"And Jim Blake stands for whisky and water—with a goodly dash of sugar. He's a kind of toddy for our split Democracy."
"But what has he to do with Richard Chalmers?" I asked, an uneasy fear clutching at my gay spirits.
"That's just what we want to know—before the Times can rally to the support of Chalmers."
"The Times!" I was genuinely aroused now. "Why, I thought the Times had virtually made Richard Chalmers."
"Well, the paper has boomed him because he has always stood for the right principles heretofore. But there is a grave complication about to set in now, it seems. Of course the people of this state are not going to stand for Appleton again—we are not Hottentots, and either a strong Democrat must come out, and stand on a strong platform, else we are going to have a Republican for governor."
"Well?"
"Well, the law-abiding faction is ready to support Richard Chalmers, so long as he does not compromise, but at the first evidence of weakening on his part—the vote goes to some clean Republican."
"And you are afraid that he will join Blake—in some way?"
"In a very clearly defined way. Blake is the most popular man in the state. He could put up a good fight for anything he wanted here—and he could throw his influence to Chalmers."
I traced the pattern of the counterpane with the end of the clothes-brush which I was still holding in my hand.