The city had a mayor and a council, but the one who decided what laws should be passed and those that should be enforced was the boss. He was not at all “refined,” but he had one redeeming quality, no person in want ever went to him in vain. The boss was a bachelor, and whenever he was asked why he did not marry, he replied, “I haven’t any time to bother with women.” One memorable day the boss, while in one of the worst parts of the slums, chanced to witness an eviction. With his characteristic sympathy for “the under dog,” he paid the amount the family owed and they were permitted to return to their home. A settlement worker witnessed the affair and she impulsively thanked the boss for his kindness. She was young and pretty and the politician’s feelings toward the weaker sex underwent a sudden and decisive change. As time passed the girl and the boss saw a good deal of each other and became great friends. Little by little, she told him of the misery in the slums caused by corrupt political conditions, and although he knew them far better than she did, for the first time he realized how serious conditions were, and how much he was to blame. He was a strong, resolute man and he acted. In spite of the protests of his political lieutenants, the gamblers and other violators of the law, who had bought protection for years, were raided and many of them driven from the city. Among the people affected by the crusade was the girl’s father. He was a wealthy contractor and had enjoyed many favors from the city administration. He intimated to the boss that it would be to the latter’s advantage to give contracts to him, but the reformed politician firmly told him that the lowest bidder would get the work. In revenge the contractor told his daughter that the boss demanded a bribe and the girl believed her father, and told the political leader she never wished to see him again. The party, displeased at the boss’s actions, deposed him. But the boss did not care, for the girl, discovering that her father had deceived her, came to him and humbly asked his pardon for misjudging him. And the boss learned “something” “which atoned for the loss of his political power, for the little settlement worker told him that she loved him.