Moreover he had acquired a fund of experience in dealing with all sorts of people, and was delighted to meet Mr.Hopkins under the present circumstances.
So he drove over to Elmwood and was fortunate to find Mr.Hopkins in his "office" at home where he was busily engaged instructing his "workers" in their duties at the polls.
At sight of Mr.Merrick, whom he knew by this time to be a friend of Kenneth Forbes, staying at Elmhurst, the politician scented some pending difficulty, or at least an argument, and was sufficiently interested to dismiss his men without delay.
"Ah, this is Mr.Merrick, I believe," began Mr.Hopkins, suavely.

"What can I do for you, sir ?" "Considerable, if you're disposed," answered the other.

"For one thing I'd like to hire Eliza Parsons away from you." "Eliza Parsons!" gasped the Representative.
"Yes, your spy.

Election's about over and you won't need her any longer, will you ?" "Sir, do you mean to insult me ?" asked the Honorable Erastus, indignantly.
"By no means.

I thought you were through with the girl," said Uncle John with a chuckle.
Mr.Hopkins was distinctly relieved.