The weekly examiner., 1901-06-22
BY CHARLES M. SHELDON,

death these two had met several times, and 1t seemed as if the old family re .lation between them might be possible again. There was, however, still 8 serious barrier, caused by the condi- tions that surrounded the two men.
 'I came up this morning." began i Eric, with his usual. directness, "to tell you that the men want you to speak to them. at the park today at noon." 1 Stuart was surprised. 'I thought the men would not admit any one to l the speaking stand except those of 1 their own number.''
 "They haven't so far. You are the only one, or you will be If you come to l the meeting today"
 H-What do the men want?" Stuart asked the question not feeling just sure that he cared to go. sra ..'
 Erie did not reply immediately. He seemed to be waiting for Stuart to say something more. Stuart sat looking at Eric with that quiet gaze peculiar to him. ''Do the Situation2"
 "1 do not know just what they ex- pect. They simply voted to ask you to come this noon- It may be an op- portunity for settlement"
 Erie spoke slowly. Stuart suddenly rose and went over and put hand on his old acquaintance's shoulder.
 "Eric," he said, while a sad smile crossed his face and died out in its usual thoughtful quiet, "doesn't it seem strange to you that we should be malx- ing so much out of such an affair as a difference of 8 few cents more for a days WOrkI Is life worth having if 1t must be spent in serious quarrels over such little matters"
 Do you call this a little matter?' Eric spoke almost bitterly. And then he added bluntly, "A few cents a day may be little to a man who has plen- ty of money, but 1t may mean the diff ference between comfort and suffering to. the man who has almost nothing
 Stuart colored, but answered quietly: "No, Eric, you do not just understand me. l am ready to pay this difference in the mems wages. I think their de- mand is just.''
 Come to the park this noon and tell them so.''
 well, I will. am going to Cleve- land tomorrow, Eric"
 If all the owhers were like you, the strike would not hold out long, said Eric as he rose to go. He had great deal to do to prepare for the noon meet ing, and in spite of Stuart's urging him to remain longer he went away. There was still gap between the two. They did not feel easy in each others pres ence. Eric had not spoken of the first meeting they had, and Stuart, while feeling differently about it, had not ap- preached the subject.
 He told Louise of his invitation to speak to the men at the park and went out after little while, intending to go up on one of the hills and think for himself. But as he drove out into the road he changed his mind and went down into the town and up into Dr. Saxon's office. He thought he would ask his advice in the matter.
 The doctor was alone, which was a rare circumstance with him. He greet ed Stuart with the familiarity which came from lifelong acquaintance.
 Well, you aristocrat, are you going to trample on the feelings of the poor downtrodden masses much longer? Are you going to withhold from them their rightful dues"
 Doctor, I am going to speak to the men at the park this noon.''
 "Are you? Well, give 'em a dose that'll put lem on the sick list for month. They're the most ungrateful, obstinate, pigheaded, senseless crowd of human animals I ever saw. I've I NN glI
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