Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/315

 in that death-dealing machine," replied Thorndyke, dodging barely in time to save his legs. "What is your news?"

"Just this. Dad gave me his word this morning that he would not be a candidate for re-election next year. I went after the doctors myself, and made them tell me the truth about Dad—he's the only father I've got, you know. And they all told me the same thing—that if he could slack up work, and retire at the end of his term, he was good for twenty years more, but that if he kept at the grind, his life wasn't worth a pin's purchase. Dad wasn't scared by that, but when I told him that I should die of fright and distress if he went away and left me, the poor old thing weakened, and said he'd decline a re-election, and—oh, good gracious! He told me not to breathe it to a soul! He actually shook his finger at me when he said it. Oh, heavens! If you or Senator Mulligan give me away"

"Dad will shake his finger at you again," replied Thorndyke, laughing. Nevertheless, his pulses had started off at a great rate.

"It's not that—it's not that I'm afraid of him*