ined Jefferson undeterred by his
sire's hostile attitude, "that poor old man is practically on
trial for his life. He is as innocent of wrongdoing as a child
unborn, and you know it. You could save him if you would."

"Jefferson," answered Ryder, Sr., biting his lip to restrain his
impatience, "I told you before that I could not interfere even if
I would; and I won't, because that man is my enemy. Important
business interests, which you cannot possibly know anything about,
demand his dismissal from the bench."

"Surely your business interests don't demand the sacrifice of a
man's life!" retorted Jefferson. "I know modern business methods
are none too squeamish, but I should think you'd draw the line at
deliberate murder!"

Ryder sprang to his feet and for a moment stood glaring at the
young man. His 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 reparation 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 my word in regard to not
marrying without your consent. I want you to know that I intend to
marry Miss Rossmore as soon as she will consent to become my wife,
that is," he added with bitterness, "if I can succeed in
overcoming her prejudices against my family--"

Ryder, Sr. laughed contemptuously.

"Prejudices against a thousand million dollars?" he exclaimed
sceptically.

"Yes," replied Jefferson decisively, "prejudices against our
family, against you and your business practices. Money is not
everything. One day you will find that out. I tell you definitely
that I intend to make Miss Rossmore my wife."

Ryder, Sr. made no reply, and as Jefferson had expected an
explosion, this unnatural calm rather startled him. He was sorry
he had spoken so harshly. It was his father, after all.

"You've forced me to defy you, father," he added. "I'm sorry--"

Ryder, Sr. shrugged his shoulders and resumed his seat. He lit
another cigar, and with affected carelessness he said:

"All right, Jeff, my boy, we'll le