Then he asked aloud: "What do you want ?" It was a question susceptible of many different constructions, but as Mr.Maguire asked it, it seemed to him to have but one, and that not very honest.

Peter hesitated.

The temptation was strong to lead the Senator on, but he did not like to do it.

It seemed to savor of traps, and Peter had never liked traps.

Still--he did want to know if the managers on Porter's side would stoop to buy his support by some bargain.