The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-02-07
ne almost nisseu

coolness vanished. ne almost nisseu
out his words.
you came here expecting to gloat
over me, didn't you? You think be-
cause you've caught me with the goods
on you're a superior being. You
needn't. Everything l am. Bill Muir
chell. you are. I s'pose when you were
sick you had the parson around to pray
over you, didn't you? When you were
praying did you tell the parson how
you got to be so rich?"
"At least" Murchell said quietly, 81
didn't steal it from the treasury of the
state"
Under the taunt Sherrod seemed to
lose all hold on himself He sprang
to his feet. His face was convulsed.
His voice and the pointing hand shook
in very hysteria Of hate.
you dare call me a thief! You!
How about the market tips you got
you authorized to be given, the black
mail you levied for your influence in
the legislature? Maybe you called
them legal fees? You lawyer, when
there isn't business man in the coun-
try would trust you with a caser'
Into Murchell's eyes had come a
steely CLEAN that in a saner moment
would have restored Sherrod to self
control, but now was unheeded. But
his voice continued cold, cuttingly con-
temptuous.
Thought you'd come into this affair
bully me out of politics with, didn't
you? Well, swing your club. I'm not
afraid. l know why you did 1t, not
for me, but for yourself. You're trying
to sneak back into the game after
you've been thrown out, and you know
that this thing if it came out would
kill your chances as well as mine. 1t
would help nobody but that fool Dun
meade, and by helping me you've made
yourself an accessory. So then-crack
your whip If you dare"
Murchell got slowly to his feet He
spoke still in the cold, even voice that
cut.
"Just why 1 have done this isn't i'm.
portant at present. 1 had good many
reasons, some, probably, that you are
not qualified to understand. And I'm
not trying to sneak back into the game
I've never been out of it. AS to
whether l want or dare to swing my
club that remains to be seen. You'll
have to chance it, Sherrod"
Sherrod laughed, a harsh, sneering
exclamation that must have carried
into the adjoining room. "I'll chance
1t! You're not the kind of man In
whose hands such knowledge is dan
gerous. And l know all about your
game. Do you think I've been fooled
by your pretense? l know all about
Wash Jenkins gumshoe campaign fol
delegates. can be nominated cover
| penitentiary!"
Murchell was fully master of himself
once more. That" he remarked
would be a fitting residence for you
In the meantime, We'll put it out O.
your power to seek the nomination
from that quarter"
He left the room abruptly, returning
Immediately with Watkins. He care
fully closed the door behind them
Then he faced the two men.
watkins, it's fortunate that your,
cashier in the treasurers Office"
Watkins agreed.
Because from this minute l an
state treasurer. Sherrod will be al
lowed to sign vouchers that l approx,
that's all. You will report to nj
once a week in person. And not ;
voucher must be cashed until o. K't
by me. You understand"
Watkins looked at Sherrod, theI
back to Murchell. He nodded.
'Sherrod will do nothing to disturb
this arrangement. If he tries-let M
know. Good dayw
He went out of the room, quietl.
closing the door.