The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-22
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Households
Tommy and the Telephone Steal

"Well. it's some. And there's only
one heir--my daughter. I believe she
likes you. Well--Pd hate to forbid
you the house my boy"
II see, Colonel But we could meet
elsewhere, you know"
The colonel smiled. I'm not afraid
of that; you're both too honorable
Thank you. Then Pm to persuade
Mayor Braun your franchise Is all right,
or"
The colonel nodded.
Tommy rose smiling. but his face
was white You'd trade your daugh-
ter's happiness-for some more
money"
Tut. tut, Sharp; not her happi-
ness She isn't more than mildly in
terested--yet."
The city attorney struck his desk
with sudden passion.
You can't put It across, Colonel.
You and your million and your
And-the Other thing will take care
of itself"
His voice went back to normal, and
he smiled whimsically. Excuse the
oratory, Colonel. ! don't usually get
excited over such things. But I'm fat
tered you don't think me a piker any
more
Why, you've raised the ante from
twelve hundred and fifty dollars to 81
niIlioni That's some jump"
Again the colonel found himself be-
ing iaughted at.
The common council OF Derwent
passed the new telephone franchise
with neatness and dispatch. Tommy
Sharp got up when the vote had been
taken.
mir. Mayor. If there are no objec
tons. ! would like 10 say a few
words to- the council"
Outside the railing Col Stoneman,
who had been leaning forward expect
antly, settled back in his chair
THE franchise is d steal" announced
/ Tommy. Mayor Braun, OF course, win
veto IL"
Won bet!9 said the mayor, tersely,
And YOU will pass it over the veto
with rofir two-thirds majority. SO
Were going TO fight III the courts
Il will get temporary injunction
to prevent it's becoming operative. The
case will go 10 the Supreme Court,
! IL necessary.
Not on the city's money!" growled
! one OF the councilrneu.
Then on my own, or ON funds rails
ed by public subscription. This is a
personal matter with me. I'm going to
beat the telephone COMPANY
Furthermore. you've passed this
franchise. and ] may have To send
some of YOU gentlemen 10 jail. You
j gave e.oeu 10 get that valve factory
I here--and bonuses are against the state
law.
/ II shall have 10 declare the last tax
/ levy Illegal You can't collect a cent
/ of Il. That viii bankrupt the city and
/ beat you for reelection. The council
proceedings of the et'ng at which
/ the budget ~as adorvei are not il
proper form"
Col stoneman knew when he was
beaten, and he was sportsman enough
/ to Yield PEACEFULLY.
t Your honor be said with a
smile. the Derwent Telephone COM
! pany has no desire To plunge the city
/ In ittieatIon, Mr.. Sharp seems preju-
diced against our new franchise. We
Withdraw it from consideration. 1t will
not be presented again
He was waiting AT tie door when
Sharp came out
Young man" he said. you have
euchred me eat of $4,000"
I'm sorry. Colonel"
/ You did IL fairly. Wen forget H.
And want you 10 come up 10 the
house, same as ever"
Thank you. sir
| The colonel smiled srinliy. He
slipped his arm through the younger
mans. The women folks are out III
/ the machine. Come and say hello"
When Cecil S,oneinan extended her
hand over the side Of the car. youth
fni audacity ran through Tommy 9
veins like fire. lie raised the hand
10 his tips,
"Eou saw something like that in a
picture show didrt YOU >" asked the
j girl in MOCK Etsprn0f- ,..s 7-ss-
While the car sped honeward she
was silent, The back of her hand
where Tommy had kissati 1t. she held
caressingly against the soft, warm
Hhi;eness OF her. where neck and
shoulder joined. II gave her a feeling
Of exquisite content