The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1913-01-16

at is too late for regrets, sir"
"I am not exactly regretting. But
felt an explanation
"Can you" the judge interrupted
eoldly. explain away the fact that
you have betrayed the party that hon
ored you, cast discredt upon William
Murchell who has given you his
friendship, upon me, who-can you ex
plain that?" He rose
John shook his head "I 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 a 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 a 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 sbul
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 dissension. A sudden lifting of
heads. a still half unbelieving 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 SEN
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.
smoking furously. brow wlinked. 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
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 a 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 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!I
Guess you don't know who the party
is"
That's just what I'm trying to de-
c1de.- Perhaps you can enlighten me-"
Il 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. 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 ALL"
Sheehan grinned in spite of himself.
81 like your nerve That's what
makes me sore" he went on reproaeh-
fully. 81 like you. was glad to do
you a favor. | gave you 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?'
"I'm afraid you won't understand,
Sheehan. It's question of ideals"
Sheehan snorted. Ideals! l know
all about 'em. What's ideals? Can
you eat 'em? Can you wear EN-?
Can you stuff 'em into your pants
pocket like this?" He illustrated Dy
urdWlnS out Idl roll OF DlllS. VIII |
they get you votes? When I came to
Plumville fifteen years ago all ] owned
was the shirt on my back. Now can
buy out any man in Benton county ex
ceptin' Steve Hampden aud Murchell
and when they want anything here
they're glad enough to come to me and
make 1t worth my while to give II to
'em. didn't get it by havin' ideals"
How true. John thought. judging
from his narrow experience. Was II
possible that the seats of the mighty
were reserved only for the Murchells.
the Hampdens, the Sheehans? He
thought disgustedly of the coarse,
british thing before him. Yet Shee-
han could command his retinue of fol
lowers. One of them entered Johns
mind. He looked up suddenly. "Shee.
han. who is Butch Maley?"
''Who's Butch Maley? He's the
Fourth precinct, Fourth ward, that's
what he is, and it's the biggest precinct
In the city He's the whole works,