The Mississippian turned.
"Oh, good-morning, Senator. I was just talking with my secretary about that hydrate clause."
Peabody bowed slightly.
"Yes, I knew it was coming up," he said, "so I just dropped over. I'm not opposed to it or any Southern measure; but it makes it more difficult for me when you Southern people oppose certain Pittsburg interests that I have to take care of."
Langdon smiled.
"I've never been in Pittsburg, but they tell me it looks as if it could take care of itself."
The visitor shrugged his shoulders.
"That's true enough; but give and take is the rule in political matters, Langdon."
This remark brought a frown to Langdon's face.
"I don't like bargaining between gentlemen, Peabody. More important still, I don't believe American politics has to be run on that plan. Why can't we change a lot of things now that we are here?"