The Irish standard., 1910-06-18

himself. He glanced across the room
at Wheeler Brand. wondering how lie
was accepting the situation. Brand
took quick step forward. straight
ened himself stitiiy and shot a glance
Of warning over the shoulder of Bar
telmy. whose back was turned to him.
Nolan nodded his head slightly to show
that he understood. Dupuy caught the
interchange of signals. and he glared
Indignantly at the young managing
editor. He saw that Brand would do
his utmost to swing Nolan away from
the subtle snare. Nolan addressed the
Judge. I'LL think it overland thank
you once more"
Bartelmy and Dupuy started toward
q door.
Now. il you will excuse US. Dupuy
and l will join the ladies'" said the
jurist. Wheeler. you're not going
away yet. eh:" he added.
Brand moved toward the hall door
and ignored the query.
whats your hurry. WheelerY' ask
ed Nolan as Burtelmy and Dupuy dis
appeared.
"Oh, it's time to get back to the Of
fee"
"H-m: What's the trouble?"
"What's the use Of talking about it?"
"Come. get it of your chest"
II don't have to tell you. Mr.. Nolan"
He drew closer to his employer.
You think Mike Nolan is going back
on you-isn't that it?"
The young mans voice rang out in
his deep disappointment that Nolan
was lingering on the verge Of an ac-
ceptance of Bartelmy's offer. which
could mean only two things If his en-
ployer yielded. and these were the muz-
cling of the Advance and the silencing
of Brand as long as he remained on
the paper. He blamed Nolan bitterly
for failing to spurn the offer outright
on the moment.
do you think you can accept favors
from Bartelmy with one hand" he
cried. land knife him with the other?'
Nolan gave spirited but kindly re-
ply:
Hold your horses. Wheeler. You
know don't care anything about this
social stunt for myself. 1t don't fit
into my life but remember I've got a
family, and nothing comes ahead of
them. Mother and l may have jan
gle now and then; but. after all. we
have been side partners for good
many years. And my girl! There amt
q finer educated or prettier girl in
New York. and she ought to be able to
60 anywhere, but she can't in Ahis
town-this cold mans town. Then. of
course, there's Sylvester. l know he
amt as bright ms ne might he. and I've
spent-well, more than twice your SAL
airy trying TO get him through fresh
man year at Harvard. and l couldn't.
but still he's my son. and If he wants
to run around with these othei sports.
why not? l can afford it. and guess
the kids got to SOW his wild oats any
way. My wife and children ought to
be happy with the money I've got. and,
as l figure it. If join this Oak Door
club l can help them to get what they
want. Do you follow me. Brandt"
-. Eyes; l understand sighed Brand.
SAT first you took up the side Of the
people. and you are continuing at It,.
But you and your family have become
ambitious. or. at least. SO far as you
are concerned, you are ambitious for
them. When you begin to associate
familiarly with rich men as their friend
you'll soon find yourself playing golf
or billiards with one. drinking whisky
with another. and your son will marry
the daughter Of a third. You will for
get all about the. people. Your paper
will become decadent and feeble. The
circulation will dry up" He paused
for breath and added warningly in
strong tones, 1.-The Advance is now at
its zenith. but it's decline begins the
very day that you are elected to the
Oak Door club"
Nolan reached over and seized Brand
by the shoulder.
wheeler. you're decent sort Of a
fellow. like you and the things
you've made the paper stand for. but
you don't know what 1t means to pu'
PCoPiS tuAI Ou IoNC VII euC 0ALNL anu
cause them suffering for the sake of
these-these general principles"
"Don't l." exclaimed the young ed
flor. well. that's exactly what I've
done. gave up the girl l loved. who
had promised to be my wife, 80 that l
might write the truth" In spite of
the emotion which his words had
aroused in him Brands voice never
faltered rs he spoke.
"You did" exclaimed Nolan amazed
ly. "Well, my boy. don't understand
tou. I couldn't do that" hs confessed.
"Don't think that it was easy for
me to do. I've thought OF her every
nour of every day since, but she"-now
his voice waveWd-"well, she's forgot
ten. so it doesn't matter. Mr.. Nolan,
do you remember what 1t was that
first brought us together?"
"Yes; that story about Judge Dartel-
my. and it was good one, and you've
t. 80