“Mr. Wygant!” cried the other in dismay.

“Yes, Dr. Vince.”

“What has he done?”

“Did you know that it was he who beat the child-labor bill—that he named the State senator on purpose to do it?”

The doctor was staring at him. “The child-labor bill!” he gasped. “Is THAT what you mean?”

“Yes, Dr. Vince,” said Samuel. “Surely you didn't know that!”

“Why, I know that Mr. Wygant is very much opposed to the bill. He has opposed it openly. He has a perfect right to do that, hasn't he?”'

“But to name the State senator to beat it, doctor!”

“Well, my boy, Mr. Wygant is very much interested in politics; and, of course, he would use his influence. Why not?”

“But, Dr. Vince—it was a wicked thing! Think of Sophie!”