Dresden enterprise and Sharon tribune. (Dresden, Tenn.) 1907-1997, 1915-09-03

! IN tDdL part OF It's study relaLlng 10 the
Prophets; his tenants in many a
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 ire
mendous, his wealth and swing Gre
ating a 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 impressive face the luxury of
an amazed expression at the personae
of his early callers, Dodge and Clarice,
after night In cell, had been re-
leased on heavy bail, and had come
Immediately to Gibson 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
Office 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 it impossible to reconcile Bells
usual obedient docility 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 ELUSIVE, solicitous boom
ing way, and stood for 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 great future"-and then,
to himself-"behind him"
Eyes, he certainly justif1es 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. G. Beane, sec
rotary of the Commonwealth club"
ellison finished reading and his face
betrayed for a moment the trepida-
ton of his mind. He recovered quick
ly and spoke with well-feigned en-
thusiasm. Certainly. l shall be most
happy to inform Mr.. Mason. We can
go to his Office directly, IL 1t is con-
venient to you" '''''~'~t '7'"~
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. ..a4s,essr's
"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. II
won't go into lengthy explanation of
the object of our visit. You may read
this. It will explain ITSELF" He
handed Mason the letter. '.,~~
Mason read It, his face registering
the keen pleasure it gave him. II
thank you, gentlemen; thank you most
sincerely. / feel more honored than
find 1t possible at this moment to
express"
"You accept thenT said Lesser,
needlessly.
Accept! shall be delighted"
Every 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 appraised
by one of the clerks Of Mason's raid
as soon as he entered, and the voice
Gibson 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?"