Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-04

| some boys had told him was graft CT. tell you" his voice rising almost to scream, "Bennett's made my life a he'll I'm no crook. Pm honest and
 Sure you're honest" Horrigan ex- claimed. as though to cross child Honest as the day! That's why you're voting for our bill. Because the l crooked clauses have been cut out of it, and in its present form it's benefit 1 to the city"
 That isn't why I promised to vote for it." contradicted Roberts, with a dcspairing dash of courage. Tt was because I-because"-
 "Never mind why, then, but just go ahead and do it. -.
 '1 won't! I dare not''-
 You'll do it, 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 themw declared Roberts, slamming two slips of paper down upon the table. There! Take them backw =. . What do I want of them?" argued Horrigan craftily. "They belong to you" 1 "They don't. won't keep them"
 You'll have to. I keep you to your promise" Et
 "What promise?" asked a voice be- hind them. 1 Bennett, hastily summoned by Phe- l Ian, had entered the room unobserved by either of the excited men.
 What promise?" he asked again. "A 1 promise to-
 What are you doing here?" below ed Horrigan in fury. You called me down once for coming into your pri- vate office without knocking. What d'you mean by coming into mine?'' "Yours?' queried Alwyn. T had an idea it was the city's. The time is past when the words 'Horrigan' and city meant the same thing. We'll. Roberts, how are you going to vote? I want to believe you honest, and Why. what's all this?" his eyes falling on the forgotten notes on the table.
 Nothing of yours" shouted Horri- gan, making futile, furious grab for the documents which Alwyn was pick ing up. Drop them! Drop them, 1 say, or you'll
 "Why should I?' asked Bennett calm ly, his quick eye taking in the nature of the slips of paper even as his alert brain grasped in full the meaning of the transaction in which they figured. ! Do they belong to you?"
 'They don't belong to you anyway" retorted Horrigan, and if you dare read them -..
 I've already read them. Roberts" he added in a kinder voice, turning to the shaking alderman, these were to have been your bribe, weren't they, for voting for the Borough bill?' His quietly compelling tone and glance forced from Roberts frightened "Yes" before Horrigan could interfere.
 II thought so. Be quiet, Horrigan," he commanded as the infuriated boss sought to speak through his choking wrath. This is between Roberts and me. Now, then
 "I returned the notes to him!' plead ed Roberts in panic. Honestly, did! Just before you came in. could have kept them. and he couldn't have pre- vented me even if voted against the bill. But I'm square and"-
 "You are square," affirmed Bennett, gripping the alderman's cold, moist hand in friendly reinsurance. T knew all along you were honest at heart. Horrigan wanted to bribe you. and you wouldn't be bribed. Now, I want you to go into the council room and vote as your manhood tells you to-" Roberts. comforted. yet still trem- bling. obeyed, not venturing a second look at Horrigan.
 "Now. my friend" said Bennett pleasantly when he and the boss were alone together. what are you going to do about it? It seems to me your game is up"
 1T want those notes"' panted Horri- gan. finding coherent speech with an effort through his red mist of rage.
 Why? They're not yours. They aren't made over to you. and there is no cancellation stamp on them. They are the property of the Sturtevant Trust company. and I'll send them back there tomorrow-after I've had them photographed"
 ''Youn give them to me" shouted .Horrigan, his mighty body vibrating with fury. ''or you'll never leave this room alive-'
 You're a fool. HOrrigan." remsrke'i Bennett, with condescending calm. flor