The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1915-12-30

9
squalid, disease-breeding tenement Of
the East side feared it, and shrank at
its threatening boom. His real es-
tate holdings we're enormous and his
social influence correspondingly tre-
mendous, his wealth and swing Gre
ating Difference to his wishes in the
political world that amounted practi-
cally to unquestioning obedience.
He sat at breakfast, the morning
after Mason's sensational raid, and at
his buffers announcement of Sid
Dodge and Clarice Adair, allowed his
usually impassive face the luxury Of
an amazed expression at the personae
Of his early callers. Dodge and Clarice,
after a night in q cell, had been re-
leased on heavy bail, and had come
Immediately to ellison to apprise him
Of the raid and their arrest.
Leave this to me. You go about
your business; you'll hear from me
later" He told them.
ellison had engineered Bells cleo
ton and held the mans political des-
tiny in his check book. He knew that
any move from the district attorneys
onice had first to be sanctioned by
Bell, and was at a complete loss to
realize the motive that had prompted
this astounding break. He wasn't
aware that Bell was out of town and
found 1t impossible to reconcile Bells
usual obedient docllity with this dras-
tic action. He had descended the
front stoop of his magnificent home,
and was proceeding in the direction
of the district attorneys Office when
he was hailed by two men approach
ing from the opposite direction. He
recognized them as John Drake and
Albert Lesser, active members Of the
Commonwealth club, of which he was
an honorary member. He greeted them
in his usual effusive, solicitous boom
ing way, and stood for a moment ex-
changing with them the commonplace
courtesies Of the unintimate acquaint-
ance.
1--WE were just on our way to visit
yOu," Drake said. you've heard, of
course, of young Mason's highly COM
mendable raid on the gambling den?"
Eyes, indeed Splendid That young
man has a great future"-and then,
to himself-"behind him."
Eyes, he certainly justifies our con-
fidence in his ability as a fearless
executive. But read this" and he
handed ellison an unsealed letter. 1--WE
were just on our way to deliver this
to you at your home"
ellison took the letter, opened and
read it quickly
"My dear Mr. Gilson:" it read "You
have been selected chairman of a
committee to notify Assistant District
Attorney Mason that this club urges
his candidacy for the district attorney
ship. We believe that Mr.. Mason
should accept in the interest Of pub
lie welfare. Signed, A. c. Beane, Sec
retary of the Commonwealth club"
ellison finished reading and his face
betrayed for moment the trepida-
ton of his mind. He recovered quick
ly and spoke with well-feigned en-
thusiasm. Certainly. I shall be most
happy to inform Mr.. Mason. We can
go to his Office directly, if it is con-
venient to you"
1--WE shall be pleased" said Lesser,
and together they started for the dis
trict attorneys office. ellison was
highly disconnected, but allowed no
evidence of it to escape him. He was
the first to greet Mason.
1--WE feel honored, Mr.. Mason, that
we have the distinction of being the
first to congratulate you" He spoke
in his best public meeting voice. Il
won't go into lengthy explanation of
the object of our visit You may read
this. 1t will explain itself" He
handed Mason the letter.
Mason read it, his face registering
the keen pleasure it gave him. 81
thank you, gentlemen; thank you most
sincerely. l feel more honored than
I find it possible at this moment to
express"
"You accept them" said Lesser,
needlessly.
Accept! I shall be delighted"
Very we'll. If you will call at the
club tonight, we can discuss the many
details attendant on, your nomination.
Good morning"
They started to go, all but ellison,
who had heard Bells voice in the
outer office. Bell had been apprised
by one of the clerks of Mason's raid
as soon as he entered, and the voice
Gilson heard reflected adequately his
reception of the news. The succeed
ing information that Mason had been
offered the candidacy by the Com
monwealth club served to restrain his
expressed, if not his felt anger, and
he bowed coldly to Mason in the outer
office as the latter started eagerly for
the home of his sweetheart, Marion
Decker, to tell her and her mother of
his good fortune.
ellison approached Bell, and spoke
without the formality Of greeting
you have heard%
Eyes"
"Well?"
"Come into my Office. We have no
time to lose."
Together the honorary member of
the Commonwealth club, president Of
the Society for the Adjustment of
Child Labor, preceptor of Bible class
and his marionette politician entered
the district attorneys private Office to
discuss the most effective way of
assassinating a reputation incon-
venient to their highest" interests
And while Mason was at the home of
his sweetheart, telling her the good
news, and asking her to be his wife,