The story
The storekeeper was the biggest man in Cranberry Center, and his neighbors were convinced that he would be a political hero someday. He dutifully attended all conventions of his party, was on terms of personal friendship with the legislative candidates (during campaigns), and each day became more and more convinced that the fate of the republic rested heavily upon his shoulders. When his party assumed power in Washington, after many long years, the idol of Cranberry Center decided that his services were needed at the nation’s capital. His wife protested that it would be far better for him to remain at home and attend the business, but he overruled her. He was absolutely convinced that the new president needed him, so he determined to sacrifice himself upon the altar of his country. A delegation of his admiring neighbors cheered at him as he departed, but the cheers were not echoed when he arrived in Washington. He found that city plumb full of patriots who were trying to save the country, and nobody seemed to want the big man from Cranberry Center. At first he had fondly hoped to be urged to accept a cabinet position, but as weeks went on he would have taken a place as janitor had it been offered. His money ran out, and appeals to his wife for more brought no response. She was convinced that he was squandering their savings upon ‘pesky politicians,’ and so contented herself with advising him to come home. He did, but was compelled to walk. There was no crowd out to greet him when he limped into Cranberry Center over the ties. Everybody was in at the storekeeper’s home, as he discovered later. He arrived just in time to witness the conclusion of a marriage ceremony that united his daughter to a young farmer. In days gone by the storekeeper had doubted the idea of such an alliance, being determined that the daughter should be the bride of a statesman. Now, wiser by sad experience, he uttered no protest, and at the same time solemnly swore that he would cease being a patriot and devote all of his attention to the mercantile business.
Summary from The Moving Picture World · 12 April 1913
