Putnam patriot., 1908-07-17

"f had q surprise for you, Ai,cyn," ts-
 terrupiod His mother. big eyes bright with tears. ''I under. stand. and, in behalf of all women and children. thank you with my whole heartr,
 You're all right. miss.s muttered the delighted. embarrassed Fhelan. at once at loss for words "Youre-you're ali right I'll leave il to his honor if
 Indeed she is." broke in a suaye voice at whose sound the little spell Of sentiment was broken and which caus. ed Phelan and Bennett to turn in an ne9aHee toward the door.
 Scott Gibbs. bland well groomed. quite ignoring the ether men's lack of welcome. stood lowing on the thresh. old
 .oh. forgot 10 tell you. Alwyn." whispered Mrs Bennett in hurried aside To her son as the latter summon ed up sufficient ciyility to greet the newcomer. "l forgot to tel you. Mir Gibbs was calling on Dallas when stopped for her and he asked leave 10 come along. I'm sorry. but
 How are yon. Bennett?" Gibbs WAS it? Alderman. I'm glad to see you again. You remember mel Scott Gibbsf met
 "Yes." said Phean. T remember you. all right. You was up to Wainwrights last summer-that day me an Horri. gan sent the dove of peace sereechin up tree I didn't know you visited the city hall too
 "I don't. as a rule" answered Gibbs T came here with Mrs. Bennett and Miss Wainwright. l wanted a glimpse of the man who can make one pen stroke that will send Borough Street railway stock up to l0o ar down to 10'
 Do you mean" breke in Dallas that Mir Bennett can really have such an effect on the stock marketi''
 That and more" Gibbs assured her "Why. the mere rumor that he meant to veto the Borough's franchise bill has sent the stock tumblng eight points since the market opened today"
 What power for ane man. ex claimed the girl. turning te Bennett in surprise. And are you going to veto it?''
 "Office secrets" reproved Alwyn jest inglv Hands ofYr.
 "Neto it?" echoed Gibbs. with a laugh "Of course he isn't. It wonld be too hard upon his friends-unfair and unkind. to say the least"
 "But why:" queried Dallas. forestall- ing Alwyn. who was about to speak.
 Because" cut ln Gibbs before Ben nett could interfere. the men who are backing the Borough bill are the men who made him mayer. Ii wouldn't be square for him to turn his new power against the very men who gave him that power Now. would ,tT'
 By the men who are backing the hill' whom do you meanF" asked Ben nett
 "Oh. I just spoke in generallties. As a matter of fact. the break in t1e price today was lucky for those who wanted to buy"
 "An' your firms dein' most of the buyin', I'm told." iaterpolated Pheian
 We have T great deal of the stock. I admit. said Gitbs "so you see. Ben nett. you can mate me or break me. I place myself in yonr hands"
 "I see you are taking nest unfair advantage of me. MT. Gibbs retorted Alwyn, with sonse heat. You have no right 10 thrust this information on me and to appeal
 But was oniy"-
 You were trying to influence my ac- ton toward the Borough bill. You can not do 1t"
 why. didn't think you'd be angry at"-
 -rm not Let's drop the subject. please"
 .I only answered Miss wainwright's questions. I'-
 .well leave Miss Wainwrighfs name ouf of the matter. please" replied Ben aett-
 "CertalnIy. If you ike assented Gibbs, with a shrug of bIs broad sboui- ders. -I am afraid my time is np. Good day. Bennett I'm sorry you mis- >onstrued--
 "I didn't Good day"
 -I1l be on my way. foc." announced Phelan. breaking the awkward pause that followed Gibf~' exit f-isds-s- I'm proud 10 have met you- II either of you knows a poor woman Beedin a turkey or a family wanfin' an outing. ,usf drcp me line. an I'll see they xet lt- An they needn't come from my ward neither"
 .-Thars had politics. aiderman.' laughed Behaett
 -If's good humanity. though There's two things l love 70 do-first. to down tbe man who's me enemy. an'. second 10 give good times 10 folks who's sfran- gers to fun Goodby. TOUT honor ih be ia agA now I've fonnd my way