lick him easy.''

Mr. Budd's answer was kind,
instructive, and uplifted.

``My friend,'' said he, ``I'm sorry, but
I cannot possibly accede to your request
for the following reasons: First, it would
not be fair to my constituents; secondly, it
would hardly be seeming to barter the
noble gift of the people to which we both
aspire; thirdly, you might lose with me
out of the way; and fourthly, I'm going
to win whether you are in the way or
not.''

The horseman slowly collapsed while
the Hon. Samuel was talking, and now he
threw the leg back, kicked for his stirrup
twice, spat once, and turned his horse's
head.

``I reckon you will, stranger,'' he said
sadly, ``with that gift o' gab o' yourn.''
He turned without another word or nod of
good-by and started back up the creek
whence he had come.

``One gone,'' said the Hon. Samuel
Budd grimly, ``and I swear I'm right