“Thank you, sir.” This was a good deal more than Bles had expected, and he was embarrassed.
“Well, now, we think you’re just the man to take the stump during September and October and convince the colored people of their real interests.”
“I doubt if I could, sir; I’m not a speaker. In fact, that was my first public speech.”
“So much the better. Are you willing to try?”
“Why, yes, sir; but I could hardly afford to give up my position.”
“We’ll arrange for a leave of absence.”
“Then I’ll try, sir.”
“What would you expect as pay?”
“I suppose my salary would stop?”
“I mean in addition to that.”
“Oh, nothing, sir; I’d be glad to do the work.”
The chairman nearly choked; sitting back, he eyed the young man. Either they were dealing with a fool, or else a very astute politician. If the former, how far could they trust him; if the latter, what was his game?
“Of course, there’ll be considerable travelling,” the chairman ventured, looking reflectively out of the window.
“Yes, sir, I suppose so.”
“We might pay the railroad fare.”
“Thank you, sir. When shall I begin?”