Greene County herald., 1906-07-27

ought not to vote, because perhaps
they had not lived N the vicinity
long enough to learn the true condi-
ton OF affairs. But the Clarks main
taned the same discreet silence
with the representative Of this fac
ton as in the other case.
The week before election came
The canvass has been unusually
warm. Aspersions on the character
OF the opposing candidate had been
freely made by each faction. and
excitement ran high. The seven
tried and true friends of Golfers
had never. been more steadfast in
their allegiance. The six "stalw arts"
of Kelsey had never been so active.
Collier was to close his campaign
the night before election eve, and
Kelsey was to wind up his on that
eve. Imagine the surprise of Col
lier and his men, when the Clarks
as his meeting began. Surely it was
d good omen. If he could win their
votes he was out of danger. His
hopes rose high. The father and
sons listened attentively to the
speeches, but did not manifest their
feelings by applause. After the meet
ing was over, there was an impromp-
tu reception to them as the guests
of honor. They said on leaving that
they had enjoyed the evening, and
had listened to the speeches with in
terest.
The next evening Kelsey wound up
his effort. His loyal six were as
loyal as if the Clarks hadn't attend
ed Golfers meeting of the night be-
fore. The chairman had called the
meeting to order, and Lafe Thomas
had begun to speak, when the sound
of approaching footsteps was heard
II marched the three Clarks. The
applause that greeted their appear
ance was long and hearty.
While apparently listening to the
grandiloquent appeal of Thomas in
behalf of Kelsey, John Clark was in
reality otherwise occupied. His mind
was busy with his own thoughts. He
was something OF politician HIM
self, although he would have scorn-
fully denied such an accusation He
would have allowed" that he was
some" on human nature, but poll
tics-never! While sitting and ap-
parently listening to Thomas, Clark
was mentally canvassing the political
situation. He noted the steadfast
" Of 10 r.
date. He figured on the number of
yotes-the combination possible to
make with such elements.
1t was at John Clark, especially,
that the oratory of Thomas was
aimed. If he could convert him to
the Kelsey side of the fight, undoubt-
edly the father would convert his
two sons to his way of thinking
John Clark sat wrapt in deliberation
Before he was aware of it he slapped
his boot and chuckled to himself,
half aloud: i've a scheme that
ought to work"
What is it, 1father?" asked Frank
Clark in whisper.
"I'll tell you later" youchsafed
the father, curtly.
LATE Thomas did not notice the
whispered conversation. He was too
busy portraying the merits of his
tried and true standard-bearcr. AT
ter he had finished Kelsey spoke.
The Clarks listened just as attentive
Iy to the speeches of Kelsey and his
staiwarts as they had to the speeches
OF Collier and his followers. The
same scene ensued at the end of the
meeting as at the other There was
reception, the same fulsome fat
terry bestowed, the same hope ex-
pressed that they could see their way
clear to vote for Kelsey as for Col
lier. The meeting closed with three
rousing cheers. Each side went to
bed confident of victory.
Election morning dawned. BY 8
o'clock the eighteen votes had been
cast, but the law required the polls
to be kept open until sunset, and ac-
cordingly the voters and election
board lounged around all day. The
day was interninably ioag. but all
days mus end. The ballot boz was
opene amid suppressed exc. sement.
Tfe c.ara o~ tie bosrd began to read
81 the balloss.
for justice of the peace Of Long
Valley Township - Dudley Collier"
was the aTst.