He had almost lost the nomination through Lawler's efforts.
"Been in town long ?" he queried.
"Just long enough to have a talk with Hatfield." The governor smiled wanly.

"Hatfield has been having his troubles, Lawler.

An unprecedented situation has developed in the state.

The railroad company seems to be unable to supply cars for cattle shipments.
We have investigated, and so far we have been unable to discover whether the shortage is intentional or accidental.

Whatever the cause, it is a bad situation--very bad.