Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-09-29
CHAPTER VII.


"THE boss il turned down"
This startling news hew
lightning fast to every quarter
4 Of the organization and In Its
wake spread trail Of lncredulous
amaze. Every member. from alderman
to "heeler," knew why Horrlgan had
made Bennett mayor. That the latter
should turn against his benefacto'
seemed not only black ingratitude, bu;
something akin to insanity. for II ap'
parently spelled political suicide for
the young man.
While neither Of the disputants had
repeated the details Of the quarrel. ye!
those details with many another were
already passing from mouth to mouth
in the mysterious fashion whereby the
closest kept secrets are divulged and
enlarged on In the financial world.
too, the veto came as bombSheli
Borough Street railway stock fell with
a thud that shook more than one coloS'
sal fortune. Bennett-central point OF
the whole upheaval-was the calmes'
man Of all who were involved. He had
chosen his course. and he was follow
ing 1t with a dogged quiet far more
dangerous than any loud mouthed blus'
ter. He had laid out campaign. and
that campaign he rigIdly followed.
His first step was to send for Perry
Wainwright early In the morning fol-
lowing the clash with Horrigan and.
under strict pledge Of secrecy. to ex
plain the whole complicated affair to
that very bewildered young man.
You're all right, Alwyn! You're all
the goodsw crowed Perry In genuine
admiration. But why didn't you
backheel Horrigan and throw him
downstairs?"
"I think | did," said Bennett dryly
81 think I'm still doing it. That's why
sent for you today"
want me to lick him for yon?' ask
ed Perry in delight. Hes bit over
my weight. but l wouldn't mind past,
ing
"No," interrupted Bennett, amused
1t the lads vehemence. II want you
to play the melodramatic brother and
protect your sister"
Say" snorted Perry, all the light
ness gone out Of his manner and his
young frame stiffening ominously
"d'you mean to say the cur Is framing
ND any game on Dallas? T.
"Sit down." ordered Alwyn, land try
to use what little human intelligence
you may have I've got to have you!
help, and what use are you when al
you can think Of is getting thrashed by
somebody Sit down now and listen
| to me-"
Perry meekly obeyed the new note
of command In his friends voice. and
Bennett resumed:
your uncle has tried to hamper me
by putting all your fortune and Dallas
into Borough Street railway stock
The news Of my veto will reach tht
exchange almost at once. That vii
cause a slump in Borough stock. II
Horrigan fails to carry the bill through
over my head-and he will fail II car
possibly block him-that will mean tn;
practical collapse Of the stock. 1t vii
mean that you and Dallas will be al
most penniless."
"Well," suggested Perry cheerfully
then you can marry Dallas, and little
brother Perry can come and live Will
you. Don't worry, old chap. ~
"Shut up, you young idiot, and si
down and listen! Here's check; alst
note Of introduction to my broker
He's q close mouthed fellow, and hel
keep the secret. l want you to sci
Borough stock short to the amoun
| Off,
ITO speculate? Gee! never
thought
81 don't believe in speculation as l
rule, but this time It's the only wa!
out. Sell short. Then II the bill is de
feated you and Gladys will still be a.
well of as you are now, even aftel
paying me back this sum I've advanc
ed. Il the bill Is passed over my head
the stock will boom, and you'll both b.
richer than ever. Understand the idea
think I've arranged 1t so you ant
she won't lose dollar In either case.
"Alwyn," cried Perry, the full ide'
at last penetrating his youthful brain
you're the whitest ever. The