Theft Part 14

But any government is representative of its people. No people is worthy of a better government than it possesses. Were it worthier, it would possess a better government.

(_Starkweather nods his head approvingly._)

{Knox}

That is a lie. And I say to you now that the average morality and desire for right conduct of the people of the United States is far higher than that of the government which misrepresents it.

The people are essentially worthy of a better government than that which is at present in the hands of the politicians, for the benefit of the politicians and of the interests the politicians represent. I wonder, Mr. Sakari, if you have ever heard the story of the four aces.

{Sakari}

I cannot say that I have.

{Knox}

Do you understand the game of poker?

{Sakari}

(_Considering._) Yes, a marvelous game. I have learned it--at Yale.

It was very expensive.

{Knox}

Well, that story reminds me of our grafting politicians.

They have no moral compunctions. They look upon theft as right--eminently right. They see nothing wrong in the arrangement that the man who deals the cards should give himself the best in the deck. Never mind what he deals himself, they'll have the deal next and make up for it.

{Dolores Ortega}

But the story, Mr. Knox. I, too, understand poker.

{Knox}

It occurred out in Nevada, in a mining camp. A tenderfoot was watching a game of poker, He stood behind the dealer, and he saw the dealer deal himself four aces from the bottom of the deck.

(_From now on, he tells the story in the slow, slightly drawling Western fas.h.i.+on._) The tenderfoot went around to the player on the opposite side of the table.

"Say," he says, "I just seen the dealer give himself four aces off the bottom."

The player looked at him a moment, and said, "What of it?"

"Oh, nothing," said the tenderfoot, "only I thought you might want to know. I tell you I seen the dealer give himself four aces off the bottom."

"Look here, Mister," said the player, "you'd better get out of this. You don't understand the game. It's HIS deal, ain't it?"

{Margaret}

(_Arising while they are laughing._) We've talked politics long enough. Dolores, I want you to tell me about your new car.

{Knox}

(_As if suddenly recollecting himself._) And I must be going.

(_In a low voice to Margaret._) Do I have to shake hands with all these people?

{Margaret}

(_Shaking her head, speaking low._) Dear delightful Ali Baba.

{Knox}

(_Glumly._) I suppose I've made a fool of myself.

{Margaret}

(_Earnestly._) On the contrary, you were delightful. I am proud of you.

(_As Knox shakes hands with Margaret, Sakari arises and comes forward_).

{Sakari}

I, too, must go. I have had a charming half hour, Mrs. Chalmers.

But I shall not attempt to thank you.

(_He shakes hands with Margaret._)

(_Knox and Sakari proceed to make exit to rear._)

(_Just as they go out, Servant enters, carrying card-tray, and advances toward Starkweather._)

(_Margaret joins Dolores Ortega and Chalmers, seats herself with them, and proceeds to talk motor-cars._)

(_Servant has reached Starkweather, who has taken a telegram from tray, opened it, and is reading it._)

{Starkweather}

d.a.m.nation!

{Servant}

I beg your pardon, sir.

{Starkweather}

Send Senator Chalmers to me, and Mr. Hubbard.

{Servant}

Yes, sir.