That's six years, and you can -- -- your ward." "I'll do it." "That's the talk." They sat and discussed plans and whisky for nearly an hour.

Then Maguire said good-night.
"You shall have the speech the first thing in the morning," he said at parting.

Then as he walked down the long corridor, he muttered, "Now then, Stirling, look out for the hind heel of the mule." Peter found Costell still waiting for him.
"It took me longer than I thought, for Maguire was there." "Indeed!" said Costell, making room for Peter on the window-ledge.
Peter re-lit his cigar, "Maguire promises me that Porter shall be nominated by one of his friends." "He had been trying Kennedy ?" "I didn't ask." Costell smiled.

"I had no business to ask you that ?" "No," Peter said frankly.
Both puffed their cigars for a time in silence.
Then Costell began talking about Saratoga.

He told Peter where the "Congress" spring was, and what was worth seeing.