The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-03-09

the fire stroking his black mustache,
a dropping curl at either end. His
hair which was plastered in little
scallops over his forehead and deeply
parted from the back of his head, bore
evidence of the cheap BARRIERS manip-
ulation. The whole appearance of the
man had undergone transformation
since his last visit. Every weak line
in his face showed plainly and his
rough, coarse features had been tenn
pered until his whole personality
fairly reelted with brutal vulgarity.
We'll, JOSH" he began affably, as
the butler closed the door. you don't
seem glad to see me-"
Didn't I tell you not to call here
againl"
The answer came from behind Mr..
Harlln's newspaper.
so you did. But what's the DIFF?
/ don't come at reception hours or ask
10 meet your daughter, do I?'
Mr.. Harlan slapped his paper to-
sether and smashed it down upon the
table.
You must be drunk!" he muttered.
McMannis laughed.
Damned If don't think am" he
retorted, but you're the winner by it
this time"
He stepped toward his host as he
spol;e and tossed a roll of bills upon
the table.
What's thot?"
The 80 pluuEs owe you. Don't
faint, old man. They're the genuine
green"
Then you got"
Elected? Sure, Mike. don't
promise to pay you ell | owe you. |
don't even know what it is, but ! said
I'd give up this. and, hell-it was
worth II to see you jump"
McMannis helped himself to cigar,
bit the end off. and spat it out in a
sputter of laughter.
Mr.. Harlan glanced suspiciously at
the man, slowly gathered up the bills,
and stuffed them into his pocket with
out word
Then he leaned forward, relit his
cigar over the lamp, and sat staring
at his visitor.
you got good job?"
The words were statement rather
than an inquiry.
Yes, better than | expected, and
we might have drink on It," he
added, eyeing the bottles with a grin.
What is it?'
Whisky, of course
Mr.. Harlan's face relaxed for an in
stant, but became rigid again as he
pushed the bottles forward.
Il meant what Job did you get I
thought you'd quit drinking"
so | have, but this in an occa-
sion. If we wait till you get another
dividend it'll be long time bstween
drinks. Wish you may live till then.
Josh"
He poured out generous portion Of
raw liquor, smelt 1t. nodded over the
glass, and tossed IL off with a pc
cular jerk of his neck following it
up with a swallow of water.
That's my third to-day-honest
count and polls closed tonight" he
vouchsafed, as he wiped his mouth
on the back of his hand and picked up
his half-chewed cigar.
Mr.. Harlan lifted a paper-knife from
the table, tried its edge absent-mind-
edly, and then sat silent, bending the
blade back and forth between his
fingers. McMannis watched him with
a broad grin on his shiny face, but
spoke no word.
What is your job?"
The question was sullen and disdain-
full.
"A snap-a soft snap. Chief of the
walking delegates you might call it,
though it's known as assistant high
workman. Say, but that's good liquor,
Josh! Funny such a good hand at
buying il don't have no real taste for
it, And since you press me so cor
dial, Josh, guess III take one more
teaspoonful"
He poured out another deep drink,
howl" and a shuddering exhalation of
breath like a man in bitter-cold
wind, Then he rubbed his hands to-
Gether, struck match on his trouser
leg, started to relight his cigar, but
burst out laughing as he noted Har-
lans bored and contemptuous glance.
Say, what's the matter with you,
JOSH" he exclaimed. you're as huffy
as hell, and look as glum as Dolan's
goat when she swallered the tin-can
crossways. Take drink. Have one
on me, and stop chewing the rag for
fve minutes anyhow. Gosh, but you
do look silly!"
McMannis broke into another spasm
of merriment, quieted down, wiped his
eyes, and then glancing at Mr.. Har-
lan's solemn, unmoved countenance,
burst forth again into peal upon peal
Of laughter, until the tears ran down
his face and he had to seat himself
for very weakness
What Is the-er-the chief of walk
ing delegates expected to do?"
The question was asked contemptu-
ously and with weary Indifference, but
In his social mood welcomed
1t eagerly
What does he do?" he responded,
jocularly. What won't he do when
I'm It? That's the question to ask.
Josh Harlan. I've been waiting for
a chance like this for years. and now
I've got 1t, I'll work 1t, you bet. Say,
do you know how many men's-how
many men there are in our associa-
tion"
Mr.. Harlan shook his head.
well, III tell you" McMannis drew
hia chair cloaar 10 his hnat anA leanad