The Man Who Pulled a Thread

(8 of 8)

What's more, the present Bayard's father married a Du Pont. In 1946, John Williams had the bulk of Du Pont support. This year the family is split, with some important elements backing cousin Alexis. Dopesters say that Ike is a bit ahead of Stevenson in Delaware but that Alexis is an aristocratic whisker in front of John Williams.

On John Williams' appointment pad in his dingy Millsboro office is a notation for Nov. 5: "Duck hunting—win or lose." If he wins, he plans to go right on watching the tax collectors, although he thinks it won't be necessary if Ike gets in.

If Williams loses, he plans a trip to Japan with his wife. After that, there is always the chicken-feed business, which is not exciting. But the books balance.