The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1911-02-16


face was almost as white as her shirt.
waist. and her hands were trembling
violently. There was something In
her eyes that brought Jimmie half out
OF his chair with question on his
lips.
But the question was not asked. She
shot him look OF warning and en-.
treaty that sealed his lips. He sank
back again. silent. but watchful and I'm.
satisfied.
All this byplay had taken but sec
ond or two. While II was being enact
ed Proctor glanced keenly, almost sus-
piciously. from one to the other. Then,
apparently satisfied with his scrutiny,
he agreed.
"A very good idea. Miss Hartwiok;
no possibility of mistakes, then. And
good many mistakes have been
made, this campaign"
The interview was soon given and
transcribed. While Jimmie was still
marveling at Mans peculiar actions.
Proctor read the typewriter sheets.
nodding HIS head with satisfaction.
But when he held them out TO Jim.
ME. It was Nan who took them from
his hand.
Let me write on here what 1t is"
she said. with a pitiful ghost of 4
, smile.
She inserted the first sheet in the
machine and clicked of few words.
Jimmie, more mystified than ever.
took the manuscript and bowed him.
self out; but In the general office,
where three clerks were busy with
campaign literature. he stopped. The
last appealing look which Nan had
given him impelled the reading of
that sentence. And this is what 1t
said: "P, wildly insane; revolver in
pocket: says he is going to kill all Of
us. Please help me-"
Jimmie, summoning whistle to
his stiff lips, turned back to the pri-
vate office again He longed to run,
but did not dare to do 30: precipitate
action might result in a tragedy lie
walked carelessly back. and thrust
open the door without knocking,
Proctor was strIding up and down,
talking about the rights of the peo-
ple." and those who would cruelty
the peoples leader. Nan. huddled in
her chair. watched him fearfully.
The candidate swung on his heel
sharply when Jimmie entered; but he
was given no time for protest. oh
Mr. Proctor" he said. easily, Il forgot
the most important part OF my errand
The Eagle has decided to come out for
you--etrong They want to play up
this interview, first page, and all that
and need three or four photographs OF
you In characteristic poses, to illus
| trate 1t. So put on your hat; there's q
photograph gallery across the street.
Jimmie could see the outline of the
heavy revolver In Proctor's coat peck
ct as he spoke. The mailman made a
halfmotion toward the weapon; his
eyes glittered dangerously. Jimmies
muscles Contracted he rose on hia
toes. ready to launch himself onto the
other II the movement were completed
But there was no necessity for q
struggle, after all. The ruse won
Proctor smiled q smile OF gratihed
vanity
Very well" he acquiesced. pom
pously. 81 am glad the Eagle Is al
last to align itself fearlesly on the side
OF right. We can give them some very
striking pictures"
He caught up his hat: Jimmie locked
his arm within the madman's, steered
him gently through the doorway
across the outer Office and down the
stairs. Proctor began loud-voiced
speech to his audience OF one, Watch
Ing his chance the reporter deity no
moved the revolver from the madman's
pocket.
When the patrol wagon had gal
loped away with It's frothing, strug
Cling prisoner, Jimmie elbQYsd bis
way rudely through the crowd thai
had collected. darted into the hallway
and bounded upstairs, three steps at Q
time. He rushed through Proctor't
outer Office like football player with
a goal In sight and threw open the in
ner door.
Nan had slipped to the floor In
faint, but when he knelt beside hel
and gathered her liz his arms. her eyes
opened and she smiled. He's gone2'
she whispered. and reading contirma
ton in Jimmie's eyes. II knew yoI
could dc It. How l prayed for you t.
come! All the afternoon he watched
me. He wouldn't let me go near thu
door or the telephone. We were to b'
the human sacrifice to insure his cleo
ton he said" She shuddered at thu
thought of the danger that had stopped
so close.
Her glance wandered to the three
clerks who clustered, big-eyed will
establishment, in the doorway. oh
Jimmie" she said, and chung %o him
take me away from here! DON
want a career. want home-witl
yGu!"