The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-01-12
fCOntinued.l

| ways been conservative and liberal parties. whose leaders, while they diff fered perhaps in method. have been stimulated by an equal love of coun- try
 That is true. Judge Bartelmy." said
 Brand. but l can't concede that you belong to the conservative party" The judge showed surprise.
 But l don't understand you." he stammered. when Brand went on de- terminedly: q Are you not seeking to introduce ! into our country methods of govern ment undrealned of by our forefa- therss
 The judge laughed as though in agreeable tolerance. His skill at yer bal parrying was standing him in good stead.
 Oh I had as much enthusiasm my self in my youth" he said. '.but my legal training has forced upon me a certain unfortunate exactitude of l thought. But come. come. We old ! lawyers have long since learned that we cannot carry our quarrels out of court For instance. of q morning my best friend. Judge Culver. may be at drawn swords with me over some point of law. but the same evening will l find us hail fellows well met. exchang ] ing stories before club nre.' 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 i'll clubs.' interjected Du- puy.
 Bartelmy raised his hand and made gesture of disapprovai. ''1 wouldn't say that.' Brand saw an opportunity to score. Likewise the safest methods of evading the laws are framed up in clubs" he shot at Dupuy. Bartelmy pretended to side with Brand.
 That's neat. Wheeler" he laughed. "He scored off you that time. Dupuy." Bartelmy paused He had HOW reach ed q 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 truthfufly term ed ''the trump card. By the way, Mr. Nolan. Judge Culver and usually dine two or three times q week at the Oak Door club We need you there. We should have man in all sur 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 memberships"
 Dupuy watched the effect of Rartel- my's words on Nolan with intense for both Dupuy and Ral selmy. If Nolan accepted they felt that they were safe. As for Nolan, he was greatly perpIexed. He wanted to ac- cept the proffer. both for his own sake and for his farnily's Membership in tue Oak Door club was equivalent to ticket of admission into the fashion able circles of the city He would be able then to put i:is wife and daugn- ter in the way oI gratifying their de sireS. Sylvester. too. would be bene- fited in whatever business career. he should take up. and the membership would enaDie tlim 10 t,eet and make his personul frieuds the most proiii- nent men of the city the men he nat urally craved to assu,.Iate with on terms of equality. Then be spoke:
 Really. Judge.' be said warmly, "that's something that never expect. ed to hear from your iips.''
 ''Not at ali; not at all: iSshall be delighted to put you up. and Dupuy will second me-"
 With pleasure" bowed the lawyer.
 Nolan hesitatpd over hls nnal reply. He remembered what Brand mad stat ed regarding the attentions ot Judge Bartelniy and his daughter. Probably this offer was q trlck. q Dribe. ana 1t did not improve the situation to have Dupuy brought into il by the jurist as seconder of his nomination. Still. the idea came into his beud if be accept- ed it fle did II with his eyes open; De need not necessarily change the pol icy of the Advance toward certain pub lie men. Thus ne reasoned. and still there fingered within hin an insidlous desire. even prompting. Ill view of the advantages for himself aud his family. to accept at all hazards. under any circumstances
 "Thank you. gentlemen. thank you." he said. temporizing. III an endeavor to gain time before actually commiftlky himself. He glanced across the room at Wheeler Brand. wondering now he was accepting the situation Brand took a quick step forward. straight ened himself stiffiy 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 giared indignantly at the young managing editor. He saw that Brand would do his utmost 10 swing Nolan away from the subtle snare. Nolan addressed the judge. I'll think it overland thank you once more"
 Rarteimy and Dupuy started toward door.
 Now. if you will excuse US, Dupuy and l will join the ,adies." said the jurist- Wheeler. you're not going away yet. eh:'' he ad4ed.
 Brand 1ioved toward rhe hall door and ignored the query.
 .What'S TOUT hurry. WhpeIarg, ask