Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1912-03-14

Up the street tramped figure. still
powerful If bit too large of girths
with the rolling, staggering gait that
misfortune never taught. He puffed
as he walked. his wind not being what
it had been when he pommeled the
great Donnelly to draw
Bob saw him.
Its Haggin Something's wrong.
The hushed. gentle zone had given
place to the crisp. curt voice of the
man of affairs
"Mornin'. governor Miss Finn sent
me-
kathleen! What's wrong? Is Pat
rick
Nav! Nothin's wrong Every thing :
right Pats all right. too. except that
he's in split stick whether to hang
Grape on his buzzom because he's dead
or fly flag because you're the boss
| now"
Bob smiled sadly "We may all be
sorry. Tom
instantly. HE was big man. But
you're bigger.
Bob shook his head. He turned to-
Eleanor. Mrs Gilbert. | want to in
troduce one of my best friends"
Haggin's hat came off awkwardly.
his red face turned purple.
PLEASED to meet We, ma'am." he
managed to stammer.
She held out her hand, which Haggin
first surveyed doubtfully. then took
gingerly into his own big fist
Il am very glad to meet you. Mr..
Haggin. And l think. from what I've
heard. you're friend worth having"
"Oh. we're all glad enough to be his
friends down our way" Haggin grin
ned. ut pays. though that amt the
only reason. He's-he's on the square
There amt many men I'd say that for.
an he knocked me out once too" The
grin returned.
knocked you out? I'm afraid /
don't understand
Put me into the clear" Haggin de-
fined. illustrating by punching himself
lightly on the point of the jaw.
"Oh, he hit you hard!"
"Yes. ma'am" he answered soberly
''He hit me awful hard" He winked
ponderously at Bob.
.'But he was generous enough to for
give me- Bob smiled.
Il had to. an l amt ever been sorry
fer it neither. Haggin returned TO his
awkward embarra ssment. Hes been
on the square with me always"
"Sit down. Tom Bob commanded.
sand tell us what you came for.
Please don't CO." he said to Eleanor.
And his eyes added, II can't bear to
lose these minutes with you"
Haggin deposited himself in chair
and leaned back comfortably. .Pret-
ty. amt it?' He waved his hand to-
ward the lawn. You'll like it when
you come here next term" Then he
added casually. paul Remington came
back last night
Paul Remington cried two voices.
And Haggin suddenly became aware
of two white. strained faces turned
toward him.
slowly. dazedly. Howl"
Haggin shook his head. ION the
bum. Too much He executed a
gesture that was intended to indicare
the act of taking a drink
"I've been afraid OF that Bob NUT
tered. TEL us"
"Well. last night Miss Finn called
me up an told me to come up to the
house quick. When got there
found him. Guess was kind O. rough
with him. Asked him what he was
doing there" Haggin grinned rueful-
ly. Miss Finn told me where to get
off at. Said where should he go but
to his friends. guess you'll back
that up?"
eyes. Go on"
"T'm glad o. that. always did like
him-he was such nervy. good look
in cuss. An always had notion
they got him foul on that convention
business somehow" Bob heard Flea
nor draw quick. gasping breath
Impulsively he put out his hand and
let it rest on hers for moment. Hag
gin discreetly looked the other way.
"He had kid with him-his sisters
Ia little girl that-ahem!-that ought
not to "a been born. 1t seems as he'd
been hittin' it up gay when he run into
his sister. She was sick an broke,
an he took care O. her till she died
Then he took care o. the kid awhile
An then. guess. he couldn't stand it
no longer, SO be brought her over to
Miss Finn
"Thank, Gody' breathed Eleanor.
Eyes. ma'am." Haggin agreed po
litely. He amt all piker. governor
You think SOP
81 know he isn't. man."
"He never says a word while I'm
rough housin' him When got
through be says sharp, 'Haggin. Miss
Finn tells me you bribed those dele
gates That's straight says l.. 'What