Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-01-24

trap drew up in which sat Katherine
and Z young man. John remembered
saying Of hers concerning one whom
people were apt to sneer at as spec
ulator," but whom she thought ''splen-
did because he had had the brains and
courage to make his own fight and
win" He had no difficulty in identi-
flying that man with Gregg, Of whom
he had heard more than once. Gregg
was an attractive fellow, few years
older than John, Of athletic build and
pleasant manner. He Joined Rather
inc in congratulahng John OF his re-
Gently acquired fame.
I'VE expect to see you often on the
ridge There will be tennis. He will
make you play" she said to Gregg,
who responded pleasantly.
I'D like to have the chance, Mr..
Dunmeade I've been hearing about
your game"
But, although Gregg spent nearly
every week end on the ridge. John
did not keep his promise. Indeed. he
had little time for recreation, and that
little was put in with Haig. with whom
he was rapidly cementing friendship.
The June primaries were at hand.
John felt less pride than responsibility
when he found that he was expected
to lead the campaign to capture the
county nominations from the machine
and that, by tacft consent Of friends
and enemies alike. upon him devolved
the task of choosing the reform ticket
He gave much thought to this task. It
was not simple. There were many un-
worthy gentlemen, he discovered, will
ing to 30 swept into Office BY the wave
Of popular protest. And he could have
learned here, had he been so minded,
that even q reformer must employ the
wisdom Of the serpent He achieved
results at which politician might
have sneered, but which were On the
whole very promising in the light Of
his inexperience. :.
In Haig John fonnd an unexpeeted
but invaluable aid The novelist had
once been political. reporter. The
reform ticket was nominated. Muir
chell, cynically willing to let the re-
form wave run its brief course, with
held his hand. Bereft Of its familiar
weapon, fraud, the machine was easily
conquered by people thoroughly an
gered. Even Plumyille gave the re-
formers a small majority. Haig hail
ed John as ''little boss
John Indignantly rejected the title.
"My work is done, or, at least. will be
when they're elected can't interfere
with them then"
'Say. aren't you afraid the cows
will take you for a bunch Of nice,
green, succulent clover? Just wait"
Haig grinned, ''until they're in Office
Make no mistake, sonny; you'll need
to keep tight rein on them. About
a year from now expect to see some
pretty little, homemade illusions badly
busted"
The promised Journey to the ridge
had not vet been made.
One afternoon Haig found him busy
In his ONCE. Flows the bosslet? Had
a shave today? Feeling conversation
al? You and I are going out for a little
drive this afternoon"
We're not. hope you are. I've
got things to do"
This American habit Of industry Is
becoming positive mania. Are You
coming peaceably or will You 60 any.
how?'
'I'n do neither" John continued his
writing.
"All right" Haig seated himself,
deposited his feet on the desk beside
John and commenced an apparently
interminable monologue on the apocry-
phal cleverness Of dog he once had
owned. 49,
John threw down his pen in disgust
II surrender" he groaned. "I'll 60 to
get rid Of you"
Thought I could persuade you.
Come right along. I've got q buggy
outside.
John put his papers away and meek
" followed to the waiting vehicle.
Haig drove, chatterlng volubly Of
whatever came into his mind. But
when Haig turned into the ridge road
John stirred uneasily.
..sGoing anywhere in Particular
",.Anywheres you'd like to go?"
~No-o. guess not"
.''Then well go to the Hampdens
There's always somebody there"
''Oh, no, we won't! Let's go back
The other direction. like the south
road better"
''Oh, you dol Why not Hampdens!'::
sWell, you see,' John began to ex-
plain lamely, ''Hampden and aren't
On very good terms and
..Lord! Don't know that? He
spends most Of his time enumerating
HE different kinds Of fool you are. I
bomeftmes think his list Is incomplete.
But what difference does that make7
We aren't going to zee him. There's .
fellow mp fhere-GreGs-that I want
Yoa % play tennis With"
II haven't had Z racket in my hand
~ nnmne.,. J0hn. nnaAaskaA