THE RAGGED EDGE
The Ragged Edge
A Tale of Ward Life & Politics
By
John T. Mc. Intyre
First Novel
Series
New York
McClure, Phillips & Co.
Mcmii
Copyright, 1902, by
McCLURE, PHILLIPS & CO
Published, September, 1902, R
To
Wayne, Andy, George & Lew
THE RAGGED EDGE
Chapter I
“Arrah, me jewel, sure, Larry’s the boy!”
Old Song.
WEARY horses dragged ponderous truckshomeward; the drivers drooped upon theirhigh seats and thought of cans of beer; ared sun threw shafts of light along the cross-townstreets and between the rows of black warehouses.
The porters had all gone for the night from Mason& Sons, and young Mason stood upon the office step,about to lock the door, when Kerrigan jumped froma passing car and hailed him.
“I just happened to notice you as I was going by,”Kerrigan said; “and that reminded me that I wantedto speak to you.”
“Come in and sit down,” said Mason, leading theway into the office.
“I drew up a will the other day in which you were[4]named as executor,” said Kerrigan, mounting a stoolat the bookkeeper’s desk.
Mason looked at him questioningly.
“It’s old Miss Cassidy who kept house for yourfather, years ago. She said that she had not spokento you about the matter, but that she felt sure thatyou would consent to act.”
“She’s a queer old soul,” smiled Mason.
“No queerer than the will she had me make forher. Quite a tidy sum of money, too.”
“She was very saving; and then father thoughtwell of her and advised her about small investmentswhich were successful. But what induced her tomake a will? Is she ill?”
“She says she is getting old, and thought that thematter should be settled. By the way, Mason, thereare rumours going about the City Hall that must interesta reformer like you,” and Kerrigan smiled at hisfriend. “The Motor Traction Company is endeavouringto secure possession of Center and Line streets.”
“Do they contemplate purchasing the rights of thenew company?”
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