The Washington herald., 1906-11-25

noon, and as he would raise some new is
sues. sure to be of interest TO the whole
country. Harley. following his familiar
custom. went in search Of Mr.. Grayson
for preliminary information. The hour
set aside by Mr. Heatheote had passed
long since, and Harley thought that he
would be out of the way.
Jimmy Grayson's room was on the sec
ond floor, and Harley walked slowly up
the steps, but at the head Of the stairway
he was met by Mr.. Heathcote himself,
Good afternoon" said Harley, cheer
fully. I hope that you had a pleasant
talk with Mr.. Grayson. I'm going IN to
see him now myself; a Presidential nom
inee can't get much rest"
Mr.. Heathcote drew himself Up impor-
family.
II beg your pardon, he said, but you
CannOt-ah-see MF GFaysOH. There has
been a feeling with us IN the East-we
are in a position there to Judge. being in
thorough touch with the great world
that it was not advisable for Mr.. Grayson
TO speak TO OF to come in direct contact
with the press. This familiar talk with
the newspapers rather impaiTs the con-
fidence Of our great magnates and preju-
dices US in the eyes OF Europe. II is bet
ter-ah-that his remarks should be trans
mitted through a third person, who can
give TO the press what is fitting and re-
serve the remainder"
Harley gazed at HeathcOte in amaze
ment, but there was nothing in his man.
ner TO indicate that he was not ia earn
est.
And you are the third person, I sup
poser said Harley.
4 have so constituted myself" replied
Mr. Heathcote, and bis tone was ag-
gravatingly quiet and assured. "As one
cOnyersant with great affairs, 1 am the
most fit"
Has Mr.. GraysOn agreed to this?"
asked Marley
MY dear man, cannot permit you to
cross-examine me. But. really, wish TO
be on good terms with the press. which is
quite a useful institution within its limits
Now, you seem 10 be rather more sedate
than the others, and I wish you would
have the goodness 10 explain 10 them how
/ have taken affairs in hand"
Harley flushed at his patronizing tone.
and for a moment he was tempted to
thrust him out OF his way and proceed
with his errand TO Jimmy Grayson's
room. but he reflected that II was better
70 let the committeeman make the rope
for his own hanging. and he turned away
with a quiet, Very well, ] shall fOTegO
the interview
But as he went back down the stairs he
could not help asking himself the ques-
ton, Does Jimmy Crayson know? Could
he have consented to such an arrange
ment2' and at once came the answer
Impossible"
He returned TO the porch, where all the
chairs were filed, although the talk was
slow. He noticed, with pleasure. that
Churchill was absent The descending
sun had just touched the crests Of the
distant mountains. and they swan in a
tremulous golden glow The sunset
radiance over nature in her mighty
aspects affected al on the porch. used as
they were to IT, and that was why they
were silent But they turned inquiring
eyes upon Harley when he Joined them.
What has become Of Heathcote?" ask
ed Barton
He is engaged upon an important task
just now replied Harley.
And what is that?"
He IS editing Jimmy Grayson's
speech"
Twenty chairs came down with a crash
=
nant sstonishment
King" Plummer's effort TO hold him
self in his chair seemed to be a strain.
He may not be doing that particular
/ thing at this particular moment" con
/ tinued Harley. but he told me very dis
tinctly that he was here for that purpose
and ne has also Just told me that l could
not see Jimmy GraysOn. that he intended
/ henceiorth 10 act as an Intermediary be-
tween the candidate and the press.
And you stood it?" exclaimed Hobart
For the present. yes" replied Harley.
evenly; and I did so because I thought
saw a better way out OF the trouble
than an immediate quarrel with Heath
cote-a better way. above all, for Jimmy
/ GraysOn and the party"
The Western men said nothing. thoUgb
they looked their deep disgust. and nres-
emily they quilted the porch. leaving II
rocking chairs and all, to the correspond
ents''
BOYS said Harley. earnestly. I've a
request 10 make Of you Let me take The
lead in this affair; I've q plan that 7
think will work
NeH' you are IN a measure the chief
OF our corps, said Warrsner. one OF the
Chicago men. L don't know why vou
are but all Of us have got to looking on
you in that way"
for one promise TO be good and
obey said Hobart. but I won't denv
that it will be a hard job. Perhaps I
could stand the man. II it were not for
his aCcent-it sounds 20 me as II his
voice were coming out OF the top of his
head. Instead CT his chest, where a good.
honest voice ought 10 have its home"
Now, you isten.' said Harley, and
will my tale unfold"
Then they put their heads together and
talked long and earnestly.