Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-01-01
NJ the sayacery Of brute nature.

answered. weighing somewhat careful
Iy Just how far he could go.
What business is it OF yours, young
fellow"
Gordon silently showed him his in
spectors badge.
"Umph. Board Of health! Does the
honorable body authorize you to man.
age funerasT"
"It does" replied Gordon boldly.
"How's thatY Randall asked sharp
iy.
"The duties of tenement inspectors
Gordon went on calmly, "arc clearly
defined in section Il, article 4. of the
regulations Of the state board Of health.
That article distinctly says 1t shall be
the duty Of the inspectors. In case OF
death occurring in districts under in
spectior. to notify tho proper authori-
ties and, If no other authorized body Is
In charge. to arrange whatever is nee
essary for the welfare of the family
in the matter Of burial etc. I consid-
er. therefore. that I am acting fully
within the limits of my authority when
I say have n right to call in minis
tor for the decent observance of the
rites attending this death"
Tommy Randall was silent mo-
ment. He was preparing speech
that would show this young man what
n mistake he had made when Gordon
suddenly asked. with the simplicity
that came from part ignorance Of the
power the boss really had:
by what authority are you here In
charge Of this funeralT
Tommy Randall gasped. For the
first time in years he grew pale with
rage, and Mt first Gordon thought the
man was going to strike him.
"By what authority, you insolent
puppy I'll teach you by what att
thority! This is my ward. I'll have
you understand - my ward, do you
heart
II hear you quite we'll sir. You do
not need to talk TO make the dead
hear"
! John Gordon spoke with heart on
fire as he realized with a CLEAN of in
stinctive loathing OF the man his dia-
bolical hold on the people. Come out
hare and say what you have to say.
1t is not decent for us to be having all
this In the room"
He turned in n great heat Of anger
that instantly cooled as be went out
in the corridor, and Randall followed
him, in spite OF himself as 1t seemed,
and the curious, gaping crowd mostly
women. thronged around to see the
row between Tommy Randall. the au'
tocrat of Ward 18, and the slim. pale
faced, we'll dressed gent" who had
suddenly stepped into the arena alone
against the whole political machine.
Hes up against itH' chuckled an
old woman
Tommy will do him up brown"
said young man who loafed against
the broken railing Of the corridor and
spit tobacco juice down on the heads
of the children in the court below.
Gordon again was the first to speak
He was not aggressive, but perfectly
frm and calm.
Have you any legal authority fol
managing affairs hereT" he asked, ani
Randall again made movement
which looked like a threat of physica
violence.
1T is none Of your business The
sentence came out with an explosion
OF profanity that delighted the crowd
II am regularly appointed by the
hoard of health as a legal officer. Do !
understand that you are an officer OF
the city? Do you have a legal officla
authority in these premisesi" Gordon
asked calmly The question was sc
simply put that its very simplicity
staggered Tommy Randall. He stared
and then broke into coarse laugh
that was echoed by the women.
Official duty be -. run this ward
I'm in charge here, and | warn you tC
get out and leave this business to me-
do l understand you to threaten M
officer with violencel" Gordon asked
looking him in the eye coldly At tn,
same time he took out notebook
while Randall eyed him in n rage tina
he was trying evidently TO choke down
For the first time also n trace Of un
easiness mingled with his astonsh
ment at the unexpected holiness o.
the young man who had thrown dowr
the gauntlet before the boss of Ware
IL. He was beginning to be in douh
concerning the young mans politica
pull. Nothing short of secret infu
ence at the city hall could account 70,
his astounding attitude.
II warn you" Gordon talked as h,
totted down something in the book an(
put 1t back into his pocket, that | an
acting fully within my authority as al
officer specially detailed for this duty
| understand you make no claim I,
being an officer of the city. ! shall
proceed to secure minister and hav
the services properly conducted. Mrs
Caylor is willing to have it done
Aren't you, Mrs. CaylorT'
II don't care. Louie was good boy
he was a good boy" she cried. throw
Ing her apron over her head and rock
ing back and forth with great sobs
During the talk she had been sittln,
by the door, apparently obivious +
everything. She now suddenly rose III
and staggered into the room. THROWN,
her arms over the coffin and shriekin,
aloud: He WAS good boy! on, God
Oh, God"
Tommy Randall turned toward job
Gordon with a look that was simpl
Satanic.
''If you attempt to interfere or max