The Carlisle independent., 1915-02-25

I've got car and you've got two or three and chauffeur. My wife doesn't like to ride in our car this time of the year. She likes the Brands limousine better; it is more comfortable these cool nights; and she doesn't care to go to the theater with me any more. The parquet used to be very fine, but the Brands box is better now. It's Brand this and Brand that, and I'm getting little tired of it. I've lost d lot of money today, to be sure. Ten thou sand dollars more than I've got. But l want little stake of my own, any way, and whatever you told Henning, or what you didn't 'ell him doesn't make any difference to me. If you are so clever that you can win S200,000 on a stock that I lose forty thousand on in the same day and through the same brokerage house, why you can afford to spare little of that winning, whether you think I am entitled to 1t or not"
 Reynolds words came clear cut and decisive. His ultimatum did not par take of braggadocio, but of determina- tion.
 Don't misunderstood me-" Reynolds went on. q mean what l say just to this extent: It's a toss of the coin with me whether I get this $6O,O00 or whether l quit it all and go up there for that view of the river that you recommended so highly-anything; anything rather than this. I've lived in this dressed up civilization of yours, this false grab-bag game, this misery, with every natural thing turned up side down, just about as long as want to. l wouldn't mind little rest up on the Hudson if I had company. and if I go I'll have it, and l guess you can figure out what company I'll have. Yes, 1 can figure it out all right, Brand answered, land I'm simply frightened half to death. Can't you see me trembling? This is nice lit tie stage you set tonight, Reynolds. All you need is the half lights and some low music, and you'd be regu- lar melodramatic villain. Now, you've made your little speech and I'll make mine You brought me over here to- night to blackmail me out of S60,O00. You want your answer; here 1t IS. You don't get damned cent! You've made your bluff, now there's the call. Bring your reporter down now and be- gin to talk That's probably what you've"
 Reynolds lunged toward the million aire, who drew back, fists doubled, ready to meet the attack he fully ex. pected But Bob stopped, as suddenly as he started. Brand was under his roof. It was no place for violence. however acute the cause.
 You quit that talk, quick!" he cried. Keep Meade out of this. Don't you drag the only friend I've got down to your level and mine. When 1 talk 1t won't be to Meade. 1t will be right to the man who will put John Brand where he belongs, and put him there quick. Now, you don't think I'm go- ing to, do you? Brand, there are only two things that can relieve me from the hole Pm In. One is money. You can give me that. The other is to make a clean breast of it. I can do that for myself. If you think I'm bluffing, you're crazy. I'm sick of the whole damn business, and so help me God, as I stand on this spot I'll make you sick of it, too"
 You'll take me along with you?"
 "Yes, right up to that place on the river"
 Brands suavity had returned.
 "All right" he answered, but let me tell you something. I'll have money and lawyers to protect me and you won't. In the first place that $10,000 overdraft on your bank will discredit any testimony you give, and if it doesn't. I think you know the law pretty we'll and that there Is such thing as an accessory before and after the fact, and if you do succeed in put ting us both in jail, remember that there is another person who will go right along with us, and that person is your wife. Now. you just think that over for while.'
 AS the millionaire boasted of the rich mans means for evasion of the law, Reynolds, who had expected this counter, stood with a look of cynical indifference, but as the full signifi- canoe of Brands closing threat struck home, he paled and stepped back with hands pressed hard to his temples as if stunned.
 You wouldn't-you wouldn't do thati" he cried.
 You were the one who was threat ening, not me- Brand answered. Bob rushed again toward his tor mentor, but was checked by sudden opening of the door.
 Good night, Mrs. Brand" they heard Jane say, and Reynolds stopped mid way.
 CTo BE CONTINUED