The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-09-18
Our Daily Short Stories
SUMT'ERVILLE'S
MAYORALTY RACE
BY WILL T. HALE.
Copyright. 1901. by Authors Syndicate,

the skeleton in his closet and were
not only using II effectively against
him in the canvas, but had succeeded
in estranging the heart of the wo-
man he loved.
But IT was not long before the
young mans softer nature asserted it.
SELF. He was strong man. both
physically and mentally, and his very
hardships had prepared him so far
TO overcome the greatest obstacles.
he began to upbraid himself for hav-
ing neglected his father in his mis-
cry. True, through a friend he had
sent him money occasionally to sup
ply his few needs. but he had never
written him a letter or gone to offer
word of comfort in person. For twen-
~ years the old man had trodden the
wine press of suffering alone In i'm
agination he now saw him, gray and
maybe decrepit, coming out through
prison doors into scenes so changed
that they were the same as new-no
kindred to greet him, no friendly hand
to clasp as he staggered back into the
sunlight of liberty
can l ever forgive myself" said
he, in a voice grown husky with his
emotion. Il shall seek him just as soon
as this election is over and try to
make his remaining years comfortable.
Why did not my friend out there,
through whom l sent pitiful stipend
now and then, write me of this? Could
his letter have miscarried?"
At this moment a carriage drove up,
and his friend Legare called to him to
get ready to go out to the grove where
the last discussion between the candi-
dates was to take place.
Arriving on the grounds, they found
an immense crowd awaiting them.
The opposition candidate spoke first,
and, from the applause he received, it
appeared that the majority were with
him. He was glad, he said, that he had
tried to make a decent race, and if
there had been any personal matters
lugged in, it was not through desire
of his; and his mien was as unctuous
as the born demagogue can assume
when it is profitable to assume it.
In his reply, Monkton was at his
best He was wrought up by recent
circumstances. and his friends were
electrified by his eloquence. AS he was
nearing the close of his address, and
while looking over the "sea of faces
to quote from the write-up of the re-
parter in that evenings papers-he es-
pied an aged pensionist standing near
a tree, his eyes on the speaker in rapt
attention and his form shaken with
feeling. Somehow the features were IA
mliar something told him that was
the man whose likeness he had seen
in the paper that morning. He paused
in his speech and held his arm out
stretched. The multitude became silent
and more intent than before.
My friends" said he, II promise to
detain you only ten minutes at the
longest. pray you bear with me until
l walk out there to meet one who is
interested in this race. although a
stranger to YOU
With eyes flashing and head erect he
sought the stranger who had attracted
his attention
"They told me it was you, Dick" said
the old man, whimpering. Have 1 done
wrong in coming to you? Just say so.
and I'll go away; but here's a paper
that will set me right in my boys eyes,
/ know
For answer the son placed his arm
around his fathers neck, then drew
him to a seat. CHANGING a moment over
the paper handed him by his father,
he walked back and resumed his stand
on the platform.
Il have asked my fellow citizens for
their votes in this election" he said.
But of more Importance to me than
your votes is the honor of the man
whose name has been cruelty banded
about by the opposition-my father.
| Allow me to read you the story of his
wrongs and of his vindication as re-
| ferred to by the editor of one Of the
! most reputable journals in the coun-
! try:
| Through a case of mistaken iden-
tity Jacob NMonkton has been made to
! suffer twenty weary years in prison for
murder committed by another. The
| Ill IxrtNn hnI hnc
confessed to the crime, and other cir
cumstances fully corroborate his state
ments There is no doubt here that the
law has overstepped justice. and the
trial Judge, who still lives, was so much
impressed with the facts that he has
laid aside the ermine he has worn 30
odd years in disgust. Even the Gov
ernor, who once knew Monkton many
years ago, repaired in person to the
prison to congratulate the aged ant
feeble scapegoat on his vindication.'
1T is a matter of deep concern"
The crowd here became wild. Mer
shouted for Candidate Monkton, ant
I women waved their handkerchiefs; anc
finally a half dozen sturdy men made
for the rostrum, lifted him on theil
shoulders and carried him in triumph
through the enthusiastic and yelling
multitude.
DO you know l am sorry FOR your
overwhelmingly sorry?' exclaimed
Legare, after he had found an oppor'
tunity to talk with 'Monkton. The
poor fellow sneaked away, and I've M
doubt he's gone somewhere to plan
himself! Tomorrow it will hardly b.
said that he also ram his votes goint
TO be so light. But, say, do you SCI
that young lady weeping behind hel
handkerchief? Well, that's Miss Dox
ley. And she's not crying because o
the discontinue of the opposition
either-for didn't she mean you wher
she said to me awhile ago: is he no
noble?'