When it completely awakens----'' Charlton made a large
gesture and laughed.
``What then?'' said Hastings.
``The end of the upper and the middle classes. Everybody will
have to work for a living.''
``Who's going to be elected this fall?'' asked Jane. ``Your
man?''
``Yes,'' said Doctor Charlton. ``Victor Dorn thinks not. But he
always takes the gloomy view. And he doesn't meet and talk with
the fellows on the other side, as I do.''
Hastings was looking out from under the vizor of his cap with a
peculiar grin. It changed to a look of startled inquiry as
Charlton went on to say:
``Yes, we'll win. But the Davy Hull gang will get the offices.''
``Why do you think that?'' asked old Hastings sharply.
Charlton eyed his patient with a mocking smile. ``You didn't
think any one knew but you and Kelly-- did you?'' laughed he.
``Knew what?'' demanded Hastings, with a blank stare.
``No matter,'' said Charlton. ``I know what you intend to do.
Well, you'll get away with the goods. But you'll wish you
hadn't. You old-fashioned fellows, as I've been telling you,
don't realize that times have changed.''
``Do you mean, Doctor, that the election is to be stolen away
from you?'' inquired Jane.
``Was that what I meant, Mr. Hastings?'' said Charlton.
``The side that loses always shouts thief at the side that
wins,'' said the old man indifferently. ``I don't take any
interest in politics.''
``Why should you?'' said the Doctor audaciously.
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