Plots and penalties

Advertisements on p. [1]-[6] at end.

Plate with portrait of author facing p. 17 and illustrations on p. 23, 37, 47, 57, 71, 89, 99, 113, 133, 143, 157, 173, 181, 197, 209, 219, 231, 247, 257, 269, 275, 299, 307, 321, 329, 343, 353, 377, 387, 398, 413, 429, 441 and 451, some signed by Woodman, Don L., DeGraff or Van L.

Securing an appointment -- Miss Carlin's position -- The making of a statesman -- For a widow -- A change in public sentiment -- The evolution of a reformer -- The Appomattox Club -- Paying a political debt -- The work of the machine -- Making an appointment -- The ebb and flow -- A county seat contest -- For the public good -- The almighty office -- A frontier campaign in the pioneer days of Illinois.

How the Senator was elected -- Love and politics -- John Ward's pardon -- How John Hallett became a general -- The lobbyist's victim -- Nominating a judge -- Milly Morrow in politics -- A legislative temptation -- Why ciagerettes are still costly -- His faith in his friend -- The effect of spring water -- In the early days -- Paying a note -- The political juggernaut -- The election of Watson -- A minister in politics -- A revenue reformer -- The evolution of a great man -- A township election -- How Lucy elented [i.e., elected] her sweetheart.