University of South Carolina Libraries
k » * tShe e\uf Mayor B»»rd on G H BroadhurtCt Successf«l Play The Man The Hour B> ALBERT PAYSON TERHUNE. C:o|)> right. If)?, oy (Jeorge H. Broadhurst. < II V I’TKIt XIV. T HK tif't fommitU'* 1 room tliiit lav t > (in* ri^lit of HorriKim'9 < Jli» i* ia 'lit* saim* rolalion to it av t!n« :itt‘i liamlx*r to tbe left —■wns usual;.v giw-n over to dry otli- cia.' I'lisiiicss. an 1 its musty walls must almost ha.•* oxiierieiiciMl a distinct Sinn U about tills time as Dallas Wain- wriclit • liter,>d from tin* corridor be hind. She w is aceompauiod liy Perry and !:\ I’lie’aa. who. passing throiin'li th, corridor toward the aldermanic chami er. ha 1 illid si w ith the brother and sister at the committee room door. “Fit !e'< a n ■ „i sitfht for sore eyes. Miss W'ainw riglit," the alderman was flay in;' with hi- best air “But Is it fair to ask what brings such a bunch of sumhiiie in! • an old p’lilieal shell Ilk, tins'.' I ! a> >ooii think of seeing H nig i at ma*.s as to find you here.’’ want t • attend the aldermen's meeting','' c.v 'aimed Dallas. “I have a special reason So I made Perry hr.ag me !*ti! at the door the\ told us the galler; was so crowded that we couldn't”— “Never you niind the gallery, miss.” interrupted Phe.in “It isn't meant for the likes i,:' you anyway. You Just sit here a few minutes, an' I'll cat'll i aitenlant somewhere an’ m.ihe Imiii hustle up a couple of good cijiii;s ; for you on tin- main Moor, where you can pipe everything just like you were in your • w n op'ra hox eoppin' olT a sw .id of liigh < •’s,” “Thank you - > miieh. alderman,” re plied Dallas ••] hope we're not put ting ' il to (no til U e|| troithle.” “No trouble at all. An’ even If it was I'd come a runnin' to meet it. I'm the- orig mil Ir .u • eater. Besides, the best in 'he lioo<,. none too good for the w!m was so int’rested in my outii g So ig; I’ll he- right hack ” Y* hat a pieer ehap he is!" mused Perry, us phe .m hasleued away on bis mission “if l could take a six we, ks- course in slang and hot air from tl .il n in Pd he a Me to sew - hllt- - .,1 ; ton* n« ole* Knglisli language.” you need very much ■ I I null,is "But it was aii to look after us. I Ii ■ • is,- !. '- standing hy Bennett so pin, kily In i' is light V" . Bern.. is nothing to me.” •j •' ! Perry in innocent -’iii “T .. I a ted a lot of good <■ 1 • ' Me i. •::•••. cabling to you about id i- ,pai ■.lieu \ on were across the I g wa-h iast summer. For a Di; i. • ho ' ,s 'nothing' |o you you rum • ok la .* ads of intelligent in- tet,st I.,Mil i. o, little girf." lie went oi: • -s iii: ... “what’s tile imitter? Has . i.vihitig" ' .No!” slit- i effort at eoiu'. ter, : .. pert.- I (•, V An eng. “An engag g!rl!" he shouted in high you ami A w • "f)f eours,* not. Mr .Mil's' '<■ ■ I I.o:d!" gasped tin* lad in hon- f*'t . ua.' “If tiiat's meant for a ]oh• it's the punkest ever! Did"— l! A hi a ■. Perry, and it's very r id, ■ ! ymi p. talk so. I am engaged tO Mr. < lihhs, and”— But how w lien did the atrocity come , If. und" I .» .iu." engaged to him the night of the administration hail. I didn't want to te.l you yet, because I knew yo <) n't like him. I'm I’m”— ‘ You're happy?” “('ertainl;. | am!” she retorted de fiantly "So happy that I”— .o in, will] a miserable ■ "Nothing's the mat- v !iapp,\ W'liy shouldn’t I girl is a!wins" i don't mean to say I am engaged to “That you from crying finished. “> a p to !i. think a who an> one el',* • having a fight to keep Mas Messed m mil,;!” lie I'alias. It breaks me e \oii so miserable. I '■>' ot of you. More’n of but «'ynthia And I want to tic' p you out of t ii is measly mixup. Won’t you?"- “There is notliing any one can do,” she murmured sadly "I have chosen toy , ours,; and I" “Cheese it!" whispered Perry in hur- riec •idmouition. "Here comes Ben nett. and Pheli .'s with him.” ’! (k N oung n 'or ca me in, talking to the aidennan as he eame. “This rootn's disengaged,” he was saying. "I'll v t»* ii here and give it to—-oh. I heg • .nr pardon." he iiroke off recognizing iiallas and Perry. "I didn’t know” “! n<• got tv. i good seats for you." announced Plielai. "Bight where you can sec* an' li,*ir the whole* shootin' match. An' I guess hcjfore the meetin's ove r .: s liable •.> g<*i as interestin’ as H dc ; "I'm l** Tom” show in a tent. I’ll show you the way as soon as you re ready There's no rush. Tilings gin t begun t • sizzle up yet " Bennett had crossed to where Dallas ntcx.ei irresolute and. under cover of Phelan's talk with Perry, said to her, with a certain unconscious stiffness: "I fear J w .s too taken aback by four HUIlouilC'Ulent the othel evening to remember t<> eongraitdate you. hut please belie.•• me when I SUN I wish you every Inppincss in the new life yoii ii«‘t VI* * h i - • -*i * "Thank ; n v i'lx mmIn taltered nalli,' i Ibeie . s a.. ;.w;.\\arcj pause; then ,, ■• ^ it \\ i 1 she said: “You came in here to write some thing I'm afraid we are detaining ymi You must he busy with your light against the Borough hill. You are unite determined P> continue it to the end?" “To tin* hitter end!" he answered miserably. "Kvon though that end can hold nothing hut bitterness for me.” The set anguish in his face moved Dallas more than she dared confess even to herelf. "1 am sorry,” site said softly. "It is the course I have chosen,” he answered, with a shrug, "and if it leads to eternal darkness instead of the sunlight I expected I must follow it none the less.” "That is sheer obstinacy,” she cried, battling against her own heart’s pas sionate plea. "You have laid out a plan to ruin Mr. tlibbs. to deprive Perry and me of my own fortune, to enrich your self by selling Borough stock short and then vetoing the bill so that the st*x k would collapse You have done all tliis, and yet you talk of fol io w i n g your a h o m i u a b le course to the end!" "DaII as,” he said very quiet- __ _ ly. "you don't ““ ' understand, ami "Ihillns,' h< vn>i you refused to 'l"''"H- "!('[" trust me to ex plain. so 1 can But one day you may learn the cruel mistake you are mak ing." "M istake?" "1 don't mean that you are mistaken in ehoosing < Ii!,!>s Mislead of me, but that you are wrong iu your judgment of what 1 am doing. I hope you will understand some day. It will lie too late to eliange anything then, but at least I shall !>•• set right in your eyes. And that means more to me than you can ever know < ioodby.” He left the room abruptly, and Dal las stared after him. her brain awhirl w ith eonllietiiig thoughts "There's a man in ten million, miss." voluiiteer<*d Phelan, breaking In or. her reverie, ’’an' from the looks of that bran' new dink.N. tliree-k spark on your linger 1 gn«" you're wise to the fact." "I am engaged to Mr. dibbs.” replied Dallas coldly. "What tile” gasped Phelan, check ing himself jii't in time. "I'm sure soriv for y >u. mi"," he went on with a sinecr t\ that piveludei! auv offense, "for frieti' dibbs B going to have • heavy fad on his hank ti■.ie were through with able to without Why. • ii mli i si a ii'l. sa\ no more s'llll'd !l. II” : roll by Mi. this Bo PH!. us.* his W ;n i . erinklin' any in .. r rr\ -ae inlet rui>ted I'alias a meeting now ?" turned to tile door igan's i .,,ui Mislead •n tin* corridor and • • to face with her began, sur- ia t lie II o, ,r a 1 mark ol the leaves ue'll" "('ome "Shall we g < 'on I used, leading into !! of thal opei.in found !ier'f!f I Uele, ' b*^ boss a I id d . .! is "I beg our pardon," sp prised. "I didn't know" Dallas!" e\. aimed dibl,s and Wain- wright in the same breath Ilorrigatl seow led at the inievniption as all th! '*** men rose to their feet "What bring' you to a place like Ibis?" asked Wainw right in displea' lire "Perr.N and I." indicating her broth er. wlio had followed her into tile room, "are going to attend the meet ing of the board of aldermen." "But." prole led lief IMnae d -anprov- ingi.N. "it is iiardl.N tin* sort of" "My fortune and Perry's and that of the man I am to marry am til! hound up iu tin* Borough bill," sin* answered fearlessly. "I have a right to he pres • •in w hen that biii's fate is decided.” "dood nerve!" applauded Iiorrig.au You’re a thoroughbred If there were more women like you”— "Mr. ilorrigan." reported Williams, hurrying in from an antechamber, "the police have come, and"— "All right." a ns w cr,*d the bos', "t ;i \ e the serg* ant liis orders.” "I I hai'dly like tin* responsibility," muttered Williams, "and"-- "But you’ll take it. I’m hacking \oii. By the way, get seats for Mi" Wainw tight and her brother. Bet them close to tin* anteroom door, so if there’s a row she can • ome hack here. If there are no vacant seats there, clear a couple of people out and make place for" "But nvo have seats,” protested Dal las as Williams sp,.,| on his errand Alderman Pheh n " "Alderman Phelan Nvill have trouble finding a seat in this city when I'm •ioiie Nvhh hiii:" snarled Ilorrigan. "Belter tale tlii- scats I otTer. Miss Walnwrigln They're safer." "But," protested Wain Nvright, “if there's to !>•• an; danger sh,. mustn't he there I eatl't have” "I Nvil! he on hand to heip her if there is." tlibbs answered him. "Il'in!” grunted Ilorrigan !n sum** NN'Iiat ittieo'n|>limen!ar.v dnnbi. "1 will, too!" spoke ill' Perr.N ilorrigan noddtsl a|,i»rova!. "Yoit’l! I*** all rigiir then.” said in* "And now” "You spoke of the police being iii Mi* aldermanie ciinmlM‘r," saltl Da!!'" “What for?” “To check any trouble tin* gallery may make," HnKNvcm.l lionigan "Tiil- Tmin I *eniiel t • '*i ■•••I | he people *| with a lot •>’ Ids .narehjstii retbi:, itleas tj!! the,, re iTa/y Sonic oil • lia’ • to get a !,ro|;en skuil. and t!i u with their nigiilstieks. the victims Nviii begin to uudei - land just nnIiiiI sort of a man AAvyii Bennett is U<*meml»e■ now • Iiblis. ami yon. too. young Wain V ,; g!it. if tliere's aii.N sien t ,f a row Mi Wainnn riglit hack here at \' right " agreed Pern, a little rue l'u' at tin prospect ot missing a free fight. "let's jio in tliere now I’ve ; never been to an aldermen's meeting ; before, but i ran up against a car strike riot once, so I'guess I’m on to ! most of the subtle rules of elegance that govern such shows. Come on. people, if you’re coming.” "Your niece is a thoroughbred.” re pealed Morri; an. Nvith rare approba tion, as tiie anteroom door closed lie- hind Pollas and her two escorts. "So she's to marry Bibbs, is she? I'm sorry for them both." "WhyV” asked Waiiuvriglit sharply. "Because it won’t take her a year to : find out that lie's a yellow cur And w hen she does she'll either kick him out or lead him around on a chain Now, the fellow a girl of that sort ought to have married is Bennett. He’s an obstinate fool, but he's a man. I thought you said once he was stuck on her.” "He was. He still is.” "And she took (.Jibbs instead?” cried Ilorrigan, a world of incredulity In his rough voice. "Women are a queer lot! Wliv'd she shake Bennett, if it Is a fair question?” “I let her see Gibbs was a heroic martyr." said WainNvright, Nvith quiet significance, "and that Bennett was”— "Oh. 1 see!” chuckled Ilorrigan. "Still, tliere might be something made out of Bennett's love for her even yet." "What do you mean? "I'm not quite sure think it over." "Boberts lias come!” liams. entering from : "lie's asking for you. him in here?" "Yes.” replied Ilorrigan. “By the way." be added to WainNvright as Wil liams departed, "I’ll have to ask you to clear out for a few minutes. I've get to see Boberts alone. Nonv for the tussle that'll decide the whole tight!” < II APT KB XV, W II.LIAMS entered with Bob erts in Idnv. The latter wore a haggard, troubled look, and bis natural nervousness had visibly deepened, sc, uiiiel) s> that lie had not even m>'ed Phelan's appear ance iu the c.rridor as he passed into llc.rrigan’s private room. "Good evening, alderman,” said Hor- rigan civilly "Good evening, sir." answered Bob- efts palpably ill ::t ease. •’I n idersiaiid lIn re's a full meeting today. liven Lilis came back from tbe sniith to I,e here You're the only man missing." "I couldn't get here sooner I” — "I see That's all. Williams. You needn't wait Boberts and 1 want a liMle talk before In* goes in. .Now. then." went on the boss, eh;!' go ot manner • room, " wha t's t In I'll have to exclaimed Wil- the corridor. Shall I bring witli a com as Williams matter witli pbh left you?' "I i eMl’t" "i an't \ bat ? Speak out, man! Don’t siaml tliere and t.tumble at me!" "I • an't vote for tbe Borough Iran ehi.'e bill " •Van't. hey?" roared Ilorrigan. “Why not?" "! '. ;io be, i use" faltered Bob- erts; then, with a rush of hysterical eucuion that blotted out his fear, lie cried: "Ilave you lieaid what that man Ben nett .ins lone? lie ot g mized a voters' committee in my ward and sent them to .isk me at my own house w hat l was going t<> do about that bill. They had been .stirred up by Bennett li!l thev looked < u me as a .Took and on tin* bill j as a personal robbery They told me if I voted for it they'd know I was a dirty thief and grafter and that they'd kick me out of the ward.” "Well, well!" rumbled Ilorrigan soothingly, as though trying to calm a fractious drunkard "Wiiat do you care? When they've forgotten ill! about the bill you'll still have the j dough, won't voit? Folks won't, ask il ow'd lie get it?’ All they'll care to know is ’Mas he got It?’” •’Tint isn'l all!" Boberts blundered on. scarcely heeding tile interruption "Bennett's next step was to organize a committee of voters' wives, and they eame to see uiy wife this morning wlft! I was out and told her they'd heard 1 was going to sell myself and vote for a di'liotiest bill. My wife my wifi> thinks I'm the squnrest. noblest man on earth. Oh, .'ou needn't sneer! Her trust means everything to Inc She told the women I wouldn't stoop h> any deed that wasn't honest and they answered: ’Our husbands be lieve Mr. Boberts is a crook. If he is really honest he’ll vote against that bill, as he did before' Then on my way home this noon I met my little boy lie was crying. I asked him what the matter was. He said that some boys had told him I was a graft er. I tell you,” Ids voice rising almost ; to a scream, "Bennett's made my life a heil I’m no crook I’m honest and" ’ Sure you’re honest!” Ilorrigan ex el limed, ns though to a cross child "Honest as tin* day! That's why you're voting for our bill Because the clook'll clauses have been cut out "f It. and In Its present form it’s a benefit 1 to the city.*' "That Isn’t why I promised to voti.* for it,” contradicted Roberts, with a despairing dash of courage. "It was because I—because"— "Never mind why. then, but just g- ahead and do It." "I "nni>n’t! I dare u -t’ , * Roberts, slamming two slips of paper down upon the table. "Tliere! Take ‘ them back!” “What do 1 want of them?" argued Horrigan craftily. "They belong to you.” ' “They don't. I won't keep them." “You’ll have to. I keep you to your promise." "What promise?” asked a voice be hind them. Bennett, hastily summoned by Phe lan, had entered the room unobserved by either of the excited men. “What promise?” he asked again. "A promise to"— “What are you doing here?" bellow ed ilorrigan in fury "You called me down once for coming into your pri vate office without knocking What i d’you mean by coming into mine?" “Yours?” queried Alwyn. “I had an idea it was the city’s The time is past when the words ‘Horrigan' and J ‘city’ meant the same thing. Well. 1 Roberts, bow are you going to vote? I want to believe you honest, and— ; Why. what's all this?” his eyes falling on the forgotten notes on tin* table. “Nothing of yours!” shouted Horri gan, making a futile, furious grab for ; the documents which Alwyn was plck- | ing up "Drop them! Drop them. 1 ; say, or you'll— “Why should I?" asked Bennett calm ly, Ids quick eye taking in the nature of tbe slips of paper even as ids alert brain grasped in full the meaning of the transaction in which they figured. “Do they belong to you?” “They don’t belong to you anyway,” retorted Horrigan. "and if you dare read tliem"- ‘Tve already read them. Boberts," he added in a kinder voice, turning to the shaking alderman, "these were to have been your bril>e. weren’t they, for voting for tin* Borough bill?” Ills quietly compelling tone and glance forced from Boberts a frightened “Yes” before Horrigan could interfere. "1 thought so Be quiet. Horrigan,” i he commanded as the infuriated boss sought to speak through his choking wrath. "Tliis is between Roberts and me. Now. then" — "I returned the notes to him!” plead ed Roberts in panic "Honestly, I did! Just before yi i came in. I could have ' kept them, at.d lie couldn't have pre- ' vented me even if I voted against the bill. But I'm square and”— "You are square!” affirmed Bennett, gripping :li*‘ alderman’s cold, moist hand in friendly reassurance. "I knew all along you Nvere honest at heart. Horrigan Nvantcd to bribe you. and you wouldn't be bribed. Now, I want you to go ini . the coi;11 i! room and vote as your manhood tells you to.” Boberts. i "inforted. yet still trem bling. obeyed, not venturing a second look at Ilorrigan. "Now. m.v friend.’' said Bennett pleasant In n* hen be and the bos* were alone together, "what are you going to do about it? It seems to me your game Is Up." "I w it Most* notes!" pantei 1 Horri gan. lil’ili' _■ lolierent speech NVitll an effort through bis red mist of rage. “Why? They're not yours. They aren't ma ie o\cr to you, and there is no caiiccl'.Mion stamp on them. They are the pr ; . rty of the Sturtevant Trust company, and I'll send them hack tin i<- toinot row—after I’ve had them photi• a : plied.” "You'll giNc them to me,” shouted Horriig-i;. Ii!' mighty Ix>dy vibrating with fury, "or you’ll never leave this room iliv'*" "Y'ou'if ;i fool. Ilorrigan,” remarked Bennett, wit!, condescending calm, “for j ou don't even know the right man to hully!” He gazed un flinchingly Into the maddened little eyes of t he boss, and so for a moment t bey stood—pa trician and pro letariat—In the Nvorld old strug gle of the two for supremacy. II o r r i ga n' s face nn as scar let. distorted, m u r <1 e r ous ; Bennett's pale, • "iii. deadly in its repose. And then waged the bat- iiotii men standing mo- vibrant with dynamic \ s.\ / • v b "You'll do if. 1 >ay gan "You <’: I n’t w stage of the g-iuic 1 ru-l « on | n> i. ■'• sent to yo' r "Ami I ■ . i - -• stormed Morri ' Ii on me at this Those S' in to- it n: * (it N Mil s '. «• I .!.' , " •■ I' . / Tlun nn •ii 11 'hi Ini f . h ot ii ills. In,lit vu n utilm/iiii/ unitionics* tie of N\ilS. tioniess t<*iis« force. Slowly, little by little. Horrigau's eyes dropped. He moved awkwardly to one side from his position in front of the door and Bennett, without so much its a backward look, passed out. The I'oss, like a man in a daze, sank heavily into a chair and gazed straight a hen d of him. ids usually red face gray and pasty. But he was not to enjoy even the scant boon of solitude. From theaute- room Gibbs strolled in “They’re going over some unimpor tant preliminary business,” remarked the irroker, "so 1 came out for a breath of fresh air How are tilings gi>!ng? r “We’re beat." grunted Horrigan. not looking up. "Beat?” screamtsj Gibbs, ashen and inert at the news “You don’t mean it! You enn’t mean it! Great heaven!" The sight of the other’s cowardly emotion seemed to rouse Horrigan from ids apathy “If I can rt'and it, you can!” he snarl- •d. “You jnly lose your percentage on the den', while I”— “A percentage?” echoed Gibbs, too panic stricken to liivl bis own indis cretion. "Every cent I had in the world! I”— He checked hlmseif an instant too late. "So?" drawled Ilorrigan. his keen little e\'*.s searing the other with boimdies* eoulcUiOt So it was VoU I who we're secretly buying up the stock and tailing in on to our game, hey?” 1 "I’m ruined! Broke! And”— “And you’ve got it coming to you, j you whining traitor! Tho man who goes back on his partners deserves all the kicking he gets." "I 1 didn't mean any harm!" mum bled the crushed Gibbs "It couldn't hurt you people to have me buy Bor ough stock for myself, and I’d have cleared up a million and more. Oh. don't glower like that. Horrigan, but try to think out some way of”— “Of what, you cur?” "Isn't there any way even now to make Bennett let up on Ids tight?" "If there was yon couldn't be of use to us, si» why should I talk about it to you?" "But I'd do anything in the world— anything"— “You would?” cut in Horrigan sharpl.N. "Yes, yes! Only give me a chance! I’d”— Ilorrigan considered, then said re flect! no!.v: “No chance is too slight to take at a time like tliis, and nobody’s too rotten to Ik* of use. I’ve found there are three tilings, one of which will always buy any man—a woman, ambition or i cash. We’ve tried Bennett ou utubi* tion; he doesn't need money, so only j the first of the three remains.” "A woman? I don't understand.” j "Miss Wainwright.” "But”- "Listen here. Bennett’s in love with Wainwright’s niece. You've cut him out. Go and tell him if he’ll let our hill alone you'll suiash the engagement and leave her free to marry him. See?” “I can't! I—hold on, though! After ward I could deny the whole tiling, couldn't I? It’d be bis word against mill'-, and she’d never believe I could do such a tiling. 1—I might try.” “Yes,” growled Horrigan. "you might. A cur tiiat’s lost all his nerve can try tilings that even an ordinary crook would bulk at.” But Gibbs did not hear. H** had re- , turned to the corridor in search of Bennett. The man scarcely deserved the opprobrium heaped on him b.\ Hor- , rigan. A brilliant, daring operator, be ! Nvas, unknown to himself, a rank cow ard at heart. For the first time in his life tbe cowardice had cropped out, and, to do Gildis justice, it had driven him temporarily insane. In his nor mal senses he Nvonld never have stoop ed to the plan he was now so eager to carry out. It was a putrid bit of jet sam at which a financially drowning man did not scruple to clutch. Ilorrigan folloNved him from the room, his own splendid nerve quite re covered from the crushing Mow his hopes had received. He had staked heavily on tin* deal. Moreover, its fail ure, as he knew, meant the wreck of Unit mighty political prestige he had so long and wearisomely built up. It might even, if Ahvyn fulfilled his threat about the notes, lead to graver persona! consequences. Y'et the bull dog pluck Unit had carried tliis man of iron i!"m tin* gutter to the summit of political power did not desert him, nor did he show the Inss of one iota of his customa'' monumental calm. Scarcely had Horrigan quitted the room nn hen Berry am! Dallas entered It. "You eouid cut the atmosphere in there Nvith a cheese knife," Berry was saying. "Williams doesn’t think the Borough hi!! n\MII conic up for half an hour or si> We’d lietter spend the time till rlieii in here than to stay there and iiirii our lungs into a microbe zoo." Dallas did ,i o answer. She sat down by tlte (aide and rested lief head de- jectedl.N on one little gloved hand The sjglu "l Bennett. Ids grave, hopeless appeal to her; the calm, utter despair of Ids brave face all these had affect ed her deep In Berry noticed with brotherly concern her look and attitude. “Feeling faint?" he asked. "No, I'm ail right, thunks." "Y’ou look pretty near as blue as AT Nvyui He" "Don't let's talk of him. please.” sin- 1 legged "Why not? lies the whitest chap this 'id*- of Wlliteville." "That's Nvliat I ii'cd to think, but 1 know better iionn." ‘Then, miss.” broke in a voice from tit** do'ifNvay. “you're entitled to anotli er *k n •' nv .' ” l’!i«-'an, Nvho, passing down the cor ridor, had heard her last words as he r. M •ii.-.! the threshold, turned into the room "Excuse me for buttin’ in on a fam ily chat " lie remarked, coming forward, "but I'm pretty nvoI! posted ou Ids honor's character, an’ when I hear any one kno' kin’ him it’s me to the bat What have you got against Mr Ben nett? ‘None of your measly business,' s. in-* you ‘'Jiiite so.' says 1 utT. that bein' the ease, let's hear all about it." S >■ ••Udtig tliat underlay the seeming lmp“rtinciu'e of the alderman's Mu st ii touebe.i Dallas tin impulse she sp 'k'- "Mr Bennett," sa d she. "is opposing the Borough bill, knowing nvc shall he paupers if in* defeats if He also s lid Borough stock short before lie an nouneed ids veto Wiiat can one think of a man who enriches himself at the expense of his friends?’’ “Gee " cried Berry, "that's a terrible tiling' Bennett's the original man higher uii. Bui afraid I wonder he isn’t afraid to wear the clothes of such a wicked geezer a* himself!” “Oli. Berry! Don’t Joke about It!" be?g‘*d Pallas "Can’t you see tin* seri ous wide of anything? We shall be penniless and dependent <.n" "Fear thou not. sjster mine!" de clared Berry in Ids best melodrumati manner ' Baupei'. snyest thou? Far he it so! 1 .ittle Brother Berry Nvill guard thee from the cold shivery hnnm's of a Nviutry nn ind Maybe we cm sell violets or start a fight club or "I loii’t!" she m g* d patiey "Y"': i|"iTt il "As fi»r that story in’ stock short an l cash in his i>w n \ q.. ' genuinely worried "II r it Up an’ got enough t ic ■ .ir:*'i by his tiip- nders'aml i" ' !ii' h ui ir's ;e;| a a i:i a pile of • ' ut in Bhelan ig.iu > loi■ kcl i to make him think he > in prove it lie's goin' to make Will' ms t ( *p tin* whole story to the aldermen t might It's a lie. of course, but it'll hurt Id' honor a lot. an’ tin* Nvorst of it is Bennett refuses to deny it.” “He docs. e!i?" remarked Berry "Then I’ll do some talking uliout if. I’ll have to fracture a promise 1 made Alwyn. lint I guess it's worth while.” "Wiiat do you mean?" queried Dallas in wonder “I mean Bennett letu me the money to sell enough stork short to make up for wiiat you and I would lose if the bill was quashed, aiid lit* gave me a letter to his own broker We carried it through, and now you and I stand pat to win whichever way the cat jumps. We're on velvet, thanks to Alwyn. "lit* did this for us?’’ gasped Dallas in amaze. "But why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me misjudge him?” “He made me promise not to let you know a thing about it. and”— "Say. youngster.” broke in Phelan, tingling with excitement, "you come chasin’ along with me into the aider- men’s meetiu' I'll have you get up there an’ tel! what you know. It'il knock that lie of Williams’ and Horrt- gan's so high it'l! forget to hit groun’ again. Come on. son! Tliere's sure liable to lie hot doiu’s iu the meetin’ in about eleven seconds. Come along!” [TO BK COIVllWUTO.] Words of Praise For the several ingredients of which Dr. Pierce’s niedicini's .ir<* composed, a.' g ■• ri by leaders in all the sev**ral M'hooi' >f medicine, Miutild have far more nn.- _ than any amount of non-professional Tes timonials. Dr. Pierce’s Favorite Brescr o- tion has tuk baohe of honesty on every bottle-wrapper, in a full list of all its in gredients printed in plain English. If you aro an invalid woman and suffer from frequent headache, backache, gnaNv ing distress in stomach, periodical pains, disagreeable, catarrhal, pelvic drain, draggiiig/doNvn distress in loNver abdomen or pelvjis, perhaps dark spots or specks daneyfg before the eves, faint spells and kindled symptoms caused by female Nv-ak- ness,ot*th<*'derangement of the feminina organs, Wi/can not do better than taka Dr. Pier/ejs Favorite Prescription. The h/s/'ital, surgeon’s kniM and opera* ting tali'/may be avoided by the timely use of M'avorite Prescription" In such cases. Th'-r'-hy tin* obncxijgiis examin ations ami loci'llre-i'.moms pf th.* fa it. ‘ 41 _ . N 1 V ii ^ Mi ' >l * < lia; 1m7l.»* " Favon’e i> composed of the very be»& physician can M- uy,,.!.-d amia tleir*. course of sncc‘‘"f ;T 'r'-atm- iit carried out lojiic.-ULl-acI'; Prescription ' i? native medicinal root - known to medical science for the cure of woman's peculiar ailments, contains no alcohol and no harmful or habit-forming drugs. Do not expect too much from "Favorite Prescription; ” it will not perform mira cles; it Nvill not disolve or cur** tumors. No medicine Nvill. It will do as much to establish vigorous in-alth in most weak nesses and ailments peculiarly incident to women as any medicine can. It mast b** given a fair chance by perseverance in its use for a reasonable length of time. Yi 11_ can’t atl- cii To-i.-vcpL a m c.r.-J- tre m 11 Ml: .-cpT. >< ,T..f n.-w. :: • for r*-'M*-i; r ■ ( :iva mt"i ■. : Suck women arc invited to consult Pr. Pierce, by letter.//ve. All correspond ence is guard' d ,i' sacf'dly secret a; t womanly con:'•enc-s are protected y nrcti"iotial pr \ : v. Address Dr. E. \. Pierce, Bulla.". N. Y'. Dr. Pierc'" l"* I'.int Pellets tin* bt-st laxative and r*-eol.it<>r of the !ionv*-U Tim' inviimrab* .-tomach, liver ai. 1 boNvels. oi..- a laxative ; two or three A cathartic. Easy ’.*> take a> candy. THE New Shoe Store I am receiving new Shoes nearly every week and will give you new, fresh stock at the very lowest prices. I am still selling at cut prices. Call in and examine my Shoes and prices and be convinced. .PEELER. TECHNICALLY EDUCATED .11 K r\ N K K 1> K O ! Th*' ileiD/tuti •* Mr .'r'-At**r taiin 11 - supply. I.i-t *ii*- International Correa* pondanoa Schoola, of Scranton, Pa., ur*-- p.tr*-you. t*..st, v In'iirn.-iilou on li's"•our*"*'. Itsrr--** '-'tr-ly-*)!) NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. Notice U hereby given to the pub lic, that the partnership heretofore existing as J W Bean & Co., has this day been dissolve^ by the mutual con sent of both partners. All persons In debted to the said partnership will make prompt payment of the same to Boyd Sarratt. J. W Bean, 3oyi Sarratt. June 26 3t. —Gaffney Drug Company for Ine soaps. —Solid gold eye gla*'-" $5—eyes ’••'ted Gaffney Drug Co —Have you tried a cigar from Mie National Cigar Stand install*''! hy Gaffney Dnig Co* Th**;, u r e dlfferunt