The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1910-12-10
The Net
ByJOANNA SINGLE
Copyright. 1910. by Associated Literary Press

As the young foreman heard the
shrek of the five o'clock whistle he
saw that the employees left things in
proper order, and as they filed out
into the hot spring evening, came
himself into the dirty, smoky factory
yard. with his cap far back on his
curly dark head and his blue shirt
sleeves rolled to his muscular shout
.ders. He had bright. dark eyes, and
a quick smile. AS the men passed
him. each had a word. jest. loving
sort of recognition for him. He was
fair and square, quick to take up
their interests, although no alarmist.
He could have been their leader any
where. on to one corner fat. gross
looking man stood smoking and
watching him-a man who was no
stranger. But young Willis, the
foreman, had not yet observed the
politician.
Jerry Willis had pulled down his
sleeves and remarked forty times on
the unreasonable heat of this early
April when Bill Dugan and half
dozen others stopped him. The city
elections were due for next week.
and candidates were Gin the hands of
their friends"
Whose yours for mayor, Willis"
Dugan asked the question carelessly
enough. but he really wanted to
know. He had no initiative of his
own. and the others were much the
him
John Preston for me-a clean
town. tight shut and the machine
out of commission. Amt that the
ticket for working nan? This town
is getting so poor girl hasn't a
chance-if she keeps decent, and the
machine has spread like a net over
the workingman." replied Willis. Il
know dozen--no, hundred-fellows
who can't vote as they like because
they are under some obligation TO
some of the city hall gang. Not for
met"
Guess you're right" agreed the
others, but Dugan finished heartily:
Pm caught in the net. but I'll be
blessed II don't break loose If you
do. Jerry. The south end, being wide
open. is getting something fierce. and
Name. my girl. has 10 go through
there to get to her work twice day
1t ain't safe-you're right"
The politician. casting an eye after
them, decided to let them alone for
the present. This Willis was better
capture just now-he could easily
swing the workingman's vote in his
precinct. And a man with wife and
two babies. and little home not yet
half paid for--on the installment
pian-has an eye open to "bettering
himself He came forward and
nailed the young foreman. who was
now aware of him Tor the first time.
How're We. Willis? Coin home?
Let me drive you-got my mare tied
out here. Have a smoker" Willis
nodded and took the cigar.
Fine mare, Ryan," he remarked.
climbing in. The politician followed
him heavily.
Then Ryan approached" Willis, in
the manner Of his kind. and with in
finite skill. He had overheard. he
said. Willis's remarks on the mayor
atty, and while 1t was none of his
business. he was on the inside and
knew q thing or two. He hated TO
sec bright young fellow like Willis
make such a mistake. He would put
him wise"
This he proceeded to do. putting
The machine" in the light of heav-
sn-ordained necessity, and its parts as
the protectors of the city. and the
especial angels of the working man.
He did 1t well. He knew better than
10 offer this young man more than
casual stein of beer-he was no drink
eT- But he hit the sensitive spot
when he spoke of the family and the
5jffle house. He asked Willis If he
was working for his health, or wheth-
'er he would know good thing when
lie saw it,"
By the time they reached the little
cottage and the young mother with
the baby in her arms came to the
door to see who was bringing her
husband home in such style Ryan had
made the foreman proposition. II
was flattering-and advantageous.
Jerry was to swing the labor vote
the right way"-not for Preston and
decency-and. as return favor, the
machine would give him soft job"
Ryan knew of position where Willis
could double his present salary-with
a bonus on the side sufficient to pay
on the remaining payments on the
house. II was perfectly fair thing.
The interests had to be protected;
these workmen were like sheep, not
knowing what was good for them, and
willis, natural leader. could bring
them into the fold. 1t was the best
for the city and everybody. and so
long as human nature was as 1t was.
II was no use of putting the lid on
too tight. Nobody wanted an explo-