El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-04-01

as II cndnceQ, lnaL BlOunt was given
his first opportunity of entering the
wider field. A letter from one of the
party chairmen in a distant mining
town brought an invitation of the
kind he had been waiting for. He was
asked to participate in a Joint debate
at the campaign opening in the town
In question. and he was so glad of the
chance that he instantly wired his ac-
ceptance.
That evening at the cafe dinner at
the nter-Mountain be found his father
waiting for him and in a burst Of
confidence told him of the invitation.
That's good was the senator's
even toned comment "Gives you a lit
tie chance TO shine the way you can
shine best, doesn't it," Then. "That
was one of the things McVickar want
ed you for. wasn't it,
"Why. yes. He intimated that there
might be some public speaking" ad-
mitted the younger man.
We'll. what all are you going to tell
these Ophir fellows when you get over
there, SOM" asked the veteran quiz
ideally. Going to offer 'em all free
passes anywhere they want to go if
they'll promise TO vote for the railroad
candidates.
Not this year." was the laughing
reply. LAS l told you a week or so
ago we've stopped all that"
''McVickar has told you it was stop
ped?'
The newly fedged political manager
tried to he strictly truthful.
81 have had but one interview with
Mr. McVickar. but in that he gave me
70 understand that my recommends.
tons would be given due considera-
ton. and l have said my say pretty
emphatically."
The senator's smile was not derisive.
1t was merely lenient
''Sat on 'em good and hard, did you?
That's right, son. Never be afraid to
say what you mean and to say it
straight Don't forget that when
you're making your appeal to the
horny handed sons Of toll over at
Ophir Give 'em straight facts and
back up the facts with figures-if you
happen to have the figures. When do
you pull out for the camp"
Tonight at $50. l can't get there
in time if l wait for the morning
train" Then, dismissing the political
topic abruptly. What do you hear
from Professor Anners?' o.
'Oh. he's having the time Of his life.
1 got him state permit and strapped
him up a bunch of pick and shovel
men. and he is digging out those fossil
skeletons by the wagon load"
And Miss Anners?" pursued Patri-
cia's lover
81 shouldn't wonder if she was hav-
ing the time Of her life too. I've Civ
en- her the little four seated car to call
her own while she is out here. and she
and Honoria go careering around the
country. breaking the speed limit ev-
cry minute in .the day. suppose"
I'm glad you are giving her good
time said Evan. and he looked glad.
Then he added regretfully: Il wish
could get chance to chase around a
little with them. l have seen almost
nothing of them since they came west
1 should think Mrs Blount might bring
Pitricia down to the city once in
awhile"
Perhaps the young woman doesn't
want to come" laughed the senator.
You told me you hadn't got her tag.
son, and I'm beginning to believe it.
What has she got against you, any
way?'
Nothing. save that / don't fit into
her scheme for her life work.
Its too bad you're going out of
town tonight, son. Honoria phoned me
a little spell ago that she and Patricia
would be driving down after dinner to
take IN the Weatherford reception
You'll miss 'em. won't you?"
isn't that just my internal luck!'
lamented Evan; then, "Give them my
love and tell them I hope they will
stay until 1 get back"
The senator rose and gripped the
hand Of leavetaking. "Shall say that
to both of emp" he asked, with the
quiZzical smile which Evan was learn
ing to expect.
Eyes, to both of them, if you like,
only 1 suppose Mrs Blount will hold
it against me- Good night and good
BY I'll be back day after tomorrow If
the Ophir miners don't mob me-"
1t was only a few minutes after
Evan Blount's train had steamed
Ophirward out of the Sierra avenue
station that dust covered touring car
drew up at the curb in front Of the In
and the porter who had
put Blount's hand bag into the taxicab
opened the tonneau door for two ladies
In mut1ing dust coats and heavy wells.