interpreting the Congressman's look and manner, that he must know this
fair incognita if he wished to sway Gashwiler. He determined to bide his
time, and withdrew.
The door was scarcely closed upon him when another knock diverted Mr.
Gashwiler's attention from his proofs. The door opened to a young man
with sandy hair and anxious face. He entered the room deprecatingly, as
if conscious of the presence of a powerful being, to be supplicated and
feared. Mr. Gashwiler did not attempt to disabuse his mind. "Busy, you
see," he said shortly, "correcting your work!"
"I hope it is acceptable?" said the young man timidly.
"Well--yes--it will do," said Gashwiler; "indeed I may say it is
satisfactory on the whole," he added with the appearance of a large
generosity; "quite satisfactory."
"You have no news, I suppose," continued the young man, with a slight
flush, born of pride or expectation.
"No, nothing as yet." Mr. Gashwiler paused as if a thought had struck
him.
"I have thought," he said, finally, "that some position--such as a
secretaryship with me--would help you to a better appointment. Now,
supposing that I make you my private secretary, giving you some
important and confidential business. Eh?"
Dobbs looked at his patron with a certain wistful, dog-like expectancy,
moved himself excitedly on his chair seat in a peculiar canine-like
anticipation of gratitude, strongly suggesting that he would have wagged
his tail if he had one. At which Mr. Gashwiler became more impressive.
"Indeed, I may say I anticipated it by certain papers I have put in
your charge and in your name, only taking from you a transfer that might
enable me to satisfy my conscience hereafter in recommending you as
my--ahem!--private secretary. Perhaps, as a mere form, you might now,
while you are here, put your name to these transfers, and, so to speak,
begin your duties at once."
The glow of pride and hope that mantled the cheek of poor Dobbs might
have melted a harder heart than Gashwiler's. But the senatorial toga
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