It is a fine thing at twenty-seven to find the doors of opportunity flung wide--and had he not crossed the threshold and passed within the portal?
He was Bassett's man; every one knew that now; but why should he not be Bassett's man?
He would go higher and farther than Bassett: Bassett had merely supplied the ladder on which he would climb.
He was happier than he had ever been before in his life; he had experienced the intoxication of applause, and he was not averse to the glances of the women in the gallery above him.
The nomination of candidates now went forward rather tamely, though relieved by occasional sharp contests.

The ten gentlemen who had been favored with copies of the Bassett programme were not surprised that so many of Thatcher's friends were nominated; they themselves voted for most of them.

It seemed remarkable to the uninitiated that Bassett should have slapped Thatcher and then have allowed him to score in the choice of the ticket.

The "Advertiser," anxious to show Bassett as strong and malignant as possible, expressed the opinion that the Fraserville boss had not after all appreciated the full force of the Thatcher movement.
* * * * * On the veranda of his Waupegan cottage Bassett and Fitch enjoyed the wholesome airs of the country.

Late in the afternoon the fussy little steamer that traversed the lake paused at the Bassett dock to deliver a telegram, which Bassett read without emotion.