The Captain's fist was heard to come down on the desk.
“You don't manage me,” he said, “and I reckon you don't manage the Colonel.”
Mr. Hopper's face was not pleasant to see as he emerged. But at sight of Judge Whipple on the steps his suavity returned.
“The Colonel will be in any minute, sir,” said he.
But the Judge walked past him without reply, and into the office. Captain Brent, seeing him; sprang to his feet.
“Well, well, Judge,” said he, heartily, “you fellows have done it now, sure. I'll say this for you, you've picked a smart man.”
“Better vote for him, Lige,” said the Judge, setting down.
The Captain smiled at Stephen.
“A man's got a lot of choice this year;” said he. “Two governments, thirty-three governments, one government patched up for a year ox two.”
“Or no government,” finished the Judge. “Lige, you're not such a fool as to vote against the Union?”