The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-10-08

Bill glared at FREQ susp1clousiy' uus
the latter met his eyes SO frankly that
his misgivings faded
"Wot is it," he demanded.
Fred looked round cautiously.
Listen" he whispered. Father
used to work under Mr.. Fulton. and
he told me about him. He's per-
feet crank on that new alloy, nickel.
steel. When he comes round tomor-
row say something to one Of the boys
about nickel-steel alloys for something
or other-rivets will do. Say 1t so
he'll hear you. and he's dead sure to
take notice.
III you get another chance, say
something else about it-that 1t would
make rivet-heads mash better, for in
stance Do this two or three times If
you can. and he's safe to pick you.
He can't help It, Nickelsteel is like
whisky to him. You'll see."
Bill nodded slowly.
I've heard of nickel-steel." he de-
clared. But don't know much about
1t. I'll try what you say. but'-with
sudden fierceness-"don't you try no
tricks, Fred Faxon. II you're givin
me the wrong steer, you better look
out for yourself; that's ALL"
That afternoon Casey, the foreman,
scratched his head reflectively as five
of the six youngsters to whom he had
spoken declined the job on one plea
or another.
so yourself's the only one who
wants to 60, is it, McSween?" he pom
dered. We'll, it's no fault have to
find with your work, and I'll tell Mr..
Fulton SO if he asks me. But mis-
doubt but he'll be wanting more than
one to choose among"
The next morning Casey was taking
Mr.. Fulton over the building. From
one gang of riveters to another they
went, watching the work of each. AS
they came near Bill McSween, that
individual was passing q rivet down
to the bucker-up.
SAY" he remarked loudly. Say.
these bolts don't hold their heat, see!
II they'd put some nickel-steel in them.
I bet they'd do better"
The bucker-up stared: but Bill noted
that Mr.. Fulton had stopped and was
regarding him closely, and felt en-
couraged. A few moments later, when
he came back with another rivet and
found the superintendent still watch
ing him. and listening earnestly the
while to something that Casey was
saying. he was delighted.
Them boltheads would mash better
; II they had some nickel-steel In 'em,"
he observed to the gun-man. who al.
most dropped his tool in his amaze.
ment.
Unheeding. Bill was about to follow
up his words with another remark,
when he saw Mr.. Fulton nod to Casey
and start rapidly away.
WELL" he muttered to himself. Il
got in two good ticks at him. anyway"
When the whistle blew for quitting.
time, McSween looked round for Fred.
but did not see him; 90 he hurried
down the ladders, eager to know his
fate. Casey spied him coming, and
called him over.
Step into the Office. McSween." he
ordered. and get your time Ill not
b wantin' you any more"
Bill stiffened with amazement.
DO l get the Chicago job?" hs de-
handed.
Job? Nav! An it's little likely
you are to get one till you get owe,
that fool crank of yours about nickel
steel. Where you picked up that rot
dunno"
Picked it up7" he yelled. Me!
Wait till l find Fred Faxon, and III
show him where I picked it up"
Fred Faxon, is it?"
A slow grin dawned on the Irish
mans face. He thought he saw an ex
PLANTATION Of the thing.
And what's Fred Faxon been say
ing to you?" he demanded. Jaw! tel
me now. l want to know"
Furiously. Bill explained. When hi
had finished, Casey laughed long ant
loud.
Faith, It's the best joke I've heart
for many a day, SO it is" he chortled
DO you know what Faxon did? HI
come to me this mornin', an he says
says he: Mister Casey says he, Tn
sure we all like McSween and wan
him to get that Chicago job says he
so want to ask you,' he says, not t
mention nickel-steel to him when Mr.
Fulton is round.
live known Bill for years. say,
he, and he's plumb crazy on nickel
steel. He was In the crazy house To-
ak months once says he, for tina
very thing; and he's liable to have I,
60 back, II he gets excited about II
The doctor says so,' says he.
That's what Fred says; and then b,
goes of, an it's little l thinks abou
1t till you begins to talk about nickel
steel; an then saw mighty plai,
: that couldn't put crazy man of O,
> Mr.. Fulton. nor kape him workiu
here, either; and So"
.. But Bill could keep silent no longer
"Tu cut his heart QUIT" he yelled