The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-02
E. Fl. DILLON & co.

admit I was fooled with the rest. supposed that McAdoo had reformed his methods. at least. if not his ideals until was informed that you bribet the delegates whose votes nominated you"
 "You get this from Sanger?"
 Yes. Even your enemies know ol 1t. You're at their mercy now"
 "I see." Bob nodded thoughtfuIly Some of Malassey's work, I suspect
 You mean to say it isn't true?" Pau demanded quickly.
 "No. The delegates were bribed, al right. Sanger through his agents hat already bribed them the other way. supposed you knew that
 But Paul, rather heavily let dowr though he was by this phase of the matter, was too far gone in his mood to retreat
 '.No," he said surlily. T don't know 1t. Whats to hinder me from saving my reputation by disclosing the whole transaction to the public? can do it now you've confessed your guilt"
 Nothing in the world to hinder Bob replied. Only the fall of his ci. gar bitten through indicated any feel ing. ''Is there anything more?" He carefully licked the ashes from his coat.
 Yes" Paul went on impetuously his mood gathering momentum. 'There's one thing more. It-it con- cerns Mrs. Gilbert I confded to you my regard for her. You took it upon yourself to object to it. You even went so far as to call upon her."-
 q did" A
 And you gave her to understand, how directly I can only imagine, that you opposed our intimacy"
 "Yes."
 "You carried your interference so far that Mrs. Gilbert has refused to mar ry ne unless you withdraw your op- position. I wish you to understand that I consider your action an un- warranted intrusion into my private affairs. I don't propose to endure your meddling. You understand" his voice rose, 'T won't stand it.'
 You make yourself entirely clear. I think" Bob said evenly.
 Furthermore, since you've intruded your opposition, expect you to with draw it finally and absolutely. Other wise"- His pause was ominous.
 That's hardly necessary. You're not a minor, nor am I your guardian. that my consent is necessary. You will be able to persuade Mrs. Gilbert to take that view, think, and threats do no good"
 Bob made an effort to smile, It was not smile you would care to see more than once, the smile of a strong man trying to conceal bitterest suffer ing and humiliation. By trick of fancy Paul's angry. handsome face seemed to fade away and in it's stead Bob saw the face of a strickeA woman. Both knew that they had coiiie to the parting of the ways. Words had been spoken that neither could forget
 think that even then Paul would have retracted his words had Bob of fered him an opening. He had not planned the conversation, but when 1t was begun Bob's composure had goaded him to reckless lengths. He troke the silence with what was al- most an appeal.
 Have you anything to say"
 Bob shook his head slowly. "No; there's nothing more to be said-now. They were counting on you to make a speech to the executive committee this afternoon. suppose you will not be thereY'
 Paul shrugged his shoulders help lessly. ''No; I have an appointment with my manicure. I have a weak ness for clean hands, you know"
 He caught up his hat and coat and walked out of the office.
 AS the door closed the mask of Bob's composure fell from him. The smile disappeared. His shoulders dropped, and his head fell forward.
 "'Paulw he whispered. "Pauly'
 How he got through the rest of the day Bob hardly knew. In the even ing there was the final rally. to which focked thousands and from which hundreds more were turned away for lack of room. Bob made a speech, but his recollection of that effort is hazy When he rose to speak the waves of applause came to his ears as the far away thunder of the sea. When his speech was concluded and the last