[He breathes deeply, drains his drink, and resumes rolling his proverbial boulder as though it just might reach the top of the hill this time—or simply dissolve in his tale.]

But back in Clay's time, the Compromise relieved the tension between the true believer and the mercenary. It was the Platonic ideal of the deal, perfectly, inalienably right and American. The Compromiser must create discomfort in the extreme—he metes out his own discomfort and sells you the thing—the only thing!—that will assuage it.

Such was the mold in which I was wont to bring to market my own wares, Dear Reader. Before you, I surely stand a salesman—and one who stands accused of the vilest con. Yet, truly I am neither a salesman nor a conman:

I am a preacher.

I preach discovery as salvation as surely as it saved me.

END PART THREE

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