"
"I don't understand, sir."
"Well, then, understand!" said the Senator, carried far by his
indignation. "You know how I made my fortune!"
"I do!"
"Was I not justified in buying in all the public timber-lands at the going
price?"
"Yes, seeing that the people of the state were fools enough to stay asleep
and let lands go for a dollar or so an acre--lands to-day worth thousands
of dollars an acre for the timber on 'em!"
"I paid the price that was asked. That's as far as a business man is
expected to go."
"Certainly, Senator. I'm glad for you. But, I repeat, the people were
asleep! Now I'm going to wake 'em up to guard their last great
heritage--the water-power that they still own! I'll keep 'em awake, if
I've got strength enough in this arm to keep on drumming and breath enough
to keep the old trumpet sounding!"
"The corporations in this state are organized, they will protect their
charters, they will make you let go of your wild scheme," bellowed the
banker. "By the jumped-up Jehoshaphat, they will make you let go,
Morrison! By the great--"
"Hush!" pleaded their host. "They can hear outside. No profanity!"
Stewart had started toward the door; he paused for a moment when he had
his hand on the knob.
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