“Well,––there’s truth in that, too. And, as you’re President of the Association, why don’t you get the boys to change their man? The one we’ve got has been too long on the job. Seems to think he’s in for life.”
“The trouble is, Ben,––who could we get that would be an improvement?”
“Why not have a try at it yourself, John, at the coming election?” suggested the editor as a feeler.
“What!––me?” exclaimed the smith in surprise, viewing the serious look on the face of the bearded hunchback.
“Sure!––why not?”
“It isn’t a question of why not,” laughed Royce Pederstone, “but rather one of WHY.”
“Because we want you,” returned the editor. “You’re one of us, and you know what this Valley requires better than any other.”
Royce Pederstone was silent.
“Would you run if we put you up?” pursued Ben Todd.
“Might,” grinned the smith, “but I won’t say where I’d run to.”