Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-07-09
BY AGNES c. BRoGAN.

The strike at the steel plant had
lasted long Vaughn. the assistant
manager. went in his automobile TO
investigate the temper OF the strikers.
lIc was received by hOoting crowd.
A giant Italian raised a stone and held
1t poised high above his head.
Throw Il. Andrea" screamed the
voices. and then down the steps Of a
tenement building came n flying fg.
ure-n girl whose dusky hair fell about
her face as she ran.
Andrea" she called breathlessly,
remember Nlckolaw
Unquestionlngly the men made way
for her as she rushed through the
crowd aud ieaped into the automobile.
then stood directly before the man
whose life was threatened. protecting
him with one small outstretched hand.
''Waitw she cried. Waltz And then
II seemed TO Vaughn that a miracle
happened. for the desperate mob IN
stantly obeyed her imperlous call and
by common impulse moved farther
back into the roadway. leaving a clear
path before.
Andrea" the girl repeated sobbing-
iy. ''oh, Andrcaw And In silence the
giant replaced his stone and followed
the others.
AS she stood painting, one hand
pressed closely against her heart. the
picture was indellbly stamped upon
Vaughn's memory-the small white
face with its great dark eyes.
Down the rickety stairway. CHATTER.
Ing upon his crutches. hobbled Grip
pied Italian boy. "Antona!' he wall
ed. "Antonar'
The girls face was transformed by
loving smile. Its all right. Nickola,"
she called reassuringly. II will be
with you soon"
And now" she asked Of the waiting
men. will you let us gog This person
is here for your good. Can you not
trust Antonaf'
As though In answer the crowd Qui.
city dispersed. aud she turned 10
Vaughn. II am going TO ride with you
until you have passed through the dan
gcrous section" she said. start at
once. for their moods change quickly"
The factories and houses had been
left behind when the girl again spoke
"you win be quite safe now" she told
him. Let me get out, please. | must
so back"
Vaughn stopped the machine at her
bidding and bent over TO look into her
eyes II am inexpressibly grateful"
he said. "for the great service you
have done mo. while | marvel ut the
power you hold over those desperate
men"
81 love them and do things for them
ALL" she answered simply. "and down
here IN this part OF the world we repay
our kindnesscs just as truly as we re
vengc our wrongs"
You say we" the man lnterposed
quickly. but you are very different
from the Others"
THAT is only because have had the
schooling aud training which they
have missed" she answered. I'm
thought and feeling | am still wo
man Of the people and sooner or later.
as you have learned. demand payment
for my kind deeds. What reward shall
| claim from you. Mr.. Vaughn?"
81 am eager TO show my gratitude"
he replied.
She stood up before him. aud her
glowing color dccpcned. IF you are
sincere In that" she said quietly. then
end the strike at once"
The man looked up in dlsmay at
this unexpected request. you ask an
impossibllity." he said CURLY. Il am
but the junior member of the company.
and even II were willing 10 yield 10
the unreasonable demand of the men
whose cause you champion there are
others In power higher than myself"
The girl spoke In low. passionate
tone. "You and | both know" she
said. "that they will do exactly as you
advise. All has been left 10 your judg
ment. Your agents. or whatever they
may be called, have not been giving
you correct information regarding the
origin Of this strike This time the
workman's cause Is just. and will
tell few truths which II will be well
for you TO know"
Vaughn sat fascinated, watching her
flashing eyes ana linpulsiye gestures
as she eloquently portrayed the his
cry and poverty IN the lives OF the
men who had threatened him so short
a time ago. Tears filed the girls
eyes. "And there IS NIckoIa." she
continued 1T was his father who
would have crushed you with that
great stone today. His temper when
aroused Is terrible. In ct Of rage he
threw the baby Nlckola downstairs.
and that Is why he must walk Oh
crutches always. Since then Andrea's
life has been one long effort 10 make
amends 10 the boy. aud because try
TO make Nickoa happier there is moth.
ing | may ask Of Andrea that he will
not do. When Nickola Is IN want
then the father turns savage and cruel.
Many nights since the strike began
Hos eto ta, Giant and syntauat hmm.