第55章

It was not long before it became evident that the "talens" of Mr.Lacy Bassett, as indicated by Captain Jim, were to grasp at a seat in the state legislature.An editorial in the "Simpson's Bar Clarion" boldly advocated his pretensions.At first it was believed that the article emanated from the gifted pen of Lacy himself, but the style was so unmistakably that of Colonel Starbottle, an eminent political "war-horse" of the district, that a graver truth was at once suggested, namely, that the "Guardian" had simply been transferred to Simpson's Bar, and merged into the "Clarion" solely on this condition.At least it was recognized that it was the hand of Captain Jim which guided the editorial fingers of the colonel, and Captain Jim's money that distended the pockets of that gallant political leader.

Howbeit Lacy Bassett was never elected; in fact he was only for one brief moment a candidate.It was related that upon his first ascending the platform at Simpson's Bar a voice in the audience said lazily, "Come down!" That voice was Yuba Bill's.A slight confusion ensued, in which Yuba Bill whispered a few words in the colonel's ear.After a moment's hesitation the "war-horse" came forward, and in his loftiest manner regretted that the candidate had withdrawn.The next issue of the "Clarion" proclaimed with no uncertain sound that a base conspiracy gotten up by the former proprietor of the "Guardian" to undermine the prestige of the Great Express Company had been ruthlessly exposed, and the candidate on learning it HIMSELF for the first time, withdrew his name from the canvass, as became a high-toned gentleman.Publicopinion, ignoring Lacy Bassett completely, unhesitatingly denounced Captain Jim.

During this period I had paid but little heed to Lacy Bassett's social movements, or the successes which would naturally attend such a character with the susceptible sex.I had heard that he was engaged to Polly Baxter, but that they had quarrelled in consequence of his flirtations with others, especially a Mrs.Sweeny, a profusely ornamented but reputationless widow.Captain Jim had often alluded with a certain respectful pride and delicacy to Polly's ardent appreciation of his friend, and had more than half hinted with the same reverential mystery to their matrimonial union later, and his intention of "doing the square thing" for the young couple.But it was presently noticed that these allusions became less frequent during Lacy's amorous aberrations, and an occasional depression and unusual reticence marked Captain Jim's manner when the subject was discussed in his presence.He seemed to endeavor to make up for his friend's defection by a kind of personal homage to Polly, and not unfrequently accompanied her to church or to singing-class.I have a vivid recollection of meeting him one afternoon crossing the fields with her, and looking into her face with that same wistful, absorbed, and uneasy canine expression that I had hitherto supposed he had reserved for Lacy alone.I do not know whether Polly was averse to the speechless devotion of these yearning brown eyes; her manner was animated and the pretty cheek that was nearest me mantled as I passed; but I was struck for the first time with the idea that Captain Jim loved her! I was surprised to have that fancy corroborated in the remark of another wayfarer whom I met, to the effect, "That now that Bassett was out o' the running it looked ez if Captain Jim was makin' up for time!" Was it possible that Captain Jim had always loved her? I did not at first know whether to be pained or pleased for his sake.But I concluded that whether the unworthy Bassett had at last found a RIVAL in Captain Jim or in the girl herself, it was a displacement that was for Captain Jim's welfare.But as I was about leaving Gilead for a month's transfer to the San Francisco office, I had no opportunity to learn more from the confidences of Captain Jim.

I was ascending the principal staircase of my San Francisco hotel onerainy afternoon, when I was pointedly recalled to Gilead by the passing glitter of Mrs.Sweeny's jewelry and the sudden vanishing behind her of a gentleman who seemed to be accompanying her.A few moments after I had entered my room I heard a tap at my door, and opened it upon Lacy Bassett.I thought he looked a little confused and agitated.Nevertheless, with an assumption of cordiality and ease he said, "It appears we're neighbors.That's my room next to yours." He pointed to the next room, which I then remembered was a sitting-room en suite with my own, and communicating with it by a second door, which was always locked.It had not been occupied since my tenancy.As I suppose my face did not show any extravagant delight at the news of his contiguity, he added, hastily, "There's a transom over the door, and I thought I'd tell you you kin hear everything from the one room to the other."I thanked him, and told him dryly that, as I had no secrets to divulge and none that I cared to hear, it made no difference to me.As this seemed to increase his confusion and he still hesitated before the door, I asked him if Captain Jim was with him.

"No," he said quickly."I haven't seen him for a month, and don't want to.Look here, I want to talk to you a bit about him." He walked into the room, and closed the door behind him."I want to tell you that me and Captain Jim is played! All this runnin' o' me and interferin' with me is played!I'm tired of it. You kin tell him so from me.""Then you have quarrelled?"

"Yes.As much as any man can quarrel with a darned fool who can't take a hint.""One moment.Have you quarrelled about Polly Baxter?""Yes," he answered querulously."Of course I have.What does he mean by interfering?