CHAPTER V
There was but one important measure to deal with in this session of the legislature, but David’s penetration into a thorough understanding of each bill, and the patience and sagacity he displayed in settling all disputes, won the approbation of even doubtful and divided factions. He flashed a new fire of life into the ebbing enthusiasm of his followers, whom he had led to victory on the Griggs Bill. At the close of the session, early in May, he was presented with a set of embossed resolutions commending his fulfillment of his duties.
That same night, in his room at the hotel, as he was packing his belongings, he was waited upon by a delegation composed alike of horny-handed tillers of the soil and distinguished statesmen.
“We come, David,” said the spokesman, who had been chairman of the county convention, “to say that you are our choice for the next 209 governor of this state, and in saying this we know we are echoing the sentiment of the Republican party. In fact, we are looking to you as the only man who can bring that party to victory.”
He said many more things, flattering and echoed by his followers. It made the blood tingle in David’s veins to know that these men of plain, honest, country stock, like himself, believed in him and in his honor. In kaleidoscopic quickness there passed in review his life,––the days when he and his mother had struggled with a wretched poverty that the neighbors had only half suspected, the first turning point in his life, when he was taken unto the hearth and home of strong-hearted people, his years at college, the plodding days in pursuit of the law, his hotly waged fight in the legislature, and his short literary career, and he felt a surging of boyish pride at the knowledge that he was now approaching his goal.
The next morning David went to Lafferton in order to discuss the road to the ruling of the people. 210
“Whom would you suggest for manager of my campaign, Uncle Barnabas?” he asked.
“Knowles came to me and offered his services. Couldn’t have a slicker man, Dave.”
“None better in the state. I shouldn’t have ventured to ask him.”
Janey was home for the summer, and on the first evening of his return she and David sat together on the porch.