Welton, and this in two ways: you are jeopardizing his whole
business, and you are rendering practically certain his conviction on a
criminal charge. Mr. Welton is an old man, a simple man, and a kindly
man; this thing is likely to kill him." Oldham glanced keenly at the
young man's sombre face, and went on. "Second"--he folded back his
middle finger--"you are injuring your own father, also in two ways: you
are bringing his lawful property into danger, and you are giving his
political enemies the most effective sort of a weapon to swing in his
coming campaign. And do not flatter yourself they will not make the best
of it. It happens that your father has stood strongly with the
Conservation members in the late fight in Congress. This would be a
pretty scandal. Third," said Oldham, touching his ring finger, "you are
injuring yourself. You are throwing away an opportunity to get in on the
ground floor with the biggest man in the West; you are making for
yourself a powerful enemy; and you are indubitably preparing the way for
your removal from office--if removal from such an office can
conceivably mean anything to any one.
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