Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1925-10-21
By
Courtney Ryley Cooper
9 BY the Bell Syndicate, Inc.
WNU Service

lake care of Anita" he called over
MS shoulder, jammed his foot on the
! starter, and with the first roar Of the
engine sent the car skidding around
the corner on the beginning of a cir
cultous Journey to the home of the
mayor A half-block and he out
ulstanced the few persons who had
sought TO pursue. few moments
more and he swerved into the Jordan
driveway. Then, with Auita, struggling
grimly for self-possession, and the
chattering Jim beside him, he faced
Mayor Jordan.
i hate to impose on you, Mr.. Jor-
dan," he began, ''but-"
Come in!" The genial old official
mad thrown wide the door. who's
this? Oh" and his expression
changed-"Miss Franniston."
Yes, I'll explain to you later" Bart
answered. I'm the meanwhile. could
you allow me to have a room where
Miss Franniston and Old Jim could
sort of sit down and compose them
selves-T'
"Surest thing" Tom Jordan asked
no more questions, but simply led the
way to the top Of the stairs, where
his wife awaited him. There's been
some more trouble, Mary" he an
nounced quietly. stake care of these
folks, will your"
Then he turned with Bart to the
living ROOM where Rogers gave his ac-
counting, and told the story of Bull"
Franniston. The mayors face lost its
geniality.
THAT looks bad" he responded grim
ly.
II wonder If you'd mind attending a
meeting with me about nine o'clock?"
Bart asked.
Tonight? WhereT
"Out on the alkali fiat. Some of the
men who are working around here
and who belong to the American
Legion are going to get together for
few minutes. VIII you be there?
I'll need you"
"Meet me here at $780," 1t was said
quietly and tersely. eff I am a few
minutes late, don't worry. I'll be here"
Still with the grin on his features.
Tom Jordan went out the door, while
Bart Rogers looked after him In al
most worshipful fashion For Bart
had learned that one thing he had
feared was untrue. Old Tom Jordan
had a genial face. He had a soft,
easy manner. He had penchant for
following the easiest way. But now.
Bart saw, when Tom Jordan came
to the barrier, he could prove him
self a thoroughbred!
He stretched himself on the lounge.
"Its just going to be a bit of a
nap" he said to himself. "Only a few
minutes"
But when he turned at last, to a
tugging al a shoulder, the light with
out had faded. Tom Jordan was grin
ming down at him.
''Have to step lively, youngster"
came his CHEEKY greeting. 'Let you
sleep till the last minute Hurry out
there in the kitchen and get the grub
my wife's fixed for you. It's half past
eight I"
Bart obeyed hurriedly, then joined
the mayor, who was waiting in the
machine. A mile past the center of
town they veered their course, and
leaving the road, started straight
across the prairie toward the alkali
flat. Now Bart was leaning anxiously
forward, straining for the sight of
men-and at last to be rewarded.
They're therep' came his enthusi-
astic announcement, Fully hundred
Of them. See! There by the campfire"
Five minutes later they drew up at
the fiat, and Bart alighted, to find the
enlongated Tarko striding toward him.
"Ain't / a good MANI" he asked as
he jabbed forth disfigured hand.
May be a little mussed up-but
good mans good man any ole time.
Look 'em over, Cap'n. There they are
Ia hundred and forty of EN-"
Bart introduced the mayor, and Bud
Tarko grinned as the former went to
call the meeting to order.
He waved toward Bart Rogers, and
the marshal stepped short distance
forward.
"Fellows," he began quietly, II know
that every one of you have some place
that you call home, and that you like
to think about it as a place where
there's law and decency, and where
your mother or your sister or your
sweetheart can walk along the street
in safety, or where your young broth
er will not be face to face with thou
sand temptations that should be re-
moved from his path. Is that right?'
There was a slight murmur-Bart
knew it was one of approval. He con-
tinued.
IT thought so. Now: the man beside
me is the new mayor of Bellaine. He's
not a politician, and he has no ak 20
4 tI,i.,Iz hn rr.iIl Tall th OF