l rostrum descanted learnedly on what he termed
the "greatest power for righteousness in modern times and the dynamic
force through the operation of which the race is to attain its ideals."
To my mind Boller's view of the power for righteousness troubled itself
chiefly with the opposing political party, as was shown by the instance
he cited where his own paper had exposed the corrupt Democratic ring in
Pokono County and had put in its place a group of Republican patriots.
Doctor Todd, however, said afterward that Boller had treated the
subject in masterly fashion and that he was proud that McGraw had had
its part in forming such a mind. While I had listened to Boller in all
seriousness, the Professor's diatribe was too vividly in my memory for
me to accept without reservation everything that our distinguished
alumnus said. But he did bring to my mind the idea that here possibly
was the opportunity which I sought, and long before he had finished my
thoughts had wandered far from the chapel and I was picturing myself in
an editorial chair and with a caustic pen attacking the devils of which
poor man is possessed.

I met Boller in the hall afterward, and as he took my arm
condescendingly and walked with me a little way I summoned up courage
to invite him to my room and there to open my heart to him.

He lighted one of his own cigars after having declined that which I
offered him, and this little evidence of his superior taste served to
confirm my opinion of his importance. He crossed his legs carelessly,
leaned back and watched a long spire of smoke rise ceilingward. "So
you are thinking of journalism, eh, Malcolm?"

"You have set me thinking of it," I returned. "Somehow the law doesn't
appeal to me any more. The truth is--" I hesitated, recalling how
Boller's subtle ridicule had shaken the purpose so carefully nourished
by my parents and Mr. Pound. Though his talk that night had been
filled with high-flying phrases about ideals of citizenship and useful
manhood, I still had lingering doubts of his entire sincerity, and I
cast about for some way of expressing my thoughts without making myself
ludicrous in his eyes.

"The truth is--" Boller repeated.

"That I want to take up work that means something more than bread and
butter," I responded. "I don't want to be a big fish in a small pond."

"And you think that journalism offers a chance of becoming a whale in a
big pond. It does, Malcolm, it does," said Boll