Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-01-31

man! I'll have one If 1 have to steal
it. Reception Committee! Well. isn't
that grand! Where can 1 get dress
suit 2"
Toms friend caught his enthusiasm.
He fell back step and simulated awe
stricken admiration.
You're a wonder" he declared.
Come with me, my child, and well
rent glad garments for this nice party"
Tom accepted his suggestion and to-
gether they fastened to secure the
necessary apparel. The evening clothes
were donned with a rush and then
Tom covered their glory with his own
rather shabby overcoat. His compan-
ion looked him over critically.
THE tales Of your overskirt stick
out from under your coat. You'll have
to rent MORE
So Tom, with prodigal extravaganza.
hired an ulster.
The ribbon which was TO give him
entrance to the mighty presence was
fastened conspicuously across the
front Of his shirt, where it cleaned
like an order of honor.
He'll just about fall over himself to
talk to you now" commented Toms
friend, unable to conceal his admira-
ton. you look like the real thing
and might be suspected Of having
ready money"
''Shut up and come on" Tom retort-
ed, ungratefully.
There was none to bar his entrance
when he. went into the brilliantly
lighted hall, and, with a grand air.
gave his hat and overcoat to an at
tendant. He mingled freely with the
throng, talking with one and then
with another as If he were OF the
elect, and all the time with an eve TO
the lodestar towards whose vicinity
he was making slow, but steady. pro-
gress.
The Hon. D. 0. Bowers was stand
ing in circle Of ostentatiously obse-
quious followers when Tom approach
ed. He was evidently about to give
utterance to something weighty since
he was looking about him and collect
ing eyes to see that he had everyone's
attention. Tom edged as near to him
as possible, and for second the lead
er's keen gaze rested upon him. An
expression Of recognition came into
his face. He swept Tom with an ex-
aiming glance, and found his appear
ance to his liking. He waved his hand
in greeting, saying, Sorry 1 couldn't
stop when l saw you. But l was in
hurry. I'll speak to you later"
Tom, outwardly calm, but inwardly
rejoicing, bowed profoundly.
1t was the great mans boast that
he never forgot a face, and he remem-
bered Tom had accompanied him to
his carriage.
The leader was in a mellow mood
that evening. Things had gone to
please him and he talked graciously to
his lieutenants. Tom stuck like a burr
to his elbow, storing in his memory
the words that were spoken and ex-
ulting in the victory he was winning
Later he had an opportunity to hold
converse alone with the leader. He
was unusually communicative. Since
the man to whom he was talking was
on the reception committee, he must
be of their number, and so, in the ex-
hilaration bred Of plaudits and adula-
ton, he forgot his reserve and talked
more freely than was his habit. His
listener drank in his words, fearful
lest some Of them should be forgotten.
He dared not take notes and he groan-
ed under his breath, regretting the
wasted expanse Of white cuffs to
which he could not touch pencil.
The conversation was soon ended.
but Tom had all that he needed. He
slipped away from the hall and hur-
ried to the newspaper office. Treat
ing with lofty scorn the hilarious re-
marks which greeted his "dressed-up"
appearance, he threw off his coat and
clicked out on his typewriter the gold
en- words Of the boss politician. His
thoughts and his fingers flew in unison
until his story was completed. A thing
like that did not happen every day and
Tom could not be blamed for feeling
elated. He was about to turn in a
FIRST page" story which, in itself, was
a reward of merit to reporter.
Having gained full knowledge of the
manners and customs Of a newspaper
office, Tom did not expect extravagant
praise when he handed in his copy.
He gave the city editor his story and
then waited moment to see If there
were to be any changes. His chief
glanced over the sheets Of paper and
look of pleased surprise came into
his eyes.
Good boyv' was his only comment,
but it satisfied Tom.
He went back to his typewriter to
rap out a few lines to The Girl. There
had been nothing said concerning a
raise of salary, but Tom was willing
to take the chance of it's coming. He
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