The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1910-12-10

Never so much as on this night had
the young head Of the family realized
his blessings. And as he smoked on
the porch while after supper he did
lot of thinking. The proposition"
seemed square enough. Perhaps Ryan
was right, politically. And If he. Will
lis. did political work it was surely
no bribery to be paid for it in favor
and influence. He thought of the little
place debt-free. the chance of fuller
life for Molly, and better prospect
for educating the babies, and better
position for himself. Perhaps this
was indeed his chance He would
think about it.
But the night brought little sleep.
Willis was restless. and the restless
ness spread to the others. Four-year-
old Bobbie fretted and wanted fire.
quent drinks, and the baby was wake
full Jerry wanted to talk things over
with Molly. but queer something
held him back. 1t was doubt of
what she would think-or. rather,
knowledge that sne would not think
about it at ALL She would promptly
call it dishonest, and there would be
an end to 1t.
Next day at his work. the thinking
went on. When asked about the cleo
tion 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 proper
ty he. Ryan. had to sell. He told Jerry
he had made it right" with her. Then
he took him to his home in the sub
urbs, and they had dinner of quality.
He treasured him, made him see
things in a new light 1t was all really
so plausible that, but for his old habit
Of caution. Willis would have fallen
in line at once. But finally, rather
late in the evening, and over a glass
OF extremely good wine. he promised
to let him know the next evening for
good" Ryan said he would drive over
to Wiliis's house in the evening. He
hated the delay. but dared not urge
the young man further.
When Jerry reached home TIE ba-
bies were asleep. He hoped Molly
would be, too. but she sat waiting,
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 1t. but finally decided that
she would not understand and that
he had better keep still and do his
own thinking.
Again. he lay awake most of the
night and by morning had Ryan's an
swer ready for him. He thought he
would make it all a 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 a sur
prise. 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
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 garden, which
had just been plowed up for planting.
She began without preface
What does that Mr.. Ryan want?
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 deci-
sion. Still talking, they walked back
to the house, she catching his hand
in hers and holding 1t tight.
His impudence-to think he'd try
to pull the father of my boy into that
net! If we amt got much for Bob
bic, we've at least got an honest name
and square folks to stand behind
him. The idea! Did he think you
would sell yourself just to get the
place paid on? wonder at your pa
thence, Jerry, boy! He must think
all men can be bought just because he
why. Jerry. there he is now driving
up in 'front.'"
This time 1t was the man who took
the woman's hand and held 1t close,
drawing her along with him. They
went to the gate, and Ryan greeted
them gayly enough. Would Willis
take a bit of drive with him? No,
Willis thought he would go to bed.
There was hard day before him to-