Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-10-04
CONTINUED

later Cap Roberts ana the Hon. 'leD
Barrows appeared on the makeshift
stage from the wings. There was
an %applausive murmur, for the Hon.
Jeb was a popular character. 1t was
said of him that he always carried a
map of the United States in tobacco
juice on his shirt front. He was bottle
nosed and red faced. No man could
truthfully say he had ver seen him
drunk, nor had any II ever seen him
sober. He stunned extremes, Next
The band filed into the balcony and was
laboriouSly sweating its way through
the national anthem when Kenyon and
Ryder appeared, followed by the
wretched Stokes and Bentick, \ burst
of applause shook the house. When it
subsidized the editor stepped to the front
of the stage. With words that halted,
for the experience was a new one, he
introduced the guest of the evening.
1t was generally agreed afterward
that it had been a great privilege to
hear Kenyon. No u knew exactly
what it was all about, but that was a
minor consideration. The congress
man was we'll on toward the end of his
speech and had reached the local Situa-
ton, which he was handling in what
the Herald subsequently described as
"a mastery fashion, cool, logical and
convincing" when Oakley wandered in
and, unobserved, took a seat near the
door. He glanced about him glumly.
There had been a time when these peo-
pie had been, in their way, his friends.
Now those nearest him even avoided
looking in his direction. At last be be-
came conscious that some one far
down near the stage and at the other
side of the building was nodding and
smiling at him. 1t was DR.. Emory.
Mrs. Emory and Constance were with
him. Dan caught the fine outline of
the latter's profile. She was smiling
an amused smile. 1t was her first po-
litical meeting, and she was finding it
quite as funny as Ryder had said it
would be.
Dan listened idly, hearing only a
word now and then. At length a SEN
tence reused him. The speaker was
advising the men to stand for their
rights. He rose hastily and turned to
leave. He had heard enough, but some
one cried out, Here's Oakley" and in.
stantly every n in the place was
staring at him.
Kenyon o a step nearer the foot
lights. Either he misunderstood or
else he wished to provoke an argument.
for he said, with slippery civility: II
shall be pleased to listen to Mr.. Oak
ley's side of the question. This is q
free country, and l don't deny him or
any man the right to express his views.
The fact that l am unalterably oppos-
ed to the power he represents is no bar
to the expression here of his opinion"
Oakley's face was crimson. He
paused irresolutely. He saw the jeer
on Ryder's lips. and the desire pos
sessed him to tell these people what
fools they were to listen to the cheap.
lungy patriotism of the demagogue on
the stage.
He rested a hand on the back of the
chair in front of him and leaned for
ward with an arm extended at the
speaker, but his eyes were fixed on
Miss Emory's face. She was smiling
at him encouragingly, be thought. bid
ding him to speak.
This is doubtless your opportunity
he said. but I would like to ask what
earthly interest you have in Antioch
beyond the votes it may give you?"
Kenyon smiled blandly and turned
for Il fleeing instant to wink at Ry-
der. And my reply is this: What
about the twenty million dollar speci-
men Of American manhood who is
lodging around London on the money
he's made here in this state, yes. and
in this town? He's gone to England
to break his Way into London society.
and. incidentally. to marry his .daugh-
ter to a title"
A roar Of laughter greeted this sally.
That may be" retorted Oakley hot
~, but Antioch has been getting it's
share Of his money too. Don't forget
mat. There's not a storekeeper in this
audience whose bank account will not
show in hard American dollars what
General Cornish does for Antioch Wien
Antioch is willing to let him 90 for it,.
But, granted that what you haze said
Is true, who can best afford to meet tie
present situation, General Cornish or
these men! On whom does the hard
ship fall heavier, Oh them or on him %
THAT was not the spirit which pre-
vailed at Bunker Hill and Lexington!
No, thank God; our fathers did no.,
stop to count the cost, and we have oul.
battles today just as vital to the cause
Of humanity, and | for one would rath.
er see the strong arm of labor witlipr
In it's socket than submit to wrong or
injusticew
Oakley choked down his disgust and
moved toward the door. There were q j.
plause and one or two cat calls. Not
needing them, he made his way from
the building. He had reached the
street when a OBTAINING hand wa
placed upon his arm. He turned say
agely. but it proved to be only Turner
Joyce, who stepped to his side, with Il
cheerful Good evening, Mr.. Onk!ey.
They seem to be having "A very gay
time In there, don't thcyW
SInya Won haap In 90 damnpdn1 nnL