Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1910-02-11

tssa otner man TO lead tie Conversation
at this point, just as q clever tactician
should.
THAT depends" answered Brand
doubtfully. a tri6e weakly, sinking
thoughtfully into a chair beside a ia.
BILE.
Bartelmy detected at once the note
of doubt and weakness in Brands re-
ply and questioned to himself what it
might portend.
"On what?' asked the judge careful
W, trying to analyze the mental proc
esses OF his opponent, who stared at
him across the table.
Brand spoke deliberately, in low
voice.
ION whether you're willing to meet
me halfway"
Bartelmy's hopes Immediately surged
high. Ia. as plain bid for price as
he had ever heard, and he had heard
them before. He gazed, treasured, at
the young mans earnest face. Ia,
how skillful he was. this young Brandt
How he had deceived every one! Yes,
he was just like some of the other re-
formers the judge had met-just like
some Of his political friends who start
ed to clean up certain conditions, only
to be retained to let them exist as they
were. But Brand was the cleverest
one Of the lot by far, and probably he
was to divide the proceeds of this
bride with Nolan. Oh, they were q
cunning pair! Had even fooled Dupuy,
who thought them dangerous. And
what a son-in-law Brand would makel
Yes. he could have Judith; he was
worthy to possess the reigning beauty
Of great city. So argued to himself
the false judge. and he said:
"Of course l am willing to meet you
halfway, but 1t all depends on whether
we understand each other"
Your decision was doubtless of some
value to you, and If l am willing to
keep silent about its antecedent cir
cumstances them Brand looked the
Judge In the eye expectantly.
Bartelmy felt relieved. He felicitat-
ed himself on the fact that his judg.
ment had been correct
Yes; you He halted.
why Brand paused.
"Well? queried the judge irritatedly.
There you are" responded Brand
simply. his eyes meeting those Of the
jurist.
Bartelmy glanced cautiously at the
editor, seeking for signs of deception,
Of trap. but he found them not
"Mr. Brand. what do you wantf" he
asked sharply.
what's it worth to your
II would prefer you to set the fg-
ure."
NO"
How about s1o,OoOr asked the
judge.
Yes" agreed Brand. rising-"in cash
tonight"
Rather short notice for such a sum-"
protestingly. Where shall see you -
AT my Office"
Your office-the Advance! No, no.
prefer you to come to my chambers
about noon tomorrow. We shall be
quite private there"
II can't wait that long for 1t, Judge.
I've got to have 1t tonight"
"Oh. is it something of that sort :?
Well, then, come to my house after
dinner"
But I've got to be at my Office" in
sisted the editor
II hardly like to so there. Mr..
Brand"
That's up to you, judge. But if you
don't come the story goes to press to-
night. Well?" with rising infection
"I"--
Judith Bartelmy entered
will you come now. papa?" she
asked.
Just moment, my dear I intend
ed to ask Dupuy to dine with u.s."
"Oh. can't you take him to the club"
she pouted.
THAT wouldn't be convenient, my
dear You know were going TO the
opera" He step
&. !. 4: !: !: :. :: 81
ped back toward
the library "Mr. "a
Brand, III see NDS
you again before ~ w
you leave" ~
!. !. !. I. I: !. J: !: !.
There was ~ NJ
moments embar- III VA
raised silence be-
tween Judith and
Wheeler Brand as \
the judge disap- y,
peared
How do you ~ Af
do, Mr.. Brand? IA
w ~ IVN