III + 

Over the Nautilus Cornfield’s announcement was the vigorous headline: + 

Almus Pickerbaugh Wins + 

First Scientist Ever Elected + 

to Congress + 

Sidekick of Darwin and Pasteur + 

Gives New Punch to Steering + 

Ship of State + 

Pickerbaugh’s resignation was to take effect at once; he was, he explained, going to Washington before his term began, to study legislative methods and start his propaganda for the creation of a national Secretaryship of Health. There was a considerable struggle over the appointment of Martin in his stead. Klopchuk the dairyman was bitter; Irving Watters whispered to fellow doctors that Martin was likely to extend the socialistic free clinics; F. X. Jordan had a sensible young doctor as his own candidate. It was the Ashford Grove Group, Tredgold, Schlemihl, Monte Mugford, who brought it off. + 

Martin went to Tredgold worrying, “Do the people want me? Shall I fight Jordan or get out?” + 

Tredgold said balmily, “Fight? What about? I own a good share of the bank that’s lent various handy little sums to Mayor Pugh. You leave it to me.” + 

Next day Martin was appointed, but only as Acting Director, with a salary of thirty-five hundred instead of four thousand. + 

That he had been put in by what he would have called “crooked politics” did not occur to him. + 

Mayor Pugh called him in and chuckled: + 

“Doc, there’s been a certain amount of opposition to you, because you’re pretty young and not many folks know you. I haven’t any doubt I can give you the full appointment later⁠—if we find you’re competent and popular. Meantime you better avoid doing anything brash. Just come and ask my advice. I know this town and the people that count better than you do.” + 