Now, suppose Judge Enderby runs afoul of our interests, as he is
bound to do sooner or later. Little Weaselfoot gets on his
trail--probably is on it already--and he'll spend a year if necessary
watching, waiting, sniffing out something that he can use as a threat or
a bludgeon or a bargain."
"What quarrel have we got with Enderby?" inquired Banneker with lively
interest.
"None, now. But we'll be after him hot and heavy within a year."
"Not the editorial page," declared Banneker.
"Well, I hope not. It would be rather a right-about, wouldn't it? But
Marrineal isn't afraid of a right-about. You know his creed as to his
readers: 'The public never remembers.' Of course, you realize what
Marrineal is after, politically."
"No. He's never said a word to me."
"Nor to me. But others have. The mayoralty."
"For himself?"
"Of course. He's quietly building up his machine."
"But Laird will run for reelection."
"He'll knife Laird."
"It's true Laird hasn't treated us very well, in the matter of backing
our policies," admitted Banneker thoughtfully. "The Combined Street
Railway franchise, for instance."
"He was right in that and you were wrong, Ban. He had to follow the
comptroller there."
"Is that where our split with Enderby is going to come? Over the
election?"
"Yes.
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