SENATOR: If he had the right vision he'd see that we don't every minute have literally what we have theoretically because we're fighting to keep the thing we have. Oh, I sometimes think the man of affairs has the only vision. Take you, Mr Fejevary--a banker. These teachers--books--books! (_pushing all books back_) Why, if they had to take for one day the responsibility that falls on your shoulders--big decisions to make--man among men--and all the time worries, irritations, particularly now with labour riding the high horse like a fool! I know something about these things. I went to the State House because my community persuaded me it was my duty. But I'm the man of affairs myself. FEJEVARY: Oh yes, I know. Your company did much to develop that whole northern part of the state. SENATOR: I think I may say we did. Well, that's why, after three sessions, I'm chairman of the appropriations committee. I know how to use money to promote the state. So--teacher? That would be a perpetual vacation to me. Now, if you want my advice, Mr Fejevary,--I think your case before the state would be stronger if you let this fellow Holden go. FEJEVARY: I'm going to have a talk with Professor Holden. SENATOR: Tell him it's for his own good. The idea of a college professor standing up for conscientious objectors! FEJEVARY: That doesn't quite state the case. Fred Jordan was one of Holden's students--a student he valued. He felt Jordan was perfectly sincere in his objection. SENATOR: Sincere in his objections! The nerve of him thinking it was his business to be sincere! FEJEVARY: He was expelled from college--you may remember; that was how we felt about it. SENATOR: I should hope so. FEJEVARY: Holden fought that, but within the college. What brought him into the papers was his protest against the way the boy has been treated in prison. SENATOR: What's the difference how he's treated? You know how I'd treat him? (_a movement as though pulling a trigger_) If I didn't know you for the American you are, I wouldn't understand your speaking so calmly. FEJEVARY: I'm simply trying to see it all sides around. SENATOR: Makes me see red. FEJEVARY: (_with a smile_) But we mustn't meet red with red. SENATOR: What's Holden fussing about--that they don't give him caviare on toast? FEJEVARY: That they didn't give him books. Holden felt it was his business to fuss about that. SENATOR: Well, when your own boy 'stead of whining around about his conscience, stood up and offered his life! FEJEVARY: Yes. And my nephew gave his life. SENATOR: That so? FEJEVARY: Silas Morton's grandson died in France. My sister Madeline married Ira Morton, son of Silas Morton. SENATOR: I knew there was a family connection between you and the Mortons. FEJEVARY: (_speaking with reserve_) They played together as children and married as soon as they were grown up. SENATOR: So this was your sister's boy? (FEJEVARY _nods_) One of the mothers to give her son!