Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-04-25

ON. And
THANK you SO much for the picture
shall keep it always. They're the
incest dogs ever had"
I'm nice too. And it isn't my fault
I'm not dog. p
II told you once before not to give
up hope. You'll grow. "T'-
II told that to some fellows at the
club, and we tried to figure it out, and
we decided you were guyin. me-"
What clever men you must be al
that club! Are you going to the ad
ministration ball next week?"
Are you?"
"Why?"
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 it
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 don't get good chance
earlier-a deal that means lot tc
me-"
"Then why wait till the ball? Why
not
"I'd do it now, only Bennett might
come in before
What 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 of 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 We're tired. A few
silver strands, too, had crept into the
darker hair on his temples. There was
little now about him to suggest the
idler.
'sWell. old man." he exclaimed on
seeing Perry. whats the excuse this
tme?"
1.-THE what7" asked the youth I'M
easily.
'The excuse. You come here-when
I'm likely to be out-about four times
week. and always with perfectly
new excuse for your intrusion. l toll
crate you for the originality Of those
excuses. What is today's?"
81 have no need of an excuse" re-
piled Perry with an air Of hurt dig
nifty. II 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.
"Well, what was her message thenT'
'She-she didn't send any"
'sThen who sent the message that
she has come homer"
"Well, the fact Is sent it myself.
That's why 1 brought it."
"Oh, you poor idiot" laughed Ben
nett 1.-THE same old excuse in 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. r.
"Any messages while / was out, Miss
Garrison?"
Eyes, one," answered Cynthia. "Your
mother telephoned that she would be
here at half past @ She said she had
a surprise for you"
"Say," remarked Perry, feeling he was
being excluded from the talk, I'D go
easy on that surprise if were you,
Alwyn. I've had surprises over the
telephone myself, and they're punk.
Once a girl
alderman Phelan would like to
speak to your honor" said Ingram, the
old doorkeeper, popping out Of the
anteroom.
tShow him in," answered Bennett.
Nov, then, Perry
"Were you about to ask me to stay
awhile longer?" asked the boy. "Be-
cause I'm sorry, but can't. Goodby.
Good afternoon, Miss Garrison. Glad
you liked the photo So long. Maybe
I'll bring another message from Dallas
tomorrow"
"What can Phelan want of me, 1
unused Bennett. half aloud.
HE and scarcely Good afternoon,
alderman! think this is the first time
you've honored me with visit"
'"Then be lenient with first ofense,
your honor" suggested Phelan, shak-
ing hands with the mayor and nodding
pleasantly to Cynthia as she passed
out to her own office
Something important, l suppose, !"
hazarded Bennett.
"Maybe it is important. and maybe it
isn't" returned Phelan. at all de-