Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1910-01-27

"Oh | had as much enthusiasm my
self in my youth" he said. but my
legal training has forced upon me a
certain unfortunate eXactitude of
thought But come. come We old
lawyers have long since learned that
we cannot carry our quarrels out of
court For instance. of "A morning my
best friend. Judge Culver may be at
drawn swords with me over some
point of law. but the same evening will
find us hail fellows well met, exchang-
ing stories before club fire"
Nolan nodded his head understand
ingly.
Yes. judge. that's life-that's life."
he commented.
Half the laws Of our country are
framed up in clubs" interjected Du-
puy.
Bartelmy raised his hand and made
gesture of disapproval.
Il wouldn't say that"
Brand saw an opportunity TO score.
Likewise the safest methods of
evading the laws are framed up in
clubs" be shot nj Dupuy.
Bartelmy pretended TO side with
Brand.
That's neat. Wheeler" he laughed.
''He scored of you that time, Dupuy."
Bartelmy paused. He had now reach
ed a point where he was about to
make his supreme effort to capture
Nolan and the Advance, TO make them
friendly to him. He was about TO
play what Dupuy had truthfully term
ed the trump card" BY the way,
Mr.. Nolan. Judge Culver and usually
dine two or three times week at
the Oak Door club. We need you
there We should have man in all
our discussions Of public questions
we should have practical man Of
affairs who knows what reformers like
our young friend here are really try
ing TO get at. Shall | propose you for
membership
Dupuy watched the effect of Barte-
my's words on Nolan with intense
tagerness. 1t was an anxious moment
Tor both Dupuy and Bartemy. IL
Nolan accepted they felt that they
were safe. AS for Nolan. he was
greatly perpleXed. He wanted to ac-
cept the prefer. both for his own sake
and for his family's. Membership in
the Oak Door club was equivalent to
a ticket Of admission into the fashion
able circles OF the city He would be
able then to put his wife and daugh-
ter in the way OF gratifying their de-
sireS. Sylvester, too, would be bene-
fitted in whatever business career he
should take up. and the membership
would enable him 10 meet and make
his personal friends the most promi-
neut men of the city-the men he nat
urllly craved TO associate with-on
terms of equality. Then be spoke:
Really. Judge. he said warmly,
that's something that | never expect
ed to hear from your lips"
Not at ALL not at all. shall be
delighted to put you up and Dupuy
VIII second me.
With pleasure" bowed the lawyer
Nolan hesitated over his dual reply
He remembered what Brand had stat
ed regarding the attentions OF Judge
Bartelmy and his daughter. Probably
this offer was trick, bride, ana 1t
did not improve the situation to have
Dupuy brought into 1t by the jurist as
seconder of his nomination. Still, the
idea came into bis head-if be accept
ed it he did it with his eyes open; he
need not necessarily change the pol
icy Of the Advance toward certain pub
lie men. Thus be reasoned, and still
there fingered within him an insidiouS
desire. even a prompting. in view OF
the advantages for himself and his
family, TO accept at all hazards. under
any circumstances.
Thank you. gentlemen, thank you"
he said, temporiZing, in AL endeavor TO
gain time before actually committing
himself. He glanced across the room
at Wheeler Brand. wondering how he
was accepting the situation. Brand
took a quick step forward. straight
ened himself stitfIy 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 be gared
editor. He saw that Brand would do
his uIuOSI 10 SWlDS NOldD away ITOID
the subtle snare. Nolan addressed the
judge. IN think it overland thank
you once more"
Bartelmy and Dupuy started toward
a door.
Now, il you will excuse us, Dupuy
and will join the ladies'" said the
jurist. wheeler. you're not going
away yet. eh!" be added.
Brand moved toward the hall door
and ignored the query.
whats your hurry. Wheeler" ask
ed Nolan as Bartelmy and Dupuy dis
appeared
''Oh. it's time to get back to- the Of
fee"
HIM What's the troube?"
whats the use of talking about it?''
"Come. get 1t of your chest
81 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 i'm
his deep disappointment that Nolan
1 I'm in,r fha Of