Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1906-12-07
BY Harriet Butchelor Dradner.

secretary six months something hap
pened. The political boss OF his
precinct, McWillIams. having made
an engagement over the telephone,
paid the young lawyer Il visit at
lunch hour, when the place was
practically deserted.
Having carefully closed the door
behind him. he settled his huge
bulk in Il chair and come at once
to business
MI. Cornwell, we need your SUP
pert at the coming election" no
began, impressivcly. 'Ir man of
your sterling worth comes out for
our candidate 1t will settle the vote
of the majority"
"Impossible!" returned Cornwell,
decidedly. las hive repeatedly
told your agents, do not approve
OF your selection and cannot con-
stientiously vote for him. AS to
tho Influence of my decision, you
greatly overcsti:nate IT,"
See here. Gornwell. we've got "
have you with us! Upper is all
right. sian you're prejudicetl-,lh-
justly prejudiced. Why he's the
most inoffensive fellow-harmless as
Il Kitten"
That's my opinion OF Mr.. Upper,
exactly" observed Cornwcll, smiling
grimly.
''Inofrensive, harmless unable TO
say 'no!h weak tool in the hands
of INSCRIPTIONS politicians"
"iey? What's that about unscru-
til bed. Then McWilliams leaned
buiging eyes glared savagely. "This
amt no subject to be treated without
gloves"
The two men looked into each
Others eyes for the space OF n
second, the one angry and uncum-
Portable, the other calm and undis.
tir5ed. Then McWilliams leaned
forward and began in confidential
uEGertone:
Look here, Cornwell. don't mind
confessing to you that we're up II
stump. Upper is II regular frost
but If We fail to elect him there'il
b" no end Of money lost"
(which good natured alderman.
orce elected. will see to returning
of course interrupted the lawyer
dryly.
I'm glad you catch the drift
of my remarks so quickly" Nc
Williams smile was comprehensive
emu
Yes, | follow you perfectly, but
loked him straight in the eye. "Mr.
McWilliams, you knew before you
came here that wasn't open tn
bribery" And he settled back in
his chair.
The boss of the precinct emitted
ali ugly smile. Fumbllng In all inner
coat pocket, he drew out an envel
OPT and extracted from 1t can
celed check.
Il tried to persuade you gently"
he said; now we'll see what press
ure can do" and still holding the
smile, he handed Colnwell the check
Well what of it?" he asked. af
ter brief examination.
What of it," exclaimed :IcWil
liams in evaporation. What Of
Il check for $4,000 from you to Hen
dricks-'Hendricks the CRATER 2"
The young man flushed angrily
land so you propose to show this
as proof that Hendricks bought nc
lin some deal for $1,000" he said
the color creeping away from his
lips as he recognized the false po
sitlon into which the presence of
the check forced him. "Mr. McWn
liams, you know better than that"
Even the well seasoned boss shrank
a little from his anger.
Some time ago, Mr.. Hendricks
hurriedly entered my office and begg
lei me to lend him $4,000 In cash
to close out real estate deal. ms
he said. He explained that the own
er was leaving Immediately for the
West. and as it was after banking
hours. refused to receive a check
AS you know we handle grea,
deal of ready money mere, SO J
gave him the amount he wanted and
took his check for $4,000. Had
the light subsequently thrown on his
AZ the time would have unhes,
Mr. McWilliams, Is the explanation
of that check-facts with which you
are already undoubtedly acquainted"
Indeed! Let me advise you. my
| friend, to reconsider your decision
while it is possible" The politicians
tone was insultingly familiar. "'This
! little fairy tale would sound rather
fimsy before a jury, fancy" and
he crossed his feet leisurely and
brushed an imaginary spcck from his
broad knee.
Cornwell rose stiffly to his feet
His eyes were dark with anger and
his muscular hands clasped and nm
clasped in an effort of seif-controi.
so your plan Is to brighten me
into submission. eh?" he said his
voice ringing with contempt well
II won't work. don't scare worth
Il even at charge of bribery"
and his fine lips curled
McWilliams leaned back in his
chair, his pubgy thumbs hooked in
the arm.holes of his waistcoat
who'll prove your story to jury?"