The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1913-07-31

fEMMlNNl SAT- IN lTlslu out eioqueul
~ silence. John began. hesi-
tatingly, Father. last night
ut Is too late for regrets. SIR
Il am not exactly regretting 2ct .
felt an explanation"-
Can you." the Judge interrupted
coldly. explain away the fact that
you have betrayed the party that hon
ored you. cast discredit upon William
Murchell. who has given yon. his
friendship. upon me, who-can yon ex
plain that?" He rose.
Johu shook his head. II thought |
could. But now I'm afraid not
The judges lips parted. then closed
firmly as though he could not trust
himself to speak He raised his hand
in gesture in which grief and hope
lessness were blended and. turning,
stalked slowly from the room.
John smiled uncertainty "I'm afraid.
Aunt Roberta. your bones were trne
prophet"
She sighed assentingIy. IIe went
out to face his neighbors-an ordeal
New Chelsea was rent in twain
nay. into many divisions-by Johns
speech. its honest but partisan sol"
sorely troubled.
The largest number. torn betwixt
liking for their young neighhor and
| the mental discomfort of those whose
| traditions had been rudely jO:ted. with
held Judgment until they could SEQ
what befell. Among the farmers was
no dissension. A sudden lifting of
heads, still half unbelieving reioir
ing that the young fellow. who as he
sweat with them in the fields asked
questions. had dared to voice their
protest
The Globe. stanchly partisan. made
no mention of Johns part in the rally
save the unconsciously humorous sen
tence. Attorney John Dnnmeada also
spoke"
Later. not greatly uplifted by the
doubtful honor of being hone Of cor
tention. John was alone in his office.
smoking furionsly. brow wrinkied. feet
propped on the table. heavy tread
in the outer room announced the ar
rival of visitor Without knocking
the newcomer flung open the door and
strobe into the office. His hat was
pushed back OH his head: an unlighted
cigar stuck out at I'm aggressive angle
from the corner of his mouth He sur
veyed John in mingled anger and dis
gust. John, not rising. sighted over
lazy feet.
Good morning. Sheehan." he said
with pleasantness that would have
carried Il warning to cal,ner observer
than the boss.
Without invitation Sheehan sat down
Well" he srowled. "you did it. didn't
you? When young feIler like yn
thinks he is better than his party he's
got lot to learn"
John considered this statement for ;
moment. Il do not" he concluded
think ! am better than my party"
Sheehan caught the point. Huh
Guess you don't know who the part.
is"
That's just what I'm trying to de
eide. Perhaps you can enllghten me
II can. A party" Sheehan spok
with intense conviction--"a party j
those that control it,"
Then in Renton county you're tn
party?'
'Eggsactly! Me and Murchell.'
) Then. modestly. | do think I'm bel
!, ter than the party" John responded
still. pleasantly. And. as you sa,
I've n lot to learu. Have you come t
teach me?"
"Say. hain't you no respect for m
position in this countyy'
"For your position a great deal: TO
you-none at all
!. Sheellan grinned in spite of himself
Il like your Cerve. That's whd
makes me sOre." he went on reproacl
fully. II like you. was glad to d
you favor ! gave you 4 chance
n get in strong with us. And you 90 an
= beef it by throwin' down the stat
ticket. What did you do it for:"