Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1923-12-13
CHAPTER xilI-consInued.

il
"AIiss 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 10, II Is
impossible TO say. But something must
be done 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
fed He started home. on foot as he
bad come. A mile or so out he was
overfaken by the colonel. driving
brlskly 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.
Il saw Bonner and Haakon and Ez
doing some %caucusing today" said he.
'sThey expect to elect Bonner to the
board again"
"Oh, l suppose So" replied Jim.
well. what shall we do about itr'
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 its forward march is
problepatical.
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 man TO take
that office away from Bonner"
well. I'm free to say l don't know
tAst9nny one can. but I'm willing TO
try. | thinS thnt in about a week /
shall pass the word around that I'd
ike TO serve my country on the school
board"
Jim's face lighted up-and then
darkened.
Even then they'd be two to one,
Colonel"
Maybe" replied the colonel, land
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
getting short OF breath are you?
| thought you good for the mile, and
you aren't turning out a quarter horse,
are you? ] don't know what all II is
you want to do, but I don't believe
YOU can do 1t In nine months, can
;pU7"
"Not In nine yearsi" replied Jim.
"Well. then, let's plan for ten years."
said the colonel. 81 mint going to be-
a reformer at my time of life as
a temporary job. WIN you stick If ,
al swing the thing for your"
81 WILL" said Jim. In a of a
person taking the vows In some sol
initiation.
"Au right" said the colonel. "We1l
Keep quiet and see how many votes
can muster up at the election. How
can you speak fr7"
Jim gave himself Tot a few minutes
o thought. 1t was a new thing TO
him. this matter of mastering votes
md a thing which he had always
ocked upon ms rather reprehensible.
rhe citizen should gu forth with no
coercion. no persuasion, no suggestion,
md vote his sentlments.
How many can you round upY'
persisted the colonel.
II think" said jim. that | can
peak for myself and Gid Man Slmms p
The colonel laughed.
Fine politician =. jte repeated. "Fine
-oiltlcian Well. Jim. you round up
rurself and Old Man Slmms and I'll
what | can DOLL see what / can
q ~