He calmly began an elaborate explanation.
"Miss Langdon, this secretary has discovered that there is a certain perfectly legitimate venture in Altacoola lands being carried on through certain influential people we know and by me. The blood of the young reformer is boiling. He is going straight to your father with the facts.
"I have tried to explain to him how it will needlessly embarrass the Senator and spoil his own future. He won't believe me. He won't believe your brother. Perhaps you can make it clear."
At last Carolina nerved herself to speak.
"You had better not go to my father, Mr. Haines. It will do no good.
He—is—in—the deal! You must believe me when I tell you so."
The girl took her eyes from the secretary. He was plainly suffering.
CHAPTER XV
CAROLINA LANGDON'S ADVICE
"Let me speak to Mr. Haines alone," said Carolina to Norton and her brother.
Norton turned a triumphant grin at Randolph as he beckoned him out and whispered: "Leave him to her. It's all right. That New York dude has been riding for a fall—he's going to get it now."