New-York tribune., 1909-12-05

about Arbuthnot Mmm to suggest
the warrior. He was the
Indifferent observer might have noticed the antithe
Sis of a Fighting Joe. Still ever able TO
learn why Aaron PrentiSs, the assistant foreman
was always referred to by the playful McDermitt
Moses.
Joe Hooker arrived on Monday morning and be-
fore noon he had been informed that he would on
the following Saturday at clock undergo physi-
cal chastisement, with McDermitt acting as chief
Ceebrant in the ceremony of the laying of hands
Big IaCk-SOme of us dared to call him that when he
could not hear us-was the undisputel champion of
the folding room; but our acknowledgment of his
prowess did not satisfy him. Unless he permitted
to prove it every little while he became morose and
restless. and in this mood lack McDermitt was not
agreeable companion.
A the first week of his service in the binding room
away. Joe Hooker acquired bits of informa-
tion that could not have been COnsolng reaSsurng
to him. He heard among other things how Nc
Dermitt had changed the shape of Tommy Radford's
nose because Mamie FolsOme admired his com,
pexion and how Billy West had been in bed for a
week after receiving his initiation at the hands of the
self appointed initiator in chief OF course these
not know that
When the gloves he to wear during his en-
counter with McDermitt after the departure of the
foreman at noon on SATURDAY. were placed before
hun. Hooker looked at them might look at
the shovel with which the clay to be removed from
ms grave Then he looked at Mamie Folsome who
was watching him from her machine near the window
lie did not understand her expression; but he real
ized that she was pretty. There was not man in the
establishment who did not realize that IL was a
mystery TO most of us why girl with such beauty
as hers should have been content to watch a machine
Tor ten dollars week when she might easily have
secured place in some chorus. There She was how
ever, and Jack McDermitt did not through false or
any other kind of modesty, pretend that he was un
able 10 guess why.
turning to Matty Grover, who had been selected
10 act as master OF ceremonies on SATURDAY. Ioe
Hooker sadly asked, Why are YOU showing these
things 10 me- | never had pair of boxing gloves on
in my life" ~
Well Matty informed him. you'll have q
pretty fair idea what they were made for after Won
meet Jack. Saturday" '
But m not going TO meet him Saturdav-at
least not IN the way you refer to-"
es, you are-unless you're tired of YOUR iob
here" ' J''
Ii has been intimated that Zoe Hooker was not
built on fighting lines He was of medium heiqht
and weight but it was apparent that his physical
training had been OF rudimentary sort and he had
an under jaw that was not indicative of puqnactv
He looked again at the gloves and then al Mamie
FOsOme, and hOpelesSness seemed TO settle down on
HIM. As he was turning away to 90 back To his work
McDermitt passed him and casually LETT the imprnt
of four soed fingers of his checks. This was
not considered by those who it good omen for
Joe Hooker.
HE fingered late at his work that evening When
- Billy West started for the elevator Zoe h,r-
TIed after him. Down IN the street Billy heard the