The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-11-21
The. Brown Mouse
CHAPTER xiII-contInued.

IL
Miss Woodruff" replied the pro.
lessor 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, 1t 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
ne Is worth helping. You won't make
any mistake if you make the most of
MIR. Irwin"
Jim slipped out of n side door and
fed He started home, on foot as he
bad 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 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.
."rhey expect to elect Bonner to the
board again"
"Oh, 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 its forward march is
problematical.
II 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 | 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
hoard"
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 use?'
W To. ~ .-.1 IL. 1870 g.z-
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? 1 don't know what all it is
you want to do, but I don't believe
Rou can do it In nine months, can
.gou?"
Not in nine years." replied Jim.
well, then, let's plan for ten years."
said the colonel. 81 amt going to be-
come q reformer at my time Of life as
D temporary job. Will you stick If
we can swing the thing for your
II WILL" said Jim, In a of a
person taking the VOWS In some SOL
emn initiation.
"Ar right" said the colonel. "We1
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 reprehensible.
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, "that I can
speak for myself and Old Man Simms p
The colonel laughed.
Fine politician !" he repeated. "Fine
politician! Well, Jim, you round up
yourself and Old Man Simms and I'll
see what l can do-Inl see what / can
do %