The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-17
TIE EVENING STOR T
EIeanor and the Crater.

The day Eleanor Beverly had been in
her position as Cornwells secretary six
months something happened. The po-
dtica1 boss of his precinct. McWilliams,
having made an engagement over the
telephone. paid the young lawyer a visit
at lunch hour, when the place was prac-
tically deserted.
Having carefully closed the door be-
hind him. he settled his huge bulk IN a
chair and came at once to business.
Mr. Cornwell, we need your support
in the coming election" he began. i'm
pressively. IF a man of your sterling
worth comes out for our candidate it
will settle the vote Of the majority"
''Impossiblel" returned Cornwell. de-
cidedly. AS have repeatedly told
your agents, I do not approve OF your
selection and cannot conscientiously
vote for him. AS to the influence of my
decision, you greatly overestimate It."
"See here. Cornwell. we've got to have
you with u.s. Upper Is all right. Man,
you're rejudiced-unjustly prejudiced-
Why. he's the most inofensive fellow
harmless as a kitten!'
That's my opinion of Mr.. Upper ex-
actly," observed Cornwell. smiling
grirnly. "Inonensive, harmless. unable
to say nor weak tool in the hands
of INSCRIPTIONS politicians"
Hey? What's that about unscrupu-
lous politicians?" McWilliams' bulging
eyes glared savagely. This amt no
subject to be treated without gloves"
The two men looked into each others
eyes for the space of a second, the one
angry and uncomfortable. the other
calm and undisturbed. Then McWil-
lians leaned forward and began in
confidential undertone:
Look here, Cornwell. don't mind
confessing to you that we're up astump.
Lippers is a regular frost, but if we
fail to elect him there'u be no END OF
money lost"
(Which a good natured alderman.
once elected, will see to returning OF
course" Interrupted the lawyer, dryly-
I'm glad you catch the drift Of my
remarks SO quickly; McWilnaIns
yes, I follow you perfectly, but you
haven't nv sympathy" Cornwell look
ed him straight in the eye Mr.. Nc
Williams, you knew before you came
here that wasn't open to bribery!
And he settled back in his chair
The boss of the precinct emitted an
ugly smile. Fumbling in an inner coat
pocket he drew out an envelope and
extracted from 1t a cancelled check.
'I tried to persuade you gentle" he
said: now we'll see what pressure can
do" and still holding the smile, he
handed CornweH the check.
well, what of 2" he asked, after
brief examination.
What of it," exclaimed McWilliams
in evaporation. What Of a check for
5000 to you from Hendricks-'H Hen
bricks the CRATER ~
The young man flushed angriiy.
And SO you purpose to show this as
proof that Hendricks bought me In
some deal for $1,000" he said. the
color creeping away from his lips as he
recognized the false position into
which the presence of the check forced
him. Mr. McWilliams, you know bet
ter than thatl" Even the well seasoned
boss shrank a little from his anger.
Some time ago Mr. Hendricks hur-
riedly entered my Office and begged me
to lend him $4,000 in cash to close out
a real estate deal. as he said. He ex-
planned that the owner was leaving i'm
m ediately for the west. and as It was
after banking hours. refused to receive
a check. As you know, we handle a
great deal Of ready money here, so
took his check for $1,000. Had the
light subsequently, thrown on his char
acter Illuminated Mr. Hedricks at the
time I would unhesitatingly have re-
liams is the explanation of that check
facts with which you are doubtless
already acquainted.
Indeed! Let me advise you, my
friend, to reconsider your vote while
it is possible" The politicians tone
WIS insultingly familiar. This little
fairy tale would sound rather fimsy be
fore jury, 1 fancy and he crossed
his feet leisurely and brushed an
imaginary speck from his broad knee.
Cornwen rose stiffly to his feet. His
eyes were dark with anger and his
hands clasped and unclasped
in an effort OF self-control.
so your plan is to brighten me into
submission, eh?" he said his voice ring
ing with contempt We'll, 1t won't
work I don't scare worth a -, even
at a charge of bribery and his fine
lips curled.
NcWillians leaned back in his chair,
his pudgy thumbs hooked in the arm
holes Of his waistcoat Who'll prove
your story to jury?" he asked inso-
lently. His eyes narrowed to furtive
Sits. Who'll prove it, I say?"
ct will" answered the ringing voice |
Of a girl; Il wilIl''
With a violent exclamation of irrita-
ton, the CRATER sprang to his feet and
Cornwell wheeling, looked straight into
the shining eyes Of Eleanor Beverly |
who stood just within the door.
supposed no one was here" she said to |
him, breathlessly. Then her eyes trav- |
sled to the other man, and she spoke:
You are the CRATER McWilliams. I |
have been waiting for you to come.'
You surprise me-"
Il expect to surprise you still fur |
-her." Miss Beverly replied, easily Mr.. |
CornweI," she continued quickly, two |
months ago I sat behind this man and a /
friend of his on a trolley"
McWilHams lunged forward, his eyes
predatory and threatening.
They both had been drinking and /
we're talking rather loudly. heard them |
speaking your name and laughing over
4 trick the other man had played on /
you-a trick that put your honor in
heir hands They spoke of the check"
-Cornwen set his teeth, and his eyes /
told how they expected to
use it as a weapon over your head in /
he election. I listened-because I knew
I'll