The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-03-30

the Issue. 80 recognized the union
and ended the strike"
did you have to discharge any
one?"
mo. I made II plain that I'd take
no dictation as to whom I'd employ
before consented to an interview with
McMannis. It was easy to see he'd
yield anything for recognition, and
the shops are running again just as
before. However, I've learned one les
son from the experience, II not more,
and that Is to leave details to subordi-
mates. From now on intend to elm
mate personality as far as possible" I"
Dave laughed.
Like all beginners, you overdo the
part little, don't you think?" he
quoted.
Kennards face, which had been
growing set and hard as he talked,
relaxed for a moment.
Perhaps" he answered slowly. II
can't help feeling trifle bitter about
this thing. II comes, suppose. from
having taken myself and my schemes
too seriously all these years. I've
had the conceit knocked out Of me,
but I'm sore. After a bit suppose
I'll see the humor of my little tragedy,
or grow wisely philosophic about It,"
Maddox tapped the ashes of his pipe
into his hand.
mo, you won't" he answered.
Kennard looked up quickly.
what makes you say that?" he
asked.
Because, my dear fellow" Dave
paused and beckoned for the tobacco
pouch. Because, my dear fellow, you
can't change the habits Of lifetime,
especially a business lifetime. in a
day. That's reason No. 1. And II you
did you couldn't change your nature.
That's reason No. 2. But If you did
change your habits and your nature,
you wouldn't solve your problem.
You'd have a revolution on your
hands,"
Kennard smiled bitterly.
81 shall not attempt to reform my
business habits" he replied. 81 pro-
pose shelving them. So much for rea-
son No. l. AS for my nature, it's
changed already. The sickly senti-
mentalist in me has sickened and died
and you behold me reborn. That dis
poses of reason No. g AS for your
revolution, I'll let my successors look
to that"
! What do you mean?"
"Just this, Dave I'm a good deal
disgusted over this affair, and I'm
thinking of selling out"
Maddox stared at the speaker in as.
tonishment.
You're joking!" he exclaimed. 81
don't believe It,"
II was never more serious in my
life"
Want to tell me who the purchaser
is?"
"A syndicate of which a man named
Hardness is the nominal head, and in
which Mr.. Harkness is deeply inter.
ested."
"Humph!"
Maddox pressed the tobacco into the
bowl Of his pipe, and then waited fol
his companion. But Kennard volun
teered no further information, and the
two men smoked on without speaking
There was nothing awkward in the
silence, though both knew 1t covered
a difference Of opinion. When Mad
dox spoke again, 1t was as though
discussing a new and entirely imper
sonal subject.
Did you ever think what lot O
human nature there is at the bottom
Of most questions, Jack?" he begal
Take your workmen, for example
You've given them a livelihood
showed them how to live. met thei
difficulties, and done their thinking
for them, and yet, with all that, the.
want something different. There's
Maddox stopped suddenly as tn
door-bell rang. A servant entered ant
handed Kennard a card. at which h.
stared for a moment, as though un
decided what answer to give thu
bearer.
who is it?" asked Maddox.
"Mr. Harlan. From something h,
wrote me, thought perhaps he nigh
call tonight, about that syndicat,
business, and"
Dave scrambled to his feet.
Then I'm off, old man. l."
Kennard rose and put his hand OF
Maddox shoulder.
"Sit down, Dave, I'm not going t.
see any one. Martin, tell the gentle
man I'm not at home. Here's som,
tobacco as a retainer, you long-legget
limb of the law. Now, go on. Your,
fairly interesting tonight"