I can weather
any storm."
He paused, however, disconcerted, for the memory of Luzanne came to him,
and his spirit became clouded. "Except one--except one," he added.
"And you won't tell me who it is?"
CHAPTER XXIII
THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT
"No, I can't tell you--yet," answered Carnac. "You ought to know; though
you can't put things right."
"Don't forget you are a public man, and what might happen if things went
wrong. There are those who would gladly roast you on a gridiron for what
you are in politics."
"I never forget it. I've no crime to repent of, and I'm afraid of
nothing in the last resort. Look, we're nearing the Island."
"It's your worst place in the constituency, and I'm not sure of your
reception. Oh, but yes, I am," she added hastily. "You always win good
feeling. No one really hates you. You're on the way to big success."
"I've had some unexpected luck. I've got Tarboe on my side. He's a
member of Barouche's party, but he's coming with me."
"Did he tell you so?" she asked with apparent interest.
"I've had a letter from him, and in it he says he is with me 'to the
knife!' That's good. Tarboe has a big hold on rivermen, and he may
carry with him some of the opposition. It was a good letter--if
puzzling."
"How, puzzling?"
"He said in one part of it: 'When you come back here to play your part
you'll make it a success, the whole blessed thing.
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