The Irish standard., 1904-04-30
The Hand of
the Master ~
BY HENRY HILLS
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fConYrirht 1904 by Daily Story Pub. Coz


Copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
TIE HAD not realized how deeply he
desired to win until now that he
saw the prize slipping away from him.
In fact, he was not yet quite ready for a
political career; he needed a few years
more Of professional labor in order to
put himself in financial position which
would warrant his entrustins 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
it had looked like walk-away. But
later opposition had mysteriously de-
ueloped and had grown SO strong that
all Woolcott's powers as 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 "a
delegates to the county convention he
had 40 instructed for him and he was
morally sure of eight out of the II I'M
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
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, local
corporation attorney, Maj. Sam Robey,
whom Woolcott recognized as one of the
coolest aud cleverest lobbyists in the
state, and two other men with whom he
was not acquainted.
With the most diplomatic indrection
but SO plainly as not to be misunder-
stood, they had unfolded their desires
The opposition had been instigated, ii
developed, entirely by certain influ-
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 think
we've got every blamed one. But more
than that we've got six of your fellows
who have figured out good excuse tc
break away from instructions"
1t appeared, however, that the Ger
tain influences" were not violently op
posed to Woolcott if assured that he
would be a friendly Indian" and upor
such assurance properly given, would
withdraw their support of the other can
didate and make the election of Wool
soft certain. The certain influences" i
was delicatcly conveyed. were persons
interested in the G. T. & B. compan,
about whose franchises considerable
Legislation was pending.
lWoolcott was fighting mad and hat
Maj: Robey not been so long about com
ing to the end of his harangue, woult
have tossed the proposition back int,
his teeth, perhaps with physical &C
compartments. But while the major
soothing voice was bringing the proposi
zion to close he glanced through tn
half closed shutters and saw Helen Kir
S1n tripping along to the convention
with number of friends. The sigh
drove the blood back upon his hear,
Helen. his affianced, going to the seen
OF his triumph only to witness his defea
and share in his humiliation. He shran
from the disappointment he saw comm
into her dancing eyes. He shrank, to-
fDm admitting to her that he had faile
--she whose faith in his ability wa
perfect. And then the humiliation c
meeting the rest of the world defeate
man CALLED him. 1t was his first try fc
n political Office, and to be defeated
his own county seemed very bitter. b