The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-07-06

knowledge that she would not think
about it all. She would promptly call
it dishonest, and there would be an
end to it. He knew what women folks
in general thought-that anything po-
itical could not be pure and undehled.
and that explanations would make no
difference. What he did want was to
talk with some one who would assure
him that it was all right. Resolving
to "be fair and square, he managed
to go to sleep toward morning.
Next day at his work, the thinking
went on. When asked about the cleo
ton he was less sure about his choice
But he avoided questions. If he was
to Swing their vote he must keep
still until he knew exactly what posi-
ton to take. His face was worried,
and at night when he was ready to
start for home Ryan and the little
mare were again waiting for him. The
politician was gay and impudent. He
had been to Jerry's home, he said. and
told Mrs. Willis her husband would not
be home for supper-he wanted him TO
look over some property he. Ryan,
had to sell. He told Jerry he had
made it right with her. Then he
took him to his home in the suburbs,
and they had a dinner of quality. He
treasured him, made him see things IN
a new light. 1t was all really so plaus-
ible that but for his old habit of eau
ton, Willis would have fallen in line
at once. But finally, rather late In the
evening. and over glass of extremely
good wine, he promised to let him
know the next evening for good:
Ryan said he would drive over to Will
lis's house in the evening He hated
the delay, but dared not urge the
young man further.
When Jerry reached home the
babies were asleep. He hoped Molly
bright as usual But there was trace
Of anxiety in her tone as she asked
him what he had been doing. she
asked from real interest, for she was
not the woman to distrust her man In
his goings and comings.
Talking politics." he answered.
Then he thought he would tell her all
about it, but finally decided that she
would not understand and that he had
better keep still and do his own think
ing.
Again, he lay awake most of the
night and by morning had Ryan's an
swer ready for him. He thought he
would make 1t all surprise for Molly.
She would, of course, be wild with de-
light at clearing the place, and espe-
cially with better work, better paid, for
him. It would be best as surprise,
for he had a strange reluctance about
consulting her. He was. after all, the
head of the house, and what he said
had to "go."
He went to work, and all day was
silent and busy. No one could get an
unnecessary word with him.. And the
moment closing time came he started
for home and supper-and Molly. Molly
regarded him with wise and wifely
eye as he ate, and after she had put
the children to bed followed him out TO
the little earden, which had just been
ploughed up for planting. She began
without preface.
''What does that Mr.. Ryan want! L
don't like him."
Jerry laughed How like a woman
that was! But, little by little, she got
it all out of him-all but his decision
Still talking, they walked back to the
house. she catching his hand In hers
and holding it tight.
"His impudence-to think he'd try to
pull the father of my boy into that net!
If we amt got much for Bobbie, we've
at least got an honest name-and square
folks to stand behind him. the ldea:
Did he think you would sell yourself
lust to get the place paid off? Won
der at your patience, Jerry. boy! He
must think all men can be bought just
because he-why, Jerry, there ne Is
now driving up in front!'
This time it was the man who took
the woman's hand and held it close,
drawing her along with him. They
went to the gate, and Ryan greeted
them gayIy enough Would Wills take
a bit of a drive with him? No, Willis
thought he would go to bed. There
was a hard day before him tomorrow.
'And about the proposition? We've
got to get busy tomorrow II we 10
anything"
Jerry interrupted the mans yelled
impotence.
mo, I'll just Jog along as I'm dom
now. The woman here has put in her
vote. and that carries the day in the
Willis precinct. I'm much obliged to
you, Ryan-but it's no use The closed
town for NINE"
RYAN touched his hat to Molly Willis
she was pretty and woman he
touched his mare with the whip and as
he drove off he bit hard into his cigar,
and swore-(Copyrighted 1910, by AS
sociated Literary Press.)