Then Samuel told yet again how he had been led into evil ways, and how he had been converted by Dr. Vince. He told the story in detail, so that the other might comprehend his fervor. Then he told of the converts he had made, and how at last he had encountered Charlie Swift. “And this man would not come into the church,” he wound up, “because of the wicked people who are in it.” The other had been listening with perplexed interest. “Who are these people?” he asked. “Yourself for one,” said Samuel. Mr. Wygant started. “Myself!” he exclaimed. “What have I done?” “For one thing,” replied Samuel, “you work little children in your mill, and you named the State senator to beat the child-labor bill. And for another, you make speeches and pose as a political reformer, while you are paying money to Slattery, so that he will give you franchises.” There was a silence, while Mr. Wygant got back his breath. “Young man,” he cried at last, “this is a most incredible piece of impertinence!” And suddenly the boy started toward him, stretching out his arms. “Mr. Wygant!” he cried. “You are going to be angry with me! But I beg you not to harden your heart! I have come here for your own good! I came because I couldn't bear to know that such things are done by a member of St. Matthew's Church!” For a moment or two Mr. Wygant sat staring. “Let me ask you one thing,” he said. “Does Dr. Vince know about this?” “I went to Dr. Vince about it first,” replied Samuel. “And he wouldn't do anything about it. He said that if I came to you, I must make it clear that he did not approve of it. I have come of my own free will, sir.” There was another pause. “You are going to be angry with me!” cried Samuel, again. “No,” said the other, “I will not be angry--because you are nothing but a child, and you don't know what you are doing.” “Oh!” said Samuel. “You are very much in need of a little knowledge of life,” added the other. “But, Mr. Wygant,” exclaimed the boy, “the things I have said are true!” “They are true--after a fashion,” was the reply. “And they are very wrong things!” “They seem so to you. That is because you know so little about such matters.” “You are corrupting the government of your country, Mr. Wygant!” “The government of my country, as you call it, consisting of a number of blackmailing politicians, who exist to prey upon the business I represent.” There was a pause. “You see, young man,” said Mr. Wygant, “I have many responsibilities upon my shoulders--many interests looking to me for protection. And it is as if I were surrounded by a pack of wolves.” “But meantime,” cried Samuel, “what is becoming of free government?” “I do not know,” the other replied. “I sometimes think that unless the people reform, free government will soon come to an end.” “But what are the people to do, sir?”