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 members.h.i.+p 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}