The Senator paused. The Secretary had risen and was following him.
“My dear Senator, let me reason with you. I think if you give me ten minutes, I can show you the folly——”
Senator Rockfield stiffened. “Good-evening, Mr. Secretary.” He turned back to the door.
“Hold on, Senator, I beg you,” said the Secretary. The Senator turned, this time impatiently. “What guarantee have I that this letter is true?” asked the other, temporizing.
“My word. I was at college with the writer of that letter. He was my dearest friend.”
“Oh! of course, if you know yourself that those facts are correct! Why did you not say so before? Take a seat while I read the paper over again.”
The Senator seated himself without a word, while the Secretary read the letter a second time. Presently Senator Rockfield leant over and lit again the cigar he had let go out an hour before, and which he had carried all this time without being aware of it. He knew he had won his game.
When the Secretary was through, he laid the letter down and, drawing a sheet of paper toward him, began to write.
“When do you want the order issued?” he asked, presently.
“Immediately. I am going South to-night.”