But tell
me why this protracted imitation of Socrates? Where are you trying
to lead me? Do you want me to say that the German Kaiser is a very
bad foreman of his shop; that he has got it into a horrible mess
and made it despised and hated by all the other shops; that he ought
to be put out? If that is your point, I am with you in advance."
"Right you are!" cried Dick joyously. "Can the Kaiser! We all agree
to that. And here the bout ends, with honors for both sides, and
a special prize for the Governor."
The professor smiled, recognizing in the name more affection than
disrespect. He leaned forward in his chair, lighting a fresh cigar
with gusto.
"Not yet," he said, "O too enthusiastic youth! Our friend here has
not yet come to the point at which I was aiming. The application of
my remarks to the Kaiser--whom I regard as a gifted paranoiac--is
altogether too personal and limited. I was thinking of something
larger and more important. Do you give me leave to develop the
idea?"
"Fire away, sir," said Dick.
Hardman nodded his assent.
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