But I've been leaning on you a good deal--more, in fact, than I realized." There was no questioning Bassett's sincerity, nor was there any doubt that this appeal was having its effect on the younger man.

If Bassett had been a weakling timorously making overtures for help, Harwood would have been sensible of it; but a man of demonstrated force and intelligence, who had probably never talked thus to another soul in his life, was addressing him with a candor at once disarming and compelling.
It was not easy to say to a man from whom he had accepted every kindness that he had ceased to trust him; that while he had been his willing companion on fair-weather voyages, he would desert without a qualm before the tempest.

But even now Bassett had asked nothing of him; why should he harden his heart against the man who had been his friend?
"You have your ideals--fine ideas of public service that I admire.

Our party needs such men as you; the young fellows couldn't get away from us fast enough after '96; many of the Sons of old-time Democrats joined the Republicans.

Fitch has spoken to me of you often as the kind of man we ought to push forward, and I'm willing to put you out on the firing-line, where you can work for your ideals.