Evening star., 1915-03-28
By CHARLES A. GOLDMAN

at is quite true, Sir" interrupted Harmon u have
been compelled close branch at Ransville. For
year the freight rates barrels pais and tubs have
equaled exceeded the cost of the material"
3The conduct of traffic department has been out
rageous and unjust!" exclaimed President Wheeler in
a tone of indignation
@If you will glance at these bills of ladng" began
the manufacturer; but the president waved his hand.
"Your word is sufficient Mr.. Harmon, he said @You
are one of our principal shippers. promise to adjust
the matter to your satisfaction"
IF may rely upon your sincerity began
other of the committee.
"Do you doubt my sincerity?" retorted the presi-
dent. II shall soon prove it to you." He pushed
buzzer at his desk.
THE distant stenographer and approached, note
book in hand. The president displayed rather un-
usual gallantry in jumping up and placing chair for
her beside his desk.
The young woman smiled graciously in acknowledg-
ment, and seated herself. The committee noticed
aureole of auburn hair pert head poised a creamy
neck, and eyes that like violet pools behind
deep foliage of lashes.
thrilling bolt from the violet eyes met the casual
glance of the young president He settled himself back
in his chair with effort "Take this, Miss Evans:
To the board of directors of the Penn Coal Railroad
Company"
A slight but almost mpertinent smile curved the lips
of the stenographer
Railroad Company" repeated President Wheeler
company's treasurer to refund the entire amount of
charges paid by Mr.. Harmon shipments delivered
at Rainsville, to wit, barrels, pals, tubs"
The young emitted unmistakable giggle.
"No evity, please, Miss Evans!" calculated her en-
ployer severely @That will do for the present. will
speak to you later"
The beauty drew up her shoulders haughtly and cast
icy glance at the president; but she gathered up the
implements of her calling without word, and trpped
lightly back to her desk.
Gentlemen resumed the head of the road, "what
would you to be equitable readjustment of
rates in your territory?'
"A reduction on various commodities, ranging in
scale from eight to ten per cent began Harmon
hesitatingly.
The president interrupted him. "Our company is a
wealthy corporation he said "We fortunate in the
possession of surplus of IS due the patron
age with which loyal shippers have long honored
purpose to reduce freight rates in your territory
from ten to fifteen per cent
His auditors exchanged surprised glances murmuring,
"What9 Is it possibe?r as though this thing that
might not be- and yet was done.
81 shall make the recommendations to my board
continued Wheeler, "and have doubt that they will
unanimously agree to my proposal
The office attendant approached and placed a
written communication upon his chiefs desk.
"Pardon me moment, observed the president as he
unfoded and read it.
The members of the committee, noticing that he was
apparently disturbed by important intelligence,
lett thelr seats ana GREW apart III consultation.
After glancng hastily toward them Wheeler reread
the message. which contained the following:
beg herewith notify you of my resignation from the
services of the Penn Coal & Railroad Company.
NELLIE EVANS
p. s. To take place Immediately. You had right to
talk to me like that. N. E.
The committee now came forward again hesitatingy.
"Sr, began the spokesman Sin view of your unusual
generosty-er-your munifcence, and relying on your
promises feel that it would be only equal courtesy
our part defer visit to the Washington hearing.
with the ultimate end in the event of your executing
your plans, of abandoning complaints entirely
President Wheeler from his desk and extended