Talk about the economy of Nature! Why, nothing in the universe, not even the civilization of man, has ever equalled her indecent prodigality!" As the man's words poured out in his rich, deep voice, Stephen stared at him in a silence which reminded him humorously of the pause in church before the sermon began.

Was this the reason of Vetch's influence and authority--this flow of ideas, as from a horn of plenty, that left the listener both charmed and bewildered?
"I admit it all," rejoined the young man, "except that you have discovered the remedy." The Governor laughed and settled back in his big leather-covered chair.
"You think that I blow my own horn too loudly," he continued, "but, after all, who knows how to blow it half so well as I do?
For the same reason some over-sensitive nerve of yours may wince at my behaviour at times, my lack of dignity or reserve; but have I ever lost a vote--I put it to you plainly--or the shadow of a vote by an occasional resort to spectacular advertising?
It pays to advertise in politics, we all know that!--but it was honest advertising since I never failed to deliver the goods.

I started out to prove my strength and to flay my opponents, and you tell me, you group of black-coated conservatives, that I make myself ridiculous because I strike an attitude.

The people laughed--but, by George, they laughed with me! Oh, I know you think that I am wandering from my point; but I haven't forgotten your question, and I am going to answer it, if you will give me time.

You ask me what I believe--" "If you could tell me in few words and plainly." "Well, first of all, I make no pretence.