Wygant," said Samuel.
"Mr. Wygant!" cried the other in dismay.
"Yes, Dr. Vince."
"What has he done?"
"Did you know that it was he who beat the child-labor bill--that he
named the State senator on purpose to do it?"
The doctor was staring at him. "The child-labor bill!" he gasped. "Is
THAT what you mean?"
"Yes, Dr. Vince," said Samuel. "Surely you
didn't know that!"
"Why, I know that Mr. Wygant is very much opposed to the bill. He has
opposed it openly. He has a perfect right to do that, hasn't he?"'
"But to name the State senator to beat it, doctor!"
"Well, my boy, Mr. Wygant is very much interested in politics; and, of
course, he would use his influence. Why not?"
"But, Dr. Vince--it was a wicked thing! Think of Sophie!"
"But, my boy--haven't we found Sophie a place in Mr. Wygant's own
home?"
"Yes, doctor! But there are all the others! Think of the suffering and
misery in that dreadful mill! And Mr. Wygant pays such low wages. And
he is such a rich man--he might help the children if he would."
"Really, Samuel--" began the doctor.
But the boy, seeing the frown of displeasure on his face, rushed on
swiftly. "That's only the beginning! Listen to me! There's Mr.
Hickman!"
"Mr. Hickman!"
"Mr. Henry Hickman, the lawyer. He has done even worse things--"
And suddenly the clergyman clenched his hands. "Really, Samuel!" he
cried.
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