The Alaska citizen., 1911-05-29
SATURDAY EVENING POST

a pair of evil eyes in the head of him. l. just happened al that in Stant that Franques was making an inventory of Jim Warrcns person: and Jim Warren felt. oddly. that some one was going through him with a search warrant Quite invol- untarily he put his hand on his watch; after which he went forward and introduced himself.
 Yes, FranQues knew who he vas superintendent of the Atlas Plow works. wasn't he? If his business with Mir Lewis wasn't personal-- Politicalo Oh. yes. Would he mind stating il? Mir. Lewis was very busy man and matters of this sort were usually referred to him. Fran Gues Perhaps they could talk better al little place he knew around the corner If Mir Warren would go ahead he would join him there in five minutes
 So. in this casual manner. they met and talked-that is. Jim Warren talked while FranQues listened-talk- ed with a naivete and frankness and directness that Franques had never met before in Il grown-up man. lt was candid statement of his desire to get into the political game and an outline of his hopes and his ambi- tions. made without reserve. Coupled herewith was casual mention Of the fact that he had twelve hundred labor votes laid by for a rainy day; and as labor wanted a candidate there was no reason why the loyalty and zeal of those twelve hundred should not win others.
 But will those men disregard par " ties and vote for you?" Franques wanted tC know His beady eyes were fixed intently. searchingly upon Jim Warren's face.
 They will" Jim Warren asserted without hesitation. I've worked with 'em for years; they're friends of mine. They believe in me. They would do things for me.
 And what particular office do you want?"
 T don't know" Jim Warren con fessed with grin. What have you got ?"
 Franques disregarded the question. Suppose" he asked in turn-"sup' pose Mir Lewis or-or some one else. say. should interest himself in your behalf?"
 I'd do the proper thing by him. of course. whatever il is"
 And then. suppose he shouldn't"'
 "Well"-again that grin-"ld just naturally have to get into the game anyway l don't know if you know il. put there's Quitea lot of feeling against Lewis among the men who work and twelve hundred votes will do 10 start with. l could poll the vote of my factory solidly against Lewis or any other man. I'd rather have Lewis support. Do you get it?"
 That's about all there was to that first interview. Jim Warren went out and Franques sat musing for long time with a strange light playing in his evil eyes. Vaguely he felt that at last he had found a man he had been looking for Jim Warren's red head and his square jaw and the wholesome manner of him were poli- tical assets. A man of his personali- ty would have to be reckoned with if, by any chance. he should get into the game.
 But he's a fool in poltics-simple as a child" he unused. The thought seemed 10 please him. for his thin lips writhed in smile. "l think, Jim Warren"-he added after mo- ment-'I think We may be able to do some business-you and l." Meanwhile Jim Warren passed down the street with an exultant grin on his freckled face, his heels clicking cheerfully on the sidewalk.
 T think Mir Franqnes.' he observ- ed enigmatically-"I think slipped one over on you that time!"
 Three or four days later there was a second interview between Jim War ren and Franques. This time Fran ques did most of the talking.
 Eve been feeling ou, public opin- ion. Mir. Warren" he began slowly, and frankly l am surprised at the sentiment in favor of labor candi- date-surprised at the strength of that sentiment There seems to be certain ill feeling toward Mir. Lewis that"
 There is," Jim Warren agreed.
 And a particularly strong feeling for the right man-Jim Warren"
 ''Yes?" Jim Warren gasped
 Also" FranQues went on unemo- tionally, I've been making some in quiries about Jim Warren. l am in formed tha. Jim Warren is a man who will do thing if he says he will do it."
 He will"