Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/116

 men, and among them, aided and abetted by my own folly, I was buncoed—yes, regularly buncoed."

The rage and shame that possessed him seemed to overpower Crane for a moment, and he covered his face with his hands. Then he dashed them down and continued:

"Of course I could have made a good showing in the race in January, and after my success of yesterday I believe I could have won. Senator Bicknell is not by any means the czar in the State which he would wish people to believe. But because Sanders dangled before my eyes the bauble of the appointment to the Senate—a present mess of pottage—and because I owed money I could not pay, I gave up the finest prospect of success any man of my age has had for forty years!"

Crane struck the arm of his chair with his clinched fist. His furious and sombre eyes showed the agony of his disappointment.

"As soon as it was done I knew my folly, and since then I have been almost like a madman. I went to my room to recover myself before going to the Capitol, and managed not to betray myself