“I’d, myself, rather see a Democrat win at the polls!” shouted Thornton.  “But the Democrat that they’ve got in line is worse than Spinney.  It’s a popocratic year, and they’re all playing that game.  But they can’t overcome our natural plurality, Varden.  It means Spinney if he goes to the polls!  It’s up to you to stop him.  You’ve got to do it!”

The General rose and walked around the room.  His shoulders were stooped a bit more.  Then he came and put his hand on Thelismer’s shoulder.

“Your faith in what I am and what I might do is worthy of you, my old comrade, even if it exalts my poor powers too much.  And I thank you, Thelismer.  But I know what I am.  I’m only a stranded old man.  The younger generation will not think as you do.  Go and find some good man there.  I’m too weary, Thelismer, too old and too weary—­and almost forgotten.  Find another man!”

“What’s that?  Find a man for Governor of this State, groom him, work him out, score him down and shove him under the wire of State Convention a winner inside of two weeks?  Varden, you know politics better than that! You forgotten by the younger generation of this State?  Harlan, what have you to say to that?”

The young man stood up.  He had listened well and listened long that evening.  In the presence of this gracious old knight of the heroic days of history he had felt his heart swelling as he remembered the record that all men of his State knew.

The fervor of his admiration showed so plainly in his glistening eyes that General Waymouth was touched, and waited indulgently.

“General, it’s only because my grandfather is your old friend and has commanded me that I dare to speak.  I simply have a hope.  It has become dear to me.  I’m hoping for a privilege.  I honestly believe that outside of all party preferences there are thousands of young men in this State who will feel proud to have that same privilege—­will esteem it one of the honors of their lives.  Their fathers had the same honor.  And that’s to go to the polls and cast a ballot for Gen. Varden Waymouth.  It will make politics seem worth while to us, sir.”

“Good!” ejaculated the Duke.  “You’re hearing the voice of the young men of this State now, Varden.”  He stood up.  “Here’s my boy for your service.  He’ll be in the next legislature.  Use him.  Depend on him.  You’re old—­you’ve earned your rest.  I know it.  But here’s a loud call for a sacrifice.  This boy and such as he can lift a lot of the load.  Varden, give me your hand.  Say that you’ll do it!”

“Let’s sit down a moment,” said the General, solemn gentleness in his tone.  “I have something that it’s in my heart to say.”

He drew his chair even closer to them.  They waited a few moments for him to speak.  In that room with its dignity of ancient things, with the silence of the summer night surrounding, that waiting was impressive.  Harlan felt the thrill of it.  Even his grandfather was gravely anxious.  The General leaned forward and put his thin hand on the elder Thornton’s knee.