The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-11-24

cept the brewery"
Mr.. Pettit's eyes opened wide, and
then closed; again he was mirth-
shaken; II seemed that the idea of
linking Morton Bassett's name with
the manufacture of malt liquor was
the most stupendous joke possible.
The EDITORS face did not change ex-
preston; the internal disturbances
were not more violent this time, but
they continued longer; when the
strange spasm had passed he dug
fat fist into a fearful right eye and
was calm.
'Oh, my God" he blurted hUskily.
"Breweries? Let US say that he nei-
Their makes nor consumes malt, vinous
nor spirituous liquor, within the mean
inf of the statutes in such cases
made and provided. He and Ed
Thatcher make a strong team. Ed
started out as a brewer, but there's
nothing wrong about that, reckon.
Over in England they make lords and
dukes Of brewers"
"a man OF rectitude- enshrined in
the hearts of his fellow-citizens-
popular and all that?" suggested Har-
wood
Yes Mort rather retains his heat,
I guess. Some say he's cold as ice.
His ice is the kind that freezes to
what he likes. Morris a gentleman II
We have one in Fraser County If
you think you're chasin' one OF these
blue jeans politicians you read about
I'm comic papers you're hitting the
wrong trail, son. Good Lord. boy, if
YOU can say these other fellows In
Indiana politics have brains, you got
to say that Mort Bassett has intellect.
Which is different, son; dern sight
different
II shall be glad to use the word in
nv sketch of Mr.. Bassett." remarked
Dan dryly. 1T will lend variety to
the series"
Harwood thanked the editor for his
courtesy and walked to the door.
Strange creakings from the editorial
chair caused him to turn The Hon
orable Isaac Petit was in the throes
cf another CONFUSION. The attack
seemed more severe than its prede-
cessors. Dan waited for him 20 in
woke deity with the asthmatic Wheel
ness to which mirth reduced his vocal
apparatus.
ITS nothin', son; it's nothin'. It's
nv temperament; I can't help It. Did
YOU say you were from the Courier?
Well, you better give Mort good
send-off. He appreciates a good Job;
he's a sort o. literary cuss himself
Harwood's instructions were in ev-
cry case to take the subjects of his
sketches at their own valuation and
to set them forth sympathetically
The ambitions Of most Of the gentle
men he had interviewed had been OBJ
vious-obvious and futile. Nearly ev-
erv man who reached the Legislature
felt a higher call to Congress or the
Governors chair. HARDWOOD had al
ready described in the Courier the at
tainments Of several statesmen who
were willing to sacrifice their private
interests for the high seat at the State
capitoI. The pettiness and sordidness
Of most Of the politicians he met
struck him humorously, but the tone
Of his articles was uniformly lauda-
tory.
When the iron gate clicked behind
him at the Bassett residence, his note
book was still barren of such anec-
dotes of his subject as he had usually
gathered in like cases in an afternoon
spent at the courthouse. Stories OF
generosity, OF the kindly care OF
widows and orphans. gifts TO INDECENT
pastors. boys helped through college,
and similar benefactions had proved
IL I Tsar- rarOH
had sought in the wrong places or
Morton Bassett was Of tougher fiber
than the other gentlemen on whom his
nenciI had conferred Immortality.
Harwood stated his errand, and
Bassett merely nodded. Offering none
Of those protestations OF surprise and
humility. those pleas OF unworthi-
ness that his predecessors on Dams
list had usually insisted upon. Dan
made mental note at once Of the fig
IRE before him. Bassett's jaw was
snuare and firm-power was MANU-
fest there, Enthusiastically, and his
bristling mustache suggested COM
bstiveness. His dark eyes met Har-
woods gaze steadily-hardness might
be there, though their gaze was
friendly enough. His voice was deep
and its tone was pleasant. He opened
a drawer and produced box or
cigars.
'sWon't YOU smoke? I don't smoke
myself. but you mustn't mind that"
And Harwood accepted a cigar, which
he found excellent. A moment later
a maid placed on the table beside the
checkerboard a tray, with a decanter
and glasses. and a pitcher Of water.
That's for US" remarked Bassett.
nodding toward the glasses. Help
yourself"
The cigar is all need; thank you"
The reporter was prepared to ask
questions, following a routine he had
employed with other subjects, but
Bassett be an to talk on his own
initiative-Of the town. the county,
the district. He expressed himself
well. in terse words and phrases.
Bassett was not the vulgar. init
mate good-fellow who slapped every
man on the back-the teller Of good
stories over a glass Of whisky and j
cigar. He was, as Petit had said,
4 new type, not of the familiar cliche.
The decanter was a property
placed in the scene at the dictates of
hospitality: the checkerboard can
celed any suggestion of conviviality
that might have been conveyed by the
decanter OF whisky.
Bassett's right hand lay on the table
and Dan found himself watching it.