The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1906-02-14


from his face, until it resembled in hue
the leaves of the open ledger before
him. From bending over his desk his
once broad shoulders had become
rounded, and what was once splendid
physique had become emaciated, until
scarcely sufficient flesh remained to
hold his bony frame together.
One by one had the clerks who had
been his assistants and companions
been discharged, and their duties
added to his, until, overtaxed, over
weighted and overworked, his brain
threatened to succumb to the unceas-
ing strain which was slowly but surely
sapping away his very life. Yet no
word of complaint or eXpostulation
did he utter, but struggled on with an
unwavering will to complete the new
tasks which, together, made up the
sum of his everyday life.
1--WE must economiZe," said Lord &
Co. Labor is a drug in the market,
everybody is reducing expenses, and
we must cut down-cut down-cut
down." and as he threw himself COM
posedly into his luxurious office chair,
the small coins in his capacious pockets
seemed to jingle out an echo-"Cut
down-cut down-cut down"
Wages had been cut down until the
employees received scarcely enough
compensation for their services to pur-
chase q bare existence, and the work
ing force of Lord & Co. had been re
duced until one person was compelled
to perform the labor of three. Busi-
ness was brisk, but day after day
would an employe be summoned to the
private office of the firm, and his pale
face, despairing look, and quivering
lip. when he emerged therefrom,
plainly indicated that he was another
victim to the cutting down process. A
summons from the firm to an employe
to visit their office was an inevitable
death warrant to the victim.
One day John Furlong sat poring
over his ledger. His face, if possible,
was more haggard than ever, and his
shoulders seemed rounder than usual.
His eyes were deeply sunken, and the
expression Of pain that occasionally
flashed across his marble features de-
noted that his iron will was endeavor-
ing to keep in subjection the terrible
nervous suffering under which he was
laboring.
"Mr. Furlong," said the Office boy,
''Mr. Lord would be pleased to see you
In his Office"
John Furlong instinctively started.
He dropped his pen mechanically, and
after a moments hesitation, during
which the blood that flowed through
his veins seemed to rush back to his
heart, walked deliberately but sadly
toward the office in which the senior
member Of the firm sat composedIy.
"Ah, Mr.. Furlong! Take seat, Mr.
Furlong-take seat, sir. Glad to see
youl All, Mr.. Furlong, we find we
must cut down-we must reduce. Our
expenses are altogether disproportion-
ate to our receipts. Economy is our
only safeguard, sir-I might say our
only salvation. Boy, order me a car
riage at 4, sure. We have concluded to
dispense with your services, Mr.. Fur
long, and we will not need you after
tonight"
'But, Mr.. Lord, after ten years SER
vice in your house, you will not dis
miss me in so summary manner"
"Can't be helped, Mr.. Furlong; we
must cut down. Everybody is cutting,
and we must cut. Can get men to
work for less, sir"
"But am willing to work for less,
Mr.. Lord"
100 late, sir-too late. Got man
engaged"
"But, Mr.. Lord"
Don't detain me, Mr.. Furlong. The
carriage is waiting, and the club will
have a champagne supper at 5. We
must cut down, sir"
The senior member of Lord & Co
carefully adjusted his high hat on his
bald head, entered the carriage in wait
ing, and was driven rapidly away.
Poor Emily! what will she do now
exclaimed John Furlong, as he stood
like one paralyzed in the private office
OF Lord & Co. He heard the office
door closed, heard the rattle of the
wheels made by the departing carriage
and yet he stood alone in the centre OF
the Office, an impersonation of the
statue Of despair.
poor EDilyw 1t was all he said; the
tears coursed down his pallid cheeks
and fell upon the richly carpeted floor
With an effort he aroused himself,
walked to his desk, closed his books
carefully placed them in the safe, and
slowly but sadly walked into the street
His fellow clerks saw him depart
He was favorite with them ALL and
with saddened feeling they watched
him until he was lost to sight.
Instinctively he turned toward his
home. The people passing through the
crowded thoroughfare jostled him as
they passed, but he felt them not
the vehicles ratified through the badly
paved streets, but he heard not sound
Like wheat before the scythe, he hat
been cut down. His thoughts were moi
of himself, and when from between his
uuivpring lips q sound escaped, only