The political campaign was already in progress. Hitherto the public utility corporations of Verden had controlled and practically owned the machinery of both parties. The _World_ had revolted, rallied the better sentiment in the party to which it belonged, and forced the convention to declare for a reform platform and to nominate a clean ticket composed of men of character. Jeff agreed. “I think we're going to win. The people are with us. The _World_ is booming.” It's the advertising troubles me. Frome and Merrill have got at the big stores and they won't come in with any space worth mentioning.” “Damn the big advertisers,” exploded Chunn. “I've got two million cold and I'm going to see this thing out, son. That's what I told Frome last week when he had the nerve to have me nominated to the Verden Club. Wanted to muzzle me. Be a good fellow and quit agitating. That was the idea. I sent back word I'd stuck by Lee to Appomattox and I reckoned I was too old a dog to learn the new trick of deserting my flag.” “If you're satisfied I ought to be,” Jeff laughed. “As for the advertising, the stores will come back soon. The managers all want to take space, but they are afraid of spoiling their credit at the banks while conditions are so unsettled.” “Oh, well. We'll stick to our guns. You fire'em and I'll supply the ammunition.” The little man put his hand on Jeff's shoulder with a chuckle. “We're both rebels--both irreconcilables, son. I reckon we're going to be well hated before we get through with this fight.” “Yes. They're going about making people believe we're cranks and agitators who are hurting business for our own selfish ends.” “I reckon we can stand it, David.” Chunn had no children of his own and he always called Jeff son or David. “By the way, how's that good looking cousin of yours coming out? I see you're giving his speeches lots of space.” A light leaped to the eyes of the younger man. “He's doing fine. James is a born orator. Wherever he goes he gets a big ovation.” Chunn grunted. “Humph! That'll please him. He's as selfish as the devil, always looking out for James Farnum.” “He wins the people, Captain.” “You talk every evening yourself, but I don't see reports of any of your speeches.” “I don't talk like James. There's not a man in the state to equal him, young as he is.” “Humph!” Captain Chunn grumbled a good deal about the way Jeff was always pushing his cousin forward and keeping in the background himself. In his opinion “David” was worth a hundred of the other. CHAPTER 7 “Spirits of old that bore me, And set me, meek of mind, Between great deeds before me, And deeds as great behind, Knowing Humanity my star As forth of old I ride, O help me wear with every scar Honor at eventide.” THE REBEL DISCOVERS THAT ADHESION IS A PROPERTY OF MUD; ALSO THAT A SOLDIER MUST SOMETIMES TURN HIS BACK AND BURN THE BRIDGES BEHIND HIM Part 1