The Topeka state journal., 1900-05-26


quarrelS over a observation-disclosures |
postof6cei" But then came the recol- |
lection of his own anxiety to win-and |
he was as far from a decision as ever.
When Martin reached home. the |
sheriff and the editor of the party pa
per, his political eronies, met him.
We'll, get any good news?'' asked the
sheriff when they We're away from the
crowd
Not much; but say, fellows, I be-
heve it's all right. He talked to me
mighty nice and gave me to understand
that he would be careful. He is wor-
ried a little about Landor, guess, but
is about ready to give up
The county convention is called for
a week from Saturday" remarked the
editor 'Blair'n have to come back
''That'n settle the postoffice then?'
Yes, the man who heads the delega-
tion will be boss. Can we make it?"
Course We can-but it'll take a lot
of hustling, for Landor's no slouch, I
want to tell you
The next two weeks were lively ones.
In true prairie style the leaders can
VaSSed every township and almost ev-
cry man in the county Not all the
voters understood the significance of
the convention-but the managers did
They knew that the selection of a con-
gresham from twenty counties might
depend on the company of delegates
who were to gather in the shabby
court room. Landor drove night and
udy, wrote letlerS, ana organized his
friends Martin and his party ''exer-
ciSed their pulp and fixed their
fences" but were exceedingly reticent.
There was a general feeling, however,
that they knew what they were doing.
Blair. arrived the night before the
convention, and had rooms at the Ave
nue. House. where all We're made at
home. Correspondents for the city pa
per's We're in the hotel lobby, and whis-
per1ng hxerS,' with arms around their
victims shoulders, were in every. smoke
hazed corner.
Landor made his last roundup.
that afternoon, and late at night came
IN from Poplar township chilled and
weary. He knew every voter in the
sparsely settled county, and could esti-
mate the result with almost mathe-
Inatlcal exactness. After hasty sup
| per, he went to his desk, which was
heaped high with letters and papers
| that he must see before going down
town: Jean was at his side.
Its all up, little girl-Im afraid -
| the father said, turning. THE best I
! can do is to tie things, and they've got
more money than we have The bows
Will stand by me, but I'm afraid 1 can't
And you can't have the postoffice?"
Not If don't carry the county. It's
| politics, little girl, that's all I'm too
old-togylsh, | guess, to play the game
But Mr.. Blair said
4 know he said-but what does that
| count nowadays? He wants to be
! elected again, and what does 1t matter
! II we did sleep under the same blanket
/ politics now.''
Landor spoke bitterly, and his daugh-
ter realized for the first time how de6D-
~ he felt the sting of probable defeat
| she slipped away and noted as she left
the room that her fathers head was
bowed in his hands. She had seen him
in that position or detection but twice
peIore-and once was the night her
Through the tobacco-scented halls of
the Avenue House servants were h11r-
ry1ng with long-necked bottles and
| pitchers OF ice water. Delegates were
| gathered in various headquarters and
| in the parlOr, which Blair had reserved.
! the congressman was in the midst of a
| llVely story of Washington life. A por-
ter beckoned him outside
Lady down stairs to see Won sir
He went to the stuffy plush-furnitured
| waiting room at the far end Of the
lower hall. Out of the gloom came a
| slight, girlish figure
Mr.. Blair?''
"At your service, mad-miss-"
Miss Landor."
ter?'
You ought to know me, but it was
four years ago that you visited US last
at our house,
Yes, you have grown" 1t was more
than that. She had developed from a
I came to see you-for father"
The congressman shifted his feet un-
easily.
You know, Mr.. Blair, what he wants
what he needs-what you practically
promised to give him
Blair did not reply Immediately. Be.
lore him was picture that seemed the
duplicate of one that had for years beer
in his dreams-a tall, slender girl, will
brown hair and eyes, a face that told
of tenderness and trust Steadily h,
looked at his visitor, and then wen
closer to her side.
Let US not talk of this here" h,
urged. Il want to see your father
He called porter and sent word t,
Martin.
) I am going out a few minutes" h
explained, when the Third ward leade
came. Tell the committee I will b.
back by seven O'clock
But they want to see you right now
Cant help it-important business"
Martin did not go to the committee
: He noticed Jean Landor and steppet
forward with outstretched hand.
You here? Are you helping run you
fathers campaign"
} Don't you wish I were not?' was tn
smile.
Down the dimly lighted hall and int
the dark street the trio went. Jean
hand rested on the broadcloth coverin
OF the conSreSSman'S arm.
: Martin left them at the drug stor
with final adjuration to Blair: Don
: fail to be back on time"
Blair half grumbled a response
He orders me around as if I wer
? a slave he exclaimed petulantly Whe
they were out of Martins hearing.
2 Maybe you are?'
Maybe. A politician is always some
t body's slave. It's only a matter of de
gree between the constable and tn
v congressman. sometimes think a com
E mon laborer is more independent
Then why not stop?"
5 Blair laughed. "a woman's Question
e You don't know everything; beside:
/ told you a politician is a slave
4 sometimes
T They entered the humble Lando
home, and he was left alone in the lii
r tie sitting room.
Her mothers likeness" he though
e and then there came to him somethin
f that huShed his clean-shaVela cheelr