The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-05-15


monarch. But he came incognito. with
q notable absence OF regal splendor. To
silas Hicks, nj the station. appeared n
short, square whiskered alert man who
asked to be taken to Senator Murchelrs
home.
Senators out to the farm" Silas re-
sponded In the omnlscience OF hack
men.
''Then take me To the farm"
Arrived ut the farm. he received an.
other command-to wait. A hired man
was repairing broken place In the
fence. From him royalty demanded to
know the whereabouts Of the prime
minister and was told 70 seek him In
the potato patch.
In the middle of the potato patch the
visitor beheld the figure OF his minister,
arrayed In "A pair OF the hired mans
overalls and a straw hat OF enormous
brim. busily hoeing Toward this truly
rural figure Sackett-for our monarch
II no other than the president OF the
great Atlantic railroad-made his way,
considerably to the damage of the vines
beneath his feet.
Careful" admonished the senator.
"walk between the hills"
Sackctt became more careful. How
are you. senatorr
How're you, Sackett?"
Their hands met. TO part instantly.
"What." Sackett demanded. lis the
matter with SherrodY"
"He wants too much" Murchell an
swered briefly.
IL was talking to him last week"
Murchell turned on him suddenly.
Told you | ought To get down from
the head of the organization. didn't hei
Told you that Adelphia and the Steel
City are turning against me. that he
wants to I've governor and that the Steel
people want PARROT for my job In the
senate. didn't hep
"You fellows" Sackett exploded ir.
ritably. had better settle your SQUAD
bles or you'll give some incendiary the
chance To step In and raise Cain. The
trouble Is Sherrod In close to the Steel
City organization. and the Michigan is
trying 10 get into the city" The secret
OF the royal irritation Is out. A com
peting monarch Is making ready TO In.
wade his dominion!
Murchell smiled bitterly. $50 that's
IT. For twenty years I've been doing
your dirty work. And now at the
FIRST threat OF competition you're ready
10 throw me over without a scruple-
II you think it's safe! II isn't safe.
Sackett"
Sackett's eyes snapped sngrily. "Tve
my duty To my stockholders, OF whom
you are one. Can you keep the Mich
igan outr'
II don't know. so won't promise.
But have ! ever failed you YETI"
II don't believe you can do II. You're
too unpopular with the organization.
You've been too strong handed. Things
are ripe for revolt Why, you can't
even control your own county,
"when I give up hope for this coun
ty," the senator answered sharply.
"you can talk. All that's been said
before. How do you expect me TO keep
these hungry coyotes In line-by quot
ing Golden Rule Scripture ut 'emi Do
you want 10 go back 10 the old guer-
rilla days. Sackettf"
Sackett stared moodlly at his feet
Murchell took OF his old straw hat
and leaned against the tree. He wait
ed until sackett was ready TO speak.
about Parrott." Sackett said after
q long pause. "MacGregor and Flick
want him for senator"
"Hes slated for governor. like
my Job"
"But Sherrod wants 10 be governor"
Hell take what he's earned and can
get" Murchell said shortly. Parrot
can have Roseben's place four years
from now-maybe. Wen see"
"But they want him 20 have your
place. They say" Sackett explained
with that brutal frankness which We
naturally associate with royalty. that
you're nothing but a politician and
have been identified with lot OF un.
popular things. while Parrott IL n fine
lawyer and could easily work up rep
utation as statesman. They figure
he could get 'em more. And they don't
care whether the Michigan gets In or
not. They think they'd get better
rates. And they're afraid that you
and Sherrod with your squabbles will
spill the milk. I'm afraid of that too
Senator. you're getting 10 be an old
man. You've had enough. Why don't
you-retlreT'
sold am ~" exclaimed Murchell
harshly "Want me TO retire, do you !?
Well. ! won't And I'll tell you why
because the organization, the power. IS
mine Set your mind easy. I'm too
old TO learn new tricks. I'll not turn
agitator like these dreamers aud fel-
lows with a grievance. The Michigan
won't come in. If can help II. But
Sherrod won't be governor, and Par
rott won't get my seat I'm not go
ing 10 give up what I've worked for all
my life. You tell 'em that | like my
Job and that I'm not too old 10 run H.
And. Sackett." he added, play fair
play fairr'
Sackett left. wondering II In an en-
lightened. up 10 date monarchy prime
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