The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-28

~ XII
philosopher who had so checrfuy dened the crowd three
weeks ago
"How's the striker said Martln-he said the first
thing that entered his head to give his thoughts chance
to rally; he felt confused. like expects to
step into soft clay and finds himself Of netties
II dunno" returned Nol. morosely; II know they
have the worst lot OF skunks in tho country working Tho
chimncys keep smoking. smoking but tell you in
confidence we could haul every bit of decent we've
made in a month wheclbarrowl Oh they're rank"
But thought you had thrco men"
sod I think don't know They ali weakened
Patsy tho best Of en- he went West The Others they
Joined the strikers, SOS not to be called scabs"
He shrugged his shoulders In queer way, clnch,ng
his fists and loosening the fingers and muscles sud
denly One wotid say it was much gesture OF
indrerence as OF pain II don't knows blame them"
said he drenry: ITS hell having that word in your ear,
all the time And all the old that used to be 40
friendly turned away from Not you can SO
much 10 In Of slckneyss NV wood.hoa
caught fire. Was 1t them set 1t anro2 don't know.
know 1t was afro in the night, and not one OF the
neighbors como to help me fight It, even Tom Neal
Nanny and me fought II alone. till Oscar came with tho
fire department, and they put Yes and somehow
Oscar got hit on the head night and he's been IN
bed ever SINCE Ycs/sir'he spread both his hands
and Martin saw how changed and hueess his ruddy face
had gownyes. sir folks in tho Office the cops and them
say You keep your temper. Nol Mt EN-. taka
'em easye Ny God. II didn't fly at 'em and fight EN-
ID go crazy! hear 'em ycping that word mo all
night I've got I'm sleep. why Martin two
months used to look this town and say Il
a
Oh brace up. old man." Martin to comfort him
as he would have tried to comfort OF his chums He
took him gently by the There's superintendent
surely he's friend
II amt sure Sometimes think he'll 90 back nm
me- too don't see no way out. Say. Martin. you
como and see Eanny?"
More more, as Martin walked by Noll.s side he
marvelcd at the woful change him. He no longer trod
with the easy ghncss that lodging hot iron;
he had listless hcavy-gaited scuch his
darns everywhere His talk showed tho irritability
his nerves; he did not like the same man. There
why Martin feel intense pity for
him, which no except by an added friend-
linoss OF dcmeanor
1t was time before he perceived that they were
not going in the direction of Nolls house.
after this discovery before suggest It,
in tentative, ofhand way. why. you're going in
way to your house.
Noll had been sunk in black reverio; he looked up
suddenly. What's that, said he in very gem
tie voice. Tho pity OF 1t ALL remembering he knew.
caught Martin by the throat he had to FISH for his
for a second.
Nolrs eyes slowly in his new friends figure; he
rubbed them with his hands II forgot: It's
sleeping for sech long while makes lose NY
self and talk my thoughts. No. Martin, going
home m going to the works to Mr. Blake the super
intendent. He wants to have talk with Would you
mind going with me7
Martin was glad to 60 feeling nervous dread of the
interview at the time. Noll did
half dozen who down the sidewalk In
of tho Office Just as they turned in. Martin remarked
them and Tom Neal among tbem Tom looked two ways
at once and stopping twice as IL to turn back y. each
time going on the brskly. He did how
they got inside the Gordon of polcc he thought that he
knew.
Blake greeted Nol with surprising erlsion of cor
dality but gavo Martin cool stare saying that
he wanted to see Noll alone.
j. !. !. X i. X J. i.
"Thnt's all right Mr.. Blake" said No. 81 asked him
to come. guess ! know what you wanted to see me
about. The boys will come II you'll lay
you got big orders And the boys have given up
considerable. and it's losing lot of not TO throw
Amt that it2"
Blake elderly with horid good-natured
face. that Redeemed deeply at Noils words ITS
bitter medicine take, Noll said he; but I'm helpless
But I'll find just good Job for somewhere else
Sorry don't much. but sorrer about this than
eyer was in my ne--sit down. Nol'
Noll standing, both his hands Office chair;
almost if he needed the chair to make him keep
erect, and there were blue and white lines about his
mouth; he Strengthened himself and answered stead
ily mo. thank you, got to be going. won't come
back, then. Good morning..
Ho nodded his head. and walked very straight to the
door, but something must havo blurred his eyes for he
into the casing side. Instantly recovering him
self and stepping back
Blake had Jumped UP and was at his side Won't you
back minute? feel like sin this; do; I'm
sick! Let mo show you the letter I've written
Tomorrow said Noll; 81 amt WELL"
He put his hand uncertainty TO his head. moving
itself slowly side to side His which
very dull rested second the portrait of Burn
sido on the wall while kind OF spasm conyulsed MS
facet 1t only for the of eycblink however,
and instantly walked out of the
Martin had his about him all the time. sup
port of which he did not to be conscious lie was
walking quite firmly and OF his strength until they
reached the sidewalk Then without warning he swayed
heavily against Martin. and 1t was all the young man
could do to let him slip by degrees to the ground Ihere
lay like log Martins first glimpse of his purple
made him cry out for help 1t was Tom Neal
who was waiting and unconscious but two
three policemen ut the same moment ana pres
emily Oscar Walden very pale and grim
They sent doctor: but before he could No
opened his eyes. first motion to feel his throat
and the loosened collar his next to dash the off his
dripping hair he struggled to rise, gurgling "You
let me ups amt hurted bad. can fight"
'Noll, you lay still. It's all right bubbered Long Ton
suddenly beginning to cry; "jest old Tom. was fool
to be mad with YOU No. and IL you only forgive me. Ill
20 or West with you and black-sheep mill.