Every job that's going is given to their friends; and if there
aren't enough jobs to go round, why, they get one of their statesmen to
frame a bill--what you call your Insurance Bill is one of them, I believe
--in which there are several hundred offices that need filling. And there
you are!"
Mr. Ansell and I exchanged glances. The enthusiasm that had greeted Mr.
Bundercombe's efforts was giving place now to murmurs and more ironical
cheers. One of his coadjutors on the platform leaned over and whispered in
Mr. Bundercombe's ear. Mr. Bundercombe nodded.
"Gentlemen," he concluded, "I'm told that my time is up. I have explained
my views to you and told you why I think you ought to vote for Mr.
Horrocks. I've nothing to say against the other fellow, except that I
don't understand his point of view. Mr. Horrocks I do understand. He's out
to do himself a bit o'good and it's up to you to help him."
A determined tug at Mr. Bundercombe's coattails by one of the men on the
platform brought him to his seat amid loud bursts of laughter and more
cheers. Eve gripped my arm and we turned slowly away.
"It's a privilege," I declared solemnly, "to have ever known your father!
If I only had an idea what he meant about those reaping machines! You
couldn't give me a hint, I suppose, Eve?" She shook her head.
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