The sun., 1900-09-25
CHAPTER III.
Simon's Fight for His Hon


early filed with voters, passing up ana
down the streets, 'lectioneering for
their favorite candidates, the center OF
attraction being the place where they
were to vote.
Political Simon seemed everywhere
at once, with smile of satisfaction on
his face. 1t seemed to him that he had
a great deal TO be thankful for. Ezra
had visited at his place for over
month, and yet no one in Boonsville
had ever learned his politics, which
Simon considered blessing to the
Grey family Now the time of danger
had passed, for Ezra had gone back
TO his home in Pennsylvania.
Simon fitted from person TO person,
informing everybody of the way they
should vote. Everyone that was ru-
mored to be doubtful" Simon Grey
would corner, and address as follows,
in familiar way: "My good fellow.
| hope you are on the right side.
trust that you will cast your ballot in
such way that you may claim share
of the honor of Bryan's victory. Here
is cigar, my good fellow. Smoke 1t in
remembrance of my daughter Winnie,
who is running for County Superinten-
dent. You know her educational quail
tiles; not Dragging at all, but really
she is as smart gal as there is in
Marble County. Glen Harrington.
though Professor of the High School
here in Boonsville, hasn't near the tai
ent Winnie has for school teaching or
the managing of the schools in the
county. Then he's Republican and
that's agin his character. He's n soft
head or he'd know better than that. If
he does know better, and still votes that
Internal ticket, he's scoundrel, and
for such hypocritical men, have great
contempt
Then somebody remarked: you'd
better be careful, Simon, how you rid
icule your future sonin-law."
"Son-in-law"' Simon drawled out.
Hell never be q son-in-law of mine
till he leaves that d. party and joins
the Farmers Alliance. l have this
much to say, though, in Glen Harring-
toms favor. He's young yet, and he
may reform. But one thing is sure; !
shall never allow a daughter of mine
to marry Republican"
One of the men, to whom Simon wa
giving advice, asked him what his
brothers politics were.
20, Ezra's gone home" replied 81
mon, rather uneasily. Il told him tc
go home, where he could vote for We
didn't want to miss a single Free Sill
yer vote"
He's populist, then, is he?"
Simon hesitated. Should he tell liz
to protect the honor of the Grey fam
lily? Certainly, if it were necessary.
"Well, guess so," he said, earnestly
"Td be ashamed II there was Il Grey
outside of the Populist party
"Your brother isn't as much of n poll
tician as you are, is he? No one seem,
to have heard him talk politics."
"No, he is not. l wanted him to Civ,
a series of lectures in favor of Ere,
Silver while he was in Boonsville, bu
lie wouldn't exert himself that much.
wonder, Simon," the fellow said
chuckling, "why he had McKinle,
button on the lapel of his coat tn
morning he went away"
"Great heavens, man." exclaime,
Simon, with a Mortified expression O.
his face HE wouldn't be caught dea
with a Mckinley button on. Are yo
craZy@
mo, sir, I'm not crazy. 1t is an ac
tual fact, for saw it myself when h
was standing in the depot awaitin
the train. What's more, l wasn't tn
only one that noticed it. Uncle 10
Harrington and Bill White remarke
to me concerning it."
Hold your tongue, young fellow!
interrupted Simon. st can't be poss
bic. shall never allow such an out
landish lie to circulate. l am here t
protect my rights, and l swear to pre-
tect the honor of the Grey family a
long as there is breath in my body an
mind in my craniumw And Simo
Grey, of political fame, straightene
up to his full six feet, and threw hi
shoulders back. He looked powerfl
indeed, compared with the small ma
he was addressing. AS the small ma
! walked away, smiling to himself 6
irascible Simon, our hero clenched hi
t teeth in rage.
"I've got you spotted" he muttere
:, to himself. "If that fellow or Joe Ha
rington, or Bill White tells in Boon
, vile to-day that Ezra wore McKinle
button, I'll down 'em. No doubt b,
! what it's true, though it Is strange
+ failed to notice it, but supposin' II
d the truth?" Simon argued to himsel
II '1t's none of their business IL he wo,
n dozen Mckinley buttons. Darn Ezr,
), If he did do such thing as that. AFT,
y promising me that he wouldn't tell N
. neighbors that he was Republican !
! has dlsgraced my family; that is, if II
# people of Boonsville hear it, but thew
l. shall-not-know-itw he SLOWLY mn
It tered.
i. Il will keep my eyes open and s,
;e that no report as that circulates. ha
=. to fight, but my honor must be Il
- Tended"
!, While Simon was entertaining sr,
thoughts as these, Cynthia, alone