Gloucester County Democrat., 1912-02-01


the crassest egoist you have ever
known-my individuality. my reason
for existence my self. and you give me
in exchange species Of sublimated
/ socialism"
"Yes." Murchell said quietly, ''the
socialism of Christ when he command
ed Love thy neighhor as thyself.'"
"Your force is as inexorable as Cod"
'The force is God" Murchell an
swered quietly
eyes Mrs. Dunmeade said gently.
"for God is love-
Bob turned to her, and the sneer
faded from his mouth What does
the force give US in exchange for our
selfshness? What have l. reduced to
an automaton, to make life and action
worth whiley
''The happiness of seeing your fel-
lows happier" she replied. land love"
He broke into a rasping. mirthless
! laugh. Pardon me" he said. rccoy-
ering himself. Pm not laughing at
you or your force. but at joke ! had
forgotten | was introduced to your
force two months ago"
1 '"No, my friend" Murchell said, "at
your BIRTH
| When the men were alone Bob pro-
ceeded to explain his visit.
ssNow that we have reached a verdict
convicting me of conspiring to uplift
humanity" he began, ''let's get down
to business if you're ready to hear me. :"
I'VE are ready"
1.-THE other day" Bob went on, 81
had an interview with Henry Sanger.
| Jr. The interview was at his request
He is backing Harland. Harland doesn't
know it. but there's no doubt about it.
Sanger was very frank. He informed
me that he and his fellow investors
intend to break with you openly and
| finally and to select the next governor,
| legislature and senator. He came to
propose that l join with them. He
| held out big inducements He offered
! to contribute to my campaign fund:
also to place the next governorship un-
! der my control and to put me at the
head of the new state organization,
subject to certain limitations. of
course
''l told him that proposed TO line
up with you" Bob paused. looking at
the others inquiringly.
~ suppose you didn't leave your cam
paign merely to tell us this" Murchell
said.
"No AS l told Sanger, choose to
! join you people. But. of course. my
doing so depends upon certain condi-
tions. l must name the next candi-
date for governor Bob said coolly.
That" Murchell said decidedly. 1--WE
can't consent to unless your candidate
meets with our approval Have you
some one in particular in mind?"
yes: Remington"
"Paul Remington Dunmeade ex-
claimed. 81 had Suspected He
paused.
His ambition must fly high" Muir
chell said, looking at Bob in surprise.
mo. He knows nothing of the OBJ
jeet of this visit. | don't suppose he
has even thought of himself in con
nection with the next goyernorship."
Nor am prepared for the sugges
tion," Murchell said thoughtfully.
"Can he be elected?"
"He stands as good chance as any
one we could pick. He's the most
popular man in the Steel City. He
has clean personal record. He's well
and favorably known over the state.
He has spoken in every county. He's
! good campaigner, and his youth is
in his favor"
"Then can we trust himy Murchell
! demanded, looking at Bob keenly.~
"Yes." Bob answered firmly. almost
too firmly, Murchell thought.
"WelI," Murchell said slowly, ''you
may be right; but. frankly, while l
like and admire Remington. haven't
absolute confidence in him. He's bril-
liant and enthusiastic, but he lacks
stability of character. and / doubt if
he really has high conception of po-
iitical responsibility. The next gov
ties, as the present governor has had
! need OF them" He LAID his hand
kindly on Dunmeade's arm
IF we choose him I'll be back of
him." Bob said, meeting Murchelfs
| glance steadily. ''And-I know him
better than you do-if l think there
ever is or can be the least doubt as to
his good faith or nerve / will with
draw my request"
The governor reached his hand
across the table to Bob. Your word
is good enough for me-"
For an hour they discussed the mat
ter in detail. Bob remaining very firm
in his demand. At last MurcheIrs
consent was won
Then it's settled" he said Let us
hope we never regret it,
you will never regret it. Mr.. Muir
! cheil," Bob replied earnestly. "If I