The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1909-06-10

must nave aQVlce, nelp. 1o Huou Noo
he to 20 for It? Stevens? Yes, his old
friend, who knew all "the ropes" Yet
even Stevens seemed different in Wash
ington than Stevens in Mississippi.
Here he played second fiddle" lie
was even obseQuious, Langdon hac b
served, to Peabody. In Mississippi he
was a leader, and a strong one too. But
Senator Langdon had not yet learned
Of the many founts from which poht-
ical strength and political leadership
may be gained.
What he finally decided on was the
engaging of a secretary, but he must
be one with knowledge Of political op-
erations, one who combined wisdom
with honesty. Such an aid could pre-
vent Langdou from making the many
mistakes that invariably mark the new
man in politics, and he could point out
the most effective modes Of procedure
under given circumstances. 1t might
prove difficult to find a man Of the nee
essary qualifications who was not al
ready employed, but in the meantime
Langdon would watch the playing OF
the game himself and make his own
deductions as best he could.
The senator started toward the hotel
desk to ask regarding the whereabouts
Of his son Randolph when his atten-
ton was caught by the sight Of three
powerful negro porters endeavoring to
thrust outdoors a threadbare old man.
The victims flowing white hair, white
mustache and military bearing receiv-
ed short shrift.'
Come along, colonell Yo' can't sit
heah all day. Them chairs Is for the
guests In the hotel" the head porter
was urging as he jerked the old man
toward the door.
The Mississippian's fighting blood
was instantly aroused at such treat
ment Of a respectable old white man
by negroes. His lips tightly compress
ed as he hurried to the rescue. He
cried sharply.
Take your hands of that gentle
man! What do you mean by touching
a friend Of mine"
The negroes stepped back amazed.
"Scuse me, senator, Is this gent'man
a friend Of yours" the head porter
gasped apologetically.
Langdon looked at him.
"You heard what said" he drawled
In the slow way natural to some men
Of the south when trouble threatens.
"Td like to have you down in Missis-
sippi for about ten minutes"
The head porter turned quickly on
his assistants and drove them away,
shouting at the top Of bis voice:
"Get about yo' wuk. How dare 10
intehfere wild a friend Of de senator's?
I'll teach 10 to be putting yoh nose in
where 1t amt got no business"
The old man, astonished att the turn
Of events, came forward hesitatingly
to Langdon.
I'm very much obliged to you, sir"
be said. T'm Colonel Stoneman, an
old soldier"
The Mississippian stretched forth his
hand
my name is Langdon, sir-Senator
Langdon Of Mississippi 1 am an old
soldier too"
Delighted, senator" exclaimed the
seedy looking old man, taking the Of
fered hand gratefully.
LAngdon's easy method Of making
friends was well illustrated as he
clapped his new companion on the
back. Everybody he met was the Mis-
sissippian's friend until he had proved
himself the contrary. That had been
his rule through life.
Come right over, colonel; have a
cigar, SIR" Then, as they lighted
their cigars, he inquired, what army
corps were you with, colonel"
II was under Grant along the Ten
nessee," replied the old G. A. R. man.
Familiarity with a senator was
something new for him, and already
he was Strengthening up and becom-
ing more Of a man every moment
Langdon was thoroughly interested.
81 was along the Tennessee under
Beauregard," he said.
Great generals, sir! Great gener-
als!" exclaimed Colonel Stoneman.
"And great fighting, I reckon?' ech-