The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-12-05
THE LITTLE BOSS.

James Barnes owned large stone quarry
up in the northern part of New York
state. The laborers in that locality were
composed of a decidedly rough element,
and as a consequence, though they were
fair workers, rebelled against the rules and
regulations imposed upon them. There
fore Barnes, being an old man, and not car
ing to be brought in direct contact with
these turbulent spirits, gave them in
charge of foreman.
But no one could remain in authority
long, and Barnes was pretty well discour-
aged, when a dapper little fellow from an
adjoining state applied for the position
| then vacant. The quarry owner looked at
| him rather contemporary.
you'll never be able to manage the
men," he said You're no bigger than a
well grown boy"
"Have no fear of that, my dear sir.
shall be able to manage 'em without any
difficulty. They'll soon learn to know
me.n
He was so confident that Barnes decided
to give him trial The new foreman,
John Atwood by name, suggested that he
be shown around the quarry. His en-
ployer accompanied him to the works,
where several of the men were lounging
| around, and calling them together intro
duced the little fellow as their future fore
man.
AS might be expected, the quarrymen
gathered at the corner saloon that night to
discuss the situation and decide upon their
plans for the future. Next morning they
came to the quarry as usual. A few min
utes before o'clock the little boss" ar
rived, and as Aaron Appleton, one of the
most dangerous workmen, saw him, a broad
grin settled upon his face and he glanced
significantly at his companions. The men
all commenced work in due time-all save
Appleton, who stood leaning against a
large rock, coolly putting pipe.
Atwood had given few orders to num-
Der of men some distance off before dis
covering that Appleton was idle. He then
sauntered leisurely to where the quarry
man was leaning, and pleasantly inquired:
''Well, my man, why don't you go to
work."
81 will when get ready" said Aaron,
removing his pipe and expectorating copi-
ously at the foreman's feet.
The little boss eyes flashed, but he coolly
replied:
81 tell you Phi begin when get ready,
and what are you going to do about it2'
"Come, sir, / don't want any trouble
with you. simply wish you to go to work
now with the rest of the men, or else leave
the quarry"
'"Take that, you little foolr' yelled Aaron,
aiming blow at Atwood.
But the little boss was prepared for Just
cI1ph roOva and uI1inEy1u ba
allowed the huge fist of his opponent to
pass harmlessly over his head; then, before
the bully could recover himself, he received
vigorous blow in the face which elected
a cry of anguish.
Now I'll kill you, curse your he roared.
He rushed furiously at the foreman and
delivered another blow which, if it had
taken effect, would certainly have proved
disastrous, but it was again cleverly avoid
ed and, as before, Appleton's face suffered.
The quarryman was mad with rage. He
rushed in again and endeavored to seize
his adversary, but the little boss adroitly
evaded his grasp, and watching his oppor-
tunity succeeded in delivering two more
effective blows.
Aaron began to weary of this punish
ment. He made one more effort, which
ward tie other men, who had abandoned
their work and crowded near the combat
ants, crying:
"Why don't you give me hand? Don't
you see he's killing me?"
The men were not slow to respond.
though they could hardly realize that their
leader had been so quickly conquered
With cries of rage they pressed forward,
q nd ! rad ho a
be annihilated. But he had expected this,
and, quickly springing back, thrust his
hands into his coat pockets, and the next
moment the ruffians found themselves
confronted by the dark muzzles of a pair
of siX-shooters.
Back, you fools!" was the cool COM
mand. zone step nearer and Fll firep'
That the step was not taken goes with
out saying. The men began to realize
whom they had to deal with and promptly
fell back
''Now," continued Atwood, remember
that command here and return to your
work at once. AS for you, consider your
self discharged and leave the place imme-
diately," he added, turning to Appleton.
The man besitated.
do as l tell you," Numbered Atwood.
IL,
treat you like gentlemen, but if you will
force me to use you like dogs and to rule
the quarry with an iron rod may as well
begin now. Cop
Without word the men obeyed. At the
same time Appleton skunk away, but he
gave the foreman malignant look as he
left
''Pn fix you yet, curse you," he NUT
tered.
During the day Barnes heard of what had
occurred at the quarry that morning and
at once sought an interview with Atwood,
warning him to look out for Appleton.
Hes dangerous man, said the quarry
cwner, land would just as soon knife YOU |
as eat. Perhaps you had better give up
the place"
Not by any means. l can take good !
care of myself and l have no fear of Apple |
ton and all the knives he can use"
We'll, look out for yourself anyhow"
said Barnes as he left the quarry