The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-01-11

had stopped on their way to work
to say that they were with him."
"My work on the relief committee
last winter" he commented, when
the name of one was mentioned,
Il remember getting medical at
tendance for his wife"
"The credit system" he laughed,
moment later, when he recog-
nized another name. "That fellow
still owes; me little something
on his TOOLS"
Then came men from the upper
end of the ward-Herman Abt, a
well-to-do German; Martin Apple
by, who usually voted the repub-
lican ticket and others who were
sufficiently prosperous to be inter
ested in an honest council.
Il guess I'm in for it," laughed
Mason. There's no chance to back
out now. They really seem to
want me-"
In truth, some of the expressions
were exceptionally strong.
Finally, the man behind the
scenes came on the stage himself.
Bob Howe walked into the store a
little before noon, when there was
lull in both business and politics.
"The ward seems to take kindly
to you, Mason" he said, extending
his hand.
EYES," returned Mason, land I
guess you're largely responsible
for it."
Not at all, not at ALL" protested
Howe. ITS your own popularity.
The ward wants you, and all had
to do was to say you were candi-
date to send the people here in
droves. | tell you, the old man
mighty seldom makes a mistake.
It's a great chance for you. The old
man is looking for the right kind
of people to push along, and, If you
treat him right, you won't do a
| thing but keep on climbing"
."Now, see here!" exclaimed Ma
son, T've heard that about treating
him right until l have it on the
| brain. What do you mean by it!
What's expected Of me?"
Howe, a dumpy little man with a
smooth face and a bald head
laughed pleasantly.
Nothing much" he said "a
man is expected to know his
friends in all the affairs of life
isn't he?"
| "Of course"
well, that's all there is to it. A
man naturally helps those who hell
him. It's just the same in, politics
as anywhere else. The Old Mar
doesn't ask much of anyone, but he
can't stand ingratitude."
Howe passed out, leaving Mason
as doubtful and uncertain as be
fore Nor did a call from Alderman
Bayler add to his peace of mind
Bayler was crafty and elusive. He
led the conversation deity to vari
Gus members of the council. He
spoke particularly of those who
were VIGOROUSLY of the gang,
and seemed anxious to elicit some
expression of opinion, but Mason
was non-committal until it wa!
suggested that Baxter had "dont
well"
"If he hadn't done so well in ont
way" asserted Mason, ''thert
| would be no occasion to sidetracl
him now"
well" insinuated Bayler. 81
takes a good deal of cash to keel
this ward in line. So much is ex
lpected, and Baxter was certainl.
liberal with the poor"
at is no credit to a man to b.
liberal with other peoples money,
retorted Mason, pointedly.
Bayler left in thoughtful mood
being far from satisfied with hi
interview.
"He may do" he muttered, 30
course they all talk that way be
fore election, and we may get hin
later, but he won't come easy. II
rather have a man we're sure Of
like Baxter"
Mrs. Mason was not one t
whom her husband could appea
for advice at this time, for she di
not understand. The deviou
methods of practical politician
were quite beyond her compreher
sion. Still, as was his custom, h
discussed everything with her.
give been sounded" he al
nounced at dinner.
"Sounded?" she repeated.
eyes; sounded by Bayler."
"The Doodle man."
That's his reputation" he said
with a smile; 'but we don't put
in SO many words. He wanted t
find out If l, would be with tn
gang in the council"
81 hope you told him what yo1
thought of him!" she exclaimed
holly.
"Why, the fact is" he returned
lI didn't realize what he was III
to until it was all over. But
don't believe he got any satisfac
ton out of me. And Bob How
was In the store, too" he added
81 didn't like the way he talked
There's something back of it all
and I've half mind to drop out
I'm afraid I'm too slow-witted TO
politics: | don't seem to under
stand the hints that are thrown a
me-"
"Never mind the hints" she ad