The Mankato free press., 1903-01-23
"what business is it of yours. young

"What business is it Of yours, young
fellowY'
Gordon silently showed him his In
spector's badge.
"Umph! Board Of health! Does the
honora bic body authorize you to man.
age funerals?"
"It does" replied Gordon boldly.
'How's that?" Randall asked sharp
ly.
"The duties Of tenement inspectors"
Gordon went on calmly. 'are clearly
defined in section II, article 4. of the
regulations of the state board of health.
That article distinctly says it shall be
the duty of the inspectors, in case of
death occurring in districts under in
spection. to notify the 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. consid-
er, therefore, that / am acting fully
within the limits of my authority when
I say have a right to caH in a minis
ter for the decent observance OF the
rites attending this death"
Tommy Randall was silent a mo-
ment. He was preparing a speech
that would show this young man what
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 funeral?"
Tommy Randall gasped. For the
first time in years he grew pale with
rage, and at first Gordon thought the
man was going to strike him.
by what authority. you insolent
puppy? TIL teach you by what au-
thority! This is my ward. IN have
you understand my ward, do you
hear?"
Il hear you quite well, sir. You do
not need to talk to make the dead
|hear!''
John Gordon spoke with a heart on
fire as he realized with gleam of in
stinctive loathing of the man his dia-
'bolical hold on the people. Come out
here and say what you have to say.
1t is not decent for us to be having all
this In the room"
He turned in great heatsof anger
that instantly cooled as he went out
in the corridor, and Randall followed
him, in spite of himself as it seemed.
and the curious, gaping crowd, mostly
women, thronged around to see the
row between Tommy Randall. the au-
tocrat of Ward Is, and the slim. pale
faced. well dressed "gent" who had
stepped into the arena alone
against the whole political machine.
Hes up against 'it!' 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
firm and calm.
"Heve you any legal authority for
affairs here?" he asked, and
Randall again made a movement
which looked like threat of physical
violence.
ut is none Of your businessv' The
sentence came out with an explosion
of profanity that delighted the crowd
81 am regularly appointed by the
board of health as a legal officer. Do
that you are an officer of
the city? Do you have a legal. official
authority In these premises z" Gordon
asked calmly. The question was so
simply put that its very simplicity
Tommy Randall. He.stared
and then broke into a coarse laugh
that was echoed by the women.
Official duty be -. run this ward.
I'm in charge here, and I warn you to
get out and leave this business to me-"
"Do l understand you to threaten an
officer with yiolenee?' Gordon asked,
looking him in the eye coldly. At the
same time he took out a notebook,
while Randall eyed him in rage that
he was trying evidently to choke down
For the first time also a trace of un-
easiness mingled with his astonish-
ment at the unexpected boldness of
the young man who had thrown down
he gauntlet before the boss of Ward
lS. He was beginning to be in doubt
the young mans political
pull. Nothing short of secret infu-
,nee at the city hall could account for
his astounding attitude
II warn you," Gordon talked as he
jotted down something in the book and
put it back into his pocket, that am
acting fully within my authority as an
officer specially detailed for this duty
understand You make no claim to
being an officer of the city. l shall
proceed to secure a minister and have
the services properly conducted. Mrs
Caylor is willing to have 1t done.
Aren't you, Mrs. Caylorp
II don't care! Louie was a good boy;
he was good boyw she cried, throw
ng her apron over her head and rock
ng back and forth with great sobs.
During the talk she had been sitting
~ the door, apparently oblivious to
She now suddenly rose up
md staggered into the room, throwing
Ter arms over the coffin and shrieking
loud: "He was a good boy! Oh, God!
)h, Godr.'
Tommy Randall turned toward John