James was striding up and down the room to get rid of
some of his nervous energy. "I've done more than work. I've made
opportunities... grabbed them coming and going. Young as I am Verden
expects big things of me. And I'll deliver the goods, too."

"What's the program?" Jeff asked, much amused.

"Don't know yet. I'm going into politics and I mean to get ahead. I'll
make a big splash and keep in the public eye."

His cousin could not help laughing. "You always were a pretty good press
agent for J. K. Farnum."

"Why shouldn't I be?"

"I don't know why you shouldn't. A man who gets ahead puts himself in a
position where he can bring about reforms."

"That's it exactly. I mean to make myself a power."

"Get hold of one good practical reform and back it. Pound away on it
until the people identify you with it. Take direct legislation as your
text, say. There's going to be a strong drift that way in the next ten
years. Machines and bosses are going to be swept to the junk heap."

"How do you know?"

Jeff could give no adequate justification for the faith that was in him.
It would be no answer to tell James that he knew the plain people of
the state better than the politicians did. However, he mentioned a few
facts.

"It's all very well for you to be a radical, but I have to conserve my
influence," James objected. "I've got to be practical. If I were just
going to be a reporter it would be different."

"Don't be too practical, James. You've got to have some vision if you're
going to lead the people. Nobody is so blind to the future as practical
politicians and business men." He stopped, smiling quizzically. "But
you're the orator of the family. I don't want to infringe on your
copyright. Only you have the personality to be a real leader. Get
started right. Remember that America faces forward, and that we're going
to move with seven league boots to better conditions."

James mused out loud. "If a man could be a Lincoln to save the people
from industrial slavery it would be worth while."

Jeff did not laugh at his conceit. "Go to it. I'll promise you the
backing of the _World_."

"What have you to do with the _World_?"

"Beginning with next Monday I'm to be managing editor."

"You!"

"Even so. Captain Chunn has bought the paper."

"Chunn, the man who made millions in a lucky strike in Alaska?"

"Same man."

James was still incredulous. "How did Chunn happen to pick you for the
editor?"

"He's an old f