The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-08-18
A Sterling Novel of the Great Middle West
The MIDLANDERS
Bp-CHARLES TENVVEY JACKSON
AaHO~ Of Eae Day BroAer etc.
n Ths BobhsM oomeany

press day-my story. IL shall have
oil your names-all your SNUG re-
spectacle faces-and in II | shall tell
that you brought me here and, for a
consideration, agreed to hush up this
villainous, awful past Of mine-you,
the Best People, tried TO force and
bribe me out of politics. That shall
be my story"
Cal Rice, OF the Presbyterian
church. muttered. Boydston moved In
a jellyfish way. Judge Van Hart
hastily reached for his hat. 'Gentle-
men," be gasped, I'VE were not sum
moned here for this, beg Of you"
his voice failed him-"let me with
draw-let me withdraw"
Curran's grim smile was on him.
Your Honor, 1t is no place for you.
"A moment" Thad raped the
table. Let US have this clear. You
refuse To withdraw"
IL do Tell your story! I'll tell
mine. Yes, tonight-at my meeting
here among my home people. Let
any man OF you arise tonight and &C
cuse NELL admit It. And by God
I'll ask the people what manner OF
men you are. I'll appeal to them
their sympathy, their hearts, their
reason-with just a story of my youth
"A story that might have been any
mau s. The people--the great hon
est heart OF the people!"
Thad was smiling coldly But a
curious admiration was In his eyes
He lifted his hand. Gentlemen. he
defies u.s."
Il defy you"
The little gray boss smiled on.
Cal Rice vas wringing his hands.
Boydston was wriggling uneasily, red
faced, frightened. Judge Van Hart
was already In the doorway, lifting
his hat with a gesture OF deprecating
despair.
"A moment" Thad waved them 10
the door Il shall ask you 10 with
draw, gentlemen. And say nothing
OF this-nothing whatever think"
his voice was now ingratiatingly
friendly-"that Mr. Curran will with
draw. We will discuss the matter"
He waved them on with his subtle
authority. "Eh, Judge Van Hart.
shall ask you TO remain. The rest of
you ?'-he smiled and rubbed his
white hands-"well, | can assure you
that Mr.. Curran will withdraw. He
Will see the wisdom-the urgent
need assure you"
They stared, astonished. The Earl
vile editor was protesting as he
arose. Mr.. Tanner, you assured me
the Mercury ournal-"
The Journal will get its scoop.
Mr.. Curran, even, will agree to that
The others were leaving. Wiley
stood alone watching the small figure
under the table light. At crises there
was a sort of dignity about Thaddeus
Tanner. The indomitable will, the
intuitive reading of men. the assump-
ton OF authority-he was worthy of
his power Even Curran felt the
little boss's way with men as this SLOW
scrutiny enveloped him. When he
looked at Thad after the going of the
others, the mask-like face was smil.
ing-and that smile. some way, struck
a curious fear to his heart.
His calm dry tone heightened the
impression. You still refuse to re-
sign, Mr.. Curran?"
II do. We will submit 1t to the peo-
pie. Their good sense, their honesty
their charity"
The little boss sat down across
from him and sighed. Let us pass
that by. admit admiring the fight
you've made. I've formed a differ
ent opinion of you during the last
six months, Curran. And tonight
well, ! don't mind saying that I threw
up the sponge. We couldn't beat you
I've thought 1t for weeks"
Well" Curran was almost
ashamed of his ungracious note.
"Nevertheless"-the boss rubbed
his thin hands-"you will resign"
II told you no."
Yes-but you will"
The white old hand was raised to
point at him. And from that instant
Surran felt the ground slip beneath
MIN. He glanced at Judge Van Hart
standing pallid, oppressed. by khe
window.
will mott" he blurted.
Inc little man sat back easily He
selected cigar from his case and
!lshted 1t. Then he stretched his
legs TO reach cushion. Let us see
Curran. Imagine the case. You have
guessed that we have employed this
Ieiiow Ladeau. | admit il. sent
MIN TO New Orleans He came back
Yesterday with the fragments of your
interesting history More-some ex.
traordinary features Of the matter
something never contemplated bv me
he took, In fact. when he went south
what appeared to be a most improb-
able clue to theory OF his own A
trlnket from a child's necklace"
Necklace" Curran stared wondar.
ingly
Il imagine necklace. AT anv rate