The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1907-09-11

rIkE1--
"HoaO dare vou presume to Judge my dc-
tons Z"
alone in the library reading; Mrs. Ry-
der had gone to the theater with
friend; Shirley, as usual, was writing
In her room, giving the final touches to
her now completed History of the
Empire Trading Company" Jefferson
took the bull by the horns and boldly
accosted his redoubtable parent.
MAY have a few minutes Of your
time, fatherT
Ryder senior laid aside the paper he
was reading and looked up. 1t was
unusual for his son to come to him on
any errand, and he liked to encour-
age it.
Certainly, Jefferson. What is it?"
81 want to appeal to you, sir. want
you to use your influence before it is
too late to save Judge Rossmore. A
word from you at this time would do
wonders in Washington"
The financier swung half round in his
chair, the smile of greeting faded out
Of his face, and his voice was hard as
he replied coldly:
again? l thought we had agreed
not to discuss Judge Rossmore any fur
ther?"
81 can't help 1t, sir" rejoined Jeffer-
son, undeterred by his sires hostile at
titude. "That poor old man is prac-
tically on trial for his life. He Is as
innocent Of wrongdoing as a child UNI
born, and you know 1t. You could save
him If you would"
Jefferson" answered Ryder senior,
biting his lip to restrain his Impotence,
II told you before that l could not in
terfere even If would, and won't.
because that man is my enemy. I'm
portant business interests which you
cannot possibly know anything about,
demand his dismissal from the bench"
"Surely your business interests don't
demand the sacrifice of a mans lfe?
retOrted jefferson. Il know modern
business methods are none too squeam-
ish, but should think you'd draw the
line at deliberate MURDER
Ryder sprang to his feet and for a
moment stood glarlng at the young
man. His lips moved, but no sound
came from them. Suppressed wrath
rendered him speeches.. What was
the world coming to when son could
talk to his father in this manner?
"How dare you presume to judge my
actions or to criticise my methodist
he burst out finally.
"You force me to do So" answered
Jefferson hotly. IL want to tell you
that am heartily ashamed Of this
whole affair and your connection with
It, and since you refuse to make rep
aration In the only way possible for
the wrong you and your associates
have done Judge Rossmore-that Is, by
saving him In the senate-I think 1t
only fair to warn you that take back
my word In regard to not marrying
without your consent. want you to
know that intend to marry Miss Ross
more as soon as she will consent to be-
come my wife-that is" he added, with
bitterness, 'if can succeed In over
coming her prejudlces against my fam
lly"-
Ryder senior laughed contemptu-
ously.
"Prejudices against thousand mil
lion dollarsT" he exclaimed skeptically.
EYES," replied Jefferson decisively,
''prejudices against our family, against
you and your business practices.
Money is not everything. One day you
will find that out. tell you definitely
that 1 intend to make Miss Rossmore
my wife"
Ryder senior made no reply, and as
Jefferson had expected an explosion,
this unnatural calm rather startled
him. He was sorry he had spoken so
harshly. 1t was his father, after all.
you've forced me to defy you, ia
ther," he added "Im sorry
Ryder senior shrugged his shoulders
and resumed his seat. He lit another
cigar and with affected carelessness he
said:
"All right, Jen, my boy, Wen let it
go at that You're sorry-so am I.
You've shown me your cards-Pll show
you mine"
His composed, unruffied manner
vanished. He suddenly threw OF
the mask and revealed the tempest