The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-09-22

W ne a. LILY own child ever could ne,
and Ill see that she IL happy and pro
vided for. I'm religious enough to be-
lieve she was seut to me, and intend
70 stick 70 my trust A. for the
money
Eyes, yes-the money!
"Well, won't be too hard ON you
that way, either. Wen talk that over
later o. Maybe We can arrange for
You to pay It a little at time. You
can sign paper shown that you owe
II. and wen fix the payin' to suit all
hands. 'Tain't as II the child was 1n
want. rye got some money OF my
own, and what's mines hers. think
we needn't worry about the money
part"
God bless you, Cyrus! 70
Yes, all right I'm sure your askin'
for the blessin' III be a great hatp.
Now, you do your part and I'll do
mine. NO one knows OF this business
but me. 7 didn't tell Everdean a
word. He don't know why + hustled
out there and back nor why / asked
20 many questions. And he amt the
kind to pry into what don't concern
him. So you're pretty safe, r cal'late.
Now, If you don't mind, wish you'd
run along home. I'm-I'm used up,
sort Of
Mr.. Atkins arose from his knees
Even then, broken as he was-he looked
ten years older than when he entered
the room-he could hardly believe
what he had just heard.
You mean" he faltered-"Cyrus, do
you mean that-that you're not going
to reveal this-this"-
'"That I'm not goin' to tell on you?
Yup; that's what + mean. You get
rid of Thomas and squelch that law
case and I'll keep mum. You can
trust me for that"
"But-but, Cyrus, the people at
home? Your story 10 the Breeze?
You're not
mo; they needn't know, either. It'll
be between you and me-"
God bless you! I'll never forget
That's right You mustn't Forget
And, see here, you're boss of the politi
cal fleet I'm Bayport; you steer the
school committee now. Phoebe Dawes
amt too popular with that committee.
I'd see that she was popularized."
"Yn@. yes; she shall be- She shall
not be disturbed. Is there anything
else I can doT'
why, yes, guess there IS. Speakin'
of popularity made me think Of t.
That harbor appropriation had better
60 through"
4 very faint tfnge OF color came into
the congressman's chalky face. he
hesitated In his reply.
IL don't know about that, Cyrus"
he said. 'The bill will probably be
voted on in few days II IL made up
and
Then I'd strain a pint and make Il
over. I'd work real hard On It. I'm
sorry about that sugar river, but CAL
late Bayport III have to come first
Yes, It'll have to, Heman; It garttn
will"
was the final straw. Evidently this
man knew everything.
"1-Tll try my best" affirmed He
man. Thank you, Cyrus. You have
been more merctful than ! had right
to expect"
Yes, guess ! have. Why do do
itT' He smiled and shook his head.
nlY +rxrN r1c
maybe-frst. I'd hate TO be responsible
for tippin' over such. a sky towerln'
idol as you've been to make ruins for
Angie Phinney and the other black
birds to peck at and cav over, and,
second-well. II does sound presumin',
don't Il? But kind OF pity you. Say,
Heman," he added, with chuckle,
that's n kind of distinction in a way,
amt ii? A good many folks have
hurrahed over you and worshiped you.
Some or 'em, guess likely, have en-
Wed you; but, By the big dipper, do
believe I'm the only one In this round
world that ever pitied you'll Goodby!
The elevators right down the hail."
IT required some resolution for the
Honorable Atkins to walk down that
corridor and press the elevator button.
But he did it somehow. a guest came
out OF one Of the rooms and approach
ed him as he stood there. 1t was q
man he knew. Heman squared his
shoulders and set every nerve and
muscle.
Good evening, Mr. Atkins" said the
man. "a miserable night, isn't it?"
Miserable. indeed" replied the con-
gresham. The strength In his voice
surprised him. The man passed On.
Heman descended in the elevator and
walked steadily through the crowded
lobby and out to the curb, where his
cab was waiting. The driver noticed
nothing strange in his fares appear
ance He noticed nothing strange
when the Atkins residence was reach
ed and its tenant mounted the stone
steps and opened the door with bis
latchkey. But If he had seen the dig
nified form collapse In library chair
and moan and rock back and forth
until the morning hours he would have
wondered very much indeed.
Meanwhile Captain Cy, coughing
and shivering by the radiator. had
been summoned from that warm ha-
ven by knock at his door. a bell
boy stood at the threshold, holding a
brown envelope In his hand.
sgTha clerk sent thiS nm to Won sir I"