So, at least, Harwood reasoned to himself.

Several of his fellow passengers in the smoking-car were passing the "Courier" about and pointing to the editorial.

All over Indiana it would be the subject of discussion for a long time to come; and Dan's journalistic sense told him that in the surrounding capitals it would not be ignored.
"If Thatcher and Bassett get to fighting, the people may find a chance to sneak in and get something," a man behind Dan was saying.
"Nope," said another voice; "there won't be 'no core' when those fellows get through with the apple." "I can hear the cheering in the Republican camp this morning," remarked another voice gleefully.
"Oh, pshaw!" said still another speaker; "Bassett will simply grind Thatcher to powder.

Thatcher hasn't any business in politics anyhow and doesn't know the game.

By George, Bassett does! And this is the first time he's struck a full blow since he got behind the 'Courier.' Something must have made him pretty hot, though, to have let off a scream like that." Harwood was interested in these remarks because they indicated a prevalent impression that Bassett dominated the "Courier," in spite of the mystery with which the ownership of the paper was enveloped.