New Ulm review., 1912-12-25

tatingly. "Father. last night
1T is too late for regrets. sir.s
II am not exactly regrettiug. 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
MurcheII. who has given you his
friendship. upon me. who-can you ex
plain that:" He rose.
John shook his head II thought
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 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 q 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 neishbor and
the mental discomfort of those whose
traditions had been rudely jo:ted. with
held Judgment until they could see
what befell. Among the farmers was
no disSenSiOn. A sudden lifting of
heads. still half unbeIieving rejoic-
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 bone of con.
tention. John was alone in his Office.
furiousIy, brow wrinkled. feet
prOpped on the table, A heavy tread
In the outer room announced the ar
rival Of visitor. Without knocking
the newcomer flung open the door and
strobe into the Office. His hat was
pushed back on bis 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. ..r.' a.a -..'
Good morning. Sheehan." he said
with a pleasantness that would have
carried a warning to calmer observer
than the boss.
Without invitation Sheehan sat down.
WELL he growled. "yOu did it. didn't
you? When young feller like you
thinks he Is better than his party he's
got a lot to learn ..
John considered this statement for a
II do not" be concluded.
think | am better than my party"
Sheehan caught the point Huh!
Guess you don't know who the party
s."
''That's just what I'm trying to de-
'ide. Perhaps you can enlighten me-"
~ can. a purity" Sheehan spoke
With intense conviction-"a party Is
hose that control it,
Then in Benton county you're the
,arty?''
''Eggsactly! Me and Murchell."
"rhen. modestly. do think I'm bet
er than the party" John responded.
til. pleasantly. And, as you say.
We lot to learn. Have you come to
each me:" N
Say. hain't you no respect for my
osftion in this county?"
"For your position a great deal: for
0u-none at ALL"
Sheehan grinned in spite of himself.
II like your nerve. That's what
'akes me sore." he went on reproach-
lilly. II like you. was glad to do
Oh a favor. gave you chance to
ct in strong with US. And you 80 and
eef it BY throwin' down the state
cket. What did you do It for?' Il
I'm afraid you won't understand.
1eehan. It's a question of ideals"
snorted. ideals! know
about 'em. What's ideals? Can
n eat EN-? Can you wear EN-?
IN you stuff EN- into your pants
cket like this?" He illustrated Dy
awing out fat roll Of bills. "Nill
ey get you votes? When | came to
umville fifteen years ago all ] owned
~ the shirt on my back. Now ! can
" out any man in Benton county ex
ptin' Steve HamInlen and Murchell. &
d when they want anything here
eyre glad enough to come to me and q
IKE 1t worth my while to give It t0
II. didn't get it by havin' ideals" +
How true. John thought. Judging
I'M his narrow experience. Was it {
sSible that the seats of the mighty i
re reserved only for the Murchells. '
g Hamrdens. the Shcchans? He T
ought diSgusteGly Of the coarse.
ltish thing before him. Yet Shee- p
n could commend his rptinue of fol- !
cerS. One Of them entered Johns
=, !