The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-04-24

Ses1t, lie saw the placld, earnest race
heightened perhaps in color, but bear
ing the usual quiet seriousness that dis
tinguished her.
The talk at table turned upon Tommy
Randall and his plans. 1t was the con-
sensus of opinion that nothing could be
done except in the way Of enforcing
the building ordinances. And every
body agreed that from past attempts
the probability was very small that
Tommy could ever be convicted.
"For my own satisfaction" said Cor
don after they had discussed every
phase of the remarkable situation, 81
want to see the mayor and have per-
sonal interview with him. Let us strike
at headquarters"
Miss Andrews smiled sadly. "Mr.
Gordon, youth is always RASH" Cor
don colored as if he understood her to
mean it in a double sense. But go
and the see the mayor. I've no objec-
tons. Need l say have seen him sew
eral times to no purpose? Has a parti-
san machine any place in its mechan-
ism for human mercies?
Gordon felt abashed. Il did not mean
to hint that l could do anything.
simply wanted to put the city govern
ment to the test in a plain matter Of
human right and justice. 1t will be
more for my own satisfaction and ex-
perience than anything else"
go your ways. You will get the ex-
perience without fail" answered Miss
Andrews. with look which contained
depth of sadness out of her own ex-
perience that haunted Gordon all the
evening.
Nevertheless the next day he went
down to the city hall and asked to see
the mayor. After a delay of half an
hour he was admitted AS he entered
four men came out of the room. They
were talking excitedly. and Gordon
could hear the name s"Julius Cham
bers.'
$50 julius Chambers is making him.
self talked about at headquarters"
Gordon murmured to himself Il must
know that man."
He was ushered into the mayors Of
hSC Ny thC dOOl hCCpCI anu ldCCu u
slightly built. rather aristocratic look
ing man, carefully dressed. Gordon
had seen him on public occasions. but
had never before met him personally.
You are the son of the late Rufus
Gordon, Ell? Yes. Knew your father
quite well. He was stanch supporter
of the party and man to be depended
upon. Sorry to know of his financial
losses just before his death"
The mayor was soft. easy spoken
man, with a slight hesitation at the
end of his sentences that gave listen
er the idea of mental indecision, not
borne out by his political career.
what can I do for your he said
suddenly. Gordon was not prepared
for it. The tone was suddenly hard.
brisk. businesslike.
"a good deal, Mr.. Mayor, If you
will"
That's the usual statement Mr..
Gordon. That's what they all say. OF
course you've come to get something.
They all do" The mayor spoke with
tone of resignation that struck Gordon
as unusually impersonal.
Yes, sir; | did come to get some
thing. and have no apologies to offer
for it. because it is something that any
good citizen ought to get and that is
justice"
BE specific. Justice is not delivered
here in wholesale lots"
rs it delivered at all?" Gordon burst
out. The mayor coolly eyed him.
THAT depends. State your errand,
young man. Others are waiting"
do you know Tommy Randall"
The mayor raised his eyebrows.
81 know part of him. Nobody
knows all of Tommy"
He is one of the biggest rascals in
this city"
"This is not news" The mayor looked
resigned.
''Yes, Mr.. Mayor; it is news to this
administration. What is this man.
Tommy Randall? He is not an officer
CT the city, he is not authorized to take
part in its affairs. yet he Dictates
"Be specific Others are waiting.
State your errand, young man." The
words came hard, incisive, like the bit
ing of cold steel on STEEL Gordon sud-
denly pulled up, and in five seconds he
was as cool and clear headed as the
impassive political figure sitting there
at his desk.
In a swift. forceful manner that
characterized him when driven to it by