And I think our friend Stillwater will succeed in entangling him disastrously in some case sooner or later." 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.