Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

the boys good friend, had given him
lessons in tying knots and rigging.
Jim had repeatedly warned his
young pupil about that knot, but It
seemed SO easy and simple to till that
Knocker had given it slight attention.
When, however, he appeared con-
fidently before the board of examiners,
and they told him to tie the square
knot, he became confused, and did the
very worst thing possible; he tied
granny"
The only difference in these two
knots is that in the square hitch the
two lines forming the loop are parallel,
while in the granny they are crossed.
The latter will sometimes slip when
placed under a strain.
Perhaps only structural iron work
or or sailor would have noticed the
mistake; but among these two classes
Of men the offense of tying false
knot cannot be overlooked. The head
of the examining board, an old man
who had grown gray in erecting iron
work, saw the error in an instant, and
kindly but firmly refused to proceed
further with the examination.
"They wouldn't even give me a
chance to show what I know about
Iron work." said Knocker, hotly, that
evening, as he related his failure to
Big Jim.
well, according to rules, you can
send in your application again in three
months. In the meantime learn to tie
the square hitch"
Big Jim meant that for consolation,
as well as advice. but it fell short OF
the mark. The true cause of Knocker' s
deep desire to enter the union did not
come from the dollar and half in.
crease in wages.
To Knocker a fearless iron worker
was q hero. What would his boy
friends have thought when they saw
him marching with such men in the
parade? That would indeed have been
q triumph.
Three months! Much good it will
do me then to be in the union!" was
Knockers mental comment, as he
looked round for some source Of
amusement. II don't care whether
ever learn to tie the square hitch OF
not" ~
Just then band down the stree
struck up tune, and Knocker became
ali excitement. He knew the differen
unions were forming for their march
In few moments the great Labor da,
parade would pass the Claypool Build
ing.
Knocker looked round for a plac,
from which to watch it. Picking vi
a long scaffolding board, ho ran ont
end Of it far out past the edge of thu
building, and hastily made the othe
end fast to one of The roof trusses.
Then he boldly walked out, ION it AM
sat down, allowing his feet to dangl'
over the end Of the board.
Although it bent in manner mos
frightful to the onlookers, who wer
filing the street below, Knocker knew
the plank was Of yellow pine, an
WOulu uedl lNc IIlilcS lllo weight.
A moment later the crowds attd1
ton was attracted toward the stree
corner below.
Knocker also looked in that diret
ton, and saw the leading band swing
ing round the corndr into the stree
Close behind came a company of pei
haps hundred men, dressed in gra
caps and blouses. Knocker at ono
recognized them as fhd iron worker
who had Just completed the erectio
of the Claypool Building
The boys recent disappointment
was instantly forgotten as he becam
filed with enthusiasm at the sight c
this company leading all others in til
parade. These sunburned men frol
the olaypool Building would have r.
tslesd IN Old ersotton boss; to,knool
"