Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1912-04-16

.ould get the old boy to alter the
date--from what hear Of him he's
a bit touched. The meeting isn't Of
any great Importance, but II you'll
|let me have the hall tomorrow, and
see the Radicals don't have 1t on
lThursday, I'll give you a five for
yourself and pay the rent of the
hall"
MAKE it ten," cried the gardener.
and III do it."
Give insisted Mr.. Moore.
The Liberal agent was very busy
when Mr. Button entered his office.
"Well?" he snapped, glancing up
for moment from some papers on
/ his desk.
"About the ALL" began Mr.. But
ton, nervously; Il think perhaps It
could be arranged"
"What on earth are you talking
labout-oh, l remember you are the
lgardener.man who l saw yesterday
labout the hall at Littledale; but it
doesn't matter now, We are not 60
ling to bother about meeting there.
The committee have come to the
conclusion that the place is not
worth it,
Good day. cried the wearied
agent ys-.ipatiently, and Mr. Button
found himself in the street summing
iup the whole Liberal policy with an
Ieloquence and luridity of language
that almost surprised him.
| But at the offices of the Conserya-
tive association he was to receive a
similar shock. He told practically
1.-THE same story to the little red-faced
man, and received practically the
same answers as those given by the
red-faced mans rival.
He glanced angrily across the
street at couple Of women who
leach carried poster inscribed with
the mystic words, Votes for Wo-
men" Then, as he looked, the scowl
left Mr.. Buttons face, and his heart
leaped for joy as he crossed the
until he had formulated some plan
before he spoke.
They turned into an empty shop,
the windows of which were decorat-
ed with appeals for the franchise of
the gentle sex, and Mr.. Button, re-
spectfully doffing his hat. followed
them in.
| On explaining his business. he was
conducted to a room on the first
floor, and to stout and prosperous
looking lady, who was seated with
several others at long table, he
made the speech of his life. the com
position of which had occupied him
as he followed the two canvassers
to the committee room.
The stout lady became fairly en-.
thusiastic.
81 think perhaps we might arrange
a meeting for tomorrow night But
what is the charge for the hire OF
the hall?'
Mr.. Button hesitated; he did not
want to frighten his customer this
thine.
We'll, num-" he said. "bein' con
lnected with the all like. can lei
you ave il cheaper ii you book it a,
once; but | 'appen to know as 'ow
| both the Conservatives an the Liber
ais is anglin after it. II you pay
me five pounds, the 'alls yours for
tomorrow night. I'll make arrange.
ments with the rector
| The stout lady hesitated
| But, you see.s she said doubtfully,
I'VE don't know you and
Mr.. Button was in no way offend.
ed.
"Give a check dated for Friday .
he said: If amt what ses l am
you can stop it. All want is to
have something definite, so as | can
tell anyone else that the all is book.
ed"
Five minutes later Mr.. Button left
the committee rooms with a post
dated check for five pounds in his
pocket, and smile on his face.
He caught the 5 o'clock train back
to Littledale, and stopped al the rec.
tory on his way home.
Mr.. Smith, he explained vaguely
had suddenly developed gout-gout
was rather a peculiar complaint for
an earnest philanthropist and lectur.
er on the Holy Land, but it was the
only disease Mr.. Button could think
OF at the moment-and would have
to indefinitely postpone the promised
lecture. Rather than Littledale
should be deprived OF any entertain.
ment, he (Mr Button) had arranged
for some ladies to come and explain
why they wanted votes.
The rector was puzzled.
But both the Liberal and the Con,
servative ag"
"Yes, sir" interrupted Mr.. Button
with some feeling, but didn't know
then"
Il see" said the rector. Then what
are these ladies arranging. are they
going to pay the usual two pounds
for political meetings.
We'll. sir" said the gardener awk.
wardly, "seein' as 'ow I. on behalf
OF Mr.. Jo-Smith--was responsible
for the all. let 1t to them. and
they've paid me, so / was wonderin
| IL / maid Won another nound ~ "A