The Washington herald., 1909-07-18
CHAPTER ~.

CHAPTER ~.
A T o'clock on the night preceding Inauguration
day, after bidding Grace good night, dsmissing
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 room for few minutes re-
taxation before retiring He had but little hope
that rest such as he wished would come to him,
for his mind too charged with the possibilities
which confronted him, the morrow too portentous
In the event that ne 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 gono
over 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 men
of his party. NOw however, they had retired only
his solicitation and statement that he wanted
20 be left entirely alone, lie congratulating
himself that he to leave this chance for
cuperaton when the telephone by his bedside
rang softly. its bell having been previously mut
fled when his overwrought nerves cried protest
against its harsh clamor He stared at IL in an
noyance, and then, remembering that it
the night switch and would not be heard by any
one else in the house decided to answer its sum
mons.
"Helal Mr.. Lester?" voice asked family.
"Ths is Mr. Weston, the Presidents private
secretary"
line is not working very well tonight"
The voice at the other end rose a little clearer
and was distinct, although not loud, when it con
unued
"The President wishes to speak to you if you
alone"
"Kindy tell him that 1 am"
"Just a moment please" the voice answered
and there wait OF nearly minute. THE
President says to hang up your receiver as he
will call you from mis- rooms, and ask for
new connection. He will call within few min.
utes"
THE Presidenteect hung up the receiver. and
gave sigh. It seemed that he never to
have opportunity for rest Twice before the Pres
ident had called him up at just such an hour, and
each time it had meant that he summoned
TO the White House for a consultation. The cour
tesy which caused the President to send his own
macnIne one of these occasions had not miti
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 hoated
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 Presdentelect suggested that it
would take few minutes TO arouse his chauffeur.
But the Presidents voice after expostulatng with
a telephone operator and asking for better con-
nectOn, at once volunteered the use of his own
mac!!ne
II have already telephoned Mr. Holbrook" he
said. land thoughtlessly failed to provide him with
a method of conveyance, not realizing the lateness
OF the hour. Would you mind If have my car
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 chauffeur
and couple of secret service guards for your
protection"
Thank you. That will save my arousing the
watch here. The poor fellow is asleep
outside my door, and looks out what did
you say?"
Il say don't think you will be detained at the
White House very long, but if you prefer, you
remain my guest"
Mold rather come home afterward. 1t saves
calling up anyone TO notify them of my alb
sence. Good bye"
He took another look at his watch stepped into
his dressing room and secured oveTcoat hes-
tated a moment before the sleeping secret service
f,oV 1Iya1 r,ft1