The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-01-08
- COLONEL -
~ TODHUNTER ~
@<MSSOL1DI NW
DY RIPLEY D. SAUNDERS
Copyright Merrill ouy<.y

DY RIPLEY DSAUNDfRS.


Old Governor Leslie smiled omi
nously. We've made arrangements 10
that enc, TedhanteF," he replied
knew Just how you'd feel about it. We
want you TO tell the Democrats OF
Missouri just exactly why we wouldn't
let Strickland withdraw, just exactly
why he himself won't do any more
campaigning for the nomination, and
Just exactly why and where the Yam
cey newspapers and the Yancey speak
ers are distorting the truth of this case
against Tom Strickland TO make II
look like political assassination And
It's going TO be pretty hot work. Tod
hunter-you may have more than one
! personal difficulty on your hands be
fore you get through with It,"
I'VE needn't talk about that feature
OF IL. Governor Leslie" said Colonel
Todhunter There won't be no trou-
bic 'less'n some o. the Yancey crowd
object 10 mans talkin' straight from
the shoulder. We've just about got
time now for lightning finish on the
stump, takin' IL for granted that I'm
expected to reach all parts OF the
state, SO the sooner | start, the bet
| ter"
You start tomorrow, Colonel Tod
hunter" responded old Governor Les
| lie. We've already made the speak
ing appointments for you. and I've got
the list OF towns and ,ltes right here
with me. It's a devilish big contract
sir--and you won't get back here until
! just a few days before the primary
elections"
/ Il don't want to get back here be-
| for. hnn 4 In sNR ann a
use to Tom Strickland" said Colonel
I Todhunter.s sudden huskiness In his
| throat as his eyes fell on Colonel Bill
Strickland's haggard face. THE main
thing | want is TO give the Yancey
crowd a fight they wasn't expectin',
suh-and I'll be eternally condemned
II we amt a-goin' to do II, too!'
Wherefore the following morning,
Colonel Todhunter started out In the
lead OF the forlorn hope that was to
make the last stand for Colonel Bill
Strickland In Missouri
1t proved TO be a soul-wearying bat.
tie. full OF baffling chagrin and disap-
pointment. On the very eve OF the
trial OF Tom Strickland for the killing
OF Stamford Tucker, Colonel Todhunt.
or returned to Nineveh. He was met
by Colonel Strickland, whose face
seemed now not only haggard, but
hopeless.
They're pushin' us pretty hard,
BILL" said Colonel Todhunter. I've
fought 'em the best l knew how. but
Steve Yanoey's crowd Is working
Toms case against US better'n i
thought was possible among folks that
know you like our Mizzoorah Demo
Gratis know you, sub. It's enough to
make dog sick TO see how easy peo-
pie can be turned against man when
he's in trouble, I'll just be double
whipsawed II 1t ANTI"
That's all right. Thurs" replied the
other listlessly, Don't you go worry
ing yourself any longer about my
campaign knew was-Aeat- the
minute they got Toms trouble TO use
as a weapon against me. But what
hurts me most now, Thurs. Is that
Governor Leslie Is now finding II i'm
possible TO raise that campaign fund
we counted on. I'm licked-and I've
hurt you mighty bad at the same
time"
) But Colonel Todhunter fred up at
this. I'll be shot full o. holes II
you're licked-yet!" he exclaimed.
And | amt hurt any till you hear me
boiler, sub Don't you misunderstood
! me, Bill Strickland. I acknowledge
that we've got hard row to hoe, but
that amt no sign we amt a-goin' TO
hoe It. Anyway, by Godfrey, Well
make an everlastin' good stagger at It
the next best thing to Twin victor
ious 10 dyin' game, subj"
Colonel Strickland shook his head.
There's mighty little fight left In
me-" he spoke sadly.
I'll do the hghtin'," retorted Colo
mel Todhunter Then he looked his
friend anxiously In the face. "How's
, Toms case goin'?" he asked.
1T looks mighty black" answered
, the other. It's going to be a political
trial, bitter as sin, because the old
: gang counts on Toms conviction to
drive me out of Missouri politics. The
evidence In the case Is all against the
boy. The courtroom will be packed
with Yancey heelers-there's no way
to prevent it-and they'll make every
demonstration possible to influence
, the fury. And every man connected
, with the court wears the gangs collar.
even to Judge Pittman himself. II We
ask for a change Of venue Wen jump
from the frying-pan into the fire, be-
cause my enemies have got the whip
hand anywhere we turn. BY God. old
,, fellow, I believe they'll have my boys
life before they get through! The
, speakers voice broke In spite Of him.