Foster showed some amazement when he learned of Gale's candidacy, but at once absolved Neil from his promise.
"Frankly, Fletcher, I don't think your friend has the ghost of a show, you know, but, of course, if he wants to try it it's all right.

And I'm just as much obliged to you." During the next week Neil worked early and late for Paul's success.

He made some converts, but not enough to give him much hope.

Livingston was easily the popular candidate for the presidency, and Neil failed to understand where Cowan found ground for the encouraging reports that he made to Paul.

Paul himself was hopeful all the way through, and lent ill attention to Neil's predictions of failure.
"You always were a raven, chum," he would exclaim.