The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-24
Our Daily $bcrt Story


 dozen years. It makes me tremble for the republic. Is civic virtue deada Is political honesty an irridescent dream? And to think that Sommers could have lent himself to those scoundrels. I wonder what promises they" He paused. glanced keenly at her and re- sumed his restless pacing up and down
 the room. hands clasped behind his back.
 Grace looked at him long and earn estly. She noted the deep furrows of care on his face and observed his evil dent earnestness. Then it was that she made the decision referred tovs.She did not tell Crofton, but her parting with him was characterized with much greater tenderness than ever it had been before.
 Next night came Sommers. radiant. triumphant, compelling. Her welcome chilled him. Nevertheless he persisted, ard for the twelfth time pleaded his suit and offered his heart and hand. No, Harry" she replied In cold dis approval. T cannot link myself with a man without ideals and without es- sential honesty--a man willing to be the tool and creature of interruptions politicians" Sommers gasped in astonishment. Then he laughed. Come come. Grace, don't be foolish" he said T reckon I am as honest in my actions as any other fellow. What's up?" $. Then came explanations--not tear full, but nearly so. Sommers sat long time looking into the grate.
 And you are going to take Crofton l because he Is more honest than F" he said finally.
 Exactly" replied Grace in g low voice.
 will you wait three months to prove it?" asked Sommers. And then | If Crofton should not prove so all-fired civicly honest, let me come back and renew my suit"
 | Glad of the opportunity to cut short
 the interview, and also to give herself breathing time. she consented. l A few weeks later Grace was conn Ipelled to visit Mayor Luces office in regard to some matter pertaining to a charitable institution in which she was interested in connection with her
 work in the Woman's Club The | Mayor was engaged, and as she sat in the outer office waiting she heard loud
 voices and was surprised to recognize l one as that of Crofton.
 What do you mean, sir, she heard the Mayor shout, evidently in anger. You who pose as a reformer and travel up and down the town accusing me as a boodler and the head of a cor rupt ring come to my office and offer me a bribe to veto a public improve ment because, forsooth, 1t will cost your firm some money to pay special assessment?
 You are mistaken, sir" she heard Croftons even voice say. The offer to transfer to you these lots Is made solely to obtain the use of your name as one interested in the new ub-divis- ion and to give you natural interest in that part of the city. The improve- ent time and would be burden upon the syndicate which holds all that va- cant property It would be ruinous, sir, ruinous."
 What about fire protection for those
 factory people who live just beyond your tract?" asked the Mayor. Oh, all they've got is a lot of shan ties," responded Crofton. Tt wouldn't hurt much if they burnedsH',E -4,t L9 ,
 "I would hurt them lot more than the giving up of little tax money will hurt you" replied the Mayor hotly. T don't want your lots and won't touch 'em with a pair of tongs And I won't veto the ordinance and, - you. I don't want to see your canting face in my office again. Good morning; get out"
 The door opened and Crofton emerged flushed and trembling. He did not see the girl and passed out.
 At that moment Sommers came in whistling. He saw Grace and she beckoned him to come to her.
 "I have reversed my decision," she said quietly. Come and see me to- night"