"
Abbott went into the outer office for his note book and, returning with
it, for an hour he reported to Enoch on the business of the Department.
Enoch, puffing on a cigar, asked questions and made notes himself.
When Charley had finished, he said:
"Thank you, Abbott! I don't see but what I could have remained away
indefinitely. Matters seem in excellent shape."
"Not everything, Mr. Secretary. Your oil bill has been unaccountably
blocked in the Senate. The intervention in Mexico talk has begun
again. The Geological Survey is in a mix-up and it looks as if a
scandal were about to burst on poor old Cheney's head. I'm afraid he's
outlived his usefulness anyhow. The newspapers in California are
starting a new states-rights campaign for water power control and,
every day since I've returned, Secretary Fowler's office has called and
asked for the date of your return."
"Interested in me, aren't they!" smiled Enoch. "Why is the President
in such a hurry to see me, Abbott?"
"I don't know, sir. I promised his secretary that the moment I heard
from you I'd send such a message as I did send you."
"All right, Abbott, I'll start along. Don't wait or let Jonas wait
after six. I'll go directly home if I'm detained after that.
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