The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1897-01-01

grew weary of the chatter of the sewing
girl, became monosyllabic in his replies
and finally seated himself by the window
in sullen silence, hearing her voice as he
would have heard the twitter Of canary
had one been in the room, but no more.
He was waiting for her to go away.
The past "a hours had been very event.
full ones for him. Yielding at last to the
pressure of adversely, he had the morn
ing before put his pride in his empty
pocket and gone to ask from the 'boss"
the appointment that Hma had solicited
for him.
Mr.. Pratt received him with courtesy,
tinged, however, as he fancied, with Of
fensive condescension, remembered him
quite well and, more extraordinary yet
in apolitician, remembered his promise.
Those who knew Mr.. Pratt best averred
that the bower anchors Of his boss-ship
were his strange faculty for remember
ing his promises and his no less wonder
full talent in seeming to keep them with
out doing so. Incidentally he stirred
Chester's bile, without any intent there
to, however, by inquiring:
"What experience have you had in
practical politics, Mr.. Sewall?''
Controlling himself as well as he
could, the young man replied politely,
but with emphasis:
"None whatever, Mr.. Pratt. The
only experience of any kind that have
had has been in the attainment Of the
knowledge that I have had no expert
ence whatever in anything. Educa-
tion, learn, does not count as expert
ence. doubt if I have had experience
enough to enable me to drive horse
Car"
The politician opened his eyes wide
in surprise at the applicants enigmat-
ical disavowal of experience, but con-
fined his speech to replying imperturb-
ably:
sob, well, experience is very neces-
sary to enable one to drive horse car 1
well.
That literal acceptance Of his words
effectually silenced the young man, and
Mr.. Pratt went on:
with your education, natural tai
ents and social advantages, it stands to
reason you would no doubt be Of great
service to the party and attain for your
self distinction and proportionate for 4
tune-when you had experience. YouA
see for yourself that the party would
not be justified in comforting any very
prominent position upon wholly mex
perienced man, however superlative his
genius might be. Doing so would awak-
en- too many jealousies and involve too
much risk Of grave interests. Besides,
until you have had some experience,
there is no telling how your talents
could best be utilized. Your excellent
education is good foundation for sue
cess"
ct believe I may claim to have a
pretty thorough acquaintance with the
political history of Greece and Rome"
"Ah, indeed. Well, that is q great
deal. You can hardly appreciate the i'm
mense Importance Of that knowledge
until you come to apply it in American
practical politics"
There was not twinkle in the
"boss' eye, or suspicious tone in his
voice, yet Chester had an uncomfortable q
consciousness that what he had said
struck Mr.. Pratt as very ludicrous. And
his impression to that effect was COR
rect
"At all events, continued the leader,
"there is ne hurry. For several months
to come there will be nothing going on
but district organization and general
work, which is almost en-
tirely in the hands of the central COM
mittee. During that time you had bet-s,.
ter get foothold in the Eleventh as
sembly district. II you don't live in it
already, you will do well to move there
soon. will give you note to man
you ought to know. Cultivate him lit
tie, and he will post you and introduce
you around to the boys, and between us
guess we can find something tempo
rarily for you rs start. When we know
you better, Mr.. Sewall, have no doubt
we will be able to do better for you, but
the main thing at present is to get 10
cal foothold. Drop in and see mo again
in few days"
While speaking Mr.. Pratt had been
rapidly scrawling note of introduction
which he handed to Chester as he said
Gin few days" q phrase which the
young man rightly accepted as dismiss
sal.
"You will find Mr.. Cofferty dia-