ave come to ask you to
consent to your name being presented to the county convention,
which meets in May, as a candidate for the office of sheriff of this
county."

As Louie scratched his head and was meditating on his reply, Baughman
continued: "Now, we know that you are a busy man, and have given this
matter no previous thought, so we do not insist on an immediate reply.
But think it over, and let me impress on your mind that if you consent
to make the race, you will have the support of every cattle-man in
the country. Not only their influence and support, but in a selfish
interest will their purses be at your command to help elect you. This
request of mine is not only the mature conclusion of my people, but we
have consulted others interested, and the opinion seems unanimous that
you are the man to make the race for this important office."

"Mr. Baughman, vill you not haf one drink mit me?" said Seigerman, as
he led the way towards the bar.

"If you will kindly excuse me, Mr. Seigerman, I never like to indulge
while attending to business matters. I'll join you in a cigar,
however, for acquaintance' sake."

When the cigars were lighted Baugh observed, "Why, do you keep hotel?
If I had known it, I would have put up with you, but my bill is paid
in advance at my hotel until Saturday. If you can give me a good room
by then, I'll come up and stop with you."

"You can haf any room in mine house, Mr. Baughman," said Seigerman.

As Baugh was about to leave he once more impressed on Louie the nature
of his call. "Now, Mr. Seigerman," said Baughman, using the German
language during the parting conversation, "let me have your answer at
the earliest possible moment, for we want to begin an active canvass
at once. This is a large county, and to enlist our friends in your
behalf no time should be lost." With a profusion of "Leben Sie wohls"
and well wishes for each other, the "Zweibund" parted.

Stubb and Arab were waiting on a corner for Baugh. When he returned he
withheld his report until they had retreated to the privacy of their
own room. Once secure, he said to both: "If you would like to know
what an active, resourceful brain is, put your ear to my head,"
tapping his temple with his finger, "and listen to mine throb and
purr. Everything is working like silk. I'm going around to board with
him Saturday. I want you to go over with me to-morrow, Stubby, and
give him a big game about what a general uprising there is amon