The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-06-04

In the time of which we write ehers was
no town in tbs land where the spirit Of
politics was more acrinnoniously exhibited
than in Fitbsburg. Lawyer Dawson was
the leader of the Dem Ocratio faction, and
DR.. Gum was the champion and standard
bearer of the Wings. Dawson had an only
daughter named Kate, and Dr.. Gum had
an only son called Sam. In a town num-
berinz only 2, 600 souls, it was not strange
that Sam Gum should be intimately &C
quainted with Miss Dawson, and as Kate
was very pretty it followed almost as a
matter Of course that she should have a
beau, and that he should be Samuel GHnn.
It was evening, and the broad harvest
moon had Just risen over the tree tops
when Sam Gum and Kate Dawson, arm
in arm, sauntered along the river bank
that skirts the town and made their way to
an old time worn rock.
Kate, % he said, II have been q good
deal troubled Of late, but think I can sec
a way out Of cur difficulties. I say our
because you are concerned in my perpiexi-
ties. When I was born, my mother had
vision. She was informed that the son to
be born Of her would be a remarkable child
and have a remarkable destiny; that he
would fiji the land with his fame, - etc
And Sam laughed.
''My mother religiously believes this
nonsense and imagines it will all come
true. In q few months I am to enter some
lawyers office TO read law. Now, of course,
I wish to enter the Office of Lawyer Daw-
son. But how is that to be accomplished
My father is very stubborn On certain
matters and so is yours, Kate Though
they are friendly, they are at swords points
IN politics.
90 Ny mother Is very supsrstitious, " con
tinued Sam. Il have thought of sending
the ghost to visit her and inform her that
her darling sen Samuel can only come to
honor and distinction by reading law in
the Office Of Peter Dawson, Esq. A white
sheet and uneazthly voice are all that are
required. 1 think can play ghost"
Kate Dawson looked up. Would you
deceive your mother?' she asked.
Dear me, Kate, he replied, 'don't
speak so seriously What harm can it dO2''
81 cannot consent to it, - replied Kate.
81 think differently, said sam in
persusding tone. Your fathers fiery
views as 2 Democrat and my fathers as a
Wing have to d certain degree estranged
their feelings. Now, Kate, when once I am
in your fathers Office and he comes to
know me well / think he'll not be so Sc
we're on you for your preference for me.
Thore was a sound Of feo5 and swapping
of twigs among the bushes, and Kate
started.
what is that?" she cried in alarm.
Sam Gum 5arted in the thiokct but re-
turned in a moment. . could soc nothing,
he replied.
But it was something more. DR.. Gum
had an Irishman named Dennis TOOle,
who drove his gig and attended to the
horse. That evening Donnis had strOIled
down to the river and was lying on the
bank gazing at the moon, when Sam and
Miss Dawson came to the rock. Dennis
heard their conversation, and as he was
very much attached to Sam he instantly
made up his mind to play the ghost.
1t was a favorite pastime Of the doctor
to walk down every evening to the Green
Tree tavern, where a knot of politicians
nightly assem- bled. Thither he Wended his
way on the evening in question, leaving
his wife to doze away in her large stuffed
chair until his return. Suddenly starting
from her nap, she rubbed her eyes and sat
bolt upright in her chair with her eyes
wildly sbFaihing toward the door, In which
stood q figure draped in white from head
to foot. MRS. Gum held her breath. The
visitor raised his long arm above his head
and exclaimed in q deep and husky voice:
.ssPlaco your son Wfehou5 delay under
the instruction Of Lawyer Dawson, as this
is the only way be can speedily rise TO dis
tinotion Do this and the fame of Samuel
Gum shall be known TO the uttermost
part Of the earth have said it.
With that the figure disappeared, and a
few nainutas later hrs. Gum was scream
ing for Dennis TooIs.
Here. na'anP' be cried. 1--WE been
asleep, ye sec. Is it any one wanting the
d0otorF'
Later, when Sam entered the house, he
was thunderstruok at his mother telling
him that she had a little while before had
a vision in which 8 spirit had told her to
place him to read law with Lawyer Daw-
son. Sans oonsterRAtion was very in
tense, and he fpoohpoohed" it. Mrs.
Gum, however, treated the matter in
serious light and was clOseted with her
husband the entire evening.
The following day the doctor called Sam
TO his side.
Your mother wishes you to read law
with Dawson, = he said. He is a good
lawyer, but a stubborn Wing. Now,
won't have anything to do with it. have
given a reluctant consent 20 it, but yOu'l
have to make the terms yourself
''But why should I read law with Daw-
son?'' asked the deceitfuI son.
Because your mother wishes it, - re-
piled the Doctor ''She's had another
vision, and if We don't humOr her she'll go
crazy"
Sam Gum went to Mr.. Dawson as a
student. Very soon after a marked change
took place in Dr.. Gums feelings toward
the lawyer.
Row do you think my son win sue
ceed?' asked the doctor one day when he
met Mr.. Dawson.
"He has a fine mind, - replied the law
yer, and I think he viii make brilliant
man" The doctor oIasped Dawson's hand
and pressed it warmly From that day the
two rivals became better friends
Fifteen years passed away Lawyer
Dawson and DR.. Gum were both gathered
to a land whore politics is unknown.
Dennis Toole was still continued in Sans
service. He had now become an old man.
One day he was talking to Sam, when he
said:
'fSure, Mr. Samuel, it is to me that
you re beholding for your wife"
What do you meanf" asked Sam, with
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