The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-01-10


suggested patiently.
"Ah, these fiery lovers! Come around
and see me, Mr.. Dunmeade."
John promised, and they parted
He reached home to be soundly scold-
ed by Miss Roberta for his tardiness at
supper. Af$er supper he stroued into
the library. The judge was reading
by the desk. the light from the lamp
throwing his cold, heavy features into
sharp relief. He looked up inhospita-
bly, as John entered.
Busy, judgeY' John generally call
ed him judge, feeling not without rea-
son that his father took more pride In
his office than in his paternity. Or
late he had had especial reason for
this belief.
mot too busy if you have anything
Of importance to discuss. ] suppose
you expect me to pat you on the back
because you've sent another man on
the road to prison7
81 have felt that you weren't in full
sympathy with it."
81 am not" The Judge laid his book
on the desk and sat stifiy erect. John
was Immediately enabled to sympa-
thize with those unfortunates who
were arraigned before his father.
"Now that the case Is ended, l may
speak frankly. As judge 1. Of course,
approve Of the punishment OF crime.
But l don't approve your going out of
your way to attack your party and
Senator Murchell a fine, clean living
gentleman, who has always showed
the warmest friendship for your fam
ily." Judge Dunmeade spoke with re-
strained emphasis.
"And has created a pernicious ma
chine" John added incautiously.
(Which elected you to the office you
now hold"
"Your memory isn't good, judge
The machine nominated me. The peo-
pie of Benton county elected me, you
may remember"
"You couldn't have been nominated
without Murchell's Endorsement"
"That, I'm sorry to say, Is probably
true" John said, wishing that he had
not ventured into the room. I'm sor-
ry you feel so about 1t. Good night,
father"
Judge Dunmeade resumed his book.
Now, the judicial temperament is not
given to impulse. But as John went
slowly out of the room Judge Dun
meade experienced a novel sensation
which in the brief moment allowed for
reflection he was at loss to define.
Later he decided that 1t was his gen.
erous nature asserting itself to give his
son another chance. He may have
been mistaken.
Be that as it may, before John had
passed quite out of the room he was
recalled by an unexpected wait"
He returned "Yes, father?"
81 suppose" said the judge gruffly,
"your fathers interest can have no
weight with you. 1t ought to be clear
to you without suggestion from me that
If you persist in attacking Senator
Murchell you make my lifelong ambi-
ton impossible"
"Are you still taking that seriously
The senator has been teasing you along
with the promise of justiceship for
ten years. Don't you know by this
time that he has no intention of Civ
ing it to you?"
"He gave you nomination"
"Yes, he happened to believe he could
make use of me. 1t seems to be solely
a question of the senator's political
necessities. II doubt that he needs
you, father"
"That means, presume" the judge
said bitterly, that count for nothing
against your notions? But I might
have known it. Good nightr he re
peated.
Out in the clear night John walked
slowly about. More than ever he re
allied the price which they must pay
who would be voices.