The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-04

| Nldlhe, lie Sdlu, putting HIS nanu | upon my shoulder, a thing that I did
 not like except from a most intimate | friend, you know what Pm doing
 here, that is, what I'm after: now you're a quiet, observant kind of fel-
 low. tell me what you think of it.'' | T don't just catch your meaning I
 replied. although I knew well enough
 what he meant.
 Haven't I got tic nomination cinch- cd as all my friends say? I'd like to hear from you too. Now speak up old
 man. and say they're right?' l He slapped me on the shoulder in q
 manner intended to be jovial, but his
 touch was thoroughly repellent now
 and 1 moved away a little. He did not l seem to notice it, but. repeated his 1 query in the tone of one who wants
 and expects to be fiattered. I was sorry that he had asked me the Ques- tion at this time, but being asked it made up my mind not to beat around | the bush.
 You wish my real opinion?'' I said. "Of course. Why should I ask you | otherwise?"
 Political campaigns are always | doubtful. I don't think your nomina- tion is a certainty. On the contrary l should say that the chances are very much against you.'
 l His face fell, and then flushed with an angry red. I could see that he was incredulous and that he thought I meant to offend him.
 "Oh, you're against me- he said with an lmpudent swagger, and. of course, you see the way you want to see.' You do me an injustice,'' I replied gravely, 'I try to seeA things as they are. and while I am Rnot for you-I don't think you've had experience enough MT. Grey. to be Governor of this State-I believe I can look ahead f0t, r. nominated"
 Well see,' he said, and giving me a malignant look. he turned on his heel and went away.
 I was disturbed somewhat over the interview, chiefly on Alicia's account. Grey now and then regarded me with green eye and his anger might choose to find vent at present on Alicia. How completely a woman is in the hands of her husband! I asked Jimmy Warfeld to come to my room, and l told him of the manner in which Grey had questioned me, although I did not refer to the subject of Alicia which had led up to it.
 i've committed myself very early against Grey,' I said. T hope every body knew tt already-but I did not like to be forced into a declaration by the man himself.''
 Its just as well.' said Jimmy War field. just as we'll all around
 tAll around" he repeated, looking
 I felt my face flush when he repeat ed the phrase, "All around" I thought I understood him perfectly. Jimmy Warfield knew of my love for Alicia and now 1 was glad that I had spoken so plainly.
 But Alicia had to pay. That I soon saw. He was cruel to her in the thou sand little ways in which a husband can mistreat his wife. without causing some able-bodied man to knock him down. He insisted upon her going about with him a great deal. He slurred and cheapened her by small, nasty remarks and acts. and she bore it all with patience and, resignation that were little short of sublime. I was compelled often to witness his con- duct. he seemed to take a special joy in 1t, when I was present, knowing then that he was torturing us both.
 Harrison keen observer that he was, did not fail to notice Greys new line, and after week he spoke of it to me.
 I think, Clarke,' he said in his cool, cutting tones. like the edge of a knife, that ultimately you'll have to kill Grey. I'm sorry these are not the old times when you could challenge him for some imaginary insult and put him out of the way"
 TOI dOu SdhS, uOu J0SI dOOuI IL Harrison" I burst out, you remember you said once that either you or I would have to rescue her. We'll I wish that either you or I could. I can't stand the sight of that man.
 'He has the law. religion and the prophets on his side,'' said Harrison gravely.
 ''I know it! I wish he could die! Drink himself to death. Anything!' I exclaimed.
 He is a very healthy looking man. He has an unusually robust frame. He is likely to last many years yet.''
 Harrison came close to me and like Grey put his hand upon my shoulder But unlike Grey his touch was not re- pellent.
 ''Mr Clarke he said. 'you and I have something in common. besides our love for Alicia Grey. I understand you thoroughly. and while you and l can never be friends I wish that we could.''
 "Yes.'' said, T would rather be your friend than your enemy"
 But I knew that we must remain ar rayed against each other. While I was attracted to him at times there was something peculiar and caustic in the temperament of Harrison that repelled. The man did not make warm friends nor seem to wish them. Moreover, Alicia stood between us, an insuperable bar
 It became known to the general pub lie that I had declared myself against Grey, and the report received much vivid embroidery. I soon perceived al- so that I must expect continual attack from Greys lieutenants, and presently very serious one came, in a way al- together unexpected.
 We have, as all the world knows, in Eastern Kentucky some lingering spir- it that favors avenging your own quar- rel. I think it is inherited in a direct line from the Highlands of Scotland. but. be that as it may, it still exists and gives us trouble, besides creating in the world for the ajority of us a reputation that is earned only by the minority.
 Now one of the mountain counties had sent to our Legislature q man whom hitherto I had noticed but slight ly. MT. John Bucks. g huge, swarthy fellow of about thirty, truculent in manner and used to a rough life, in which rapid fire rifles and self-action revolvers were important articles of furniture. Bucks had taken but little vocal part in the affairs of the House, but I heard that Frankfort a great city to one used only to the mountains and the wilderness, had proved rather beady wine for him. Rumors of his exploits in doubtful quarters f1oated about. but 1 had not paid any attention to them.
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