Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1910-02-11

Brand separated from nolan
~ as they appeared aroused the
suspicious Of both the Judge
and his lobbyist satellite. However,
they little imagined the pronounced
seriousness Of the conversation they
had interrupted. In the mind Of each
ran the thought that the Advances
proprietor and his editor had been dis
cussing the proposal to elect Nolan to
the Oak Door clul. Even a failure in
this laudable venture they would have
considered a serious setback, but prob
ably had they an intimation regarding
the story Brand wanted to write and
the effort that was to be made to de-
tect the judge in Offering a money
bride they would have exhibited less OF
the easy assurance that marked their
re-entrance into the dra wing room.
Mr.. Nolan. I'm afraid l must be 60
ing" said Bartelmy. II hope to see
you at my house soon, and you, too,
Wheeler"
Nolan rose from his chair
Judge, can you spare me few mo-
ments?' put in Brand resolutely.
The judge gave look Of surprise.
Certainly, my boy; certainly. viii
you excuse me?" turning to Nolan.
Nolan. surprised at the readiness Of
Brand to begin on the plan to entrap
Bartelmy, readily assented and pro-
ceeded into the library with Dupuy.
well, Wheeler. what can l do for
you?" asked Judith's father.
The young man stepped close to the
other and faced him squarely
Judge, how about your latest de-
cision in the Lansing Iron case today"
he asked
Bartelmy started back in surprise.
1T was in accordance with the stat
utes and the constitution" he finally
said.
THE supreme court Of the United
States was at variance with you In a
similar case" advised Brand
Sir" Indignantly. Il decline to dis
cuss out Of court questions relating to
my conduct on the bench"
The Judge moved as though to so.
You weren't so particular this morn
ing"
Bartelmy began to lose his confident,
easy pose.
Il fail to comprehend YOU he an
swered.
Early this morning, between
o'clock and g." went on the unrelenting
editor.
The judge turned his head to one
side and tuggcd nervously at his gray
beard.
"A reporter for the Advance saw you
come out of your house at four min
utes to / and walk to a house on
Washington avenue that belongs TO the
attorney for the Lansing Iron corpora
ton"
Bartelmy turned his back on Brand.
furtive look coming into his eyes as
he did So
You Knocked at the servants door,
Judge" continued the editor. This
man admitted you. One hour and fifty
seven minutes later you left that house
by the same door and returned home
rapidly on foot. You kept your coat
collar turned up. and, contrary to your
usual custom, you wore slouched hat
pulled down over your eyes. Half an
hour later Dupuy came out OF the same
house. Ten hours later you handed
down your decision reversing on
technicality the judgment Of the lower
court in the Lansing Iron case and
freezing out the small stockholders in
favor of the insiders, as usual. Those,
Judge Bartelmy. are my facts"
Bartelmy made a desperate effort to
retain his self control and to command
his ability TO think clearly and effec-
lively in this dire emergency. At last
he spoke after infinitely scrutnizing
the accusing figure Of Brand before
him.
IT'S easily explained, Mr.. Brand"
he said In honeyed tones. IT'S lie;
that Is all it is. Your reporter lied"
II was the reporter" exclaimed the
accuser in a supremely contemptuous
manner, and as he spoke he wondered
and marveled that such a man as the
betrayer. Bartelmy, could be the IA
Their of such a girl as Judith-Judith,
whom he was even now. he was con-
WINGED, putting away from his arms
and his love for all time.
The false judge paled. His mouth
became parched. Had he not leaned
against a chair for support IT is likely
that his knees would not have retained
enough strength to hold him up. The
Jig was up. Plainly the end was in
sight Indeed. it had already arrived
unless-unless-- Yes, there was one
possible way outfit Brand would lis
ten to the proposal. Listen? Every
man had his price. Dupuy had told
him so. He knew 1t anyway, and
Brand was poor. He was ambitious
too. All. reasoned the false judge.
that Is a dangerous combination-pov-
erty and ambition. Few could over
come 1t honestly; few ever had, ever
would. And am rich
Well, what do you propose to dor
Ne asked OF Brand putting 1t, IN to