Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-02-23
CHAPTER XIX.
The Gentleman from rennsssee.

Inc Gentlcmdn from tenneesce.
Women distrust men too much in gem
eral. and not enough in particular
Philibert Commerson.
Now all the more was 1t necessary
for me and my friend from Oregon to
hasten on to Washington. Rumors
the first cities below the Canadian
line. II was in the air now that UNI
der Calhoun there would be put before
congress distinct and definite at
tempt tt the annexation Of Texas.
Stories of, all sorts were on the
Clay; yet other rumors of interesting
possibilities at the coming Wing and
Democratic conventions. Everywhere
was that strange, ominous. indescri-
bable tension of the atmosphere which
exists when a great people is moved
deeply.
Late as 1t was when l reached
Washington, did not hesitate to re-
pair at once to the residence of Mr.
Calhoun; and i took with me as my
best adjutant my strange friend Won
Rittenhofen, who, l fancied. might add
detailed information which Mr.. Cal
houn would find of value. We were
admitted TO Mr. Calhoun. and after
the first greetings he signified that
he would hear my report. He sat, his
long, thin hands on his chair arm, as
went on with my story. his keen
eyes scanning also my old companion
as ] spoke. explained what the lat
ter knew regarding Oregon. | saw
Mr.. caihoun's eyes kindle As usual,
he did not lack decision.
"Sir," said he to Won Rittenhofen
presently. I'VE ourselves are young.
yet trust not lacking in great ma
TONS interest in the arts and sciences
II occurs to me now that In yourself
we have opportunity to add to our
store OF knowledge in respect to GER
tain biological features"
The old gentleman rose and bowed.
Il thank you for the honor of your
fiattery, sir" he began; but Calhoun
raised a gentle hand.
IF It would please you, SIR, to defer
your visit to your own country for
time, can secure for you a situation
in our department In biology. where
your services would be of extreme
worth to MS. The salary would also
allow you to continue your researches
Into the life of our native tribes"
Ven Rittenhofen positively glowed
AZ this. "Ach. what an honor!" he
began again.
Meantime" resumed Calhoun, mot
u mention the value which that re-
search would have for us, we could
also find use. at proper remuneration.
for your private aid In making up a
set OF maps Of that western country
which you know so well, and OF which
even ! myself am so ignorant. I.want
to know the distances, the topography,
the means of travel. | want to know
the peculiarities OF that country of
Ore gon."
Few could resist the responsiveness
Of Mr.. Calhoun's speech, certainly not
Won Rittenhofen, who thus found of.
fered him precisely what he would
have desired. ! was pleased to see
him so happily situated and so soon.
Presently we dispatched him down
to my hotel, where l promised later
TO make him more at home. In his
citation over the prospect he now saw
before him, the old man fairly babbled
Germany seemed farthest from his
mind. After his departure. Calhoun
again turned to me.
Il want you to remain. Nicholas"
said he, because have an appoint
ment with gentleman who will soon
be present"
Rather a late hour. sir" ventured.
Are you keeping faith with DR..
Ward?"
4 have no time for hobbies" he
exclaimed, half petuiantly. What ]
must do Is this work. The man we
are,so meet tonight Is Mr.. Polk. It
Is important"
Perhaps half an hour later. Mr.. Cal
houn's old nero man ushered In this