Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1915-03-19

eardrums increasingly. Gradually tho
whole line blended into one word
home.
"Confomd that Internal. asinino
wordv'
Irasciblyhe got up and dressed, sent
for his automobile, dismissed the
chauffeur and all that day motored
alone over quiet country roads that led
through peaceful villages and over pic
turesque hills.
One moment he would viciously shift
the throttle wide,open, sending the car
hurtling along alta reckless pace; then,
coming quick change of mood, he
would slow down sharply, lean back
against the,cushions andigaze thought
fully over the peaceful fields as his
machine chugged slowly along.
All the while "Old Dolks at Home"
harassed him like an nexorable thing
of chastisement
The sarcasm and moskery were still
In his face, but there iwas also some
thing else creeping in there-lines
which bespoke torment and raging
conflict.
That night as the sprima donna ap-
peared again in theI famous third act
scene Killing, pale and tense, sat alone
IN the deep shadows of box. With
eyes that burned with strange emotion
and perfect sobriety he leaned eagerly
forward asif his soul were drinking in
the melody through eyes and ears.
Again was the singer recalled repeat
eddy. As she appeared for the fifth en-
core and the orchestra had started in
on lively prelude to some Scotch air
Killing, his voice strangely hoarse and
shaken, called out, "Suwanee Riverp
Instantly the call was taken up en-
Enthusiastically all over the house. A
wave of applause shook the theater.
With a smile the primn donna nodded
to the orchestra leader, and n moment
later the rich, clear voice of the singer
was clarifying the old folks at home.
Killing was as tense and motionless
as n man Of stone. Precipitation damp
ened his forehead; his dry lips stood
apart; wide eyed, he cllnched his nails
Into his hands His very soul seemed
a thing detached that fioated upward
with the melody Of the song.
With indescrlbable pathos and ex-
preston, her voice low and trembling,
the singer paused; then Far from the
old folks at home" 6oated out and up
ward like benediction. 1t WINS grand,
dramatic, glorious!
Something like 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-
sive as his advent had been vainglo-
rious. he dropped completely out Of
sight
Two years later and four years after
the stormy scene with his father Rich
ard Killing again crossed the threshold
OF that grim gcntleman'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?"
Il wish to speak to you on behalf Of
the men, sir"
The other gave a start and leaned
forward. -Richard-why"-
lie could say no more. For 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 your
"A great deal. am one of them,
and find they are underpaid."
"One OF them" Skepticism and as
constituent gave varying infections to
his tone of voice. Zone OF them?
What do you mean by that?"
Just that. For two full years /
have worked out there in the shops.
began at the very bottom. know
whereof speak"
Again the father surveyed the son In
silence, searching his face long and
critically. Slowly n look OF conviction
crept into his face, softening II and
paving the way for one OF great hope
and qualification. Then, smiling, he
pulled out his lips in mild reproOf.
"Then-er-you did not observe my
orders to remain away FIVE years"
IL did not come to discuss that"
The father persisted eagerly.
But ] want to know; I 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
Eyes. she knOws-has known all the
time" Then firmly, "But ! wish to
take up this matter OF the workmen."
"Yes-yes. to be sure But first tell
me-did you-haye you actually been
working out there In the shops Ms n
common labOrer for two yearsT'
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. bis
face inscrutable. the elder Killing said
"And--and-you think that reforms
are needed out theref'
The answer came forclbly.
"Yes, sir. do"
Then make them-it's your job
how"