The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-10-27
By
MEREDITH
NICHOLSON.
CHAPTER XIX-Continued.

Jerry, what part do you play m these
amateur theatricals?"
Jerry rose. thrusting her handkerchief
into her sleeve. and her lips trembled
slightly. though whether with mirth or
some soberer emotion it would be diff
cuit 10 say. The room at once gave her
attention, seeing that she was about to
speak.
Papa. before these people I am not
ashamed 20 confess that during your alb
sence from the seat of government
took it upon myself 10 Ill your Office to
the best of my ability, finding that many
important matters were pressing and that
YOU had gone into exile without leaving
your address behind. I made MI Ard
more, the gentleman on my left in the
pear-gray suit and lavender tie, first.
private secretary. and then, when Occa-
sion required, acting governor. though
u reality he did nothing without my en-
tire approval. I am happy TO say that
nothing has been neglected. and your
reputation as a great statesman and
friend Of the people has not suffered at
our hands. We arrested Mr.. Appleweight,
who is standing there by the fireplace,
and landed him in the Mingo County
Jail as a joke on Gov, Osborne, and 20
appease the demands of the press and
the Womans Civic League OF Raleigh.
The copies Of our correspondence on this
and other matters viii tell you the story
more completely. And c~ FOR Gov. Os-
borne. I have taught - n lesson in
etiquette that should obtain between gov
errors that he IS not likely TO forget.
You viii find that we have not hesitated
to grant pardons, and we have filed, in
one instance, the office OF justice of the
peace, made vacant by resignation. The
key TO your desk. papa, is behind the
clock on the mantel in your private
ROOM"
Ladies and gentlemen" began the
governor of North Carolina, laying a
hand upon the table, and with the other
seizing the lapel Of his rough brown
coat-a pose made familiar by all his
photographs-"th jails of North Carolina
are more uncomfortable than 1 had be-
lieved them to be, and I have taken a
Slight cold which compels me to be
briefer than this interesting occasion de-
mauds You have Witnessed here an ex-
hlbition Of hlial devotion that has, am
sure, touched us all. IL is well worth
while for me to have suffered arrest and
Imprisonment to realize the depth of my
daughters love and the jealousy with
which she has safeguarded my private
and public honor"
He felt for a handkerchief and touched
il gently to his eyes; but Collins declared
afterward that Gov. Dangerfield was ex-
actly like his daughter. and that one
never could be sure that his mirth was
genuine.
Il was aware only yesterday, when l
saw a newspaper for the first time in a
week, that political capital was being
made of my absence from Raleigh; and
that my dear friend, the governor of
South Carolina. also. was being called
TO account for flinching in the face of
imperative duty"
your friend, governor" cried Ard
more, unable TO restrain himself
Certainly, Mr.. ArdmOre," continued
Gov. Dangerfield. THAT angry parting
OF ours at New Orleans was all for ef-
feet 20 get space in the newspapers. We
had con6ded to each other that the cares
Of state had worn us 10 an intolerable
point. and that we must have rest.
Brother Appleweight lad. l confess,
given us both a great deal Of annoyance.
end to be frank neither Osborne nor I
wished 10 take the initiative in his case.
SO we resolved to disappear. and go to
some quiet place for rest. We QUILTED
with old clothes and came to the border.
Gov. Osborne has q farm over there