Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/112

 a back number. Why should I talk with you?"

"There's one reason big enough to interest you," the Judge answered with sinister suggestion.

Larkin fixed his opponent a moment with his piercing eyes and said with contempt:

"I'll join you in a moment."

The Judge beckoned to Suggs who had hovered near, and the detective handed him a package of documents from his inside pocket. The movement was not lost on Larkin who was watching his enemy with uneasiness.

Suggs accompanied the Judge to his room at the hotel and awaited his call outside the door. Larkin looked at him with a scowl as he entered.

The Judge adjusted his slouchy coat, shufled his feet, and stroked his beard with deliberation as Larkin seated himself.

"I'm going to ask you, Larkin," he began, "to write out your resignation as Chairman of our State Executive Committee and withdraw from this race."

The Carpetbagger laughed aloud.

"Well, you are an ass, you fawning, timeserving Scalawag—what do you take me for?"

"For the criminal adventurer you are!" thundered the Judge.

"I'll not bandy words with you, Butler. I've