The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1913-07-03
Mr. CORAN'S ELECTION
(contInued.)


! The local waa just stcamine into
the station when fat. red-faced man
came painting out OF the bookinC-of-
dee Peace gave my arm = squeeze
~ he passed
That II Horledge. the chief sup
porter Of Coran's opponent In tomor-
rows election" he whispered.
30 you have been making some
new friends since saw you Iast?'
"One or two" he said, stepping in
to carriage.
When we arrived at Brendon, the
| inspector led me on to an inn in the
center OF the town. 1t was pleasant,
old-fnshioned place, with black raft
srs peering through the plaster Of the
ceiling and oak panelling high on the
walls. The modern Brendon had
wrapped II about, but It had not
changed for three centuries. You
may ind many such ancient inns
about London. which watch the march
| Of the red brick suburbs with dig
nified surprise. until one day the build
or steps in, and the old coach and
horses or white hart comes tumbling
down, and cheap chop and tea house
reigns In It's stead. We dined early.
At half'past seven. by the grandfsth-
ers clock In the corner. Peace rose.
| Mr.. Coran's meeting does not be-
gin until eight; but want to be there
sarly-come along"
! Tho platform was empty when we
arrived, but score OF people were
already on the front benches. We did
not join them. seating ourselves near
the door. Brendon, or the graver
part OF 1t. moved by us In tiny
stream. A few elders walked up to
the platform with the air OF those who
realize that they are something in the
world. The clock above them was
pointing TO the hour when, with .
humping OF feet and a clapping OF
hands, Coran appeared, and shook
hands with the white-whiskered old
chairman.
It was while the chairman was In
Producing the popular and yenerated
townsman who had come to address
them." that the red face OF Mr.. Hor-
ledge came peering In at the door. He
stood there for a minute. and then
modestly sat down on the bench be-
fore US. Peace touched my arm, and
we moved along until we we're just
behind him.
Tho chairman ended at last, and,
amid fresh applause, Coran rose and
stood gazing down at the little crowd
with benevolent satisfaction. Their
respect and admiration was the breath
OF life TO the man. You could see It
in his eyes, In his gesture az he beg
god for silence.
MY friends"
He had got no farther when Hor-
ledge sprang to his feet with raised
hand.
Mr.. Chairman" he shouted 'T
have O. question to ask the candidate"
There was slight cutlery, few
Kisses and groans; but the tide OF 10
cal politics did not run strongly in
Brendon. Besides, everyone knew
Horledge He had the largest gro
GERS shop In the town.
1T would be better to question him
after his speech. Mr.. Horledge.' pro-
tested the old chairman.
Il should prefer to answer this gen.
teman at once" Coran interposed.
He stood with his hands. clasping
and unclasping. before him. but new
or moved his eyes from his opponent
There was grit In the fellow, after all
1T would be simpler II you with
drew" said the red-faced man, shufn-
Ing his feet uneasily.
That your party's candidates might
be returned unopposedY"
Don't force mo to explain" cried
Horledge. why not withdrawn"
you waste the time of the meet
ing"
Very well gentlemen. l say that
Mr. Coran there is MOI ut candidate,
because"
There Is somethingymnsettling in
the Official tap on the shoulder which
the police OF all countries cultivate,
something which II does not take pre-
yious experience TO recognize. Hor-
lodges face turned an shade paier as