It was at the Maison Borget, as good a French restaurant as could be found between New York and San Francisco, that Hugh first learned of these rumours. He had been too busy to read any newspaper except a local one.
Senator Stewart, seated alone at a small side table, called to him. The young man took the place opposite him.
“How’s the Colonel?” asked the senator.
“He’s not out of danger, but we think he’s gaining.”
“Fine. Glad to hear it. What about his campaign?”
“It seems to have dropped by the wayside, Senator.”
The big man stroked his long yellow beard. “Pity. I’d like to see him win. With these stories going around——”
“What stories?”
The senator told him. He ended with a startling question.
“Why don’t you take the stump and answer the lies, Hugh?”