churchman, lean, ascetic, but with a modern touch of kindliness, and
a bald dome on top like a moon rising over the prairie. Jimmie
started, then stared at the picture of the Candidate which crowned
the shelf of pies. He turned to the man again; and the man glanced
up, and his eyes met Jimmie's, with their expression of amazement
and awe. The whole story was there, not to be misread--especially by
a Candidate who travels about the country making speeches, and being
recognized every hour or so from his pictures which have preceded
him. A smile came to his face, and Jimmie set down the coffee-cup
from one trembling hand and the "sinker" from the other, and rose
from his stool.




IV



Jimmie would not have had the courage to advance, save for the other
man's smile--a smile that was weary, but candid and welcoming.
"Howdy do, Comrade?" said the man. He held out his hand, and the
moment of this clasp was the nearest to heaven that Jimmie Higgins
had ever known.

When he was able to find his voice, it was only to exclaim, "You
wasn't due till five-forty-two!"

As if the Candidate had not known that! He explained that he had
missed his sleep the night before, and had come on ahead so as to