The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1913-03-06

udVe Oeen heartily nSnutiih or ~. H.
I hone It did not mean serious unhap
piness to you"
He looked at her steadily. ~ have
not been unhappy" Then he rose II
greet Gregg, who had extricated him
self.
The latter was. very cordial. "Ans
time you're in town call me up and
we'll lunch Mt the club. Any time. re-
member
But he did not miss Katherine's tone
a. she said to John. "GOodby and
am very glnd Of what you have Just
eold me-"
Later, when they were at their table
0r"ra sud to Katherine. u have no
ton Dunmeade IL the reason yon have
kept me waiting 10 long"
Under his gaze the tlnge Of color In
her cheeks deepcilt%l. She made nc
reply.
Does 1t ever occur to you." he ask
ID. carefully setting down the glass.
"tbat l might get tired Of waitingT'
"Does II ever occur to you." she an
swered, shat I shouldn't care very
much2"
But OF this John could know nothing.
The ceremony Of exchanging minis
tiers was not an elaborate court func-
ton. Fifty odd gentlemen. represent
Ing each his princIpality, met in a
hotel parlor and elected Mark Sherrod
to succeed William Murchell us chair
man Of the state executive committee.
As the latter retired from the chair
which, symbol OF his undisputed sway.
he had occupied for twenty years and
his enemy took his place there was
nothing to indicate that the seals Of do
minion had been formally transferred.
The monarch was not present in per-
son. Many of the committeeman were
surprised at Murchell's presence. They
had thought that he would stay away
to escape the last humiliation Of be-
holding the formal ratification Of his
accomplished defeat.
He had gone to the meeting in a car
e1age because the weather was rough
and his physical condition was not
good. But when he left he forgot the
carriage and started to walk to the
house that he called home. He walked
simlessly. head lowered as though he
were bordering some deep problem.
The defiant front that he had main
tanned before the committee had been
q IL nj
His course took him past q house
Of state. where the monarch sat en-
throned amid his court. directing the
affairs Of his kingdom. What Muir
chell saw was the Office building of
the Atlantic railroad. He entered an
elevator and was rapidly holsted to the
proper story. a page Of ebony skin
took his card.
Murchell did not have to wait long.
Soon he was before his former liege.
The royal brow wrinkled Isn't
this little iscreet--considering the
present state OF public sentiment
"What difference does 1t make-now?
I've just come from the committee
meeting"
"Yesg' sackett understood. "sher-
rods elected. SUPPOSE"
Eyes. Thanks to your influence"
"Im sorry" Sackett's regret was
genuine. But have my duty
tie your stockholders, of whom am
one. Yes, l know I'm not complain
Ing Murchell interrupted mildly. 81
came to tell you to keep an eye on
the Michigan. I've kept them out of
the Steel City for you SO far. But
they're coming in. They ought to get
In, too. At. any rate, they're getting
ready to spend million in the at
tempt. / don't believe Sherrod can
keep them out. Keep an eye on him.
Backett."
"We're counting on you to helm
there"
Murchell shook his head. I'm
through"
Look here! What's the use OF your
getting your back up over this bust
ness? You understand perfectly well
that we must stand in with whoever's
on top. You put Sherrod out and wen
back you as strong as ever. WISH"
Sackett said persuasively, you'd keep
IN oversight Of the Michigan matter.
doubt myself that Sherrod can keep
them out"
Little late thinking that, aren't you?
He can't Don't trust him to do it.
sherrod won't last, Sackett. He has
% self control. He's too greedy. But
I'm through. don't want to put him
suit"
"We'll make it worth your while, II
that's the trouble"
"You can't make 1t worth my while"
"You politicians" Sackett exclaimed
angrily. make me tired with your in
fernal chickering's and jealousies. I'd
- soon be back in the old days.
mo, you wouldn't" Murchell inter
Fupted again dryly. "You wouldn't 20
back to those days for many times the
millions it'll cost you to keep the Mich
lgan outfit you keep 1t out. You
Know that know It You railroaders