The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-03-07

MurCnell anu III pdilOh ~ VI 'HN
invar sat Sherrod. playing against eacn
other for votes. Between them nut
tered the delegates and those who had
delegates to sell. like hungry summer
flies. But they found-the little fellows
at least-no honey pot at MurchelPs
end; no scandal must mar the nomina-
ton of Dunmeade. (As for the, cap
tains of tens and captains of hundreds
that is another matter into which we
may not intrude.)
In crowded streets and sweltering.
smoke clouded lobbies excitement ran
high. The Dunmeade rallying ground,
the only quiet spot in the capital. con-
trasted significantly with the nervous
atmosphere of the Sherrod headquar-
ters. Such contentment with theNSitua-
ton could not be feigned 1t was in
fectious: it spread out among the dele
gates who had pledged themselves to
vote for Dunmeade and nullified the
frantic efforts of Parrott (nominally
managing Sherrod's campaign to start
a stampede: it kept the neutrals waver-
ing.
And over the scene of conflict how
cred formless one. unseen, unheard,
unfelt as spirits always are. waiting
but for the crucial moment to swoop
down and decide the issue.
Came a lull in the battle. an hour to-
ward morning. when the delegates had
retired to allotted cots or halves of
oeds or, more often. to WOO fortune
over some table of chance, when the
reeking lobbies were depopulated and
the headquarters of the generals were
deserted by all but their respective
staffs and the yawniug reporters.
-1ere" was a. Knock on Mlrchell's
door and Greene, leader in Plumville,
admitted a messenger, him who once
before had lured Murchell from his re-
treat on an errand, if not of mercy, at
least of salvation. Paine went to him
md whispered his message. Murchell
lhook his head.
"Tell him." he said aloud, eff he
wants to see me he'll have to come
nere."
Paine whispered a protest.
"Tell him." Murchell cut him short,
"John Heath will meet him here"
The messenger started, looked hastily
around at the others and grinned in
sickly fashion. But he departed i'm
mediately, leaving the men in the room
to wonder what charm lay in the unfa-
miliar name of John Heath.
In less than five minutes, rumor out
running the fact, the hotel was alive.
Sherrod had asked for a conference
with Murchell.
Murchell men smiled triumphantly
when they saw Parrot and Sherrod,
wearing an air of confidence not who'll
ly convincing. emerge from the eleva-
tor and make their way along the cor
ridor to parlor A.
Sherrod and PARROT entered, care
the intense disappointment of the dele
gates outside. Parrott went jauntily
up to Murchell and shook hands.
"Well," he grinned, we've been hav-
ing a fine little shindy, eh?" This for
the reporters.
"Glad,"' grunted Murchell, you're
enjoying it." There was a laugh, in
which Parrott did not join.
The senator waved his hand, and all
but Greene left the room, reluctant,
but obedient.
"See here" said Sherrod. Cant we
get together? You've got to admit that
we've got you beaten"
ILL
been buying win stick you're mistaken
/ Sherrod. I've sold you more than fifty
myself"
81 don't believe it," snapped Sherrod
"Quit bluffing and get down to cases
You know you can't beat us in the
convention. You aren't trying to. You
started all this racket over Dunmeade
just to work up sentiment that will
make it harder for me to beat Brent
You're so anxious to get even," he eX-
claimed bitterly, "that you don't see
you're in danger Of stirring up revo
luton. What will you take to quit?"
"The revolution has started, Sherrod
And you'll never beat Brent"
"Wont I? Well attend to that when
the time comes."
Because" Murchell continued calm
ly, you won't be nominated" He
turned to the governor. PARROT, how
much have you paid Sherrod to support
you for senator?"
Nothing" lied Parrott, albeit with
evident uneasiness.
"Then you're lucky" Murchell com
mented. Dan Hasland paid hin
100000 for the same promise"
"That's a lie," Sherrod declared
hotly.
Greene" commanded Murchell
'call Hasland in, will you? He's IL
the room next to nine That is, il
Parrott and Sherrod think it neces
sary?' He turned inquiringly towart
them.
81 guess" Sherrod growled, Parrot
knows I'll not go back on him.