The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-05-29
CHAPTER XIV.

!
Stricklands acquittal, and hav-
| ing first congratulated ToW
himself, Mrs. Todhunter turned to
Colonel Strickland. who stood with her
husband few feet away, Colonel Tod
hunter having by this time joined the
group.
II feel sure you know how rejoiced l
am that Tom has been acquitted" she
said. her frank eyes testifying to the
truth. II have always loved him as II
he was my own son. But had to do
what did after that dreadful night OF
the party at the hotel. The accusation
made against him by that girl. Lottie-
May Doggett, left me no alternative
but to forbid him seeing a2ry unless
he could clear himself Of the sin with
which the girl herself charged him."
II know just how you felt, Mrs. Tod.
hunter" replied Colonel Strickland. 1T
was terrible situation. Naturally, it
hurt us all that Tom was made to ap-
pear guilty. but there was the cold fact
that Lottie-May Doggett publicly de-
|
credible that she would do this If he
was innocent. And | know now that
you are sincerely glad because the
truth has come out. You don't have to
| tell me anything about it. maam."
At this moment Mary herself. great
happiness shining in her face, although
her eyes were wet with tears, joined
! the group. Colonel Strickland turned to
| her with a smile.
81 delivered that message of yours to
Tom. Miss Mary" he said. 'The mes
sage you gave me when he was in the
Jail. just wish you could have seen
how proud and happy it made him! He
needed it mighty bad that day"
Mary blushed rose red. "Please don't
remind Tom Of my message. Colonel
Strickland!' she cried in pretty con-
| fusion "I'li be ashamed to look him in
| the face again II you do"
II don't see why you should be-"
laughed Colonel Strickland. 1T just
simply proved to Tom at a mighty well
come time that the young lady he loved
80 dearly loved him in return. so you
ought to be proud Of 1t instead Of
| ashamed"
And at this juncture Colonel Tod
hunter interviewed. Don't you let that
Mary Todhunter fool you. Bill Strick-
land" he chuckled. "She's as proud of
| that there love sick message to her
sweetheart at such romantic moment
as if it was all In sentimental story
and she was the heroine Of the story.
! And when she and Tom have gone and
got married-well, between you and
me and the gatepost I'll bet poor Tom
never hears the last Of it."
Mary blushed furiously as the Others
laughed.
when she and Tom ere married"'
repeated Colonel Strickland, his eyes
resting fondly on Mary's face. Doesn't
that sound good, thought"
Then he turned pointblank to Mrs,
Todhunter. when shall it be, Mrs.
/ 'Todhunter?' he asked. you and Miss
Mary have got to be good now and
i name an early day. When shall it be?'
!
herself gave little cry Of maidenly
protest. frantically clutched her moth
! er's arm and fairly dragged Mrs. Tod
hunter out of range, yet not with entire
! success, for the latter turned laugh
/ ing face back to Colonel Strickland as
| she was thus conveyed away.
"Never you mind, Colonel Strick-
! land" she made fleeing answer. I'm
going to work hard for Tom. ought
to do it, and will"
That same evening Colonel Todhun-
ter went to confer with the Hon. viii.
liam j. Strickland at his home concern
ing the latter's campaign prospects.
The outlook was not encouraging.
| "Bill," said Colonel Todhunter.
? there's just one chance for us. Toms
acquittal may bring about reaction of
public sentiment in your favor if two
days is time enough for the news to
| sink in and create the natural effect.
They'll all know Of 1t. The st. Louis
and Kansas City papers are full Of the
/ excitin' story of his sudden acquittal.
and every other newspaper in the state
will have lot about it. That's where
, it may prove boomerang for the Yam.
cey gang They worked up public in
terest in the case, thinkin' it would
ruin you body and SOUL
Colonel Strickland shook his head
"It's too late, Thurs" he replied. II
reckon I'll have to stay beat. But
! amt worrying about that. 1 want to
hear now that my campaign fund has
been raised. so as to put you out of
, danger Of any loss.'
! The light of battle was in Colonel
Todhunter's eyes. -....
I'm thinkin' about your gettin' that
there nomination. Bill Strickland" he
exclaimed. mot about the money,
Now that we got 'em beat in Toms
! case. Id like to whip 'em straight down
the line, subj"
| The other laughed, but shook his
/ head. They've got too big a bulge on
us. Everything's fixed now to steal the
! ST. Louis and Kansas City vote for old