“I do not like to seem too exacting—­too persistent in requiring your attendance,” protested the General, as they returned along the corridor.  The great hotel was nigh deserted.  The delegates had hurried away on the convention specials.  “But you have protected me from a great many annoyances, to put the situation mildly.  I am calling you away now to make a very special request of you.  We will speak of it on the way to the station.”

Ranged in front of the door of his suite was the delegation from the temperance societies, patiently waiting, more saturnine than before.

The Reverend Mr. Prouty intercepted them with determination.

“I do not like to seem too persistent in this matter, but we feel that we have a right to a few moments of your time, sir.  You are accepting public office, and—­”

“I do not care to have any lessons in politics read to me, Mr. Prouty.  State your business.”

“We prefer to see you in private.”

“And I prefer to have you talk before a reliable witness.  Mr. Thornton is such, and he is entirely in my confidence.”

He did not invite them into his room.

“We represent the united temperance societies of this State,” began the clergyman.

“I understand perfectly,” put in the General.  “And in order that we may thoroughly understand each other I will inform you that I know exactly what corporate interests are furnishing money to you and your campaign managers.  I have been very careful to keep posted on these matters, gentlemen!”

For a moment Mr. Prouty was visibly taken aback.

“It is necessary to finance even righteousness,” he said, at last.

“Beyond question,” admitted the General.  “I only ask you to meet me on the business basis where you belong.  I’ll not allow you to mask factional interests behind religion or a moral issue.  I don’t mean to be curt or disobliging, gentlemen, but you must get out in the open.  You have something to ask me?  Ask it.  You’ll receive a plain answer.”

“Do you intend to enforce the prohibitory law?”

“I question your good taste, Mr. Prouty, in selecting one law and asking a prospective Governor whether he intends to do his sworn duty in regard to it.”

“But other Governors have not done so.  We propose to have pledges after this.  We’ll vote for no more nullifiers.”

“Other Governors have had no direct power to enforce the law, sir.  I had no power when I was Governor.  But I’ll assure you that if I am the next Governor I shall demand that power from the legislature, and I’ll enforce that law with all the resources of the State treasury.  If it’s in the power of man to accomplish it, the sale of liquor shall be stopped in this State.”

They plainly had not expected that.  His attitude toward them, his association with the nullifier Presson had suggested that he intended to carry out the usual “let it alone” programme.  They applauded.