The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-06-19

u1cdIe, 1nC.
 T can't give you my answer now" I said coldly to Max Hoadley "I am not sure that it will be possible 1 Not possible for you to deal with 1 Hoadley's hat-if Hoadley doesn't l appear in the transactions" ?" he de- 1 manded in his rough croak. "I tell | you I can't see you making this bus | mess of your pay for my blunders.
 I'd feel like a murderer. And don't feel much more decent than that \ than now. If I had any way of | making you know what close kin I 1 feel to the ttlesnake-Id-g as | far as the edge of the Great Desert to do it."
 MT. Hoadley,'' I interrupted with out tinge of amusement at his ex- l travagant language. You've called yourself enough names now. But you haven't advanced arguments enough to justify-"
 Not to justify myself" he pro tested. "I know"
 ''To justify me in continuing our business relations" I went on, over riding his words. "But whether or not I continue to represent Hoad1ey's Hats in the advertising field is a mat ter which will take some thought"
 "But consider the expense you've gone to-mats, proofs, copy, draw ings. If you chuck us overheard, you have a right to charge us double what they all cost. And don't forget to figure in your time. I ought to pay through the nose-if it did any good"
 You've humbled yourself enough. wish you would go now" I said in disgust I didn't try to conceal.
 "I wish I hadn't-humbled you in your. own eyes. I wish I could make you know that I'm nothing-a no body from nowhere who's only made good in business, and hasn't any civ ilizatfon or manners or standards to go by, So you don't have to take this personality if it will make you feel better to believe that any pretty woman as far above me as you are would have-nnade me lose my head. You can think it didn't touch you any more than I could touch your feelings. And then you can afford to go right on with the business afford to do anything else, in fact.
 ''I will tell you in a day or two,' I replied wearily. "But now you must not-take any more of my time"
 'Ill get out. Good night"'
 Without another word Max Hoad- ley creaked across the floor and went out, closing the door after him with amazing gentleness.
 For several minutes sat there in silence. Too tired to think, I was also too tired to move. I found my self almost unwilling to face Anth ony Norreys. There was no explanation I could offer him beyond the garb1ed version of affairs Max Hoadley had presented.
 In the terrific reaction from what had just passed through I wanted to put my head on my desk and sob -or to find myself whisked magical ly to bed and the protecting cooln ess of white sheets pulled over my ach- ing head.
 Its too much!" muttered aloud.
 My mind swept back over the evening. Ruin threatening my busi- ness because of the difficulty in swining the Derringforth account. CarPs failure to measure up to our old friendship when needed it noss. The moment in the pawnshop when I'd pledged my ring-the only one of Jim's gifts which I had retained up to this time.
 'It too much?" whimpered again.
 The whining note in my voice | started me to action. I got to my feet and forced myself to walk with | something approaching steadiness | to the inner office where Tony was waiting. I hadn't the slightest mo- ton how was going to greet him. | I didn't know what note to strike in | this second meeting. ] found myself | actua1l1y dreading the keen glance of | Tony's ice-blue eyes, the long, steady | grip of his left hand. But as I ap- | preached the door it was flung open and Tony strode out to meet me. His God, without a master. and fu11 of | auth ority." Fine doctrine tbtsI The pamphlet derided the law and the