Theft Part 20

{Gifford}

I let myself in. The door was unlocked.

{Knox}

I must have forgotten it.

{Gifford}

(_Drawing bundle of doc.u.ments from inside breast pocket and handing them to Knox._) Well, there they are.

{Knox}

(_Fingering them curiously._) You are sure they are originals?

(_Gifford nods._)

I can't take any chances, you know. If Gherst changed his mind after I gave my speech and refused to show the originals--such things have happened.

{Gifford}

That's what I told him. He was firm on giving duplicates, and for awhile it looked as if my trip to New York was wasted. But I stuck to my guns. It was originals or nothing with you, I said, and he finally gave in.

{Knox}

(_Holding up doc.u.ments._) I can't tell you what they mean to me, nor how grateful--

{Gifford}

(_Interrupting._) That's all right. Don't mention it. Gherst is wild for the chance. It will do organized labor a heap of good.

And you are able to say your own say at the same time. How's that compensation act coming on?

{Knox}

(_Wearily._) The same old story. It will never come before the House. It is dying in committee. What can you expect of the Committee of Judiciary?--composed as it is of ex-railroad judges and ex-railroad lawyers.

{Gifford}

The railroad brotherhoods are keen on getting that bill through.

{Knox}

Well, they won't, and they never will until they learn to vote right. When will your labor leaders quit the strike and boycott and lead your men to political action?

{Gifford}

(_Holding out hand._) Well, so long. I've got to trot, and I haven't time to tell you why I think political action would destroy the trade union movement.

(_Knox tosses doc.u.ments on top of low bookcase between fireplace and bedroom door, and starts to shake hands._) You're d.a.m.n careless with those papers. You wouldn't be if you knew how much Gherst paid for them.

{Gifford}

You don't appreciate that other crowd. It stops at nothing.

{Knox}

I won't take my eyes off of them. And I'll take them to bed with me to-night for safety. Besides, there is no danger. n.o.body but you knows I have them.

{Gifford}

(_Proceeding toward door to right._) I'd hate to be in Starkweather's office when he discovers what's happened. There'll be some bad half hours for somebody. (_Pausing at door._) Give them h.e.l.l to-morrow, good and plenty. I'm going to be in a gallery. So long. (_Makes exit._)

(_Knox crosses to windows, which he opens, returns to desk, seats himself in revolving chair, and begins opening his correspondence. _) (_A knock at door to right._)

{Knox}

Come in.

(_Hubbard enters, advances to desk, but does not shake hands.

They greet each other, and Hubbard sits down in chair to left of desk._) (_Knox, still holding an open letter, re-volves chair so as to face his visitor. He waits for Hubbabd to speak._)

{Hubbard}

There is no use beating about the bush with a man like you. I know that. You are direct, and so am I. You know my position well enough to be a.s.sured that I am empowered to treat with you.

{Knox}

Oh, yes; I know.

{Hubbard}

What we want is to have you friendly.

{Knox}

That is easy enough. When the Interests become upright and honest--

{Hubbard}

Save that for your speech. We are talking privately. We can make it well worth your while--

{Knox} (_Angrily._) If you think you can bribe me--

{Hubbard} (_Suavely._) Not at all. Not the slightest suspicion of it. The point is this. You are a congressman. A congressman's career depends on his membership in good committees. At the present you are buried in the dead Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures. If you say the word you can be appointed to the livest committee--

{Knox}

(_Interrupting._) You have these appointments to give?

{Hubbard}