“What you mean by ‘almost’?” I research.
“By ‘almost’ I mean ‘nearly,’” irritate that Irish patriot. “When a thing are ‘almost good’ it are ‘nearly bad,’” he dib. “When I chase a ferryboat and almost catch it, that do not help me much about arriving to Oakland in time for German banquit. A Vice-Pres are a statesman what have nearly caught the Ship of State.”
“Situation of Vice-President were offered to many Favourite Sons,” I regret.
“It were refused by many Favourite Sons,” say Strunsky, “but it were accepted by a Political Orphan.”
So I leave that Strunsky enjoying feel of considerable depress near shoulder-blade. I have a slammed ideal. Such a useless to young mans studying bookkeeping & stenography of hope to become President some day! It are awfully well to make walk-up by stairway of Fame—but supposing for imagination that foot slipped? Ah then! Japanese Boy might get downdy tumble to be a Vice-President or some other equal crime.
Soonly I meet up with my Uncle Nichi, who are taking lessons in American cigar smoking from Cousin Nogi. My dear ¼ ancestor are permitted to discuss about Hon. William Jenny Bryan because of reverence for ancient history.
“Hon. Thos. Lawson of Mass. have offer $1,000,000 to Hon. Bryan to take it and be a Vice-President,” say-he for news.
“That price would be considerable circulation for The Commutor, Hon. Bryan’s newspaper,” I collide. “But could Hon. Bryan do so much for so little?”
“Honour of such office are beyond goldy riches,” dib Uncle who is a farmer.