The Monticellonian., 1916-05-18
Average )MeS HSaInllel Hopkinc AdanNy
GheOlE BEST BET

MOIIlSOH HdS ldHueu lne peTSOnai liberty bill through said Waldemar. scrawling a head on his completed editorial with one eye on the clock, which pointed to midnight.
 That was to be expected, wasn't t?" asked Average Jones.
 .0h. yes,'' replied the editor-owner of the Universal in his heavy bass And now the governor announces @ will veto it.
 Thereby bringing the whole power of the gambling ring down on him like an avalanche"
 Naturally. Morrison has declared open war against 'Pharisee Phil as he calls Governor Arthur. Says he'll pass the bill over his veto. In his heart he knows he cant do it. Still, he's hard fighter"
 Average Jones tipped his chair back against the wall of the editorial sane- tum. What do you suppose" he in- quired with an air of philosophic spec ulation, that the devil will do with Carroll Morrison's soul when he gets it? Deodorize it"
 Harsh words, young sir Harsh words and reasonable against one of our leading citizens; multimillionaire philanthropist, social leader, director of banks, insurance companies and railroads. an emperor of the race track, the sport of kings"
 Man to see MT. Waldemar," said an office boy appearing at the door,
 Too late" grunted the editor.
 He says it's very particular. sir, and to tell you it's something MT. Nor rison is interested in
 Morrison, eh? All right Just step into the inner office, will you, Jones? Leave the door open. There might be something interesting"
 Hardly had Average Jones found a chair in the darkened office when the late caller appeared. He was middle aged. pursy. and dressed with slap-dash ostentation. He slumped into the wait ing chair and mouthed mutely at the editor.
 "Well?" the bulletlike snap of the Interrogation stung the man into bab- bling speech.
 s like this, Misser Wald'mar. s like this. Y-y-yuh see, s like this. Fer Gawsake, kill out an ad for mel"
 What? In tomorrow's paper? Non- sensel You're too late, even if l wished to do it."
 The visitor stood up and dug both hands into his side pockets. He pro dIJCaH fret hinnarIur x.,kf .snarl, he flung upon the floor. Before It had stopped pumping. there fluttered down upon the seat of his chair a handful of greenbacks. Another fol- lowed, and another, and another. The bills toppled and spread, and some of them slid to the floor Still the man delyed.
 There," he panted at last Money talks. There's the stuff Count it. Eighteen hundred If there's a dollar. More likely two thou If that ain't enough, make your own price I don't care what it is. Make it, Misser. Put price on it"
 There was something loathsome and obscene in the creatures gibbering Aux of words The editor leaned forward.
 Bribery. eh?" he inquired softly.
 The man flinched from the tone. Tt aint bribery, is it, to ast you to rout out jus one line from an ad an pay you for the trouble. My own ad. too. If it runs. it's my finish. was nutty when l wrote it. For Gawsake. Misser-"
 Stop it, You say Morrison sent you here9"
 No, sir. Not exac'ly s like this. Misser Wald'ma hadda get to you some way. It's important to Misser Morrison, too. But he don't know I come. He don't know nothing about il. Oh, Cav, If he finds out"
 Put that money back in your pocketsi'
 With an ashen face of despair, the man obeyed. As he finished he began to sag at the joints Slowly he slack ened down until he was on lis knees. an abject spectacle of disgust.
 Stand up. ordered Waldemar.
 Lissn; liss'n t me. 'moaned the man. I'll make It three thousand. Fi' thou"
 Stand up!"
 The editors hearty grip on his coat collar heayed the creature to his feet. For moment he struggled. panting. then spun, helpless and headlong from the room. striking heavily against the passage wall outside. There was a half-ehoked groan. then his footsteps slumped away into silence.
 Ugh" grunted Waldemar. Come back, Jones'"
 Average Jones re-entered. Have you no curiosity in your composition 2" he asked.
 Not much-having been reared in the newspaper business"
 Stopping. Average Jones picked up the glasses which the man had thrown on the floor and examined them care fully. Rather fine instrument. he observed. Marked N K. I think I'll follow up the owner"
 In 15 minutes Average Jones was back. There was curious expression on his face as he nodded an assent to his friends inouirine eyebrows.
 "Where?" asked Waldemar.
 On the floor of Park Row sa- loon.''
 Dead drunk. eh?"
 No-er; not-er-drunk. Dead"