Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Times, 1913-06-05, Page 7THE LION AND THE MOUSE. By CHARLES KLEIN, d Story of dmerican Life Novelized From the Play by ARTHUR HORNBLOW. COPYRIGHT, I906, BY G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY. 'er, "how can you talk like that of Mr. Bagley'? Ile 1•: such a perfect geutle- mau. Ills fauui:.t• a m.iections alone ,should entitle ithu to respect. IIe Is •certainly the best secretary- your fa- ther ever had. I'm sure I don't know what we should do without him. Lie 'knows everything that a gentleman •should." "And a good deal more, I wager," growled Jefferson. "IIe wasn't groom of the backstairs to England's queen for nothing." Then changing the topic, ate sale suddenly: "Talking about Kate, mother, we have gat to reach some .definite with rstanding. This talk nbout my marrying her must stop. 1 inteud to take the matter up with father to- "Oh, of course, more trouble!" re- plied his mother in a resigned tone. She was so aecustomed to having her wishes thwarted that she was never surprised at anything. "We heard of ,your going; on in Paris. That Alio Rossmore was there, was she not?" "That lots got uothang to do with it," replied Jeffer,ou warmly. IIe resected .Shirley's name being dragged into the .discussion. Them more calmly ho went •on: "Now, mother, be reasonable., Lis- ten. 1 purpose to live my own life. I ihave already shown niy father that I will not be dictated to and that I can .ecru my own living. IIe has no right to force this marriage on me. There 'has never been any tnisundcrstanding on. Kate's port. She and I understand each other thoroughly. ,4,"Tired, Jefferson, you may be right from your point of view," replied his motto. weakly. She invariably ended by agreeing with the last one who ar- AUed with - her. "You are of age, of course. Your parents have only a intern) tern) right over you. Only remember this: It would be foolish of you to do :anything now to auger your father. His interests are your interests. Don't do ;anything to jeopardize them. Of course ,you can't be forced to marry a girl you .don't care for, but your father will be 'bitterly disappointed. • He bad set his heart on this match. He knows all :about your infatuation for Miss Ross - more, and it has made him furious. I .suppose you've heard about her fa- rther:" "Yes, and it's a dastardly outrage!" • 'b urted out Jeffersou. "It's a conspir- acy against one of the most honorable ° meu that ever lived, and I mean to fer- ret out and expose the authors. I came - ere today to ask father to help me." "You carne to ask your father to help feu?" echoed his mother incredulously. "Why not?" demanded Jefferson. "Is 1t true, then, that he is selfishness in- .carnate? Wouldn't lie do that much to ,help a friend?" "' "You've come to the wrong house, .Jeff. You° ought to know that. Your .father is far from being Judge 'Riess - amore's frieud. Surely you have sense ,enough to realize that there are two treasons Why he would not raise a fin- 1 ger to help him. One is that he has :.always been his opponent in public life, and the other is that you want to ,marry his daughter." "Yes, I see now, mother. You are ,right." Then he added bitterly: "That has always been the -trouble at home; No matter where I turn, I am up .against a sitoue wall—the money inter- . •este. One never hears a glimmer of fellow feeling, never a word of human :sympathy, only cold calculation, heart- less reasoning, money, money, money! -Oh, I am sick itl I don't want any :Ont. I am going away where I'll hear no more of it." Kris' mother laid her hand gently' on ijle.shoulder. "Don't talk that wa;y, Jefferson. Your' father is not a bad man at heart: Ann know that. His life Lias been devoted to money making, and he has made a greater forfnne than any man living or ,dead. ;Ile is only what his life haat mane frim: Ile has a' goad beat and he doves ybu, his only son.' But his butiness enemies -ab, those he ne'vet forgives!" -Jefferson was about to reply when suddenly a dozen electric bells sounded all over the house. • ' "When's that?" ei elalniett Jefferson, ellktar'ined and starting toward the door. "Orr, that's nothlhg'," smiled his mother. "We have had that put in :since you went away. Your father nstist have jdot Ogle in. Those. lienar' announce the fact. It was done so that if there happened to be any 3ltran gets in the hr zse they could be kept .out of .the way until he teethed the library safely." "'Oh," laughed retfetsCA, "'Ws afraid :seine one will kidna1i WO' Certainly >ab Would be a rich prize. I wouldn't .hhireyd be cite g e for the job myself, rt$ougle. ' his a.tartar." 'c llis!"'spC'ech was ibtexrl'tpiieil° by al titnid knock rat the door. 1 "Islay I come in to say goodby?" ask - .ed tt voice which they recognized, a ,' all escaped . BneeeSSf She had 1� Wates y Is ria s im • 'part lrrrl ti as troth Mt. Y3ag'toy Walt now going 'home with the senator. Sire smiled amiably at Jefferson, and. they, ehitttcd pleaMftip of hit' tell, Ark -.-.. *a. a.* w--- abroad. He was sincerely sorry tor this girl whom they were trying to foist on him, Not that he thought she really eared for him—he was well aware that hers was a, nature that ntade it impossible to feel very deeply on any subject—but the idea of this ready made marriage was so foreign, so revolting to the American mind! IIe thought it would be a kindness to warn her against Bagley. "Don't be foolish, • I{ate," he said. "I was not blind just now in the library. That man is no good." As is usual when one's motives are suspected, the girl resented his inter- ference. She knew he hated Mr. Bag- ley, and she thought it mean of him to try and get even in this way. She stiffened up and replied coldly: "I think I am able to look after my- self, Jefferson. Thanks, all the same." He shrugged his shoulders and made no reply. She said goodby to Mrs. Ryder, who was again immersed in her tradespeople bilis, and left the room, escorted by Jefferson, who accompa- nied her downstairs and on to the street, where Senator Roberts was waiting for her in the open victoria. The senator greeted with unusual cor- diality the young man whom he still hoped to make bis son -le -law. "Come and see us, Jefferson," he . said. • "Come to dinner any evening. We are always alone, and Kate and I will be glad to see you." "Jefferson has so little time now, fa- ther. His work and—his friends keep him pretty busy." Jefferson bad noted both the pause and the sarcasm, but he said nothing. He smiled, and the senator raised his hat. As the carriage drove off the young man noticed that Kate glanced at one of the upper windows where Mr. Begley stood behind a curtain watching. Jefferson returned to the house. The psychological moment had arrived. IIe must go now and con- front his father in the library. THE W1NGHAU: TJl'fIES,JUNE ;'i ltli is !t?". He spoke in a rapid. explosive man- ner, like a Ulan who lois only a few moment.) to spare before he nliit;t rush to c'ateh at train. John Ityder had been. catching trains all his lige, nud he bad seldom missed one. "Governor Itiee called. Ile wants an appointment" said Mr. Bagley, hold - Ing out a card. "I can't see him. Tell 11110 s0," came the answer quick as a flash. "Who clic: ' he demanded. "Where's your list?" Air. Bagley tonic from 1110 desk a list of Inmos and rend theist over. "(letterl Alerey telephoned. Ile says yen- p'•„ '::fret' 1., - v.., Interrneto:l Ryder inn CHAPTER IX. HE library was the most impor- tant room in the Ryder man- sion, wasthere the o it that Colossus carried through his most important business deals. and its busiest hours were those which most min devote to rest. But John Burkett Ryder never rested. There could be no rest for any man who lied a thousand millions of dollars to take care of. Ilere.,etite 'money Moloch held court Iike any king, with as much ceremony and more secrecy, and haviug for his courtiers some of the most prominent men in the political and industrial life Of the nation. Corrupt senators, graft- ing congressmen, ambitious railroad presidents, insolent coal barons who impudently claimed they administered the coal lands in trust for the Al- mighty, unscrupulous princes of finance and commerce, all visited this room to receive orders or pay from the head of the "system." Here were made and unmade governors of states, mayors of cities, judges, heads of polite, cabinet. ministers, even presidents. Here were turned over to confidential agents mil- iions of dollars to overturn the people's vete in the national elections. Here were distributed yeaily hundreds of thousands of dollars to grafters, largo and small, who had earned it in tier service of the "interests." Here secretly and • unlawfully the heads of railroads met to agree on rates which by discriminating against - one locality in fever of another crush. ed out competition, raised the cost to the consumer and put millions in the pockets of the trust. Here were plan- ned tricky financial operations with deliberate intent to mislead and de- ceive the investing public, operations, which would send stocks soaring one day, only a wee1R' later to put Wall street on the verge of panic. hail a dozen suicides might result from the coup, but twice as many millious of profits had gone into the coffers of the "system." Ilere. too, was perpetra ted - the must keiuons crime that can he committed against a free people—the conspit•ingof•the Metre abetted by the railroads. to arteitrhrily raise the price+ of the neve.-1nrie: of life—meat. coal, oil. Ice" gas—vitally without other jus- tification than .dolt of greed. wh'. 11 lvith theetemeu watt the unronq'u't•al'IJ. . all absorbing passion. ht s!ru•1. evel.y- thlftg that tatsrru;at:l•nts leaders of t.r ganazed capitale:red devise to s !It e•:e the lilt: Llno4 out of tie, patie:.1. tit'• fc•.seless teller was (lone W;thlo dole: four walls. Whim .1etr'ertolt entered. 1:14 faa:e•:. was seated :'.t hit- Co •k a 1 r1^. I !a'•': eland; 1 t ttrel` 1 111 a� 1,:.•!:.f-,1-;:, ...1 1 ' mt.. tiotis ll•- tiolas to Mr i • ie'. , - •' i, e.1 re) quieter I1'x l.le e: , ep"' . , .. ti..) Sl eret r;t• eat. e 0 te... r: ,• • t • , • atr.1 as if to to •,d the h' 1, , . t .l• who be reeett 1 e , . r :se- 11 ae- cnstonm;l 1 . lt:teil r a,.• ;•ie c :" • the 600etilnr of fir:, ('„1,,... it- `•' fee• "tint)• nlonsly. lett who • ho sat .v wb , .1 was Ile Inelet a sleet. sat i:ret+ re;ilt.'ai, and he grec,tO(l Us so:1wa0.0:110. "Why, .teff', try l.et•. is twat vont lust a won,. at until 1 g: t rid of Beg- ley. and I'll be with you." .nh.h'1 s to the b.1 , .Sfae t i t , r.tftrstm iiia, c, T and ran over the title; while the linen- clef cnnttalted bis bnstnees with the secretary. "Now, Bagley, come, quick! What 1 patiently, "but not here. Down town, tomorrow, any time. Next?" The secretary jotted down a note against each name and then said: "There are some people downstairs in the reception room. They are here by appointment," "The national committee and Ser- geant Ellison of the secret service from Washington," replied Mr. Bagley. "Who was here first?" demanded the financier. "Sergeant Ellison, sir." "Then 111 see him first and the com- mittee afterward, but let them all wait until I ring. I wish to speak with, my son," He waved his hand, and the secre- tary, knowing ,well from experienee that this was a sign that there must be no further discussion, bowed respebt- fully and left the room. Jefferson turned and advanced toward his fa- ther, who held out his hand. "Well, Jefferson," he said kindly, "did you have a good time abroad?" "Yes, sir, thank you. Such a trip is "a liberal education in itself." "Ready for work again, eh? I'm glad you're back, Jefferson. I'm busy now, but one of these days I want to have a serious talk with you in regard to your future. This artist business is a14 very well for a pastime, but it's not a career—surely you can appreciate that—for a young man with such pros- pects as yours. Have yon ever stopped to think of that?" Jefferson was silent. He did not want to displease his father. On the other hand, it was impossible to let things drift as they had been doing. There must be an understanding soon- er or later. Why not now? "The truth is, sir," he began timidly, "I'd like a little talk with you now if you can spare the time." Ryder senior looked first at his watch and then at his son, who, 111 at ease, sat nervously on tbe extreme edge of a chair. Then be said, with a smile: "Well, my boy, to be perfectly frank, 1au tUu — will. c t I Come, what is it?" Then, as if to apologize for his pre- vious abruptness, he added: "I've had a very busy day,. Jeff. What with Transcontinental. and Transatlantic and Southern Pacific and Wall street and rate bills and Washington I feel like Atlas shouldering the world." "The world wasn't intended for one pair of shoulders to carry, sir," re- joined Jefferson calmly. His father looked at him in amaze- ment. It was something' new to hear any one venturing to question or com- ment upon anything he said. "Why not?" he demanded when he had recovered from his surprise. "Ju- lius Caesar carried it. Napoleon car- ried it --to a certain extent. However, that's neither here nor there. What is it, boy?" Unable to remain a moment inactive, he commenced to pick among the mass of papers on his desk while Jefferson was thinking what to say. The last word hls father uttered gave him a cue, and he blurted out protestingly: "That's just it, sir. You forget that I'm no longer a boy. It's time to treat me as if I were a man." Ryder senior leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "A man at twenty-eight? That's an excellent joke. Do . you know that a man doesn't get his horse sense till he's forty?" "I want you to take me seriously," persisted Jefferson. Ryder senior was not a patient man. His moments of good humor were of brief duration. Anything that savored of questioning his authority always an- gered him. The smile went out of Ms face, and be retorted explosively: "Go on! Be serious if you want, only don't take so long about it. , But "len, Jeff ersun, did you haves a Geral time abroad l" tmderstand one • tbing—f watt' ne preaching,, no philosophical or social• istle twaddle, no 'innate!: he's a great thinker, and you're net; no Bernard Shaw; be's funny, and you't'e not. Now go ahead." This beginning was not very entente aging, and Jefferson reit somewhat itt. timtdated, but he realized that he might not have another such opportunity, SO he plunged right in. "Fat.her, I am devoted totoy work. I even intend to go away and travel a fele years auul see the world. It will help me considerably." Ryder eviller eyed has son in silence for a few moments; then he said gen- tly: "Don't ne obstinate. ,Teff. Listen to Inc. I knew the lvorhl better than you do. You menet go away. You are the only limb and blend I have. You see that I want yon with me, ruin. now yon tale advantage—you take advan- ta "No. , • then, I don't," protested Jef- fernn. -hut i want to go away. Al- lii•1 glm I have my studio and am prac- Iio!,Ey independent, I want to go where T 011•.Ii be I,erfeetly free—where my ev- ery move will not be watched—where eau sleet my fellow man heart to heart eu an equal basis, where I shall not he p:)luted out as the son of heady Money 1ryder. I want to make a reputation nt my own as au artist," "Why not study theology and become a preacher?" sueered Ryder. Then more amiably be said: "No, my lad, stay here. Study my interests— ::tud3 the interests that will bo yours 801110 day." "No," said Jefferson doggedly "I'd rather go. My work and my self re- spect demand It." "Then go, go!" cried his father in a burst of auger. "I'n1 a fool for wast- ing my time with nu ungrateful son!" Ile rose from his seat and began to pace the room. "Father," exclaimed Jefferson, start - lin forward, "you do me an injustice." Ryder laughed, cynically. He went Inlet: to his desk, and, sitting facing his sun, he said: • "Jefferson, yon are young. It is one of the symptoms of youth to worry about public opiniou. When you are as old as I ala, you will understand Hutt there is only one thing which canufs in this world—money. The man who has it possesses power over man who has it not, and power is what the ambitious man loves most." IIe stopped to pick up a book. It was "The American Octopus." Turn- ing again to his son. he went on: "Do you see this book? It is the lit- erary sensation of the year. Why? I!ec•ause it attacks me, the richest man in the world. It holds me up as a mon- ster. n tyrant, a man without soul, honor or conscience, caring only for one thing—money; having but one pas- sion—tile love of power and halting at nothing, not even at crime, to secure it. That is the portrait they draw of your father." Jefferson said nothing. He was won- dering if his sire had a suspicion who wrote it and was leading up to that. But Ryder senior continued: "Do I care? The more they attack ane the more I like it. Their puny pen pricks have about the same effect as mosquito bites op the pachyderm. What I ata, the conditions of my time oracle me. When I started in business a Bumble cleric, forty years ago, I had but one goal—success; T had but one aim—to get rich. I was lucky. I made a little money, and I soon discovered that I could make more money by out- witting my competitors in the oil fields. Railroad conditions helped me. The whole country was money mad. A Wnve of commercial prosperity swept over the land, and I was carried along on its crest. I grew enormously rich, my millions increasing by leaps and hounds. I branched out into other in- terests, successful always, until my holdings grew to what they are today —the wonder of the twentieth century. What do I care for the world's respect when my money makes the world my slave? What respect can I have for a people that cringe before money and let it rule them? Are you aware that not a factory wheel turns, not a vote Is counted, not a judge is appointed, not a legislator seated, not a president elected without my consent? I am the real ruler of the United States—not the so called government at Washing- ton. They are my puppets and this is nay executive chamber. This power will be yours one day, boy, but you must know how to use it when it comes." "1 never want it, father," said Jef- i'e.rson firmly. "To me your words fairer of treason. I couldn't imagine that American talking that way." He pointed to the mantel, at a picture of George Washington. Ryder senior laughed. He could not help it if his son was an idealist. 'There was no use getting angry, so he merely shrugged his shoulders and said: ":ill right, Jeff. We'll discuss the matter later when you've cut your wis- dom teeth. Just at present you're in the clouds. But you spoke of my do- ing you au injustice. How can my love of power do you au injustice?" "Because," replied Jefferson, "you ex- ert that power over your family as well as over your business associates. You think and will for everybody he the house, for everyone who comes. fa contact with you. Yours is an influ- ence no oue seems able to resist. TIM robbed me of my right to -thiels. Thar a:ince I was old enough to think pea have thought for me; ever since I 'Was old enough to choose you hare awes for me. You have chosen that 1 should Marry Bate Roberts. That is the one ding I wished to speak to you about. The marriage Is impossible." Ryder Senior, half sprang from jW seat. "So," he said sternly, "this is your lastest act of rebellion, as it? You ate going to we::h on your word? You are going to jilt the girl'?" "I never gave my word," answered Jefferson hotly. "Nor tti'ii'1' nt1 ander- stand that an engegeiuent existed You can't expect me to tuarry a girl don't care a straw about, It Would no be fair to her." "Don't be a fool, Jett. i don't Wan 10 think for you or to choose for you o to Marty tor you. 1 did not iuterfer tenon you threw up the position 1 mnade for you In the Trailing company and tool; tlutt stadia, 1 realized that yon were rest!r^s under time heroes a. ru I ;.0rre' you p1eat;.• oef rein. but 1 know so much better than you what 1:3 Lest for you. Relieve me I clo. Ilna't --don't be obstinate. 'This marriage means a great deal to uzy Interests— to your interests. Kate's father 1:: all powerful in the senate. Ile'll never forgive this disapl:olutlnent. Valli.; It all, you liked the girl once, an -1 I tuatll' 8111'0 that"— CI0 i topped suddenly. and the espree. rias on his trace changed as a ue'.v light dawned upon hint. "it hall that Mosso:ore girl. is it?" lie •!e:nanded. IIis retro grew dark, cad 11..:4. .10'1' ciioi'al 11s he 1aie1 between his ,t etl1: '•I tui.t you $01:3t, time tire1 :it::about her. If I thought that It wP,ossmore's daughter! You know ws going to happeu to hint, don't Thus appealed to, Jefferson thought this was the most favorable cantor - tunny he would have to redeem his promise to Shirley. So, little anticipat- ing the tempest he was about to un- chain, he answered: "1 ant familiar 'with the charges that they have trumped up against htlu. Needless to say, I consider him entire- ly innocent. What's more, I firmly be- lieve be is the victim of a contempti- ble conspiracy. And I'm going to make it my business to find out who the plotters are. I came to ask you to help me. Will you?" "1 will see hien hanged flint! He has always opposed me. Ile bas always • defied my power, and now his daugh- ter has entrapped my son. So it's her you want to go to, eh? Well, 1 can't make you marry a girl you don't want, but I eau prevent you throwing your- self away on the daughter of a man who is about to be publicly disgraced, and I will." "Poor old Rossmore!" said Jefferson bitterly. "If the history of every fivan- vial transaction were made known, how many of us would escape public disgrace? Would you?" he cried. Ryder senior rose, his hands working dangerously. He made a movement as if about to advance on his son, but by n supreme effort be controlled himself. "No, upon my word, it's no use dis- inheriting you. You wouldn't care. I think you'd be glad—on my soul, I do!" Then, calming down once more, he ticked: "jefferson, give me your word of honor that your object in going hway is not to find out this girl and anttrry her unknown to me. I don't tnind your losing your heart, but don't lose your head. Give me your hand an it." Jefferson hand. "It' I thought that you wonld marry that girl unknown to me I'd have Ross - more sent out of the country, and the woman too. Iisten, boy,., ,This mut is my ellellly, !incl 1 show 110 mercy to my enemies. There are mom reasons than one why you cannot marry \rice Itosslnore. If she knew one of them .the would not marry you." "What reasons?" demanded Jeffer- son. "'rhe principal one," said Ryder slowly and deliberately. and eying his son keenly as If to judge of the effect of his words, "the principal oue is that It was through my agents that the demand was made for her father's im- peachment." "Ali," cried Jefferson, "then I guess- ed aright!" "Marry Kate or not, as you please, but I want you to stay here," the elder man said after a pause. "It's no use. My mind is made up," answered Jefferson decisively. The telephone rang, and Jefferson got up to go. Mr. Ryder took up the receiver. "Hallo! What's that? Sergeant El- lison? Yes, send him up" Putting the telephone down, Ryder senior rose and, crossing the room, ac- companied his son to the door. "Think it well over, Jeff. Don't be hasty." A few minutes later Jefferson left the house. The door opened and Mr. Bagley en- tered, followed by a tall, powerfully built man, whose robust physique and cheap looking clothes contrasted strangely with the delicate ultrafash- tenably attired English secretary. "Take a seat, • sergeant," said M. Ryder cordially, motioning his visitor a, a chair. The man sat down ginger- ly on one of the rich leather upholster- ed chairs. His manner was nervous and awkward, as if intimidated ix the presence of the financier. "Are the national committee still waiting?" demanded Mr. Ryder. "Yes, sir," replied the secretary. "I'll see them in it few minutes. Leave me with Sergeant Ellison." Dir. Bagley bowed and retired. Ryder, with his customary bluntness, came right down to business. "Well. what have you been doing ebout the book?" he demanded. "Have you found the author of 'The American Octopus?'" "No. sir; I have not. I tot:fest I'm baffled. The secret has been well kept. Tire pOblishets have shut up like a elain. There's only one thing that I'm pretty well sure of." "What's that?" demanded Ryder, la- terestcd. "That no sub person fi1'eeti exists. "Orr.'" exelalmed tbe financier, "then you think it is it mere nom de ;Annie?" '"les, sir:" "And what do yell think was the reason for preserving the anonymityr" "Well, 7011 see, sir, the book deals With a big subject. it gives some hard knocks: and the author iio 'doubt felt a little timid about launching It under m • least that's Ina e. t A its or ber ren my theory, sir." "And a good one, no doubt," Sats'! Mr. ' Ryder. Then he added. 'That Dukes I t r e the all the more anxious to dud Rut reluctantly held out his ImtI,aI ii guard 11emellP,i',ail"IIIB11a191 t,,,,,,,e as Shirley kieg etahle PreparationforAs- sim rating the-Foodandllei3 da- ting thaStonlachs and.Bowe s of • Fromotespigestion,Cheerful- 'tiessandRest.Contatns neither Opiuni,Morphine tnor/fitwral. NOT NAiiC O7ritC, hotie eald.li,awrizze AGm0ea r`a- Ii.4 tsSaTA- ire Seal =at - pi op loner& la, • farm Seed Aperfect Remedy for Constipa- tion. Sour Stomach,Diarrhoea, Worms,Convuisions,Feveri sh- ness andLOsS OF SLEEP. FawSimite Signature of Is7EW.YORK. STORiA! For, Infants and Children. The Kind You Have Always Bought Bears the Signature of In Use For Over Thirty Years EXACT COPY OF W1tAPPEB. THE CENTAUR COMPANY, N^.W YORK CITY. ,'wast:)",nen AIntinrennidy"as wide Wee- nif4 -reg ` Se ,fee eese 'i,.. Sete e ., Is( t W1)0 it is. I would willingly .give this moment a check for $5,000 to know who wrote it. Whoever it is, knows ale as well as I' know myself. We much find the author." The' sleuth was silent for a moment. Then he said: "There might be one way to reach the author, but it will be successful only in the event of her being willing to be known and come out into the open. Suppose you write to her in care of the publishers. They would certainly forward the letter to wher- ever she may be. If she does not want you to know who she is she 0 will ignore your letter and remain in the background. If, on the contrary, she has no fear of you and is willing to tenet you. sire will answer the let- ter." "Ali. I never thought of that!" ex- claimed Ryder. "It's a good idea. I'll write such a letter at once. It shall go tonight." He unhooked the telephone and asked Air. Bagley to come ala. A. few rOO011ti3 later the secretary entered the room. "Bagley," said Dir. Ryder, "I want you to write a letter for me to Miss Shirley Green, author of that book "The American Octopus.' We will ad- dress it care of her publishers, Little- ton & Co. Just say that if convenient I should like a personal interview with her at my office, 30 Broadway, in rela- tion to her book, 'The American Octo- pus.' See that it is mailed tonight. That's all." Air. Bagley bowed and retired. Mr. Ryder turned to the secret service agent. "There, that's settled. We'll see how it works. And now, sergeant, I have another job for you, and if you are faithful to my interests you will not find me unappreciative. Do you know a little place on Long Island called Massapequa?" "Yes," grinned the detective, "I know it. They've got some tine specimens of. `skeeters' there." Paying uo attention to this jocular- ity, Mr. Ryder continued: "Judge Rossmore is living there pending the outcome of his case in the senate. His daughter bas just arrived "Here is $600 for von." from Earoj ie. 34- son Jefferson came home on the same ship, They are a little more friendly than I care to bail tint. I want to You and r§t t hew Yo e t know if lay son visits the Bossmores, aid if he does I wish to be kept in- formed of all that's going on. Yon understand`t" "Perfectly, sir. You shall know ev e ing " 11 r91 Mr, Ryder took a blank check from his desk and proceeded to fill it up; tben, handing it to the detective, he said: "Here is $500 for you. Spare neither trouble nor expense." "Thank you, sir," said the man as he pocketed the money. "Leave it to me." "That's about all, I think. Regard- Sag egarding the other matter, we'll see how the letter works." He touched a bell and rose, which. was a signal to the visitor that the in- terview was at an end. Mr. Bagley entered. "Sergeant EIlison is going," said Mr. Ryder. "Have him shown out and send the national committee up." CHAPTER X. dry 'I HAT!" exclaimed Shirley, changing color. "You be- lieve that John Burkett Ryder is at the bottom of this infamous accusation against fa- ther?" It was the day following her arrival at Massapequa, and Shirley, the judge and Stott were all three sitting on the porch. Until now by common consent any mention of the impeachment pro- ceedings bad been avoided by every one. The previous afternoon and even- ing had been spent listening to an ac- count of Shirley's experiences in Eu- rope, and a smile had flitted across even the judge's careworn face as his daughter gave a humorous description or the picturesque Paris students with weir long hair and peg top trousers, while Stott simply roared with laugh- ter. Ah, it was good to laugh again. after so much trouble and anxiety! But, while Shirley avoided the topic that lay nearest ber heart, she was consumed with a desire to tell her fa- ther of the hope she had of enlisting the aid of John Burkett Ryder. The great financier was certainly able to do anything he chose, and had not his son Jefferson promised to win him over to their cause? So today after Airs. Ross - more and her sister had gone down to the village to make some purchases Shirley timidly broached the matter. She asked Stott and her father to tell her everything, to hold back nothing. She wanted to hear the worst. Stott, therefore, started to review the whole affair from the beginning, ex- plaining how her father • in his capac- ity as judge of the supreme court had to render decisions. several of which were adverse to the corporate interests of a number of rich men, and hour (To be continued.) CURE KIDNEYS An RHEUMATIS DISAPPEARS 6TH PILLS Put Things Right Get rid of YOUR. Rheumatism for gnod by taking that reliable remedy, GIN PILLS. They will relieve� the pain—they will strengthen the kidneys —.hey will cure you to stay cured—or your money will be promptly refuu.led. Montreal, March nth, 10t2. "It affords the great pleasure to inform yon that I have aced GIN PILLS for about six rionths and that they nave , done ale a great deal of good. I had I Rlicutnstism for two years and this winter' sired myself from it by taking f hl recommend them GIN PILLS. Tit g y to the public, A, l3IiAUIidLi. GIN PILLS neutralize the ackd con- t Urine prevent the fornma- dition of the ir>t v ,p tion of uric acid in the blood and stone in the bladder and kidneys, keep the k'idueys well and strong, and thus cure e s Attttks, oC. a weed lilt tic Attd'n doff Rhea/ lade box, 6 for .$2.5o. Sample tree it you write National Drug and Che»iical Co. of Canada, I,itnited, Toronto. 145 I