The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1909-02-11
Sbe Metz Mayor
CHAPTER XIV.
BxaALRERT PAYsON TERHUNE.

= CHAPTER XIV.
THE first committee room that
lay to the right Of Horrigan's
ofice-in the same relation to IL
as the antechamber to the left
vas usually given over to dry off1-
D business, and its musty walls must
nest have experienced a distinct
ock about this time as Dallas VAIN
right entered from the corridor be-
nd. She was accompanied by Perry
I'D by Phelan, who, passing through
be corridor toward the aldermanic
hamber, had collided with the brother
md sister at the committee room door.
Here's a good sight for sore eyes,
Miss Wainwright" the alderman was
Saying with his best air. But is it
fair to ask what brings such bunch
Rof sunshine into an old p'litical shell
like this? I'd as soon think of seeing
Eorrigan at mass as to find you here"
'T want to attend the aldermen's
Getting" exclaimed Dallas. Il have
special reason. SO l made Perry
ing me. But at the door they told
the gallery was so crowded that we
nldn't'-
Never you mind the gallery, miss"
hterrupted Phelan. 'It isn't meant
for the likes Of you anyway. You
lust sit here a few minutes, an I'll
catch an attendant somewhere an
make him hustle up a couple of good
chSirs for you on the main floor, where
gou can pipe everything just like you
were in your own op'ra box coppin' or
b swad Of high C's."
'sThank you so much, alderman" re-
piled Dallas. II hope we're not put
ting you to too much trouble"
mo trouble at all. An even if it
was I'd come a-runnin' to meet it. Pm
the original trouble eater. Besides, the
boc' ~ n" ',o"sn & ;'""n tn1 ::I0' rn"
+ II laIy w,. %a:; 50 -, -, ~. Az ~,
tings. So long! I'll be right back"
fWhat a queer chap he is!' mused
Jerry, as Phelan FASTENED away on
3his mission. IF I could take six
weeks course in slang and hot air
from that man I'd be able to sew but
tons on the whole English language"
A--'sf don't think you need very much
tuition" observed Dallas. But it was
kind of Mr.. Phelan to look after US.
like him be-
Because he's standing by Bennett
so pluckily in this fght?"
"Mr. Bennett is nothing to me-
"No?" asked Perry in innocent
amaze. "Then l wasted lot of good
cigarette money cabling to you about
his campaign when you were across
. the big wash last summer. For a
man who was nothing to you you
suSe took large swadS of intelligent in
terest Look here, little girl he went
on, less fippantly, whats the matter?
Has anything
"Now she broke in, with miserable
effort at courage. "Nothing's the mat
ter. I'm perfectly happy. Why shouldn't
1 be? An engaged girl is always
"An engaged grl"' he shouted in
high glee you don't mean to say
you and Alwyn"-
"Of course not. I am engaged to
Mr.. Gibbs"
"Good Lordw gasped the lad in hon.
est dismay. 'If that's meant for q
joke, it's the punkest ever! Did,
"It isn't joke, Perry, and it's very
rude of you to talk So l am engaged
to Mr.. Gibbs, and''-
"But-how-when did the atrocity
come off, and
81 became engaged to him the night
Of the administration ball. 1 didn't
want to tell you yet, because I knew
you don't like him. I'm-Pm"-
you're happy?"
Certainly I amw she retorted de-
family. $50 happy that p
'That you are having fight to keep
from crying this blessed minute" he
finished. "Say, Dallas, it breaks me
all up to have you so miserable.
think a whole lot of you. More'n of
: any one elsa.bu Cynthia. And I want
to help you out Of this measly mi1up.
Won't your
'.There Is nothing any one can do"
she murmured sadly. II have chosen
my course and I''-
"Cheese itp' whispered Perry in hur-
rfed admonition. Here comes Ben
nett, and Phelan's with him"
Yhe young mayor came in, talking to
The alderman as he came.
"This rooms disengaged," he was
saying. 'I'll write 1t here and give it
yto-oh, I beg your pardon" he broke
OF, recognizing Dallas and Perry. 81
didn't know
1--WE got two good seats for you"
announced Phelan. Fright where you
can see an hear the whole sbootin'
,,no%oh AM onSooc hofnro fha ynoofin,S