"Yo' see," said Telfer, "I asked that question because, as yo' probably know, Congressman Norton and his crowd is pretty close to Senator Langdon—"
Haines cut him short with a gasp of surprise.
"Norton!"
Telfer, wrinkling his forehead incredulously, looked at Haines.
"Surest thing you know, my boy."
Bud turned his head away in thought.
"Oh, leave the Norton outfit to me. I'll fool them," he finally said.
"Good."
Telfer shook the secretary's hand heartily.
"Yo're no fool, my boy. Anybody can see that—after they get to know yo' all. That's what comes of bein' one of them smooth New Yorkers. They 'pear mighty sanctimonious on th' outside, but on th' inside they're the real goods, all right."
The lobbyist hurried away, his bibulous soul swelling with satisfaction. He was sure of triumphing over Altacoola, and he was willing to pay the price.