“Don't think the bill will be judged on its merits, do you?”
“No, I don't,” replied Austen, “and neither do you.”
“Did you tell old Tom so?” asked Mr. Vane, after a pause. “Did you tell old Tom so when he sent for you to take hold?”
“He didn't send for me,” answered Austen, quietly, “and I have no business dealings with him except small suits. What I did tell him was that he would never get the bill through this session or next by lobbying.”
The Honourable Hilary never showed surprise. He emitted a grunt which evinced at once impatience and amusement.
“Why not?” he asked.
“Well, Judge, I'll tell you what I told him—although you both know. It's because the Northeastern owns the Republican party machine, which is the lobby, and because most of the twenty State senators are dependent upon the Northeastern for future favours.”
“Did you tell Tom Gaylord that?” demanded Mr. Vane. “What did he say?”
Austen braced himself. He did not find the answer easy.
“He said he knew about Number Seven as well as I did.”