And don't build up any quixotic ideas of gratitude toward me.

When you don't like your job, move on.

I guess we understand each other." If Dan entertained any doubts as to the ethics involved in Bassett's handling of the situation in Ranger County they were swept away by the perfect candor with which Bassett informed their new intimacy.

The most interesting and powerful character in Indiana politics had made a confidant of him.

Without attempting to exact vows of secrecy, or threatening vengeance for infractions of faith, but in a spirit of good-fellowship that appealed strongly to Harwood, Bassett had given him a pass-key to many locked doors.
"As you probably gathered," Bassett was saying, "Atwill represents me at the 'Courier' office." "I had never suspected it," Dan replied.
"Has anybody suspected it ?" asked Bassett quickly.
"Well; of course it has been said repeatedly that you own or control the 'Courier.'" "Let them keep on saying it; they might have hard work to prove it.
And--" Bassett's eyes turned toward the window.