Directions: The question is a logical sequence of statements with a missing link, the location of which is shown parenthetically. Choose the alternative that best fits the sequence logically.

Many of the white race looked upon them as beggars, which was bad enough, or as thieves, which was worse; and in a general way they could not deny the truth of it. But they never stole from the Harts, and they never openly begged from the Harts. The friends of the Harts, however, must (.) before they could hope for better than imperturbable neutrality.