The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-28

ie57SSsSSf sat in frigid but eloquent tSy silence John began, hesi- tatingly, Father, last night
 'sIt is too late for regrets, sir"
 'I am not exactly regretting. But I felt an explanation
 Gan you" the judge interrupted coldly, "'explain away the fact that you have betrayed the party that hon ored you, cast discredit upon William Murchell, who has given you his friendship, upon me, who--can you ex- plain that?" He rose.
 John shook his head. q thought I could But now I'm afraid not.''
 The judges lips parted, then closed firmly as though he could not trust himself to speak. He raised his hand in a gesture in which grief and hope Iessness were blended and, turning. stalked slowly from the room.
 John smiled uncertainty. '3I'm afraid, Aunt Roberta, your bones were true prophet
 She sighed assentingly. He went out to face his neighbors-an ordeal.
 New Chelsea was rent in twain nay, into many divisions-by Johns sorely troubled.
 
 liking for their young neighbor and the mental discomfort of those whose traditions had been rude1y jolted, with held judgment until they could see what befe1l. Among the farmers was no dissension. A sudden lifting of heads, still half unbelieving fejofc- ing that the young fellow, who as he sweat with them in the fields asked questions, had dared to voice their protest
 The Globe, stanchly partisan, made no mention of Johns part in the rally save the unconsc1ously humorous sem tence, Attorney John Dunmeade also spoke.''
 Later, not greatly uplifted by the doubtful honor of being bone of con tention. Jo1n was alone in his office, smoking furiously, brow wrinkled, feet propped on the table. A heavy tread in the outer room announced the ar } rival of a visitor. Without knocking the newcomer flung open the door and strode into the office. His hat was pushed back on his head; an unlighted cigar stuck out at an aggressive angle from the corner of his mouth. He sur veyed John in mingled anger and dis gust John. not rising. sighted over lazy feet.
 Good morning.. Sheehan,' he said with a pleasantness that would have carried warning to calmer observer than the boss.
 Without invitation Sheehan sat down. "Well,'' he growled. you did it, didn't you2 When a young feIler like you thinks he is better than his party he's got lot to learn"
 John considered this statement for moment. "I do not,'' he concluded. think am better than my party
 Sheehan caught the point Huh! Guess you don't know who the party is"
 That's just what I'm trying to de- eide. Perhaps you can enlighten me"
 "I can. A party Sheehan spoke with intense conviction-'ta party is those that control it."
 'sThen in Benton county you're the party?''
 .sEggsactly. Me and Murchell.'
 Then, modestIy, I do think I'm bet ter than the party John responded, still pleasantly. 'sAnd, as you say, I've lot to learn. Have you come to teach me?''
 "Say, hain't you no respect for my position in this county?"
 "For your position a great deal; for you-none at aii."
 Sheehan grinned in spite of himself.
 s'I like your nerve. That's what makes me sore,'' he went on reproach- fully. 'tI like you. I was glad to do you a favor. I gave you a chance to get in strong with us. And you go and beef it by throwin' down the state ticket. What did you do it for?'
 s'I'm afraid you won't understand. Sheehan. It's question of ideals Sheehan snorted Ideals. I know all about 'em. Whats ideals? Gan you eat lem? Can you wear 'em? pocket like this?'' He illustrated by drawing out a fat roll of bills. "Wfll they get you votes? When came to 1 P1umville fifteen years ago all owned | was the shirt on my back Now I can buy out any man in Benton county ex- l ceptin' Steve Hampden and MurchelI. I and when they want anything here they're glad enough to come to me and make it worth my while to give it to ! 'em- I didn't get it by havin' ideaIs.'' 1 How true. John thought, judging l from his narrow experience. Was it 1 possible that the seats of the mighty were reserved only for the Murchells, 1 the Hampdens, the Sheehans? He thought disgustedly of the coarse brutish thing before him. Yet Since han could command his retinue of fol lowers. One of them entered Johns mind. He looked up suddenly. 'Shee i han, who is Butch Maley ?'' Who's Butch Maley? He's the { Fourth precinct. Fourth ward. that's i what he is, and it's the biggest precinct in the city. He's the whole works \ vnferS and election hoard
 "You mean he monkeys with the count?''
 ''I mean" replied Sheehan signif- | cantly, stthat when we need few i votes we can always get 'em from Butch's precinct
 1 q see I've heard of those nrecin.ts