The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-04-11
CHAPTER XIY-Continued

x X
CHAPTER XIV-Continued
Colonel Flagwill was asleep at his
desk when Benning reported at the
War Department in mid-afternoon.
The G-2 Chief woke with a start
and vigorously shook himself into
full wakefulness.
You've certainly justified your
existence againl" Flagwiu ex-
claimed, smiling at his assistant.
We've already ordered the prompt
arrest Of all Andes stockholders
innocent and guilty alike. That
means the biggest spy roundup in
history. We can separate sheep from
goats after we've arrested the whole
lot. Now is no time for half meas
ures."
Benning said, I'm sorry Bravot
got away, Sir"
Hell be a magician" Flagwil
vowed, IF he gets through the nets
we've laid for him."
AS Flagwill turned back to his lit
tered desk, his eye fell upon a pen
ciled memorandum. He looked up
sharply at Benning.
I've just found another little
chore for you-to sit in on q very
secret party row over successor to
the Presidency" Flagwil lowered
his voice and spoke rapidly. IA par
tisan intrigue to force Senator Tan
nard, Secretary of State, out of the
line of succession. 1t all hinges on
the fact that Tannard received an
interim appointment from the Presi-
dent last fall, when Secretary Hinges
died. Tannard has not yet been con-
firmed by the Senate.
Nov, if Congress rejects Tan
nard's appointment, the Presidency
falls by law to Judge Baucom, Sec
rotary of the Treasury. Since Bau-
com is party leader and wheel
horse, it is likely that swift party
coup will bring this about, as Tan
nard may not want to make fight
for his confirmation under all the
circumstances.
On reaching Capitol Hill a few
minutes before four o'clock, Ben
ming passed the House Chamber,
went downstairs, and took the tun-
nel-trolley across to the Senate Of
flee Building.
The selected senator's, leaders Of
the party in power, were just ar
irving when Benning reached the
Baucom conference room and was
admitted by a Baucom secretary.
Secretary Baucom rose promptly
when the door closed on the last Of
those he had summoned. Baucom
was large man, square-faced,
straight-lipped, with friendly, level
gray eyes.
Friends, I must announce that
there will be slight delay" Bau-
com said abruptly. His eyes ran
slowly from face to face as if to test
the mettle Of those present against
what he had to say. 81 have just
sent for Secretary Tannard."
Benning saw an interchange of
astonished glances among those
present and felt his own brows knot
at Baucom's astounding announce
ment. Tannard long had been known
as the particular political foe of Sec
rotary Baucom.
my reason for asking Tannard
here" he said in low, determined
voice, lis / consider him the man
best qualified among all of us to
lead the country through our pres
ent crisis"
Senator Wren, veteran Senate
leader, was on his feet. In his taut
face was reflected the prevalent as
constituent at Baucom's invitation
to Tannard.
please be informed, sir, that I
consulted the majority opinion be-
fore we came here. Therefore,
speak their opinion as well as my
own when / inform you, sir, that
1t is your distinguished self we in
tend to name President of the Unit
ed States, and this by the simple
method Of disqualifying Secretary
Tannard."
Baucom's face softened to a serene
smile, but he slowly shook his mas
sive gray head.
appreciate the honor you pay
me, Vren," he interrupted. But
we face an emergency, gentlemen.
IN winch men are going to surrender
their lives to their sense of duty
just as Captain Boil did. That makes
1t very easy for me TO surrender so
small a thing as my personal ambi-
ton. From now on we must re-
solve to smash party considerations
Our national crisis is serious enough
without divisions among ourselves.
l must set a personal example and
confess to you frankly that am
too old and lack the vigor and.
frankly, the abilities that are need
ed at this time"
He paused moment, his eyes
fixed defantly on Wren, then he went
on in a milder voice.
IF your minds, gentlemen, are
free Of purely partisan prejudices.
you will not challenge my proposal
of TanDard for President. Tannard
has comparative youth and vigor.
As Secretary of State, while he Is
new in that position, he is the law
ful successor, unless we disqualify