Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1901-11-04

that the companies must recognize the
union as 4 whole.
Meanwhile matters were coming to q
crisis very fast Stuart clinched his
hands tightly aud bit his lips nervously
as he turned again from the window
and paced the room. He was worth
more than 100000 in his own right,
and yet the possession of the money
caused him little real pleasure. With
all the RESI- ne was having an inward
revolution Of education toward the en-
tire problem. And he could not avoid
the feeling that before the week was
gone he u9Eht come face to face with
the greatest fact of his life.
Ae he stood there thinking it all over
the bell rang, and one Of the servants
came and aid that Eric was at the
door. Stuart went himself out into the
hall.
Come in. Eric" he said quietly.
Erie came in, and the two men shook
hands silently. Since Ross Duncan's
death these two had met several times,
and it seemed as if the Ole family re-
lation between them might be possible
again. There was, however, still a
serious barrier, caused by the condi-
tions that surrounded the two men.
4 came up this morning" began
Eric, with his usual directness, ito tell
you that the men want you TO speak
TO them at the park today at noon
Stuart was surprised. Il thought
the men would not admit any n to
the speaking stand except those Of
their own number"
S.Tbar hovoD't ca for Won are the
only one, or you Will be if you come to
the meeting today"
"What do the men want:" Stuart
asked the question not feeling just sure
that he cared to go.
Erie did not reply Immediately. He
seemed to be waiting for Stuar to say
something more.
Stuart sat looking At Eric with that
quiet gaze peculiar to him. D the
men want me to make a speech on the
situation:"
Il do not know just what they ex-
pect. They simply voted to ask you
to come this noon. 1t nay be an OPP
p%ortunity for a settlement"
Eric spoke slowly. Stuart suddenly
rose and went over and put a hand on
his old acquaintance's shoulder.
Eric" he said, while a sad smile
crossed his face and died out il it's
usual thoughtful quiet, doesn't it seem
strange to you that we should be MAX
ing so much out of such an affair as a
difference Of a few cents more for a
days work? Is life worth having if it
must be spent in serious Quarrels
such little matters?'
GDn coll This a liftT. ne ffoT 80
Eric spoke almost bitterly. And then
he added bluntly, "a few cents a day
may be q little to a man who has plen-
ty of money, but it may mean the diff
ference between comfort and suffering
to the nan 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. | think their de-
mand is just"
Come to the park this noon and tell
them So"
Well, 1 will. am going to Cleve-
land tomorrow, Erie"
If all the owners were like you, the
strike would not hold out long" said
Eric as he rose to go. He had a great
deal to do to prepare for the noon meet
ing, and in spite Of Stuart's urging him
to remain longer he went way. There
was still a gap between the two. They
did not feel easy liz 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 q little while, intending to go
up IN one of the hills and think for
himself. But as he drove out into the
road be 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 q 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, l am going to speak to the
men at the park this noon"
Are you? Well, give 'em a dose
thatIl put 'em on the sick list for a
month. They're the most ungrateful,
obstinate. pigheaded, senseless crowd
of human animals | ever saw. I've
jill