The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-08-17

modest, eminent man. Alas. all had
only himself to blame
Then there amt no show at all, is
there?"
Not much. l won't dsappcint Yer
But I've got some influence myself"
he added, complacently, an | will do
what l can for the sake O yer dad Its
this way, an here's yer only chance
There's hot fight on the independent
Order O Knights O the Dark, the bur
glars ISOLATION. Jimmy Hopes been
president two terms, an some O. the
boys swears they won't have no
third-term Caesarism in theirs. The
election comes off next Wensdy, an
Jimmy's only got sixty-seven votes
He wants eighty-two to be 'lected.
Ten-Pin Bill has fifty-fve, and they're
huntin' for more l might, he
closed his eyes rehectively-"I might
get yer in
do you belong?"
Scarcely, my boy" he said. with
evident pride, Il 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't work. We're the
aristQcracy here. Barts our presi-
dent"
Does Jack belong to the knights?"
Yes, 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 pleaded for his aid. Jack
was touched.
Il can't do it, Jimmy; l can't do
it, nowhow," he repeated. 1t will cost
me the election. But I'll tell you what
I'll do-oh. Scarggsy!" he called.
Scraggsy, a 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: 81 am honored. Mr..
Mullony," and scored point. Though
craftsman who stood high in his
line, Scraggsy was human.
Il want you to put Mr. Picklock up
for election, Scraggsy," said Jack.
Get 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 go bail for him; but
it's on the q. t. fairs I'm concerned"
For three days Jimmy alternated
between 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 palpi-
tating 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 re-
form; to compensate as best he could
for lost time. He remembered how, in
the years preceding, Jack had improv-
ed his time, while he, Jimmy, had
idled. How, at the industrial school,
Jack was studying and getting infor-
nation, while he had smoked cigar
cites and loafed. How, later, at the
house of correction, Jack had by his
diplomacy and industry got first posi-
ton as house servant, and afterward
been transferred 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 man, wasted opportunities.
And this he determined to do.
When the time came for his depar-
ture he went quietly away with high
and firm resolves. He had three dol
lars and badly fitting suit of clothes.
but Mollie had remained in love with
him, and she was in affluence.
He became valiantly intoxicated at
her expense, beat her black and blue,
hit the pipe, and fei. like a mailman.
Then he looked about him.
His disgrace still burned. though he