Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-05-20
CHAPTER XIV.
WHEN 4 DAUGHTER BETRAYs EER
FATHER.

FATHER.
~ I'd returned to find Miss Lang
don and Norton still in the
room. New buoyancy, new
- courage, thrilled in his veins.
He would give this congressman the
battle Of his life for this prize. Of that
he was confident.
II have an engagement with Mrs.
Holcomb, Senator Hocomb's wife"
she said. 80 must hurry away. but
expect to be back to see father"
81 think I'll Just wait" suggested
Norton. 81 have to see the senator as
soon as possible. and he ought to re-
turn from that ways and means com.
mittee meeting pretty soon."
When Carolina had gone slight
feeling Of constraint settled over the
two.
Tho senator's pretty busy these
days with his naval base matter COM
Ing up, isn't he:"
Yes: keeps him pretty busy rccelv-
ing delegations from Altacoola and
Gulf City and patting them both on
the back" said Haines. Had man
from Gulf City in this morning with
some pretty strong arguments"
The secretary watched Norton keen.
~ to note the effect Of this hint in
favor Of Gulf City.
Gulf City" Norton sneered.
"Shucks. Who'd put a naval base on
bunch of mud fats? reckon those
Gulf City fellows are wasting their
time"
Think so:" suggested Haines. Are
you absolutely sure:"
Norton started.
why, you don't mean to tell me-"
he exclaimed, that Senator Langdon
would vote for Gulf City for the
naval base!"
II don't mean to tell you anything,
congressman" was the cool rejoinder
ITS not my business. The senator's
the one who does the talking"
An ugly sneer wrinkled the congress.
mans face.
well. I'm glad he attends to his
own business and doesn't trust toe
many people," he said pointedly.
The secretary smiled In puzzing
fashion.
That's exactly why I don't talk
congressman" he said pleasantly
The senator doesn't trust too many
people. II he did. there might be toe
much money made out Of land specu
lation. Senator Langdon doesn't hap
pen to be one Of those senators who
/ In tkot l..
II suppose you think you're pretty
strong with the senator" ventured the
Mississippian
Tell you the truth. l haven't thought
very much about It," replied Haines
but. II you come right down to 1t,
guess am pretty strong"
Suppose you've Influenced him In
the naval base business. then"
Still the secretary smiled. keeping hi:
temper under the adroit attack.
well, think he'd listen to me with
considerable interest"
But you're for Altacoola, of course.
Haines shook his head.
mo. ! can't say that I'm for Alta
coola. Fellow who was in here thii
morning put up a pretty good argu
ment. to my mind, for Gulf City. Ii
fact. he made 1t pretty strong. Seem
ed to show 1t was all to my interest tc
; 60 in with Gulf City. Think I'll have
to investigate a little more. | tell you
Norton" spoke Haines in confden
tial manner, this land speculation fe
yer is frightful thing. While va
talking to this fellow from Cuff Cit.
almost caught 1t myself. Probabl!
If met the lead Of the Altacoola spec
ulation l might catch the fever fron
him too"
why don't you put your money Int
Gulf City and lose 1t, them" replies
: Norton, nodding his head scornfully
''That'd be good lesson for a risin
young politician like you"
; Senator Langdon's secretary peere'
straight Into Norton's eyes.
"BecaSg. congressman" he said, 81
l were to put my money in Gulf CIT.
perhaps 1 wouldn't lose It,"
The southerner took a step forward
leaned over and glarcd angriiy q
Haines. His face whitcned.
You don't mean that you coul'
} swing Langdon into Gulf City" b
Casped.
Haines smiled.
! II can't say that. Norton. but CUES
people interested in Altncoola woul'
hate to have me try"
II didn't know you were that kind
Ha!nes." said Norton, his virtu