The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-07-27
(Continuede. from last issue.) .
CHAPTER w.. 49,.

Tho time arrived for the annual
picnic excursion, which the company
Mel worked for gave to all its EN-
ployes. They We're carried out in a.
train to large wood many miles
away. where little and big, men and
women, old and young-all- in any way
connected with the railroad, spent the
day in absolute freedom: and perfect
enjoyment. It was a: grand: holiday for
alone of complete rest. All took
their dinners in baskets; ate on the
ground, and returned In the evening
before dark: The pleasures and hap
piness Of the occasion were never for
gotten. and the laughter did. good for
many a day. ~''r ":''.-'.
The day was fine and the coaches,
not the best on the line, were full Of
happy people looking forward to a day
OF Joy and the fulffllment Of a, sweet
expectation. Among those that went
were our friends-Mel Rimple, F1nney
Davis, Mick Hefferon; Floss Henry and
Josie Marion. - He~-:: -. .
A shout went. up from multitude
Of threats. and handkerchiefs were
waved from the windows to friends
behind, when they pulled out. They
chatted and laughed all the way, and
the very roll Of the rumbling wheels
made a sort Of music to the joy-tuned
ears. All care and worriment was
left behind, and with light hearts and
buoyant spirits they turned everything
into rich pleasure. Who so purely
happy as the 1aborer when the letters
Of toll are broken for a day? Who 50
happy as his family when participant
ing in his enjoyment? Who SO richly
| deserve 1t as they? Not all the riches
OF the world can buy their sweet aban-
don and perfect release from daily af-
fairs. Nothing like it. Delicious. Life
| renewed
BY some means Mel did not meet
Floss till dinner time. Everybody was
eating under the shade or the large
spreading trees, and sending up glori-
GUS shouts of relieving laughter. Mel
had finished his meal and was stroll
ing around when he espfed Floss and
Josie and others seated on the ground
| around white table-spread covered
with good things: Ffnney Davis was
by Floss side smiling as serenely as
the man In the full moon. A sting Of
displeasure touched Mel, but be deity
| concealed it. He did not. like to see
! Ffnney there. 1t was a feeling akin to
jealousy 1t grated on his sensitive
heart. Seeing him Floss cried out
gaily:
Had your dinner?g Come and eat
with U.S." 49,.
The request dispelled his displeas-
ure, and he answered.
i've had my dinner. an: never
miss chance to eat" Finney's moon
smile gave way to a ser10us look. Sec
ing it Mers lightness rose in proper
ton.
"A good workman is known: by his
| chips" Floss laughed, looking straight
| at Mel. She directed all her CONVEX
| sation to him.. and dropped F1nney.
The truth is he had fastened himself
| on her without her consent, and she
was too much Of lady to. be rude on
such a gaily occasion.
That's no joke" said Finney ironi-
| cally. =.
AONSA w IAAA6S Wy udlVSS,. SdIU
| Mel. And down he pumped at va
cant space. Floss handed him bread
ham, butter, and several other things,
| but he refused them politely, saying
he needed finish Of dessert. - He &C.
cepted piece of cherry pie. a slice Of
cake, a pickle, an orange and banana
| and relished them very much.
II missed it,. remarked Mel.
How" asked Floss looking up in
surprise. ...
THAT ate before came here"
modestly. ....:
Genuine" he replied. -.
Fine words, butter, no., parsnips,"
said Ffnney .reproachfully. Both
Floss and Josie glanced up quickly.
There was a, sting in his. words: -
They're good enough without but
ter" replied Mel goed-humoredly.
That, was too slight for offense. 49,
In a moment the self-accused Fin
ney jumped up, saying:
Il see Mick Heneron. want to
speak to him.
No: one urged him; to stay. Floss
AeIt renewed. Iney fingered around
the table-spread and chatted in a
lively, jesting strain. There was great
satisfaction in the spirited exchange
of wit and jollity. Mel had never en-
countered the best side Of Floss be-
fore, and he Thought he never saw a
girl 80 unconsciously and naturally
full OF smiles and sweetness as she.
This partial meal fed 4 newborn,
purifying love in him. Henceforth she
was the sun Of his world. His
thoughts revolved around her as the
center Of his life. He was Ssupremely
happy. And the Independent Floss
well, she settled it by degrees that he
was the most manly fellow among all
| her acquaintance. She even con-
| fessed to herself, that he was con-
genial. She: was not ready:,to say she
loved; him, for that would, have re-
moved her Independence and fettered
| her. Fetters Of any kind she despised.
But no one IL quite as Independent as
they imagine they are. AT least She
was not. She thought she was.
After the repast they stuolfed sro,,n1