The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1907-06-20
THE DUTY OF
JOHN SHAFEON


on the sign QiSpldyeQ 70 tue ntlcO~
Robert Daniels, Political Boss"
would have been more in accordance
with the truth. For over this great
city Robert Daniels was boss in politi-
cal matters. Occasionally one Of the
people would rebel against this con-
dition, but he was speedily made to re-
pent his imprudence. II he was OBJ
streperous he would be reasoned
with" His business would be more
or less obstructed; he would be sub
jected to many petty annoyances; and
If he continued refractory he would.
sooner or later, meet with bodily in
jury. OF course, Mr.. Danlels-clean-
shaven and handsomely-dressed gen
tleman that he was-knew nothing OF
these prosecutions.
An election was coming on, and the
outer apartments Of Mr.. Daniels Of
fee was crowded with politicians
A small, gray-haired lady, dressed
In black. entered. Mr.. Daniels looked
at her closely. There was something
in the kindly old face that reminded
him Of his mother, long since dead.
We'll. my dear lady, can ! assist
you in any way?"
Indeed, you can, Mr.. Daniels" re-
piled his visitor, her face growing
bright in her eagerness. do you
know my sea, John Shafton?"
What, the youLg attorney over on
Twenty-third sire s7'
Yes, sir Well, he is candidate
for nomination as district attorney
If you viii only give him your iniluT
ence, Mr. Daniels, know that he viii
be placed on the ticket
The face Of the Boss clouded.
i can't do that for you. Mrs. Shat
ton. The place has been promised to
Martin Oswald. Your son has never
rendered any particular service to the
party, while Mr.. Oswald is one Of our
best men,"
But my John is SO honest. plead
ed the anxious mother. He will make
good officer and do his duty. No
one can buy John of, or bribe him SO
he will not do his duty
The Boss laughed heartily at the
recommendation The conceit rather
pleased him. He watched the eager
face before him, and looked at the
toil-worn hands as they clasped and
unclasped while she told how John
had worked to get his education, how
she had planned and saved to heir
him. and how they would lose their
home unless he succeeded in getting
this office, Away back in the old
home his own mother had looked
something like this one, and she hat
loved and planned for her boy, too
He was happy and innocent then. bu
would that old mother. II she
could look down and see him. approve
OF him now?
Madam" said the Boss gruffiy, in
terruptlng his own thoughts, you car
tell John that he shall have the nom
nation In the crowd that fill UP thu
Offices there shall be one honest man
anyway. Maybe" he added softly
my mother will know Of this and b
pleased"
"Oh. thank youl Thank your ez
claimed the excited woman. catchinI
him by the hand. May God bles
you, Mr.. Danlelsl"
God knows ! need il" was the cur
reply.
For some time after her departur
the Boss walked the floor in mood
silence. Then he summoned Marti
Oswald.
A little later a portly. well-dresse
man came in. His face Indicated
fondness for good dinners and goo
liquors.
7 believe. Mr.. Oswald" said tn
Boss, 1T has been the understandin
that you should have the nominatio
for district attorney
That point was positively settle,
Mr.. Daniels"
Wen, have changed my min
and you will have to take some othe
place. have slated young Shafto
as the party nominee for district a
torney."
THE devil you have? That hyp
critical Sunday school chap-going
make him district attorney, are yo,
III see about that" sneered Oswal
his face white with anger
u Now. look here, Oswald" and Il
eyes Of the Boss gllnted with stee
I look, you know what opposition to n
means
And so John Shafton received h
= nomination and, in due time, W,
elected. His ambition was high. I
viewed his position as a trust fro
the people, and believed 1t his boun
en duty 10 protect them in the
q rights and to discover and puni
70 wrongdoers. His efforts in this dirt
ton produced uneasiness in certa
v quarters. and several influential CO
Of tractors and members Of the cl
lg council called to see the Boss abo
n it.
"See here. Daniels. you'd better a
OF that young shafton. said Aid
man Driscoll angrily He's too fre
4. In probln into things that's none