The man turned, and leaned forward. 196
“Mrs. Thorne, this is indeed a pleasure,” he said, extending his hand.
Joe then swung his chair around into their vision.
“Oh, Joe!” cried the young girl ecstatically. “And where is Janey?”
The balloting was in progress, and there was opportunity for mutual recalling of old times. Then suddenly the sibilant sounds dropped to silence as the result was announced. Wilksley had the most votes, the dark horse the least; Hume enjoyed a happy medium, with fifteen more to his count than forecast by the man behind the button, as Joe designated Knowles.
In the rush of action from the delegates, reporters, clerks, and messengers, the place resembled a beehive. Then came another ballot taking. Hume had gained ten votes from the Wilksley men and fifteen from the dark horse, but still lacked the requisite number.
From the little retreat where Hume’s manager was ensconced, with his hand on the throttle, David emerged. He looked confident and determined. 197
The third ballot resulted in giving Hume the entire added strength of the dark horse, and enough votes to elect. A committee was thereupon appointed to bring the three candidates to the House. When they entered and were escorted to the platform they each made a speech, and then formed a reception line. David stood apart, talking to one of the members. He was beginning to feel the reaction from the long strain he had been under and wished to slip away from the crowd. Suddenly he heard some one say:
“Mr. Speaker, may I congratulate you?” 198
CHAPTER IV