Mr.Cummings, who was to profit by the deal, was called to a private consultation and agreed to slaughter Kenneth Forbes to secure votes for himself.

It was thought that this clever arrangement would easily win the fight for Hopkins.
But the Honorable Erastus had no intention of "taking chances," or "monkeying with fate," as he tersely expressed it.

Every scheme known to politicians must be worked, and none knew the intricate game better than Hopkins.

This was why he held several long conferences with his friend Marshall, the manager at the mill.

And this was why Kenneth and Beth discovered him conversing with the young woman in the buggy.