SPOLIA OPIMA Dunwody remained seated at the table, carelessly shuffling the cards between his fingers.

Once in a while he cast an amused glance toward Carlisle, and at last remarked, as though continuing an arrested thought: "Amanuensis, is she ?" He chuckled.

The other ventured no reply.
"My dear sir, at your age, I congratulate you! The choice of an amanuensis is one very important for a public man, not less so, I imagine, for a military man.

Consider the need--" "I think that will do, my dear Dunwody," rejoined Carlisle at length, the hot blood in his face.

"Frankly, this conversation is unwelcome to me." "I'll tell you what I'll do with you," exclaimed the Missourian suddenly.