The Cleverdale Mystery; or, The Machine and Its Wheels: A Story of American Life
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Title: The Cleverdale Mystery; or, The Machine and Its Wheels: A Story of American Life
Author: W. A. Wilkins
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CLEVERDALE MYSTERY; OR, THE MACHINE AND ITS WHEELS: A STORY OF AMERICAN LIFE ***
THE
CLEVERDALE MYSTERY;
OR,
THE MACHINE AND ITS WHEELS.
_A STORY OF AMERICAN LIFE._
BY
W. A. WILKINS,
EDITOR OF "THE WHITEHALL (N. Y.) TIMES."
NEW YORK:
FORDS, HOWARD, & HULBERT.
1882.
Copyright, 1882,
By W. A. WILKINS.
All rights reserved.
PREFACE.
In presenting this volume to the public, the author hopes to
impart information to some; reflect their own character to others;
possibly point a moral, and by the tale interest the reader.
The warp of the fabric is reality, the woof fiction, the
coloring domestic.
Awaiting the verdict,
Respectfully,
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER I.--BEAUTIFUL LAKE GEORGE, 9
" II.--A QUARTETTE OF SCHEMERS, 18
" III.--TEMPEST-TOSSED LAKE GEORGE, 26
" IV.--THE BOSS AND HIS AIDS, 33
" V.--TO THE RESCUE, 44
" VI.--THE CAMP DINNER, 52
" VII.--THE CRUEL THUNDERBOLT, 58
" VIII.--AFFAIRS AT CLEVERDALE, 65
" IX.--THE CAUCUS, 72
" X.--THE CRUELTY OF AMBITION, 82
" XI.--THE CONVENTION, 90
" XII.--A WICKED SCHEME, 99
" XIII.--DALEY'S STRENGTH WANES, 108
" XIV.--THE ELECTION, 116
" XV.--GLOOMY FOREBODINGS, 125
" XVI.--PRINCE OF MANNIS MANOR, 134
" XVII.--SARGENT ENLISTED, 144
" XVIII.--GEORGE AND FANNIE ALDEN, 149
" XIX.--THE BURNING FACTORY, 155
" XX.--THE SECRET MARRIAGE, 164
" XXI.--SPOILS! SPOILS! 172
" XXII.--SAD FAREWELLS, 179
" XXIII.--EXILED FROM HOME AND FRIENDS, 186
" XXIV.--THE DISTRACTED WIFE, 198
" XXV.--THE CRUEL LETTER, 209
" XXVI.--A DIRTY JOB, 215
" XXVII.--CLEVERDALE'S SORROW, 223
" XXVIII.--AMONG THE HILLS OF COLORADO, 232
" XXIX.--POOR MARY HARRIS, 239
" XXX.--THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE, 247
" XXXI.--A REVELATION, 258
" XXXII.--THE WANDERER'S RETURN, 265
" XXXIII.--RETRIBUTIVE JUSTICE, 274
" XXXIV.--THE CLEVERDALE MYSTERY, 277
" XXXV.--EPILOGUE--THE MACHINE AND ITS WHEELS, 285
CHARACTERS.
Hon. DARIUS HAMBLIN--State Senator and Political "Boss."
Hon. WALTER MANNIS--State Assemblyman; one of the "Boss's"
Lieutenants.
ASSEMBLYMAN DALEY--Bolting candidate.
CYRUS HART MILLER--Wily country politician.
GEORGE ALDEN--Bank officer; hero; lover.
SARGENT--Purchasable commodity, convenient to his owner.
JOE RAWLINGS--Editor; wise; in the market.
PADDY SULLIVAN--Pothouse politician; an important factor.
FARMER JOHNSON--Honest; cheap; "_Let me speak to you privately!_"
GEORGE HORTON--Chairman of County Committee; fertile in schemes.
FARMER HARRIS--Avenger.
BELLE HAMBLIN--Sweetheart; oppressed by a father's ambition.
FANNIE ALDEN--Self-sacrificing sister.
MARY HARRIS--Betrayed.
MRS. DARIUS HAMBLIN--Model mother.
MRS. NASH--Good Samaritan.
CAMPERS, FACTORY BOSSES, VILLAGERS, MINERS, POLITICIANS, and other
incidental characters.
THE
CLEVERDALE MYSTERY.
CHAPTER I.
BEAUTIFUL LAKE GEORGE.
The world is full of charming spots that seem to be the original site
of Paradise, but none show more perfectly the grace and grandeur of the
Creator's handiwork than Lake George. Its limpid waters reflect the
outlines of numerous islands--one for each calendar day of the year, yet
each possessing beauties distinctly its own. The mirror of the lake's
surface is framed by mountains of varying shape and size, yet each with
special charms, while between them nestle lovely valleys, over which the
eye never tires of roaming. In summer, every isle, hill, and valley is
glorious with verdure; in winter they are dazzling in snowy vesture; but
no matter what the season or condition, the lake and its surroundings
are a constant source of delight to those who are fortunate enough to
dwell on its shore.
It is to the credit of humanity that Lake George is a favorite place
of resort during the summer, and that hundreds of families delight in
building permanent summer homes there. Beautiful villas, picturesque
hotels, tasteful cottages, unique cabins, and snowy tents abound on the
water's marge, and pleasure boats of all sorts dance gaily on its waves.
The vulgar, the dissipated, and stupid classes that haunt summer resorts
seem to avoid Lake George; even humanity seems to endeavor to be in
keeping with its surroundings at this beautiful retreat, and fair women,
robust, active men, and healthy children are the rule at this modern
Eden.
On the forward deck of a steamer that ploughed its way through the
crystal waters on a bright summer day in 187- was a small party,
consisting of Hon. Darius Hamblin, Mrs. Hamblin, Miss Belle Hamblin, and
two little boys, George and Willie, aged respectively ten and six, with
their nurse.
The Hon. Darius, a man of fifty-five, had served his district as New
York State Senator at Albany for two terms. He possessed excellent
judgment, and knew this so well that no one could help seeing that he
was vain and inclined to be arbitrary in his manner. Mrs. Hamblin was a
small, brown-haired lady, with whom time had dealt so gently that the
unwelcome and indelible lines of approaching age had been sparingly
distributed across a sweet and placid countenance.
Devoting her whole attention to the wants and pleasures of her children,
she was not merely a kind mother, for with dignity and power she held
the reins firmly in her grasp, although the high-spirited boys tightly
champed the bits.
While the mother, as she sat on the steamer's deck, was all attention
to her youthful treasures, the father discussed the politics and
finances of the country with several gentlemen whom he chanced to meet.
Thoroughly engrossed in conversation, he scarce noticed his daughter
Belle, who, affectionately taking his arm, called attention to a landing
the steamer was about to make.
As the boat drew in, there was seen a gathering bevy of males and
females. Small row-boats hovered near the little coves surrounding the
dock, and as great waves from the _Horicon's_ paddles dashed their
snow-crested tops upon the rocks, the little craft danced upon the
water, some girlish voices uttering exclamations of fear for their
owners' safety. Several persons leaving the steamer were quickly
surrounded by friends gathered to meet them.
In a moment the captain cried, "All aboard!" The engine resuming its
work, the paddle-wheels lashed the water, many little boats shooting out
into the swell. Those on the steamer eagerly watched the merry throng on
the dock or the still happier ones rocked by the "rollies."
"Oh, papa," exclaimed Belle, "this is delightful! See that party on
the little island--isn't it a funny sight? See that gentleman shaking
a frying-pan over his head! See the other campers washing dishes in
the lake! Oh, how I shall enjoy this month! We are to stop at the
next landing, and in ten minutes will leave the boat. Oh, isn't it
delightful!"
The father rising took his daughter by the arm, his manner indicating
unbounded love and parental pride. Belle Hamblin was a beautiful girl
scarcely nineteen years of age. Of medium height, she possessed a
faultless form combining exquisite symmetry and grace. Full of animation
when speaking, her tender blue eyes flashed intelligence and goodness,
captivating every one who came within their reach.
She completely won the admiration of those on the boat by the tender and
sympathetic way in which she ministered to a poor woman accompanied by
four children, giving to the little ones from her lunch-basket oranges,
bananas, and cakes, while the mother was offered more substantial food
in the way of sandwiches. Tender-hearted and kind when Willie injured
his wee finger, she worked over the wound, hugged the curly-headed boy
to her heart, stilling his cries with sisterly caresses. Belle Hamblin
was no ordinary character, for God had wrought those lovely attributes
into her nature which cannot fail to command respect and admiration. She
could not avoid being a prominent figure in any life picture of which
she was part, for to her mother's instinctive quality of love was added
the natural intelligence of her father. Possessing a pride in striking
contrast with that so positive in her father's character, she readily
assumed her natural position as leader in social circles. Endowed with a
liberal education, taught the economies of life, and instructed in the
art of housekeeping, she was fitted to be queen of the kitchen or the
enchantress of the drawing-room.
The boat nearing the beautiful retreat where the Hamblins were to
sojourn, wraps, baskets, and umbrellas were gathered up while Mr.
Hamblin was taking leave of his friends. The _Horicon_ slowly
approached the dock close at hand; the party passed through the cabin
to the gangway; lines were thrown ashore and the steamer made fast.
Mr. Hamblin led the way, the children, wild as young colts, jumping in
gleeful anticipation. About thirty persons crowded to the gangway, a
rush was made for shore, when suddenly the piercing shriek of a female
startled the bystanders, as a little boy fell headlong into the lake.
"Willie is overboard! Save him!" The voice was that of Belle Hamblin.
Rushing wildly to the edge of the gangway and seeing the little fellow
sink into the water, she was nearly frantic with excitement. Mr. and
Mrs. Hamblin were filled with terror, while those standing on shore
appeared as if paralyzed. Suddenly a blue-shirted man darted through the
crowd, and throwing himself into the lake, seized Willie, and a moment
later placed him in the arms of the sister.
Belle, looking into his face, quickly exclaimed:
"Mr. Alden! I did not expect to see you here, but God bless you for
saving the life of our treasure."
The curly-headed boy, with water dripping from his locks, lay in his
sister's arms. Gasping and moving his head, the water running from his
nostrils and mouth, he was carried to the family parlor at the hotel,
where a physician soon restored him to his normal condition, and then
the family, recovering from their fatigue and fright, appeared on
the grounds, their exciting introduction and acknowledged social and
political standing making them the observed of all.
Mr. Hamblin, having held many important positions in his party, was soon
on terms of friendship with the sterner sex, Mrs. Hamblin and Belle
taking their natural places among the ladies.
Mr. Hamblin was a genial conversationalist, and with his political
reputation preceding him was of course much courted by all at the
"Lakeside." Having been a State Senator for two terms, a prominent
candidate for gubernatorial honors at a late convention, and possessing
wealth and eloquence, his power was naturally great. A candidate for
renomination the coming fall, he had already started the machinery to
obtain control of delegates needed to consummate his desired wish.
American politics are controlled entirely by "wires," those of the great
political machine being intricate as the telegraph netting one sees over
the roof-tops of a large city. Mr. Hamblin, with a perfect knowledge
of the workings of this machine, knew that a successful candidate must
be able to manipulate the little wires of the party caucus, for as the
caucuses are the expression of each town in the senatorial or assembly
district, to obtain needed support requires wire-pullers in every school
district. A candidate's personal merit is of minor consequence; he can
do nothing without understanding the working of the party machinery, and
knowing also how to lubricate the entire apparatus with money.
Mr. Hamblin had been a little uneasy of late, a rival having arisen to
contest his field. Heretofore enjoying the monopoly in the district, he
was now in danger of meeting an obstacle in his onward course. As he
sat on the piazza holding a letter in his hand, he soliloquized:
"Well, well! Making my way in politics has always been easy as knocking
the ashes from this cigar, but if Miller's letter is correct Darius
Hamblin is in danger. Let me see; I'll read this over again"--and he
closely scanned the following letter:
CLEVERDALE, July 31, 187-.
HON. DARIUS HAMBLIN:
DEAR SIR: It is just as I feared: Daley says he will be a
candidate at all hazards, and asserts he can drive you from the
track very easily, having your former clerk's evidence to use
against you. He is desperate, and has already been seen to visit
saloons in the village, spending considerable money to win over the
boys. Can you meet Rawlings, Horton, and myself at Saratoga Saturday
night?
Answer by telegraph at once.
Yours,
CYRUS HART MILLER.
Mr. Hamblin knit his brow for a moment and said:
"Of course I must go. I must not be beaten this year. The next
gubernatorial nomination may be mine if I win this time. I can be
elected Governor, and Daley must be crushed or bought off. The die is
cast--I leave on the next boat for Saratoga."
Rising from his seat and wiping the perspiration from his brow, he
passed on to his room. Mrs. Hamblin expressed no surprise when informed
he was going to Saratoga, for she had become accustomed to his sudden
moves since he had gone into politics; she had learned that everything
must be secondary to his ambition and political necessities. She
quickly packed a small satchel, and the boat being due in an hour, Mr.
Hamblin walked out to bid his children good-by.
Belle, leaving the side of a gentleman sitting beneath an arbor, came to
meet him.
"Oh, papa! are you going away? That is too bad! I expected to take you
out for a row this evening. Beside, a moonlight concert at Cleverdale
Camp is announced in honor of your visit. Can't you postpone your
departure?"
"No, my pet, business before pleasure. I am to meet a few friends at
Saratoga to-night on very important business. By the way, I must send a
telegram at once."
Embracing his daughter, he stepped into the office and hastily wrote a
dispatch. When he came out Belle took his arm and said:
"Papa, we shall be _so_ disappointed if you go. Mr. Alden has arranged
to do you honor. And--"
"Belle," said he, interrupting her, "say no more about it, for I must
go. By the way, Alden, who seems to be paying you much attention, may be
good enough for a casual acquaintance at Lake George, but a daughter of
Darius Hamblin, fit to be queen, in choosing associates must look higher
than her father's bank clerk."
"But, papa, he is a gentleman--the very soul of honor--and there is not
a lady in our party but feels honored by George Alden's attentions.
Didn't he save Willie's life? He didn't know who it was, but seeing a
child fall overboard his duty was plain. Beside, he always admired you,
and you have repeatedly acknowledged that you liked him better than any
other clerk in your employ. If you could see his kindness to the boys
and myself, you would be more than ever pleased with him."
Mr. Hamblin's features grew hard; his lips became tightly compressed and
the color left his cheeks as he said:
"Belle, my honor and that of your family is in your keeping. Bestow
your affection upon that bank clerk and my affection for you will end
forever. The Hamblin family can ill afford to make low connections. You
hear my wishes--my commands. There comes the boat. Here, George, bring
my satchel, and tell your mother I am awaiting her."
Poor Belle! trembling with involuntary emotion, her pale face was a
reflection of the countenance of her proud father. She scarcely beheld
the boat as it drew near; dimly saw a happy throng on the deck and
the usual bevy of glad-hearted persons on the dock; faintly heard the
paddle-wheels beating the water, and barely caught a glimpse of the
small boats dancing in the steamer's wake, when a flood of tears burst
from her eyes. Her mother quickly led her away, but not before her
companions became conscious of her weakness.
The stern look upon her father's face and the cold good-by he returned
to all was plain evidence of something wrong in the family which all
had begun to look upon as a perfect pattern of happiness and domestic
goodness.
CHAPTER II.
A QUARTETTE OF SCHEMERS.
Saratoga was alive with a brilliant throng of pleasure-seekers, gay with
beauty and dress. Handsome equipages dashed along its shaded avenues
with horses gaily caparisoned, the carriage occupants being decked with
holiday splendor. The grand hotels overflowed with beauty and fashion;
the parks, where artistic bands filled the air with music, were perfect
bowers of loveliness. The hotel piazzas were crowded with visitors;
the handiwork of Worth was everywhere present, and nature's mines
contributed sparkling gems to adorn fair wearers.
All was not beauty however, for the presence of shoddy was perceptible,
and listeners were amused or disgusted when lovely exteriors shattered
hopes as stately matrons uttered words coarse and illiterate. "All
is not gold that glitters" is fully realized while spending a day at
America's famous watering-place and beholding the shams and deceptions
of the fashionable world.
Saratoga is not merely a watering-place; it is also a mart where goods
are painted and varnished to sell--in fact where many mothers introduce
their daughters, expecting to dispose of them to the highest bidder.
Politicians gather there to make and unmake men; "slates" are made or
broken according to the amount of cash or patronage controlled by the
manipulators.
As the afternoon train arrived from the north, on the piazza of
the "Grand Union" sat three men anxiously awaiting the arrival of
another. A few moments later a carriage was driven up, and the three
gentlemen--none other than Cyrus Hart Miller, Editor Rawlings, and
George Horton, chairman of a county committee--arose to greet the
Hon. Darius Hamblin. The greeting scarcely ceased when several other
gentlemen leaving their seats quickly moved forward to welcome the
new arrival. Passing into the hotel, Senator Hamblin met other
acquaintances, and it was readily seen that he was a lion among the men
gathered at the great spa to discuss politics and "lay pipe" for the
grasping of power and distribution of patronage.
After dinner four men met in Senator Hamblin's parlor. The reader by
this time being acquainted with the leading spirit of the party, we will
describe the others.
Cyrus Hart Miller, familiarly known as a local politician of the true
American type, held a position in the Customs Department of the nation,
having been appointed through the influence of his senator. One of
those bold and adventurous spirits, who know so well how to control a
caucus, he possessed a commanding presence, and when "button-holing" a
man would produce convincing arguments that the cause espoused by him
was apparently right. He always rallied the "boys" at a caucus, and when
unable to win by the preferable method of moral suasion, was abundantly
able to resort to bulldozing or "solid" methods. Just the man to take
care of Senator Hamblin's interest, he was a standing delegate to
all conventions where he could be of service to his chief. Although
prepossessing in personal appearance, his hands were ever ready to
perform any dirty work consistent with the average ward politician.
Editor Rawlings, another tool of Senator Hamblin, had been under the
protection of his chief for a long time. His paper, like many country
journals, was financially weak, but the purse-strings of the Senator,
drawn about the editor's neck, enabled him to eke out an existence.
When the Senator wished an article to appear in the _Investigator_, he
was such a liberal paymaster that Editor Rawlings never hesitated to
throw out paying advertisements to please him. The _Investigator_ was
Hamblin's organ, and Rawlings the superserviceable monkey. Every time
the "boss" desired the crank turned, the monkey danced to the uttermost
limit of the string, but if the string had broken the monkey could not
have been controlled. Rawlings was one of those detestable creatures who
have done so much to destroy the influence of respectable journalism. He
was of that breed of rodents which sneak into an honorable profession
and gnaw only where there is cheese.
George Horton, chairman of the county committee, another lieutenant of
the same general, held the office of County Clerk, and although not as
willing to perform dirty work as his companions, was an able adviser,
with a mind prolific of deep-laid schemes. Being a zealous partisan of
the "boss," in all advisory councils he was an important factor.
The quartette was a true type of the American political clique; their
deliberations a fair sample of such conferences.
"Well, gentlemen," said the Senator, "help yourselves to cigars, and let
us proceed to business. Miller, what is your opinion of my chance for
renomination? Speak out--let us be frank with each other. What is Daley
about, and does he intend to make us trouble?"
"Well--y-e-s," drawled out Miller, "he intends to beat you if possible.
Approaching Rawlings on Sunday, he began working on him, even offering
to help sustain the paper if Rawlings would not be tied to any one
individual. If I am not mistaken he actually offered to advance the cash
to buy a new press and engine for the office. Eh, Rawlings?"
The latter, turning red, was somewhat embarrassed, but soon regaining
his composure, replied:
"Yes, the cuss _did_ make a pretty good bid for my influence. You see,
he knows he can't get along without a newspaper, and knowing the Senator
would do as well as the next man I just dropped him--yes, dropped him
like a hot potato, so to speak. When I go for a man I'm always solid.
I'm a thoroughbred, and no man knows that better than our honorable
friend, the next Governor of the State BY THUNDER!" and he
emphasized the remark by bringing his closed hand down upon the table.
"Never mind that, Rawlings; I know you are all right, but we must
head off Daley. That quarrel with my clerk on the Canal Committee was
unfortunate, but the young rascal can have nothing to use against me
unless he resorts to slander and lies, which unscrupulous enemies may
put him up to. We must first get Daley out of the way. He has a little
money, but not much; although he claims, you say, that the railroad
interest are backing him against me. See here, Horton, what can you
suggest? let me hear from you. First we will take a glass of wine.
Rawlings, touch that bell. There; a waiter will soon be here. Light
fresh cigars, gentlemen; by the by, Rawlings, did you ever visit Lake
George?"
"No, sir."
"No? Well, you must go up there. I shall return soon and you must be my
guest."
"All very nice, Senator, but where are the 'spons' to liquidate the
minutiæ, eh? You millionaires think newspaper men can scoop in all the
plums, by thunder! The only time we can enjoy an excursion is when
somebody's old steamboat wants puffing up. Now look here, Senator, if
the door of heaven could be entered for a cent I couldn't afford to even
peek under the canvas."
"Well, well, Rawlings," Hamblin replied laughingly, "we will look after
the press, for if we do not keep this great lever of the world in order
the world will suffer. Now, gentlemen, let us indulge in a little
champagne. Here, waiter, fill up. Gentlemen, your health." And the
Senator raised a glass to his lips.
"Drink quick," exclaimed Rawlings, "for Daleys are dangerous."
It was a poor pun, but the point seen by the party the Senator said:
"Ah, Rawlings, you are a cool fellow. The mighty men of the Fourth
Estate are the literary and social princes of the day. Another cigar,
Rawlings, and then I move the previous question with additional power of
debate."
Thus did Senator Hamblin touch the weak points of his fellow-men. Well
knowing flattery and wine were twin demons, attractive and seductive,
with their assistance he enticed many men into his net. He had little
confidence in Rawlings, well aware that if his antagonist Daley should
offer more than he to obtain the influence of the _Investigator_,
Rawlings would not hesitate to desert him. Perceiving his embarrassment
when Miller mentioned the Daley matter, and well aware he had given
Daley to understand the _Investigator_ was in the market, Senator
Hamblin threw out the Lake George invitation, for Rawlings was
susceptible to flattery, and liking the flesh-pots well filled with
milk and honey, when approached through the stomach, the gateway to his
affection, was at the command of the man desiring to enter. A week of
feasting at the "Lakeside" and such private attention as the Senator
could show Rawlings would apparently hold him.
"Horton, let us hear from you. What shall we do to force Daley from the
course? You must have something to say on the subject?"
"I can tell you where Daley left a bar down, when elected to the
Assembly last year," replied Horton. "I know a man who will swear
he received two hundred and fifty dollars from him, with which to
buy votes. This might be worked up and Rawlings can help us, the
_Investigator_ sounding the key-note in the editor's well chosen words
and--"
"But see here, Horton, I can't run the risk of being sued for libel.
Remember, Senator, I am not a millionaire, although I may put on a
million airs," quickly replied the editor.
"Here is my plan," Horton continued, as if not noticing the remark.
"Rawlings in his next issue must write a powerful leader advocating your
renomination, hinting there is to be another candidate, and say in words
like this:
"'At this time there must be no change of horses, for Senator Hamblin
has served his constituency faithfully, his hands being free from any
taint of corruption. If the voters of this district wish to bring out a
new candidate, it must be one who has never placed himself in position
to be indicted for committing perjury, by taking the ironclad oath as a
certain Assemblyman has done.'
"There, how does that strike you, Senator, and how does it hit you,
Rawlings?"
The latter, hesitating, looked toward Senator Hamblin, who arose,
took him by the arm, and walking toward the window stepped out on the
balcony. They were absent about five minutes, and on re-entering the
room, Rawlings approaching Horton, extended his hand and said:
"All right, Horton, old fellow; put it there. The thing shall be done or
my name isn't Joe Rawlings. I must go to the telegraph office at once."
Seizing his hat he passed out as a telegraph messenger entered.
"A telegram for Cyrus Hart Miller."
"Here, boy!" replied that individual, and seizing the dispatch quickly
tore open the envelope. The telegram being in cipher, Miller took from
his pocket a memorandum, dismissed the boy, and making out the contents
his face turned red with excitement, and he said:
"Just as I feared. Rawlings has really sold out to Daley. His paper
appears on Tuesday, and unless he wires the boys immediately, we're
euchred! Did you make any arrangement with him, Senator?"
"Yes, I 'fixed' him, and he has gone to telegraph his foreman. An
article left at his office, he said, covered the whole ground and he
would wire the boys to put it in type. To-morrow evening we will go to
Cleverdale and be on the ground to cut off any attempt of Daley to beat
us. Go at once, Miller, and secure a copy of Rawlings's dispatch--money
will do it."
A few moments later Miller came in, privately handing the Senator a copy
of the dispatch, which read as follows:
SARATOGA.
FOREMAN _Investigator_, Cleverdale, N. Y.
Kill double-leaded leader, "A Change of Candidates Must be
Made," and substitute article on sanctum copy-hook, entitled,
"Senator Hamblin's Great Public Services."
(Signed) J. RAWLINGS.
Senator Hamblin stepping into his bedroom read the message; returning, a
pleasant smile illumined his countenance. Touching the bell, he ordered
another bottle of wine.
CHAPTER III.
TEMPEST-TOSSED LAKE GEORGE.
For three days Belle Hamblin remained in her room attended by her mother.
The cruel words of her father sank deep into her proud and sensitive
heart, and obstructed a great fount of joy, for during her short
acquaintance with George Alden she had become greatly interested in him.
A young man of irreproachable character, he had obtained a collegiate
education, had never contracted bad habits, and was called a model man
and brother. His sister gave music lessons, but that was not a sin in
this land.
With Belle, who had often wished herself differently situated in life,
the idea of self-dependence was strong. Having all that wealth could
give, she envied those who day after day toiled at some honest labor.
Poor, unsuspecting girl, with every comfort at her command, she knew
little of the sorrows of female toilers. Admiring the music teacher
in the abstract, she knew nothing of the hardships attendant upon her
labor. Looking upon the factory girls in her native town with some
degree of envy, she was ignorant of the pangs of suffering so many
undergo to make their scanty earnings sustain helpless loved ones at
home.
During her seclusion, Belle had been greatly missed by her companions.
One morning a note received from Camp Cleverdale, accompanying an
elegant bouquet, gave her much pleasure, and she exclaimed:
"Oh, mamma, I _must_ go out to-day. I feel better and think the air will
do me good. Will you consent?"
"Yes, my child, if your nerves have become quiet. Your father writes
he may be absent a week longer. He has gone to Cleverdale and seems
to be having trouble about political matters. Just what they are I am
unable to say, for he always says 'women have no business meddling with
politics.'"
"I agree with him, and only wish _he_ would also give it up. Politics
make men unmindful of everything else. Papa is so absorbed in it he
forgets the feeling of his own flesh and blood, believing everything
must play a secondary part to his detestable politics. His mind is in
constant ferment, while the companions it brings him are not such as
those with whom we like to see our loved ones associate. His only desire
now is that I will bestow my hand upon some man who can strengthen him
politically. Yes, it is too true that when a man becomes absorbed in
politics, he is willing to barter away his birthright to gain his point."
"Belle, you are getting to be as incorrigible a hater of politics as
I, but I cannot blame you. If George Alden controlled as many votes as
that man Miller, or was as ready to do such editorial work as Rawlings,
I believe your father would look upon him with favor. But never mind,
child, go out to-day and enjoy yourself. Do just as you have done
heretofore."
Having thus obtained the mother's consent, Belle arose, put on her
hat--having previously arrayed herself in her flannel boating suit--and
left the apartment. Her appearance was the occasion of many friendly
greetings.
In a few moments a boat bearing four white capped young men left the
little island at the south, where Cleverdale Camp, named in honor
of Belle, was located. The lake was beautiful, the waves running
sufficiently high to make rowing pleasant, and it was not many seconds
before the boat with its jolly crew shot into the bay. In an instant
Belle was face to face with the quartette, the first to greet her being
George Alden, whose tender looks betokened his joy at again seeing her.
"Ah, Miss Hamblin, we have missed you at Camp Cleverdale, and as soon as
you are able to bear the excitement you must come. We have postponed the
entertainment on account of your sudden illness," said Alden.
"I shall be well enough in a day or two," the girl replied; "the lake
air is my good physician."
The meeting lasted but a moment, the quartette departing together, but
Belle suddenly felt like herself again.
One morning, a week later, the sun arose with more than its usual
majesty and glory, and the cool air laden with the sweet odor of
blackberry and pine came down from the mountains. The water of the lake
was ruffled with little ripples, whose tops rose and glistened in the
sun and then flitted on toward the shore, foreboding a pleasant day
for boating, so the tiny boats riding at anchor in the bay were put in
readiness for excursions or fishing expeditions. Belle, expecting her
father, concluded to remain on shore and enjoy the children's society.
About ten o'clock, Geordie asking permission to go on the lake, Belle
gave consent, when Willie said:
"Tan't I do too? I wants to wide with Geordie--may I do?"
"Yes, but Jane must go with you."
The three were soon pushing off from shore, the little shell drifting
into the bay where Geordie had permission to row around a rock about a
quarter mile distant, and backward and forward the craft danced, the
oar-blades rising like sheets of silver, dripping diamonds into the
crystal waters.
Slowly over the north-west hills began to creep a black bank of clouds.
It grew larger and larger, a half hour later spreading overhead like
a dark ink-spot on a beautiful robe of blue. Belle, although absorbed
in a pleasing book, occasionally looked to see if the children were in
sight. The wind blew in little puffs, but she had never seen one of
those gales that spring up so suddenly on Lake George. Suddenly she rose
from her seat and laid down her book. About a mile from the boys' boat
she detected an angry sea, and as her keen eye glanced toward the hills,
nearly half a mile away, she saw the boat dancing on the rising waves.
Wildly advancing to the extreme edge of the dock she beheld the angry
waters running in toward shore, each wave seeming to push the preceding
one as if intent upon running down and absorbing it.
Beckoning to the boys, she waved her handkerchief, and called:
"Geordie! Geordie! come in--quick!" but the winds only dashed by her,
while the waves seemed to laugh her to scorn. Drops of perspiration
stood on her brow, her cries attracting the attention of her mother
and a number of ladies. Only three or four men, employés at the house,
came down, and when Belle implored them to go for the boys, they only
replied: "Ah, Miss, we are no oarsmen; the waves would swallow us up."
Looking again, the almost distracted girl saw the waves with their
great white heads, like ghostly capped spirits of evil, rushing about
the boat. Mother and daughter were like maniacs, for the boys would be
drowned unless aid was sent them, the little arms of Geordie being too
weak for such powerful antagonists. The yawning mouth of each sea seemed
to engulf the boat, which, riding for an instant upon another crest,
would suddenly dive into the trough of the sea.
"Oh, mother!" exclaimed Belle, "I cannot stand this! I must go to their
rescue, or they will be lost. I will save them."
Quickly jumping into her own boat--a perfect little craft, made to ride
the waves--she seized the oars and shot forth into the bay, only to be
buffeted about by the angry elements. Unable to go straight to the loved
ones, she gradually pointed her boat toward the north, and by great
effort ran along the dock. As she worked against a chopping sea, banks
of water struck the craft and sheets of spray rose above to break and
fall over her. The wind dashed down upon her head, clutching at her
brown locks. Still she pulled like a little giant. Occasionally catching
a glimpse of the three, she beheld Geordie at his post heroically
working his way to the rock.
The winds howled madly at her, and with all their force tried to push
the brave girl back. Seconds were like hours, yet she pulled on until
about ready to reverse her boat's position, when the waves seemed to say:
"Ah, my fine lady, when you turn, then we will swallow you."
Watching her opportunity--the sea lulling for an instant--she gave a
quick pull, and as a huge wave approached, her boat turned and she
breathed a sigh of relief as the water passed by her boat's stern. It
was an awful time to her; one of those inspiring, grand, but cruel
moments when Lake George, so beautiful in all its quiet glory, suddenly
becomes transformed into a thing ugly, wicked, and furious.
Within a short distance of the little boat and its precious load,
Belle saw a huge wave, looking like a dozen ordinary billows combined,
sweeping down upon her brothers.
"Geordie!" she screamed, "put your prow to the sea!" but the words
scarcely left her lips before the boat was caught up and the two boys
and nurse thrown into the water. Belle unconsciously closed her eyes
for an instant; on opening them she beheld Jane standing on the partly
submerged rock, with Geordie and Willie clasped in her arms. South of
the rock was the island on which Cleverdale Camp was situated.
The frantic girl saw the waves go headlong over the rock, submerging
the faithful nurse nearly to the waist, but how dare she approach them?
The children were as brave as the nurse, Geordie standing on the rock
clinging to Jane, while little Willie was clasped in her arms.
In the distance could be seen the smoke of a small steamboat, but not a
man was visible in the locality, all having gone for a day's pleasure;
and Cleverdale Camp was deserted.
Belle's strength fast failing, she knew she could hold out little
longer. Suddenly the cloud broke and in an instant the mad seas were
partially quieted, as if the flood of golden sunshine that burst through
the murky canopy had appeased them. Belle hastily ran her boat on the
rock; Jane and the children were quickly seated in the stern; the sun
disappeared behind the dark curtain of cloud, and the waters resumed
their reckless sport. But the boat was turned toward Cleverdale Camp,
and in a few moments shot into the little bay, and ran upon the sandy
beach out of all danger. Belle rose quickly, jumped ashore, beckoned
Jane and the boys to follow, staggered, and fell fainting upon the
greensward.
CHAPTER IV.
THE BOSS AND HIS AIDS.
One of the nation's prominent beings, indigenous with American politics,
is "The Boss."
The Boss is a great man, and stands forth mighty and inscrutable, an
autocrat wielding his sceptre with a strong hand.
He must be brave as a lion; sagacious as an elephant; with all the
cunning of a fox and the obstinacy of a bull-dog. His hide should be
thick as that of the rhinoceros, and he must be as quick as the leopard
in the mythical ability to change his spots. Like the hyena he must
have an appetite for ghoulish work, while his eyes must be powerful as
the eagle's, and his talons equal to those of any bird of prey. He must
have a backbone combining all the vertebral rigidity of the whole animal
kingdom, and his heels should resemble in their trip hammer power the
catapults of the great American mule.
He must be a man of quick conception, ready to comprehend situations at
once, and when an emergency suddenly rises he must be able to take it
by the coat-collar and make it resume its seat. He must be a positive
character in all things. He cannot be a boor, for social qualities are
useful to him.
He is not the creation of human hands; he is born, not made, and his
qualifications are merely perversions of noble gifts of the Creator. In
all deals on the political card-table, the Boss stacks the cards just as
really as do such magnates as Vanderbilt, Jay Gould, _ed omnes_, in Wall
Street.
The Boss dictates candidates and sketches plans of political action,
and if the man desiring an office does not suit the Boss, he may as
well take a back seat without waiting to be sat upon and rolled over
afterward.
The Boss does not always act openly, but generally prefers to keep in
the background. Sometimes he is a judge "out of politics," as he says.
He does not openly take part in the composition of tickets, but when a
candidate comes to the surface the question is usually asked, "Does he
suit the Judge?"
The Boss has his trusted lieutenants, selected for their fealty to
their leader, and no man can expect to obtain an appointment within
the territory of any Boss unless the latter espouses his cause. In
many cases the Boss is a Senator or an Assemblyman, or even a lesser
county official. Oftentimes he holds no elective office, but may be an
appointee of the government or State. In office or out, he exists, and
seems to be as inseparable from the political machinery of this Republic
as the engineer from the machinery driving a steamboat.
Senator Hamblin, the Boss of his senatorial district, had his trusted
aids in every town. He knew whom he could depend on when the town
caucuses were held, yet feared the attempt of Daley to overthrow him,
although confident of his ability to intercept the little scheme.
Monday evening, the four men arriving at Cleverdale, Senator Hamblin
and Miller walked together toward the home of the former, while Horton
and Rawlings went direct to the _Investigator_ office. Rawlings calling
for his proof-sheets, an article laudatory of Senator Hamblin was shown
Horton. It was read and pronounced good, Horton suggesting the addition
referred to in the conference at Saratoga. The words were quickly
penned, and copy given the compositor. This was barely done when the
sanctum door opened and Daley entered.
"Ah, Mr. Daley, how do you do?" exclaimed Rawlings. "Just returned home.
How's things in Cleverdale? Nothing new, eh?"
"No--guess not. How are you, Horton?" and he extended his hand to the
County Clerk.
"By the way, Rawlings," said Daley, "I am told you have changed your
mind about carrying out the conservative wishes of the community. Is
that so?"
"I don't exactly catch your meaning, Daley. Be a little more explicit,"
said Rawlings.
"Well, if you want it any plainer, I mean just this: the machine has
recaptured the _Investigator_, after its editor's declaring he was with
the people. That's all, Rawlings--that's all."
Rawlings, usually cool and collected, at once lost his temper; his lips
trembled, his face flushed with anger, and raising his clenched fist, he
said:
"See here, Daley, there is the door! and if you don't get out of it
d----d quick, I'll throw you out! D'ye hear?" Rawlings stepped forward
as if to execute his threat, and Daley quickly turned and left the
office.
The next morning the _Investigator_ appeared with the article reflecting
on Daley. In the mean time Senator Hamblin visited the bank, and,
meeting several party leaders, discussed the political situation,
seemingly anxious concerning the position of every one with whom he
conversed. He was suspicious of all, well knowing the hold he possessed
on his followers was only retained by the amount of patronage at his
control and the sum of money he was willing to spend for the purpose of
enthusing "the boys," for no boss must let the boys become low-spirited;
they may in such case take a notion to change bosses.
As the Senator dismissed two persons the door opened and Paddy Sullivan
entered. Paddy was a large, red-faced, sandy-haired Irishman, his cheeks
covered with a long rough beard. Holding a cigar between the second and
third fingers of his left hand, he seized his black slouched hat with
his right and dropped it on the table. His appearance seemed to please
the Senator, for he extended a more cordial welcome to Paddy than to any
previous visitors.
"How are you, Paddy?" he said, warmly grasping the great mass of flesh
that individual used for a hand.
"Foine as a top, Sinitor, and how's yersel'?" quickly answered Paddy.
"Well--very well. Sit down and let's have a quiet talk. Throw away that
old stump, there--try a choice Havana," and he passed a cigar-box taken
from a private drawer. "Now, Paddy, how are all the boys, and how goes
politics at 'The Shades'?"
"Politics has been so dull that we're only been able to dhraw about two
kegs of lager a day. I've always noticed, Sinitor, that when politics is
a little hazy, the boys are busted and the beer-tap only runs driblets.
Ah, Sinitor, if I was in Congress, be jabers! I'd go in for a law that
would have elickshun hild ivery month. But see here, Sinitor, look out
for that blagyard Daley. He bought four kegs of lager lasht week; but
shure I sot up six kegs for the b'ys--and--sh-h-h-h, d'ye moind--I tould
'em Sinitor Hamblin had left orders for me to do it--that I did. When
the Daleys get the shtart of Paddy Sullivan and his frinds it's whin
Paddy's shlapin'."
"You did right," said the Senator, "and you can send the bill to me. By
the way, Paddy, are the boys all right? How many of the laborers at the
mill can you pull for me? Ah, Paddy, you are a clear-headed man; no one
can control as many votes as yourself."
"Ah, bedad! yee's jist roight. Ayven the good Father Burns wid his
blissed callin' can't run as many men wid his holy power as Paddy
Sullivan wid his lager and whishkey. The b'ys knows who's their frind,
and when they was swallowing Daley's lager I tips 'em the wink and says
I, 'B'ys, dom Daley, but here's to the hilth of the Boss!' and, Sinitor,
ivery mother's son of 'em was rid hot for yees!"
"Well, Paddy, keep your eyes open. The caucus will be held in about six
weeks. In the mean time set a keg of lager on tap each Wednesday and
Saturday evenings and let the boys drink. If Daley comes around let
Miller know. I shall be absent a few days, but on my return we must
open the ball. One hundred copies of the _Investigator_ will be given
you each week. Give them to the boys, and call especial attention to
the leading article. Right must win. Daley is engaged in an infamous
conspiracy to help the corporations, and if it takes every dollar I am
worth I am bound to stand by the people against monopolies. Ah, Paddy,
to just such men as you are we indebted for a sound government founded
and upheld upon patriotic principles. Without such, America as a nation
would be a failure. Yes, sir, a failure."
"There's where your head is livil, Sinitor, and when yees git Paddy
Sullivan's infl_oo_ence, yees git as thrue a heart as iver wint
pitty-pat benaythe a man's vist. But I must go, and niver ye fear but
that yee'l bate that Daley. Good-mornin', sir, good-mornin'," and Paddy
was gone.
The Senator quickly threw open the window, and the fumes of tobacco,
whiskey, and onions passing out, he thus soliloquized:
"Whew! that chap is not a very sweet-smelling bouquet. Gracious! it
makes me sick. What a dirty road is the political highway to success.
Bah! But a man cannot secure good fruit without the use of unsavory
fertilizers, and so it is with politics; the tree must be nursed, and if
the gardener wants palatable fruit he must not object to the fertilizing
element needed to give the tree life and strength. No, I can stand a
thousand Sullivans if they are as strong politically as Paddy."
At that moment the door opened and Cyrus Hart Miller entered.
"Well, Miller, what is it? You seem hot and flushed. Anything new?"
quickly asked the Senator.
"Yes, and you must act at once. You remember a military company is
about to be organized here. Those in charge have succeeded in getting
enough names enrolled to obtain the necessary papers for organization.
The company is an assured fact, the next thing needed is a name. Daley
has offered to buy them a complete set of colors worth four hundred
dollars, if the company is named for him. I just learned this from Kip
Rogers, who expects to be captain, and I said to Kip, 'Senator Hamblin
would do better.' How would Hamblin Guards sound? The organization is to
be composed of the best blood in Cleverdale, and every man would be a
strong friend of a generous patron. It is a good scheme, Senator, and a
magnanimous offer from you would make the company a powerful auxiliary
to your other strings. Of course there is the 'Hamblin Mutual Benefit
Death Lottery Association,' named for you; then there is the 'Hamblin
Steam-Engine Company,' the 'Hamblin Yacht Club,' all good, substantial
aids to your ambition; but, Senator, the 'Hamblin Guards' would be of
more real benefit to you than all the rest put together. What say you? I
told Kip I would see him in an hour's time, for Daley wanted an answer
this evening."
"Miller, you are a shrewd manager. Yes, you are right. You can say to
Kip that I will present a stand of colors worth seven hundred and fifty
dollars. The company can command me for one thousand dollars cash
beside to fit up their parlors if the organization is named for me. Not
a bad idea, and when the grand centennials occur the 'Hamblin Guards'
shall go. Yes, Miller, they shall go with all the glory the men and
their patron can command. Go at once and bring me their answer."
Miller was off in an instant, when the Senator seated himself and thus
soliloquized:
"Hamblin Guards! eh? yes; it will read well in the newspapers. Ah, it
is pleasing to see one's name in print--for other people to read. Such
things as this, for instance, tell at the polls:
"'Senator Hamblin is the generous patron of our local churches.
He gives large sums for the support of the gospel. His charities
are generously bestowed, while his name is recorded upon the
hearts of all who love the church.'
"Yes, permitting Belle to bestow gifts upon charitable institutions has
been of great advantage, for every dollar thus expended has brought me
at least four votes. She gives from her heart, while I advance funds
from my pocket at the dictation of my head. She is a noble girl, and I
was cruel to her when I left Lake George. But pshaw! George Alden! only
a clerk in the bank! He has no political significance, and I cannot
allow my daughter to form an alliance with a mere private citizen.
Her heart is young and tender, and the fire of to-day can be easily
quenched. When she marries she must make a brilliant match. Belle is
sick, her mother writes, and I must return to Lake George. This evening
I must attend the church meeting; to-morrow the Cleverdale Woollen
Mill Company are to hold an important business meeting, and I must be
present. Senator, you have too many irons in the fire! Be careful, sir,
for these hard times are shrinking values. No unwise ventures, sir, or
your fortune will take wings and fly away."
Thus he soliloquized, until interrupted by a note which read as follows:
_Investigator_ OFFICE.
DEAR SENATOR: I will be at your house at 7 P.M. Will you be at
home? Tell boy Yes or No.
Yours faithfully,
J. RAWLINGS.
"Tell him Yes," said the Senator, and as the boy passed out, he
remarked: "What the devil does he want now?"
Senator Hamblin stood high in the community as a successful business
man. Until recently he had suffered but few losses. At the height of
his business career, he was the leader of numerous enterprises, and for
the past ten years president of the Cleverdale National Bank, the stock
of said institution being quoted at one dollar and ninety cents. He was
director in the Cleverdale Woollen Mill Company, capital one million
dollars. His business friends saw and regretted that his infatuation for
politics caused him to do many questionable things. In business, social,
and religious walks, a man must be the personification of all that is
good, but in politics he is allowed the fullest license to tread paths
that are crooked. Hence Senator Hamblin's friends tried to reconcile
themselves to his action, but succeeded only in stultifying themselves.
Promptly at seven that evening, Editor Rawlings was admitted into the
library at Senator Hamblin's residence.
"Good-evening, Senator! Excuse me for calling. I will not occupy much
of your valuable time. I have called to inquire concerning our business
matters. I want to go to New York on Friday to buy that press and
engine. What shall I do about payments?" said Rawlings.
"You can buy a press and engine for fifteen hundred dollars and have
them billed to me," said the Senator. "After election I will make over
same to you after you render me a bill for legitimate services and
distribution of campaign papers. Do you understand?"
"Y-e-s, I understand, but Daley sent word he would give me out-and-out
two thousand dollars to support him. Business is business, Senator, and
I must make hay while the sun shines. Now I don't want to be mean or go
back on a bargain, but hadn't you better see the two thousand dollars?
You needn't say yes now, but let Miller come around and see me--he can
fix it, for Miller is a man of business."
Senator Hamblin rose and walked toward the door. He was not in an
agreeable mood, for he knew the man was a knave. Yet he was at his
mercy. Had he followed the impulse of his mind he would have kicked him
out-doors, but conquering his feelings, he said:
"Rawlings, you are not playing fair with me. If I accede to your demand
now, will this be the last? I must know where I stand, as I cannot pay
all I am worth for the help of a newspaper. Everybody thinks I have a
gold mine and that they can tap me at their will."
"Oh, no, Senator, I don't think anything of that kind, but the railroads
are shelling out money to overthrow you, and you know that business is
business. I would rather be with you, by thunder, and am only asking
what is fair."
Senator Hamblin, aware that Rawlings would desert him if he did not
submit to his extortionate demand, and anxious to terminate the
interview, replied:
"Well, I suppose I must submit. Miller will call in the morning and
arrange matters. I have an engagement at eight, and time is most up."
Rawlings, not at all put out by the Senator's manner, rose and said:
"All right, I will leave you. I am solid, Senator--a regular
thoroughbred--and when I go for a man I go my whole length," and passed
out.
"Solid! Yes, you _are_ solid--in your cheek. You are one of the
representative men of the political arena. Bad--bad; and still you must
be tolerated--yes, courted and paid. It is a blot upon our institutions
that such rascals sometimes mould public opinion, all because they can
wield a powerful pen. They prate of honesty and rob a man by their
disgraceful blackmailing and--But how could politicians get along if it
weren't for such rascals?"
CHAPTER V.
TO THE RESCUE.
While the gale on the lake was putting Belle and her brothers in peril,
four young men stood at one of the docks about two miles north of
Cleverdale Camp, watching the surface of the water. One of them raised a
field-glass to his eyes and looking across the tempest-tossed lake gazed
intently toward Cleverdale Camp, and then said to his companion:
"Alden, what is that? It looks like a small boat; see, it seems to be
hovering about the island rock. As I am alive, man, there is a woman on
the rock with two objects at her side. It must be--"
His further remarks were cut short by Alden, who quickly seized the
glass, looked intently for a moment, then said:
"Bob, there is also a woman in the small boat trying to rescue another
from the rock. The two objects beside the woman on the rock look like
children. They must be helped. Come along; who will go with me? Step up,
boys; no time is to be lost; with a man at the oars and another at the
helm we can weather this storm. Quick! who goes?"
George Alden, for it was he, was greatly excited as he observed the
boat, for a terrible suspicion was filling his mind.
"George, are you a fool?" asked Bob Harkins. "No boat can stand such a
gale; you are mad, man."
"I'm neither one nor the other, Bob, but a man; when a fellow mortal is
in danger I am going to the rescue. If some one will go with me the work
will be easier, but, alone or not, I am going. Come on, for I am off!"
and he started for the bay, where his boat was safely harbored.
All efforts to dissuade him were fruitless, and no one volunteered to
accompany him. His boat, the "Nellie," shot out from under the bridge
across the little bay with only himself for crew. Fortunately the wind
was in the right direction, yet the group on shore anxiously watched
him. His boat rode the seas like a cockle-shell; she was up on a white
crest one instant, and then hid herself in the sea's trough for several
seconds, as if she had been swallowed up, but skilfully the well-trained
arms managed the oars.
Suddenly, during a lull in the wind, Alden cast his eyes toward the
submerged rock, and perceived that the objects had left it, while a
little way toward the south he beheld the rescuer and rescued dashing
over the excited lake toward Cleverdale Camp.
"Thank God!" he exclaimed, "they are saved."
Heading his craft for Cleverdale Camp, within two minutes after Belle
Hamblin had fallen George Alden was at her side.
"Oh, Mr. Alden, Belle is dead, she is dead! What shall we do?" exclaimed
Geordie, while little Willie was moaning piteously.
Quickly leaning down and placing his ear to her lips, Alden felt a
faint breath, and then was gratified to hear a deep sigh. She lay on the
grass, her face white as snow, her eyes closed, the beautiful brown hair
falling about her shoulders. Alden cast but a glance at her, and then
asked the faithful Jane: "Will you help carry her to our camp?"
The limp form was taken up and George Alden passed toward the camp with
Belle's face close to his. She was very pale, and the thought that her
stillness might, perhaps, be that of death staggered him for an instant.
Holding her in his embrace and realizing that his arms clasped all his
heart desired, he raised his eyes toward heaven, and said something more
earnest than young men often do when looking in that direction.
The camp reached, Belle was laid upon a bed of boughs, a blanket having
been previously thrown over it, and then Alden and Jane began the work
of restoration by gently rubbing the girl's brow with brandy, a little
of the same diluted being forced between her lips.
The young man, informed by Jane of the circumstances of the morning, of
the storm and the wrecked boat containing herself and the two boys, of
their rescue by the brave girl, felt assured that Belle was only paying
the usual penalty of overtaxing nature. But, feeling certain that his
own destiny was linked with the beautiful girl lying so pale and quiet
on the improvised couch, the pulsation of his heart would have told
tales if any one had been by to listen.
While chafing her hand with spirits Alden was gladdened to feel her
fingers close about his own, and then he noted movements of the lips as
if she were trying to speak. He quickly poured a portion of the spirits
into his hand and placed it to her nostrils. Nature began to reassert
itself.
Belle sighed loud and long; her eyelids unclosed, the blue filling for
an instant with wonder, and then the long fringed lids closed again.
The veins filled with blood, and the plump cheeks showed the rose-tint
of returning life. Gradually strength returning, she gently lifted her
head, opened her eyes, and said:
"Where am I? Where are Jane and the boys? Are they saved?"
"Yes, Miss Belle," he replied, "they are all here. You are at Cleverdale
Camp, with friends. Can't you sleep for a while? Jane will stay with you
while I amuse the boys. You are safe here away from the storm, and a
half-hour sleep will restore your strength."
"You are very kind," murmured Belle. Then she exclaimed, "Oh, I can see
the mad waves opening their great yawning mouths ready to swallow me. My
dear little brothers; let them come to me. Oh, Willie and Geordie! Thank
God! you are saved. Thank God!" and kissing their foreheads she fell
back exhausted.
George Alden arose to withdraw, telling Jane he would be in the tent
only a few feet distant, when Belle, opening her eyes, said:
"Oh, don't leave me yet. Stay--but no--I am not myself. I am still
filled with the horror of those cruel waves. My poor mother, God pity
her! she probably mourns us as lost. Oh, George, is there not some way
to inform her of our safety? It will kill her if she thinks us drowned."
"Yes, I will see to it at once, only promise you will try to sleep
again," he replied.
"I will promise anything if you will only manage to relieve mamma's
anxiety," and she again closed her eyes.
George, quickly obtaining a piece of white cloth, with paint he had at
hand put on it in large, bold letters:
"ALL SAFE AT CLEVERDALE CAMP."
Placing the sign in a conspicuous place and firing a pistol, he saw his
signal was heard, as several persons gathered on the dock and answered
by another pistol-shot. Raising a field-glass he beheld Mrs. Hamblin
standing on shore with a telescope to her eyes. Knowing the anxiety of
the mother was relieved, he returned to camp and ascertained that Belle
was sleeping.
The hurricane, as if sullen at being foiled in its attempt to destroy
the little party now safe at Camp Cleverdale, began to halt in its mad
career, the waves that had been roaring and dancing upon the shore
showing signs of exhaustion. Although the winds blew, it was evident
their force was nearly spent.
Later in the afternoon, while George Alden was seated upon a rock
amusing Geordie and Willie, the boys much interested in the stories he
was relating, Jane approached the trio and informed him that Belle,
awakening from her sleep, wished to see him in the tent.
Leaving the boys with Jane he walked toward the Camp, and on entering
the enclosure was gratified at finding Belle sitting up. "How are
you feeling now?" he asked. "You look rested, and I hope are much
refreshed."
"Yes, thanks to your kindness, I am feeling like myself again. Is the
storm over? What a narrow escape for us all! But, how came you here?"
she asked, anxiously.
George then told his own adventures, relating all the circumstances of
his trip, and then said:
"Ah, Belle, how happy I am that you are safe! I earnestly hope that you
may experience no ill effects from your adventure."
"No, I am feeling quite well excepting a little lameness in my arms. It
was a long, hard pull for my weak hands, but had I not undertaken it our
poor little boys would have been drowned. It was a terrible ordeal, and
when the cruel waves capsized their boat my senses nearly left me. When
I saw my loved ones on the rock clasped in Jane's arms, my heart sent
forth such a prayer of thanks! Are the boys injured?"
"Not in the least, the little fellows are perfectly safe. I trembled for
you, though, when I saw your white face, your eyes closed, and your lips
speechless."
He spoke feelingly, and as he did so gently took her hand, which she
allowed him to hold with the confidence one feels when beside a trusted
friend.
"And yourself, George," she said, "you look pale, as if the excitement
had been too much for you, but I hope it is only your anxiety for us."
"It has been an anxious day for me. Had you been drowned, my heart would
have been sorely stricken. Belle, I must speak--do forgive me--but you
are dearer to me than all the world. I see you are offended, but when
all I care for, all that I love, is before me I cannot help speaking
from my heart."
Belle arose from her seat and said: "Oh, think of what you are saying.
I am not my own mistress. You are noble and brave, and having been the
means of saving us from sorrow, I cannot be too grateful to you. You
are more to me than--than I wish; but do not talk of this to-day. The
scenes of the morning--the awful waves, that seem even now to laugh me
to scorn--make this moment too much like the bright day following the
darkness of night--too much like the sunshine after a storm. Please,
George, no more of this--at least not now."
"As you say; but hark! hear the merry laugh of the boys. Come, let us
join them. There! you look like your own dear self again."
As they stepped forth the sun suddenly hid its face behind a cloud, but
the tempest had nearly subsided. Belle's brothers ran to meet her, and
in an instant two little pairs of arms were entwined about her neck.
Then she arose and, turning to George, said:
"Can we go to our mother now? The lake is calm."
"Yes, in a short time, for I think I see the boys in the distance--if
it is, we can make one trip. I have the children's boat, washed ashore
during the gale, but Geordie's little arms cannot row to-night. See! The
boat is headed for the island, and in a few moments we will take you to
your friends."
In ten minutes the three companions of George Alden, stepping on the
shore, were quickly informed of the state of affairs, and in a short
time Jane and the children were in one boat, George and Belle in
another, all gliding over the lake, which now was calm and beautiful,
and soon Belle and the children were in their mother's arms.
Remaining with the fond hope of again seeing Belle, Alden wandered
through the hotel, and about half-past eight, discovering the girl at
the door of her parlor, he went toward her. Gently and lovingly taking
her hand he drew her toward him and somehow their lips met. That instant
a hand roughly seized the young man by the coat-collar, hurled him
across the hallway, and the Hon. Darius Hamblin stood between the two.
CHAPTER VI.
A CAMP DINNER.
Senator Hamblin, leaving the stage-coach at Lake George, embarked on the
little steamer Ganouski. He was accompanied by two gentlemen on their
way to join a camping party of male friends, who had pitched their tents
on an island about two miles south of Lakeside. The Senator was in good
spirits, enjoying the society of his companions. The younger of the two,
a fine-looking man about thirty years of age, resided in the same county
with Hamblin, having represented his district two terms in the State
legislature. His personal appearance was commanding, and for a young
man he had taken a high standing in the political arena of the day. He
possessed a keen black eye, sharp and piercing, around the corners of
which could be detected an expression of recklessness and trickery, so
necessary for a man of his calling.
Hon. Walter Mannis had been very successful in his political career, and
older men pointed to him as a brilliant ornament--in fact, a rising star
in the political theatre of the State; and so Senator Hamblin patronized
and courted the young member.
Mannis had inherited a large fortune, which, added to his fine personal
appearance and many accomplishments, made him a lion in both public and
private circles. He was called the handsome member of the legislature,
and many a mamma tried to win his smiles for a pretty daughter. Yet Mr.
Mannis had never yielded to the charms of female loveliness and virtue.
He remained a target, his heart seemingly impregnable to love's arrows.
His companion, a member of the legislature also, representing an
assembly district in the great metropolis, was about the age of Mannis,
although not as fine-looking or intellectually as bright.
"Senator," said Mannis, as the three sat on the deck of the little
steamer, "you must stop at the island and dine with me. Our friends
expect us, and a royal camp dinner will be awaiting our arrival. We
shall leave the steamer at the dock nearest camp, where a boat will be
waiting to convey us to the island. After dinner we will row you to your
family at Lakeside, about two miles distant. What say you?"
"I will stop on one condition, Mannis, and that your promise to spend
to-morrow with me. I would like to have some conversation with you
concerning political matters in our county. Have I your promise?"
"I shall be most happy to accept, Senator."
A half hour later the little steamer drew up at the dock, when the three
disembarked. They were soon seated in a small boat, and after a pull of
a few moments the party stepped on the rock answering as a dock for the
little island. Introductions being over, Senator Hamblin was led to the
table, where a tempting repast was spread.
Reader, have you ever participated in a camp dinner?
No?
Then you have missed one of the rarest treats of life.
The dining-room is a tent opened at one end, through the centre
extending a stationary table made of planed boards. On each side is a
bench nailed to the table, capable of seating about six persons. To seat
one's self, sit on the bench with back to the table; gracefully raising
the lower limbs, right about face, your seat acting as a pivot for the
body, swing over quickly, drop the feet beneath the table, and you are
ready for preliminaries. Before you is new bread, white and tempting;
butter of a rich golden hue; tomatoes, crimson and juicy with richness;
cucumbers, pickles, sauces, and other relishes. The waiters are clothed
in habiliments of blue surmounted by elegant crowns of native straw.
The cool breezes blowing from the lake, golden yellow-jackets in swarms
hover about your head, occasionally swooping down into the sugar-bowl to
see if the sweetness is first-class.
Presently bowls of delicious turtle soup are placed before you, and the
aroma that rises is more than appetizing to a hungry man. As you convey
luscious spoonfuls to your mouth, another aroma greets your olfactories:
it is the fumes of coffee.
S--p--p--p--p!
A pair of red squirrels go scampering up a tree near by, intent on
getting over the dining-room to enjoy the rich odors wasting themselves
on the desert air.
Soup is followed by fish--none of your canned salmon or salt cod--none
of your stale shad, a week out of water--but fish almost wriggling their
tails as you spear them with a fork. They are smoking hot, with a rich
hue of brown--the edge of the dish being ornamented with small clippings
of fried pork.
Take the fish on your fork, insert a knife-blade in the back, when the
white meat falls on your plate anxious to be eaten. Drop the knife and
with your fingers catch hold of the skeleton at the head, pull gently,
and it will divide itself from the other half. Your plate loaded with
mealy potatoes, squash, boiled onions, and corn, you have before you a
dinner fit for an epicure. How good everything tastes! All formality
having been left at home, the camp dinner is the Eden of banquets.
Counting your skeletons, you will be surprised at the number of fish you
have eaten. With your voracious appetite you will not fail to leave a
place for a dessert of fruit which follows. Pies and puddings are not
usually a part of camp dinners, fruit taking their place.
Senator Hamblin enjoyed the repast as thoroughly as his entertainer
could have wished. Indeed, the entire party, though composed of
politicians, did not easily get back to politics; for a half hour
after dinner they sat on the rocks smoking cigars and discussing the
surroundings. They could scarcely have helped it, for the scene was
charming; the golden rays of the sun fringing the western hills gave the
foliage a rare quality of splendor. The lake was like a sheet of silver,
the surface reflecting the lovely azure of an unclouded sky. The air
was pure and sweet, the breezes soft, and all the surroundings were
specially successful bits of nature's handiwork.
Senator Hamblin was enchanted as he gazed upon the beauties of nature
spread before him; for the moment he even forgot the trials and
vexations of politics. Worldly feelings that agitated him from day to
day were gone, and he felt that he stood in an earthly paradise such as
no other locality could present.
"Mannis, this is grand! In all my travels I never beheld anything so
enchanting. I do not wonder this is such a resort. In all accounts of
this beautiful lake justice has never been done it. But while I am lost
in delight and bewilderment, I am forgetting my family await me at
Lakeside. Come, let us proceed to my quarters; it is growing late, and
before we leave this place it will be dark."
The party arose, preparing to depart, and by the time adieus were said
the shades of evening had fallen. The moon burst forth over the hilltops
as Senator Hamblin, Assemblyman Mannis, with two others, jumped into
the boat. The little craft soon touched the beach, and Senator Hamblin
stepped ashore.
"Remember, Mannis, you are to spend to-morrow with me. Good-night,
gentlemen;" and in a moment the oars struck the water again and the
little boat was far away on its return trip. Watching the craft a moment
he turned toward the house and said:
"Mannis is one of nature's noblemen. What a magnificent couple he and
my proud Belle would make! Egad! if I could bring it about Belle would
have a husband every way worthy of her. We will see."
After returning the warm welcome of those on the piazza he went directly
to his room, fate decreeing his arrival at the moment George Alden so
warmly greeted Belle. The young man, taken by surprise, was pushed
violently across the hallway, while Belle confronted her stern father,
who said:
"Belle, I am astonished!" and he led her gently into the room, quickly
closing the door, and Alden was left alone.
The latter, regaining his composure, waited but a moment, then turned
and left the house, in a short time arriving at his island camp. For an
hour he remained alone on the rock with his own thoughts for company. He
thought of the few days passed at the lake; the rescue of little Willie;
the happy moments in the society of his heart's idol; the long days when
her illness prevented him seeing her; and the many happy moments since
she rejoined her friends. He thought of the day just ended; the storm;
the brave girl in the boat; the loved ones on the rock, and the poor
girl lying before him so helpless and white. His mind went back to the
happy moment when he held her hand and told his love.
George Alden was a brave man, never quailing at danger, but when he
thought of his humiliation he moaned in agony of spirit.
"I am only a bank clerk," he said, "but is that reason why this man's
daughter should be injured by my society? I love her, and I'll have her,
too, in spite of her father."
CHAPTER VII.
THE CRUEL THUNDERBOLT.
"Belle, what does this mean? How dare that fellow pollute your lips with
a kiss?" angrily asked Mr. Hamblin as the door closed behind him.
"Father," replied Belle quickly, "George Alden is a noble man, and
inspired by honorable impulses. His touch is not pollution."
Senator Hamblin was filled with rage; his face became scarlet; his lips
trembled, and raising his hand he exclaimed:
"Go to your room! If he dares to repeat the scene of this evening I will
send the presumptuous puppy adrift. No employé of mine must presume upon
stealing my treasure. My daughter must select her companions from a
higher circle than that of book-keepers."
Suddenly Mrs. Hamblin entered, and beholding Belle with hands clasped
over her eyes, and hearing her sobs, placed an arm lovingly about her
neck, and asked:
"What is it, Belle, darling?"
"What is it?" exclaimed the father; "it is this: she would throw away
the honor of the family on that beggar, Alden!"
"Oh, Darius! think of what you say. Are you ignorant of the events of
the day, or is your heart turned to stone? Poor child, she has saved
the lives of your boys and proved herself full of heroism. The scenes
she passed through to-day would have prostrated a person of ordinary
character. Husband, you little know what a brave and noble daughter you
have."
Senator Hamblin tried to calm himself. He walked to and fro several
times, and then, halting before his wife, asked:
"What do you mean? If anything remarkable has occurred please inform me."
As Mrs. Hamblin related the incidents of the day, the cold, hard
expression of her husband's countenance gradually softened. He forgot
for a moment his personal ambition, forgot that the sweet girl before
him had not only disobeyed but actually defied him, forgot the handsome
Mannis and the audacity of the poor bank clerk Alden. As he listened to
the thrilling recital of Belle's experience, the father predominated,
and from his heart, in spite of its hard political crust, burst natural
feelings. When his wife had finished he arose, went to Belle, lovingly
placed his arms about her, and said:
"You are a noble girl, and I am proud of you. There, wipe away those
tears. Your young heart is too good to carry a load of sorrow. The day's
excitement has been too much for you. Give me a kiss and go to your
room. A night's rest will refresh you."
Belle, raising her head, gazed into her father's face, and saw there the
old look of love and affection that it wore before he became absorbed
in public life; the cold, cruel lines disappearing, he was again the
companion of her childhood. A flood of joy filled her heart, and she
gave her father a look and embrace that would have reformed any parent
not a politician.
"Good-night, darling," said the Senator, when released by his daughter.
"Go to your room now. To-morrow you shall have a day of pleasure. I
expect a friend to spend the day and dine with us."
Belle left the room accompanied by her mother, and the proud man was
alone.
"She is a noble character," the Senator exclaimed as he paced the
floor. "And Alden--curse him!--is worthy of her admiration. Still, so
is Mannis. When she meets him she cannot help admiring him. But she is
proud and sensitive. She must be moulded by kind treatment; force and
arbitrary measures won't do. She is full of the 'no surrender' spirit of
her father, bless her. I must try strategy."
Belle entered her room, followed by her mother, and closing the door
threw herself into a chair, and burst into tears.
"Oh, mother, what trials I am having! Ever since we arrived here
something has been occurring to make me unhappy. What have I done to
deserve it? Papa is not the same man he used to be; he thinks even his
own flesh and blood must bow to his ambition. Poor George has fallen
under his displeasure, merely for the sin of loving me. Why should we
have any hearts at all?" Then she told all that had taken place between
herself and George Alden, and when she referred to the scene at the
parlor door she sobbed as if her heart would break.
Her mother, who had suffered worse and longer than her daughter by the
remorseless ambition that was demanding the entire sacrifice, comforted
the weeping girl as only a mother could, and an hour later sleep ended
for the day the sorrows of both.
The next morning opened bright and beautiful, the Hamblins as usual
appearing at the breakfast-table. Belle's exploit of the previous day
had been noised about the neighborhood, and she found herself the centre
of attraction at the Lakeside, and the little boys Geordie and Willie
came in for a share of honor. Belle bore her honors meekly. Unlike her
father, hers was not a character to be excited by public applause.
Besides, her mind was preoccupied, and her eyes often strayed toward
Cleverdale Camp. While gazing in that direction she saw a little boat
enter the bay and a gentleman step from it upon the beach, where her
father warmly greeted him, and then escorted him to her and her mother.
"Mr. Mannis, I take pleasure in introducing you to Mrs. Hamblin and my
daughter, Miss Belle."
The guest bowed to both, and said: "Ladies, I feel you are hardly
strangers to me, for my friend here, your honored husband and father, is
an old acquaintance in the forum of politics and at the State capital."
"We are always glad to meet Mr. Hamblin's friends," replied the elder
lady, "and he has often spoken of you; you are very welcome, sir."
Mannis bowed his acknowledgments and then turned to Belle.
"Miss Hamblin, allow me to congratulate you on your narrow escape
yesterday, and express my admiration of your noble exploit. It is
fortunate that you had learned to use the oar, but few even of young
ladies who row would have the courage to undertake so hazardous a trip.
Do you know your praises are being sung far and near?"
"Belle is a brave girl," said the Senator, "and I am proud of her. Don't
blush, Belle, you are too modest."
"But, papa, what did I do? I could no more resist the impulse that sent
me out than you could help reaching forth your hand and snatching one of
the boys from an approaching locomotive."
"Say what you will, Miss Hamblin, the world gives every human being
credit for the brave deeds they perform, and your modesty will not
enable you to avoid being praised for your heroism."
The conversation continued for a long time. Belle, like a true woman,
enjoyed the society of a gentleman, and as Mannis had perfect manners
and was a fluent conversationalist, the moments passed most agreeably.
The Senator was delighted by the grace with which his daughter
entertained his guest, and with great satisfaction he noticed that the
handsome Assemblyman was greatly interested in the girl. Not a word on
political topics had been spoken; for a deeper game was being played by
the proud father, who in believing that he held a winning hand forgot
that his stake was his own flesh and blood.
After dinner the two gentlemen went to enjoy a quiet smoke on the
veranda of the gentlemen's sitting-room. Mannis was profuse in
compliments regarding the Senator's family, all of which were extremely
gratifying to the honorable gentleman. Gradually the subject of the
approaching campaign came up, and Mannis disclosed that Daley had urged
him to espouse his cause against Hamblin.
"I told him from the first I was with you, and now repeat it more
strongly than before. I am more friendly to you now than ever."
"Thanks, Mannis, and if I can do anything to advance your interest you
can always command me," replied the Senator.
Just then little Willie came running to his father, who took him upon
his knee. The child's bright blue eyes and head of handsome brown curls
always attracted attention, which his amusing lisp was quite sure to
hold. Twining his little arms about his papa's neck, he began talking
in a manner so amusing that the practical Mannis at once took a great
liking to him, and Willie reciprocated it, so that Mannis was still
further impressed by the Hamblins in general.
As the party chatted a storm-cloud arose, but no one seemed to notice
it. The green was covered with children, little Willie among them, and
as he danced with all the joyousness of healthy childhood he seemed
the leader of the little party. The cloud grew larger, but no one was
alarmed, for sudden and short visits from storm-clouds are not unusual
at Lake George. Suddenly, however, there was a flash, a ball of fire
appearing over the house and then dashing swiftly down. The shock for an
instant prostrated all who were near by, but they slowly recovered--all
but one; little Willie lay motionless upon the grass.
Senator Hamblin sprang from the piazza, seized the little form, pressing
it to his bosom, and exclaimed:
"Willie--my child--speak to me! Wake up, my son! look into your father's
face!" But the little form was silent, for Willie was face to face with
his Father in heaven.
The lifeless form was carried into the parlor, and the family that
prosperity had almost estranged from its head seemed united again by its
terrible grief.
NOTE.--A casualty like the one described in this chapter occurred
at Lake George, in the summer of 1877, the victim being a little
girl of nine years. The author has borrowed the incident,
describing the electric phenomenon as related to him by several
persons who were sitting or standing by the child when the terrible
thunderbolt dropped from the clouds.
CHAPTER VIII.
AFFAIRS AT CLEVERDALE.
Cleverdale is a flourishing village of about eight thousand inhabitants.
Enjoying transportation facilities both by rail and canal, it contains
several large factories, which in turn enable a bank to do a great deal
of business and cause money to circulate freely. Churches and schools,
not excepting a young ladies' finishing school, abound, and there is no
lack of the rum-shops that in towns so large are always demanded by one
class of inhabitants.
Like all other towns, Cleverdale had its local causes of dispute, and
its differences between classes, yet so proud of Senator Hamblin was
the town that when, two or three days after Willie's death, a little
white hearse moved slowly from the Senator's door it was followed to the
cemetery by representatives of every class and interest in the town,
even the red head of Paddy Sullivan being prominent in the procession.
Paddy was dressed in his Sunday suit of black. On his head he wore a
high white hat with a narrow black band around it, and in his face was
an expression of grief that undoubtedly was honest.
One of the Senator's bids for prominence had been the erection of the
most imposing monument in the village cemetery, although he had not
at the time buried any member of his family. This monument had given
his eye much comfort, but when little Willie was laid in its shadow,
the ambitious politician was too much absorbed in grief to notice the
stately stone at all. For a few days his nobler sentiments had him
so completely in possession that he fairly forgot even his public
interests; although Miller called and reported that he had faithfully
carried out all the wishes of his chief, no further orders were given
him.
"Wait a day or two, Miller," said the Senator. "I am too much overcome
for business or politics now," were his words.
But time cures grief, and great burdens soon fall from shoulders
accustomed to other burdens. A few days passed and the doors of the
Hamblin mansion were again opened, and Senator Hamblin at his bank
looking after his large business enterprises. His political interests
also began to receive attention. In this direction he found that his
temporary withdrawal from affairs had been utilized by his opponents,
who made a vigorous push. Of course Miller had not been idle, having
worked hard--even kept Rawlings in line; in fact, no attempt had been
made of late to win the _Investigator's_ editor to Daley's side.
But an ugly paper had been privately circulated, charging Senator
Hamblin with having made admission before a former clerk of the Canal
Committee, of which Hamblin was chairman, of a character not consistent
with a man of honor. The paper accused him of boasting, during his two
years of chairmanship, of making more than a hundred thousand dollars
on bills that his committee had approved. Fortunately a copy of the
paper fell into the hands of Miller, who went to work to prevent further
circulation. He had even called on young Sargent, making threats to
intimidate him, but without obtaining satisfaction. He knew Sargent was
greatly incensed against Senator Hamblin for throwing him out of his
berth and fat salary, and also knew Daley and his friends paid well for
the information they were using.
Senator Hamblin gave Miller full power to treat with Sargent and make
him recant. Miller was a good worker, and not afraid to face any one.
Had he been going to die, he would not have hesitated to call on Satan,
if that were possible, and he would have done it in the full belief that
some satisfactory arrangement for the future could be made.
He called promptly on Sargent, who received him with great cordiality.
"Well, Sargent, how are you?" said Miller, extending his hand to greet
the ex-clerk.
"All right, Miller. Take a seat."
The visitor at once stated his business.
"Sargent, what in the world possessed you to make such a charge against
the Senator? Of course the shot may temporarily injure the man it is
fired at, but, my dear fellow, just think how it will injure you.
Hamblin is powerful and rich and stands high among the business men
of the State. He is a leading man in politics, and his influence can
be used to crush a young man like you. He will be renominated, and
that means re-elected: then all the men backing or helping Daley will
be crushed. That is as sure as fate, for when the convention meets he
will have at least three quarters of the delegates. His election is
an assured fact, and can you, a young man, afford to go down with the
wreck? I have always found, in politics, a man is safest when sticking
to the machine."
"That may be," said Sargent, "but Hamblin played a mean trick when he
shoved me out of the berth I held. I worked for him faithfully, and
just because Jim Warren was backed up by Paddy Sullivan and the factory
bosses I had to slide. I say it was a dirty trick, and I mean to get
even with him."
"See here, Sargent, didn't the Senator say he would see you provided
for? Now look here, man; there is need of another clerk in the bank,
as the cashier's health is poor and young Alden unable to do the work
alone. That place was to be given you, but when you got your back up and
'went' for the Senator, _his_ Ebenezer rose, and you lost a better place
than a temporary position on a committee."
"Why, I didn't know that," said Sargent in a surprised tone.
"Well, it is a fact; maybe it is too late now, after all you have
done to injure yourself; but see here, Sargent, can't you recall that
statement, if by so doing you can benefit yourself? Of course, if you
persist, we shall meet the paper and break its damaging points; you will
be ruined with it, for you must know Senator Hamblin will not hesitate
to kill so grave a charge against his integrity. Come, Sargent, think it
over. I don't know what I can do for you, but assure me you will recall
the words and I will try and place you in a position where you will be
taken care of. As you are now, when the polls close on election night,
your reputation will be blasted and Daley and his friends powerless to
help you. I tell you, Sargent, every young man should remember the loaf
of bread he is cutting to-day may be turned to stone to-morrow."
Miller's words made a deep impression on Sargent, who rested his head
on his hand a moment and then replied: "But how can I recall the words?
That's what bothers me."
"I can fix that. Of course you will have to follow your first paper with
a second, acknowledging your error in publishing the first--but pshaw!
who cares for that? If you get a thousand-dollar position, that will fix
you--eh, old fellow?" and Miller playfully hit Sargent in the ribs with
his cane.
"Wait and let me think it over. I cannot decide now. I don't think
anything very bad can result from it, for in politics everything is
honorable. Queer thing is politics. Eh, Miller?"
"Yes, Sargent, but you might better freeze to a live man's heritage than
walk, with your eyes open, into a dead man's grave."
The door-bell rang and Sargent recognized the voice of Daley, inquiring
for him. He heard him approaching the room, and quickly turning the key
in the lock and pointing to a closet, whispered to Miller:
"Quick! hide in there!"
As Miller entered the closet and closed the door, Sargent turned the key
and admitted Daley greatly excited.
"Are you alone, Sargent? Eh? yes? Well, all right. That infernal
Miller is raising the deuce with my canvass. Now see here, Sargent,
the caucuses have been called in most of the towns in the county for
next Saturday. Miller has succeeded in buying back the Strong Mill
gang. Last week the whole lot were red-hot for me, but this morning the
foreman informed me that he and his men should vote at the caucus for
Hamblin delegates. The caucus is to be held in the evening, something
unprecedented in town politics, so the factory hands can gag the voice
of people of intelligence. The new military company has also been bought
up for Hamblin by Miller, with a seven hundred and fifty dollar set of
colors, and the devil is to pay generally. Of course _you_ will stick to
me, and when our caucus is held we must spring a mine on the whole gang.
By the Eternal! I am going to beat the scoundrels. Yes, sir, beat 'em!"
and he walked the room like a lion at bay.
"All right, Daley, but I am not well to-day, I have a wretched headache,
and you must excuse me this morning. Call to-morrow and we will talk it
over. Excuse me now. Excuse--"
His further remarks were cut short by a crash in the closet, when the
door flew open, Miller falling headlong on the floor, prostrate at the
feet of Daley.
Miller rose from the floor, which was covered with broken glass, boxes,
and books precipitated upon his head by a chance movement of his own
as he had crouched listening at the key-hole. As Miller regained his
feet, the three men stared at one another for an instant; then Daley
exclaimed:
"Miller! you are the very evil one himself. Where in the world did you
drop from?" Then turning to Sargent, he said:
"And you too have turned against me. Well, who _is_ to be trusted?"
Seizing his hat, he hastily left the room, muttering words in such
direct conflict with the third article on the table of stone delivered
to Moses on Mount Sinai, that they must be omitted here.
CHAPTER IX.
THE CAUCUS.
For three weeks after the death of little Willie, Belle could not bear
to leave the mother and the little brother who remained.
She even suspended her work among the needy, and many inmates of
charitable institutions missed delicacies she had been accustomed to
distribute among them. Society in the village became dull and stupid by
her withdrawal from its circles. During this time, however, George Alden
frequently called, and the tenderness and affection of each heart for
the other was plainly manifested. Mr. Hamblin in no manner interfered
with his daughter and her lover, yet he chafed, fretted, and hoped that
something would occur to break the spell.
Shortly after her return home, Belle received a letter from Mannis, full
of sympathy, yet every line breathing sentiments that distressed her,
for unlike most young ladies she felt hurt when demands were made upon
her to which she could not respond. Admiring many qualities possessed
by the handsome Assemblyman, she had no warmer feelings than friendship
for any other man than George Alden. The latter was her ideal of true
manliness, the former only evoked admiration for his intellectual
qualifications and social gifts. Gladly would she have met Mannis on
terms of common friendship, but his letter revealed that he expected
more, for he announced a determination to lay siege to her heart.
Her father often spoke of his friend, even hinting that he would be
proud of a son-in-law so gifted and successful. She had hoped that
Willie's sudden death had changed her father's heart, but now she
realized that the temptations and ambitions of public life once more
bound him in their chains.
A lively canvass was now waging, and the inevitable discussions,
criminations, and recriminations grew more and more exciting. On the eve
of the caucuses the war of the factions waxed hot. Leaders and bullies
of both sides were on the alert, and Paddy Sullivan held matinées and
evening gatherings at "The Shades," lager beer and poor whiskey flowing
as free as water, and the "b'ys" kept full at the expense of one or the
other candidate.
"Arrah! b'ys, whoop 'er in!" Paddy would exclaim as he tapped a fresh
keg of lager.
The night before the caucus of the Senator's party Paddy Sullivan was
in his glory. The leading spirit among the class frequenting his gin
palace, his word he declared to be "lar." While the bar was flanked by
a row of men, Miller entered accompanied by Editor Rawlings, the latter
overcome with liquor. After a general hand-shaking, Miller said:
"Come, boys, what'll it be?"
"Arrah, Mishter Miller!" said Paddy, "things is jist rid-hot; the b'ys
is all sound fer our frind the Sinitor. The ould man will win as aisy
as sippin' beer. I'll bet tin dollars wid any mon in the crowd that
Daley won't git quarther of the votes to-morrow avenin'. He was jusht
in here wid his party, and the b'ys took in his beer, and when the door
closed agin him they up and give three cheers for the Sinitor. Now thin,
gintlemen, here's a sintiment: When the caucus closes may Daley be a
spilt pig wid his nose out of j'int."
"Hip! hip! guzzle 'er down!" chorused the crowd.
"Them's the sentiments!" said Rawlings, who clung to the bar for
support. "I'm solid for Sen'ter 'Amblin. Whoop 'er in, boys. I'm a
thoroughbred every time! Come, Paddy, set 'em up again--what'll y' 'ave,
boys? This is a thoroughbred drink. 'Zactly so."
The party falling in line, their guns were soon loaded with ammunition,
warranted to kill at forty rods and indirectly damage everybody in the
neighborhood. Rawlings continued:
"Gen'lemen--'ere's hopin' that to-morrer evenin' the old man'll scoop
in all the (hic) votes and every son of a gun'll be a--a Millerite. Eh,
Miller! ole man, how's that fer a thurrerbred?"
The sentiment was applauded, even the fat wife of the proprietor, at the
back door of the bar-room, responding:
"Faith, the iditor is as livel-headed as that darlin' ould mon, my
Paddy."
After ordering cigars for the party, Miller prepared to leave the
place; pausing at the door and striking an attitude, he said: "Boys,
I hope you will all attend the caucus to-morrow evening, using your
prerogatives as free citizens to help sustain an honest man--the
people's candidate--against the monopolies that are trying to overthrow
the individual rights of every man here." Then taking the red fist of
Paddy, he whispered: "Well done, old friend; you are a power, and the
Senator knows it, and won't forget it either."
Seizing the staggering editor by the arm, Miller left the saloon. This
was the last visit the pair made that night, every drinking-place in
town having been previously visited, and all hands treated to whiskey
and cigars, Miller privately slipping a ten or twenty dollar bill into
each proprietor's hand.
Leaving "The Shades," Rawlings was assisted home by lesser political
lights, Miller going directly to Senator Hamblin's residence, where
several persons were in consultation, concluding arrangements for the
morrow's caucus.
The day opened lively, Miller and aids being on duty bright and early,
while Daley and his friends, greatly discouraged, were nevertheless
determined not to give up the fight. Their cause was almost hopeless,
for on entering the canvass they expected to overthrow Senator Hamblin
by the support of the moral portion of the public. Daley, possessing no
more virtue than his opponent, had mounted the reform hobby to ride into
power, but he found that a majority of voters could not be won to his
side. The fight having become bitter--a sort of a "dog in the manger"
contest--Daley saw no way to win, so he determined to be satisfied with
preventing Senator Hamblin's re-election. Copies of Sargent's statement
had been prepared for circulation in every town, but, receiving no
explanation of Miller's sudden appearance during the interview at
Sargent's, Daley thought something had been done to counteract its
effects, and as Sargent had mysteriously disappeared, his anxiety
increased.
Cleverdale had seldom before been so excited. Politicians walked the
streets, men were button-holed in stairways, offices, or "sample-rooms,"
and importuned to vote for one or another of the delegates. Daley,
feeling the ground slip from under his feet, began working up his
friends on the issue that he was a badly used man, and prepared a
programme for a grand "bolt" at every caucus in the county where Hamblin
delegates might be chosen.
Bolting is the salve to heal wounds caused by disappointed hopes of
politicians. It is a prerogative that such men avail themselves of; yet
being a "double-ender," the end placed against the shoulder often does
the most damage.
Bitterness between opposite parties is nothing compared to the bad
blood that exists between factions of the same party. It is a bad time
for men to know the misdeeds of each other, for secrets are used after
being enlarged and exaggerated to powerful dimensions. Such occasions
furnish capital to the opposite party, and many campaigns are carried on
by simply using against candidates ammunition that members of their own
party have manufactured.
The Cleverdale drinking-saloons were in full blast, the bummers
revelling in what to them seemed paradise. Bad whiskey and ice-cool
lager were free to all, up to the hour the caucus was to be held.
Long before seven P.M. the town hall was filled with men. Air
impregnated with onions, garlic, old pipes, and poor whiskey, greeted
the olfactory organs of those entering the room. To this was added the
exudations from garments of factory hands and laborers, who had worked
hard during the excessively hot day and not availed themselves of such
cheap luxuries as soap and water. Miller, with aids and assistants well
organized for the forthcoming fray, was present, while Daley, flanked by
a coterie of followers, was active. Paddy Sullivan was on duty, moving
about among the men whom he controlled. Suddenly the chairman of the
Town Committee mounted the platform and pounded the table with his fist.
The buzzing profanity and coarse jokes of the multitude ceased at once.
Reader, take a careful look across the sea of upturned faces, for here
are the men who, choosing delegates, make the officers of the town,
the officers of the county, the officers of the State, yes, the chief
ruler of the nation. Sprinkled through the crowd are a few intellectual
countenances; but observe the majority--coarse, uncultured, ignorant
specimens of humanity--many faces stamped with the look of ruffian,
while the drunken gibberish of others disgusts one with the thought that
the elective franchise has been extended to all.
The chairman, again striking the table before him, said:
"Gentlemen! as chairman of the Town Committee I call this caucus to
order. The deliberations of this meeting cannot proceed until a chairman
has been chosen. Gentlemen, who will be your presiding officer?"
One of the Daley party quickly said:
"I move that Robert Furman be chairman of this caucus!"
"Misther Cheerman! I moves an amindmint that Iditor Rawlins bees the
gintleman to take the cheer," said Paddy Sullivan.
This was followed by shouts of "Furman!" on the Daley side, while the
Hamblin crowd were as loud in shouting, "Rawlings!"
For a few seconds there was a perfect pandemonium. The noise was
deafening. The chairman of the Town Committee, pounding vigorously on
the table, finally succeeded in quieting the enthusiasm of the factions.
He then said:
"Gentlemen! I cannot put the motion unless there is order. The motion
now is on the amendment. All who favor Editor Rawlings as chairman of
this caucus will manifest it by voting aye."
There was a tremendous shout from the Hamblin side of the house.
"All who are opposed will say No."
"No!" was given with equal force by the other side, followed by wild
shouts from each faction. For fully a minute the noise continued, the
desk resounding with blows from the chairman's fist. Men jumped upon
chairs and benches, while the platform was crowded with leaders of
both factions. But the temporary chairman knew his business. When the
excitement subsided he said:
"Being unable to decide the vote, you will now prepare to divide the
house. All who favor the amendment will go to the left side of the
hall. All opposed will take the right side--and I appoint Cyrus Hart
Miller and Harvey Barnes tellers to count the vote."
The excitement was renewed with greater fury than before, the Daley men
shouting:
"Give us a teller!" "Both tellers are Hamblin men!" "We protest agin
it!" "Shame on ye to bar us out!"
After the house was divided the tellers finished the count, announcing
the amendment carried by a large majority. The decision exasperating the
vanquished party, threats were made against the chairman of the Town
Committee, while the victors were wild with enthusiasm. Paddy Sullivan,
hardly able to contain himself, his red face glistened like a coal of
fire, while his carroty hair, stiff as bristles, stood erect.
"Hip! hip! hurray!" he cried, "bedad, the Sinitor has yees."
The newly-elected chairman mounting the platform, and thanking the
caucus for the honor done him, asked whom they desired for secretary.
The Daley crowd claimed the right to fill the place, but a vote on
two candidates resulted in a victory for the "machine," the Senator's
faction.
The chair asked the further pleasure of the caucus, when a young lawyer
named Hardy arose to address the meeting. He spoke of the unhappy
faction fight; he was for harmony, but thought the machine entirely
responsible for the existing state of affairs. Censuring Senator
Hamblin, he eulogized Daley, whom he believed actuated by the highest
and most honorable motives in seeking the nomination, and he warned
the "machine" men of the dangers besetting them trying to force a bad
nomination. He then moved that the caucus proceed to ballot for a
delegate to the senatorial convention to be held at Cleverdale, one week
from that day.
An amendment making Cyrus Hart Miller the delegate from Cleverdale,
provoked another spasm of excitement, shouts of "Ballot" being heard
from the Daley side, while cries of "Question" came with equal force
from the Hamblin party.
Although scarcely any one had large interests at stake, the audience
seemed crazed with rage; opposing leaders were like wild beasts; oaths,
threats, and invectives of all kinds were heard; the noise filling the
hall was like the roar of infuriated animals, and in some parts of the
room blows were exchanged; only by the greatest effort did the police
prevent a general fight. The chairman, on finally being able to put
the motion, heard many voices vote "Aye!" and the opposition loudly
crying "No!" but he declared that Cyrus Hart Miller seemed elected the
town delegate. Groans and hisses greeted the announcement. Amid the
excitement Daley mounted the platform, and said:
"My friends will do me a favor by withdrawing from the hall. If we
cannot receive fair treatment here we can at least hold an honest caucus
in another place. Follow me!"
Jumping to the floor, he was followed by a mad crowd. As they withdrew
from the hall, groans, hisses, cat-calls, and all sorts of wordy
invectives were hurled at them. Cyrus Hart Miller was then unanimously
chosen delegate, and a series of resolutions was passed, instructing
the delegate to vote for the Hon. Darius Hamblin. Then the caucus
adjourned. As the bolting caucus also elected a delegate, Cleverdale was
to be represented by both factions.
Senator Hamblin won a victory in the county, securing ten of the fifteen
towns, although bolting delegates had also been chosen. Several bottles
of wine were drank that evening by the men assembling in the private
office of the Boss, but the latter was not happy, for, having stirred up
a bitter faction fight, he trembled for the consequences.
CHAPTER X.
THE CRUELTY OF AMBITION.
Senator Hamblin sat alone in his private office at the bank, evidently
engaged in taking a moral inventory of his position. Although winning a
victory at the caucuses, he fully realized having slipped down lower in
the scale of morality. His canvass had already cost over five thousand
dollars, to say nothing of the loss of honor and the awakening of bitter
hostility against himself in his own political household.
He knew it would take a large amount of cash to elect him, and
hypocritically condemning the corrupt use of money by Daley and his
followers, agreed with himself that he must exceed Daley's corruption
fund or else be defeated. He fully realized the multiplicity of evils
that beset him, but did not desire to turn back.
"I will be elected," said he, "cost what it may, and then try to recover
what I lose. There is no backing out now, for the convention will be
held next week--then for the result. Daley will bolt the ticket, but I
will overwhelm him through the power of money. You infernal little god
Mammon, how powerful you are! You have overthrown empires and dynasties;
how easily, then, you can overthrow the machinations of a bolting
clique! We shall see."
Just then George Alden entered and handed him several letters. Glancing
over the superscriptions, his eyes fell upon the well-known handwriting
of his admired friend, Assemblyman Mannis. Quickly opening the envelope,
he read as follows:
MANNIS MANOR, HAVELOCK, September 20, 187-.
MY DEAR SENATOR: I write to congratulate you on your victory over
your enemies. We made a gallant fight for you here, and as I am
chosen delegate from our town, you can readily understand who has
won here. It has been reported that this place elected a bolting
delegate, but Havelock is the only town, my dear friend, failing
to elect one. Havelock will, therefore, be solid for you at the
convention.
For a long time I have contemplated addressing you upon a
subject interesting me individually. The deep shadow of affliction
that gathered over your loved home has delayed the request I am
about to make.
To say that I admire your charming daughter scarce expresses
my feelings, yet I would not make known my affection nor presume
upon paying her attention without the consent of her honored
father. I now ask your consent to address her, with the honest
intention of winning her heart and hand. I am a bachelor, and,
until I met Miss Belle, had no thought of breaking away from a life
of singleness. Please convey my regards to Mrs. Hamblin and Miss
Belle, and if my request is not considered presumptuous kindly
write me in reply at an early day.
Sincerely, your friend,
WALTER MANNIS.
As the Senator concluded reading the epistle, a smile of satisfaction
crossed his face.
"This is one of the happiest moments of my life! With such a brilliant
man for my son-in-law I should indeed be a proud father--but there is
Alden. Well, she must drop him, and at once. Did I dare send him away,
he should go this very day. But no; he is a favorite with all the
directors, and he is certainly a faithful man. Ah! there's Sargent, he
can be induced to do any work I desire him to perform. After election,
he will have a position in the bank, for our cashier will surely die,
his place will be filled by young Alden, and Sargent will be chosen
teller. Alden should not be allowed to longer visit my daughter, but how
can it be prevented? I shall at once make my wishes and Mannis's request
known to my wife and daughter. Poor Belle! She is deeply interested in
Alden, but what of that? Isn't my word law in my own family? Is not a
man justified in guiding the destiny of those belonging to him? In fact,
does not the imperative duty devolve upon a parent of making provision
in life for his loved ones? This intimacy between Belle and Alden must
immediately be broken."
Thus he reasoned, trying to justify himself in allowing ambition to
mislead him, but in contemplating the programme his conscience was
not easy nor his mind comfortable. Seizing the letter, he started for
home, but on reaching the street met Miller, who wishing to see him on
important business, he returned to the office. Before Miller left others
arrived, and the hours passed quickly without the interview taking place
that was to bring pain and trouble to a young girl, merely because
her heart was to be considered of less consequence than her father's
ambition.
The engagements of the afternoon and evening made it necessary for
Senator Hamblin to postpone the proposed conversation with his wife and
daughter. On the following evening Belle, returning from the house of
a friend, met her lover, who saluted her affectionately, and, offering
his arm, proposed a walk. As the two passed along the street, they were
happy as mortals usually are when the little god of love is binding them
together with chains that do not gall except when one tries to escape
from them. Absorbed in each other's society, they spoke of the past,
the happy moments at Lake George; and then Alden poured the thoughts of
his heart into the willing ear of the maiden at his side. His tale of
love elicited from the heart of the happy girl a modest response, that
nevertheless answered its purpose completely.
Then they began to forecast the future, which was not as clear as they
desired, for both were conscious of obstacles obstructing their paths.
Belle knew her father's consent to her marriage with George Alden could
never be obtained, while the young clerk felt the enmity of Senator
Hamblin toward him was not of a nature easy to be overcome. Still, what
lover has ever lacked hope in proportion to what was to be hoped against?
Belle, full of joy, entered her home and sought her mother, telling of
the happy hour passed; and as she related her joy, the loving parent,
embracing her child, said:
"Darling, my blessing rest upon you, and may God soften the heart of
your father; may the ambition holding him in its clutches spare your
young heart sorrow."
The following morning, Mr. Hamblin arose from the breakfast-table, and
said:
"Belle, I should like a few moments' conversation with you," and gently
leading her from the room to his private apartment, he said:
"My daughter, I wish to speak of a matter that interests not only your
future, but that of our family. You have arrived at an age when you will
be called upon to make choice of all that brings happiness or sorrow.
Life's journey may be made joyous or a highway paved with sharp stones,
hedged in with thistles and pitfalls. You are beginning the road without
knowledge of the trials and vexations that may obstruct your progress.
Unskilled in the ways and manners of those who will seek to turn you
from the path of duty, you must know a father's love and anxiety for his
offspring makes him anxious about her future welfare. You have passed
from girlhood to womanhood and must soon choose a companion. I should
always reproach myself did I fail in my duty toward assisting you to
begin the journey aright."
The trembling girl, scarce knowing what reply to make, fully realized
that the long-dreaded interview had begun, and a deep sigh escaping her,
she said:
"I hardly understand your meaning, father, but I cannot believe you so
cruel as to leave the one most interested without a voice in deciding a
matter of such vital importance as you hint at."
"I see you comprehend me. Assemblyman Mannis asks the privilege of
addressing you. He is rich, respected and talented, having already won
honors of which few young men can boast. Coming from a good family, he
is a prize that any lady may well feel proud to win. Ah, I see you do
not receive this proposal as I wish. I did not expect you to think well
of it at first; but, Belle, you are possessed of good judgment, and must
see that the union of the estates of Mannis and myself would give us
great power."
"But, papa, I cannot give him my heart, that is another's. While I am
ready to obey you in everything else I cannot change the current of
affection, even at your bidding. Oh, spare me any moments of sorrow, and
do not urge me, for I cannot receive the attentions of your friend."
"Cannot! but you _must_! This is only sentimentality. Once the wife of
Walter Mannis, your affections would be his. As your father, I must see
that you start aright in life. I am older than you, and have seen the
world from all sides. People bow to station and wealth, it is the 'open
sesame' to every heart--the key unlocking the door of every house in the
land. Be not hasty in your conclusions, my darling; you are a sensible
girl, and I believe the infatuation that beset you at Lake George will
soon wear away, and the scales now dimming your vision fall, revealing
not only your duty but your path to happiness as well. Do not shed
tears, but bear up and look upon this matter as your father thinks best
for your future welfare."
Belle suddenly brushed away the tears; her eyes flashed, her flushed
face showed plainly that passion raged in her heart. Always gentle,
seldom allowing anger to rise, Belle had ever spoken kindly to her
father. Now, unable to control herself longer, she broke forth:
"As my father, I suppose, you have the right to barter or sell me, soul
and body, to the highest bidder. Yes, you can advertise and even receive
sealed proposals for my hand. But, father or not, I say distinctly that
so long as I live, with mind clear and under my own control, I shall
_never_ be the wife of Mr. Mannis! I also believe him too honorable to
desire such a union were he aware of my feelings. No, sir! I say now, as
your child, I will never marry a man who has not my love."
As she spoke she looked the proud and noble woman that she was. Her hair
hung loosely about her face, her lustrous eyes shone like diamonds, and
the rich tinge of vermilion on cheeks and lips were in striking contrast
to the paleness of her father.
Senator Hamblin was filled with conflicting emotions. Admiring his
daughter for her positive character, he was enraged at her bold defiance
of his orders. But his lips soon became firmly set and a look of anger
dispelled that of admiration and surprise.
"Belle," he exclaimed, "my orders must be obeyed. You shall marry Walter
Mannis. I have no more to say at present, except that young Alden shall
go from the bank, for it is he that has made you defy your father. Yes,
he shall go as soon as I can get rid of him. He has rewarded me for
giving him employment by stealing my best and greatest treasure, and he
shall pay for it."
He ceased speaking, and casting an angry look upon Belle, quickly left
the apartment.
Belle gazed after him for an instant, and wildly throwing up her hands,
exclaimed:
"What have I done, oh, what have I done to merit this?"
Bursting into tears, she staggered as if about to fall, when Mrs.
Hamblin entering, caught and bore her helpless daughter to a sofa. The
stricken girl opened her eyes, and exclaimed:
"Oh, Mamma! Papa has spoken cruel words to me; he will discharge
George; he wants me to marry Mr. Mannis. God help us all when a father
is willing to sell his own flesh and blood to gratify his political
ambition!"
CHAPTER XI.
THE CONVENTION.
Belle's heart was sad and full of forebodings of disaster to her lover,
for, knowing her father's determined nature, she feared he would at
once discharge the young man who had dared to love his daughter.
Fully realizing the situation, she kept her room during the day.
Her loving mother was her comforter, yet hardly dare plead for her
daughter, knowing so well her husband's selfish nature and overbearing
disposition. She knew that if her husband was opposed he would become
more decided in his purposes than if left to think over his own unjust
and cruel orders.
Belle decided that she must see George Alden without delay, so she wrote
a note requesting him to call at her home at once. Her father, she knew,
would be absent and they could enjoy an uninterrupted interview. She was
well aware that if her incensed parent knew George Alden was to visit
her, he would certainly give orders to prevent his entering the house.
Promptly at the appointed hour George entered the house, and saw quickly
that Belle was in trouble.
"Oh, George," said Belle, "our sunshine of last evening was followed by
a storm. I sent for you to tell you of my father's cruel purpose. He
has given orders that I must receive the attentions of another, and he
even threatened to remove you from the bank. My heart is wretched, for
should you lose your place for the reason that you love me, I should
feel that I was your evil genius. I sent for you to ask if you would
give me up, rather than lose your position at the bank. Think of it,
George, for you are dependent upon what you earn for the support of
yourself and sister. You are free to decide now, and whatever you choose
I will acquiesce in."
"Belle, do you think the ties that bind us together are lightly assumed;
or has your father's command made you regret the step you have taken?
If the latter, then you are free, for I would not cause you one moment
of grief or pain. But you are everything to me--my very existence--and
rather than surrender you to another, I would lose all this world can
give. Oh, Belle, you cannot doubt me!"
"Doubt you? No, George, I do not. My heart is yours alone; and let
my father do his worst, he cannot change the course of my affection
nor make me sacrifice myself upon the altar of his ambition. He is
determined to prevent you from even seeing me, and whatever is done we
must be guarded. I shall be advised by Mamma in all my movements. Attend
faithfully to your duties at the bank and I don't think you will lose
your place, unless the directors are dissatisfied with you. We are both
young and time will work changes, perhaps for our good. Let no action
of yours place you at a disadvantage, and be sure not to quarrel with
my father. If he treats you in an arbitrary manner do not complain.
Perhaps he may change his intentions when this hateful political
campaign is over."
"Belle, I will do all you ask. Whatever insults he may heap upon me will
be borne for your sake; but I do not believe he can discharge me from
the bank; in fact, our cashier is very ill, there is really no hope of
his recovery, and I have been told by members of the Board of Directors
that I am to fill the vacant position. Now, Belle, I will leave you, but
shall see you when I can, for I must look often upon your dear face.
Rest assured I shall retain my place unless some charge can be preferred
against me, and of that I am not afraid."
The two conversed a few moments longer, then parted, full of confidence
in each other, yet filled with anxiety for their future.
Senator Hamblin was greatly excited after his interview with his
daughter, and walking quickly to his office threw himself into a chair,
and said:
"Confound that puppy Alden! What shall I do? I am determined that Belle
shall marry Walter Mannis. I little expected so much opposition. She
has defied me, her father. H'm! I admire her spirit, but she must be
conquered, for my mind is set upon this marriage. Curse the day that
took us to Lake George! It was disaster from the time we landed from the
steamboat until we left. Dear little Willie was taken from us there, and
now my beautiful daughter has rebelled against me. I must write a letter
in reply to Mannis and delay giving him a direct answer. Let me see. I
will write at once," and taking pen and paper, he wrote as follows:
CLEVERDALE, N. Y., September 18, 187-.
MY DEAR MANNIS: Your very welcome letter was duly received and
I was gratified at its contents. Allow me to thank you for your
expressions in my behalf, as well as your effort to aid my canvass.
Believe me, dear Mannis, I appreciate your friendship.
In relation to your request to address my daughter, it would
give me inexpressible pleasure to know that she was to become the
wife of so brilliant a man as yourself. My wife and daughter have
deeply felt the affliction befalling us at Lake George, and I am
urging them to withdraw from seclusion. The death of our little
Willie has left a desolate household, and my loved ones refuse to
be comforted. While I freely give my consent and express my great
delight at your request, I ask you to delay, for a brief period,
addressing my daughter. We will meet at the Convention and can then
talk the matter over at length.
Again thanking you for past favors, and expressing my pleasure
at your request, I remain,
Your friend,
DARIUS HAMBLIN.
Folding and addressing the letter, he said:
"That will do for the present; in the mean time I shall see if my
commands are to be obeyed."
The days flew rapidly by and Senator Hamblin was busily engaged in
managing his canvass, trying every way to break the force of Daley and
his friends. Daley, learning of Sargent's treachery, as he called it,
had not made use of the statement as expected. Having neglected to get
Sargent's affidavit to the paper made against Senator Hamblin, he was
chagrined and dumbfounded on learning that Miller had succeeded in
obtaining one to the later document.
The day of the Convention was only twenty-four hours distant, and of
course there was some excitement in the senatorial district.
As the reader may not understand the _modus operandi_ of political
conventions, we will explain how nominations are made.
There are sixty counties in the Empire State, embracing a population
of 5,082,871 persons. These sixty counties are divided into thirty-two
senatorial and one hundred and twenty-eight assembly districts,
apportioned pro rata according to population for the composition of
the State Legislature. New York County is entitled to seven senators
and twenty-four assemblymen; King's County, three senators and twelve
assemblymen; Albany County, one senator and three assemblymen; Erie
County, one senator and five assemblymen; Oneida County, one senator and
three assemblymen; leaving nineteen senators and eighty-one assemblymen
to be divided among the remaining fifty-five counties, requiring from
two to five counties to constitute a senatorial district. Each of the
fifty-five counties are allowed from one to three assemblymen, except
Fulton and Hamilton, which have but one to represent them both.
The county to which Cleverdale belongs is composed of fifteen towns,
and this, added to the adjoining county of sixteen towns, furnishes the
required quota of population for a senatorial district.
There are different methods of manipulating caucuses and conventions,
and as the exciting political scenes of this story are to take place at
the Senatorial Convention, we will explain the latter. Some counties
send a delegate direct to the Senatorial Convention from each and every
town caucus; some select three delegates at each assembly district
convention, while others at their regular county convention select three
delegates to be sent from each assembly district. In many counties, both
great political organizations adopt the same method, while neither one
of the different systems is in any manner used exclusively by either
party.
The county and senatorial district in which Cleverdale is situated is
governed by the method first described. At the caucuses held in country
towns, delegates are chosen by those present without enrolling names. In
the cities, and in fact in some large towns, these caucuses are called
"primaries," and the names of all belonging to the party holding the
primary must be enrolled before they are allowed to participate in the
regular order of business of the primary.
The respectable portion of the voting population being remiss in their
duty, the "boss" and his followers are in full control of the caucus or
primary. The entire composition of a ticket submitted to the approval
of honest voters is the work of these men. Those claiming to represent
the moral sentiment of communities rarely attend the caucus or primary,
yet seldom fail to complain of that which they could easily prevent.
Honesty in politics can never be expected until the intelligent and
honest masses awaken to the necessity of devoting a little time to
the primaries. The better element of the community is responsible for
the demoralization in political matters, for, being in overwhelming
majority, a little attention to the caucus or primary would make
unfit nominations impossible. But the American way, in politics as in
all things else, is to let everything drift until the situation is
desperate, and then to work for a cure, which generally they effect. Not
until they realize the proverbial superiority of prevention to cure will
Americans be as wise as they are smart.
The day of the Convention having arrived, Cleverdale was full of
politicians, and an irrepressible conflict raged. The thirty-one
delegates present were divided, yet Miller's careful canvass assured him
that his chief would certainly receive eighteen, if not twenty votes,
in the first ballot. Several delegates were working for a compromise
candidate; but this element, composed mostly of Daley men, was intent on
defeating Senator Hamblin at all hazards. It was their only hope now;
and while resolved to bolt his nomination if made, and run Daley as a
stump candidate, the irregularity of such a course was to be avoided, if
possible, by a compromise candidate.
In Miller's private parlor at Cleverdale's best hotel champagne, cigars,
and other refreshments were served. Miller could not prevail on all
delegates to accept his hospitality, for several moral lights in their
respective towns could not forget their standing, and enter a room where
temptations might lead them astray. Miller became somewhat alarmed
at the proposed compromise, for several of his own friends talked of
making success sure rather than run any risk of defeat. Miller was given
unlimited power by his chief to thwart Daley's purpose. So, finally,
in company with George Horton, Miller held a protracted interview with
the delegates in question, and a generous distribution of money ended
further efforts for a compromise candidate.
Promptly at one o'clock, the Convention was called to order by the
chairman of the Senatorial Committee, who nominated Hon. Walter Mannis
as chairman. A Daley delegate offered an amendment that James Kendrick,
of Silvertown, be substituted for Mr. Mannis. This was a test of the
strength of the respective candidates, and the loss of the amendment by
a vote of seventeen against fourteen was greeted with applause by the
friends of Senator Hamblin.
The deliberations proceeded with many interruptions, when a motion
for a ballot called talkers to their feet. The Daley men, with great
persistency, fought for a compromise, and the speakers in making their
appeal embraced the opportunity to attack the character of Senator
Hamblin. Sargent's statement was read, followed by the affidavit, read
by Miller, wherein Sargent retracted his charges against Hamblin,
admitting the injustice done to a man who never, to the affiant's
knowledge, performed a dishonorable act. The delegates became greatly
excited, the Daley men making another appeal for a compromise candidate,
charging the responsibility of defeat--which they declared sure to
follow--upon the Hamblin faction, if their request was ignored. Charges
of so grave a nature were preferred by both sides, that, if true, both
Senator Hamblin and ex-Assemblyman Daley would have been consigned to
felons' cells. The Daley delegates failing to carry their point, one
of their number moved to withdraw and hold another Convention. Twelve
delegates left the room, after which the nomination of Hon. Darius
Hamblin was made, and suitable resolutions passed, endorsing the action
of the Convention and condemning the course of the bolters.
A committee appointed to wait upon the candidate and inform him of
his nomination, soon returned with Senator Hamblin, who was received
with cheers. Order being restored, he thanked the delegates for the
honor conferred on him, and followed with a powerful speech, his
words being carefully and shrewdly chosen to win sympathy. While he
regretted, he said, the action of his personal enemies, he felt it his
duty to remain in the field, so long as the Daley faction attacked his
character. He deftly told of the personal sacrifices made to serve
his fellow-citizens, the speech concluding with a promise of certain
election, the cause represented by him being in the hands of the people.
Several others spoke, among them Mannis, who paid a glowing tribute to
his friend; then the Convention adjourned.
In the mean time the twelve bolting delegates assembled at another
place, where they were joined by eleven others, chosen by bolting
caucuses in the senatorial district. A Convention was organized, Daley
was nominated, and resolutions were passed declaring him the regular
candidate, adjournment following.
Two faction candidates were now before the people, the hostility between
them bordering on frenzy.
CHAPTER XII.
A WICKED SCHEME.
The campaign opened vigorously and malignantly, so far as the senatorial
nomination was concerned. The leaders began the work of organization
at once. Miller was manager of Senator Hamblin's canvass. Yet every
action was made at the instigation and under full direction of the Boss
himself. Money was freely used, and the men at the factories were,
through their pockets, made interested combatants.
Senator Hamblin supposed he had the support of all the bosses at the
mills, but Daley succeeded in securing several men of influence, whom
Miller found himself unable to win over. Even the great manufacturing
company of which Hamblin was a director had many Daley men in its
employ. The opposition party placed its candidate in the field, the
leaders in the full hope that the split in Senator Hamblin's party would
give them victory. Consequently there was no lack of ammunition to keep
up the fight.
It is a custom of American politics for journals of the opposite party
to help on the faction fights of their opponents by publishing the
charges made by each faction against the other, and these cause fully as
much bad blood as the most fiendish politician can desire.
One of the first demonstrations on either side was the presentation of
colors by Senator Hamblin to the newly organized Hamblin Guards. The
affair was shrewdly managed to give it all the political significance
that such affairs carry with them. The company was to be christened
and the colors presented by the honorable gentleman whose name had
been adopted. One of the best city bands was engaged, and a banquet
was ordered, to which many prominent men from abroad were invited. An
elaborate programme was prepared and the event pretty well advertised.
It was not especially intended by members of the company to use the
occasion for political purposes, but their patron shrewdly managed
otherwise.
Prominent members of the New York State National Guard were to grace the
occasion with their presence, and the gathering of shoulder-strapped
notables was to be large.
Cleverdale was to have a great gala-day, and, of course, Senator Hamblin
expected to reap the benefit. The stand of colors consisted of two
elegant silk flags--one the National colors, the other the company flag
bearing the name of HAMBLIN GUARDS and the State coat-of-arms
in gold and colors.
Senator Hamblin, desiring to bring Walter Mannis and his daughter
together upon the stage of the Opera House, shrewdly arranged that,
immediately after his presentation speech, Mannis should receive the
flags in behalf of the company from the hands of Belle. At first the
girl refused to take part in the festivities, appealing to her father
to excuse her, and pleading her grief at the loss of little Willie; but
the father was inexorable, and Belle saw that she would not be spared
the pain of taking the part assigned her in her father's political
programme. The opportunity of bringing Belle and Mannis together, added
to his inherent pride of display and political significance of the
occasion, made the Senator extremely happy, so what matter if it made
his daughter miserable?
The town, on the occasion, presented the appearance of holiday grandeur.
Bunting streamed from many public places and private residences, while
the cool October air and clear blue sky combined to make a truly royal
day for the affair. As the military company was composed of the best
blood of Cleverdale, it was natural that the citizens generally should
honor the day.
The Opera House was resplendent with beauty and brains. When, at the
appointed hour, the Hamblin Guards, commanded by Captain Rogers,
entered, delicious music filled the hall, and amid the waving of
handkerchiefs and smiles and cheers the company marched through the
aisle to the stage, and were arrayed in solid ranks at its back. The
music ceasing, Senator Hamblin appeared in front, accompanied by his
daughter and followed by Hon. Walter Mannis and Captain Rogers.
The programme opened with the presentation speech by Senator Hamblin.
It was an eloquent effort, and the points were so many and so well put
that deafening applause was frequent. Belle stood by, holding the staff
on which the company colors were furled. Beautiful in her rich attire
of satin and velvet, her sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks and lips made her
a most attractive figure. Mannis, standing beside her, glanced with
admiration at the beautiful girl. Senator Hamblin's eye flashed with
pride as he beheld his daughter, but no one understood the meaning of
the furtive glances he cast toward Mannis and Belle, except the latter,
who saw and comprehended its full significance; it caused a twinge of
pain and a sigh to escape her, and these attracted the attention of
Mannis. Realizing that she was attracting attention, a blush overspread
her face, and the handsome Assemblyman felt flattered by the belief
that his presence caused her emotion, while in reality her mind was
clouded by the remembrance of her father's cruel commands. Her agitation
was momentary, for the cue being given Belle gracefully unfurled the
beautiful ensign. It was the natural signal for applause, and the roof
fairly shook with cheers, the band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner,"
when Mannis took the flag and passed it to the captain, who placed
it in the hands of the company's ensign. The other banner then given
Belle was not fully exposed until coming into the hands of Mannis. That
gentleman then spoke in eloquent words, his handsome form and commanding
presence giving excellent effect to his utterances. On finishing he was
greeted with loud applause. The party, retiring from the stage, entered
a private box at the left while the band played several selections.
The Hamblin Guards gave a display of military drill which was greatly
enjoyed by the audience.
Assemblyman Mannis divided his attention between father and daughter,
the latter treating him with politeness. This was gratifying to her
father, who hoped she would overcome her reluctance to obey him. But he
reckoned without remembering the inflexible will of his child, who was
too well bred to act other than as a lady toward her father's guest,
especially when he was treating her with great deference.
While conversing with those about her, Belle saw George Alden occupying
a conspicuous seat, and many loving glances passed between her and
him. George could not avoid hearing the expressions of admiration that
greeted the handsome group. Senator Hamblin was a noble-looking man;
Mannis was handsome, and Belle never shone with greater brilliancy.
The ceremonies were nearly over when Captain Rogers, advancing to the
front of the stage, in a few words thanked the people of Cleverdale for
the honor done his command in assembling to witness the christening.
He also thanked his superior officers, coming from a distance to honor
the occasion; and for the magnificent gift of colors paid a handsome
eulogy to the honorable gentleman whose name the company bore. Then he
proposed three cheers for Senator Hamblin, which were given by the whole
assembly, rising to their feet. He then declared the exercises closed,
the band played "Home, Sweet Home," and the audience left the Opera
House.
Senator Hamblin and party passing from the box, Belle was followed by
Mannis. As they reached the auditorium, the handsome Assemblyman offered
his arm, saying:
"Miss Hamblin, may I have the honor of accompanying you home?"
With a pleasant smile she replied:
"Thank you, kindly, but I have a previous engagement," and with a
"Good-night, sir," turning, she took the arm of George Alden, who was at
her side.
Mannis was chagrined and Senator Hamblin's countenance quickly
overspread with anger. Whispering to his companion, he said:
"My friend, I am astonished, but we will speak of this later."
He could say no more, for, coming upon a party of distinguished military
gentlemen awaiting him--military men always know whom to waylay at such
times--the party was led to the Cleverdale House and ushered into the
banquet hall. Several tables were arranged for the company, Senator
Hamblin, Assemblyman Mannis and the military guests being placed
at a special table. At the right was another, at which were seated
Miller, Paddy Sullivan, George Horton, and several other political
celebrities. At the left were the officers--both commissioned and
non-commissioned--while at other tables were seated the members of the
company.
The tables were loaded with every delicacy that could be obtained, while
bottles of wine flanked a regular line of graceful glasses. Course after
course was partaken of, and amid the hilarity the host and his friend
appeared to forget their disappointment.
The popping of corks seemed just the kind of artillery that the
uniformed guests enjoyed best. Yet those who remember the troublous
times of twenty years ago will not forget that the Union was saved by
members of this same Home Guard, who play at soldiering with zest, but
in time of need "mean business."
Speeches, toasts, etc., followed, until the "wee sma' hours" the flow
of soul, wit, and wine continued, and Senator Hamblin reaped the full
benefit. When the last toast was drank, the host arose, and bidding
the company good-night, departed with his guests. After the military
dignitaries were conducted to their rooms, Senator Hamblin joined
Mannis, who was awaiting him.
"My dear Mannis, I am amazed at my daughter's conduct toward you this
evening. It was unexpected to me."
"I am afraid, Senator, she has deeply set her affection on that young
Alden. I can read character, and tremble lest my efforts to win her
prove unsuccessful."
"Unsuccessful? they shall not be. Do you suppose I will allow my child
to throw herself away upon a common bank clerk? No! if you love her as
you say she shall be your wife. My mind is made up, and the sentimental
nonsense of the girl shall be overcome."
"You may not be able to overcome it, Senator. Still, I never loved until
I saw your daughter, and I will wed her if her consent can be obtained,
trusting to winning her affections afterward. Be careful what you do,
though; don't frighten her with harsh treatment. She is conscientious,
and having a share of her father's self-will she must be handled
carefully, or before you know it she will fly off like a frightened
bird. I shall leave here early in the morning; before I go I beg of you,
whatever you do, to be discreet."
The angry father could not be quieted so easily. His face was hard with
passion; he swore to himself that Alden should be sent away in disgrace
and Belle be locked in her room; but when Mannis told him his canvass
would not permit anything so arbitrary, the cord controlling his every
action being touched, he became quiet, and said:
"Well, what course can I pursue? Answer me that."
Mannis suddenly rising to his feet, looked into the closet, under the
bed, behind the door, and in every place that might conceal a listener,
then approaching Senator Hamblin, whispered:
"This man Alden must be sacrificed."
Senator Hamblin started, while a shade of horror passed over his
countenance.
"No, no! Mannis, no bloodshed for me!"
"Bloodshed? Nonsense! no one said bloodshed. He is in your bank,
surrounded by temptation. Place a trap for him, do you understand? Your
daughter is too honorable and high-minded to associate with a rascal."
"Yes, I see," thoughtfully answered the Senator. "I declare, Mannis, you
are full of expedients. Yes, he shall be entrapped, for I am justified
in saving my daughter."
"Treat her kindly and do not be harsh with Alden; but work up a trap for
him. Haven't you a clerk in the bank you can enlist to help you?"
"Let me see. I have it! The cashier, Wilber, can live but a short time
and Alden will be his successor. Sargent, who published that ugly paper
about me, is promised Alden's present place. Yes; he is my man, and I
will use him."
The two talked a few moments longer, and warmly shaking hands parted,
Senator Hamblin leaving for his home. On entering the gate he heard his
name spoken, and turning saw Miller approaching, all excitement and out
of breath, for he had been running.
"More trouble, Senator; that d----d Rawlings has sold us out."
"Sold us out! the devil he has! And two thousand dollars of my money
gone! It can't be possible, Miller!"
"But it is so, for I had it from his own lips. To-morrow's edition will
fire into you from all sides. It's a bad go, and I have been afraid of
the scoundrel. I was half inclined when I heard it to let Paddy Sullivan
set a few of the lads on the office and clean it out. But that will
hardly do."
"What shall we do for a home paper, now?"
"There is only one course left us, and that is buy up the _Advertiser_,
which is in the market; but we must get legal hold of the concern. That
is the only way now, for we must have an organ."
"Call at my office early to-morrow morning, and we will arrange the
matter. Curse the luck! but I will block that little game. Good-night!"
and the Senator entered the house, not to sleep, but to lie upon his
bed thinking over the two exciting problems of the day, namely, how to
entrap Alden, and in what manner to counteract the effects of Rawlings'
treachery.
CHAPTER XIII.
DALEY'S STRENGTH WANES.
The appearance of the _Investigator_ next morning was like a thunderbolt
in the village of Cleverdale. It came out boldly against Senator
Hamblin, and charged that his action at the convention meant the
overthrow of his party. The editor stated that he had stood by the man
as long as he had even a piece of argument to catch his toes on, but
when the wisdom of the men controlling the convention could not bring
Senator Hamblin to see his duty, when a compromise candidate was asked
for and refused, it was time for all respectable men in the party to
declare themselves on the side of honesty, justice, and common-sense.
It cited the charges first brought by Sargent, copied Sargent's first
statement in full, and then charged that the profligate use of money had
done more than anything else to make the elective franchise a farce.
Senator Hamblin was held responsible for the disgrace of corrupting
voters in the village of Cleverdale. The article was a scathing
arraignment of Hamblin before the bar of public opinion, and apparently
its influence foreboded disaster to the regular candidate.
During the early morning hours Miller met his "boss" at the private
office of the latter, having previously seen the editor of the
_Advertiser_, who offered to sell his paper for twenty-five hundred
dollars. The price was considered high, but that being the best that
could be done, Miller was ordered to purchase the concern at once. One
of Cleverdale's young lawyers was placed in charge of the _Advertiser's_
editorial columns, and the first number devoted itself to Rawlings'
treachery and Daley's private character. The latter, the new editor
asserted, was, unlike that of Cæsar's wife, not above suspicion, while
Senator Hamblin's private character was pure and spotless.
The fight between the papers was so full of acrimony that Satan himself
would have delighted in it, had there been any possibility of his
receiving fire-proof copies. Both candidates were attacked, and the sins
of their ancestors were carefully elaborated and fired off as campaign
fireworks.
Previous to an election, American journalism of the party-organ stripe
has a demoralizing influence in the land. The good qualities of
candidates are briefly mentioned. But the bad qualities--ah! these are
what the party organs delight in. Not the part that their own candidate
occupies on the side of virtue; not the good that is in him; not the
intellectual qualifications he boasts of; not the nobleness of character
he possesses--none of these inspire the editor. No, all of this is
nothing: the amount of "pure cussedness" that can be attributed to the
opposing candidate is the indicator of journalistic inspiration. Many
a man who has thought himself a moral light has in an unguarded moment
accepted a nomination, and the astonishment of himself and friends to
see how corrupt he suddenly becomes is not infrequently a harbinger of
victory for the opposition. The English language can hardly furnish
adjectives to qualify such a man. Damned he is inevitably, and his
carcass when hung up is filled with arrows dipped in printer's poisoned
ink. When a foreigner picks up one of our party organs, during an
exciting political campaign, he cannot help thanking his Creator he
was not born in a land where public men are such rascals and robbers.
Cardinal Wolsey said, "Corruption wins not more than honesty," but
the dethroned favorite lived before America had gone into politics on
her own account, and then left the work to her parasites instead of
attending to it herself.
As an index to the feeling of the Cleverdale community, a very
interesting incident that occurred after the _Investigator's_ editor
came out against Senator Hamblin is valuable. One evening Editor
Rawlings, boldly entering the "Shades," walked up to Paddy Sullivan, and
extending his hand said:
"Good-evening, Paddy."
The man addressed rose slowly to his feet, the hot blood rushed to his
face, the florid countenance assuming an almost purple hue. Drawing back
from the outstretched hand as if it had been a viper preparing to strike
its fangs into his flesh, a look of scorn flashed from his bleared eyes,
his lips trembled, and his chin quivered as he roared:
"Shake hands! wid sich a dirty traither as yees? Judas Iscariot was a
white man beside the loike of yees, and Binedict Arnold a saint. Git out
av this house, ye villin! Bad cess to a loafer who sells hisself to a
tradin' thafe! Shake hands wid yees, is it? May me hand be cut from me
arrum afore it aven teches that pizen thing av yours."
Several men gathered about Rawlings, and each had a word to say.
"Well, gentlemen, what have I done?" asked Rawlings; "can't a
thoroughbred citizen call in here without being insulted? Come, boys,
let's take a drink. Set 'em up, Paddy."
"Set 'em up, Paddy? Not a domned set up here. D'ye hear?" and the
proprietor began pulling off his coat. "Now look ye here, Mr. Binedict
Arnold, there's the door! and if your dirty carcass isn't outside of it
in fifteen siconds, be jabers, I'm the darlint to throw yees out! No,
b'ys, yees kape back. Moind, I'm the jedge to settle wid him. Iditor,
git out!"
Rawlings, realizing that the angry Paddy was in earnest, slowly walked
toward the door, when an egg striking him full in the back caused him to
utter a savage oath.
"Paddy Sullivan, you and your gang of ruffians will repent this!"
During the interview Paddy failed to observe three men whispering
to his wife, back of the bar. The woman handing them a package, the
ugly-looking fellows stole out the side-door, and hid behind a tree as
Rawlings was leaving the saloon.
The exasperated editor unconsciously approached the trio, swearing
furiously at the outrage to his person, bitterly denouncing Senator
Hamblin, whom he held responsible for the insult. As he arrived at the
ambuscade, three men suddenly sprang out, and before recovering from
his surprise Rawlings was enveloped in a cloud of flour, the substance
filling his eyes and mouth and covering him from head to foot. For
once the _Investigator_ man could boast that he was a white man, but
he did not think to do it. And before he had recovered sufficiently to
recognize his assailants, they had fled.
Hearing approaching footsteps, he stepped aside as Senator Hamblin and
Cyrus Hart Miller passed. Hidden behind a tree, he gnashed his teeth
with rage as the objects of his hatred disappeared. He then left his
place of concealment and started homeward.
The campaign went on, and Senator Hamblin bled freely. His chances were
desperate, the Daley crowd drawing so heavily from him that at times the
election of the opposition party candidate seemed almost assured. Miller
was at work day and night, and wherever money could be used to win back
strong leaders the price was paid and the wanderers brought back to the
fold.
At the Cleverdale Woollen Mill, of which Senator Hamblin was a large
stockholder, three powerful bosses opposed him. One had seen the
necessity of "getting straight" for his employer, the others refusing
to see their duty, or rather their interest. Having been exhorted and
coaxed, it was evident they meant to "stick," and, each controlling many
men, it became necessary to resort to other means to prevent opposition
to the Senator.
As a warning to others, one of the bosses was to be removed from his
position at the factory. Of course it would not do to openly discharge
men for having political opinions of their own, for that would be called
proscription, and in this free land would never be tolerated. Besides,
a candidate could ill afford being called a "bulldozer," so, pay-day
arriving, one of the bosses was discharged, and informed that his work
did not please. He denounced the company for depriving him of the right
of enjoying his own opinions, the charge being indignantly denied, but
the company put a stanch Hamblin man in the vacant place, while the
other stubborn boss, thinking discretion the better part of valor, was
not slow in deserting Daley. The factory hands were soon made solid for
their employer, for in the factory were posted large placards bearing
the words:
EMPLOYÉS ARE EXPECTED
TO VOTE FOR
DARIUS HAMBLIN
FOR
STATE SENATOR.
Will any man vote the bread and butter from the mouths of his wife and
children?
Senator Hamblin meanwhile treated his daughter with great kindness.
He did not refer to the scene at the Opera House, or again forbid her
meeting Alden. He gave her large sums of money to distribute among the
charitable institutions and poor of Cleverdale. Belle was happy at
being allowed to assist the needy, and her father found her a valuable
aid to his ambition. It was not strange, with so much money wisely
distributed, that his canvass should grow more promising as election
drew nearer. Men were sent into every part of the senatorial district,
and if argumentative power availed not, more solid inducements were
used. The powerful railroad interests were helping Daley, but even
with the contributions from the great monopolies he continually lost
ground. When he was nominated the mad passions of his backers held full
sway, but as time passed men became cooler, and the irregularity of
Daley's nomination, as well as the interest of the party, were powerful
arguments in favor of Senator Hamblin. Here and there strong leaders
were recaptured, and returned with their followers to the support of the
regular nominee.
Miller managed the canvass with consummate skill. He was everywhere at
the right moment, while County Clerk Horton, Assemblyman Mannis, Paddy
Sullivan, and others were valuable auxiliaries. "The machine" showed its
great strength in the emergency, and demonstrated that the most powerful
engine of American politics, when the bosses instead of the people
have their hand on it, _is_ the machine. Daley's canvass dwindled to
insignificant proportions, although danger was by no means impossible,
for it was reported that Daley would withdraw and urge his friends to
support the opposite party's candidate. As for Rawlings, he had really
been a detriment to the bolters, for his malice and treachery were so
apparent that respectable people became disgusted with him, and the
_Investigator_ became a boomerang. Rawlings was treated with contempt
by his townsmen, and of course did not enjoy the respect of those who
purchased him.
A week before election day the cashier of the Cleverdale National Bank
died. The directors at once called a meeting and elected George Alden
cashier, choosing Sargent as teller to fill the vacancy caused by
Alden's promotion. Sargent's appointment was to be kept secret until
after election, lest it might endanger the bank president's success.
It was a proud day for George Alden when he was formally made cashier,
and Belle was agreeably surprised when her father spoke kindly of the
young man, although he added:
"I hope he will do nothing to destroy the confidence the directors have
placed in him, but, like all young men, he may fall into temptation.
He has greater responsibility than ever before, and in these days of
defalcations it is hard to tell who will fall. George Alden is only
human."
Belle, biting her lip with concealed vexation, was about to reply when a
glance from her mother stifled the words she would have spoken. Feeling
the significance of her father's remark, she went to her room to reflect
upon what she had heard.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE ELECTION.
'Twas the eve of election, and everything had been done by all sides to
insure a full vote. Thorough canvasses having been made by the three
candidates, every party felt confident of winning the day. A mass
meeting at the Opera House was to be addressed by Senator Hamblin, and
the hour drawing nigh a vast crowd assembled. At eight o'clock the
spacious balcony was filled with ladies, stalwart men occupying seats on
the main floor. When Senator Hamblin entered cheer after cheer greeted
him. Bowing acknowledgments, he turned to greet the semi-circle of solid
men of Cleverdale occupying chairs on the stage. Although his face was
radiant with pleasure, careworn lines about his eyes gave evidence of
the strain he had undergone during the exciting canvass now drawing to a
close. As he took his seat a gentleman rose and said:
"Ladies and gentlemen, for the purpose of organizing this meeting, I
nominate as chairman, William J. Campbell. All favoring Mr. Campbell as
chairman will signify it by saying Aye."
There was a loud vote "Aye!"
"All opposed will say No!"
There being no votes in the negative, the motion was declared carried,
and Mr. Campbell escorted to the chair. Making a brief speech, he paid a
high compliment to "Cleverdale's favorite," Senator Hamblin, predicting
a sweeping victory on the morrow, looking for a more harmonious feeling
in the party after the canvass was over. His remarks were frequently
interrupted by applause, after which he asked the pleasure of the
meeting.
Cyrus Hart Miller arose and proposed a number of gentlemen as
vice-presidents of the meeting. The list contained names of many old
citizens, and it was evident an effort had been made to recognize every
element of Cleverdale. Every nationality was represented, even the names
of several colored persons--descendants of Ham--being sandwiched between
Celtic or Teutonic slices, while the native American was present in
small quantity--merely enough for seasoning.
Then followed a long list of secretaries, embracing the names of many
young men. The motion being submitted and carried, these gentlemen
were invited to take seats on the stage. After music by the band,
Cleverdale's glee club sang a piece suitable for the occasion, when
the chairman presented Senator Hamblin. This was the occasion for
more applause. When this subsided, the honorable gentleman began his
remarks. Speaking at length, the occasion offered fine opportunities
for display of his oratorical powers. Giving his views upon leading
public questions, and comprehensively elucidating all the details of
his subject, he compelled his audience to be attentive listeners. His
views upon finances were explained, and his opposition to railroads
and other monopolies graphically dilated upon. In all his remarks,
however, he held one highly-colored picture before his auditors: it was
a life-size photograph of himself as a Reformer. No reference was made
to Daley and his friends until near the close of the speech, when the
Senator paid his respects to them in words not at all complimentary. He
told his hearers of having been forced into the campaign against his
will, compelled to be their candidate simply to vindicate their honor
as well as his own. Not desiring the office, it being a detriment to
his business, he had placed himself in the hands of his friends and
neighbors, and the morrow's verdict would be received by him either as
an indorsement or condemnation of his course as their servant. Having
been told that vast sums of money would be expended by the bolting
faction, he also had the assurance of gentlemen managing the campaign on
his side that every effort would be made to thwart the corrupters of the
ballot-box. Dwelling heavily upon this one point, he somehow refrained
from telling the audience that his own check for twenty thousand
dollars had been drawn that day, and the money distributed in every
town in the senatorial district for the purpose of purchasing votes.
Had the information been given, the knowledge might have increased his
vote among that class of men whose patriotic motives at the polls are
governed by money.
The Senator spoke for two hours, and, the meeting closing, the people of
Cleverdale were left in a halo of political enthusiasm.
Election day opened pleasantly. Cyrus Hart Miller had thoroughly
organized his forces, his chief staff officer being the powerful Paddy
Sullivan. Next to his own Bridget and the children, Senator Hamblin
occupied the chief seat in Paddy's affections, for the "Boss" being a
generous paymaster Paddy adored him.
The opening hours of election day were quiet. During the morning the
honest voters cast their ballots, the marketable article appearing later
in the day. As Miller entered one of the polling-places and met Farmer
Johnson, he extended his hand and said:
"Mr. Johnson, how are you to-day?"
"Mighty well, Miller; how's things agoin' here?"
"Oh, Hamblin will be elected by a good big majority."
"Don't be sartin on it. I tell you what it is, them Daley fellers is
a-workin' like blazes into the hands of t'other party."
"That's nothing new, for Daley has been working that way all the time,
being paid to bolt and come up a stump candidate. He is a bad man, Mr.
Johnson."
"Don't know so much about that air; but see here, Miller--let me speak
to you privately--he offered to pay my team hire if I'd come down and
vote for him."
"But a farmer worth his forty thousand dollars wouldn't sell his vote!"
"Sell my vote! See here, Miller, let's go into this room. There: I can
speak to you by ourselves, now. Do you mean to insinuate I'd sell my
vote--me, a farmer who can buy the best farm in this 'ere county? No,
sir, you've got the wrong man."
"Why, Mr. Johnson, of course you wouldn't."
"No, I jest wouldn't. But you see this is a good workin' day, and me and
my two boys dropped everything to come down to vote. Daley offered to
pay for my team if we'd go for him. I don't like him half so well as I
do Hamblin; but--er--it kinder seems as if you'd oughter stand the price
of our three days' work and team-hire if we vote your ticket."
"What do you call it worth? Are the boys here?"
"Yes, they'll be here in a few minutes; and if you'll give me five
dollars--that is, two for the team and a dollar apiece for our three
days' work--we'll vote for Hamblin."
"It's a pretty good price, but I suppose I will have to do it."
"But 'tain't sellin' our votes. I'd scorn doing such a mean trick as
that. It's only gettin' pay for lost time."
"Exactly so, Mr. Johnson; I wouldn't dare offer to buy your votes for
fear of offending you. There are your boys--call them."
The good old farmer, whose fine sense of honor would not permit him to
sell his vote, said:
"Jack, you and Jim must vote for Hamblin; give us your ballots, Miller."
The ballots deposited in the box, Farmer Johnson, one of the upholders
of our free institutions, received a five-dollar greenback for
performing his duty as a patriot. This was only one instance, many of
the same character occurring during the day.
Paddy Sullivan was at the polling district, and as the "b'ys" came up,
said:
"Now, thin! here's your clane ticket--sthand aside and let the voters
come up. Here, Misther Inspecthor, take this ballot. Be jabers, thim's
the regular clane ticket, an' it's meself as knows how to git 'em in!
Whoop 'em in, b'ys!"
Crowding his fat form before those voting against his candidate, at
every opportunity, and challenging them, he ruled despotically, and
respectable men looked approval.
"Arrah! Paddy Sullivan is no slouch, and when yees wants the ballot kept
clane, I'm the daisy to do it."
Men ran hither and thither; Miller's aids receiving orders flew off,
returning with those to be "seen." Whispering consultations were held,
ballots distributed and deposited, the corrupted voters thereafter
receiving pasteboard checks representing the amount agreed upon. In a
small room in another part of the building the holders, presenting the
checks, received their cash.
During the afternoon the excitement increased, the purchasable voters
flocking about Miller and Paddy Sullivan, the latter standing near the
ballot-box and making himself obnoxious to all voting the other ticket.
He assumed to instruct the inspectors of election about their duties,
and these officials feared to dispute his authority, in many instances
their decisions being forestalled by him. Those of the other party were
at his mercy, and the power of a pothouse politician was absolute. He
was especially abusive to those of his own political party who voted for
Daley, and soon after noon the Daley crowd becoming demoralized were
driven from the polls.
So thoroughly was Senator Hamblin's programme carried out that every
voter on his side was brought to the polls, in many instances men being
paid to vote in both polling-places. All this was done in the interest
of Senator Hamblin, who claimed to represent the "honesty and reform"
element of the community.
Honesty and Reform! what sins you have to answer for! So potent are
these names that if Beelzebub ever expects to people his realms with
the good, he need only announce from platform and press that he is for
honesty and reform.
Toward night Senator Hamblin received words of encouragement from every
town. Passing the day at the bank, directing the movements of his
forces, he was in excellent spirits at the prospects of his success and
the downfall of his enemies.
The polls closing, Cyrus Hart Miller and Paddy Sullivan joined the boss
at Hamblin's private office.
"Sinitor, ye're elected by two thousand majority, and there hain't
enough lift of Daley to grase a griddle wid. Didn't we vote the b'ys
lively!"
"Paddy, you are a trump, and I shall never forget your services in
my behalf. Here is a little present for you," and he handed him two
one-hundred-dollar bills.
"God bless you, Sinitor, and whin Paddy Sullivan can help yees, he's yer
man, every time. May ye live long and niver want for a frind."
Cigars were lighted, and the trio waited for returns. It was not
long before the good news began to flow in, Cleverdale's majority
for Senator Hamblin being nearly two hundred larger than that of two
years previous. No sooner was the result announced than the streets
were illuminated with bonfires and a crowd of men approached the bank.
Telegrams kept coming in containing news of Senator Hamblin's increased
majorities on every side, so that his election was assured beyond a
doubt. His countenance beamed with delight, and Paddy Sullivan, whirling
upon his heel, shouted:
"Hip! hip! hooray! didn't we whoop 'em in!"
The shout reaching the crowd outside, they at once responded:
"Three cheers for Senator Hamblin!"
In answer to the summons, Senator Hamblin stepped out, followed by
Miller and Paddy, and was greeted with cheers from the crowd, who
demanded a speech. He responded in a few words of thanks, congratulating
his fellow-citizens that honesty and right had triumphed over
corruption. When he concluded, cries were made for Miller, who appeared
and spoke briefly, thanking his fellow-citizens for their part in the
day's victory. Of course he did not refer to the fact that at least
three quarters of those before him had received checks, ranging from two
to five dollars, for voting for Senator Hamblin.
A great victory had been won--that was enough. Senator Hamblin, figuring
the cost, found he had paid over forty thousand dollars for the honor of
holding an office for which he would receive fifteen hundred dollars per
year for two years. Contemplating the cost, he said:
"It is a pretty expensive investment, but the profits have not yet begun
to come in."
It was far into the night when, entering his residence, he retired to
his room, and said:
"Now if I can get rid of Alden and make Belle the wife of Mannis I shall
be a happy man. Mannis is rich, and I have lately met with heavy losses.
To-morrow Sargent goes into the bank, and then--for Alden!"
CHAPTER XV.
GLOOMY FOREBODINGS.
The excitement of election had hardly subsided when Daley was declared
bankrupt. With the loss of property his mind became shattered. Brooding
over his troubles and looking upon himself as a victim of the grossest
persecution, his brain became so diseased that he would talk of nothing
but fancied wrongs. Friends, observing his singular actions, little
thought that he contemplated revenge. Two weeks later, however, Daley
entered the bank, pulled a revolver from his pocket and fired two shots
at his late antagonist. Luckily the pistol failed to do its work, and
Daley was secured before he could do more mischief. Raving and swearing
that he would have Senator Hamblin's life, he was removed at once, his
friends promising to send him to an asylum. Senator Hamblin agreed not
to prosecute him, but the affair caused great excitement, much sympathy
being expressed for Daley. His case was only one of many: men infatuated
with politics are often overwhelmed in financial and social ruin,
occasionally followed by dethronement of reason.
Sargent's position in the bank caused much comment, but he was a good
accountant and at once became conversant with his work. Cashier Alden
gladly saw how readily he fell into the routine of a teller's duties,
for he himself had long been doing the work of two men. While glad to
have so useful an assistant, he did not feel the confidence he wished in
the new teller, for Sargent lacked that frank expression of countenance
that all business men look for in one another. Besides, the attitude
that Sargent had occupied toward the president of the bank prejudiced
Alden's mind against him. The new cashier knew that Sargent, over his
own signature, had made statements reflecting upon Senator Hamblin's
character, and had subsequently under oath denied them, his reward
being the position as bank-teller. If Alden had been a politician he
would have seen nothing unusual in such inconsistency, but being only a
business man he judged Sargent by business rules, just as if politics
was not a rule unto itself.
One evening Senator Hamblin was writing letters in his private office at
the bank when Sargent entered, and said:
"Excuse me, but I desire to get a book I have here."
"All right, Sargent. How do you like your new place?" said the Senator.
"It suits me nicely. Just my fit, thanks to you, sir. Anything I can do
to serve your interests I shall be ready to perform."
"Anything, Sargent?"
"Yes, sir! You can command me to do anything you will. I am indebted to
you, and only too anxious to serve you."
Senator Hamblin hesitated as if about to speak, and then in a low tone
of voice said:
"I have some very important work I may call upon you to perform. It is
very peculiar, and will require the greatest secrecy. You have done
private work for me before, and whatever you do now will not be without
reward. I am not quite ready. In the mean time attend strictly to your
duties, and make yourself strong with the cashier. Win his confidence in
every particular, and you will have no cause for regret. I have taken
you into my confidence as well as my employ. You can go now, as I have
letters to write, and wish to be alone."
"Good-night, sir!" said Sargent. "When you need my services, command me
and I shall obey," and he passed out of the building.
"Yes," said Senator Hamblin, "I believe he will do anything I desire,
and with his assistance a trap can be laid for Alden, for I am
determined he shall be put out of the way."
He had just written a letter to Mannis, containing the following lines:
"When shall I see you? I desire to know what has occurred to your mind
to help along that little scheme. You must have a programme. Shall we
meet soon?" Folding and addressing the letter, he soon after started for
home, and arriving there saw Belle and George Alden in the parlor. He
did not enter the room, but passing the door muttered angrily:
"We will spoil that fun soon. Curse it! I wish I could strangle him!"
His hatred for the cashier increasing, he could not drive the thought
from his mind that Alden was really doing something criminal. A certain
villain named Iago once worked himself into a similar frame of mind.
Hamblin's one absorbing thought was to ruin Alden, and thus estrange
from him his daughter's affection.
Belle felt sure that her father's tranquillity was not permanent.
Expecting another outbreak, she never awoke in the morning without
saying to herself, "I am afraid it will come to-day." Her father often
spoke of money losses, accompanying his remarks with these words:
"I should not care, if my daughter were as well provided for as I
desire." Although raising no objection to George Alden's visiting the
house, he was always cross after seeing him there. At the bank he spoke
to him only on business, and as the cashier attended strictly to his
duties there was little reason for conversation between him and the
Senator.
Of course all this could not escape the attention of the village people,
for "folks will talk." Everybody had his own views about the matter.
George Alden was often seen with the beautiful daughter of the bank
president, and it was remarked that the young lady seemed a satisfied
party to the arrangement, so the village gossips had a rich morsel to
roll about in their mouths.
One of the directors of the bank, a regular sitter in one of the
Cleverdale stores--where that detestable creature, the male gossip,
may be found every evening warming his toes as well as warming the
reputation of his neighbors--related his suspicions to fellow-sitters,
who in turn related them to their wives, and finally the news was
generally circulated that Senator Hamblin disliked Cashier Alden
because the latter admired his daughter. This was enlarged upon to
suit the crowd where the subject was under discussion, until the whole
neighborhood knew more about the private matters of the Hamblin family
than did the family itself. There is nothing wonderful about this,
though, for the family who knows as much about its own business as the
neighbors do has never yet been discovered.
Belle observed with pain her father's angry countenance, and sighed as
she thought of the change that had come over him in a few short months.
Once she was his pet; he never entered the house without uttering words
of endearment or presenting her some token of affection; now, sullen and
morose, he took his meals in silence, and the old, happy, sunshiny days
were only memories.
George Alden hearing her sigh looked into her face, and said:
"Why are you sad?"
"I was thinking--thinking of the happy past."
"And has the present or future no happy moments?"
"Yes, it has many; but oh, George, time works some dreadful changes.
Once I was my father's pride, but that day has passed, and now he has no
love, but ambition; no companions but such as Miller and Paddy Sullivan;
no thought but for politics, and few aims outside of public life. Oh,
how I should enjoy one single moment of the good old days--when I had a
father."
George offered some lover's sympathy of a kind that, although made by
lips, does not put itself into words. But he said:
"It makes me sad to realize that I am much to blame for this state of
affairs. If I thought you would be happier I would make the greatest
sacrifice man can, and give you up. I know by his every action toward
me that I am the subject of his hatred. He considers me a thief who has
stolen his most precious treasure, and if I did not fill my position at
the bank acceptably I should not be retained an hour."
"Is he unkind to you, George?"
"No, he never speaks to me except on business matters. If he has
anything to say, any little pleasantry to relate, it is always to
Sargent, whom he treats in a far more friendly manner than he does me."
"What kind of a clerk does Sargent make?"
"He is a good accountant, perfectly correct, and very apt and quick to
learn; writes a fine hand, and has the most wonderful power of imitating
handwriting I ever saw."
"Do you have confidence in him? Is he a man you can safely trust?"
"H'm--well, he is your father's choice, he trusts him; why shouldn't I?"
Belle, with true womanly instinct, was not satisfied, and said:
"Be frank with me, George. You must have reason for distrusting him,
and I ask your confidence. No one more than I can desire you to have a
trustworthy clerk."
"I can only say I am not impressed with his honesty. Perhaps I am
prejudiced, for you know he has not placed himself on record as one
whose word can be relied upon. Belle, when Sargent stepped into the
bank I should have resigned at once had it not been for you."
"For me! why?"
"Because your father wished him to have the position. No harm may come
of it, but I have a presentiment of evil. Pshaw; it's a foolish whim,
no doubt, and I should not be influenced by it, nor worry you with it.
I think it is time for me to be off when I torment my sweetheart with
presentiments. Good-night."
Belle went directly to her mother, who said:
"What is it, Belle? is anything wrong to-night?"
"Oh, I don't know. Why did papa engage that Sargent as bank clerk? He
does not bear a good reputation. George does not have confidence in him,
and I am afraid he is not a trustworthy man."
"You and George don't like him, eh? If you and George will please attend
to your own affairs you will both appear to better advantage."
Belle started; it was her father who had spoken; he had entered the room
unperceived, just in time to hear her remark.
"Papa, as you have heard me, I cannot recall my words. After his
publishing such a statement about you, I cannot repress my indignation
against the fellow. I do not like him, and with due respect to you have
no confidence in him."
"If my daughter will not interfere in the public and private business
matters of her father," said the Senator coldly, "but will be guided
more by his advice and judgment, her future will be happier, and her
companions not of that class who slander their betters."
So speaking, he left the room. Belle's temper rose quickly; the hot
blood mantled her cheek, and her eyes flashed fire.
"George Alden's character is as far above that detestable Sargent's as
the sky is above the earth. Papa hates those who are good and noble, but
he takes to his confidence such men as Cyrus Miller, Paddy Sullivan,
and that Sargent. Oh, this detestable politics! It steals the honorable
instincts from good men, and makes them willing to sacrifice any and
every thing to gain power. It has taken away my dear father, and left
you a widow and me fatherless. God pity us both!"
Sympathetic words calmed the daughter's grief somewhat, and a few
moments later, bidding her mother good-night, Belle gained her room and
fell upon her knees before the only Friend who entirely consoled her
when she felt desolate. She arose comforted. She was scarcely asleep
when she dreamed that, again a little girl, happy and free from sorrow,
she saw her father and flew to meet him. As her arms were about to
embrace him, a serpent's head darted before her, the face changing to
that of Sargent, who said:
"Beware, maiden! I am the god of political ambition, and am about to
crush you in my coils."
As it wound its dreadful length about her she reached forth her hands
and piteously implored her father to save her. He only laughed, and
said:
"Oh, no, my daughter; I am the slave of the serpent. He demands your
sacrifice, and I must obey."
Looking again, she saw the faces of her father's political friends, all
laughing at her, and the serpent said:
"Only ten seconds to live!"
Closer and closer its coils tightened about her; she could scarcely
breathe; her agony becoming unbearable, she gave a loud shriek, and
cried:
"Oh, mother, save me!"
Springing to the floor, the frightened girl beheld her mother entering
the room.
"What is it, child? How you frightened me."
"It was a hideous nightmare. I thought I was being crushed by a serpent."
After relating her dream, Belle tried again to sleep, but during the
remainder of the night the phantom haunted her. Truly, her dream was
only a presage of the grief and trouble in store for her.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE PRINCE OF MANNIS MANOR.
Havelock, the home of Hon. Walter Mannis, is a beautiful village
situated in a valley surrounded by lofty hills. The place is not a busy
one, but the home of many old and wealthy families who reside there
during the summer months. The streets are lined on either side with
well-grown shade trees, and the handsome residences are surrounded by
spacious grounds tastefully laid out.
Mannis Manor had passed down from father to son for four successive
generations, each inheritor marking his ownership with additions or
alterations until the fine old house displays architectural styles of
different periods of the past century. Walter Mannis inherited this old
manor and its two hundred acres, beside a fortune in cash of over a
quarter of a million dollars. Having been in possession about ten years,
with so much money at his command, is it strange that he had devoted
much of his time to pleasure and dissipation?
Both parents dying during his childhood, in the conduct of household
matters he was dependent upon a house-keeper, an inmate of the old manor
many years before he became its owner.
Mrs. Culver felt her responsibility, and considered it her privilege
as well as duty to keep a motherly eye upon the young master. One of
those good souls found in every community, she enjoyed her work, and
her word about the manor was law. Mannis humored her whims, for she was
a most valuable member of his household. She was sixty years of age,
prudent, systematic, orderly, thoroughly competent and trustworthy.
While carefully managing household affairs, she devoted much time to
the supervision of farm duties, acknowledging no authority except the
master himself, who had great confidence in her ability. Looking after
his domestic comforts, she kept his suite of rooms in perfect order;
regulated his wardrobe, and saw every garment kept in repair. She
occasionally scolded him for extravagance in dress, and he received her
severe words good-humoredly, for he really loved the kind, motherly
attention bestowed upon him. In sickness she was a valuable nurse, and
her closet of "yarbs and nostrums" a curiosity. With cup and spoon in
hand ready to dose a patient, she was supremely happy. She was proud of
"her Walter," although the young man caused her many hours of anxiety.
At college he had sought merry young men for associates, and as he was
provided with plenty of money he had no trouble to find them. Witty,
vivacious, and eloquent, these brilliant adjuncts made him a lion in
society, young men seeking him, while the ladies felt honored at his
attention. He was a great flirt, and his conquests of hearts were
frequent, yet he never until now had surrendered his own. While his eye
sparkled with intelligence, it did not impress a student of human nature
as being the eye of an honest man; even children could sometimes see in
it something that made them distrustful.
He enjoyed the gay life money enabled him to follow, and much of his
time was passed away from home. During the winter his abiding-place was
the great metropolis. Allowing himself to be led to palatial gambling
dens, he played, and lost heavily, yet his passion was not cooled by
reverses. Wall Street tempted him, and his ventures at first returned
him fair margins, but his later investments were unsuccessful. Becoming
interested in politics, he was twice elected member of assembly, and his
manner, fortune, and intellectual qualities made him a great favorite at
Albany.
The legislator who can gain the personal friendship of his associates
can accomplish more than the cold, dignified man, so often elected
simply to give character to his constituency. Mannis was not only a good
debater on the floor, but a "powerful persuader" between sessions, and
could accomplish more with members from the "rural districts" than any
man in either house. The farmer members looked upon him as a kind of
deity. He flattered them, and when they were unable to frame a bill in
presentable shape, assisted them, and thus won their regard, though for
his own part he felt that many buckwheat producers had been spoiled by
sending an equal number of farmers to the State Legislature.
Mannis was well adapted to politics, and really liked its excitements.
Having served two terms, he was only prevented seeking a renomination
because it had been the custom to alternate the office, every two years,
between the northern and southern part of his assembly district. He
seriously thought of overthrowing this old time-honored custom, but
friends persuading him to wait or look for something higher, he turned
his aspirations to Congress, and was trying to educate his forces to
assist in the consummation of this wish.
In business speculations he was seldom successful, for money invested
in many enterprises always returned him less than he put in. His losses
troubled him, and he was often haunted with the idea that he would
eventually become a poor man. Investing in government bonds and drawing
the interest at stated intervals was too slow a way of making money.
Observing friends gaining fortunes by speculation, he felt that he too
could make money in the same way.
At the time this story began he had lost half his fortune in speculation
and gambling, and realized that his available funds were gradually
passing from his hands. His farm yield, though not enough to help him
out of his difficulty, was, thanks to the management of Mrs. Culver,
sufficient to support his household without making drafts on his bank
account. But his extravagant private expenses worried and caused him
hours of anxious thought.
"There's nothing else to do," he would say to himself; "I must make a
wealthy marriage. With a fortune and a wife I can save myself and keep a
life-lease on the old manor."
It was this thought that actuated him partially in his desire to
wed Belle Hamblin. While he admired her brilliant personality,
and confessed that he was never before so charmed with a lady, he
acknowledged to himself that her father's fortune was necessary to save
him from the financial disaster which he feared.
He sat in his room one evening smoking a cigar and thinking. All about
were evidences of his æsthetic taste. Bric-à-brac crowded the mantels,
while many fine pictures adorned the walls. Easels, arranged with a view
to throwing light upon the works they held, were on all sides. Oriental
rugs lay on the floor, while the luxurious furniture about the apartment
seemed to coax the visitor or inhabitant to lounge upon soft cushions.
Curtains of costly material hung before the large plate-glass windows,
and as the afternoon sun peered through them it saw a picture of which
the owner of the apartment was not the least handsome part.
A servant entered with a number of letters, which Mannis hastily
shuffled through his fingers as if they had been cards. His eye quickly
detecting the one he was looking for, he dropped the rest, and said:
"Here it is: let me see what the Senator has to say. What a man he
is! He seems to be as infatuated with me as I am with his beautiful
daughter. Well, I am infatuated with her; she is certainly the most
charming creature I ever met; and I am determined to win with her her
father's fortune also, for I have no father of my own to return to, and
have the 'fatted calf' business done for me. Let me see what Hamblin has
written."
Opening the letter, he read it carefully through, then smiled and said:
"Yes, he will do anything to rid himself of Alden. When I proposed
entrapping him he was startled, but now can hardly wait for my
suggestions. He hates Alden; he is ambitious that his daughter shall
make a brilliant match; he thinks me the personification of brilliancy,
and, by Jove, he doesn't miss it much. Ah, Senator, if you knew how I
was running through my fortune you would change your mind. This is a
very good joke you are playing on yourself."
Returning to his letters, he opened another, when his countenance
suddenly changed, and he exclaimed:
"Great God! I am almost ruined!"
He arose, and for a moment walked the room without uttering a word, when
he suddenly stopped and said:
"Fifty thousand dollars gone at once! I must raise the money somehow to
pay what I have borrowed. What a fool a man is when he is not satisfied
to reach forth his hand and pluck the ripe fruit hanging near him,
instead of letting his appetite for the unattainable ruin him. What can
I do? I cannot mortgage the estate, for that would expose me at once.
But how can I raise the money--that is, who--will--lend--it--to--me?
S-h-h! I have it. I can raise it in New York on the notes of my friends,
and my friends need never know it. It is a desperate game, but my estate
is good for it, and in an emergency men do many queer things."
He walked the room in a nervous manner, running his fingers through his
hair, rubbing his hands together, and occasionally saying words that are
not in the dictionary.
"It is the old story," he resumed. "I've killed the goose that laid
the golden eggs. Well, there is one trick left in my hand, and that is
Belle Hamblin. I will go to work at once and help the Senator get rid
of Alden. I will go to Cleverdale on the evening train. The girl has a
strong will, and is very correct in her ideas of right and wrong; if she
hears that Alden is a defaulter she will shed a few tears and never wish
to see him again. He must be sacrificed; so the quicker the better."
Ringing the bell, a servant appeared.
"Tell Mrs. Culver I desire to see her immediately."
In a few moments Mrs. Culver entered, and said:
"What do you wish, sir?"
"I am going away this evening, and will be absent a few days."
"But you don't look well; are you sick? I am afraid you are not taking
care of yourself. I have been fixing some medicine for you, which you
must take before going away. Young men are so careless, they don't know
how to take care of their health."
"I am all right. Don't trouble your kind heart about me. I need fresh
air and out-door exercise, and a two-day jaunt will tone me up. Tell
Henry to hitch up the sorrels and take me to the seven-thirty train
this evening. I shall take a nap first, as I have a headache, and after
a light supper shall be ready to start. So, never mind your doctor's
stuff. If I am not well on my return you shall have two days' enjoyment
dosing me."
When the evening train left Havelock it bore away Hon. Walter Mannis,
who had previously sent a dispatch to Senator Hamblin stating that he
would be at the Cleverdale Hotel after the arrival of the evening train.
On his arrival he was greeted by Hamblin. A few remarks were made
concerning politics and business, when Mannis said:
"I received your letter while preparing to leave for Cleverdale. From
it I learned you have not changed your intention concerning Alden. You
still mean to get rid of him?"
"Yes, he must be put out of the way, for since his promotion he is
more obnoxious to me than ever. No time must be lost, for he is a more
frequent visitor at my house than before. He must be dropped as soon as
possible."
"Draw your chair closer to mine: we must speak low and be guarded. You
ask what I have to suggest. My plan is this: Sargent, you say, will
do anything you desire: well, is he a good penman, and can he imitate
handwriting?"
"Yes, he is an expert at that business."
"Good! now for it. He must alter the bank books, and make it appear that
Alden has embezzled five thousand dollars."
"Great God!" exclaimed Hamblin.
"Don't start, Senator; it is a desperate game, but it's often been
played successfully. You say you shall get him out of the way at all
hazards: well, this plan will effectually dispose of the ambitious young
man."
"Suppose he shows fight?"
"He must be allowed to run away. You can work that up. The affair can
be kept between yourself, Sargent, and Alden, and when the latter is
exposed you can feign sympathy, telling him if he will leave at once the
affair will remain a secret. Yes, you can even offer to loan him the
money to pay the deficiency. Make the evidence so strong against him
that he cannot possibly see a way of escape, and if I know anything of
human nature he will run away rather than be exposed."
"Suppose he should first see my daughter, and she should advise him to
remain and face the danger."
"It must be done when she is absent from home. You must find some
pretence to send your wife and daughter on a visit to friends, or else
send them to New York."
"You are a shrewd fellow, Mannis, and no mistake."
"A shrewd rogue, you mean."
"No, I do not. In this affair I am but doing the duty that a father owes
to his child. She is in danger of being sacrificed to an adventurer who
only wants her father's money. But she shall be saved."
The plotters talked a while longer about the matter; then Senator
Hamblin withdrew, and Mannis said to himself:
"Now my case does not seem as desperate as it did."
And as Senator Hamblin stepped into the street, he said:
"I don't like this affair at all, but I am losing heavily, and the
ventures I have lately made have turned out bad. Mannis' fortune added
to my own will save me from disaster. Poor Belle must be temporarily
made unhappy, but when she finds herself the wife of Hon. Walter Mannis
perhaps she will thank me for saving her."
Perhaps the state prisons will one day hold the great rogues instead
of small ones, but they did not do it in 187-, or the above recorded
conversation could not have taken place.
CHAPTER XVII.
SARGENT ENLISTED.
The time was approaching for Senator Hamblin to take his seat in the
State Senate. After his interview with Mannis his conduct toward his
daughter and George Alden underwent a change.
Gradually assuming a loving deportment toward the former, he paid much
attention to her personal comforts; in fact, began to act more like his
former self. His cold formality seemed to thaw, and Belle was happier,
while her mother entered a new era of existence as the husband's old
manner returned. The change not only took place in his own household,
but his demeanor toward the cashier was greatly altered for the
pleasanter.
Late one afternoon the president, calling the teller into his private
office, said:
"Sargent, I shall be here this evening doing private work. I want to
see you about half past seven o'clock. Come in here as if on your own
business, and if I am not alone go out and return soon afterward. Say
nothing about this, but come on time. You can go now."
The latter withdrew, but was shrewd enough to comprehend that he was
wanted on something important. The bank closed at the usual hour, and
all left for home except the Senator, who arose and nervously walked
the floor for a few moments, drops of perspiration standing on his brow.
"Great heavens! what am I about to do? This troubled conscience is
horrible. But shall I go to pieces financially? No! I must not give way
to this weakness. What would the world say were I to become bankrupt?"
He resumed his seat by the table, began looking over his papers, and for
an hour spoke no word, only an occasional sigh escaping him. At length
he said:
"What a villain I am! Yet, isn't it better to save myself and my
reputation than allow this opportunity to pass? Mannis and his fortune
can save me: it is no time to turn back."
Putting on overcoat and hat he left the bank, and on entering his
home met Belle, who gave him a kiss. To his conscience this token of
affection was like molten lead, and leaving her he went directly to his
own room, saying:
"My God! how can I strike this blow at her heart?"
At the tea-table he appeared uneasy and ate little, and being questioned
by his wife and daughter only said:
"I have a slight headache--that is all; it will soon pass off."
Shortly afterward Belle came near him, and said:
"Papa, won't you stay home this evening? I will bathe your head, and
perhaps it will relieve the pain."
"No, my daughter, I have very important business at the office this
evening."
"Let business go for once; be my patient, and I will be your gentle and
loving nurse."
Little did the kind-hearted girl know that she was plunging daggers into
her father's heart, and that every word of endearment pierced him to the
very soul.
Abruptly leaving the house, he went directly to his office, when he was
joined by Sargent. The latter was dressed with scrupulous care, for he
was a great dandy, and spent most of his salary for clothing. Senator
Hamblin beckoned him to approach and be seated, and hesitating befor
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