William stepped back from the desk. "John, I didn’t expect such treatment after our hearty agreement at the breakfast table. But it’s what I get for taking sides. The neutral is the only man that gets through this life in good shape." "And is that the reason, William, that you didn’t preach—didn’t want to take sides against the devil?" "If I’m not wanted here, I can go to my own room." "I wish you would. I am expecting an old client." "Oh, I can go." "Can you?" "John, your irritability has irritated everybody on the place. You have poisoned our atmosphere. I will leave you." "Thank you," said the Judge, examining the document before him. After a time, and still without looking up, he added: "Still here?" "I have just come in, sir," said Howard. The Judge looked up. "I thought it was William." "He has just gone out. And I have come to beg your pardon for what I said at breakfast. I didn’t mean to worry you; I—" "It is unnecessary to beg my pardon, sir." "I hope not." He moved closer, with one hand resting upon the table. "Father, something is wrong, and—" "Most decidedly." "But won’t you please tell me what it is? If the fault is in me and I can reach it I will pull it out. I could bear many crosses, but your ill-opinion is too heavy." The old man looked up at him. "To your lack of virtue you have added silly reading." "But I am playing in a farce worse than any I have ever read. Be frank with me. You have taught me frankness." "And tried to teach you honesty." "Yes, both by precept and example. But what is to come of it all when you treat me this way? Why don’t you go to some springs?" "Why don’t you leave me to myself?" "I am almost afraid. You rake up enmities against me when you are alone, it seems; and you pour them out upon me when we meet. Why is it?" The Judge waved him off. "Go away," he said. *CHAPTER XI.* *THE OLD OFFICE.*