Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-15

hanging around my house enough
without getting that girl in the Officer"
live got your dinner. father. 1
brought it over to you" faltered Lucy.
"And why didn't you bring it to me
| right?" he shouted. "And why do you
let this fellow in the Office here be
talking to you?"
"Joe's all right. father" the girl
urged He don't want you to make
no mistake with the Sommers gun.
that's ALL
The drunken foreman turned on his
assistant with fury.
.Oh. you don't, don't your Look
here, you keep that mug of yours out
of my affairs or I'll break it. Do you
henrT'
But Joe O'Leary did not come of the
ace that could be bluffed. AS Smith
/ lurched toward him the assistant
Strengthened into a position Of de-
tense. waiting for him.
Don't waste your breath trying to
scare me. Smith," he shouted. 'Yea'd
better be getting that gun out of the
fire before it spoils.'
The sudden opposition sobered the
drunken man for a moment
81 got a fine assistant. amt II" he
sneered. Trying to tell me my bust
ness. l know what you're up to. You
sneaked in here to talk to her; that's
what you did. Now. you keep away
from her after this, 1 tell you. Don't
you come near her or I'll break you
in two"
OLeary looked the larger man up
and down with fine Irish scorn.
Break me in two he sneered. off
you was to break me in two either
piece of me would get up and knock
your block off. l tell you. If you ever
lay a hand on me I'll kill YOU
In a wild fury Smith rushed IN
steadily. O'Leary landed once. stag
gering the big man. and then Lucy
rushed in between them.
Father! Joe. Don't!' she begged
You'll both be discharged"
The jarring. staggering blow had
knocked q little of the fight out of the
bully. He still had sense enough 10
know that In an even battle his young.
strong assistant would have a good
chance. and. like most DULLES, he
didn't care for even battles. The plea
of Lucy gave him n chance to change
the direction of his anger.
"Dischargedr' he yelled. "WhOT.
discharge me? l can clean out the
whole works. and ~
He. was lurching about the office,
swinging his arms wildly In time to
his drunken threats. when the street
door opened and Pinckney came In
hastily. In a moment the manager
saw that something was wrong.
whats the meaning of this?'' he
demanded sharply, stepping forward.
Again the current of Smiths rage
had found an object to dash against.
All sense Of discipline and fear OF
consequences was gone from him.
Then. besides. down in his heart he
knew that Piuckney needed him and
: would scarcely dare to discharge him
at this time. Instead of replying he
heaved himself over until he stood face
to face with the general manager.
do you think I'm afraid of your
he demanded drunkenly
Pinckney paid no attention to him
but turned aud pressed the bell. When
he spoke 1t was to the assistant
What are you doing here, O'Leary?
Nothing, SIR
Then get to work." ordered Pinck.
ney sharply.
O'Leary hesitated.
II can't leave Lucy with him. be
said, jerking his head toward Smith.
Pinckney nodded.
II understand, but that's all right
You go back to work. I'll look after
her."
Yes. Joe. please go when he tells
you" urged Lucy.
O'Leary nodded.
"AII right: I'm going" he said. He
reached the door, then turned and
spoke threateningly TO the drunken
foreman. See here. Smith, If you
touch that girl I'll kill you, and don't
you forget it.'
Before Lucy's father could reply be
turned and slammed the door after
him.
Smith whirlee, lurched toward Lucy
with his hand appraised. but Plnckney
stepped liz front of him.
a Here. here. Smith, commanded the
: manager sharply. You've got no time
for foollng. Remember. 1 put you liz
charge of the Sommers gum"
Smith Strengthened and leered with
a drunken assumption of sarcasm.
What If you did? Amt it being
. done to suit your
d "of course it is. haven't complain
8 ed, have ~"
The foreman thrust his own face
: against that of the general manager.
: You'd better not complaint" he
: sneered threateningly. II guess ]
know what's wanted of me-"
Pinckney nodded
I'm s''r- vou do smith, - said