" There Branch laughed pleasantly, as at
the finding of the correct solution to a puzzling problem in
analytics or calculus.
"What a cowardly, shadow-fighting, shadow-dodging set you men
are!" commented Madam Bowker. Though she did not show it, as a man
certainly would, her brain was busy with a wholly different phase
of the matter they were discussing.
"Isn't Stillwater going to retire?" she asked presently.
Branch startled. "Where did you hear that?" he demanded.
The old lady smiled. "There are no secrets in Washington," said
she. "Who will be his successor?"
Branch's cold face showed annoyance. "You mustn't speak of it,"
replied he, "but the President is actually thinking of appointing
Craig--in case the vacancy should occur. Of course, I am trying to
make him see the folly of such a proceeding, but--You are right.
Men are cowards. That insufferable upstart is actually bullying
the President into a state of terror. Already he has compelled him
to prosecute some of our best friends out in the Western country,
and if the Courts weren't with us--" Branch checked himself
abruptly. It was not the first time he had caught himself yielding
to Washington's insidious custom of rank gossip about everything
and everybody; but it was about his worst offense in that
direction.
Pages:
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198