Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-01-07

gering the big man. and then Lucy
rushed in between them.
Father! Joe! Don'tr' she begged.
you'll both be discharged"
The Earring. staggering blow had
knocked a little of the fight out of the
bully. He still had sense enough to
know that in ar 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 a chance to change
the direction of his anger.
Discharged" he yelled. who'll
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 P~inckney 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 lash against.
All sense of discipline and fear of
consequences was gone from him.
Then. besides, down in his heart he
knew that Pinckney 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 Pm afraid of you?'
he demanded %drunkenly.
Pinckney paid no attention to him,
but turned and pressed the bell. When
he spoke it 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." he
said, jerking his head toward Smith.
Pinckney nodded.
Il 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.
'All 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 he
turned and slammed the door after
him.
Smith whirled. lurched toward Lucy
with his hand appraised, but Pinckney
stepped in front of him.
Here, here, Smith, commanded the
manager sharply. you've got no time
for fooling. Remember. | put you in
charge of the Sommers gun"
Smith Strengthened and leered with
a drunken assumption of sarcasm.
what if you did? Amt it being
done to suit your
"Of course it is. l haven't complain.
ed, have II"
The foreman thrust his own face
against that of the general manager.
you'd better not complaint" be
sneered threateningly. II guess IT
know what's wanted of me-"
Pinckney nodded.
I'm sure you do, Smith," he said
blandly. ~ have every confidence in
you; now go and look out for that gun.
and, remember, until that jobs out OF
the way you're boss. Don't let any
body interfere with your
The foreman shook one of his big
arms.
If any one interferes with me you
know what they'll get" he roared.
"You can bet your life on that. and
one of them is going to get it quick"
Still muttering threats, he turned and
staggered out of the works. Pinckney
looked sharply at Lucy.
''You go home and stay there" he
said.
The girl hesitated. Fear of what
might happen with her father drunk
and in charge of such important work
gave her unusual courage.
Excuse me. Mr.. Pinckney, but
father isn't himself. Do you think 1t
safe to have him in charge %tonight?
The manager frowned so savagely
that Lucy trembled.
"Oh, that's what brought you here,
was it? You came over to manage
the works, did your he sneered.
II was afraid-that gum repeated
the girl.
Pinckney broke in on her savagely.
swell, the next time you keep your
fears home. When l need You to look
out for the works here I'll send for
you. Now get out"
He turned from the frightened girl
to the office boy. who at last had an
swered his ring.
'Send Marsh to my private office"
And without another look at the
frightened girl the manager STROBE
into his private Office and slammed
the door. Lucy. crushed and beaten
fearful that she had only made mat
tiers worse by coming, was hurryins