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of this brave boy upon the streets."

And he threw

his arm about young John's shoulder as though he would shield him if he could from the ruin of his father.

"A type-written letter is no proof," Oliver answered quickly.

"But I was in our committee-room yesterday afternoon, and sent that envelope by the messenger to Mr. Villars. I enclosed a written note, telling him that our committee had set aside next Tuesday for hearing arguments on his school bill. I was foolish enough to seal the envelope. All that shows that he is not deceived by some outsider, but is himself trying to deceive the Assembly."

"Yes," Oliver answered, "a man who would do that would do anything."

"Yes, Oliver, and there is nothing which he can't do. There is no such thing as statesmanship any more. It is impossible. It is money that passes laws, and votes might just as well be put up at public auction. Where is there any hope for legislation to help the poor when their representatives sell their votes? Why, bribery is so common that many honest men really think I was holding off for a high price. Why, it isn't safe. An honest man isn't safe in the Legislature. The happiness of his wife and children is in danger."

John sank into a chair by his wife's side and added helplessly:

"Chub told me nearly a month ago, when Mr. Madmire came here and talked in such an ugly way, that those men would make me trouble if I refused to vote for Villars' bill, but I did not think they would try to brand me with shame."

"What did Madmire say?" Oliver inquired.

"He threatened me in many ways.

He even tried

to compel me to vote for the bill because he employed you and Pearl.”

"He did?" Oliver exclaimed, grinding his teeth and looking as though he would like to grind Mr. Madmire between them until he was in good condition for "stomach, appetite and alimentary canal."

There were many suppositions to discuss and hopes to express, but it was all a repetition of the one sympathetic purpose-all wanted to do something, yet no one could think of anything definite to do. However, John White found comfort in Oliver's fiery denunciation and Pearl's affectionate sympathy. When dangers threaten, although none can avert them, there is always sustaining strength in the thought that there are friends who are suffering with us and for us!

manner.

CHAPTER XXIX.

"The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met!

The judges all ranged-a terrible show!"-BEGGAR'S OPERA.

On the first morning of the trial Representative Hall and the galleries were crowded. The newspapers had been filled with accounts of White's every movement and Mr. Villars' trying situation was discussed, and the morning papers, which were then being read at every desk, said that it was rumored in some quarters that John White would, at the very beginning of the trial, make a complete confession, when probably immediate expulsion would follow.

As soon as it was settled how the trial was to be conducted, and the committee had stated what it expected to prove, Mr. Villars was called to the witness chair. No one who watched his movement down the aisle and up behind the clerk's desk to the witness chair, doubted that he was a man who "walked uprightly." His mere oath to tell the truth was probably one of the most impressive scenes in history.

After bringing out in the direct examination the same points covered by his speech to the Assembly, he almost disconcerted Mr. White's attorney by his condescending superiority as he answered his ques

tions.

"You contributed largely during the last campaign, did you not, Mr. Villars?"

"Yes, sir."

"Through the State Committee?"

"Through the State Committee."

"Any other way?"

“Yes, sir.”

"Did you supply money direct to the different Assembly districts?"

"To some."

"Which ones?"

"I endeavored to help my party wherever it was in need." (Suppressed applause.)

"What was the largest amount which you subscribed to the campaign fund of any of these candidates?" "I am unable to say."

"Kept no record?"

"I kept no record."

"Are there any members of this body to whose campaign expenses you contributed?"

The committee objected that John White was on trial, not Mr. Villars, and these questions had no possible bearing on the case. Well, the attorney would ask one that had.

"When you helped any of these candidates with money, was there any understanding that they were to support some bill which you expected to introduce?"

"Certainly not."

"Have you paid any member of either body money for a vote for your bill?"

"Certainly not."

"Have you at any time given any lots in the neigh borhood of these parks to any members of this body?"

"Yes, sir."

"When?"

"Over a year ago, when the last Legislature was in session, and there was no such bill before that body. I presented my friend Senator Brown with one lot; also Representative Button and Representative Kline, but Representative Kline is not a member this year. At the time of the last State convention, ten or fifteen of my best friends were admiring these lots, and I gave one to each. A few of these gentlemen are members now."

"That was before they were elected?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have you given away any lots since the opening of this Legislature?"

"Not to members of either house."

"Have you sold any to such members?"

"A few."

"At what price?"

"The regular price."

"To whom?"

The committee objected that because a man was a member of the Legislature was no reason why he could not buy and sell like other men, or even make a Christmas present. But had he done anything to influence votes, that was the question.

"Well, have you, Mr. Villars, used any money in this Legislature directly or indirectly to votes?"

"No, sir."

influence

"You have used considerable money entertaining frequently in various ways?"

"Yes, I invited the members to the wedding of my daughter, and it cost money." (Laughter and murmuring: "White's attorney will not make much by such nonsense as this.")

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