“They are to elect honest men, with whom one can do business--instead of the peasant saloon keepers and blatherskite labor leaders whom they choose at present.” Samuel thought for a moment. “Men with whom one can do business,” he said--“but what kind of business do you want to do?” “How do you mean?” asked the other. “You went to those politicians and got a franchise that will let you tax the people whatever you please for ninety-nine years. And do you think that was good business for the people?” There was no reply to this. “And how much of the property you are protecting was made in such ways as that, sir?” A frown had come upon Mr. Wygant's forehead. But no one could gaze into Samuel's agonized face and remain angry. “Young man,” said he. “I can only tell you again that you do not know the world. If I should step out, would things be any different? The franchises would go to some other crowd--that is all. It is the competition of capital.” “The competition of capital,” reflected the boy. “In other words, there is a scramble for money, and you get what you can!” “You may put it that way, sir.” “And you think that your responsibility ends when you've got a share for your crowd!” “Yes--I suppose that is it.” There was a pause. “I see perfectly,” said Samuel, in a low voice. “There's only one thing I can't understand.” “What is that?” “Why you should belong to the church, sir? What has this money scramble to do with the teaching of Jesus?” And then Samuel saw that he had overstepped the mark. “Really, young man,” said Mr. Wygant, “I cannot see what is to be gained by pursuing this conversation.” “But, sir, you are degrading the church!” “The subject must be dropped!” said Mr. Wygant sternly. “You are presuming upon my good nature. You are forgetting your place.” “I have been reminded of my place before,” said Samuel, in a suppressed voice. “But I do not know what my place is.” “That is quite evident,” responded the other. “It is your place to do your work, and be respectful to your superiors, and keep your opinions to yourself.” “I see that you will get angry with me,” said the boy, “I can't make you understand--I am only trying to find the truth. I want to do what's right, Mr. Wygant!” “I suppose you do,” began the other-- “I want to understand, sir--just what is it that makes another person my superior?” “People who are older than you, and who are wiser--” “But is it age and wisdom, Mr. Wygant? I worked for Master Albert Lockman, and he's hardly any older than I. And yet he was my superior!” “Yes,” admitted the other-- “And in spite of the wicked life that he's leading, sir!” “What!” “Yes, Mr. Wygant--he's drinking, and going with bad women. And yet he is my superior.” “Ahem!” said Mr. Wygant. “Isn't it simply that he has got a lot of money?” pursued Samuel relentlessly. Mr. Wygant did not reply. “And isn't my 'place' simply the fact that I haven't any money at all?” Again there was no reply.