The Cleverdale Mystery; or, The Machine and Its Wheels: A Story of American LifeWilkins, W. A.
General
The Cleverdale Mystery; or, The Machine and Its Wheels: A Story of American Life
Wilkins, W. A.
Detective and mystery stories; New York (State) -- Fiction; Political corruption -- Fiction
"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.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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