“Of course, if any member finds it a hardship,” said the president, “he is at liberty to resign, but I trust that all are able to meet the requirements. The money is likely to be returned within a year from date.” “It looks as if I were left at the pole,” said Joe, as he sat down. That was the last we saw of the three outwitted sharpers in the meetings of the bridge board. Joe came to see the gentleman next day, and began his talk with high words. “Did you want something for nothing?” said the latter. “Did you think I was naming you to pay for your influence? Why, I never bought a vote or a favor in my life, and never will. I told you plainly that we wanted substantial citizens only, and that it was no kettle for small fish.” The other smiled politely, and took off his hat. “I salute you,” he said. “I thought I was something of a bluffer, but you've raised me out of the game. Good-day.” Not long after that Jim attacked the gentleman with gross invective on the floor of the House. McCarthy took the floor in a silence full of friendly feeling. “The gentleman alleges that I am a liar,” said he, with calm dignity. “Now, it may be that I have been deceiving myself and my friends, but of this I am sure, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has forgotten his manners, for I take it this is no place for the delivery of such information. He has said the like of one, also, who can never speak for himself again in this world, which is the more to be regretted. Without any disrespect to him, I may be permitted to doubt if he holds a brief for the judgment of the quick and the dead.” His assailant never quite recovered from this rebuke, and ever after was playfully called “the Judge.” McCarthy had ceased to speak of the gentleman within himself, but even his enemies did not fail to acknowledge and respect that great thing in him. CHAPTER VIII.--IN WHICH WE TAKE SUPPER WITH THE FIRST CÆSAR OF THE CORPORATIONS [Illustration: 9310] HE next day, on the steps of the Capitol, I met the Hon. Bonaparte Squares, a large, portly, handsome man with a deep, musical voice and a brown mustache and goatee, He seized my hand and shook it warmly. “Old man,” he said, “I've been looking for you ever since we parted at Niagara Falls. I heard you were here, and I want to have a talk with you.” I went aside with him. “First,” he added, “I want to pay you that fifty dollars with interest to date. I couldn't find you after the tight-rope performance or I should have paid you then.” “Give me the principal, never mind the interest,” I said. “I insist,” said he. “Here are seventy-five dollars. Please forgive me--the thing had slipped my mind.” I took only the fifty dollars, and asked how he had prospered. “Oh, I'm getting along,” said he. “I have a good law practice in New York and a house on Fifth Avenue. When you go to New York, if I'm there, please look me up.” I left Bony, for the gentleman was climbing the steps and we had much to do.