CHAPTER VIII.
THE HONORABLE ERASTUS IS ASTONISHED The Honorable Erastus Hopkins had been absent at the state capital for several days, looking after various matters of business; for he was a thrifty man, and watched his investments carefully.
Whenever his acquaintances asked about his chances for re-election, the Honorable Erastus Hopkins winked, laughed and declared, "it's a regular walk-over." "Who is opposing you ?" once asked a gray-haired Senator of much political experience, who had met Mr.Hopkins at luncheon.
"Young feller named Forbes--a boy, sir--with no notion about the game at all.

He was pledged to an unpopular issue, so I was mighty glad to have him run against me." "What issue is he pledged to ?" asked the Senator.
"Oh, he's agin putting advertising signs on fences and barns, and wants to have them prohibited, like the infernal fool he is." "Indeed.

Then he's a progressive fellow.

And you say his issue is unpopular ?" "That's what it is.

It'll kill his chances--if he ever had any." "Strange," mused the Senator.