chafing under the consciousness that I was working out the private interests of others, I resolved to stake all upon one large hazard, conclude this wayward, self-accusing life, and depart from the purlieus of legislation.  Up to the present time no stigma has been attached to my irregularities, none have suspected that I was less than I claimed to be—­a soldier and a gentleman, betrothed to the noblest woman in the world.  But this manner of living in the end works the destruction of habits and reputation to any who continue in it.  To be brief, I have found political life nothing but a commerce.  All have their price, and the highest sometimes sell out the cheapest.  Men are estimated here by their boldness and breadth only, and a single successful venture of the kind I have in hand will dismiss me from this city rich and without exposure, and I swear never again to be seen in the lobbies of the Federal legislature.  All my dependence in this, however, is upon you.  I watched your campaign in our native region—­how gallantly and how exceptionably you fought it, none knows so well!—­and I took to heart the belief that, wishing to see me distinguished, wedded, and settled, your old scruples might give way, and you would afford me this last, best chance.  Shall I go on?”

The small, thin face of the elder brother seemed to have lost all of its vitality; his fragile form was even more diminished; it might almost have been paralysis which had seized him.

“Water!” he muttered.  “I cannot talk.”

The younger brother ran for a glass, and with a look of mingled guilt and affection sought to support him with his arm.  Arthur MacNair feebly repelled his assistance.

“You may finish, sir,” he said.

“God forgive me,” cried Elk MacNair, sinking into a chair; “my brother, I beseech you, do not think so evil of me as to suppose that in this enterprise I would compromise your character for one minute, and if it shall be necessary, all the fault shall be mine by open confession.  There is an old claim for postal services rendered many years ago, which has reposed in the catacombs of one of the departments.  The claimant has long been dead, and it was purchased for a small sum from his heirs.  There are some equities about the claim; the attestations in its favor are purely documentary, and I have so entirely manipulated every instrumentality on the way to its passage, judicial, legislative, and executive, that if the Committee on Ancient Contracts should report favorably upon it at the beginning of the session, my confederates in the House will see that it goes along, and the department will pay it immediately.  Congress will then at once adjourn, within a day or two, for such is the usage here.  With my share of the money, which will be large, I will be a man of wealth and able to turn my back once and for all upon this Capitol.  You are to be the chairman of the committee; the other members, as is habitual here, will intrust the whole matter to you; a few words explanatory of this claim will send it on its way, and the crisis of my life will have passed.”