The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-03-27
LEN GauSETT.
BY OPIE P. READ.
CHAPTER XVI.

MT. Mangus Dockery, editor and pro prietor of the Picket, sat in his office deeply pondering over an exact piece of wording which he was spreading on q sheet, torn from one side of a paper bag. He did not omit the appliances, or rather the necessary performances incl dent to great literary strain, for he would occasionally frown like the corru- gated elbow of stove pipe, would scratch his head and nibble the end of his pencil.
 Think I've got it all right" he unused. "I'll copy it in ink to make it more binding Let me see how ii reads: To our worthy townsman, Mangus Cookery: Dear sir: There are times when all good citizens think deeply and wisely of legislation and particularly of that legislation directly relative to their own community. For some time We have been casting about in an endeavor to find suitable timber for the coming StShtOIl OI Jlle ltEiSluluIG- N t Coultl not agree and were sorely perplexed un- til We became of one mind, and that unity of mind, sir was our detcrmi- nation to ask you to come out as our candidate We are aware of the fact that you have many duties and respon- abilities devolving upon you as an edi- tor, and that much experience and wis dom is necessary to the safe conduct of newspaper, but we also know good editors are much more plentiful than good legislators. You might sell your paper to advantage or might suspend it during the session of the legislature. An early reply will greatly oblige,
 "'Vox PoruL'
 That will do first rate" the editor mused as he proceeded to copy the call must disguise my hand, for some incredulous fool might ask mo to show up The great fault of the Amer ican people is their unbelief" When he had copitd the call he showed back his chair and said. "l must answer this thing. It is better to strike before the iron is hot enough than it is to wait un- til the iron gets too cold. Those gentle men, evidently the best citizens in the county, are comforting great favor upon me, and it would not be courteous to delay my reply
 At the conclusion of an hours hard work he had produced the following: por popuH gentlemen and fellow citi- zens: l have maturely considered the call which you have been pleased to make upon me. l am at loss as to why you selected me, for, as you doubt less we'll know, have never entertained political aspiration. have always thought the responsibilities attendant upon the discharge of legislative du- ties to be too great for me, even though l recognize the fact that without deep feeling of responsibility there can be no thorough, conscientious work. I have ever been modest man, living in a modest way, and was in hopes that might be permitted to remain in my pc sition of semi-obscurity, but fellow citi- zens, if it be the will of the people that l should go forth to fight their battles, will throw personal interests aside, buckle on my armor, and submissively hearken to the voice ofmy countrymen.
 That's not bad" said the scribe, contemplating with an air of satisfaction the work which he had accomplished. If this don't place me on sure footing don't know what will Come in" he exclaimed spreading a newspaper over the call and reply. Why, helloa, Len Gansett, come in. Twas just think ing about you" Dockery added as he and Len shook hands. What are you doing over in this part of the country ?"
 Nothing particularly. The ground is too wet to blow, and"
 Yes, and you've got day off Glad to see you. Wish could get day off, my dear fellow but cannot. With me it is work all the time, and when Sun- day comes I am too tired to work. Have you heard the news2"
 "No."
 Stage robbed again last night"
 You don't say sof"
 That's exactly what do."