Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1921-12-01
A Feminine
Victory
By HART.

swell, Mr.. Cutler, / hardly know.
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
mar who would, at first glance, be
passed as rather ordinary and unas-
suming; 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 chin belonged to no
weak character. His companion was
a man many years his senior; a fine
looking mar of fifty, with a white
mustaehe 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. It looks bad"
Charles Livingston nodded gloomily.
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 Encouragement, filed his heart as
his political ambition did his mind. 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 a strong posi-
ton honorably 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
machine! 1t vas 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
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.
"Charlle, I heard all that you and
daddy said. Is it so important to carry
the Ninth wardT"
"It's vital, dear, and if it isn't done
! 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 you're
district attorney, why we'll just have
to make you district attorney, that's
ALL"
"But, Phylp'-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 I know il
that ward-from using his influence
He's helpless, and so am I. I mus
make the best fight that I know how
that's all anyone can do"
Charlie, dear, don't be discouraged
It'll all come right-just you wait !
And with these words and a partin:
kiss she was gone.
But as election time approached
Charles Livingston was forced to con
fess to himself that all was coming ia
from right. His standing and person
atty assured him an even breal
throughout the city except in the fata
Ninth ward. There there would be jus
enough against him to swing the cleo
tion to his opponent. He went througI
the work preceding the momentous da,
mechanically, and when election da
itself came round he set himself t
watch the returns with stoical resis
nation.
He was in his Office at 9 that nigh
having eaten nothing since breakfas
His faithful secretary and a few friend
were with him. Most of the return
We're in, and the results showed wha
everybody knew-that the Ninth woul
swing the balance one way or tn
other. His secretary turned to answe
the telephone.
Here comes the Ninth, chiefi" h
cried in a shaking voice.
"And here goes our chance" reptile
Livingston. But even as the WORD
were on his lips, the secretary uttere
d cry of triumph. "Chiefl Chief
You carried the Ninth by 1900! "
winl We win"
The shock Of the unexpected wore
threw Livingston off his mental ba
ance for an instant. When he reco
cred himself he heard wild footstel
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