Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

When evening came and they had arrived at Elmhurst again, Louise was

enthusiastic over her work of the day, and had many amusing tales to

tell of her experiences.

"How many votes did you win?" asked Uncle John, smiling at her.

"I can't say," she replied; "but I didn't lose any. If one sows plenty

of seed, some of it is bound to sprout."

"We can tell better after election," said Mr. Watson. "But I'm satisfied

that this is the right sort of work, Mr. Merrick, to get results."

"So am I," returned Uncle John heartily. "Are you willing to keep it up,

Louise?"

"Of course!" she exclaimed. "We start again bright and early tomorrow

morning."

CHAPTER VIII

THE HONORABLE ERASTUS IS ASTONISHED

The Honorable Erastus Hopkins had been absent at the state capital for

several days, looking after various matters of business; for he was a

thrifty man, and watched his investments carefully.

Whenever his acquaintances asked about his chances for re-election, the

Honorable Erastus Hopkins winked, laughed and declared, "it's a regular

walk-over."

"Who is opposing you?" once asked a gray-haired Senator of much

political experience, who had met Mr. Hopkins at luncheon.

"Young feller named Forbes--a boy, sir--with no notion about the game at

all. He was pledged to an unpopular issue, so I was mighty glad to have

him run against me."

"What issue is he pledged to?" asked the Senator.

"Oh, he's agin putting advertising signs on fences and barns, and wants

to have them prohibited, like the infernal fool he is."

"Indeed. Then he's a progressive fellow. And you say his issue is

unpopular?"

"That's what it is. It'll kill his chances--if he ever had any."

"Strange," mused the Senator. "That issue has been a winning one

usually."

"What do you mean?" asked the astonished Hopkins.

"Why, the anti-sign fight has won in several places throughout the

country, and local laws have been passed prohibiting them. Didn't you

know that?"

"No!" said Hopkins.

"Well, it's true. Of course I do not know the temper of your people, but

in a country district such as yours I would think an issue of that sort

very hard to combat.