Thompson, the general store man, and
I keep the finest line ever brought to this town."

"Oh, that reminds me!" exclaimed Patsy. "Mr. Forbes wanted me to
purchase a box of your choicest brand, and have you just hand them out
to your customers with his compliments. He thinks he ought to show a
little cordiality to the men who vote for him, and he said you would
know just the people to give them to."

Latham gasped, but he assumed an air of much importance.

"I know every man that comes to this town, miss, as well as any you'll
find," he said.

"The best brand, mind you, Mr. Latham," said the girl. "How much will
they be?"

"Why, the very best--these imported perfectos, you know--are worth six
dollars a box of fifty. Perhaps for election purposes something a little
cheaper--"

"Oh, no; the best is none too good for the friends of Mr. Forbes, you
know. And fifty--why fifty will scarcely go around. I'll pay for a
hundred, Mr. Latham, and you'll see they go to the right persons."

"Of course; of course, miss. And much obliged. You see, young Forbes is
well liked, and he's quite a decent fellow. I wouldn't be surprised if
he gave Hopkins a hard fight."

"I'll tell you a secret," said Patsy, sweetly. "Mr. Forbes is bound to
be elected. Why, it's all arranged in advance, Mr. Latham, and the
better element, like yourself, is sure to support him. By the way, you
won't forget to tell people about those signs, I hope? That the fight is
not against advertising, but for beautiful rural homes and scenes."

"Oh, I'll fix that, Miss--"

"Doyle. I'm Miss Doyle, Mr. Forbes's cousin."

"I'll see that the people understand this campaign, Miss Doyle. You can
depend on me."

"And if the cigars give out, don't hesitate to open more boxes. I'll
call in, now and then, and settle for them."

I really think this young lady might have been ashamed of herself; but
she wasn't. She smiled sweetly upon the druggist when he bowed her out,
and Mr. Latham from that moment began to seek for friends of Mr. Forbes
to give cigars to. If they were not friends, he argued with them until
they were, for he was an honest little man, in his way, and tried to act
in good faith.

So the girl went from one shop to another, making liberal purchases and
seeking for every opening that would enable her to make a convert. And
her shrewd Irish wit made her quick to take advantage of any weakness
she discovered in the characters of the people she interview