The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-04-26
The Hand of
the Master ~
BY HENRY HILLS

tcopyrisht. 1904 BY Daily Story Pub. Co.,
lie HAD not realized how deeply he
II desired to win until now that he
saw the prize slipping away from him.
In fact. he was not yet quite ready for
political career; he needed a 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 legislafure-wanted to
spend tie honeymoon at the state capi-
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 II was Center
county's turn to have the ONCE. 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 81
delegates to the county convention he
had 40 instructed for him and he was
morally sure of eight out of the IL 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 Woolcott sat in q 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 smelled mischief There
| was present one Mr.. Whitley, a local
corporation attorney. Mai. 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, II
developed. entirely by certain infiu-
ences" which desired friendly Indians
In the legislature. They now held the
key to the situation.
You see. it's just this way. Woolcott, '
said Maj. Robey. smiling blandly
We've got at least ten out Of the 1:
uninstructed delegates-and l thinl
we've got every blamed one. But more
than that we've got six Of your fellow,
who have figured out a good excuse tc
break away from instructions"
1t appeared, however, that the Ger
tain influences were not violently op
posed to Woolcott IL assured that hs
would be friendly Indian" and upoI
such assurance properly given, woult
withdraw their support Of the other can
didate and make the election Of Wool
colt certain. The certain influences" 1
was delicately conveyed. were person.
interested in the G. T. & B. compan.
about whose franchises considerably
legislation was pending.
| Woolcott was fighting mad and hai
Maj. Robey not been SO long about com
ing to the end of his harangue, woul,
have tossed the proposition back int
his teeth, perhaps with physical &C
compartments. But while the major
soothing voice was bringing the proposi
ton to a close he glanced through tn
half closed shutters and saw Helen Kir
ton tripping along to the convention
with a number Of friends. The sigh
drove the blood back upon his heart
Helen. his affianced, going to the seen
of his triumph only to witness his defea
and share in his humiliation. He shranl
from the disappointment he saw comm
into her dancing eyes. He shrank, toe
from admitting to her that he had faile
she whose faith in his ability wa
perfect. And then the humiliation @
/ meeting the rest Of the world defeate
man CALLED him. It was his first try 10
a political office, and to be defeated 4
his own county seemed very bitter. B
the time the majors suave tones wer
, stilled he was debating with himself
The G. T. & B. franchises did not affet
his district, anyway. but the entire maj
ter was reputed to be rotten and corrup
. He replied abruptly:
, 81 will think II over and let you kno
, in ten minutes"
"All right" responded the maio
But remember there isn't much tim
The convention will be called to ords
! In 80 minutes"
: Woolcott went straight upstairs to II
gallery Of the convention hall an