The Governor's words seemed instinct with truth and sincerity.—[Page 333].
Both men nodded, and Porter took up some paper on his desk and read:
"Alfred P. Bellingham, Esq.,
"Dear Sir:—I have read your remarks of last night and I enclose you the speech which I intended to deliver in reply to them. It will never be delivered, however. I also enclose you certain documents which may be of interest to you. Upon careful consideration of these and of your recent course in this campaign, I feel sure that you will be of the opinion, as a gentleman, that the way to your election or to mine in this State does not lie along such a road.
"Yours truly,
"Robert Clinton."
"Well, I call the Governor, with all due respect, a tenderfoot," said the reporter, whistling loudly as he heard the letter. "Did the Governor give you any explanation of his change of heart?"
"Nothing very intelligible," answered Porter. "He said something about Copley School that I couldn't make out."