"Bub, look at the thing from my standpoint for just one moment. I'll consider it from yours, too--you needn't worry. I want you to be something in this world besides a lumber-jack. You've got the right stuff in you. I tried argument with you. You'll have to own up that I did. It didn't work--now, did it?" "I told you I didn't want to get into politics. I don't want to get in. I don't like the company." "Politics is all right, Harlan, when the right men are in. You are the kind the people are calling for these days. You're clean, straight, open-minded, and--" "Clean and straight! And the people are calling for me!" The young man broke in wrathfully. "You say that to me after the sort of a caucus you sprung to-day? If that's what you consider a call from the people, I don't want to be called that way." "It was a call, but it had to be _shaded_ by _politics_ a little," returned the Duke, serenely. "If a good man is going into politics, he can go in square." "Sometimes. But not when the opposition is out to do him with every dirty trick that's laid down in the back of the political almanac." "If you wanted to start me, and start me fair and right, why didn't you let my name go before that caucus to-day, and then hold off your hands?" "Because if I had you'd have stood about the same chance as a worsted dog chasing an asbestos cat through hell. Look here, bub, I wish I had the time; I'd like to tell you how most of the good men I know got their start in politics. You can be a statesman after you've got your head up where the sun can shine on it, but you've got to be touching ground to keep your head up. And if you're touching ground in politics, you'll find that your shoes are muddy--and you can't help it." The grandson did not reply. Thornton relighted his cigar. The flare of the match showed disgust and stubbornness in the features opposite. "You know Enoch Dudley as well as I do, Harlan. That's the man they put up. And a man that has let two of his sons be bound out and has turned back his wife for her own people to support can't hide behind any white necktie, so far's I'm concerned. Luke and I know where the money came from that they've been putting in here. We know the men behind, and what their object is. We know what they are trying to do in the next legislature. You'll see it all for yourself when the time comes, Harlan. You'll be up against them. You understand men. I'll only be wasting time in telling you what you'll see for yourself. Do you want to see a man like Enoch Dudley representing this district? If you do, go ahead and write that letter!"