isorganized slavery. I believe in the trite formula we workers
preach--in the eight-hour day, the old age pension, which is only the
inevitable step from the mother's pension, the gradual nationalization
of mines and railroads. I believe in these things which are the
commonplace of to-morrow; but it is not because of my beliefs that the
people follow me. It is something bigger than all this that catches the
crowd. What the people see in me is not the man who believes, but the
man who acts. I stand to them not for words--though you and Benham think
I've made my way by a gift of tongue--but for deeds--for things
performed as well as planned. Other men can tell them what they want. My
hold over them is that they feel I can get them what they want--a very
big difference! Oh, I use words, I know, like the rest. I have read a
few books, and I can talk as well as any political parrot of the lot
when I get started. But the words I use are living words, if you notice
them. I talk always about the things that I can do, never about the
things that I think. Well, that is my secret--my pose, if you prefer--to
present my argument to the crowd as an act, not as an idea. There are
plenty of imposing statues standing around. What they see in me is a
human being like themselves, one who wants what they want, and who will
fight to the last ditch to get it for them."

It was plausible; it sounded convincing and logical; and yet, even while
Stephen responded to the Governor's personal touch, some obstinate fibre
of race or inflexible bent of judgment, refused to surrender. Vetch was
probably sincere--it was fairer to give him the benefit of the
doubt--but on the surface at least he was parading a spectacular pose.
The role of the Friend of the People has seldom been absent from the
drama of history.

With a glance at the window, where twilight was falling, Stephen rose,
and held out his hand. "I shall remember your frankness," he said, "the
next time I hear you speak. That, I hope, will be soon."

"And you will wait until then to be converted?"

"I shall wait until then to be wholly convinced."

"Well, Darrow may have better results. You go with Darrow?"

"If he will take me?" The deference with which the old man had inspired
the Governor showed in Stephen's manner. "I shall be grateful for a lift
on the way home."

Darrow had risen also; and after shaking hands with Vetch, he looked
back at the younger man from the doorway. "I'll ha