“God bless you! I'll never forget—”
“That's right. You mustn't. Forgettin' is the one thing you mustn't do. And, see here, you're boss of the political fleet in Bayport; you steer the school committee now. Phoebe Dawes ain't too popular with that committee; I'd see that she was popularized.”
“Yes, yes; she shall be. She shall not be disturbed. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Why, yes, I guess there is. Speakin' of popularity made me think of it. That harbor appropriation had better go through.”
A very faint tinge of color came into the congressman's chalky face. He hesitated in his reply.
“I—I don't know about that, Cyrus,” he said. “The bill will probably be voted on in a few days. It is made up and—”
“Then I'd strain a p'int and make it over. I'd work real hard on it. I'm sorry about that sugar river, but I cal'late Bayport 'll have to come first. Yes, it'll have to, Heman; it sartin will.”
The reference to the “sugar river” was the final straw. Evidently this man knew everything.
“I—I'll try my best,” affirmed Heman. “Thank you, Cyrus. You have been more merciful than I had a right to expect.”
“Yes, I guess I have. Why do I do it?” He smiled and shook his head. “Well, I don't know. For two reasons, maybe. First, I'd hate to be responsible for tippin' over such a sky-towerin' idol as you've been to make ruins for Angie Phinney and the other blackbirds to peck at and caw over. And second—well, it does sound presumin', don't it, but I kind of pity you. Say, Heman,” he added with a chuckle, “that's a kind of distinction, in a way, ain't it? A good many folks have hurrahed over you and worshipped you—some of 'em, I guess likely, have envied you; but, by the big dipper! I do believe I'm the only one in this round world that ever PITIED you. Good-by. The elevator's right down the hall.”