Summary
In an intricate tapestry woven with threads of fervent affection, political machination, and the insidious grip of intemperance, the narrative unfolds around Oma, a woman of unyielding heart, whose devotion to Jack steadfastly resists the manipulative overtures of Hartman. Their burgeoning romance, fraught with peril, finds Jack assuming the mantle of protector, culminating in a union forged in resilience. Simultaneously, a long-standing camaraderie between Lafe and Hazelet, two pillars of their community, is catastrophically shattered when Hartman, a master of discord, weaponizes the revelation of Hazelet’s 'dry' vote. This betrayal ignites a bitter feud, driving Lafe to construct a spite fence, a physical manifestation of their fractured bond, severing the nascent communication between Oma and Jack. The tragedy deepens as Lafe succumbs to the ravages of delirium tremens, his demise hastened by the very vice that poisons his judgment. His drunken rampages leave a trail of devastation, claiming Mrs. Tuthill as another victim. Amidst this spiraling despair, a dying Mrs. Hazelet extracts a solemn vow from her husband, a pledge against the 'wet' vote, underscoring the profound societal toll of alcohol. Parallel to these events, the seductive Maude Le Fever, having abandoned Alfred Tuthill for Sam Weber, repeats her pattern of desertion, leaving a wake of broken lives. The insidious reach of alcohol then claims old Dan Weber, condemning Sam to a life of destitution. Yet, from the ashes of this moral decay, Alfred Tuthill emerges, redeemed from his own battle with rum, transforming the old saloon into a beacon of culture—a picture theater—and ascending to the status of a respected citizen. The saga culminates in a resounding political victory, as Jack, embodiment of virtue and progress, trounces Hartman in the mayoral election, signaling a triumph of integrity over corruption and the promise of a more temperate future.
Oma loves Jack and refuses to marry Hartman. Jack protects her and they eventually get married. Lafe and Hazelet have been good friends for years. Hartman tells Lafe that Hazelet voted dry. Lafe and Hazelet have a fight. Lafe builds a spite fence so Oma and Jack cannot communicate. Lafe dies with delirium tremens. Mrs. Tuthill dies from injuries received from Lafe while he is drunk. Just before Mrs. Hazelet passes away her husband promises her never to vote wet again. Maude Le Fever, the siren, who married Alfred Tuthill, deserts him and runs away with Sam Weber; she later deserts him. Alcohol kills old Dan Weber and leaves Sam a poverty-stricken wretch. Alfred Tuthill is redeemed from rum and builds a picture theater where the old saloon once stood and becomes a respected citizen. Jack is elected Mayor of the city, defeating Hartman by a large majority.
