Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-03-05
i piImenf, was deeply appreciated by

 the lad, who unconsciously became a continual advertiser of Norton's many virtues to Carolina and to his father, all of which the congressman knew.
 That Norton's political career was the outcome of Carolina Langdon's ambition to shine in gay society was known to his friends as well as his family. and his desire to win her and place her where she could satisfy ev- cry whim had developed almost to frenzy. Seeing evidences of Senator Stevens vast influence, he did no, hes itatc to seek close relationship with him. and the senator was clever enough to lead Norton ia consider hin, his friend.
 At the start of his polincal career Norton had higher ideas c@ honor than guided his actions now that he had become part of the political ma chine that controlled his native state of Mississippi and of A'e bipartisan combination that dominated both houses of congress in the interest of the great railway and industrial cor porations. Senator Stevens and other powers had so distorted Norton's view of the difference between public and private interests and their respective rights that he had come to believe cap ital to be the sacred heritage cf the nation which must be protected at any cost. The acceptance of retainer from the c. St. and P. Railroad com pany for wholly unnecessary services in Washington-only another way of buying a mana transaction arranged by Senator Stevens, was but another stage in the disintegration of the young congressman's character, but it brought him just that much closer to the point where he could claim Caro- lima Langdon as his own. And oppor- tunity does not knock twice at mans door-unless he is at the head of the machine.
 Norton, the persevering young law student who loved the girl who had been his boyhood playmate. was now Norton who coveted her fathers lands. who boasted that he was on the ''in- side" in Washington, who was on the way to fortune-if the new senator from Mississippi would or could be forced to stand in favor of the Alta coola naval base.
 His conversation with Randc'- Langdon as Haines and Cullen them pass through the hotel lobby il frustrated the natare of the Norton of the present and his interest in the AL tacoola 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 be- gun over a table In the cafe. "No req son why you shouldn't do 1t, my boy. Why, are you still a child, or are you really a man? You have now drafts for SS0OO0. haven't youT
 "Yeah," agreed Langdon, chagrined at Norton's insinuation of youthfulness and anxious to prove that he was real ly a man of affairs, i've got the fifty thousand. Charlie, but-but, you see, that's the money for Improvements on the plantation. As father has put me in as manager I want to make a show ing"
 "You can't make it until spring." urged Norton. "The moneys got to lie in the bank all winter. Now. why don't you make a hundred thousand with it instead of letting 1t lie idle? Isn't that simpler
 The younger mans eyes opened wide. and his imagination, stimulated by the special brand of Bourbon whisky Nor ton had ordered for him, took rapid bounds.
 "One hundred thousand! You mean could make hundred thousand with my fifty between now and spring.?
 'Sure as nigger likes gin," replied Norton confidently.
 "HowT' asked Langdon.
 The young congressman leaned over confdentially.
 "This is under your hat. Randolph. You can keep Quiet?'
 Langdon nodded eagerly.
 '"Then put it into Altacoola land"
 'The naval base?' gasped Langdon.
 Norton nodded.
 "Now you've hit it. The government will select Altacoola for n naval base. Then land will jump way up to never