Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-12-22

ness; for the moment he sincerely
wished he were back at Demottville
pegging away at his law practice, and
letting some one else work and fret
for political honors. And If he were.
he would be enjoying this perfect
evening IAN August changeling set
down in late October. Buggy riding
with pretty girl on moonlight night
naturally appealed to the bachelor
Coombs. And there were pretty girls
Lin Demottville.
The car came upon group vending
its way to the schoolhouse. There were
five of them-two boys twelve or four
teen years old, and three young wo.
Bmen. "Oh, you candidate!" called one
of the boys, as the car. was rolling by.
STOP commanded Coombs, brief
w. He had been taught never to
overlook any BETS" in the parlance
of the politician. Every person had
possibilities, no matter how humble.
Every one welded some influence ~
possibly commanded a vote, and a
vote was vote, wherever garnered.
"All aboard" he invited, cheeriiy.
as the car stopped.
/ They came promptly, the boys with
whoops of delight. They dragged
one of the young women, laughing
and protesting, between, them. They
tuggel at her like young bears, and
before Coombs realized what was
| happening, the girl was deposited. In
his lap, the others had bestowed
themselves on the running board and
the car was on its way
ST hope you'll pardon this enthu-
sc-;o -, IA INV fofi
said the girl. striving to rise. II had
torn to pieces
same reason" replied Coombs. for
the boys stood guard. shouting,
you've got to stay right there. Cousin
BETH"
Besides" continued the candidate,
81 welcome the opportunity to make. a.
convert. In return, for this ride, ]
shall expect your vote election day.
Tndeed!" questioned his passenger.
restraining herself unwillingly to the
situation. "And what special aualifca-
tons can YOU urge for congress? Are
yor competent or experienced? Do you
fwield influence in Washington? Are,
YOU an orator Can you do better than
the man who has represented this dis
trict for ten years p
Coomhs considered Then he replied
with laugh: ITO all your questions
fear must answer no"
They had reached the, schoolhouse.
The girl smiled at him, as she stepped
ont Of the car. cat least YOU have the
virtue of modesty." she said.
The chairman and secretary had ar,
rived at conclusion, and the former
now took the candidate aside to say,
in the hoarse whisper peculiar to poll.
ticians: .'This part of the county Is
strong for you, and they like to see tho.
animals stirred up. Go after. Frank
SCOTS record: go after him personal.
". You can't make mistake by put
ting his hide on the fence out here"
Their late passengers had7 front
seats in the schoolhouse, Coombs dis-'
covered when he made his way to- the
rostrum and waited for the chairman
to call the gathering to order. The
two boys winked and giggled when
they caught his eye, and then Teamed
over to whisper something to the girl
who had sat on his lap. Coombs fan
cied that she blushed. Fl
Now that he could get a good look
at her, Coombs realized that she was
very pretty. He wondered idly who
she was Probably the daughter of
some wealthy farmer Of the neighbor-
hood. who had been able to give her
advantages beyond the ordinary. Her
good looks and her becoming dress
were of the city rather than the
country He speculated whether her
eyes were dark gray or brown.
Coombs arose to make his speech.
The audience applauded the hand
some, boyish looking candidate. They
listened closely while he sketched
national affairs and conditions in
their own state, then in their own
district The moment had come for
the attack on Congressman Scott, but
Coombs did not make 1t. He looked
into the eyes of the girl on the front
seat Doubtless she thought him like
all enthusiastically to climb at the
expense of another; anxious to tear
down that others reputation that he
might build up his own. Well, he would
show her he was not an ordinary poll
tician
The Bristow neighborhood was
rather disappointed in the tameness
of the speech: the chairman and sec
Rotary were grumpy. But Coombs
djdn'trcare; he walked out with the
girl.
You will ride back with us?' he
asked.
She shook her head and held out
her hand. mo; but thank you for
what you did not say tonight" e.
What do you mean?" asked
Coombs. He was obllyious Of the fact
that two score voters, whose ballots
might elect him. were also waiting to
shake hands.
4 mean" she said, that ] am Frank
Scotts daughter"
The campaign drew to a close.
Coombs was scheduled to spend the
last week in the county and he man
aged to see good deal Of Beth Scott
between meetings. They avoided poll
tics, but found many other subjects to
talk about. They had read the same
books and admired the same plays,
There we're so many things to discuss.
that Coombs took to running over to