The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-07-21
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
A T O'Clock on the night preceding Inauguration
day, after bidding Grace good night dismissing
the servants and observing that the secret service
guard who had been detailed to his home that day
was sleeping quietly within reach, Morgan Lester
seated himself in his for few minutes re-
taxation before retiring. He had but little hope
that rest such as he wished, would to him
for his mind too charged with the possbilitie.
which confronted him, the morrow too portentous
In the event that he did take oath of office with
out interruption, there would still be most trying
and critical situation to be faced and Immediately
dealt with.
Up to within the last few hours he had gone
these things with his advisors until his brain
was exhausted. This was the first night for long
time when he had enjoyed quiet hour in the
knowledge that his house was not filled with
OF his party. Now, however, they had retired only
on his solicitation and statement that he wanted
to be left entirely alone. He congratulating
himself that he was to leave this chance for re-
cuperaton when the telephone by his bedside
rang softly, its bell having been previously NUT
fled when his overweight nerves cried protest
against it's harsh clamor. He stared at it in an
noyance and then, remembering that it was on
the night switch and would not be heard by any
else in the house. decided to answer it's sum
"Hea! Mr.. Lester?" voice asked, family.
"This is Mr. Weston, the Presidents private
secretary
Louder please / can scarcely hear YOU This
line is not working very we'll tonight
The voice at the other end rose little clearer,
and was distinct, although not loud, when it con-
tinued.
The President wishes to speak to you if you
are alone"
Kindly tell him that am
Just moment please" the voice answered,
and there was wait of nearly minute. The
President says to hang up your receiver, as he
will call you from his rooms, and ask for a
connection. He will call within a few min
utes."
r HE Presidentelect hung up the receiver, and
gave sigh. 1t seemed that he was never to
have an opportunity for rest Twice before the Pres
ldent mad called him up at just such an hour and
each time it had meant that he summoned
to the White House for consultation. The
tesy which caused the President to send his
gated the fact that these late meetings, although
important, were trying. Lester wondered what
complication could have arisen, when the tel
ephone rang again. and another faint voice foated
to him, saying that this the President. 1t was
as Lester had feared-another interview of inn
portance Remembering that he had dismissed
his servants, the Presidenteect suggested that it
would take few minutes to arouse his chauffeur.
But the Presidents voice, after expostulating with
a telephone operator and asking for better con-
nection, at once volunteered the of his
machine.
II have already telephoned Mr.. Holbrook" he
said, and thoughtlessly failed to provide him with
method of conveyance, not realizing the ateness
OF the hour. Would you mind ii l have my
sent there for him. to pick you up on the way
here? Well, then, I'll telephone him at once and
save him trouble. will send my own chauffeur
and a couple of secret service guards for your
protection.
"Thank you That will save my arousing the
man on watch here The poor fellow is asleep
outside my door, and looks worn out. What did
you say?"
II say, don't think you will be detained at the
White House very long; but, if you prefer, you
can remain as my guest"
"No-I'd rather come home afterward. 1t saves
calling anyone to notify them of my alb
sence. Good bye.
He took another look at his watch, stepped into
his dressing and secured an overcoat, hest
tated moment before the sleeping secret service
guard then walked along the dim and softly car
peted hail. down the stairs and into his private
den The servant who had been in the hallway
approached, and asked if there anything he
could do for him, to which Lester wearily