"
"I cannot discuss it to-day," Howard answered after a moment's silence. "It
would be a grave step for the _News-Record_ to take. I am not well, as
you see. To-morrow or next day I'll decide. You'll see my answer in the
paper, I think." He closed his eyes with significant weariness.
Hereford looked at him uneasily. Just outside the door Stokely whispered,
"Don't be alarmed. You've got him. He's with us, I tell you."
"I must make sure," whispered Hereford. "I wish to speak to him alone for a
moment."
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Howard," he said as he re-entered the room. "I
forgot an important part of my mission. Our candidate authorized me to say
to you on his behalf that he felt sure you would see your duty; that he
esteemed your character and judgment too highly to have any doubts; and
that he intends to show his appreciation of the conscientious, independent
vote which is rallying to his support; in the event of his election, he
feels that he could not do so in a more satisfactory manner than by
offering you either a place in his cabinet or an ambassadorship as you may
prefer."
As soon as Howard saw Hereford returning, he knew the reason. He had never
before been offered a bribe; but he could not mistake the meaning of
Hereford's bold yet frightened expression.
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