The state and federal statutes bearing upon the emergency were quoted in full, but the names of Bassett and Thatcher did not appear, nor were any possible successors to Ridgefield mentioned.
Dan opened to the editorial page, and was not surprised to find the leading article a dignified eulogy of the dead Senator.

Then his eye fastened upon an article so placed that it dominated the whole page.

It was the old "Stop, Look, Listen!" editorial, reproduced with minute citation of the date of original publication.
Dan flinched as though a cupful of ice water had struck him in the face.
Whatever scandalous knowledge touching Bassett's public or private life Thatcher might possess, it was plain that Bassett was either ignorant of it or knew and did not fear exposure.

In either event, the republication of the "Stop, Look, Listen!" article was an invitation to battle.
It was in no happy frame of mind that Harwood awaited the coming of Ramsay..