"
Bassett swung round slowly until his gaze fell upon the map, reminding
the young man of Thatcher's interest in that varicolored oblong of
paper. Dan had never mentioned Thatcher's visit to the office, feeling
that if the capitalist were really the bold man he appeared to be, he
would show his hand to Bassett soon enough. Moreover, Harwood's
confidence in Bassett's powers had never wavered; in the management of
the paper-mill receivership the senator from Fraser had demonstrated a
sagacity and resourcefulness that had impressed Dan anew. Bassett
possessed, in unusual degree, the astuteness and executive force of the
successful American business man, and his nice feeling for the things
that interest cultivated people lifted him far above the common type of
political boss. Dan had yet to see a demonstration of Bassett's
political venality; the bank and his other interests at Fraserville were
profitable. It must be a craving for power, not money, Dan reasoned,
that led Bassett into politics. Bassett turned to his desk with some
letters he had taken from his pocket. It occurred to Dan that as Mrs.
Owen had suggested that he accompany Sylvia to Montgomery, it would be
well to mention the possibility of his leaving town for a day.
"Mrs. Owen telephoned me this morning of Professor Kelton's death. You
probably read of it in to-day's papers.
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