Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-11

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 Copyright, 1ooA, by Daily Story Pub. COo
 TfE HAD not realized how deeply he
 desired to win until now that he saw the prize slipping away from him. Tn fact, he was not yet quite ready for political career; he needed few years more of professional labor In order to put himself in financial position which would warrant his entrusting himself amid the pitfalls of official life.
 But she had set her heart upon his going to the egislature-wanted to spend the honeymoon at the state capt- tai, she said, with a recognized position. And so he had thrown discretion to the winds and entered the campaign.
 The moment was propitious, as she had urged The incumbent of the office had moved up higher and it was Center county's turn to have the office. And no one in Center county stood higher nor was In closer touch with the party leaders than Arthur Woolcott At first 1t had looked like a walk-away. But later opposition had mysteriously de- veloped and had grown so strong that all Woolcott's powers as a fighter had been called into play and he had gloried in the fray. He had won, too-at least he had thought so until now. Of the 84 delegates to the county convention he had 40 instructed for him and he was mdraIly sure of eight out of the 12 un- instructed delegates. Once endorsed by the county convention the fight was over, as the other counties conceded that Center should have the nominee. {
 But now while the convention was as- sembling Wooloott sat in room down stairs and saw defeat staring him in the face. He had been called there to meet ''some friends and immediately upon his entrance smei1ed mischief. There was present one MT, Whitely, local corporation attorney, Maj. Sam Robey, whom Woolcott recognized as one of the coldest, and cleverest lobbyists in the state, and two other men with whom he was not acquainted.
 With the most diplomatic indirection, but so plainly as not to be misunder- stood, they had unfolded their desires The opposition had been instigated, 1t developed, entirely by certain inffu- ences" which desired Friendly Indians" in the legislature. They now held the key to the situation.
 You see, it's just this way. WooIcott, 7 said Maj. Robey, smiling blandly. We've got at least, ten out of the 12 uningtructed delegates-and think we've got every blamed one. But more than that we've got six of your fellows who have figured out good excuse to break away from instructions"
 It appeared, however, that the Ger tain influences" were not violently op- posed to Woolcott if assured that he would be friendly Indian, and upon such assurance properly given, would withdraw their support of the other can didate and make the election of Wool colt certain. The certain influences it was delicately conveyed, were persons interested in the q. T. & B. company about whose franchises considerable legislation was pending.
 WGOlcott was fighting mad and had Maj Robey not been sc long about com ing to the end of his harangue, would have tossed the proposition back into his teeth, perhaps with physical ac- compartments. But while the majors soothing voice was bringing the proposi- ton to a close he glanced through the half closed shutters and saw Helen Kir- ton tripping along to the convention with number of friends. The sight drove the blood back upon his heart. Helen, his atfianced, going to the scene of his triumph only to witness his defeat and share in his humiliation. He shrank from the disappointment he saw coming into her dancing eyes. He shranR, too, from admitting to her that he had fatled -she whose faith in his ability was perfect. And tben the humiliation of meeting the rest of the world defeated man galled him. It was his first try for & political office, and io be defeated in his own county seemed very bitter. By the time the majors euave tones were stilled he was debating with himself. The c. T. & B. franchises did not affect his district anyway, but the entire mat ter was reputed 10 be rotten and corrupt He replied abruptly:
 q will think it oves and let you know in ten minutes"
 "All right responded the major ECuI TGuSIuOEA LLC1S ASA l. IuuCn L1IUS The convention will be called to order | in 30 minutes
 WooJcott went straight upstairs to the 1 gallery of the convention hall and straight to where Helen sat. She sreete0 him with gay smile.
 You are not to come for your laurelB sir, until you have won the day.. she cried merrily.
 He asked her to step into the hall with I him and said:
 Helen. am sorely in need of helr and advice. l am beaten and yet have victory in my grasp. have just had l p cear fn rav,ra with tho n rr a. n na0r1e