The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-08-25
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
The Cad.
sy VINCENT c. PERRY.
(copyrighI, 1918, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.J

Newspaper syndicate.)
\ AKEVIEW was Just neaJ enough
10 the city TO be caught IN the
~ whirl OF election excitement.
From her little home on the hill Le-
more could see the villagers stopping
here and there TO enter into contro-
vefsy or exchange good wishes for a
nfitual choice. 1t was grand 70 be
the ffaneee of the future district at
torney! The thought thrilled Lenore
TO her finger tips.
Away in the city she knew Charles
Floggart. the man OF her choice, was
working as he had never worked be-
fore-working for the good OF the
community, for her and the ideals he
held dear. II they all knew Charles
as she knew him, he would not lose a
cote, she felt sure OF 1t. From the very
day she had entered his office as stem
ographer, she had learned TO respect
him, and now loved was mingled with
that respect.
He had insisted that she take rest
the last month OF his campaign, as
they had planned to be married soon
after the election. Now she wished
she had insisted upon staying by his
side to see the fight to the finish.
A special Sunday supplement lay
open at her side. There in large
four column cut was picture Of
Charles with the governors daughter
by his side. Candidate for District
Attorneyship and His Most Enthu-
siastic Campaigner," 1t was headed.
Lerore knew that no one could be
more enthusiastic campaigner for
frho r1aa than Shn had haAn. httt S6a
was not Jealous of the governors
In the campaign-part Of big game.
Up the hill she could see messen-
ger boy vending his way. With that
strange instinct which messenger boys
usually arouse, she scented at once
that he was carrying message for
her. Sure enough he was - from
Charles. She opened the note with
tefvent haste almost before she had
signed for 1t. 1t had been dashed off
in hurry. she could tell by the shaky
open letters that distinguished Charles
penmanship.
Dear Lenore:
Il cannot let you come down to
meet me tonight after the returns,
for have confession to make:
love someone else, dear. She
will be at my side tonight. The
governors daughter has promised
to become my wife as soon as you
will set me free from my promise.
1t is to your influence I owe my
success today. Lenore. but know
you will not stand in my Light, and
will forgive me. Believe me to be
always, Your friend,
CHARLES"
Poor Lenore sank to chair hardly
able to believe what she read. Surely
she had read 1t wrong. But nc! Even
through the tears she could read the
same hard, cruel words. Her head
swan diszily, everything went black
and she felt herself slipping.
"Lenore, open your eyes, speak to
me. 1t is JIMMY"
1t was some minutes later when
these words brought Lenore to her
senses. Before she opened her eyes
she could feel mans arm tight
around her and her head resting upon
bis shoulder. Jimmy! After ali those
monthsi
1t felt good to have some one there
some one who would understand. On
Jimmy's shoulder she wept out the
whole story. Jimmy took the letter
and read it for himself
"The cad!" he Missed. The dirty,
Loathsome cad!"
THE cad!" Lenore felt herself re-
seating. The cruel cad!"
$50 she will be at his side tonight,
will she?' Jimmy cried. ITO see him
proclaimed district attorney! Not by
lugful. 1t isn't too late to lose the
slection yet. He has reckoned without
Jimmy Davis, of the Star" This let
ter on a front page extra will cook his
goose. Jilts woman who has made
aim what he is for governors wealthy
1eiress.' A full sweep heading like
that will sway the crowd away from
aim as II cyclone had struck them"
Not that, Jimmy, not that!" Lenore
had risen and put a restraining hand
sn his shoulder. Charles must not
iose the election. 1t is his right 10
choose his own wife, will not COM
plain"
What? Do you think would let
aim get away with this? He is turn
ing down the girl he won from me, the
Nweetest little girl in the world, one
Would die for"
IF YOU think that much of me,
Jimmy you will destroy that letter
md forget that you have seen it"
Jimmys Lip curled with derision.
won't do that. / will publish it In
Me Star" 1t will be on the press IN
half an hour. You can't see it that
Eay now, dear, but in few weeks
lime 5ou win thank me for exposing
his cad"
you must not publish it. won't
Permit It'll" Lenore faced him with
flushed cheeks, determination shining
h,om her eyes.
You can't stop me-" Jimmy was
nst as determined battle was shining
b his eyes. In vain did Lenore threats
IN and plead.
HE has been cad! He deserves to
ke defeated, you will have to admit
IT, Jimmy cried as he saw himself
triumphing.
Z. A new light came suddenly into
IGNORES eyes. He will be defeated"
Ihe cried. u will take you to the
Star" in my car, so you will be sure
10 get there in time for an extra, d
VIII be ready in minute"
It was just minute later when
Jimmy sat beside her in her roadster.