The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-06
EOening Story
A Feminine Victory.
BY FREDERICK HART.

wen, MI Cutler, hardly know.
If 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-
suming; but there was something about
his manner that compelled a second
glance1 and that second glance showed
that his quiet manner really indicated
repressed power. His clean-cut mouth
and chin belonged to no weak char
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 man
as you are to fill it; but the people
aren't awake. Election is only two
weeks off, and they still cling to their
old tradition. Particularly in the Ninth.
1t looks bad
Charles Livingston nodded gIoomily.
His whole ambition conferred around
his election to the coveted post which
he sought; and not only his ambition
but his hearts desire was involved.
For Phyllis Cutler, the daughter of the
man who was now speaking in tones
of diScourag cement filled his heart as
He loved her, and was aware that she
returned the sentiment; but there was
no use speaking to her stern father
unless he could point to strong posi-
ton henerably won He must win that
electionI And yet without the all
important Ninth ward-the social cen
ter of the city-he was helpless.
And he had no social position. He
I had come from the country five years
before and by superhuman struggles
had made a success of law; in hiss
practice he had become acquainted
with Col Hubert Cutler, and thru him
had met Phyllis-met her and lost his
heart to her, all on the same evening
And now he was candidate for district
attorney in opposition to the machine!
1t was an honor; but what a disgrace
if 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
| thru the entrance hall he heard light
step behind him and a voice that he
knew and loved called softly:
yes, Phyl?" He allowed some of
his disbursement to creep into his
voice.
Charlie, I heard all that you and
daddy said. Is it so important to carry
the Ninth ward ?"
Its vital, dear, and if it isn't done
I won't be elected, and can't ask your
father for the thing I want so much"
The girl in the dim hallway kissed
him. Don't be discouraged, dear. If
daddy won't have you unless your re dis
trict attorney, why we'll just have to
make you district attorney, that's. all"
But, Phyli'-he smiled, in spite of
his disbursement, at her impulsive-
ness-'I can't get any influence in the
Ninth The machine. has prevented
your father-the only ione I know in
He's helpless, and so am I. I must
make the best fight that I know how
that's all any one can do"
Charlie, dear, don't be discouraged.
It'll all come right-just you waitI"
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 per-
sonality assured him an even break
turnout the city except in the fatal
Ninth ward. There there would be
! just enough against him to swing the
election to his opponent. He went
thru the work Preceding the momen-
teus day mechanically, and when cleo
ton day itself came round he set him
self to watch the returns with stoical
resignation.
He was in his office at 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 comes the Ninth, chief" he
cried in a shaking voice.
| here S,OaS plII- raT11fed
Livingston. But even as the words
were on his lips, the secretary uttered
cry of triumph. "Chief! Chief You
carried the Ninth by 1900! We win!
We wini"
The shock of the unexpected words
threw Livingston off his mental bal
ance for an instant. When he recoV-
cred himself he heard wild footsteps
on the stairs and a great shouting in
the streets. The city was celebrating
his election and his friends were rush
ing to congratulate him. He had won!
| Very late that night, when the last
well-wisher had retired and the last
rocket had sputtered and died, Living
| ston went into the room where he had
before consulted with Colonel Cutler.
He had come to the Cutler house to
receive his friends, as the colonel had
invited him, as his own office was too
small. Now that his battle was over
he wanted his reward.
| wei, my poy, don't see any op-
lection If Phyllis doesn't said the
colonel. you won your victory and
you deserve her. To tell you the
truth. I didn't think you'd do it, for
the Ninth seemed dead against US. I
couldn't stir to help you. I'd give
something to know what swung it your
way"
| Into the room there burst Phyllis
laughing. happy Phyllis.
| "Oh, daddy, 1 was listening again.
I'm so glad you want Charles as much
as I do. And I'm so happy And
listen" She drew the two men conf
| dentialIy to her. 81 carried the Ninth
myself"
what? Colonel Cutler could
hardly believe his ears
Yes, I did. You men were help
less=I knew that-but don't forget
THAT we women have votes and fnFiu-