stands now, whatever they say about this caucus will be simply the
whinings of a licked opposition. We know how to handle that kind of
talk. There isn't a man on our side, from Sylvester to Urban Cobb, who
will open his mouth, even if the thumb-screws are put to him. Harlan,
are you the kind of a fellow that would hold your grandfather up before
the people of this State in any such light? Of course you are not!"

"No, I don't suppose I am," acknowledged the young man. "But I can
decline to run."

The State chairman pulled his chair close, and tapped emphasis on the
candidate's knee.

"No, you can't. It would give 'em the one fact that they need for a
foundation to build their case on. What you've got to do, Harlan, is
accept this nomination, just as it is handed to you. Stand up and fight
for your election like a man. The thing may look rank to you. Politics
usually looks rank to a beginner, who has to get down and fight on the
level of the other fellow. But you'll understand things better after you
get along a little further. If you back out now you're leaving your
grandfather open to attack. Those dogs can only bark, now. If you let
'em past you they'll have a chance to set their teeth in. Harlan, you
think too much of your grandfather to do such a thing as that, don't
you?"

The three of them sat in silence for a while.

"I hate to say anything just now, my boy," said the old man, at last. He
leaned forward, his elbows on the arms of his chair. "Luke has put it to
you a little stronger than I should have done. I don't want to beg you