Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-08-01

they Woulu take TINS niue apostro-
phe for what il was worth. In the
meantime, as the national debt was
oppressive, why not give it another
lift?
The four gentlemen from Harmony
readily understood this hint and four
TASKS were stretched out stimuli
taneously towards Col. keever. The
latter bowed. and TO the end that
none might feel aggrieved, paid due
and heightened attention 10 each
flask, supplementing each draught
with peculiarly happy remark rela-
tive 10 the generosity of the donor
and the excellence OF his gift.
This small formality over, Col.
Dingle once more resumed his topic
in voice that was growing husky
by very apparent degrees.
"Col. Keever, you have managed
the townsite OF Concord and man
aged IL well. Among other things
you have gone ahead, like an able
tactician, and have rushed into this
precinct certain men 10 build bridges
and houses, and repair roads and
heaven knows what. Now, every
: body is aware that the roads are all
right, the bridges in good condition
and that you have more houses than
you can use. Well, then, why have
! you brought all these men here? Oh,
we know! That fertile brain, that
intellect that labored and brought
forth the Blizzard. has hidden its
purpose well. but we have discovered
il. Haven't we. boys?"
1--WE have" came chorus Of thick
voices
Col. Keever wore perpetual smile,
very childlike, very bland; and he
would wink his right eye now and
then and shake his head with great
deal of feeling.
What's the purpose" he inquired.
evincing tendency to run his words
together
Its this. That special election is
called for tomorrow. These men
will have been in the county GO days
and in the precinct 20 days; conse-
quentl" they can vote and, naturally,
they'll vote for Concord"
shouldn't wonder much" re-
marked Keever, with a dry hiccough.
Twenty men. and pay EN- two dol
lars a day for GO days-that's $1,000
that II costs us 20 save the county
seat. And who's 10 the fore in the
enterprise? Col. Archibald Keever!
l declare, gentlemen, my throat is
parched. Would it be asking too
much"
II was not asking too much. Col
Keever was welcome 10 the best they
had in the shop and all there was of it,
And this brings MS back 20 where
we started" said Col. Dingle. "Har-
mony would like the county seat and
she would like 1t just $4,000 worth"
Dingle gave Keeyer "A playful push
What's that?" murmured Keever
rolling his eyes.
Just this went on Dingle. I'm
stead of voting these men for Con-
cord, vote them for Harmony. You
can do il. The great mind that built
up n paper like the Blizzard can do
anything"
Col. keever relapsed into silence
and did his best 10 think calmly
while the four gentlemen from Har-
mony awaited his reply in soulful
expectation.
Two thousand?" asked Keeyer,
huskily.
Two thousand" came an equally
husky reply.
cash down."
Fifty now and 1880 when the
votes are polled."
\ long period of silence ensued 10
be finally brokea by Keever, with
the anxious query:
"Genl'men, is there any left?"
There was some left and hbations
we're renewed all around.
What is it, Colonel, yes or MOP"
asked Dingle when the gurgling
period was over.
Through Col. Keever's mind there
lifted hazily the following items:
Four hundred and fifty on account
II plant twenty-eight sixty 20
get that weeks issue out OF pawn:
.iNty some odd for Sampson. and
here was no knowing the amount
If Pedro Smiths bill. Why not?
lie coughed. looked around him a
rifle neryously and then held out
us hand.
Cline tie 90"
A crisp bank note was rendered
lin.
Here you are" said Dinglc, land
lere are two Reconnaissance mat
ers Of form. you know, one for us
nd one for You setting forth
what's 20 be done, what's TO be paid
nd when. For your protection as
veil as ours. Colonel. Sign there"
Unsteadily the editor took up his
zen and scrawled two awkward sig
latures. whereupon col. Dingie
igned below him and the other
hree atteSted the act as witnesses.
Then. after drinking the last Of
he liquor, the four gentlemen from
harmony bade Col. Keever an af-
ectionate Goo bye" and left. Col.
lcevcr heard Capt Blue fall down
he fun length Of the stairs, heard ,