An important attribute of a prospective candidate for the United States presidency is that of being clean; not to have any dirt in your background which an eager muckraker can dig up. Senator William S. Gallicauder appeared to fit the bill perfectly - he had a beautiful, talented wife, three grown-up children all making their way in the world, and a skilful and devoted campaign team. But then a skeleton came rattling out of an English cupboard. The story had to be suppressed, and fast. But competing interests were involved, and violence and murder would ensue.