Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/83

 *ing he has had, and he will get a small bunch of votes, but I don't think you need take the fellow seriously just now."

At this last sentence Senator Bicknell's face shone like the sun. It shone the more when Senator Standiford kept on:

"There's no reason to fear a man who makes a good speech"

"I am in no fear of any one," gravely replied Senator Bicknell, who thought it essential to his dignity to say so much.

"It's the strong debater who is likely to become formidable. There's Thorndyke now—Crane has made the speech—largely Thorndyke's—but he is totally unequal to the running fire of debate. Thorndyke could do him up inside of ten minutes. Luckily for him, the debate will not be fierce, and Thorndyke will really conduct it."

"Mr. Thorndyke is a very able man," said Senator Bicknell, as if thinking aloud.

"Yes, but totally without ambition," replied Senator Standiford, gravely, and Thorndyke, within the car, laughed silently.

It was, however, no laughing matter, but Thorn