Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-05-19

never again win a new honor, how
ever digniHed, without being referred
to in print dis the peroxide blond ad-
vocate. On the night when Mr.. Ken
drick and l climbed Baldpate noun
tain remarked as much to him. And
80 Il occurred to me that II l found
any need of explaining my presence
here the blond incident would do very
we'll. 1t was only-a white lie."
"A blond one," corrected Mr.. Magee.
II forgive you, professor.
ITO begin with" continued the pro-
fessor. II am q member Of the faculty
Of the University Of Reuton, situated.
as you no doubt know. In the city OF
the same name. For a long time
nave taken quiet interest IN our
municipal politics. l have been up In
arms-linguistic arms-against this odd
character Cargan, who came from the
slums to rule us with a rod Of iron.
Every one knows he Is corrupt; that
he Is wealthy through the sale Of priv
ilege; that there Is actually a fixed
schedule Of prices for favors in the
way of city ordinances. I have often
denounced him to my friends. Since
have met him-well. it Is remarkable.
Is It not, the effect Of personality on
ones opinions? I expected to face
devil, with the usual appurtenances.
Instead have found human, rather
likable man."
Mr.. Magee smiled over to where the
great bulk of Cargan slouched In a
chair.
Hes a bully old scout" he re-
marked.
Gwen So" replied the professor, Ibis
high handed career Of graft in Reuton
must come to a speedy close. he Is Of
type fast vanishing through the
awakening public conscience. And bis
career will end, assure you, despite
the fact that you. Mr.. Magee. have
seen at to send our evidence scurrying
through the night at the behest Of a
chit Of a girl. beg your pardon-1
shall continue. Young Drayton. the
new county prosecutor. was several
years back a favorite pupil Of mine.
After he left law school he fell under
the spell Of the picturesque mayor OF
Reuton. Cargan liked him and he rose
rapidly. Drayton had no thought Of
ever turning against his benefactor
wssn he accepted the first favors. but
later the open selling Of mems souls
began to disgust him. When Cargan
offered him the place Of prosecutor q
few months ago Drayton assured him
that he would keep his oath OF office.
ut was in me, remember" he went
on, that Drayton con6ded his resolve
to serve the public. was delighted
ut the news. A few weeks ago he in
formed me his first opportunity was
at hand. Through one Of the men In
his office he had learned that Hay
den of the Suburban Electric was seek
ing to consolidate that road, which
had fallen into partial disrepute under
his management during the illness OF
Thornhill, the president. with the CIV
ic. The consolidation would raise the
value of the Suburban nearly two mil
lion dollars-at the public's expense
Hayden had seen Cargan. Cargan
had drafted ordinance No. 45 and In
formed Hayden that his price for pass
ing It through the council would be
the sum you have juggled In your pos.
session on Baldpate mountain-$2OO.-
OOO."
"A mere trine." remarked Magee sar-
castically.
$50 Cargan made Hayden see.
Through long experience in these mat
ters the mayor has become careless.
He is the thing above the law, II not
the law itself. He would have had no
fear In accepting this money on Main
street at midday. He had no fear