"Sometimes. But not when the opposition is out to do him with every
dirty trick that's laid down in the back of the political almanac."

"If you wanted to start me, and start me fair and right, why didn't you
let my name go before that caucus to-day, and then hold off your hands?"

"Because if I had you'd have stood about the same chance as a worsted
dog chasing an asbestos cat through hell. Look here, bub, I wish I had
the time; I'd like to tell you how most of the good men I know got their
start in politics. You can be a statesman after you've got your head up
where the sun can shine on it, but you've got to be touching ground to
keep your head up. And if you're touching ground in politics, you'll
find that your shoes are muddy--and you can't help it."

The grandson did not reply. Thornton relighted his cigar. The flare of
the match showed disgust and stubbornness in the features opposite.

"You know Enoch Dudley as well as I do, Harlan. That's the man they put
up. And a man that has let two of his sons be bound out and has turned
back his wife for her own people to support can't hide behind any white
necktie, so far's I'm concerned. Luke and I know where the money came
from that they've been putting in here. We know the men behind, and what
their object is. We know what they are trying to do in the next
legislature. You'll see it all for yourself when the time comes, Harlan.
You'll be up against them. You understand men. I'll only be wasting time
in telling you what you'll see for yourself. Do you want to see a man
like Enoch Dudley representing this district? If you do, go ahead and
write that letter!"

"You'll not do that, Harlan," stated the chairman, with decision. "As it