Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1912-06-20

ically, leveling one finger at me, do
you think that Francis would even
listen to him."
Did I? Well, dash it, did I?
But l tried to humble something
polite.
And then" he pulled as he re-
lighted his cigar, there's Jacks chauf-
feur, you know"
Eth, Jack's-what's that2" / gripped
the arms of my chair.
YES" he nodded, Jacks chauf.
feur. Oh, was so disappointed at
the result OF his effort!" The old
gentleman slipped back in his chair
with a sigh. Francis just swore at
him, you know!"
by Jove!" managed to get out
and yet, somehow, | was devilish
pleased about it.
you see?" And he spread out his
hands. Absolutely no sense Of ap-
probation, you observe; and 1t had
seemed such a splendid chance! You
see they had been so intimate-oh,
are still, for that matter"
| caught my breath. "In-intimate!"
l stammered. You don't mean Fran
ces and this chauffeur?"
"Oh, yes" carelessly, "Scoggins is
all right; very superior young man
for his position-fond Of Francis, you
know, and | really think has great in
fiuence." He puffed complacently an
instant. Fact is, they are always to-
gether when Francis is nnme"-putf
motoring, boating, Or else off some
where camping together"
"Wha-at--what's that--not camp
ing?" 1 looked at him aghast. "Oh,
come now, judge-really you don't
mean that, do you-not camping to-
gether?"
| spoke excitedly, pUt he just stared
at me with an expression of blank sur
prise.
"Eh? Why, certainly, my dear boy
for weeks at time-and why not?"
Ills shift manifested some impotence.
"Pshaw, Lightnut," he growled, flick
ing his ash, whats the odds-why be
so particular? l don't mind" He
jammed Ais hands into his trousers
pockets till it seemed he would go
through them. II tell you, I'm glad
I'm democratic!"
"Ohi" uttered. seeing light.
So that was it! Well, in any case,
knew now that I was a republican,
by Jove! Never did know before
what l was and it was a devilish re-
lief to find out. Half made up my
mind, then and there, would vote
next election--never had, you know;
few Of our set ever did. Pugsley, for
one. held 1t to be doubtful form.
Bright, self-made young man."
caught as came back. BY Jove, he
was still talking about that beastly
chauffeur! "Such fine morals, you
know"
"Oh, dash it, yes!" And l think
this must have been when broke the
corner out OF filling.
That was why was 80 sorry he
failed with Francis" he continued re-
gretfully; but you may succeed bet
ter-oh, don't know but what 1t will
do just as WE'LL"
"Thanks--er-awfully!" I muir
INJURED weakly.
"Oh, I think so-oh. yes!" He bobbed
bis head as though he were quite re
signed to tt-then went on thought
fully:
And anyhow, II Francis flnds you
are in deadly earnest. why it" Hia
voice dropped of musingly: We'll,
believe that would make 1t easier
oh, lots easier for Scoggins."
| 1 blinked little with my free eye
Wasn't sure, you know, but some
how 1t seemed to me a rum thing tc
say-almost offensive, dash It! But
then, for that matter, everything was
rum of late-so that counted for moth
ing. Fact was, 1t just seemed to me
like there was something in the air
everybody seemed so Queer-well, Jol
ly muddled, l should call 1t! Ides
had been gradually coming to me thai
/ was the only one who appeared t.
have any clear understanding o.
things; and somehow the realization
just made me devilish nervous-tht
responsibility, don't you know!
And just then the judge looked sud
denly at his watch, muttered some
thing, and hitched up to the table
strewn with papers. He bent ovel
these with a frown, coughed oddly
glanced at me-and bent again with
mutter. or course, / saw he was an
noyed over sudden consciousness o
the break he had made, and was striv
ing to cover his embarrassment.
And. by Jove, it seemed to me HI
ought to feel embarrassed, for thu