Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1910-02-11


ened himself s!itily auh shot a glance
OF warning over the SHOULDER ot Bar
telmy, whose back was turned TO him.
Nolan nodded his head slightly 10 show
that he understood. Dupuy caught the
interchange Of signals. and he glared
Indignantly at the young managing
editor. lie saw that Brand would do
his utmost to swing Nolan away from
the subtle snare. Nolan addressed the
judge. "l'll think it Over-uId thank
you once more
Bartelmy and Dupuy started toward
a door,
Now, II you will excuse US. Dupuy
and ! will join the ladies'" said the
jurist wheeler. you're hot going
away yet. eh:" he added.
Brand moved toward the ball door
and ignored the query.
whats your hurry. Wheeler" ask
ed Nolan as Bartcmy and Dupuy dis
appeared.
"Oh. it's time 10 get back to the Of
| fee"
HIN. What's the trouble:"
"Whhts the use Of talking about il"
| "COme. get il off your chest"
ii don't have to tell you, Mr.. Nolan"
| He drew closer 10 his employer.
You think Mike Nolan is going back
on you-isD't that IT,"
The young mans voice rang out in
hi, I,a,, q m fhur Nolan
was lingering on the verge OF an ac-
ceptunce Of Bartelmy's offer. which
could mean only two things if his en-
! ployer yielded. and these were the mnZ-
zling of the Advance and the silencing
Of Brand as long rs he remained on
the paper He blamed Nolan bitterly
for failing to Spuru the offer outright
on the moment.
do you think you can accept favors
from Bartclmy with one hand" he
cried. and Knife him with the other"
Nolan gave spirited hut kindly re-
ply:
Hold Your horses. Wheeler. You
know ! don't care anything about this
social stunt for myself. Ii don't BIT
into my life. but remember I've got
family. and nothing comes ahead of
them. Mother and / may have jan
gle now and then; but, after all. we
have been side partners for Il good
many years. And my giri There amt
q finer educated or prettier girl In
New York. and she ought to be able 10
go anywhere. hut she can't in this
town--this cold mans town. Then. ot
course. there's Sylvester. | know he
amt IN bright as he might be- ana I've
spent- well. more than twice your sal
airy trying 10 get him through fresh
man year at Harvard. aud couldn't,
but still he's my son, and If he wants
to run around with these other sports.
why not: can afford 1t, and | guess
the kids got 10 SOW his wild oats any
way. Ny wife aud children ought TO
be happy with the money I've got. and.
as | figure il. If join this Oak Door
Climb | can help them to get what they
want. DO you follow me, Brandt
Yes: understand" sighed Brand.
AT first you took zip the side OF the
people and you are continuing ut it.
But you and your family have become
ambitious, or, III least. 80 far as you
are concerned. yuu are ambitious for
them. When you begin to associate
familiarity with rich men as their friend
you'll soon find yourself playing golf
or billiards with one. drinking whisky
with another. aud your son will marry
the daughter Of II third. You will for
get all about no people. Your paper
will become decadent and feeble. The
circulation will dry mp" He paused
for breath and added warningly IN
strong tones, THE Advance Is now at
its zenith. but it's decline begins the
very day that YOU are elected to the
Oak Door club.''
Nolan reached over and seized Brand
by the shoulder.
wheeler you're decent sort of
fellow. like you and the things
you've made the paper stand for. but
you don't know what it means to put
people that YOU love on the altar and
cause then; suffering for the sake Of
,hese-these general principles"
Don't I."' exclaimed the young ed
itor. We'll. that's exactly what I've
done. gave up the girl loved, who
had promised TO be my wife. 80 that |
might write the truth" In spite OF |
the emotion which his words had |
aroused IN him Brands voice never
faltered ~ he spoke
"You did, exclaimed Nolan amazed
IL. "Wel!, my boy. | don't understand
you. couldn't do that" he confessed,
Don't think that 1t was easy rol
me 10 60. I've thought OF her every
hour Of every day since. but she'-now
his voice wuvered-"w she's forgot
Ten, so it doesn't matter. MIR. Nolan.
do you remember what 1t WAS thar
first brought lis together:'
"Yes: that Story about Judge Bartel.
my. and it was Il good one. aud you've
followed it up with lot Of good ones
since. Why, Wheeler. there amt q
man in the country that can work up
a series like you eau. But, do you
know. I'm beginning TO think that the
Judge il not all bad. Mind you. I'm
not forgetting old scores. but'-he
seated himself did you ever think of
it. perhaps we haven't all the facts of
that affair: Some things have nap
peued Are you sure that he's so all
fred wrUng:'
"Mr. Nolan. the halt hasn't been told
a bout Judge Bnrtelmy" cried Brand.
"WeIl This il getting 10 be pretty