El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-12-16
By vaIdeman varrick.

A "a RULE the Hyborg town coun-
~ ell was a very harmonious as
- sembly and years had passed
since the local papers had had to tell
of a stormy meeting or a heated dis
cussion within the walls of the town
hall, but now the venerable council
was split in two groups because of the
approaching election of q mayor.
The two candidates were Dahlhof and
Fugl and it would have been difficult
to find two greater contrasts
Dahlhoff was tall, rather handsome
man in the forties, rich and charitab le
PugI on the other side was a little
dried up, bony and hungry looking fell
low, 10 years older than his rival. He
was the owner of a grocery store in the
poorer part of the town. Even the
champions of Dahlhoff were forced TO
admit that Fugl had the better claim
TO the office. He had been an alderman
for many years and had already been
passed by several times at previous
elections. He was only a small grocer,
however, and the dignity of Hyborg
would suffer if a man of his position
was chosen TO sit in the mayors chair.
For this reason he would have been
passed by again if he had not suddenly
rebened. The first sign of his sur
months before after a meeting of the
council.
1--WE discussed those new lampposts
in Maine street for nearly two hours"
said alderman Hansen. 1T was too
much time to waste on that"
Just what I think" exclaimed Fugl,
''but 1 will change all that next year"
Your
YES, when 1 am made mayor
Your exclaimed Hansen in surprise.
1T is my turn" said Fugl with some
show of anger, 'and 1 am not to be
pushed aside again"
With these words he turned on his
heels and left. Hansen staring after
him. Alderman Sommer came up and
Hansen told him what had happened.
what, Fugl mayor. Why the very
idea is too ridiculous"
TT is his turn, replied Hansen, mo
one can deny that, and If he insists on
his right I will back him up
well I won't" laughed Sommer.
This. is the way the row started.
which divided the town into two hos
tile camps. Shortly afterwards 1t be-
came known that Fugl was a candi-
date. and the opposition put up Dahl
hoff against him. A better selection
could never have been made, for Dahl
hnff would make an ideal mayor, and
his friends felt sure of his election, but
Fugl suddenly became a man of ac-
ton and showed a surprising amount
of energy.
Now. listen to me Fugl," said alder
man Somner one day to him, at is not
dignifed to run around fishing for
votes as you do. The council is strong
" in favor of Dahlhoff. Why don't you
withdraw from the contest in his ia
vor?"
Because I don't want to-"
But you must know you are not Mt
to be mayor. and besides 1T will cost
you pile of money
ct have saved up some-not much, 1
know. but as much as I could.
Sommer shrugged his shoulders and
walked off.
The worst part of it," mumbled Fugl
by himself, ''is that he is right l am
not fit to be mayor, but-and ne
stopped with a deep sigh
AS for Dahlhoff. he did not take OPP
position very seriously. But Fugl
worked hard and with an impudence
which was strongly in contrast to his
usual manner
Some of the members of the council
promised to support him, others "a-
minded him of his shortcomings, Du.
he went on. and a few weeks before the
election he was still out for the onice.
Dahlhoff was sitting in his library
bordering over what was to happen
In the meeting of the council next ddy.
st suppose 1 shall have smo 9TH sail
ing" he thought. "Sommer at least
says So
"Poor fellow, He will be disappointed.
wish he would withdraw, that would
save him from the disappointment, and
I should of course prefer to be elected
unanimously. 1t would be far better
for both of us. 1 wonder If he VIII. 1
viii go and have a talk with him.
ct was almost dark in Fugrs little
erocery store for the lights tad ret
been .urne1 on The coor was open
aa1 Dahlhoff went up to the counter.
a little old woman came from
room behind the store, leaning heavily
on her cane.
MY son will be here in a moment"
she said in a trembling voice
Thank you. I will wait for him.
He is terribly busy now" she con-
tinued. TT is this election business.
He may be the next mayor of Hyborf-.
I dare not think of 1t. My son MAYOR
of Hyborg. The very thought makes
me dizzy"
Tugl came in now.
why, it is you, Mr.. Dahlhoff? I am
so sorry l kept you waiting"
ooh, don't mention it. I just come
TO have a chat with you"
The old woman retired and Fugl
said: eff you come to ask me to with
draw. you are wasting your time.
do it,
THAT was why I came, nevertheless.
But listen, Fugl. Why do you want to
become mayor. when you know you
can't afford ftp
'I know, Dahlhoff. And I know. too.
that 1 am not fit to be mayor. but I
ca mot withdraw"
But what is your intention?"
Well will tell you. Do you know
where I was born?"
No"
I'm Hyborg poorhouse. My father
lied three months before 1 was born,
and mother had no other place to go.
She was only the daughter of plain
people. but she felt the disgrace ali the