the utter
impotence of the class of whites who joined them for the sake of office,
and the federal pie-counter element of whites has utterly lost favor
with the great body of Negroes. The situation within the Negro race is
therefore ripe for a new alignment. We have come to the conclusion that
the American people need an idealist class in their political life, and
it would be a great gift to the nation for the Negro to point the way
for such a party.

"The Negroes are going to organize in the South an Eclectic party that
will serve as an antidote to the tendency toward party worship. We
shall separate city from county politics, county from state, and state
from national. We shall often, perhaps, be found supporting one party's
candidate for governor and another party's candidate for president. The
question of human rights and the civil and political equality of all men
shall be a first consideration with us, and we shall go to the aid of
the class of men of like faith on these points, it matters not in what
political party they may be found. The best interests of the people, and
not party loyalty, shall be our creed.

"In this way we shall be able to co-operate with the best element of
Southern white people. Though not posing as the political leader of my
people, I feel sure that I correctly forecast their policy," said Ensal.

"Great possibilities lie in that direction, and I firmly believe that we
have at last found the way of peace and honor and justice to all," said
young Maul.

The two young men now parted, and Ensal went to the telegraph station
and sent the following message to Earl:

"Problem will now be solved. Aggressiveness on part of better element of
whites assured. The whole machinery of the national government is in
hands that will accord them support. Working basis in political matters
agreed upon for better element of both races. Am writing you at
length."

When in due course of mail Ensal's promised letter reached Earl and set
forth the prospects of an adjustment of the questions at issue, Earl was
exultant and felt that he had at last good news to carry to Eunice.

CHAPTER XL.

_Sorrow and Gladness._

In the parlor of the sanitarium Earl sat awaiting the coming of Eunice,
his face telling of the hopes now alive within his heart.

With an exclamation of joy Eunice ran and threw herself into his arms.
During her whole stay in the sanitarium the Negro question had not been
broached