The Tucumcari news. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1905-1907, 1906-05-12

tine and left the polls. Vote after
vote showed the tell-tale cross over
the Clay ticket, and the outlook was
ominous for Sullivan. Dan was nerv.
ous, and in an undertone admonished
the inspectors to drag the count out.
Clay stayed in the Fifth with Dan
and the inspectors till midnight, when
with three. fourths OF the vote counted.
Well, | guess I've got the job" he
shouted at Dan as he left the polls.
Dan was unusually sober. He
chewed the ends OF his mustache In a
deeply meditative mood as the inspec-
tors called off the votes against his
man. Sullivan was furious. He
paced up and down in front of the
temporary wooden railing like a Gagged
animal.
"If I lose this ward I'm a goner.
sure" he cried. What d'you s'pose I
paid you $4,000 for! Jest to sprinkle
round 'mong your friends? | amt
dealin' in any such business"
At the inspectors table, where he
was assisting in the canvass, young
Dan raised his head in surprise at
the mention Of the price which Sulli.
van had so openly suggested in con-
nection with his father.
He threw down the stubby pencil
with which he was registering the
tally. and. thrusting his hands deep
In his trousers pocket, he strobe over
to Sullivan.
"If you've got any more to say
about that $4,000" he said, slowly,
throwing the words squarely into the
face OF the nominee, lust come out
side and say 'em to me. | amt used
to hearin' tn governor mentioned in
any such language, an I don't pro-
pose to start any innovations this
campaign"
At midnight the count was finished.
The Fifth had turned a small majority
for Clay. The inspectors drew back
from the long tables in evident re.
lief as the tally sheets were signed.
Dan took a long preliminary whirl
with the pen as he started to sign
the report which officially turned the
ward against him for the first time,
and irretrievably ended his regime as
Boss. The thought occurred to him
Of the ease with which the result
might be changed and the many
times 1t had been accomplished.
Then he caught young Dams eye, and,
quickly dipping the pen in the spa
cious ink we'll, scrawled off his name
at the foot Of the register.
Just as the lights we're being turned
out Sullivan rushed into the place.
II need just three votes" he cried, in
frenzied excitement. "Cinch. amt it?
We kin fix that without stretchin' our
consciences more'n we kin sleep off
over night. All tn wards are in but
This un, an | ran all tn way from
tn city hall to hit off tn tip to you.
I knew you was bound to win that
Sc, 900 somehow or other, and l didn't
want 1t doctored any more'n neces'
sary. Been bad, wouldn't it, for you
to have been turned down? All that's
required Is a few scratches Of tn pen,
Not even as many as it took last
time" Thus he rambled on as he
took out his knife TO reopen the ballot
box.
well, I did my best by you, Mr.
Sullivan" said Dan. Course I'm
sorry we had to lose, but we can con,
sole ourselves that we ran a square
deal for once. But me and my son
cant help you any further tonight"
Sullivan looked dazed as Crimmins
started for the door without Offering
10 break the official seal.
There's somethin' on tn table fol
YOU" Dan called back to the nominee
pointing to the practically deserted
table, upon which 1uttered a lone sliI
OF paper. 1t was the check for $4,000
What the Hair Tells.
Ona'e hair IL never ont would fur