"I think I don't quite understand," he said quietly.
"I'm eatin' humble pie because youse slipped wan over on me.
You're the best campaign speaker in the state, bar none, boy as
you are."
James could not keep his gratified smile down. "This heart-felt
testimonial comes free, I take it," he pretended to mock.
"Come off with youse," O'Brien flung back good humoredly. "I'm not
here to hand you booquets, but to talk business. Here's the nub of
it, me boy. You need me, and I need you."
"I don't quite see how I need you, Mr. O'Brien."
"That's because you're young yet and don't know the game. Let me
tell you this." The boss leaned forward, his hard eyes focused on
Farnum. "You'll never get anywhere so long as youse trail with
that reform bunch. It's all hot air and tomfool theory. Populism
and socialism! Take my wor-rd for it, there's nothin' to 'em."
"I'm neither a populist nor a socialist, Mr. O'Brien."
"Coorse you're not. I can see that with wan eye shut. That's why I
hate to see youse ruin yourself with them that are. I've no need
to tell you that this country's run by business men and not
cranks. Me, I'm a business man, and I run the city.
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