The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-09-26
CHAPTER XIV.

sANGER's OFFER. Y ATE in the evening few days aft CT his call on Mrs. Gilbert Bob returned home from a hard days work. The election was only month away, and the campaign was in full swing. There had been little in the reports to annoy him. His organization was intact, working like the well oiled machine it was. Re- ports from the enemy's camp gave fur ther cause for satisfaction. The inde- pendent Democratic candidate was not making the headway expected. Yet Bob went home disturbed in mind. The day had been passed among men who were devoting their time and en- I ergy in his interest. But through all | their conferences he had been con- scious of an unaccustomed. oppressive sense of loneliness, and he had not seen Remington since their interview in his office.
 When he entered the house he saw Kathleen sitting in the library sewing. She looked up with bright smile as he hesitated before the door. May I come in?' he Queried as though not quite sure of his welcome. "Since when this timidity" she laughed. "Of course, come in. I was just thinking about you. Mother was bewailing today that we don't see much of you now the campaign has started.'
 Well" he looked at his watch, eff l 1t won't make you sleepy, I'll let you administer your company for half an hour"
 "You speak as though my company were bad medicinew
 But before he could answer the door bell rang. He frowned. 1 "I had forgotten" he exclaimed re- gretfully. ''I have an appointment with Sanger at 10."
 Kathleen gathered up her sewing and arose. He looked at her doubtfully.
 'If you don't mind. I wish you'd stay. It may be just as well to have third person present"
 "But MT. Sanger may not like it." she objected hesitatingly.
 "Mr. Sanger may like it or not" Bob observed carelessly. Sit down." | He went to the door himself and let Sanger in. A minute later the two men entered the library. Kathleen l saw tall man in evening dress, who bore himself with an air of quiet con ] fidence.
 Miss Flinn," Bob introduced him, "this is MT. Sanger. He's my immedi- | ate enemy just now"
 Sanger bowed genially and laughed. "A very friendly enemy just at pres ent"
 "I am very glad to meet one of our enemies-especially if he be friendly" she smiled. Won't you sit down. MT. | Sanger?"
 Sanger looked inquiringly at Kath- leen.
 Miss Finn will be present" Bob answered the look. tat my request"
 Sanger reclined comfortably in his chair and placed his bands together. finger tip accurately meeting finger tip. Circumstances of which I am per- haps the victim." he began, make it necessary for me to take an active part for the future. in our local and state politics"
 Haven't you already been somewhat active?"
 Sanger waved his hand carelessly. Tentatively. tentatively only, MT. McAdoo. Hereafter propose to be more active and to better effect, l hope. Certain ventures in which am interested. individually and in con- nection with other large investors of our state. make this imperative. Un- Unfortunately in the present campaign find myself compelled to oppose your election. I regret it exceedingly, and: frankly. Pm here to propose thatewe work in harmony in the future"
 'That comes rather late."
 "Please don't refuse until you have heard me out. Allow me to explain our position. For several years cer- tain gentlemen, all >large investors, have kept William Murchell in power in this state at considerable expense to ourselves. In return we had the right to demand protection for our in- terests. Murchell. however. has of late proved very ungrateful. He has passed under the influence of John Dunmeade. Dunmeade, Mr. McAdoo, is dangerous man. an utter radical, an impracticable dreamer, a man of socialistic tendencies. His influence in our politics is menace to indi- vidual property rights. My dislike of Dunmeade is only political His wife is my cousin. I myself never allow personal considerations to influence business policy. We are determined that Murchell and Dunmeade must go | out of politics completely"
 (To Be Continued.)