The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1908-06-19

his natural nervousness ha
visibly deepened, so much so that b
had not even noted Phelans appear
ance in the corridor as he passed int
Horrigan's private room.
Good evening. alderman" said Hor
rigan civilly.
Good evening, SIR" answered Rob
erts palpably Ill at ease.
81 understand there's a full meeting
today. Even Ellis came back from
the south to be here You're the onl!
man missing"
81 couldn't get here sooner. p
81 see. That's all, Williams. YOU
needn't wait Roberts and | want {
little talk before he goes in. Now
then" went on the boss, with a com
plete change of manner as Williams
left the room. whats the matter with
you"
IL can't
Cant what? Speak out, man!
Don't stand there and humble at me!'
81 can't vote for the Borough fran
chise bill"
Cant heyT roared Horrigan.
"why not?"
"Because-because"- faltered Rob-
erts; then, with a rush of hysterical
emotion that blotted out his fear. he
cried:
"Have you heard what that man Ben
nett has done? He organized a voters
committee in 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
looked on me as crook and on the bill
as a personal robbery. They told me
If / voted for it they'd know l was a
dirty thief and CRATER and that they'd
kick me out of the ward"
"Well, wellp' rumbled Horrigan
soothingly, as though trying to calm a
fractions drunkard. what do you
care? When they've forgotten all
about the bill you'll still have the
dough. won't you? Folks won't ask
How'd he get it? All they'll care to
know is Has he got itT"
"That isn't allr' Roberts Numbered
on, scarcely needing the interruption.
"Bennett's next step was to organize
a committee of voters wives. and they
came TO see my wife this morning
when i was out and told her they'd
heard / was going TO sell myself and
vote for a dishonest bill. My wife
my wife thinks I'm the squarest.
noblest man on earth. Oh, you needn't
sheer. 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 a crook. If he is
really honest he'll vote against that
bill. as he did before Then on my
way home this noon | met my little
boy He was crying. asked him
what the matter was. He said that
some boys had told him was a graft
er. tell you" his voice rising almost
10 a scream. "Bennett's made my life
hell. I'm no crook. I'm honest
snd"-
"Sure you're honestr' Horrigan ex-
claimed. as though TO a cross child.
Honest as the day, That's why
you're voting for our bill. Because the
crooked clauses have been cut out Of
1t. and in its present form it's a benefit
to the city"
THAT isn't why I promised to vote
for IT," contradicted Roberts, with a
despairing dash of courage. 1T was
because I-because"-
Never mind why. then. but just 60
ahead and do It"
Il WON'T I dare not
you'll do IL. | say!' stormed Horri-
gan You can't welch on me at this
stage OF the game Those Sturtevant
Trust company notes OF yours were
sent TO you and
And I won't take them" declared
slamming two slips OF paper
down upon the table ''Therel Take
them back
what do I want Of themT' argued
Horrigan craftily. They belong to
you"
They don't I won't keep them"
you'll have to. keep you to your
promise"
what prOmise7' hsked a voice be
hind them.
Bennett. hastily summoned by Phe-
Ian, had entered the room unobserved
By either Of the excited men.
What promiseT' be asked again "A
promise to-
what are you doing hereT' below !
I'd Horrigan in fury. You called me /
down once for coming into your pri-