"You and I
have known each other a long time."
The Senator smiled in return. "Yes, we have, Huntingdon, and I'm proud
of the fact. That is why I was asked to undertake this errand which
has an unpleasant as well as a pleasant side. We want you to run as
our presidential nominee. But before we pass the word around, we want
you to issue a denial of the Brown canard that will settle that kind of
mud slinging at you for good and all."
Enoch's face was a cold mask. "I can't deny it, Havisham. The facts
stated are true. The inferences drawn as to my character are false.
The bringing of Miss Allen into the story was a blasphemy. All things
considered, as far as publicity goes, utter silence is my only
recourse. As for my private retaliation on Brown, that's another and a
personal matter."
Senator Havisham looked at Enoch through half-shut eyes.
"Huntingdon, let me issue that statement, exactly as you have made it."
"No," replied Enoch flatly. "The less reference made by us to the
Brown canard, the better chance of its being forgotten."
The Senator puffed silently, then said, "Why does Brown hate you?"
"I have fought his Mexican policy."
"Yes, I know, but is that the only reason?"
"As far as my knowledge goes," replied Enoch.
Pages:
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446