Political matters had, on the day when the Laurens speech was published, brought Cassius Kimball, the managing editor and dominant spirit of The Journal, to Fenchester to see Governor Embree, whose fortunes the paper had early backed. After his call, the Governor sent for Robson. They had not seen each other since war began. Martin Embree’s smile was happy as that of a boy.
“Well, Jem,” was his greeting. “We’ve got him this time.”
“Who?”
“Magnus Laurens. Did n’t you see this morning’s Bellair Journal?”
“I’ve just been reading it.”
“That kills Laurens.”
“For what?”
“For everything and anything in this State. Governor—Legislature—dogcatcher; he couldn’t get elected to anything, if this is handled properly.”
“I’m giving his speech in full, in to-night’s paper.”
“That’s it! And a slashing editorial to follow tomorrow. Eh?”