"It's this," replied Hilary, with more force than he had yet shown. "You can't get that nomination. If you'll let me know what your campaign expenses have been up to date,—all of 'em, you understand, to-night too,—I'll give you a check for them within the next two weeks."
"Who makes this offer?" demanded Mr. Hunt, with more curiosity than alarm; "Mr. Flint?"
"No," said Hilary; "Mr. Flint does not use the road's funds for such purposes."
"Henderson?"
"No," said Hilary; "I can't see what difference it makes to you."
The Honourable Adam had an eminently human side, and he laid his hand on
Mr. Vane's knee.
"I think I've got a notion as to where that money would come from, Hilary," he said. "I'm much obliged to you, my friend. I wouldn't take it even if I thought you'd sized up the situation right. But—I don't agree with you this time. I know I've got the nomination. And I want to say once more, that I think you're a square man, and I don't hold anything against you."
Mr. Vane rose.
"I'm sorry, Adam," he said; my offer holds good after to-morrow."
"After to-morrow!"