Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-31

them. Just I'm going to get rid of you
fellers, and for the same good reason. l
resign. I'm out of politics for good AS far
as I'm concerned the machne is sma shed
for all time. Now clear out of here, the
whole kennelful of you. Be your way!"
Shilling the furious volley of protest that
had arisen on all sides at his announcement
Caleb flung open the outer door of his
study. Several of the dazed politicians es-
sayed to speak, but the quick CLEAN in their
self-deposed leaders eye halted the words
ere they were spoken. Obedient cowed to
the last, the machines officers and henoh-
men finally yielded to that look and - the
peremptory gesture of the railroader's arm
One by one they filed out, StaatZ in the
van. Bourke with averted gaze Sinking
along in the rear.
With grunt of ultimate dismissal Con-
over closed the door. as he supposed. on the
last of his ex-followers.
CHANGING over the scene Of the late con-
fiict before departing for his ride his
glance fell on a solitary addressed figure
seated at one corner of the deserted able
Billy" exclaimed Conover exaspeTated,
why didn't you get out with the rest?"
Cause 1 don't belong with that cheap
skate push. I belong here with you. boss"
But I'm out of it. you idiot. Out of the
game for good and ALL I'm leaving Gran
when do we start?"
Conover looked at his little henchman in
annoyance that merged into a vexed laugh.
Il tell YOU" he repeated, I'm out Of
politics for good
Som I. them. cheerfully responded
Billy. Dye know, boss, m kind O. glad
Sometimes I've suspicioned politics wasn't
we'll. wasn't quite square. Maybe it's
best that two pious men like us is out of it,
Now, say, Mister Conover,' he hurried on
more seriously. Il know what you mean.
You want to shake the whole bunch. You're
sore on EN- ALL You're goin' to cut out
Granite, too. after the lemon you've been
handed. But whatever your game is an
wherever you spiel 1t. 1t won't do you no
harm to have Billy Shevln along with you
as a also-ran. Now, will it? Why, boss,
biggern-no bigger'n Staatz's chances of
becomin' white man. An l amt goin'
to cut out the old job at this time of day.
If it amt Caleb Conover, governor, | work
thing or-Other. An that's good enough for
W. Shevln- So let's let it go at that. 1
won't bother you no more tonight. cause 1
see you're on edge But I'm comm around
in the mornn'. An when l come m
comm for keeps. Just like I've always
done. So long. boss
Poor old Billy muttered Conover as
the Shevlin slipped out too hurrledly to
permit of his leaders framing any reply
to what was quite the longest speech the
henchman had ever made. He'll never
make a hit in politics till he gets rid of
some of that loyalty. Next to graitood
there amt another vice that hampers a
man so bad"
Then. Diminishing the recent events from
his mind. the rairoader ran downstairs
lightly a boy, and to the outer entrance
where Dunderberg was pIunging and pivot
ing in the grip of two grooms. A third
groom, mounted on quieter steed. sat
well beyond range of the stations flashing
heels.
Late as 1t was. Mrs Conover was still up
Caleb brushed past her In the hail. cutting
short the feeble remonstrances with which
she always prefaced one of his wild rides
oh Caleb she pleaded as she followed
him the broad Vprap6a rNpt
night. dear! Just give it up this once. to
please me! He's-hes such terrible
horse. Il never him so wild as he is
now. The men can scarcely hold him. Oh,
pIease-'
But the railroader was already preparing
to mount.
Don't you worry. old girl" he called
back over his shoulder; hes none too wild
for my taste There never was horse yet
could get the best of me-
The wind was rising again. 1t whistled
across the grounds ruffiing the puddles and
stirring the dead leaves. A Whit of it
caught ConOver's hat as he fought his way
to the plunging stations back. The exult-
ance of coming battle was already upon
both rider and horse.
Your hat. sir called one of the grooms,
as another sprang forward to catch the
falling headgear But Caleb had no mind
to wait for trifles. The night wind was in
his face. the furious horse whirlng and
rearing between his vice-lke knee-grip.
"All right. shouted Conover in glorious
excitement, signaling to the struggling
groom to release the bit. 'All right! Let
him go! Never mind the hat Come on,
Giles
Dunderberg, his head freed. leaped for
ward as from catapult. Master and man
Numbered away down the drive, and were
swallowed in the blackness. The double
roar of flying hoofs grew fainter, then was
lost in the solemn hush of the autumn
night.