The Kevin review. [volume] (Kevin, Mont.) 1922-1929, 1923-11-15
Brown Mouse
CHAPTER xIlI-continued.

Miss Woodruff replied the pro-
fessor earnestly, "he has something
that looks toward truth, and some
| thing we need. Just how far he will
go, just what he will amount to, it is
impossible to say. But something must
be lone for the rural schools-sOme-
thing along the lines he is trying to
follow. He is a struggling soul, and
he is worth helping. You won't make
any mistake If you make the most of
Mr.. Irwin"
Jim slipped out Of a side door and
fled He started home, on foot as he
had come. A mile or so out he was
overtaken by the colonel, driving
briskly along with room in his buggy
for jim.
Climb in, Jim I" said he. Dan and
Dolly didn't like to see you walk"
They're looking fine" said Jim.
There is a good deal to say when
ever two horse lovers get together.
But when Jim had alighted at his own
door, the colonel spoke of what had
been in his mind all the time.
81 saw Bonner and Haakon and Ez
doing some %caucusing today" said he.
"They expect to elect Bonner to the
board again."
ooh, l suppose So" replied Jim.
"Well, what shall we do about it?"
asked the colonel.
Jim was silent. Here was a matter
on which he really had no ideas ex-
cept the broad and general one that
truth is mighty and shall prevail-but
that the speed of it's forward march is
problematical.
81 Think said the colonel, "that It's
up to US to see that the people have a
chance to decide. It's really Bonner
against Jim Irwin"
"What you need is a mar to take
that office away from Bonner"
"Well, I'm free to say / don't know
that any one can, but I'm willing to
try. / think that in about a week l
shall pass the word around that I'd
like to serve my country on the school
board"
Jim's face lighted up-and then
darkened.
Even Their they'd be two to one,
Colonel
Maybe" replied the colonel, "and
maybe not. That would have to be
figured on. A cracked log splits easy"
Anyhow" Jim went on, whats the
use? / shan't be disturbed this year
and after that-what's the user
"Why, Jim,'' said the colonel, "you
aren't getting short of breath are you?
| thought you good for the mile, and
you aren't turning out a quarter horse,
are you? l don't know what all it is
you want to do, but I don't believe
Won can do it in nine months, can
soU?"
"Not in nine years!" replied Jim.
"Well, then, let's plan for ten years."
said the colonel. 81 amt going to be-
come a reformer at my time of life as
a temporary job. VIII you stick if
we can swing the thing for your"
81 WILL" said Jim, in a of a
person taking the vows in some sol
emf initiation.
"All right" said the colonel. "Well
keep quiet and see how many votes
we can muster up at the election. How
many can you speak for?'
jim gave himself for a few minutes
TO thought. 1t was a new thing to
him, this matter of mastering votes
and a thing which he had always
looked upon as rather r~eprehensible.
The citizen should go forth with no
coercion, no persuasion, no suggestion,
and vote his sentiments.
"How many can you round up?'
persisted the colonel.
II think" said Jim, shat | can
speak for myself and Old Man Simms -
The colonel laughed.
Fine Politician" he repeated. "Fine
poiiticianl Well, Jim, you round up
yourself and Old Man Simms and I'll
see what l can do-I1l see what l can
1op'