The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1918-09-26
The Widows
Choice
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Byl ". z. BEIDEN

vaded the little knots Of men at the
street corners. There was a rumor
abroad that for the first time in twelve
years the Thlrteenth ward would go
Democratic. and II wHs the night be-
fore election
Strange men had been seen for
more than a week buttonholing the
leaders. and II was a weli-known fact
that IL had been the strong person
aliiy Of "the Old Man." as he was af-
fecfionaiely called. that had held the
ward for the Republicans. When he
absolutely refused denomination for
congress. and Barney Mulcahey's
name was put up. there were signs
OF a change Of party.
The first caller at the Widow
Flynn's saloon tina; night was Pat
Murphy. As he sidled up TO the bar
the temptation was too great He
kissed the widow on the cheek. The
widow bridied up and souHdly boxed
his ear.
Take that" she cried. "for an I'm
pIdent rascal. and Mike not a year
deadl-
Sure now. Peggy" he protested.
"you know I'm only waiting for de-
ceney's sake. or I'D asked you at the
funeral. I've waited now ten years,
and it's long time. Mike was a
friend of mine. but ] always be-
grudged him wan thing. and you know
what that was"
Hush your nonsense" she said. Il
have work 10 do this night, aud no
time for foolin'."
IT'S no foolin' to me-" he NUT
tered.
They tell me-" continued the
widow that the Thlrteenth's goln'
Dimmycrafic. That's a folne way Of
standib' by the Old Man I don't
fhiDl. What do they know Of the
Dimmycratf l know him. lived In
his family as second gurri for two
years. There's where you see a man.
and. Pat Murphy. II he riprisinted the
party OF the ould sultan himself I
wouldn't vote for him. Now, listen
TO me. do you work this night for
Barney Mulchahey for mlmber of
congress. and II he carries the ward
Republican. maybe-now, mind you
say maybe-Ill listen 10 your non
sense. None o. that. now'-as he
leaned towards her. "And another
fhlDg-I may keep saloon. but II
you touch drop Of whisky don't
come near the. dye heart ! name II.
The city hall bell struck one. there
was clntter In the engIne house near
by. and at the stroke Of eight, as the
horses settled themselves back In
their stalls, the crowd began to move
towards the widows saloon. For she
was pretty and popular, and ell o.
Mixes old friends felt certain re
sponsibillty when he was taken 81
suddenly that hot July day.
Old Pat Reddy was speaking al
they came In. ITS time we changed
byes. We'd have voted for the OIL,
Man as long as he'd run. Where't
our pinslons been II he hndn't looked
out for thin? But now he's out wee
better 20 back to the old party"
EYES," called the widow: ''it's I
pity. the Old Man ever let go his hol
on ye." She drew glass after glns
OF beer and wiped of the counter witt
fresh towel. mo one of you mel
could fool hlm-he read you ever.
time; but let woman 90 TO him witt
the words hunger and cold In he
mouth. and his hand was In his poke
and hulf u ton OF coal In her hall
way while other men would be ask
Ing her name. and showing her tn,
way Of the 'Sassiety.' | suppose you
fine new Dlmmycrat. Mr.. Monroe. vii
look after us all, too. Well let m
tell you. you'll get left. know hin
well. and whln he goes to Washin'toi
he goes for the Honorable Peter Mon
roe. oh, it's lucky you have your pin
sions. for II 'ud be singln ye woul'
be for thin II you dlplnded upon hin,
tell you. you'd better pin your faitl
TO Barney Mulcahey, and I'd like I,
cast eyes on the jay what's tried 4
queer him In the ward. All, ha,
thought so." she said, as a weil-dresse'
young llishman quietly slid out OF tn
door.
..Pat Murphy" she called. "Folloy
that fool Flanagan, and don't let hin
out o. your sight the night. II he be
gins to talk Monroe muzzle him."
Murphy looked longlngly at tn
flushed face of the widow, and whls
pered over the bar: did you man
what you said the now?"
TRY me and see," she laughed
"rhey say" growed the widow