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The Wingham Times, 1913-07-17, Page 7THE WINGIIAM TIMES, JTJLY 17 1913 ( THE LION AND THE MOUSE. By CHARLES KLEIN. ... re..-•.r+••rr A Story of American Life Novelized From the Play by ARTHUR HORNBLOW. COPYRIGHT. 1906, 11Y G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY. word from you at this time would do wonders in Washington." The financier swung half round in his •. chair, the smile of greeting faded out of his face, and Ids voice was hard as he replied coldly: "Again? I thought we had agreed not to discuss Judge Rossmore any fur- ther?" "I can't help it, sir," rejoined JefTer- :son, undeterred by his sire's hostile at- titude. "That poor old man is prac- tically on trial for his life. He is as innocent of wrongdoing as a child un- born, and you know it. You could save .111m if you would." Jefferson," answered Ryder senior, biting his lip to restrain his impatience, ' "I told you before that I could not in- terfere even if I would, and I won't, •because that man is my enemy. lin-, portant business interests which you • cannot possibly know anything about, demand his dismissal from the bench. N "Surely your business interests don't - demand the sacrifice of a man's life!" retorted Jefferson. "I know modern business methods are none too squenm- • ish, but I should thin!; you'd draw the 'line at deliberate murder!" Ryder sprang to his feet and for a moment stood glaring at the young • man. IIis lips moved, but no sound came from them. Suppressed wrath rendered him speechless. What• was , the world coming to when a son could talk to his father in this manner? "How dare you presume to judge my actions or to criticise my methods?" " he burst out finally. "You force me to do so," answered Jefferson hotly. "I want to tell you • that I am heartily ashamed of this whole affair and your connection with it, and since you refuse to make rep- : aration In the only way possible for the wrong you and your associates 'have done Judge Rossmore—that is, by • saving him in the senate—I think it • only fair to warn you that I take back fay word in regard to not marrying 1,1 -Without your consent. I want you to know that I intend to marry Miss Ross - more as soon as she will consent to be- • come my wife—that is," he added, with bitterness, "if I can succeed in over- - coming her prejudices against my fam- ' fly" -- Ryder senior laughed contemptu- • ously. "Prejudices against a thousand mil - 1 lion dollars?" he exclaimed skeptically. "Yes," replied Jefferson decisively, • "prejudices against our family, against you and your business practices. Money is not everything. One day you -4'10ll find that out. I tell you definitely That I intend to melte Miss Rossmore my wife." Ryder senior made no reply, and as Jefferson had expected an explosion, this unnatural calm rather startled hint. He was sorry he had spoken so harshly. It was hiA father, after all. - "You've forced kite to defy you., fa- , ther," he added. "I'm sorry"— Ryder senior shrugged his shoulders : and resumed his seat. Ile lit another . cigar and with affected carelessness be • said: "All right, Jett, my boy, we'll let It • go at that. You're sorry—so am L You've shown me your cards—I'll show you mine." Iris eomposed, Unruffled manner. vanished. Ile suddenly threw oftthe mask and revealed the temeest, that was raging within. Hs leanerll iicross the desk, his face convulsed • With uncontrollable passion, It terrif!'- ing picture of human wrath. Shaking 11s fist at his son he shouted: "When I get through with Judge IRoesmore at Washington, I'll start :.after his dntighter. This time tomOr- ttvi} he'll he a disgraced man. A week l n'ti r she will be" a notorious woaran. Then we'll see if you'll be so eager to Marry her!" , "1?'ather!" cried Jefferson. 'there is sure to be something in ler dile ' than won't bear iitspeetion," tolieered Ryder. "there is in every - 'body's life. I'll find out what it ere is she today?. $be callab ye !f&nnd. No one knows where she is-- * t5even ber own mother,. Something liM wrong—the girls no goodr' :Jrrferron started forward .es if to :resent theife;iiasalts Wadi he 1 bred, hilt: realizing Chit -i Sfae hili • o en father, he stopped• ale* atld his finds fell powerless at h£a side: • "']Nell, is that all?" inquired Ryder Settlor, with n sneer. '"'that's all," replied Jefferson, "The ug. Good ,„ ,.:. 'i' b.3`:t'! in:S ' . brig; fiitii!er m dirt 'ready: "Leave your addrehe wits ..ytmr mother." , 't .Jefferson left the room acid Ryders :MOO, as ,if exhausteed by tide -s , • ',ills tiara u ]Miter;- •sank'• belief Tftn} F iIs chair. The crisis be deal come at last His son bad: al his authority and was going to try the dinghtisr of hit 'e abet*: He' t do something to prevent it; the nage must not tate pl+acd rbutwhet id be do? The bey'•wItr of age Mit Ily hid own master. He conk! do Ing, tb restrain his aN i „ti put;titm in aelintarie ltiudk • id rather bflY see i so* tie*, than marded. to the Rotls:nova an. totesseritly there welt a .t)Tal1V1 Joao* tithe library door. Ryder rose from ll at_ end Sffent to .,tat~ VIM - there. -To his surprise it was Miss Green. "May I come in?" asked Shirley. "Certainly, by all means. Sit down." He drew up a chair for her, and his manner was so cordial that it was easy to see site was a welcome visitor. "Mr. Ryder," she began in a low, tremulous voice, "I have come to see you on a very important matter. I've been waiting to see you all evening, and as I shall be here only a short time longer I want to ask you a great fa- vor, perhaps the greatest you were ever asked. 1 want to ask you for mercy—for mercy to":— She o"-She stopped and glanced nervously at him, but she saw he was paying no attention to what she was saying. He was puffing heavily at his cigar, en- tirely preoccupied with his own thoughts. Her sudden silence aroused him. He apologized: "Oh, excuse me! I didn't quite catch what you were saying." She said notbing, wondering what had happened to render him so absent- minded. He read the question in her face, for, turning toward her, he ex- claimed: "For the first time in my life I ata face to face with defeat—defeat of the most ignominious kind—incapacity—in- ability to regulate my own internal af- fairs. I can rule a government, but 1 can't manage my own family—my own son. I'm a failure. Tell me," he add- ed, appealing to ber, "why can't I rule my own household, why can't I govern my own child?' "Why can't you govern yourself?" said Shirley quietly. Ryder looked keenly at her for a mo- ment without answering her question; then, as if prompted by a sudden inspi- ration, he said: "You can help me, but not by preach- ing at me. This is the first time in my life I ever called on a living soul for help. I'm only accustomed to deal with men. This time there's a woman In the case, and I need your woman's wit"— "How can I help you?" asked Shirley. "1 don't know," be answered with suppressed excitement "As I told you. I am up against a blank wall. I can't see my way." Ile gave a nervous lit- tle laugh and went on: "I'm ashamed of myself—ashamed! Did yon ever read the table of the Lion and the Mouse? Well, I want you to gnaw with your sharp woman's teeth at the cords which bind the,son of John Bur- kett nyder to this Rossmore woman. I Want you to be the mouse—to set me free of this dlsgraceful entanglement." "How?" asked Shirley calmly. "Ab, that's just it—how?" he replied. "Can't you think—you're a woman— you have youth, beauty—brains." Ile stopped and eyed her closely until she reddened from the embarrassing scru- tiny. Then be blurted out: "By George! Marry him yourself—force him to let go of this other Woman! Why- not? Come, what do you say?" Tbie unexpected . suggestion came upon Shirley with all die force of a violent sleek. She immediately sa' ii the falseness of her position,. This man was • asking for her hand for his son Wider' the imiiression that elle 'was other woman.. It would be disbonoriP- ble• i f-1 er -tit geeifl't lA' t indei':ition any longer. She passed her, band over her face,to Conceal b't: cants c: • "Youyou must give me; time to think" s stsnot,oed. •R`Suppdse I, don't' love your son. I should want something-semething to compensate." "Something- to cotripensate?" echoed Ryder, surprised and a little discos+ certed. "Wb', ltd; „boy will Inherit millions—I don't knoK hotv''manv " "No -:--no, not money," rejoined Shir- Icy. "!honey only •mpen§ates those who love money. It's something else -- a man's honor, .a man's 1161 It means nothing to you." He .gazed at her, net understanding. Full of his own project. he had mind for nothing eisc. ignoring therefore the question of eompensatfon..:tvhtft- ever she Might' mean by that, be.eon- tinued: •seou can win him If yn" ntrikP up your mind to, A woman with your re- sources can blind hint to any other Woman" "But It he loves Judge Rossmore's daughter? objected Slt!rl�ty.: "ltee for yen to make'itith forget her. aunt you can," replied the financier con- fidently. "My' desire !s to separate him from this Rossmore woman at any cost You must .help tae." Ills stern• ness remixed souteWhat, and his eyes rested on her kindly. "Do you know. 1 'sliottid lieglad lad to think $eon Won't have to lent'0 us. Mrs. Ryder has taken a [alley to you: neat!.i myself shall miss you' when you go'!' ,''You ask me• to be your son's wife Ala ;Olt .1;011v i eithtnk of my family" said Sbirie.y. e. "1 ktroW you. That Is sufficient" he replied. "No. no, you don't," returned Shirley, "nor do you know ;your son. He has more eottstanc,•, more strength of char- acter, than' you think and tar more principle than you hare." "So Much the greater the victory for •soil," he answered good humoredly. "Ah," she Said reproachfully, "yeti do not love your eon." "I do lo'g'e him," replied Ryder warm- ly. •'1t's• Irecatate I love hire that I'm strep a fool in this matter. Don't yore este that It he mrsrrles thifl,girl it woold separate us and I should Tose hien? "I don't want to lose him. If 1 welcomed her to my house, it would make me the laughing stock of all my friends and business associates, Come, will you john forces with me?" Shirley shook her head and was about to reply when the telephone bell rang. Ryder took up the receiver and spoke to the butler downstairs: "Who's that? Jiidge Stott? Tell hint I'm too busy to see any one. What's that? A man's life at stake? What's that to do with me? Tell him"— On hearing Stott's name, Shirley nearly betrayed herself. She turned pale and half started up from her chair. Something serious must have happened to bring her father's legal adviser to the Ryder residence at such an hour! She thought he was in Washington. Could it be that the proceedings in the senate were ended and the result known? She could hardly conceal her anxiety and instinctively she placed her hand on Ryder's arm. "No, Mr. Ryder, do see Judge Stott! You must see biro. I know who he is. Your son has told me. Judge Stott is one of Judge Rosemore's advisers. See him. You may find out something about the girl. You may find out where she is. If Jefferson finds out you have refused to see her father's friend at such a critical time, it will only make him sympathize more deep- ly with the Rossmores, and you know sympathy is akin to love, That's what you want to avoid, isn't it?" Ryder still held the telephone, hesi- tating what to do. What she said sounded like good sense. "Upon my word"— he said. "You may be right and yet"— "Am I to help you or not?" demand- ed Shirley. "You said you wanted a woman's wit" "Yes," said Ryder, "but still"— "Then you had better see him," she said emphatically. Ryder turned to the telephone. "Hello, Jorkins, are you there? Show Judge Stott up here." He laid the re- ceiver down and turned again to Shir- ley. "That's one thing I don't like about you," he sold. "I allow you to decide against me, and then I agree with you." She said nothing, and he went on looking at her admiringly. "I predict that you'll bring that boy to your feet within a month. I don't know why, but •I seem to feel that he is attracted to you already. Thank heaven! You haven't a lot of trouble- some relations. I think you said you were almost alone in the world. Don't look so serious," he added laughing. "Jeff 9a a fine fellow and, believe me, an excellent catch as the world goes." Shirley raised her hand as if entreat- ing him to desist "Oh, don't—don't—please! My posi- tion is so false! You don't know how false it is!" she cried. At that instant the library door was thrown open and the butler appeared, ushering in Stott. The lawyer looked anxious, and his disheveled appear- ance indicated that he bad come direct from the train. Shirley scanned his face narrowly in the hope that she might read there what had happened. He walked right past her, giving no sign of recognition, and advanced di- rect toward Ryder, who had risen and remained standing at his desk. "Perhaps I had better go?" ventured Shirley, although tortured by anxiety to hear the news from Washington. "No," said Ryder quickly, "Judge Stott will detain me but a very few momenta" Having delivered himself of this del - 'Cate hint, he looked toward his visitor as if inviting him to come to the point as rapidly as possible. "I must apologize for intruding at this unseemly hour, sir," said Stott, "but time is precious. The Senate meets tomorrow to vote. If anything is to be done for Judge Rossmore it must be done tonight" "I fail to see why you address your- self to me in this matter, sir," replied Ryder, with asperity. "A's Judge Rossrnore's friend and counsel," answered, Stott, "I am im- pede) to ask your help at this .critical moment," The' matter is in the hands of the United States senate, sir," replied Ry- der coldly: "They are against himl" cried Stott. "Not one* Senator I've spoken to holds Out any litipe for him. If he is convict- ed it Sill mean his death. Incl] by inch his lifers leaving him. The only thing that can save him is the good news ottie'eenate's refusal to find him ;guilty." . • Stott was talking so excitedly and fondly toot neither be nor Ryder beard the, hate', moan • that Caine. trout the 40tiier of the room where Shirley was standing lintem ngs • • - "IG ,cat► dt • nothing," repeated Ryder eoldly,f.abd tiXti rtied hid back and be- gan to exanlifia, Janie.. papers lying on desk Its It to notify the caller that intertiew' .ended. But Stott e as not ea eisidla discouraged. He Went on: "13trTunderiitf%rtd it, they Will rota on sitrtegy ;party lines, and the party in MM. £d f*taidt him. Hes a marital:, 4 Tpn.. h eve the power to bMr bleb." Heedlesa of Ityder's .gestare et inipatieYtce, be contlnocd: "Wheet I lett Ibis bedsid'+e tonight, err;. I pr+ozelsed to return to him with good news. I have told him first the senate ridlculas tie eb ee ngSft,st mim, I rouser rettrrn t Magi' with, good news Ile, M very ill to, night, sir." He" batted folr a rodeo:seal and°glaneed Irl' Shirt' "s dIr eti6rt, arid',. eligttly raking li ii -Weide so she fmigz hear, he •added, t If he !rete• worse we Niall' send ler his da1Y'dtter.' • !'vVhete ie blas d)tttRii-t&' i%bidnlht� 1ltyder, stidd'cnly intcreetcd, 'She ie working in her Ili a tidy. tetelite . teigitti. Std', tiled, , ate' sign'ttld r[ntlij. "i'belkw+eg rl4a i• some hepe o! eucceil k lle,gtlitf'ilbirky a quick, questioning took. She nodded ]bide natively. lIyder, *Asia b*y seen Ino+tbing at this bylgtaye said ' tht a ;Meer: . _. "Surely you didn't come hero tonight to tell me this?" "No, sir, I did not." Ile took from his pocket two letters ---the two which Shirley had sent him—and held them out for Ryder's inspection, "These let- ters from Judge Rossmore to you," he said, "show you to be acquainted with the fact that he bought those shares as an investment—and did not receive them as a bribe." when be caught sight of the letters and he realized what they were, Ryder changed color. Instinctively his eyes sought the drawer on the left hand side of his desk. In a voce that was unnaturally calm he asked: "Why don't you produce them before the senate?" "It was too late," explained Stott, bantling them to the financier. "I re- ceived them only two days ago. But if you come forward and declare"— Ryder made an effort to control him- self. "I'll do nothing of the kind. I refuse to move in the matter. That is final. And now, sir," be added, raising his voice and pointing to the letters, "I wish to know how comes it that you had in your possession private corre- spondence addressed to me?" -That I cannot answer," replied Stott promptly. "From whom did you receive these letters?" demanded Ryder. Stott was dumb, toile Shirley clutch- ed at her chair as If she would fall. The financier repeated the question. -1 must decline to answer," replied Stott finally. Shirley left ber place and came slow- ly forward. Addressing Ryder, she said: "1 wish to make a statement" The financier gazed at her in aston- ishment. What could she know about It he wondered, and he waited with "You have the power to help him." curiosity to hear what she was going to say. But Stott Instantly realized that she was about to take the blame upon herself, regardless of the conse- quences to the success of their cause. This must be prevented at all hazards, even if another must be sacrificed, so, interrupting her, he said hastily to Ryder: "Judge Rossmore's life and honor are at stake, and no false sense of del- icacy must cause the failure of my ob- ject to save him. These letters were sent to me by—your son." "From my son!" exclaimed Ryder, starting. For a moment he staggered as if be had received a blow. He was too much overcome to speak or act Then, recovering himself, be rang a bels and turned to Stott with renewed fury. "So," be cried, "this man, this judge whose honor is at stake and his daugh- ter, who most likely has no honor at stake, between them have made a thief and a liar of my son! False to his fa- ther, false to his party! And you, sir, have the presumption to come here and ask me to intercede for him!" To the butler, who entered, be said: "See if Mr. Jefferson is still In the house. If he is, tell him I would like to see him here at once." The man disappeared and Ryder strode angrily up and down the room with the letters in his hand. Then, turning abruptly on Stott, be said: "And now, sir, 1 think nothing more remains to be said. 1 shall keep these letters, as they ure my property." "As you please. Good night. sir." "Good night." replied Ryder•. not looking, up. 1Citli a significant glance at Shirley. who motioned to him that she might vet succeed where he had felled.Stott Girl's Nerves Ful yGsstored i lttw+ii etevcie Able to Obtshi tasting; Benefit Until Dr. Chase's Nerve Blood Waist deed. Too many girls grow up with weak, anaemie bodies and exhausted nervi ous systems. Indoor life and too much application in school are some- times the eaune. The blood needs enriching and the nerves ?teed. strengthening by such treatment as Dr. Chase's Nerve Food. This food cure is doing' wonders for thousandsmany I ehts hadalmost despairedof etheir e`yer developing into strong, healthy women. Mrs. J. Bagnall, 306 Woodville ave. nue, Toronto, writes: "My daughter suffered from nervousness since child- hood, and any medicines she tried did not do any lasting good. We read in the papers about Dr. Chase's Nerve Food, and my daughter used it with • Wonderful results. 'This 'treatment ' has built up her system and so strengthened the nerves that she feels like another girl." Dr, Chase's Nerve Food, 50 cents I a box, 's for *2.60, all dealers, or Ed - m nson, Bates de Co.,, Limited, To- roate. left the room. Ryder turned to Shir- ley. His fierceness of manner softened down as he addressed the girl: "You see what they have done to m, son" -- "Yes," replied Shirley, "it's the girl's fault. If Jefferson hadn't loved her you would have helped the judge. Alt, why dill they ever meet: She has worked on his sympathy and ire—he took these letters for her sale, not to roil re you. 011, you must make some al:owauco for him! One's sympathy gets aroused in spite of oneself. Even I feel sorry for --these people." "1f0n't," replied Ryder grimly; "sym- pathy is often weakness. Ah, there you are!" turning to Jefferson, who en. toted the roost at that moment. "IOU seat for me, father?" "I es," said Ryder senior, holding up the letters. "!lave you ever seen these !crees before?" Jetiersun took the letters and ex- anened them. Then he passed theta bacit to his father and said frankiy: "Yes, ! took them out of your desk and sent them to Mr. Stott in the hope they would help Judge ltossmore's case." Ryder restrained himself from pro- ceeding to actual violence only with the greatest difficulty. His face grew white as death, his lips were compress- ed, his hands twitched convulsively, his eyes flashed dangerously, He took another cigar to give the impression that he had himself well under con- trol, but the violent trembling of his hands as he lit it betrayed the terrific strain he was under. "So!" he said, "you deliberately sac- rificed my interests to save this wo- man's father—you bear him, Miss Green? Jefferson, my boy, I think it's time you and I had a final account- ing." Shirley made a motion as it about to withdraw. Ho stopped her with a ges- ture. "Please don't go. Miss Green. As the writer of my biography you are suffi- ciently well acquainted with my fam- ily affairs to warrant your being pres- ent at the epilogue. Besides, I want an excuse for keeping my temper. Sit down. Miss Green." Turning to Jeffersou, he 'went on: "For your mother's sake, my boy, I have overlooked your little eccentrici- ties of character. But now we have arrived at the parting of the ways— you have gone too far. The one aspect of this business I cannot overlook is your willingness to sell your own fa- ther for the sake of a woman." "My own father," interrupted Jet• ferson bitterly, "would not hesitate to sell me if his business and political interests warranted the sacrifice!" Shirley attempted the role of peace- maker. Appealing to the younger man she said: "Please don't talk like that, Mr. Jef- ferson." Then she turned to Ryder senior: "I don't think your son quite understands you. Mr. Ryder, and, If you will pardon me. I don't think you quite understand him. Do you realize that there is a man's Life at stake— that Judge Rossmore is almost at the point of death and that favorable news from the senate tomorrow is perhaps the only thing that can save him?" "Ah, I see," sneered Ryder senior. "Judge Stott's story has aroused your sympathy." "Yes, I—I confess my sympathy is aroused. I do feel for this father whose life is slowly ebbing away— whose strength is being sapped hourly by the thought of the disgrace—the in- justice that is being done him! I do feel for the wife of this suffering man!" "Ah, it's a complete picture!" cried Ryder mockingly. "The dying father, the sorrowing mother—and the daugh- ter, what is she supposed, to be doing?" "She is fighting or her father's life," cried Shirley, "and you, Mr. Jefferson, should have pleaded—pleaded—not de- manded. It's no use trying to combat your father's will." "She is quite right, father. I should have implored you. I do so now. I ask you for God's sake to help us!" Ryder wasgrim and silent He rose from his seat and paced the room, •puff - Ing savagely at his cigar. Then be turned and said: "His removal is a political necessity. If he goes back on the bench every paltry justice of the peace, every petty official will think be has a special mis- sion to tear down the structure that bard Work and capital have erectedd. No, this pian bas been especially con- splcuous in his efforts to itlock the progress of amalgamated Interests." "And lies he ]moat be saeriileed?" cried Shirley indignantly, "He is a meddlesome man," insisted Ryder, "and"— "He Is innocent of the chargee brought against him," urged Jefferson. "Mr. Ryder is not considering that point," said Shirley bitterly. "Ali he can see is that it is necessary to put this poor old man in the public pillory, to set him up as a warning to others of his class not to act in accordance with the principles of truth and justice —not to dare to obstruct the ear of Jug- gernaut set in motion by the money gods of the country!" "It's the survival of the fittest, my dear," said Ryder coldly. "Oh," cried Shirley, making a last sy peal to the financier's heart ot;itone, "ase your great influence ,with'. „this guverning body for go$, not Soil! 'Ergo, them to vete :not het accordance with party policy and pefsonaltinterest, hut in aceordiince with their con- sciences—In accordance With truth and justice! in, for God's wake, Me Ryder, don't permit this foul injustice to blot the name of the higblest tribunal int the 'Western world!" Ryder laughed cynically, "By Jove! Jefferson, I give you cred- it for having secured an eloquent ad. rotate!" "Suppose," went on Shirley, Ignoring his taunting comments, "euppobe tint daughter promised that SW Witt atter 1—serer see your ion sigh n thet ib. x m omooromoolloo ?mom 111 ltlPm,1lliryi'NtlnlitllIIIIII , (900l)iwPs) ...,, a , ,, i " ,•...., kregetablePreparationforAs- Mutilating theroodandlegula- ting theStomnrhs andBowels of 1 tips - Pr omotes'Digestion,Cheerfut- ness and RestContains neither Opium,Morphine nor}Tineral. NOT NMIC OTIC. 1pYy,,eofOUy1Jralta22PIIEBSB llealth J'sra- ALrStnnm • Addis Sdtt - A• peyutsx- Sea ,rnev wwkJLf .d Mom iced - tay Aperfect Remedy for Cons den , Sour Stotnach,Diarrhoea, Worms ,Convulsions ,Feverish- tiess and LOS S OF SLEEP TacSim�,ille Signature of of e- , Gter ess NEW YORK. • 2, ]stn EXACT COPY OF WRAPPED. v.sn ••... CA$TORIA1 'or Infants and Children. .• The Kind You Have t Always Bought y gt.,�w Bears the Signature of In Use For over 'c � t Thirty Years THE OCNTAOR COMPANY, N -W TORR OITT. eS'.;dFt'r4r,;i: ..a,«,! :.hlr.i4A• alrnv til .ii.' n..'..;s'.. will go away to some foreign countryr "No!" burst iu Jefferson. "Why should she? If my father is not man enough to do a simple act of justice without bartering a woman's happiness and his son's happiness, let him find comfort in his self justification!" Shirley, completely unnerved, made a move toward the door, unable longer to bear the strain she was under. She tottered as though she would fall. Ry- der made a quick movement toward his son and took him by the arm. Pointing to Shirley, he said in a low tone: "You see bow the girl pleads your cause for you! She loves you, my boy!" Jefferson started. "Yes, she does," pursued Ryder senior. "She's worth a thousand of the Rossmore wo- man. Make her your wife, and I'll"— "Make her my wife!" cried Jefferson joyously. IIe stared at his parent as if he thought he bad suddenly been be- reft of his senses. "Make her my wife?" he repeated in- credulously. "Well, what do you say?" demanded Ryder senior. The young man advanced toward Shirley hands outstretched. "Yes, yes, Shir—Miss Green, will you?" Seeing that Shirley made no sign, he said: "Not now, father. I will speak to her later." "No, no; tonight—at once!" insisted Ryder. Addressing Shirley, he went on: "Miss Green, my son is much af- fected by your disinterested appeal in his behalf. He be yon can save him from himself. My son wishes you—he asks yon to become his wife! Is it not so, Jefferson?' "Yes, yes, my wife!" advancing again toward Shirley. The girl shrank back id alarm. "No, no, no, Mr. Ryder, I cannot; I cannot!" she cried. "Why notr demanded Ryder senior appealingly. "Ali, don't—don't decide hastily"— Shirley, ber face set and drawn and keen mental distress showing in every line of it, faced the two men, pale and determined. The time bad come to re- veal the truth. This masquerade conid go on no longer. It was not honorable either to ber father or to herself. Her self respect demanded that she inform the financier of her tree identity. "I cannot marry your son with these lies upon my lips!" she cried. "I can- not go on with this deception. I told yon you did not know who I was, who my people were. My story about them, my name, everything about me is false, every word I have uttered is a lie, a fraud, a cheat! I would not tell you now, but you trusted me and are will- ing to entrust your son's future, your family honor in my keeping, and I can't keep back the truth from you. Mr. Ryder, I am the daughter of the g man you hate. I am the woman your son loves. I am Shirley ttosSmore!" Ryder took his cigar from bis lips and rose slowly to his feet. "Ton? You?" be stammered. "Yes --yes, I am the Rossmore wo- man! Listen, Mr. Ryden. Don't turn away from me. Go to Washington on behalf of my father, and I promise you I will never see your sow again— never, never!" "Ah, Shirley!" tried Jefferson, "yon don't love me!" "Tet, Je>f>, I do. God keen I- del But if I adroit tweak iqy' owe heart to save My ttithele I wits ere, "Wonty.n seerlfee day happiness easel y. own?" "No happistas esu be 'bunt on Iles, Jim W. Inset build on truth or our whsle hosee will crumble and fall. We !rare *wired your father, but be will toillehe that, won't your she solid, tip - swallow to terder, "and yen *111 go to Wais6.Yog/ert, you will sheer iter fiather's home. his life, you wilt?'--- T1Sey stead fate to fkoe--this slim, *Melte girl battling for her father's lite, arrayed against x cold blooded, heeeartkss, nnseroputents _> tte,L iicett-_is Wer— impulse oT human sympathy` Tie pity. Since this woman had deceived] r him, fooled him, he would deal with. her as with every one else who crossed his will. She ]aid her hand on his arm„ pleading with him. Brutally, savagely, lye thrust her aside. "No, so, I will not!" he thundered. "You have wormed yourself into my confidence by means of lies and deceit:. You have tricked me, fooled me to the very limit! Oh, it is easy to see hoar you have beguiled my son into the fol- ly of loving you! And you—you have the brazen effrontery to ask me to plead for your father? No! No! Not Let the law take its course, and now, Miss Rossmore, you will please leave my house tomorrow morning!" Shirley stood listening to what he had to say, her face white, her mouth quivering. At last the crisis had come. , It was a fight to the finish between • this man, the incarnation of corporate greed, and herself, representing the fundamental principles_ of right and "Leave the room!" shouted Ryder. justice. She turned on him in a fury: "Yes, I will leave your bouse tonight! Do you think 1 would remain another hour beneath the roof of a man who is as blind to justice, as deaf to mercy, as incapable of human sympathy, as you etre!" She raised her voice, and as she stood there denouncing the man of money, her eyes flashing and her head thrown back, she looked like some avenging angel defying one of the powers of evil. "Leave the room!" Shouted Ryder, beside himself, and pointing to the door, "Father?' cried Jefferson. starting forward to protect the girl be loved. "You have tricked him as you have me!" thundered Ryder. "It is your own vanity that hes trick- ed your' erred Shirley contemptuously. "Yon lay traps for yourself and walk into them. You can tell every one around yon to lie to you; to cajole you. to praise you, to deceive you! At least you eantest scales me of flattering you, I have Bever fawned upon yon as you compel your family and your friends and your dependents to do. I have al - *Sys appeaieit to your better nature by telling you the truth, and in.yotir heart you knew that 1 ata speaking the truth now." "Go!" be •commanded. "Yes, let as So. Shirley:" said Jelfer" son. "No, Jett, I cisme here atone, and I'M going 'aerie!'"' "You are net. I shall go .with you. I Intend to make you my wife!" Ryder laughed ecornnle%ly, "Ne," cried Mirky. "Do you think I'd Marry a Mitt Whose father Is Au deep It d ideredit to the bntmaa raee. act (To be tcontinrted. )