Gilpin observer., 1916-11-02


which consisted of few councilmen,
mostly Of the saloonkeeper class,
Maloney had instructed his partner,
Hank Parkins, that "the marquis" was
to be staged as a candidate. It was a
marked characteristic Of the man that
he worked mainly through his lieuten-
ant. Hence, Parkins was given the
credit Of making the proposition itself.
Maloney was only to approve of it
obviously at first, but with growing
enthusiasm.
eyes," agreed the big man, affecting
to debate the suggestion seriously.
Burton might be all right. He is
young, good looking, and fool enough
to believe what he says. He's popular
with the working people, and these
here fragettes-remember boys, we
mast keep an eye on them-will take
him to their maidenly bosoms at once.
And then, he Is as rich as sin, and
will come across with a big check
for campaign expenses"
Maloney touched a bell and young
woman entered. She was a delicate
girl, thin, pallid, and seemingly over
worked, but her cameolike features
and the lissome ease Of her movements
showed that under other conditions
she might be regarded as remarkably
good looking. She coughed as the
sitting, smOke-laden atmosphere of the
office reached her lungs.
He plunged at once into the business
in hand, and dictated the letter which
was to draw John Burton into the net.
"That'l do the trick" shouted the
"boss," Shaping fat knee gleefully.
ION you go now, boys, and make the
crowd wise to the new move. See you
blow in tomorrow about the same time.
Call me a Dutchman If Mr.. Goody-
goody Burton isn't here on the tick
to meet u.s."
Jane Carter had nearly finished typ
ing the letter when the door Of the
outer office opened, and her brother
came in. She did not seem very pleas
ed to see him, which was not alto
gether surprising, because Jim Carter,
though resembling his sister in some
respects, was as dissolute looking as
she was pretty. In him n deplorable
weakness of character had taken the
place of the girls charming femininity.
He began ut once to whine n COM
plant that he could never get a job
II deprived of n little money for his
everyday expenses. At last, to get rid
OF him. Jane took her purse out of
a drawer and handed over a couple Of
dollar bills.
'That's no use to me-" he grumbled.
II can blow in couple Of bucks in
an hour. treating fellows. It won't do
me bit Of good"
"None Of the men you treat are of
any use to you, jim" came the sad
protest.
what do you know about 1t, any
how7" he retorted.
mot much. perhaps, but I really
cannot spare you another cent. You
have left me barely sufficient to pay
the weeks expenses"
Jim shrugged his shoulders, lit
cigarette, and, seeing that his sister
meant what she said, went out.
Neither Of the two knew that Parkins
had stopped short when about to come
In from the inner office. He had heard
and was seemingly impressed by their
brief conversation.
Jane started slightly as the Junior
partner crept up behind her unexpect-
eddy.
THAT was your brother. wasn't 1t,
Miss Carter?" he inquired.
"Yes," she faltered, thinking it best
to be candid HE has not been at
work lately, and I have to help him
little. You see, a young man really
must have some money in his pocket"
Parkins, meaning to all appearance
only to be sympathetic. laid hand on
her arm.
"Send your brother to me tomorrow,
and I'll find him job" he said quietly.
The girl, who had shrunk from his
touch, now faced him impulsively and
began to stammer some words of
thanks.
"Oh, don't speak Of It," he said
genially. "I'll do more than that for
you when the chance Offers"
The following afternoon Jane was
anxious and miserable. She had not
seen her brother since the previous
day. had not given him Parkins' mes
sage and could not guess what had
become of him.
She was ut work In the Office when
John Burton entered.
He seemed to bring with him a
breath of wholesome air. His very
smile was tonic. And, to her graft
ficatlon, he recognized her. After n
slight start at her surprise he ad-
vanced to the stenographer's desk and
held out his hand.
IT didn't expect to meet you here,
Miss Carter" he said. II have been
wondering what became Of you and
your brother since your fathers death.
was sure you had left the city"
jane flushed, but did not lose her