The Tupelo journal., 1909-07-16

get out of our jobs. You can go back
to your work or you can stand right
here with me till we get our rights.
WHAT"
Half a dozen men began talking at
once. The derrickman from below, a
hatchet-faced wiper, with the visor OF
a greasy cap cooked owe his ear,
stuck his head between the uprights
and called out shrilly: Whats er
matter, Murray" and a few men
laughed. Barney had deserted the
mules. Dancing and Young, with small
regard for loss or damage, were
emptying the wagon like deckhands,
for in a fight such as now appeared
imminent, possession Of the goods
even on the ground seemed vital to
prestige. McCloud waited only long
enough to assure the emptying of the
wagon, and then followed Sinclair to
where he had assembled his men.
Sinclair, put your men back to work"
mot till we know just how we
stand" Sinclair answered, in%solently.
He continued to speak, but McCloud
turned to the men. Boys, go back to
your work. Your boss and 1 can set.
tie our own differences. I'll see that
you lose nothing by working hard"
"And you'll see we make nothing,
won't you?" suggested Karg.
"Ill see that every man in the crew
gets twice what is coming to him-all
except you, Karg. / discharge you
now. Sinclair, will you go back to
work."
mol"
''Then take your time. Any mon
that want to go back to work may
step over to the SWITCH" added Nc.
Cloud.
Not a man moved. Sinclair and Karg
smiled at each other, and with no ap.
parent embarrassment McCloud him.
self smiled. 81 like to see men loyal
to their Bosses" he said, good-natured-
ly. II wouldn't give much for a mar
that wouldn't stick to his boss If he
thought him right. But a question has
come up here, boys, that must be set.
tied once for an. This wreck-looting
on the mountain division is going to
stop-right here-at this particular
wreck. On that point there is no room
for discussion. Now, any man that
agrees with me on that matter may
step over here and I'll discuss with
him any other grievance. If what say
about footing is a grievance, it can't
be discussed. Is there any man that
wants to come over?" No man
| stirred.
Sinclair, you've got good men,
continued McCloud, unmoved. you
are leading them into pretty deep wa
ter. There's a chance yet for you tc
get them out of serious trouble If YOU
think as much of them as they do Of
you. Will you advise them to &C
back to work-all except Karg?"
Sinclair glared in high humor. "Oh
I couldn't do that! I'm discharged
he protested, bowling low.
"I don't want to be overhasty," re
turned McCloud. This is a serious
| business, as you know better than
they do and there will never be as
| good a time to fix 1t up as now
There is a chance for you. I say, Sin
clair, to take hold if you want te
now"
"Why, I'll take hold if you'll take
your nose out of my business and
agree to keep it out
rs there any man here that wants
- - h,o1r - nork FOR fha 0mnanv p
! continued McCloud. evenly. It wa.
one mar against 80; McCloud saw
there was not the shadow Of a chance
| to win the strikers over. "This lets
all OF you out, you understand, boys
| he added; "and you can never work
| again for the company on this division
if you don't take hold now"
Boys" exclaimed Sinclair, better
humored every moment, I'll guaran
tee you work on this division when al
the fresh superintendent are run ou'
Of the country, and I'll lay this matter
before Bucks himself, and don't vol
forget it,"
you will have a chilly job Of It,
i~nterposed McC1oud.
80 will you, my hearty, before yo'
get trains running past here" re
torted the wrecking boss. Come on
boys"
The d~isaffected men drew of. Th,
emitted wagon. its load scattered o.
the ground. stood deserted on the hill