The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-06-27
CHAPTER IT. The Challlenge Accented,

 in his cynicism that repelled them as we'll as fascinated them. They were not bad young men. Not that they had high ideals, or were filled with lofty enthusiasms. But they had been reared on conventional lines. and although neither of them would have admitted it they were influenced by the conventions which had sur- rounded their lives. To them there was something sordid, something re- pellent, in the thought of a man duly offering to marry any one in order that he might prove the truth of a cynical statement to which he had given utterance. Nevertheless, they longed to accept his challenge Rad ford Leicester's spirit possessed them; the mans cool and confident cynicism attracted them. The very daring of the proposal broke down their conventional ideas. Besides. in spite of Leicester's confidence they did not believe that his options were true. Especially was this true of Purvis and Sprague. They had pro- posed to Miss Olive Castlemaine and had been refused. Other very eligi- ble young men had also suffered the same fate. Was it likely then, that Leicester, whose reputation was so peculiar, would be more fortunate fha n thev3
 More than all this, both of, them felt somewhat bitter towards the wo- man who had refused them, and al- though they would rejoice if she should suffer something of the humi- liation which they felt. Such g. feel ing is natural to weak men. The sting of disappointment made them eager to fasten on anything which promised them a kind of revenge. They had feeling that Miss Castle maine was proud of her conquests, and they would rejoice if her pride could be humbled.
 What do you pattern young men Lsay?" repeated Leicester. He emptied his glass as he spoke, and then to- wards them. Why, think, my dear Moody and Sankey," he went on. You were longing to save me from the error of my ways few minutes ago; now here is your chance. It is true only know this young lady by sight, but I have heard of her re- ligious proclivities. Why, she might convert me. She might snatch the brand from the burning. She is such a pattern young woman, 50 high-prin- cipled, so good. Besides, am told that she belongs to the Nonconforrn- ing order of pious people. She is a Wesleyan, or an Independent or a Presbyterian, don't know which; but being one of them, her princi- pies will be more pronounced than those who belong to the worldly State Church. Here is your oppor- tunity, not only of proving your be- lief in the nobility of women, but of bringing me under religious inf1u- ences."
 He spoke quietly and composedly, yet no doubt he was influenced by the whisky he had been drinking.
 Besides" he continued, ''here is your chance of proving that the wo- man who refused you would also re- fuse me. Come, now, what do you say?"
 'I accept said Purvis.
 '.And you, too Sprague? ?"
 Miss Castlemaine would not give you second thought"
 'Then you accept my offer? Look here, if I am rejected I give a hun dred pounds to-what shall we say Guys Hospital? While if am ac- cepted you shall give the same sum- Is it bargain?"
 'I tell you she would not look al you. If she is not already acquaint- ed with what those who know you think about you, she will soon be- come acquainted, and then-well, you will be driven from the house." Exactly; then you agree % "Oh, yes, if you like"
 Good, as for Winfield, his only part in the business is naming the lady. Gentlemen, am really much obliged to you. have never felt so interested in life for long time. You are really benefactors. But, come now, we must go into this affair in a businesslike way, and upon my word I'll have another glass in order to drink success to the enterprise" He rang the bell and the waiter appeared.
 -Four whiskies, waiter" he said. "I don't like this." said Sprague. "what, the whisky? I'll complain | to the management"
 "No, the whole business. It isn't right"
 CTo be continued.)