Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-07-13
CHAPTER VII.
Who Does The Counting?


couple Of weeks later, his question
having in 1t more Of a conclusion
than an Interrogation.
Yes, sir" responded Lummers,
as he placed a pile of letters before
the chief executive. "The Demo-
Gratis have been pouring into town
ever since last night and today they
size up more like mob than any
thing else.'
"Um-where's Willetts?"
"I haven't seen him this morning,
SIR"
Look him up. Find him. Tell
him to keep in touch with those fell
lows today and see what's going on"
Eyes, SIR" Lummers seized his
hat and started for the door.
q. "Tell him / want to see him II
anything turns up" continued the
Governor. Have him report to me-"
Dagger remained in the seclusion Of
his office. apparently unmoved by
the political excitement outside
which kept the streets congested.
From time to time he heard the
sounds Of fife and drum and the
cheering Of the multitudes. Once,
a band Of marchers, as II to bid open
defiance to the Carpetbag regime,
halted beneath his window and gave
three cheers for honesty and home
rule"
He smiled. mot just yet" he So
liloquized. '"But I don't blame 'em.
If I lived down here I'd be out there,
too. Chicago's always been good
enough for me-"
The school-book lobbyist called;
but she found scant courtesy.
You're in too much of a hurry"
he said. 81 understand they are
making a new Governor here in
town today. Maybe you'll have to
do business with him. Better wait
and see."
Nellie and Roy came romping in
murky day. Has my commission
got here YETI" inquired the young
ster, his face glowing with enthusi-
asm.
"Eh? How's that?" asked the
Governor. "Oh,-from Washington.
remember. No; not quite
A moment later, Willetts. unan-
nounced. bolted into the room. His
face, usually pale and inexpensive.
was flushed with excitement. Before
he could say word the old man
stopped him with a significant ges-
ture.
Miss Linford," he said, well
have to take up your matter some
other time. Good afternoon. Cap
tain Fairburn will you cover the re-
treat and see that my daughter
reaches home in safety"
Roy saluted awkwardly and offer
ed his arm to Nellie. AS their foot
steps died away the Carpetbagger
turned to Willetts. "Sit down." he
commanded.
Governor, this thing means mis-
chief" began the ex-gambler. Its
all very we'll for US to ignore the
convention and call them kickers
and sore-heads, and ridicule their
claims of reform; but tell you that
convention today has been red-hot
from the start, and the people are
behind it."
That's all right" replied, the
Governor, coolly. Who's in front OF
it?"
"Reynolds-and If you don't look
out he'll run away with US. I know
these people-I've lived here"
well, guess Reynolds is the best
they could do"
Hes the mos popular man in
the state. He can poll more votes
than any man in Mississippi. Don't
mistake that"
Major Reynolds had not sought
the nomination. the honor having
been forced upon him, and now the
news was spreading throughout the
city. He was the son of old John
Reynolds, veteran or the Mexican
war, an old aristocrat who had been
in Congress and who was still one
Of the largest landowners In the
state The Major had been gallant
soldier in the Confederate army. His
kindness and courtesy, his generos-
ity and friendliness made him ia
vorite among the common people.
In a piece Of limping verse senti-
mentalist had called him the flower
of chivalry." While Willetts and the
Governor were still discussing the
situation, they heard the Majors
voice in the ante-room. "Here!' he
commanded, speaking to Jim, take
nv card to the Governor"
"Reynolds!" cried Willetts spring
ing to his feet Look out now. Take
care of yourself"
The Governor lighted cigar.
Hes only one man." he said. Jim
handed him a card. "Show him in
"Only one man." said Willetts'
with his eye on the door, but he's
a hair-trigger man. No monkey
business, now. He won't stand IT,
The Major stepped into the room
halted and bowed stiffiy. Governor
Crance?"
How are you, Major?" was the
Governors hearty greeting Slt
down. How's everything. out your
way?"
The Major started at this familiar
ity. Governor Crance, my party
has honored me with a nomination
for Governor, and pursuing a GUS
tom time-honored among our peo-
ple. I have called, sir, to announce
my candidacy in opposition to your
Self
"Oh, that's all right. Sit down.
And to demand, SIR" the Major
continued. that you meet me on the
stump. where you shall have full
opportunity to defend yourself
against the charges with which
shall confront you"