The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1912-01-18
THE Man
HIGHER UP
By HENRY RUSSELL
MILLER
Copyright. 1910. by Bobbs Mer.
rill Co.
CHAPTER XVI-Continued

leader of the people. The responsible
your victory, but the victory Of the
cause you represent, the victory of the
force"
1.-The force?" Bob and Eleanor ex-
claimed together.
Murchell's hand dropped to the ia
red spot in each cheek. Eyes, the
great social force in whose grip we all
are; the force that makes the man,
the social unit, End his happiness, his
welfare, in the happiness and welfare
Of his brethren, Of society; the force
that has given John Dunmeade
strength to struggle. libeled and mis-
understood, against those who defy
this principle of the universe. The
force that has placed In you-forgive
my bluntneSs-the crasSest egoist /
have ever known. the spirit to defy
and fight the same enemy of your
brethren. The force that makes you
and John Dunmeade. by grace Of a
common enemy. necessary to each
other. and makes you both necessary
to the people Of this state. The force
that will give you the victory"
The old politician stopped, his black
eyes cleaning fiercely at Bob through
the shaggy eyebrows. OF what was
going on within him Bob's masklike
expression gave no hint as he met Muir
chell's gaze impassively. He shifted
his glance to the others and found
that he, not Murchell, was the target
for their eyes. Upon Dunmeade's gen
tie face was written the exaltation of
the martyr who sees INTO the beyond
and beholds his triumph: upon his
wife's countenance. both triumph and
understanding. Eleanor was looking
at him with an expression Bob could
not understand, though he knew that
for once it was not hostile. He turn
ed again to Murchell, an ugly glitter in
his eyes.
do you add the force that led you,
the first Of the school of corporation
politicians, to create the very condi
tons we are fghting?"
Murchell did not finch. mo, l have
been Of those who abused power, ant
therefore | have been the greatest
criminal of my day. | add the force
that will lead you two to repair the
damage | have done"
Bob's mouth twisted into his sar
donic grin. It's a hopeless theory, Mr.
Murchell. You make us ali blind au
donations. You take away from me
the crassest egoist you have ever
known-my individuality, my reason
for existence, my self, and you give mt
in exchange a species of sublimated
socialism"
Eyes" Murchell said quietly, 1.-THE
socialism of Christ when he command
ed Love thy neighbor as myself"
"Your force is as inexorable as GOd!'
'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 ouT
SelIiSIlUtSS W ldb nave L, ltuNNtu "
an |automaton, to make life and action
worth while?'
THE happiness Of seeing your fel
lows happier" she replied, land love
He broke into n rasping, mirthless
laugh. Pardon me-" he said, recov
ering himself. In not laughing al
you or your force, but at a joke / had
forgotten. | was introduced TO your
force two months ago"
mo, my friend" Murchell said, "at
your birth"
When the men were alone Bob pro
ceeded to explain his visit.
Nov that we have reached a verdict
convicting me Of conspiring to uplift
humanity" he began, lets get dowr
to business if you're ready to hear me.
1--WE are ready"
"The other day." Bob went on, 81
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. lie 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 | join with them. He
held out big inducements He offered
to contribute to my campaign fund;
also to place the next governorship I'M
der my control and to put me at the
head Of the new state organization,
subject to certain limitations, OF
course.
~ told him that I proposed to line
up with you" Bob paused. looking al
the others inquiringly.
II suppose you didn't leave your cam
paign merely to tell US this" MurcheIl
said.
mo. As 1 told Sanger. I choose to
Join you people. But. Of course. my
doing SO depends upon certain condi.
lions. must name the next candi-
date for governor" Bob said coolly.
saThat0 Murchol1 said "wa