Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-04-22

| But don't do or say anything reck less, Alwyn. Promise me. Remember how strong he is"
 There's no danger of his letting ma forget his power" said Bennett, with . bitter smile. "He".- But you'll be careful, won't youl Please do, for my sake. And you mustn't keep him waiting. If there's a way out through Cynthias office we'll go by that. Goodby. I'll explain to your mother No you must let us l go now. Office business must coiuu first. Won't you call this evening? I'll be home and alone"
 l Despite Bennett's remonstrances sho was firm. and it was in no pleasant frame of mind that the mayor threw himself into seat when he was Jeff alone in the room. That the talk with Dallas. which had promised so much for him, should be thus rudely inter rrpted. That Horrigan flung open the door and stamped in. The boss anger had by no means subsided iy the few moments of delay, but had rather, grown until it vibrated in his every word and gesture, He wasted no time in formNlities, but came to ahe point with all &he tender grace and tact of pile driver.
 Look here, Bennett" he rumbled Menace underlying tone and look, "I'rl told Phelan's been here this afternoon | What did he wantT
 ITO see me-" answered Bennett calm | ls, the effort at self control visibla only in the whitening of the knuckits that gripped the desk edge.
 What did he want to see you a5fss!H "A business matter"
 What business matter?" Mine"
 "Yours, eh?" sneered Horrigan "Well, young man, I want you to un' derstand here and now that no one can be chummy with Jim Phelan and be my man at the same time. Got that through your head?'
 "Yes," assented Bennett; q think , have. And while we're speaking plain ly want you to understand here and now that no one can bully me, eithe. here or elsewhere, and that I'm no mans man. Have you got that throug, your head?"
 Horrigan stared in savage amaze ment. He doubted if his ears had not played him false. Bennett had always treated the boss with uniform cour- tesy, and Horrigan belonged to the , too numerous class who do not under. stand until too late the difference be- tween gentle breeding and weak COW. ardice. That man should speak to him courteously and not interlard his talk with baths, Obscenity or rough ness seemed to Horrigan, as it does to many another boor, an evidence of tl- mldity and lack of virility. A Damas- GUS blade is far more harmless look ing weapon than bludgeon, yet it is capable when the necessity arises of far deadlier work.
 It is only the man whose gentleness has not granite strength as its founda- tion who deserves the newly popular term of "mollycoddle." Had Horrigan's large experience with men been extended to embrace this fact he would probably never have picked out Alwyn Bennett in the first place as candidate for mayor nor dnorpaI tho roypr rar man a Rt fool for the organizations crooked work. The French nobles of the old regime, whose polish of manner was the envy of the world. fought like devils on occasion and went to death on the scaffold with a smile and jest on their lips, while many brutal demagogue in the same circumstances broke down and scream cd for mercy However, Horrigan chanced to be more familiar with the history of the organization than with that of France; hence, deeming Ben nett's reply q mere sporadic flash of defiance from properly cowed spirit, he resolved to crush the rebellion at a blow.
 Don't give me any insolencew he roared. "I won't stand for it, and"--
 Moreover" quietly continued Ben nett, ns though the boss had not spoken. q shall be very much obliged if in future you will knock at my door instead of bursting in on me. This Is my private office, not yours"
 Do you mean to-
 I've explained as clearly as l can just what I mean. If you don't under stand me I can't supply you with in- telligence."
 Bennett" said the boss, his burn ing rage steadied down to a white heat. far more dangerous. but less ir- coherent. "you and me are talking too much and saying too little. We've got to come 10 a showdown. You're a cley- CT boy and you made a rattling good fight. and you're on the right side of the public and of the press too. You're the best material we've got, and if you try and do the right thing there's no limit to what you can rise to-but only If you do the right thing"
 "'The right thing" echoed Bennett. What do you mean by the right thlngg'
 T mean you've got to do the right thing by the men who put you where you are today"
 That's fair But who put me where I am todayT"
 "I dld-I. Dick HOrrigan. Who ever heard of you til I took you up? No body. If I didn't make you mayor. who did. I'd like to knowT'
 ''The voters. The people of this city"