The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-09-01

the individual TO the representative
basis? Many employers think this
fatal thing to do. / don't see why
It's certainly easier to deal with 2
unit than with individuals. | could
have defeated the strike, Dave, abso-
lutely. unconditionally, if I'd held out. .
Maddox nodded.
But what was the use? There
would have been more trouble before
long, and didn't care enough abou:
The issue. So I recognized the union
and ended the strike"
"Did you have to discharge any
one?"
mo | made it plain that I'D take
no dictation as to whom I'd employ
before l consented to an interview with
McMannis. 1t 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. if not more
and that is to leave details to subordi-
mates. From now on l intend to elm
mate personality as far as possible. :"
Dave laughed.
Like all beginners, you overdo the
part little, don't you think?" he
quoted.
Remarks face, which had been
growing set and hard as he talked.
relaxed for moment.
Perhaps he answered slowly. 81
can't help feeling a trihe bitter about
this thing. 1t 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 I 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
a business lifetime, in
day. That's reason No. l. 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.
IL shall not attempt to reform my
business habits" he replied. Il pro-
pose shelving them. So much for rea-
son No l. AS for my nature, it's
already. The sickly senti-
in me has sickened and died,
and you behold me reborn. That dis
poses of reason No. 2. AS for your
revolution, I'll let my successors look
to that
What do you mean?"
Just this, Dave. I'm a good deal
1isgusted over this affair, and I'm
thinking of selling out"
Maddox stared at the speaker in as
You're joking!" he exclaimed. 81
don't believe it."
81 was never more serious in my
ife."
Want to tell me who the purchaser
50"
"A syndicate of which man named
Hardness is the nominal head, and in
which Mr.. Hardness is deeply inter-
.sted."
"Humph!"
Maddox pressed the tobacco into the
BOWL of his pipe, and then waited for
his companion But Kennard volun-
eered no further information, and the |
wo men smoked on without speaking
There was nothing awkward in the
silence, though both knew it covered |
! difference of opinion When Mad |
lox spoke again, it was as though |
discussing new and entirely imper- |
onal subject.
did you ever think what lot of |
human nature there is at the bottom |
# most questions, Jack?" he began |
Take your workmen, for example. |
You've given them a livelihood, |
howed them how to live. met their |
ifficulties, and done their thinking |
or them, and yet, with all that, they |
want something different. There's"
Maddox stopped suddenly as the
oor-pell rang. A servant entered and
landed Kennard card, at which he
tared for moment, as though I'M
ecided what answer to give the
earer.
who is it?" asked Maddox.
Mr.. Harlan. From something he
yrote me, | thought perhaps he might
all tonight, about that syndicate
usiness, and"
Dave scrambled to his feet
hen I'm off, old man. l."
kennard rose and put his hand on
Iaddox' shoulder.
Sit down, Dave, I'm not going to
ee any one Martin, tell the gentle
ian I'm not at home. Here's some
obacco as retainer, you long legged
NIB of the law. Now, go on. You're
airly interesting tonight"
CHAPTER XVIII.
The six O'Clock whistle had blown,
ut Kennard still bent over his desk,
q. 1