John was somewhat surprised by Brennan's way of answering.
"And what about Gibson?" he asked.
"Gibson may be sincere and he may not. He's either a comer or a sap. If he means what he says and goes through with it, he'll have the whole city behind him. If he's just doing a lot of grandstanding or if he's playing someone's political game, that's another thing. Just remember one thing, we may need it some time; remember what he said when I asked him if he was out to be mayor!"
John was unwilling to take the skeptical attitude shown by the older reporter.
"If he really has no idea of running for mayor, what else could cause him to do what he says he will except a sincere desire to keep things clean and straight?" he asked.
"Well," said Brennan, "some of them are out for glory and some of them play a deeper game. Sometimes it's a girl."
John thought of Consuello.
"Maybe he's in love with fair Consuello," Brennan suggested, smiling. "Wants to do something big and glorious to win her."
"I'm willing to give him a chance," John said. "I can't help but think he's sincere. Let's hope so, anyway."
"Gallant," said Brennan, after they had walked half a block without speaking. "I'd give anything in the world to have your faith in mankind. Try and keep it as long as you can. That's the trouble with most reporters. They see so much of the other side of life that they drop into cynicism and that ruins them. You are ready to believe, I am ready to disbelieve. Keep on believing, Gallant. If you're deceived once, twice, any number of times, keep on believing."