West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1908-06-04

ulS natural nervousness had
visbly deepcned. so much so that he
had not even noted Phelan's appear
ance in the corridor as he passed into
Horrigan's private room.
Good evening. alderman" said Hor-
rigan civllly.
Good evening. sir" answered Rob
erts palpably III at ease.
Il understand there's a full meeting
today. Even Ellis came back from
the south TO he here You're the only
man missing"
81 couldn't get here sooner. -
IL see. That's all. Williams. You
needn't wait Roberts and want II
little talk before he goes in Now.
then" went on the boss. with n com
plete change OF manner as Williams
left the room. "whats the matter with
you?"
II can't''-
Cant what? Speak out mani
Don't stand there ana humble at meg'
II can't vote for the Borough fran.
chlse bill"
Can't heyY" roared Horrlgan.
"Why notf"
Because hecause"- faltcred Rob.
erts; then. with rush Of hysterical
emotion that blottcd out his fear. he
cried:
Have you heard what that man Ben
nett has done? He organized voters
committee I'm my ward and sent them
TO ask me at my own house what ! was
going TO do about that bill They had
been stirred up by Bennett till they
IN M L.
as personal robbery. They told me
If voted for it they'd know i was n
dirty thief and CRATER and that they'd
kick me out OF the ward"
well. We'll" rumbled Horrigau
soothingly. as though trying TO calm a
fractious drunkard. what do you
care? When they've forgotten all
about the bill your still have the
dough, won't your Folks won't ask
How'd he get III All they'll care to
know IS Has he got itY"
THAT isn't air. Roberts blundered
on. scarcely needing the interruption.
"Bennetts next step was TO organize
committee OF voters wives, and they
came 20 see my wife this morning
when ] was out and told her they'd
heard ! was going TO sell myself and
vote for n dishonest bill. My wife
my wife thinks I'm the squarest.
nOblest man on earth. Oh, you needn't
sncer! Her trust means everything to
me. She told the women / wouldn't
stoop to any deed that wasn't honest,
and they answered: our husbands be-
lieve Mr. Roberts Is n crook. III he is
really honest he'll vote against that
bill, as he did before Then on my
way home this noon I met my little
boy. He was crying. / asked him
what the matter was. lie said that
some boys had told him l was n graft
or. tell you" his voice rising almost
TO n scream. "BenDetts made my life
hell I'm no crook. I'm honest
and
Sure you're honestw Horrigan ex.
claimed, as though TO n cross child.
"Honest as the day! That's why
you're voting for our bill. Because the
crooked clauses have been cut ont Of
II. and in It's present form it's benefit
10 the city"
THAT isn't why 7 promised 90 vote
for H." contradicted Roberts. with n
dcspniring dash Of courage. at was
because G-bccause"--
Never mind why. then. but Just 60
ahead ana do ~"
II won't! dare rot
'Youll 10 It, I sayr stormed Horri.
gan. You can't weIch Oh me at this
stage Of the game Those Sturtevnnt
Trust company notes Of yours were
sent 10 you and
"And won't take thcmH declared
Roberts slamming two slips OF paper
down upon the table There! Tnke
them back"
what do I want Of thcmT argued
Horrigan craftily. "Thcy belong to
you"
They don't won't keep them"
"You'l have 20 I keep you 20 your
promise"
What promlscY asked a voice be-
hind them
Bennett hastily summoned by Phe.
Ian. had entered the room uuobscrvcd
by either of the excited men
What promlsc?' he asked again. ~
promise to-
"What are you doing horeG" below.
ed Horrigan In fury You called me
down once for coming into your pri.