The cheering for the nominee was yet at its flood when Bannister leaped at
Colonel Sommerton and grasped his hand. The old gentleman was flushed and
smiling, as became a politician so wonderfully favored. It was a moment
never to be forgotten by either of the men.
"I cordially congratulate you, Colonel Sommerton, on your nomination," said
Tom, with great feeling, "and you may count on my hearty support."
"If I don't have to support you, and pay your office rent in the bargain,
all the rest of my life, I miss my guess, you young scamp!" growled the
Colonel, in a major key. "Be off with you!"
Tom moved away to let the Colonel's friends crowd up and shake hands with
him; but the delighted youth could not withhold a Parthian shaft. As he
retreated he said, "Oh, Colonel, don't bother about my support; Sommerton
Plantation will be ample for that!"
"Hit do beat all thunder how dese white men syfoogles eroun' in politics,"
old Barnaby thought to himself. Then he rattled the coins in his two
pockets. The contributions of Colonel Sommerton chinked on the left, those
of Tom Bannister and Phyllis rang on the right.
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