But Jimmy Singleton, with a number of other children who had mercifully been dismissed by the school teacher, were close to the platform during the celebration.
"He's gonna be governor, Jimmy," whispered one of Jimmy's companions, awe in his voice as he indicated Lawler, who was just concluding his speech.
"I've knowed him a long time," went on Jimmy's friend, proudly.
"Huh!" said Jimmy; "I've knowed him longer than you.

An' besides, he walloped me.

An' he walloped my paw, too!" Shorty had ridden to town with Lawler; and Shorty rode home with the candidate for governor--after the citizens of Willets had shouted themselves hoarse and the prominent men who had come down from the capital had taken the evening train home.
And Shorty said nothing when Lawler veered from the Circle L trail and headed eastward, toward Hamlin's cabin.

And he waited with much patience outside the cabin while Lawler went in, to stay an unconscionably long time.
Ruth was alone.

And her eyes were glowing with happiness when she saw Lawler.
"Oh, I know!" she said when Lawler essayed to break the news to her.