[Surprise-dev] T the strenuosity in the career of Dav

[Tanzer <tes...@at...>]

 and Cap Cantrell was bent double with laughter behind a
pile of papers he was searching for data for Andrew. "I'm all in, Major,"
said David faintly. "Just pick up the pieces in a basket." "David, sir," said the major, "your conduct
of that onslaught
was masterly! If the hand that rocks
the cradle rules the world why not the hand that flips the batter-cake rock the ballot-box--cradle out of date? That's a little mixed but pertinent. I'm for letting them have the try. They're only crying because they think we don't want 'em to have it--maybe they'll go back to the cradle and rock all the better for being free citizens!" "And not a cussed one
of those three old lady cats has ever

shown a kitten!" exploded Cap from behind his pile of papers. "Anyway,
the worst is over now--must be!" answered David as
he began to read over some bulletins and telegrams. But he
had troubles yet to come. In the next two hours he had a conference with the head of
the chamber of commerce

which heated his blood
to the boiling-point and brought forth an ultimatum, delivered in no uncertain terms but with such perfect courtesy and clean-sightedness that the gentleman departed in haste to look into certain matters which he now suspected to have been
cooked to
lead him astray. This event had been followed by the advent of five of the old fellows who had obtained furloughs and ridden in from the Soldiers' Home for the express purpose of assuring him of their support, as the vindicator
of their honor, wringing his hand and cheering on the fight. They

retired with Cap into the back room
and emerged shortly, beaming and refreshed. They had no votes to cast in the city, but what matter? On their heels, Mike O'Rourke
rushed in with two budgets of false registrations which he had been able to ferret out by the aid of
the drivers of his grocery wagons.
He embraced David, exchanged shots with the major, and
departed in high spirits. Then quiet came to the _Gray Picket_ for a time and Kildare plunged into

his papers
with desperation. "David," called the major after a very few minutes of peace, "h