Mower County transcript., 1903-07-01

Y
Reform III e
--L. BY UNNfS VI. SlkluON n
Author of SIN His Steps, 2 Robert
Hardy's Seven Days." Etc. 83 5s,f

= BY CHARLES N. SlklD0M
2 Author OF ,..In} His Steps, 2 3. Robert :
Hardy's Seven Days, !" Etc. II
+ Copyright, 1901. by Charles N. Sheldon
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. + i = i++44.@
Mrs. Captain George Ef6ngham,
Balem," Barton read Then his cheeks
showed color in addition to the un-
natural glow there. 4 sj5s.s5s q d
Gordon went up and put a hand on
his arm. s&# M 4 65 III
."David, l know now why-7why''- I. /
"say, you aren't going to cry, are
yOu?'' = r., &: .@s,s.. Il Init i. 4
"Cry! I've been crying all night.
To think that yod''-T :. ;-45
9''Well, why shouldn't l enjoy trips
to Colorado, even if can't personally
conduct them? Tell me about the old
lady. Efingham said his grandmother
was going on a hundred Sorry I:
missed seeing. her, l. expect she is a
picture %~s ss@ %.ss%:>: = II ,
IA picture! She is romance. You;
would have fallen in love with her at
once. She brought into the room the
fragrance of cinnamon and cloves and
spice from the islands Of the sea-
Don't you detect it now?" -
Smells to me like Williams Coffee"
replied Barton, shifting critically. ''But
tell me about her. # VI
Gordon described the visit as vivid
ly as possible. When he had finished,
there was a suspicion of moisture in
Barton's eyes.
"She wanted me to tell you she would
write"
First love letter I'll ever get" sighed
Barton Whimsically. II expect she's
rich"
"No doubt. l can imagine the square
old fashioned house she owns in Sa-
lem-colonial front, fan window ar
rangement over the doors and stair
case big enough to drive up double
team. But, oh, David, why did you
not 60 out there yourself before''-
Before it was too late? No good.
Case is chronic. Let's change the sub
Ject. Tell me about Mr.. Marsh.''
but how many persons are you sup
porting in Colorado? y
Don't remember. Quit it or YOU
will bring on my cough. 1t always
gets me when inconsiderate friends in
sist on talking about it, ~, j
SO Gordon took up the days expert
anee with Mr., Marsh while Williams
brought in the coffeean rolls, and Bar
ton seemed unusually cheerful and fun
ny. When Gordon rose to CO. Barton
said:
II think maybe I'll get down to the
Office next week. But come up as often
as you can, old man, won't you?''
Gordon promised, with a choking in
his throat as he shook hands, and went
off, carrying with him memory that
was both sad and inspiring. After he
had gone out David Barton went over
to the couch and, kneeling down, sobbed
like child. He was a gifted man,
only forty years old, and life was very
sweet to him.
The first thing John Gordon did on
reaching Hope House was to confer
with Miss Andrews.
do you think Mr.. Marsh will do
anything?" she asked.
II think so-yes" But Gordons re-
ply was not very strong.
'You are in doubt. He was deeply
impressed. But, if mistake not, he is
the kind of man to delay any move
that means a real financial loss His
horror of the tenement conditions is not
equal to his dread of ultimate money
loss if he tears the double decker down
or remodels it."
I'm afraid-yes." Gordon answered,
with sigh.
But Of course" he said after awhile,
you have used your influence with
the board Of health and the city off.
cials and all other departments
"Yes," Miss Andrews answered quiet.
ly.
"But conditions are getting worse.
Why"
ASK Tommy Randall"
''The political bOss?''
"Of course you know he is the rock
ON which most of our reforms split.''
Il have never met him. Of course
you have been to him personality
"Often. He's the most dangerous
man in the city. He is. utterly devoid
OF conscience. I have never found a
single quality In him to which I could
appeal. But, if he would, he could
move the powers that be to right near
~ every wrong in the ward"
Gordon was on the point of going on
with the inquiries, for what he had
heard of Tommy Randall, the boss.
surrounded that potent force with a
certain human fascination, but Miss
Andrews was called away, and the
talk was not renewed until they met
again at dinner. -. =.
For week John Gordon continued
bis special investigation with Ford, the
university student. The work took
him into another block. Coming back
one evening from the district, he passed
by No. 81, and the sight of an unusual
commotion there caused him to stop
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