nd while he
deplores the death of Lovejoy, he takes it as a matter of course; the
wringing of the nose brings forth blood. He is kindly and most loyal,
fearless, clear-minded, and powerful; but he is unmoral. He sees the
play of life. He sees the stronger getting more, Texas coming eventually
to the United States, though blood be shed. The drift of things is
impelled by great forces of ancient and world-wide origin. He believes
with all his soul in the superiority of the white race, and that it must
rule. At the same time Democracy is the thing, but Democracy let loose
only after the philosophical channels have been cut. Notwithstanding his
laughter at Mormonism, for example, he would not suppress it. He would
let it work out its own fate. Free thought and free speech will kill it,
or it will survive in spite of them because of its inherent strength, if
at all. All together Douglas is very admirable to me. I think he is a
genius; one of those human beings who was born old but who will always
be young. And here he is in a country that is changing and growing like
a village crowd upon a stage. Already Chicago has more than 4,000, and
we are soon to have canals and railroads, thanks to Douglas more than to
any other man in Illinois. 'The Great Northern Cross,' a railroad, is
soon to be built starting at Meredosia on the Illinois River and running
to Jacksonville.

"As to my own affairs, dear grandmama, I have nothing to wish for in the
way of material progress. Upon my return from New Orleans, whither I
went in order to think down an unfortunate love affair, I found that Zoe
had run away. I do not know where she is, and cannot learn by any means
at my present command. Though, if Douglas is nominated for Congress, I
mean to go about with him through the state. That will give me
opportunity to search for her, particularly if we go to Chicago. Do
write when you can, as letters are especially welcome to me from you
here in this somewhat lonely life."

CHAPTER XXII

Because of the gossip concerning Zoe, and the fact that I had killed
Lamborn, opposition was made to me as a delegate to the Congressional
convention. I was an alien too; but that did not count. I was a resident
and a large land owner.

Though Douglas was but twenty-four years of age, he was already a giant.
Opposition gave way before him; he stepped on his foes; he brushed
tangles aside. A Mr. May, who was now in Congress, wanted to return. But
he foun