Also I believe Elmhurst to be the most important estate in the
district, and you to be the largest taxpayer. This man wishes to go to
the State Legislature and make laws for you to obey."
"Well?"
"Well, it's our duty to watch him. If he isn't a fit man it's our duty
to prevent him from representing us."
The young man nodded somewhat dreamily.
"Some of these country yokels must represent us," he observed. "It
doesn't matter much whether it's Hopkins or someone else."
"Except that you, being a prominent man, owe it to the community to
protect its interests," added the lawyer.
"Do you want me to mix in these petty politics?" asked the boy,
irritably.
"Oh, do as you like, my boy. If you can shirk your duties with a clear
conscience, I've nothing to say."
For a time the young man was silent. Finally he asked:
"Why isn't Hopkins a good Representative?"
"He's what is called a 'grafter'; a term signifying that he is willing
to vote for any measure that he is paid to vote for, whether it benefits
his constituents or not."
"Oh. Is he singular in this?"
"By no means. The 'grafter' is all too common in politics."
Again the boy fell into a thoughtful mood.
"Mr. Watson, am I a Democrat or a Republican?"
The old gentleman laughed outright.
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