senate long enough to know that bills have to pass, and you know you can't get through anything without my friends, and I tell you now I'll throttle any Gulf City plan you bring up."
"Then if you are as sure of that you can't object to my being for Gulf
City?" asked Langdon.
"Are you financially interested in Gulf City?" demanded Peabody.
"Senator Peabody!" exclaimed Langdon.
"Don't flare up, Langdon," retorted Peabody. "That sort of thing has happened in the Senate. There are often perfectly legitimate profits to be made in some regular commercial venture by a man who has inside information as to what's doing up on Capitol Hill."
"Senator Peabody," asked Langdon, "why are you so strong for
Altacoola?"
The Pennsylvanian hesitated.
"Its natural advantages," he said at last.