Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1917-08-30
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: THE OTHER DOOR 5
mBy ARcHEY CAMERON NEW. IA
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| late afternoon air III the OmceS or the
citizens reform committee was only
an indication of the busy activity of
the party leaders rushing hither and
thither, preparing the last details for
their convention that evening The tele-
phone bell rang, and Robert Stanton,
scheduled for states attorney, snatched
the receiver from the hook.
'Ts that you, Bob?" came tremu-
lous girlish voice over the wire. The
soft glow Of love stole over his face
as he answered, eyes, dear"
ooh, Bob" came in an excited whis-
per, something's wrong. I can't tell
you over the phone. But come up here
at once. It's VITAL" she urged. He was
about to protest that pressure of work
prevented, but a click Informed him
that she had rung off. Anita's father
was one of the leaders of the party,
and she knew Of the impending con-
vention. It must be important. He
hurriedly took up his hat and rushed
into the outer office.
"Where's JerryY' he demanded of
clerk.
The clerk, knowing we'll the bad feel
ing between Bob and Jerry Chapman,
one Of the few "practicar politicians
in their movement, hesitated before
replying, then vouchsafed the informa-
ton that he had been seen in the COM
pany of a woman at the Birmingham
grill few minutes before Bob grunt-
ed and rushed for his car. Ten min
utes later he faced Anita in her home.
"Bob," she painted. "Chipman
'phoned to father about an hour ago.
Said he had some awful news about
you and a girl. Father told him to
come right up. Bob, it's that silly Cat
terton affair. What's to be done?"
"Why, that's absurd" he cried, an
grily. "Your father would understand.
You know there was nothing in that
yarn"
eyes," she assented hastily, with
touch Of pride. 81 know you were
right. But it's scandal, Bob, and you
know fathers attitude. And you
wouldn't have time to explain before
the convention. 1t will cost you the
nomination" She broke into tears.
ooh, it's dreadful. We must see him
and keep him from father"
Deeply worried, he remained silent
for moment. He let his glance stray
around the room, then started sud-
denly.
81 have it !' he cried, exultantly.
''There are two front doors to this
house, one leading in here and one to
your fathers office. I'll go to your
father and stay with him until he's
ready to leave for the convention, then
I'll get him out quietly. Meanwhile
you stay in the Office. When Chapman
calls receive him in the office and tell
him Doctor Young wants him to wait
until he gets back. Then hold him
there with talk until I phone from the
convention. AS soon as the papers get
the information all will be WE'LL"
II knew you'd know a way" she de-
clared.
Robert joined Doctor Young in his
study, and together they had it out.
DOU CAp1d1ucu
toward him and suggested that Chip
mans message was only some way of
getting even.
Meanwhile Anita took up loves vigil
in the Office and Chapman was not long
in appearing. mastering all the cour-
into the Office and explained that her
father had to go out on a case, and
asked him to wait. Meanwhile, she as
sured him, she would entertain him.
But, with thoughts of his revenge
and Of the approaching convention in
his mind, he was entirely unresponsive
to her incessant train Of small talk.
II must be going" he finally an
nounced, as his watch showed nine
o'clock. 'I'll be late for the conven-
ton. What's keeping your old man,
anyhow"
Summoning her sweetest smile and
her most ingratiating manner into play,
she persuaded him to resume his seat.
Then the phone rang. Her fathers
voice from the convention hall inquired
if Chapman had shown up yet.
"No," she answered, mot yet" Then
noting his sudden look of suspicion,
she added softly, with her hand shad-
ing the mouthpiece, "but I'll have that
book for you next week Lucy An
other hour passed. The phone rang
violently and she sprang to it.
"It's all right, Anita" came the ring
ing voice over the phone. "Pll be the
next states attorney. I'm coming right
up
Goods" she cried, with a deep
breath Of relief. give kept him."
"Look here, young woman" he bel
lowed, his nostrils dilated, shave you
been stringing me?"
The door from the hall opened and
strong hand seized Chapman and sent
him sprawling across the office.
"Just in time, darling" Whispered
Bob, catching her in his arms.
And as Chapman skunk from the
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