"Pliny," said Scattergood, "know Marvin Towne, don't you? Brought up
with him, wasn't you?"
"Know him like the palm of my hand."
"Um!... Strange he hain't never been talked up for the legislature,
Pliny. Strange there hain't talk about him on the stagecoach. Ever hear
any?"
"Some, lately."
"Could hear more, couldn't you? If you listened.... Set around the post
office, evenin's, don't you?"
"Some."
"Discussin' topics? Ever discuss this Prohibition party?"
"I _could_," said Pliny.
"Seems like a shame folks here can't run the man they want for office.
Strike you that way?"
"Certain sure. Calc'late they want Marvin bad?"
"They _could_," said Scattergood. "G'-by, Pliny."
Ten days later a third party made its appearance in the politics of
Coldriver, and Marvin Towne was announced as its candidate for the
legislature. It seemed a spontaneous excrescence, but, nevertheless, it
caused a visit from that great man and citizen, Lafe Siggins, as well as
a call from Mr. Crane, of Crane & Keith. Both astute gentlemen viewed
the situation, and their alarm subsided. Indeed, both perceived where it
could be turned to advantage.
Pages:
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246