It was his monument, and
perhaps he regarded it with no little pride.
When Robert was appointed delegate to the council of his Union from his
branch, he set himself to master thoroughly, in every detail, its
machinery, and very soon his voice was raised in the debates, and it
amazed even himself to find what a power he seemed to possess over his
fellows. He soon learned to state his case in simple unaffected language
which took a marvelous hold upon his hearers, while at times his warm
glowing imagination would conjure up a living picture that hit with
irresistible force, and made a lasting impression upon those who
listened.
He gradually became more fluent, and studied how best to impress his
comrades. His earnestness and enthusiasm were unquestioned, and
sometimes were even found to be a serious obstacle to the older type of
leader, men for the most part lacking imagination, and whose older and
more prosaic outlook could not understand the younger man, whose zeal
they regarded with impatience.
But Smillie soon recognized Robert's talent and his worth, and gave him
more scope than he otherwise might have done.
Robert's admiration for his chief was unbounded, though it did not keep
him from differing from Smillie at times on matters of detail.
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