The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1908-09-10

Hes the biggest man in New York."
said Andy almost reverently. ''He can
about do anything he wants to with
Tammany or any other old thing in the
political line. He's mile high and as
broad as the East river. You say any
thing against Big Mike and you'll
have million men on your collarbone
in about two seconds. Why, he made
a visit over to the old country awhile
back, and the kings took to their holes
like rabbits.
"Well, Big Mixes friend of mine.
l amt more than deuce high in the
district as far as influence goes. but
Mikes as good friend to little man
or Il poor man as he is to Il big one.
met him today on the Bowery. and
what do you think he does: Comes up
and shakes hands. Andy says he.
I've been keeping cases Oh you.
You've been putting in some good licks
over on your side of the street. and
I'm proud of you. What'll you take to
| drink? He takes a cigar and ! take
| a highball. told him was going to
get married in two weeks. Andy
says he, send me an invitation so I'll
keep In mind of it., and I'll come to the
wedding That's what Big Mike says
to me, and he always does what he
says.
"You don't understand it. Maggie.
but Id have one of my hands cut off
to have Big Mike Sullivan at our we'd
ding. 1t would be the proudest day Of
my life. When he goes to Il mans
wedding there's guy being married
that's made for life. Now, that's why
I've maybe looking sore tonight"
'Why don't you invite him. then II
he's SO much to the mustard?" said
Maggie lightly.
There's a reason why | can't" said
Andy sadly. There's reason why
he mustn't be there. Don't ask me
what it is, for can't tell YOU"
"Oh, don't care" said Maggie.
Its something about politics, OF
course. But it's no reason why you
can't smile at me-"
"Maggie," said Andy presently. do
you think as much of me as you did Of
your-as you did Of the Count Maz-
zini?'
He waited long time. but Maggie
did not reply. And then suddenly she
leaned against his shoulder and began
to cry-to cry and shake with soDs.
holding his arm tightly and wetting
the crepe de chine with tears
There. there, there!' soothed Andy,
putting aside his own trouble. And
; what is it now?'
ANDY" sobbed Maggie, I've lied 10
you, and you'll never marry me or
love me any more. But ! feel that
I've got to tell. Andy, there never was
so much as the little finger OF 4. count.
| never had a beau IN my life. Bat all
the other girls had. and they talked
about 'em, and that seemed to make
the fellows like 'em more. And. An
dy, look swell in black-you know
do So ! went out to Il Photograph
store and bought that picture and had
little one made for my locket and
made up all that story about the count
and about his being killed so | could
wear black. And nobody can love
liar and you'll shake me, Andy. and
I'll die for shame Oh, there never
was anybody / liked but you-and
that's all!''
But instead of being pushed away
she found Andy's arm folding her
closer. She looked up and saw his
face cleared and smiling.
could you-could you forgive me,
Andy?"
"Sure," said Andy. ITS all right
about that. Back to the cemetery for
the count. You've Strengthened every
thing out. Maggie. was in hopes
you would before the wedding day.
Bully girl"'
"Andy," said Maggie, with some-
what shy smile, after she had been
: thoroughly assured Of forgiveness,
did you believe that story about the
+ count?'
well, not to any large extent" said
! Andy, reaching for his cigar case,
because it's Big Mike Sullivans pic
! ture you've got in that locket OF
yours"