CHAPTER XX.

The visit of Senator Abner Dilworthy was an event in Hawkeye. When a

Senator, whose place is in Washington moving among the Great and guiding

the destinies of the nation, condescends to mingle among the people and

accept the hospitalities of such a place as Hawkeye, the honor is not

considered a light one. All, parties are flattered by it and politics

are forgotten in the presence of one so distinguished among his fellows.

Senator Dilworthy, who was from a neighboring state, had been a Unionist

in the darkest days of his country, and had thriven by it, but was that

any reason why Col. Sellers, who had been a confederate and had not

thriven by it, should give him the cold shoulder?

The Senator was the guest of his old friend Gen. Boswell, but it almost

appeared that he was indebted to Col. Sellers for the unreserved

hospitalities of the town. It was the large hearted Colonel who, in a

manner, gave him the freedom of the city.

"You are known here, sir," said the Colonel, "and Hawkeye is proud of

you. You will find every door open, and a welcome at every hearthstone.

I should insist upon your going to my house, if you were not claimed by

your older friend Gen. Boswell. But you will mingle with our people, and

you will see here developments that will surprise you."

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The Gilded Age