"I'm on the same terms with them still, and I'm ready to
let you have the benefit of it if you'll give _me_the chance to
retrieve my good name."
In spite of his irritation the Governor could not repress a smile.
"In other words, you will do a dirty trick for me if I undertake to
convince people that you are the soul of honor."
Gregg smiled also.
"There are always two ways of putting a thing. Why not call it a
plain case of give and take? I want something and can pay for it."
"Not in any coin I have a use for," said Mornway, pushing back his
chair.
Gregg hesitated; then he said: "Perhaps you don't mean to reappoint
Fleetwood." The Governor was silent, and he continued: "If you do,
don't kick me out a second time. I'm not threatening you--I'm
speaking as a friend. Mrs. Mornway has been kind to my wife, and I'd
like to help her."
The Governor rose, gripping his chair-back sternly. "You will be
kind enough to leave my wife's name out of the discussion. I
supposed you knew me well enough to know that I don't buy newspaper
secrets at any price, least of all at that of the public money!"
Gregg, who had risen also, stood a few feet off, looking at him
inscrutably.
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