During the election, Frank gained the good-will of a local solicitor and political agent.

He proved himself an active and perhaps a discreetly unscrupulous assistant.

The solicitor thought he saw in Frank talent of a certain order--a talent through which he (the solicitor) might draw unto himself a share of other people's money.

The lawyer's judgment of men was as keen as Frank's judgment of cattle.

He helped Frank to get into a large farm, advancing the money with which to work it.