The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1908-12-03
C6e Metz Mayor
Based on G. H. Broadhursfs Successful
Play
The Man
TheHour
By ALBERT PAYSON TERRUNE.
Ha...-z;n.h. lanr hy Genrce Il EroadEurst.
By ALBERT PAYSoN TERHUNE.
Copyright. 1907, by George H. Broadhurst,


for Cynthia's gravity.
Perry Wainwright" she exclaimed
in evaporation, how often am l TO
tell you you mustn't bother me here
in Office hours"
"Now you've hurt my feelings, an
nounced Perry in solemn conviction
But" he added generously, III for
give you, and to prove it I'll give you
peace offering. See? Your old Boston
terriers Betty and Prince Charlie, and
me holding them"
And he laid before her photograph.
She caught it up, with little cry OF
pleasure.
"Oh, the beautiesw she exclaimed.
''We do look we'll in that pose," he
admitted modestly.
81 was speaking of the dogs she
reproved him, with lofty scorn.
"But I'm in the picture, too," he ex-
planned. "I'm the one with the hat
ON. And
Thank you so much. for the picture.
shall keep it always. They're the
incest dogs l ever had"
I'm nice too. And it isn't my fault
I'm not a dog. r.
81 told you once before not to give
up hope. You'll grow. "I''-
81. told that to some fellows at the
club, and we tried to figure it out, and
we decided you were guying me-"
'What clever men you must be at
that club! Are you going to the ad-
ministration ball next week."
"Are your
''WhyT"
Because that's the answer. I've
never been to an administration ball,
but if you're there guess it,
Don't be silly. The administration
ball is a very great function indeed.
I've been asking questions about 1t.
Not only every one connected with the
administration goes, but all sorts Of
capitalists and other people like that.
I've heard that some of the biggest
financial deals are arranged during
that ball. Isn't it Queer?"
Not especially. There's deal I'm
thinking of putting through myself
that night If I don't get good chance
earlier-a deal that means lot to
me-"
Then why wait till the ball? Why
not
'I'd do it now, only Bennett might
come in before
What q worker Mr. Bennett is"
broke in Cynthia, turning very pink
and Fastening to change the subject.
"In the old days we thought he was
the soul Of laziness, but now he's
working here night and day. He's not
only the youngest mayor this city ever
had, but l think he's the busiest too.
He
The eulogy on the new mayor was
cut short by that dignitary's appear
ance from the center room. As Alwyn
paused to hang up his coat and hat
and pull off his gloves Cynthia bent
once more over her work, while Perry
Strengthened up and tried to look as
though he really had business Of press
ing Importance with his honor.
The months had brought changes to
Bennett There were care lines on his
face, and his eyes were tired. few
silver strands. too, had crept into the
darker hair on his temples. There was
little now about him to suggest the
idler.
"Well. old man." he exclaimed on
seeing Perry, whats the excuse this
time"
"The what?" asked the youth un-
easily.
"The excuse. You come here-when
I'm likely to be out-about four times
a week, and always with a perfectly
new excuse for your intrusion. / tol-
crate you for the originality OF those
excuses. What is today's?"
"I have no need of an excuse" re-
piled Perry, with an air OF hurt dig
nifty. IT am the bearer Of most i'm
portant message to you"
From whom?'
"From-from- Dallas is home; land
ed this morning"
A light came into the mayors tired
eyes at the news.
"And the message" he asked ca
gerly.
That's the message. She's home"
"she sent you to tell me that?
mo; not exactly that" evaded Per
~, wriggling uncomfortably.
"Wen, what was her message then?
"She-she didn't send any,"
"Then who sent the message that
she has come home?
"Well, the fact is / sent 1t mysei1.
That's why 1 brought it"
"Oh, you poor idiot!' laughed Ben
nett "The same old excuse in a new
shape! Well, now you're here, you can
stay Just FIVE minutes. I'm too busy
to play with little boys today"
Little boys! I'll be twenty-five next
spring. p
"Any messages while was out, Miss
Garrison"
Eyes, one," answered Cynthia. "Your