“Congressman Cresswell’s wife!” Easterly’s face was one great exclamation point. “Now what the devil does this mean?”
“I’m afraid,” said Senator Smith, “that it may mean an attempt on the part of Cresswell’s friends to boost him for the French ambassadorship. He’s the only Southerner with money enough to support the position, and there’s been a good deal of quiet talk, I understand, in Southern circles.”
“But it’s treason!” Easterly shouted. “It will ruin the plans of the Combine to put this amended Child Labor Bill through. John Taylor has just written me that he’s starting mills at Toomsville, and that he depends on unrestricted labor conditions, as we must throughout the South. Doesn’t Cresswell know this?”
“Of course. I think it’s just a bluff. If he gets the appointment he’ll let the bill drop.”
‚ÄúI see‚ÅÝ‚Äîeverybody is raising his price, is he? Pretty soon the darky will be holding us up. Well, see Cresswell, and put it to him strong. I must go. Wire me.‚Äù
Senator Smith presented the matter bluntly to Cresswell as soon as he saw him. ‚ÄúWhich would the South prefer‚ÅÝ‚ÄîTodd‚Äôs Education Bill, or Alwyn‚Äôs appointment?‚Äù
It was characteristic of Cresswell that the smaller matter of Stillings’ intrigue should interest him more than Todd’s measure, of which he knew nothing.
“What is Todd’s bill?” asked Harry Cresswell, darkening.
Smith, surprised, got out a copy and explained. Cresswell interrupted before he was half through.