The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-05-18

Why" demanded Sledge They
only ride"
And pay" amended Allerton. We
talked this over before at Waver's
house and at your office. l think
called attention to the fact that the
people were beginning to expect con-
siIeration for such valuable property
as franchises
They expect private car for
nickel" claimed Sledge. I'VE need
franchise legislation"
Its dangerous thing to tackle"
objected Allerton. The voters are be-
ginning to have ideas about such
things"
That's why we have to work quick"
Sledge Informed him.
What do you want?" asked Allerton.
Fifty year franchises-free."
Good IIord!' exclaimed Allerton.
WHY, Sledse, the man who would pro-
pose that might just as we'll retire from
politics forever"
"Sure!" agreed Sledge.
The senator stopped. with a shock,
and reflected.
The street car interests in the state
are large, that's fact" be acknowl-
edged.
Great game" approved Sledge. Il
want stock all over the state. You'd
better invest"
1T might be attractive" considered
the senator How much stock do you
think should secure!'
| Million"
| Even the seasoned senator, used as
he was to private and personal discus
sions involving comfortable figures,
was startled at the sound of that word.
That listens very scheerfully,' he
conceded. DO you suggest that I-buy
up-that amount of stock for myself in
the varioas street earcompanies of the
state Or that myself and friends should
club together for that amount?"
Hundred thousand extra for them.
responded Sledge with the promptness
Of man who has done all his figuring
beforehand
Allerton spent some minutes in quiet
thought.
There's the legal business. too. u
Sledge reminded him.
That's So" agreed AlIerton. IAN at
torney who is also large stockholdel
could control that clientage. Suppose
see Buckley about this? Send him IN
will you?"
Approaching the convenience Of hav
|
which so intimately concern the serv
ing Of the public, Sledge loafed ou
! and stood nonchalantly over the table
The five men looked up at him keeniy
but Sledge was staring into Cap Dig
glesby's hand. Buckley finished hi
deal and glanced up again. He imme
diately arose.
! Take my hand. will you. Sledge?
, be begged. and he removed Sledge'
stein from the sideboard to the table.
, Sledge sat down and fingered Buck
J Iey's chips while he drank at his beei
) Hope you break him." observed Cal
vim T. Luther as he presently dealt til
cards. ''Buckley's too all fired lucky
! and think he plays crooked myself"
S House committeer yelled Franchis
Walters. That's unclublike language.
! Sledse looked at his cards and put
chips and drew and bet with the air G
, Il man who is confirmed in the opinio
b that the general average will get
square player in the end, no matte
r how be guards himself. and, since NJ
caring whether he won or lost Rucl
y ey's chips. he bet the same on a f1us
us he did Oh pair of deuces. He ha
= increased Buckleys s stack slightly whe
tt that gentleman returned. SIedge We
about to rise. but Buckley sat in ALE
toms place instead.
. Keep your seat. Sledge." he obser
ed as he nodded to Cap Digglesb
Sledge's bitterest and most relentle!
foe Oh the floor of the house Of repr
sentativcs.
Yes, keep it five handed" urge
Digglesby. Il want to stretch my lei
IL few minutes, and four handt
g poker game is about rs exciting as
q prayer meeting
: Diggtesby walked around the roo
~ two or three times and looked at Il
i patriotic pictures with which the wa
& were plentifuIly decorated for the be
=, eft of Buckley's earnest constituent
IA then he sauntered into the hall al
stretched his legs into the next roo
where the senator. in deep thoug
awaited him.
Digg1esby returned to the pos
game by and by. and as be sat doy
smiled cheerfuily at Buckley. Buckle
who had been playing casino, seven
he and pinochle with his poker cards a
of making q mad havoc in Allerto1
zee chips in consequence, immediate
ire drew pair to his tripiets and "bet
ur head off, with keen Zest.
Digglesby gave no sign or glance
/ Sledge. but nevertheless. after
). other deal. Sledge arose stolidly fr
the table. and. without making a
Z bones about it. walked directly II
the bedroom Allerton was ioungI