The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-12-07
The Brown Mouse
CHAPTER xIII-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
90. 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
he is worth helping. You won't make
any mistake If you make the most Of
Mr.. Irwin"
Jim slipped out of side door and
fed 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, Jimr' said he. Dan and
Dolly didn't like to see you walk"
They're looking fine" said Jim.
There is good deal to say when
ever two horse lovers get together.
But when Jim had alighted at his own
door, the eslonel spoke of what had
been in his mind all the time.
81 saw Bonner and Haakon and Ez
doing some caucuslng today" said he.
''They expect to elect Bonner to the
board again."
ooh, suppose so,' replied Jim.
'Well, what shall we do about itT'
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.
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
that any one can, but I'm willing to
try think that In about a week i
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 then 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? l shan't be disturbed this year
and after that-what's the use?'
"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 quarter horse,
are you? l don't know what all 1t is
you want to do, but 1 don't believe
you can do 1t in nine months, can
your
mot in nine yearsw replied Jim.
swell, then, let's plan for ten years."
said the colonel. 81 amt going to be-
,ome reformer at my time of life as
/ temporary job. VIII you stick If
We can swing the thing for your"
Il WILL" said Jim, IN manner of
person taking the vows In some sol
INN initiation.
"All right" said the colonel. "WeIl
,eep quiet and see how many votes
We can muster up at the election. How
many can you speak for?"
Jim gave himself for few minutes
o thought 1t was new thing to
i'm, this matter of mastering votes
nd a thing which he had always
Doked upon as rather reprehensible.
he citizen should go forth with no
oercion, no persuasion, no suggestion,
nd vote his sentiments. .
"How many can you round up?" !
ersisted the colonel
81 think" said Jim, that / can
peak for myself and Old Man Simmsi"
The colonel laughed.
Fine politician !" he repeated. "Fine !
oliticianl Well, Jim, you round up /,
ourself and Old Man Simms and I'll
re what can DOLL see what / can
OF"
CHAPTER XIV