Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-08-17
THE LITTLE BOSS.

part OF New I DIRK state. Inc Ia
borers in that locality were COM
posed of decidedly rough element,
and as consequence, though they
were fair workers, rebelled against
the rules and regulations imposed
upon them. Therefore Barnes,
being an old man, and not caring
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 discouraged, when a
dapper little fellow from an adj
joining state applied for the posi-
ton then vacant. The quarry
owner looked at him rather con-
temptuously.
you'll never be able to manage
the men," he said. you're no big
ger than 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-"
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 employer
accompanied him to the works,
where several of the men were
lounging around, and calling them
together introduced the little fell
low as their future foreman.
As might be expected, the quarry
men 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
utcS before Z o'clock the little
boss arrived, and as AARON Apple
ton. one of the most dangerous
workmen, saw him, broad grin
settled upon his face and he glanc-
ed significantly at his companions.
The men all commenced work in
due time all save Appleton, who
stood leaning against large rock,
coolly putting II pipe.
Atwood had given a few orders
to number of men some distance
off before discovering that Appleton
was idle. He then sauntered leisure
ly to where the quarryman 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 ex-
pectorating copiously at the fore
mans feet.
The little boss eyes flashed, but
he coolly replied:
81 want you to begin now or not
at all"
II tell you III begin when get
ready, and what are you going to
do about it,"
"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 fool" yell
ed Aaron, aiming blow at Atwood.
But the little boss was prepared
for just such a move, and quickly
lodging, he allowed the huge fist
of his opponent to pass harmlessly
over his head; then, before the
bully could recover himself, he re-
ceived vigorous blow in the face
which elected a cry of anguish.
Nov I'll kill you, curse your
he roared
He rushed furiously at the fore
man and delivered another blow
which, if it had taken effect, would
certainly have proved disastrous,
but it was again cleverly avoided
and, as before, Appleton's face suf-
fered.
The quarryman was mad with
rage. He rushed in again and en-
deavored to seize his adversary, but
the little boss adroitly evaded his
grasp, and watching his opportun-
ity succeeded in delivering two more
effective blows.
Aaron began to weary of this
punishment. He made one more
effort, which met with the same
result. then turned toward the
other men, who had abandoned
their work and crowded near the
combatants, crying;
"Why don't you give me hand ?
Don't you see he's killing meP"
The men were not slow to respond,
though they could hardly realize
that their leader had been so quick
ly conquered. With cries Of rage