The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1913-09-26

Kate, some OF these days when you
look up at me like that" he warned.
I'm going to forget your official posi-
ton and kiss the sheriff"
Not in this Office, Mr.. Holmes"
Don Phillips swung his desk-top up
with a bang. The county officials In
Silver City did not have separate Of
fees When Kate came into power
she found her place In the long room
over the post office. Phillips shared
the room with her and one
stenographer. He had come in quick
ly before either had noticed
his arrival. and Hank sized him up
for an instant before taking up the
challenge. He was young and tall and
lean, this lawyer from Winnipeg who
had crossed down to Silver City to try
his luck, not in mines, but in politics,
clean, modern politics.
Hank belonged to the old school.
Big, good-tempered, he had been a gen.
erous boss to the city he had seen
grow. But he wanted to be its boss, to
have 1t seek him at every crisis, and
feel his hand on its reins at every
change in the grade. He stood and
looked from one to the other, Kate and
Phillips, both young, both owing their
positions to his tacit consent, as he
thought. He knew in an issue they
would stand against him.
Thought you didn't believe in mo-
nopolies, Don,' he said finally, biting
off the end of his cigar.
Il don't" retorted Phillips curtly
That's why we're going to keep you
out of the legislature. It's the first
time you can't buy your way in. Mr.
Holmes.
Hank had fired the shot before Kate
fully realized what was happening
She caught the highpitched scream OF
terror from the girl stenographer at
the end of the room. and turned to see
Phillips pitch forward over his desk
He half turned in pain, one arm
thrown up under his head, the other
hanging Imply.
For an instant all her inherited
weakness swept over her. Kate felt
the room swirl around, and caught at
her desk for support, even while she
stared at the silent figure in the cen
ter Of the room. They two we're alone
now. The girl had fed to give the
alarm. There was only Hank Holmes
waiting for justice to take its course.
But he didn't wait Replacing the re-
volver, he went and looked at Phillips,
felt for his heart and pulse.
Lost my temper then for minute"
he said THE boys unconscious. I'll
get away down to Laramie, Kate, till
this blows over. Sorry it happened, be-
fore you"
Pm not" Kate Allen returned. Her
face was white, but in her hand was
her own revolver. 1t had never been
used. She had purchased 1t almost
merrily that morning, hoping she
would never have to use it in Silver
City. You're going to stay right
here, Hank, and face the music for
this, ] arrest you now for attempted
murder and assault to kill"
But, girl, you can't do this" ex-
claimed Hank gently why, the boy
insulted me to my face"
He told the TRUTH" said Kate calm
ly. Everybody knows it, and SO do
you. We're going to have things de-
cent now"
1T wasn't that that made him say
1t, Kate. It's because he's jealous OF
me. He knows l want you"
1t was a strange trip the two made
over to the county Jail, 20 miles away.
Silver City had taken the arrest of its
boss excitedly.
rs he going to die. sheriff?" he ask
ed, mildly.
Kate said nothing, but looked
straight ahead of her.
How long will have to stay over
in yonder jail, do you reckon?"
Kate shook her head.
"Spoils my chances at the legisla-
lature all right, doesn't It? l never
thought of anything when he handed
me that straight insult before you.
You see, perhaps II I'd ever had an
idea might win, 1t wouldn't have mat
tered, but it's such clear sailing for
the boy, didn't think he needed to
rub it in"
Clear sailing?" she said, raising her
head. What do you meant"
With you, Kate"
Kate looked back at Silver City. 1t
was only patch of houses now, over
across the river on the side OF the
mountain. Hank sent his horse close
to hers.
III take my medicine all right,
now, but it's no harm to say that I've
always loved you and wanted you. is
it, girl dear?"
NO harm!" exclaimed Kate, quick
ly, her eyes filled with sudden hot
tears. After you've disgraced my
very first day in office, If you loved
me why couldn't you drop the old
ways, and join me in making the town
we both love upright and straight? Peo-
pie like you, Hank. There's the old al
legiance everywhere, but they are not
swayed by sentiment any longer"