The Press., 1915-07-07
harassed him like an 1nex0raDle fhIng

harassed him like an fnex0rable fhing of reinstatement.
 The sarcasm and mockery were still in his face. but thele was also some thing else creeping ill there-lines which bespoke torment and raging conflict
 That night as the prima donna ap- peared again in the famous third act scene Killing, pale and tense, sat alone ill the deep shadows of box. With eyes that burned with strange emotion and perfect sobriety he leaned eagerly forward as if his soul were drinking ill the melody through eyes and ears.
 Again was the singer recalled repeat edly As she appeared for the fifth en- core and the orchestra had started ill on lively prelude to some Scotch air Killing, his voice strangely hOarse and shaken, called out, "Suwanee River!'
 Instantly the call was taken up en- Enthusiastically all over the house. A wave of applause shook the theater. With a smile the prima donna nodded to the orchestra leader. and moment later the rich. clear voice of the singer was glorifying the old folks at home.
 Killing was as tense and motionless as man of stone. Precipitation damp ened his forehead; his dry lips stood apart; wide eyed, he clinched his nails into his hands. His very soul seemed q thing detached that foated upward with the melody of the song.
 With indescribable pathos and ex- pression, her voice low and trembling. the singer paused; then Far from the old folks at home" foated out and up- ward like benediction. It was grand, dramatic, glorious!
 Something like a sob surged up into Killings throat. His eyes blurred.
 The following morning early he dis charged his valet and chauffeur. sold his machine, resigned from his club. gave up his apartments and packed his trunk. Then, his passing as unobtru- siye as his advent had been vainglo- rious, he dropped completely out of sight.
 Two years later and four years after ard Killing again crossed the threshold of that grim gentleman's office.
 Inside the door he waited respect fully while the stern faced, gray hair ed head of the great steel works fin ished the signing of certain papers be- fore him on his fiat mahogany desk.
 Pausing, pen suspended. the elder Killing glanced up briskly.
 ''Well?"
 yx7iS fn + A, o1nIf q the men, sir.
 The other gave start and leaned forward. -why-Richard- why''-
 He could say no more. For a time he stared into the marvelously chang ed face in silence. Slowly his apprais- ing glance travelled downward, taking in every detail of the sons clothing and lingering wonderingly on the big. grimy hands. Again he spoke hoarsely.
 What does the condition of my en- ployees matter to you?''
 "A great deal. I am one of them. and I find they are underpaid"
 One of them?" Skepticism and as- tonishment gave varying infections to his tone of voice. "One of them What do you mean by that?'
 Just that. For two full years I have worked out there in the shops. began at the very bottom. I know whereof I speak,
 Again the father surveyed the son in silence, searching his face long and critically. Slowly a look of conviction crept into his face, softening it and paving the way for one of great hope and qualification. Then, smiling, he puffed out his lips in mild reproof.
 ''Then-er-you did not observe my orders to remain away five years."
 1T did not come to discuss-that." ,"
 The father persisted eagerly.
 "But l want to know; want to know"
 II obeyed you for two years, sir and that was two years too long. You see, mother and-and home called me strongly. Mother and home and work"
 And does mother''-
 ''Yes. she knows-has known all the time" Then firmly, "But I wish to take up this matter of the workmen." "Yes--yes. to be sure. But first tell me-did you-have you actually been working out there in the shops as a common laborer for two years?''
 Silently the son spread out his black ened. hardened hands in mute answer.
 For time father and son looked each into the others face. Then, his face inscrutable. the elder Killing said: "And-and-you think that eforms are needed-out there?"
 The answer came forcibly.
 ''Yes, sir, do.'
 'Then make them---it's your job how"