Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-11-17

kins from somewhere out west, one Of
to be the speaker of the occasion, and
they'll have plenty to eat and good
music. Better go over"
A half hour later Spencer assembled
the stairway of Raymond Hall. He
noticed number Of ladies in the crowd
that steadily marched into the hall, and
he was rather glad to find that the BAN
quet was not to be of the usual politi-
cal character for men only. AT the head
Of the stairs he noticed door standing
open, and looking through into the
brightly lighted ante-roOm he saw his
old friend. The impulse was too strong
to resist. and he passed In the doorway
and held out his hand.
whats the matter with Jim Rob-
bins?" he laughingly called.
In an instant his friends hand grip
ped his.
Spencer, old man, SO glad to see
you" He pushed Spencer Off little
and held him there. you are looking
prime" he said. "And. by George! you
are just in time" He laughed as he
spoke, and looked at Spencer with such
IL comical expression that 1t instantly
recalled to the latter some amusing ex-
periences of the dear old school days.
"What mischief are you up to-" he
cried. But, here, I'm IN the way.
Don't let me bother you. I'll see you In
the morning" And he drew back and
half turned toward the door.
Hold on" cried Jim, with plunge
at him; "you don't get away from me
tonight. You stay right here until
can properly dispose Of YOU"
Hon. Jack Speed was seated at Jim's
right and Spencer at his left, much to
the latter's increased uneasiness. Then
the banquet commenced, and for an
hour the clatter and chatter continued
without break. Jim was as delightful
as of yore, dividing his attention very
equally between the guest Of the even
ing and Spencer, but the latter's heart
was filled with a vague distrust.
When the clatter finally ceased Jim
raped on the table, and in nice little
speech told of the purpose of the ban
quet. He introduced the mayor, who
briefly welcomed back Hon. Mr.. Speed
to Palmyra. Then Hon. Mr.. Speed re-
sponded In brisk speech, testifying to
his delight in returning home to such
friends and such a welcome, senti-
ment which was greeted with loud ap-
plause. Then Jim rose again, with
crumpled telegram in his hand. He
much regretted, he said. to be obliged
to announce that Hon. Dwight Perkins
kc0uld not be with them. A telegram he
had just received announced a railway
accident that blocked the road and held
back Mr.. Perkins, sixty miles away.
Our regret, however" said Jim, "is
somewhat mitlgated by the fNct that we
fortunately have with us as an honored
guest one of the most prominent Of
New York's young political and social
leaders, Mr.. Spencer. Clifford, who will
talk to us on the question Of the hour"
AS Jim sat down a patter Of applause
ran round the hall and the long lines
of faces assumed all expectant express
sion.
Remember your old debating tri-
umphs," whispered the perfidious Jim,
land sail In"
Spencer gave him horrible scowl as
he rose to his feet. Then he turned to
the auditors with pleasant smile. He
put his teeth together hard. He
wouldn't be bluffed. And deep down
in his soul he felt gratifed that Jim,
despite his consummate meanness,
had confidence in him. Jim knew he
wouldn't fluke. He would say word
or two and retire as gracefully as pos
sible.
When Spencer, after an eloquent
wind up, finally took his seat. the ap-
plause was vigorous and long drawn
out, and Jim, his face flushed and his
eyes sparkling, grabbed Spencer's hand
under the table and squeezed 1t hard
and said: Great, my boy, great! You
ought to get down ON your Bonded
knees to me for bringing you out"
When 1t was all over Jim said: I'VE
must get up our coats and hunt up Min
ME. Minnie is Mrs. Jim. She's little
jealous of you now. Don't make her
more SO. BY the way, she has n young
woman from your overgrown town in
tow tonight, and We'll have to escort
her to her aunt's home. Know her?
She's Miss Anna Goldie."
A little later they were out in the open
air, Anna walking with Spencer and
Mr.. and Mrs. i'm going ahead, that
acute married dame having apparently
sized up the situation.
"After hearing you this evening""
said Anna softly, Il think this is the
field you are fitted for"
There was pause. They fell back o
little farther.
do you know?" he asked abruptly,
what 1t is that has awakened me-"
NO." she answered.
ut Is love-" he said.
He looked down at her. Her face was
averted.
"DO you know what brought me down
here? Do you know what carried me
through that speech tonight"
"No," she softly murmured.
"Youv'