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Updated: June 3, 2025
I ought to have known even when the facts were against him that your father couldn't have been really crooked. He can't be." Hope Langdon's face flushed indignantly. "Father crooked? Who said so? Who dared say that?" she exclaimed. "Why, they told me he had sold out on the Altacoola bill. They said he was trying to make money on Altacoola. That's why I quit."
"I have the interests of the South at heart, particularly with regard to this new naval base. Perhaps we may be able to get you on the naval committee." "Me!" laughed Langdon. "Well, that would be going strong! But I tell you I'm for the naval base." "For Altacoola?" suggested Stevens. Langdon hesitated. Peabody and Stevens watched him as eagles watch their prey from the mountain crag.
His conversation with Randolph Langdon, as Haines and Cullen saw them pass through the hotel lobby, illustrated the nature of the Norton of the present and his interest in the Altacoola scheme. "There's no reason why you shouldn't come in on the ground floor in this proposition, Randolph," he was urging in continuance of the conversation begun over a table in the café.
It had been his idea that the Senate was primarily such a forum, but the attitude of Peabody and Stevens had hinted to him that there were matters of individual interest that outweighed public or national considerations. For instance, they were anxious that Altacoola should have the naval base regardless of the claims or merits of any other section. That was unusual, puzzling to Langdon.
"Well, all I can say is that the Senator will do what he thinks right. That might bring power and fame a right decision in this case but it can't bring money." Carolina shrugged her shoulders. "Money?" She laughed with affected carelessness. "Well, we'll have to let the money take care of itself for a time. But I do want him to vote for Altacoola, because I believe that will be the best for him.
Any moment he might discover the existence of the Altacoola scheme, he would immediately tell her father, and she knew her father would immediately decide against Altacoola the bright hopes of her future would turn to ashes. Norton's money as well was invested in Altacoola. He, too, would be ruined. She was sure that she loved Norton, but she could not marry a penniless man.
"Look here," cried Langdon, "just because I'm a fat man don't think that I can't lose my temper." He stopped and gazed at his two colleagues. "Now, you two men stay still one moment, and I'll tell you what really will happen to-morrow," he exploded, "and I'm only a beginner in the game that's your specialty. The naval base is going to Altacoola "
"Yes, and that's a pretty good argument in its favor," responded Langdon. Norton now excused himself, pleading an appointment with a client at a neighboring village. Waving farewell to Carolina and Hope Georgia, who stood at a window, he rode away. "The old man is sure to be all right," he muttered. "He leans toward Altacoola and believes in Stevens.
"Norton told me you were speculating in Altacoola lands," said Langdon. "And Norton told me the same of you," retorted Bud. The Senator's face grew very serious. "But my daughter, Miss Carolina Langdon, confirmed Norton's story." Haines here faced the most difficult part of his interview. He hardly knew how to answer. His manhood rebelled against placing any blame on a woman.
Firmly believing that Langdon could find no way to pass the bill for Altacoola and yet spoil their crooked scheme, they were totally unprepared for any such dénoûement. To think that a simple, old-fashioned planter from the cotton fields of Mississippi could originate such a plan to outwit the two ablest political tricksters in the Senate! Langdon eyed his colleagues triumphantly.
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