The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1909-05-27

Randolph Langdon, Charles Norton
had long exercised strong influence
over him because Of his wider expert
ence in the worlds affairs. Like his
father, young Langdon had stayed
close to the plantation most Of his
life. particularly after leaving school,
devoting his attention to studying the
business OF conducting the family's
big estate. Norton brought him the
atmosphere of the big outside world
he yearncd to see even as did his SIS
ter Carolina. and he initiated Norton's
manners, his dress and mode OF
speech. The congressman's habit OF
confiding in Randolph. subtle COM
pliment, was deeply appreciated by
the lad. who unconsciously became
continual advertiser Of Nortons many
virtues TO Carolina and to his father,
all of which the congressman knew.
That Norton's political career was
the outcome Of Carolina Langdon's
ambition to shine in gay society was
known to his friends as well as his
family. and his desire to win her and
place her where she could satisfy ev-
cry whim Ind developed almost to a
frenzy. Seeing evidences Of Senator
Stevens vast influence. he did not hes.
itate to seek q close relationship with
him; and the senator was clever
enough 10 lead Norton to consider him
bis friend.
At the start Of his political career
Norton had higher ideas Of honor than
guided his actions now that be had
become a part Of the political ma
chine that controlled his native state
OF Mississippi and Of the bipartisan
combination that dominated both
houses Of congress in the interest Of
the great railway and industrial cor
porations. Senator Stevens and other
powers had so distorted NortOn's view
Of the difference between public and
private interests and their respective
rights that he had come to believe cap
ttal 10 be the sacred heritage OF the
nation which must be protected at any
cost. The acceptance Of retainer
from the c. st. and p. Railroad COM
pany for wholly unnecessary services
in Washington-only another way Of
buying q mana transaction arranged
by Senator Stevens. was but another
stage In the disintegration OF the
young congressman's character, but II
brought him Just that much close to
the point where he could claim o.
lima Langdon as his own. And
tunity does not knock twice at e
door-unless he is at the head
machine.
Norton, the persevering young law
student who loved the girl who had
been his boyhood playmate, was now
Norton who coveted her fathers lands,
who boasted that he was on the "in-
side" in Washington. who was on the
way to fortune-if the new senator
from Mississippi would Or could be
forced to stand In favor Of the Alta
coola naval base.
Lancdon as IIaines and Cullen saw
them pass through the hotel lobby H.
lustrated the nature Of the Norton Of
the present and his interest in the AL
| tacoola scheme.
There's no reason why you shouldn't
come in on the ground floor in this
proposition, Randolph" he was urging
in continuance Of the conversation be-
gun over table in the cafe. mo rea-
son why you shouldn't do 1t, my boy.
! Why. are you still child, or are you
really a man? You have now drafts
for $4,000, haven't you"
Yeah" agreed Langdon, chagrined
at Nortons insinuatlOn Of youthfulness
and anxious to prove that he was real
| ly man of affairs, I've got the fifty
thousand Charlie, but-but, you see,
that's the money for Improvements on
! the plantation. As father has put me
In as manager want to maize a show
| ing"
You can't make it until spring"
urged Norton. The moneys got to lie
| I'm the bank all winter. Now. why
don't you make a hundred thousand
with it instead Of letting 1t lie idle:
Norton's smile was one Of deep salts
| faction.
That's all right. Randolph. You
know | want to do anything can for
you"
| CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.