“Well, as a matter of fact, Jack came to me and told me, before he told any one else, that he was going to run. And he warned me he was going to make it a real fight.”
“A real fight? This is assassination!”
Wint laughed. “You’re taking it too hard. I know it’s just because you’re—proud of me. Are you going to back me in this?”
Chase frowned. “As a matter of fact, Wint, I’m in a hard position. I want to back you—of course. But I can’t stomach Caretall. If you weren’t tied up with him.”
“He’s been a pretty good friend to me. Can’t you take him on that ground?”
“If I tied up with him, I’d be called a bootlicker, and justly. After what he did to me, I can’t cater to him and keep my self-respect.”
“Pshaw, dad! The world has a short memory. That’s all forgotten.”
“I’ve not forgotten.”
“Every one else has.”
“I’m not talking about every one else. I’m talking about my own self-respect.”