The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-06-10
CHAPTER ThiRTY-TWO.

CHAPTER ThIHT v W..
McKeevers company left Benson
the day the Confederate cabinet In
| session at Montgomery. Alabama,
greeted with jeers the news that Pres
ident Lincoln had issued call or
seventy-five thousand men; but neith-
er its mirth nor the scenes attending
the departure of McKeever's handfui,
in any why foreshadowed the struggle
to which the nation was committed.
McKeever hustled his men into the
cars reserved for them. and the crowd.
some thousands strong, that had as
sembled to see them OF. slowly dis
persed. During the four grim years
that followed the town grew familiar
with these departures. just as II did
with the return of the remnants or
companies that had gone forth, and
men came and went in this new pro
fession of theirs. and only those inn
mediately concerned in their fortunes
took note of them.
AS they left the town behind, Stepn-
en- was conscious only of sense oil
freedom. He had cast aside the bur
dens that had oppressed him. He con-
ceived that In the career he had chos-
en- there would be no perplexing prob
lens, no horror Of the law. His one
fear was that the war would soon end:
and each time this possibility was ad-
vanced in his hearing. his heart sank
within him.
But IL Stephen was disturbed by the
prospect OF the wars abrupt ending,
there were those who did not share in
this optimistic vie that so widely
prevailed. Among these was Tom Ben
SON. who as soon as the call for men
came, made ready to cast cannon for
the government. When Newton Bent
ly heard OF this, he hurried down to
the shops. He'd tell Tom a thing or
two; did the fool think the country d
waste any time on those lunatics
down south? The war would be over
with by the middle OF summer: then
who'd want his cannon?
And you think that the war will
end in two or three months" said
Benson, when he had heard what
Bently had TO say: and, he grinned In
large pity OF the little man. We'll.
think it hard-if it's any comfort 10
you: man, you see no further than
the tip OF your nose. You'll never
earn your salt as prophet; this Is
war II there ever was war"
All right, Tom Benson" sputtered
Bently. If | want to see no further
than that, 1t suits me well enough
not to. But I'll tell you one thing;
you're doing your best to send this
concern straight to hell. You're go
ing to make cannon, are you? When
do you expect to use EN-. next Fourth
OF July. maybe. You're wasting good
stock, on which you'll never clear a
dollars profit I'll not stand for the
spending OF one cent on such damn
foolishness.'
I'm get 1t somewhere else" said
Benson sourly.
Not on the firms name. you won't;
mind you that" shouted Mr.. Bently
flying into rage.
The firm" sneered Benson, elevat-
Ing his bushy eyebrows. Look here.
don't you think the firms lasted quite
long enough It's been my head
against your jaw. It's hell OF
partnership" he thrust his hands
deep in his trousers pockets Come,
which will II be. do | step out or do
You" One Of us has got TO go,"
IL guess you'll buy, Tom Benson
said the postmaster. with a shrewd
shake OF the head "Ill not have You
moving across the street TO set up
shop under my nose"
Benson threw back his head and
laughed aloud at this.
You got heap OF confidence in
me. THAT'S pretty way to talk 10
your son-inlaw, amt II now" he said.
You amt OF my choosing. Tom.
never made any bones about that" re-
torted Bently.
Ills candor must have agreed per.
fectly with the mechanics rude sense
OF humor, for his grin widened
Nobody u ever accuse you OF say.
ing anything less than you think" he
said. Well II moved across the
street. ] could show YOU how shops
ought to be run"
Il amt so sure there's anything |
can learn OF you, | was a mechanic
when you was nursing baby
About then. | should say answer.
ed Benson But the worlds slipped
forward cog or two since then"
Better buy me out. Tom" urged
Bently. ITS your chance to let the
world know how smart a fellow Won
are"
You'll sell them II amt all talk"
said Benson.
Make me your offer. YOU know
what the shops are doing. make me
a fair offer and I'll leave you alone
here. since that Is what You want. To
play hell with the business
You'll have my offer inside az two
hours" said the Yankee mechanic
coolly
Make II cash. Tom. want none OF