The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-12-13

courage; that never make an at
tack where it costs me anything. I've
already proved that to be a lie My at
tack on Thatcher is likely to cost me
a good deal You may be sure he
won't scruple to make the bill as
heavy as he can. I'm talking to you
freely, and I'll say to you that I ex-
pect the better element Of the party to
rally to my support You see. I'm
going to give you ideaHsts a chance.
to do something that viii count.
Thatcher is not a foe to be despised.
Here's his reply TO my Stop. Look.
Lsten.' editorial. The sheriff served
1t on me just as I stepped into the ele-
ystor to come up here"
The papeS HARDWOOD took wonder
ingly was a writ citing Bassett to ap-
pear as defendant in a suit brought in
the Circuit Court Of Edward G..
Thatcher against the Courier Pub
fishing Company, Morton Bassett, and
Sarah Owen.
Bassett stretched himself at ease
In his chair and explained.
IT wanted a newspaper and he was
Indifferent about 1t at the time; but
we went in together. and he con-
scented that I should have a con-
trolling interest. AS I was tied UP
tight right then I had to get Mrs.
owen to help me out. It wasn't the
kind OF deal you want to hawk about
town, and neither Thatcher nor I
cared to have it known for a while
that we had bought the paper. But
it's hardly a secret now, Of course.
Mrs. Owen and together own one
hundred and fifty-one shares of the
total Of three hundred; Thatcher
owns the rest and he was satisfied
to let it go that way. He signed
the paper, and said he didn't want
anything but dividends"
Mrs. owens interest is subject to
your wishes, OF course; that goes
without saying"
We'll. 1 guaranteed per cent on
her investment. but we've made It
lately, easily. I've now got to devise
some means Of getting rid OF
Thatcher; but Wen let him cool till
won't be back for several weeks. 7
suppose2"
mo; she and Miss Garrison viii re-
turn Immediately after the com
mencement exercises"
We'll. Thatcher brought that suit.
thinking that II he could throw the
paper into a receivership he'd run up
the price when Il came to be sold and
shake me out. He knew. too. that #
would annoy Mrs. Owen to be in
volved in litigation. It's surprising
that he would incur her wrath him
self; she's always been mighty decent
10 Ed and kind to his boy. But III
have to buy her stock and let her
out; it's a delicate business. and for
Mrs. Bassett's sake I've got to get
her aunt out as quickly as possible"
That, Of course. viii be easily
managed. It's too bad she's away
Just now"
1T was the first time I ever asked
her help IN any Of my business affairs.
and it's unfortunate. The fact IS
that Mrs. Bassett doesn't know Of It."
He rose and crossed the room slow
ly with his hands thrust deep into his
trousers pockets.
l told you, Dan. when you opened
our office in the Boordman building
that II ever the time came when Won
didn't want to serve me any longer
you were to feel free to quit. I had
about decided to leave you out OF my
calculations IN politics; you have the
making OF a good lawyer and II you
opened an Office tomorrow you would
find clients without trouble You are
beginning to be known, very well
known for man Of your years.
Harwood demurred feebly. unheeded
by Bassett, who continued steadily.
You have your ideals-fine ideas
OF public service that admire. Our
party needs such men as you; the
young fellows couldn't get away from
us fast enough after 90; many Of the
sons Of Old-time Democrats Joined the
Republicans. Fitch has spoken to
me of you often rs the kind OF men
we ought to push forward, and I'm
willing to put you out on the firing
line. where you can work for your
ideals. Ny help VIII handicap you
at first, his voice grew dry and hard
here,-'but once you have got a start
you can shake me off as quick as you
like. It's q perfectly selfish PROPOSE
ton I'm making. Harwood; It simply
gets down to this. that I need youi
help"
"Of course. Mr.. Bassett: If I can
serve you in any way"
Anything you can do for me you
may do II you don't feel that you will
be debasing yourself in fighting under
my flag It's a black flag. they say
Just as black as Thatcher's I don't
believe you want to join Thatcher:
the question is, do you want to stick
to me"
Bassett had spoken quietly through
ont. He had made no effort to play
upon Harwood's sympathies or to ap-
peal to his gratitude. He was. In
common phrase, to be taken or let
alone. Harwood realized that he must
either decline outright or declare his
fealty in a word. It was in no view
a debatable matter; he could not sug-
gest points Of difference or even in
quire as to the nature OF the service
TO be exacted.
Here was his chance now to rid
himself Of Bassett; to breathe free air
again! On the other hand, Bassett
had himself suggested that Harwood.
ton. Kezzht go his own salt. His
Eervitude would be for a day only,
and by It he should win eternal free