The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1921-11-04
A Feminine
Victory
BY HART.

What do YOU think Of your
%ciances?"
We'll, Mr.. Cutler. | hardly know.
Il / can carry the Ninth I'll be all
right"
Charlie, that's a big contractG'
The mar 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-
suming hut 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 month and chin 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. I've sci my heart on
having you elected district attorney.
It's a post that needs just such a man
as you are to An it; but the people
aren't awake. Elections only two
weeks oil, and they still cling to their
old traditions. Particularly IN the
Ninth. 1t looks had"
Charles Livingston nodded gloomily.
HIS Whol ambition centered around
his election 10 the coveted post which
he sought; and not only his ambition
hut his hearts desire was involved.
For Phyllis Cutler, the daughter Of the
man who was now speaking In tones
Of Encouragement, filled his heart as
his political ambition did his mind. He
loved her, and was aware that she
returned the sentiment but there was
nc use speaking to her stern father
unless he could point to a strong posi-.
ton hOnOrably won. lie must win that
electionl And yet without the all-lm-
portant Ninth ward-the social center
of the clty-he was helpless.
And he had no social position. He
had come from the country Ave 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
machine II was an honor; but what
a disgrace II he lost! 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 han he heard q
light step behind him and q voice that
he knew and loved called softly:
Charlie :"
"Yes, Phyli" lie allowed some Of
his Encouragement 10 creep into his
voice.
Charlie, heard all that you and
daddy said. Is It so important to carry
the Ninth ward?'
IT'S vital, dear. and il 1t isn't done
wont be elected. and | can't ask your
father for the thing | want so much.'
The girl in the dim hallway kissed
him Don't be discouraged, dear. II
daddy won't have you unless you're
district attorney, why wen just have
20 make you district attorney, that's
sH.~
iIf Phyir-he smiled. in spite of
BIS discOurs cement, at her impulsive-
rI can't get any Influence in the
Nat The machine has prevented
g9ar lafher-the only one ! know in
that wsrd-from using his influence.
Tics helpless, and SO am l.. I must
make lie best fight that I know how
rhats all anyone can do
Charlie dear. don't he discouraged.
It'll an rome right-iust you watt"
ard Win these words and a parting
Kiss she was gone
But a. election time approached
Charles Livingston was forced to con
frss 70 himself thar all WAS coming far
from right His standing and person.
allty assured him an even break
throughout the city except In the fatal
Ninth ward There there would he lust
enough against him to swing the cleo
ton 20 his opponent He vent through
the work preceding the momentous day
mechanically and Fhen election day
Itself came round b. set himself to
watch the returns win xtolcal resig-
nation.
He vas Ia bis Onice at . Ina night.
having eaten nothing since breakfast.
His faithful secretary snd a few friends
were with him. Most OF the returns
were In. aud the results showed what
everybody knew-that the Ninth would.
swing the balance one way or the
other. His secretary turned 10 answer
the telephone
Here comes the Ninth, chief" he
cried in a shaking voice.
"And here goes u chance renlied
Livingston. But even as the words
were on his lips, the secretary uttered
a cry Of triumph. Chief Chief
You carried the Ninth by l,SO0l We
VIM We VIM
The shock OF the unexpected words
threw Livingston of his mental bal.
Rnce for an instant. When he recoy,
Il nrnl hllnnnlf hn hnnrd ma r