The Democratic advocate., 1907-08-09

have no third term Caesarism in theirs.
The election comes next Wensdy, an
Jimmys only got sixty votes. He
wants eighty-two to be lected. Temp
Bill has ffty-fve, and they're huntin for
more. [ might, he closed his eyes
refectively-'I might get yer in"
"Do you belong?''
Scarcely, my boy,'' he said, with
evident pride. II belong to the United
Order O First Degrees. That's the top
notch in these diggin's."
"What are they?'
"Gentlemen as happened to be standin'
round when somebody got hurt mortually.
The second degree members has formed a
society. Call themselves the Malice
Aforethought,' but the bluff won work.
We're the aristocracy here. Bart's our
president.
"Does Jack belong to the knights ?"
eyes, he does; an he's the dark horse
for the presidency, too
"Mebbe he would help me-.
''That's yer best holt. You better try
him.
Jimmy went to sleep that night with
renewed hopes. In the yard next day he
found Jack in busy converse over the
election with two fellow knights. He waited
modestly for him to finish, and then plead
ed for his aid Jack was touched.
II can't do it, Jimmy, I can't do it,
nohow,'' he repeated. 1t will cost me the
election. But I'll tell you what I'll do
oh, Scraggsy p he called.
Scraggsy, fat, freckled young burglar,
with two merry eyes and red head, crossed
the yard in response to the call.
"Mr. Mullony, Mr.. Picklock,' said
Dolan.
The two bowed and shook hands. "Glad
ter meet yer, said Scraggsy. Jimmy said
II am honored, Mr.. Mullony,' and scored
a point. Though craftsman who stood
high in his line, Scraggsy was human.
II want you to put Mr.. Picklock up
for election, Scraggsy, said Jack. sect
Fat Andy to second him, an do the best
yer can. Don't say nothin' about his
record. He's got good stuff in him, and
I'll 60 bail for him; but it's on the q. t.
far's L m concerned"
For three days Jimmy alternated be-
tween hope and fear. The voting took
place in large tin box hung at the corner
of the cell building nearest the jute factory
At last it was over. Jimmy awaited the
result with palpitating heart.
But Scraggsy's face told the story before
he spoke. 1t took only ten black balls to
reject, and Jimmy had received twenty
seven. Clearly they would not have any
sneak thieves in their number.
At first he despaired utterly. Then he
honestly made up his mind to reform; to
compensate as best he could for lost time
He remembered how, in the years preced-
ing, Jack had improved his time, while
he, Jimmy, had idled. How, at the in
dustrial school, Jack was studying and
getting information, while he had smoked
cigarettes and loafed. How, later, at the
house of correction, Jack had by his di-
plomacy and industry got first position as
house servant, and afterward been trans
ferred to the county Jail as ''trusty, -
where his position gave him confidential
and intimate acquaintance with intelligent
men from everywhere. The result was
clear. There was but one thing to do
listen, learn and make up for so many
wasted opportunities. And this he deter
mined to do.
When the time came for his departure
he went quietly away with high and firm
resolves. He had three dollars and a badly
fitting suit of clothes, but Mollie had re-
mained in love with him, and she was il
affiuence.
He became valiantly intoxicated at he
expense, beat her black and blue, hit the
pipe. and felt like madman. Then h,
looked about him.
His disgrace still burned, though h,
said nothing about it to his inamorata
She might pedestal him as high as sh,
liked. The western addition offered .
fruitful field for burglary, and, with news
paper fame in view, Jimmy purchased
revolver, bowie knife and slung shot
Whenever he happened to be caught th
knights should know what mute, inglor
ious Milton and Cartouche combined the
had SO inappreciatively scorned.
The first two operations were brilIiantl
successful. They were neatly done; woul
reflect pride on anybody. During the third
however, as Jimmy was deftly pickin,
the lock of the silver closet in mansion