“In the first place, I'd like to feel that you were for Kenyon. You can be of a great deal of use to us this election. It's going to be close, and Kenyon's a pretty decent sort of a chap to have come out of these parts. You ought to take an interest in seeing him re-elected.”
Oakley surmised that this was the merest flattery intended to tickle his vanity. He answered promptly that he didn't feel the slightest interest in politics one way or the other.
“Well, but one good fellow ought to wish to see another good fellow get what he's after, and you can help us if you've a mind to; but this isn't what I've come for. It's about Hoadley.”
“What about Hoadley?” quickly.
“He's got the idea that his days with the Huckleberry are about numbered.”
“I haven't said so.”
“I know you haven't.”
“Then what is he kicking about? When he's to go, he'll hear of it from me.”
“But, just the same, it's in the air that there's to be a shake-up, and that a number of men, and Hoad-ly among them, are going to be laid off. Now, he's another good fellow, and he's a friend of mine, and I told him I'd come in and fix it up with you.”
“I don't think you can fix it up with me, Mr. Ryder. Just the same, I'd like to know how this got out.”