, 1921-10-27

80
If 1 can carry the Ninth I'll be all
right"
Charlie, that's a big contract"
The man addressed as Charlie looked
gloomily at the fire. He was a young
man who would, at first glance, be
passed as rather ordinary and unas-
Stunning; but there was something
about his manner that compelled a
second glance and that second glance
showed that his quiet manner really
indicated repressed power. His clean
cut mouth and hin belonged to no
weak character. His companion was
a man many years his senior; a fine
looking man Of fifty, with a white
mustache and imperial.
Charlie" continued Mr.. Cutler
thoughtfully, 1--WE set my heart on
having you elected district attorney.
It's a post that needs just such a man
as you are to fill it; but the people
aren't awake. Elections only two
weeks off, and they still cling to their
old traditions. Particularly in the
Ninth. 1t looks bad"
Charles Livingston nodded gloomily.
AIS NAChC dAohAt
his election to the coveted post which
he sought and not only his ambition
but his hearts desire was involved.
Fol Phyllis Cutler, the daughter Of the
man who was now speaking in one
Of encouragement, filled his heart as
his political ambition did his mind. He
loved her, and vas aware that she
returned the sentiment but there was
no use speaking to her stern father
unless he could point to a strong posi-
ton honorably won. He must win that
election And yet without the all-im-
portant Ninth ward-the social center
of the city-he was helpless.
And he had no social position. He
had come from the country five years
before and by superhuman struggles
had made a success Of law; In his
practice he had become acquainted
with Col. Hubert Cutler, and through
him hat met Phyllis-met her and lost
his heart to her, all on the same eve
ming. And now he was candidate for
district attorney In opposition to the
machinel 1t was an honor; but what
a disgrace II he losti And he needed
the Ninth to win. Colonel Cutler had
already confessed his inability to swing
that deciding ward
The two men sat In silence. Then
Livingston rose and babe the colonel
goodnight. AS he was passing out
through the entrance hall he heard a
light step behind him and a voice that
he knew and loved called softly:
Charlie ~
Eyes, Phyl?' He allowed some of
his encouragement to creep into his
voice.
Charlie, l heard all that you and
daddy said. Is 1t so important to carry
the Ninth wardf"
ITS vital, dear, and IL 1t isn't done
| won't be elected, n 1 can't ask your
father for the thing l want so much"
The girl in the dim hallway kissed
him. Don't be discouraged, dear. If
daddy won't have you unless you're
district attorney, why wen just have
to make o district attorney, that's
ALL"
"But, Phyl l"-he smiled, in spite of
his encouragement, at her impulsIve-
ness-"I can't get any influence In the
Ninth. The machine has prevented
your father-the only one | know in
that ward-from using his influence.
He's helpless, and so am l. / must
make the best fight that l know how
That's all anyone can do"
Charlie, dear, don't be discouraged.
It'll all come right-just you wait 7"
And with these words and a parting
kiss she was gone.
But as election time approached
Charles Livingston was forced to con-
fess to himself that all was coming far
from right. His standing and person
ality assured him an even break
throughout the city except in the fatal
Ninth ward. There there would be Just
enough against him to swing the cleo
ton to his opponent. He went through
the work preceding the momentous day
mechanically. and when election day
Itself came roun he set himself to
watch the returns with stoical reslg-
nation.
He was In his Office at o that night,
having eaten nothing since breakfast.
His faithful secretary and a few friends
were with him. Most of the returns
were In. and the results showed what
everybody knew-that the Ninth would
swing the balance one way or the
other. His secretary turned to answer
the telephone.
Here m the Ninth. chIefi" he
cried In "A shaking voice.
"And here goes our chance" replied
Livingston. But even as the words
were on his lips, the secretary uttered
n cry OF triumph. "ChIefi Chief
You carried the Ninth by 1901 We
win We win !"
The shock OF the unexpected words
threw Livingston on his mental bal
ance for an instant When he recov-
cred himself he heard wild footsteps