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He was a friend of Peabody's," laughed the lobbyist to the Mississippian. "But in this case," said Stevens, "we must be very careful. Possibly some of your methods in handling the men you go after " "Say," interposed Steinert, "you know I don't do all pursuin', all the goin' after, any more than others in my business.
"I'm going to send for Jake Steinert," he added. "Steinert?" Stevens ejaculated. "What " "Oh, that's all right. Maybe he can suggest something," said Peabody, going to the telephone. "We've too much at stake to make a mistake, and Jake may see a point that we've overlooked. Luckily I saw him downstairs in the grill-room as we came through to the elevator."
"That check was n't forged," contended the quiet-eyed woman. "Steinert will swear it was," declared the Second Deputy. She sat without speaking, apparently in deep study. Her intent face showed no fear, no bewilderment, no actual emotion of any kind. "You 've got 'o face it," said Blake, sitting back and waiting for her to speak.
"Steinert is all right himself," continued Stevens, "but his methods " "Can't be too particular now about his methods or ours, Stevens, when a bull like Langdon breaks loose in the political china shop. Fortune and reputation are both fragile."
"I've been thinkin'," put in Steinert, slowly, "that a little fine-esse like this might keep him away: When Langdon's in his committee room before goin' to the Senate send him a telegram signed by one of his frien's' name that one of his daughters is dyin' from injuries in a automobile collision a few miles out o' town. That 'ud " "Ridiculous," snorted Peabody. "He'd know where they were.
"Well, I thought you wanted to win," grunted Steinert. "I've been offerin' you good stuff, too new stuff. None of yer druggin' with chloroform or ticklin' with blackjacks. Why, I've gone from fine-esse to common sense. But, come to think of it, how about some woman? I c'n get one to introduce to " "This is the wrong kind of a man," interrupted Peabody.
He did not mind fighting brain against brain, even though unprincipled methods were resorted to, but indications were that more violent agencies would be called into play owing to the complications that had arisen. Stevens ate heartily to strengthen his courage. Steinert ate hugely to strengthen his body. Peabody ate scarcely anything at all to strengthen his brain.
And while Senator Peabody and Jake Steinert recurred to a previous discussion concerning one J.D. Telfer, Mayor of Gulf City, Senator Stevens started on the most memorable drive of his career on this bright winter morning, to the house of the fascinating Mrs. Spangler who for the past week had been considering his proposal of marriage.
"Shortly after this promise, sounds as of hands were heard about the table. Sheets of paper were plainly being written upon and torn off the pad. One of these was flourished in my face, while the linked fingers of the psychic were firmly held by Dr. Towne and his wife. All of those in the circle excepting Mrs. Steinert and myself were new to this business, and much impressed.
Th' politicians don't leave their frien's in the cooler very long. Say, Senator Stevens, are you kiddin' me? Is it any different down in your " The Mississippian choked and spluttered over a gulp of unusually hot coffee, and Peabody again decided Steinert to be on the wrong tack. "That proceeding would attract too much attention from the newspapers," he added.
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