The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-02-12

invite ne let nun aSK the two m0u. He told me about it afterward. It amused him. Everybody but the host knew of the row, and there was a panic In the drawing room."
 "Good Lord" gasped Graydon. help sessly pushing the oysters away, "why are you telling me this?'
 "Oh, 1t was a great joke. It's good dinner story. The joke comes in at the end Both those fellows got tight and went home with their arms about one another. By the way. Graydon, what do you hear from your father"
 Graydon looked uncomfortably at Jane, whose face was set with distress.
 "Elias. you've got no right to- be gan the young man coldly.
 'I beg your pardon if I've offended, said broom abjectly. "1-I don't know the etiquette of small talk. Forgive me. was interested: that was all"
 "It may interest you to know that had a long talk with Mr. Clegg this afternoon. He says there is move ment on foot to secure a pardon Tor father. Father hasn't asked any one to intercede. It is known that he will go to England as soon as he is released. That's an inducement you see," he said bitterly.
 Droom's face turned a frozen white. His steeiy eyes took on a peculiar glaze. and his hand grasped his leg as if 1t were a wise intended to hold him fin his chair.
 "I haven't told you abort it, Jane" went on Graydon. "Mr. Clegg has seen father, and be says he is indifferent about 1t He intends to leave the coun- try in any event l am going to write to him tonight. asking him to let them apply for a pardon. It may save him from three years more of servitude. MT. Clegg Is sure he can get his re- lease. What's the matter. Elias?"
 The old clerks body had stiffened. and the look on his face was something g horrible to behold. Terror was visible in every lineament. His companions started from their chairs In alarm. With mighty effort the old man suc- ceeded in regaining semblance of self cGAtrol. His body relaxed. and his jaw dropped. His voice was trem bling and weak as he responded, an apologetic grin on his face.
 Nothing at all. A momen- tary pain. Don't mind me. Don't mind me-" he mumbled ''I have them often. I think it's my heart What were you saying. Graydon7 Oh. yes. the pardon. Fl hope you'll mention me in writing to your father. Tell him hope toto see him if he comes to New York"
 'T don't believe he likes you, Elias, " said Graydon. half jestingly.
 "Wha-what has he said to your de manded broom sharply.
 ''He rather resented your taking Jane and me to Joliet that day" The old mans grin was malicious. "He won't forgive you that"
 ''I shall never forget how he looked at you. MT. Droom," said Jane. with a shudder. broom trembled with a new spasm of fear.
 Attention was diverted by the arrival of the party of six. The men were dis. tinguished in appearance. the women aristocratic, but spirited. That they were well known to many of the diners in those days at Sherry's was at once apparent They were lowing right and left to nearby acquaintances. After much ado they finally relapsed into the chairs obsequiously drawn back for them. and the buzz of conversation throughout the place was resumed.
 Graydon. lowering his voice. named the newcomers to Jane, who looked at them with fresh interest. The names were well known to New York and Flu ropean society. For the moment Elias broom was unnoticed. He took the op- portunity to collect his nerves and to subdue his too apparent emotion. Jane was recalled from her polite scrutiny of the women at the r4x xt table by hearing her name mentioned in Droom's hoarsest voice. modified into something like whisper.
 "hIiss Cable. I not only asked you to come here in order to tell you the name of your father. but to point him out to you"
 There was an instant of breathless silence at the table. So startling was his announcement that every other sound in the room escaped the ears of his two listeners.
 There was a new hundred dollar bill found in the basket with you. Your grandfather's signature was on that bill. He was the president of the bank which issued it. Your mother was"- Here he leaned forward and whispered a name that fairly stunned bis hearers. Graydon caught his breath. and new light appeared in his eyes. He was beginning to believe that the old mans brain was affected. Jane leaned forward in her chair. an incredulous smile on her lips.
 Don't jest. Elias" began Graydon. somewhat roughly.
 (To be Continued.)