Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1900-04-06
WHEN THE
SERPENT ENTERED.
nov M. brown Got late and out
of Politics.



MY dear" said Mrs. Thomas Brown,
'thls is the twelfth anniversary Of our
wedding DAY. l believe you had for
gotten IT,"
well. l haven't" replied the Hon.
Thomas Brown, with a fine show Of In
dignatiOn. I'm not likely to forget
the day when ! got you. remember
every detail with perfect c~learness."
"what kind Of dresses did the brides
maids wcar7''
Aud continued Mr.. Brown, artful-
ly evadinG the question, am sure that
we have plenty OF cause to be thankful
aud happy. Certainly no man ever had
a better wife"
Thank you. my dear. and come
home early tonight. so that we may
have n little celebration"
After this. pleasing episode the Hon.
Thomas Brown started down town to
his office. Gu his way to the train he
made up his mind that he would send
home a basket Of fruit and some roses
and later In the day he would stop at
the jewelers. to look ut the bracelet his
wife had admired.
II was strange. he reflected. how lit
tie happiness some people get out of
life. Here vas he. still on the sunny
side OF 40. with a sufficient income. q
devoted wife. two beautiful children
and not n worry In the world. His
place in his profession was assured.
His nclghbors respected him. He could
see no cloud on the horizon of his
hopes. He was as near complete con-
tentment as men get.
In the reception room OF his office
half a dozen men we're waiting. He
recognized one rs n well known poll
tician and greeted him with n some
what chilly nod as he closed the door
OF his private room. A clerk, however.
followed him and ushercd In the dele
CATION.
We've come" said the spokesman.
'to ask you TO be our candidate for
the state senate"
The Hon. Thomas Brown thanked
them and said he had neither the time
nor money to spare.
"But II Will take hardly any time
aud less money" was the answer.
"You can be elected without a bit Of
trouble. You know the situation. Now
think Il over and let us know tomor-
row."
As a result Of the succeeding excite
ment, which Mr.. Brown could not con-
ceal. at least from himself, he forgot
the fruit, the roses and the diamonds.
Senator Thomas Brown" did have an
ear filling sound. as he repeated 1t IN
der his breath.
At o O'clock he started to go home.
Four professional friends met him at
the door. They called him Senator"
and escorted him out to drink his
health. II was I o'clock before he got
u to the South Side.
His wife met him at the door. Her
usual placidity was somewhat shaken.
why. Tom. what's the matterT' she
said. II asked you TO get home early,
and here II IL after Z o'clock and din
ner half spoiled"
i've been asked to run for the sen
ate. my dear" said the Hon. Thomas
Brown lmpreSsively.
and what did you sayT'
Told them I'd give them an answer
after ! had consulted my wife," said
Mr.. Brown. who had already begun to
use the wiles Of a politician.
II hate to think Of your going into
politics, Tom. and
But the senate isn't exactly politics.
ain assured that | can be elected
without an effort on my part II il
was going 10 make any cha - In N
home life. I wouldn't think Of II. And,
besides. It's my duty. you know. It's
my duty to the state. That will prob
ably decide me-"
II thought you were going to consult
your wifer'
That's what I'm doing now. II
you
Let's 20 In and see II any Of the
dinner Is NJ to eat. We can talk II
oVer afterward."
The Eoup was served. when there
came n ring at the hell. The maid an
nounccd n party OF gentlemen to see
Mr.. Brown.
Tell them Mr.. Brown IL at dinner"
said his wife. "and ask them to sit
do an"
Don't you think had better 90 out
for a secon, and see who II lsf' inter
rupted the prospective senator. 1T
might be somebody from the ONCE OF
Important business. you know" 30
quickly hsd the virus Of political n
billion begun to do its deadly work.
An hour later the Hon. Thomas
Brown found the dining room deserted.
His indignant wife was mp stairs IN
her sitting room.
"well. " this 10 the way you are 60
ing TO gbs senate. Jon win " 30
with m0 convent" she broke out q"
heard you telling those men you were
always glad and proud to welcome
then 20 your humble home, and them J