Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1912-11-23


'sz-s@g silence. John began, hest
tatingly. Father, last night
1T is too late for regrets, sir"
y am not exactly regretting. But
felt an explanation"
Can 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. II thought I
could But now I'm afraid not
The judges lips parted. then closed
firmly as though be could not trust
himself to speak. He raised his hand
in gesture in which grief aud hope
lessness were blended and, turning,
stalked slowly from the room.
John smiled uncertainty. I'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
speech, its honest but partisan soul
sorely troubled.
The largest number. torn betwixt
liking for their young neighbor and
the mental discomfort Of those whose
traditions had been rudely jolted. with
held judgment until they could see
what befell. Among the farmers was
no dissenslon. A sudden lifting of
heads, Il still half unbeleving rejoie
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 unconsciously humorous sem
tence. Attorney John Dunmeade also
spoke
Later, not greatly uplifted by the
doubtful honor of being a bone of con.
tention. John 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
strobe 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 aud dis
gust. John, not rising. sighted over
lazy feet.
Good morning. Sheeban," he said
with a pleasaDtness that would have
carried warning to a calme- observer
than the boss,
Without invitation Sheehan sat down.
"Well," he growled. "you did 1t. didn't
you? When young Teller like you
thinks he is better than his party he's
got Il lot TO learn"
John considered this statement for
moment. Il 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-"
II can A party" Sheehan spoke
with intense conviction-"a party is
those that control it,"
Then in Benton county you're the
party?"
''Eggsactly. Me and Murchell."
Then, modestly | do think I'm bet
ter than the party" John responded,
still pleasantly. "And. as you say.
I've lot to learn. fNVe you come to
teach meT'
Say. hain't you no respect for my
position in this county?'
For your position a great deal; for
you--none at all''
Sheehan grinned in spite Of himself
II like your nerve. That's what
makes me sore" he went on reproach-
fully II like YOU. was glad to do
you a favor L gave you a chance to
lin strong with us. And you 90 and
beef it by THROWN down the state
ticket, What did you DO It forF'
I'm afraid YOU won't understand.
Sheehan. It's question OF ideals"
Sheehau snorted Ideals. know
all about EN-. What's ideais? Can
won Feat 'emg Can Won wear 'em2