“I'll say a few words. Hardy and Rawson will be the speakers.”
“Pity we've lost your cousin. He'd stir them up.”
The muscles stood out on Jeff's lean jaw. James was a subject he could not yet discuss. “We're nailing the No Compromise flag to our masthead, Jenkins. We've got to prevent them from forcing through Garman's bill to-morrow. After that every day will be in our favor. Unless I'm mistaken the state will waken up as it never has before. The people will see how nearly they've been euchred out of what they want.”
Jenkins came bluntly to another point. “This story would carry a lot more weight if those charges made against your character by the other papers had been answered.”
“Then we'll answer them.”
The night editor looked at him dubiously. “They've got four affidavits to back their story.”
“Only four?” A gay smile was dancing in Jeff's eyes.
“Both the Herald and the Advocate have been playing it strong. Every day they rehash the story and challenge a denial.”
“It will all be free advertising for us if we can make them eat crow.”
“If we can!” Jenkins did not see how any effective answer was possible and he knew that in the present state of public opinion an unsupported bluff would be fatal.