Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/232

196 warmed up to his subject. While he was talking, an old soldier sauntered up, remaining somewhat on the outer edge of the crowd. That he was keenly interested in what was being said, there could be no doubt.

McKinley, having reviewed the financial situation, continued somewhat in this style: "And now, my friends, what is to be done in this matter? We all agree that the matter must be cared for. But who is to protect the government?"

"Billy McKinley, the rider of the bobtailed nag!" shouted the old soldier, at the top of his lungs.

For the moment there was a dead silence, the interruption was so unexpected. Then came a rousing cheer from all the old soldiers present.

"Hurrah! Billy McKinley on his bobtailed nag! The hero of Kernstown!"

And then the crowd understood and the cheers were redoubled. It was an odd tribute, but it pleased the candidate immensely.

At last came election day, and then the all-memorable night, when the returns from