Page:Manhattan Transfer (John Dos Passos, 1925).djvu/276

 and consumers, anything you want to call them, to form unions and finally get so well organized that they can take over the whole government."

"I think you're entirely wrong, Martin, it's the interests as you call em, these horrible capitalists, that have built up this country as we have it today."

"Well look at it for God's sake That's what I'm saying. I wouldnt kennel a dog in it."

"I dont think so. I admire this country It's the only fatherland I've got And I think that all these downtrodden masses really want to be downtrodden, they're not fit for anything else If they werent they'd be flourishing businessmen Those that are any good are getting to be."

"But I don't think a flourishing businessman is the highest ideal of human endeavor."

"A whole lot higher than a rotten fiddleheaded anarchist agitator Those that arent crooks are crazy."

"Look here Mead, you've just insulted something that you dont understand, that you know nothing about I cant allow you to do that You should try to understand things before you go round insulting them."

"An insult to the intelligence that's what it is all this socialistic drivel."

Ellen tapped Herf on the sleeve. "Jimmy I've got to go home. Do you want to walk a little way with me?"

"Martin, will you settle for us? We've got to go Ellie you look terribly pale."

"It's just a little hot in here Whee, what a relief I hate arguments anyway. I never can think of anything to say."

"That bunch does nothing but chew the rag night after night."

Eighth Avenue was full of fog that caught at their throats. Lights bloomed dimly through it, faces loomed, glinted in silhouette and faded like a fish in a muddy aquarium.

"Feel better Ellie?"

"Lots."