Yes, the luck has turned for you since you were called in to attend
cobbler Samuels' children, and you haven't seen the top of it yet, I can
tell you. Now, what do you think I have come to see you about?"
"Can't say. I give it up."
"Then I will tell you. You saw in yesterday's paper that old brewer
Hicks, the member for Dunchester, has been raised to the peerage. I
understand he told the Government that if they kept him waiting any
longer he would stop his subscription to the party funds, and as that's
5000 pounds a year, they gave in, believing the seat to be a safe one.
But that's just where they make their mistake, for if we get the right
man the Rads will win."
"And who is the right man?"
"James Therne, Esq., M.D.," he answered quietly.
"What on earth do you mean?" I asked. "How can I afford to spend from
1000 to 2000 pounds upon a contested election, and as much more a year
in subscriptions and keeping up the position if I should chance to be
returned? And how, in the name of fortune, can I be both a practising
physician and a member of Parliament?"
"I'll tell you, doctor, for, ever since your name was put forward by
the Liberal Council yesterday, I have seen these difficulties and been
thinking them out.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113