Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-02-17

II LUOOI CtEtuIulV W.
He was almost frantic. He grasped
her hand.
II won't lot you mean it. I can't let
you 60 without your ring. You may
BE- Judge Bartelmy's daughter. but you
are going to be my wife You've worn
my ring for a month, and you must
wear 1t forsver!'
The girl passed his passionate ap-
peal by without needing 1t. She tossed
back her pretty head dehantly. snatch
ed the ring from her finger and threw
1t on the managing editors desk.
"I'll not wear 1t again." she exclaim-
ed resolutely. "unless-until you come
to your senses" 80 expressing herself,
she stalked majestically across the
room.
Judith" called Brand in despera-
tion. fearing that she was about to
leave him.
"Will you do what I ask" she
querisd imperiously.
II cannot" he answered simply.
The Judges daughter tossed her
head Independently. caught her skirt
| In her band. turned her back swiftly
| on Brand and walked Indignantly
from the room.
Wheeler Brand. dazed. heartsick
and discouraged and torn by the emo
tions that welled within him. leaned
helplessly against the desk. After all
| be reasoned. what did 1t all matter:
| There were lots Of evil men IN the
world. always had been. always would
be. What harm would 1t do II one dis
| honest Judge were allowed to go un.
molested, even II he happened to be a
United States judge7 Surely there
were other dishonest judges. and he
could not drive all Of them off the
| bench-no indeed. And. moreover,
this thankless task be bad shOuldered
would If he succeeded rob him Of the
girl be loved. 1t would rob him Of the
love Of the girl who loved him.
Then the thought Of the enthusiasm
that had buoyed him as he wrote the
story that had exposed Judge Bartel.
ay came to him and chung to him. The
Inspiration In doing n strong mans
work for the public good enthused the
spirit of Wheeler Brand, captured his
soul. The steady light burned once
more in his eyes He shook himself
together fastened his old time grip on
himself. AS for Judith, he would do
his duty. and he would win her yet
When the managing editor Of the Adj
vance re-entered his office and walked
/ kric 90 rd n c ho
Wheeler Brand looking eagerly over
notebook which. quite unknown to Nc
Eenry. contained the data for an ar,
ficle on the Lansing Iron case even
more damaging to Judge Bartelmy than
he one already printed.
Well. did you settle IT." asked Nc
Henry.
Brand looked up and started toward
the door.
Yes. sir" he answered. and he was
gone.
At this juncture Downs. the city ed
ttor. came into the managing editor
room. he addressed McIIenry rapidly.
Water main burst on Morton street
drowned seven dago kids in the base
ment OF tenement; mothers. scrub,
women, gone out to work and locked
them In: wafer rising" He drew close
to the desk. Children. climbing stairs
to escape. found huddled in each 9th
ers arms on top step. drowned. All
but the youngest hanging on to a
string Of beads; must have died pray.
ing!"
The managing editors face immedi
ately lightened. and he pounded his
desk enthusiastically.
Good! Good. BY glory. that's q
dandy! That saves our lives. Now
well have a paper tomorrow. Well
80 the limit on this Did you send u
photographer"
Yes. sir, did"
McHenry seized the office telephone.
Might editor! Oh. hello. Cut three
columns more out OF those shavings.
We've got live one. Seven dago kids
drowned. First time they ever saw
water In their lives. Run three col
umns" He hung up the receiver and
turned to the city editor
PUT in three leads and make II
stick out like a sore thumb. And. say
put IN a black faced bulletin saying
tho Advance will receive subscriptions
for their families"
Durkin entered with a bundle OF
proofs.
And, say, Downs" added McHenry
print in bold faced type that the Ad'
vance will start the subscription with
800"
MT Dupuy is downstairs" announc'
ed Durkin.
The managing editor could not sup
press 4 sour expression which crept
across bis face. "Dupuy. eh! he
grnnted half audibly. wonder what
he wants around here now? He's a
regular buttinskk"
NeHsnry knew Dupuy In a business
way. knew he was counsel for several
Of the big mercantile establishments
which advertised In the Advance and
that the lawyer had represented varl
Gus corpora lions at the state capital
well. ! suppose I'll have to see him.
he finally resolved. "Show Mr., pupuy
In" hs called to the boy.
GOOD evening" was Dupuy's greet
Ing 10 Mcuehry A. he entered ano
placed hiS overccat on q chair.
'H0ud evening, MI. pupuy' What
can I do FOR yot?" The visitor seated
himself at the right OF MeHenry's
desk.
"McHsnry." began Dupuy decidedly