Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-07-13


tory was won. Brown Joe staggered
TO his feet pushing the hair from his
eyes and staring about him classify,
still dazed from the blow that had
felled him. Payne waved the revol-
yer threatening and the men quailed
away from him. the expression Of
cowed beasts in their eyes, then as the
gun steadied in his hand. dived fear
fully out of the place.
Grady gripped the ring-leader by
the arm as he would have sneaked
out, throwing him heavily before the
young superintendent.
You're fired" Payne snapped. Get
out and don't wait for your time,
either. II catch you about the fields
again I'll not shoot at the rafters.
Get me?"
The fellow skunk backwards toward
the door, darting fearful glances at
the foreman, who watched him threat
eningly, his fists swaying slightly as
though nothing would delight him
more than another opportunity of test
ing them upon the ugly visage. But,
as he slumped out the door there was
look in his eyes, about the corners
of his mouth, the murderously low
forehead that seemed to indicate he
had not so thoroughly understood as
the young super might have wished.
Payne started to look about him at
the wreckage, when a heavy step from
Srhe doorway made him turn abruptly,
to see his employer entering the
room. Framed in the doorway he
stood, staring about him with knitted
brows. Behind the men had gathered
about his touring car, the sound OF
their threatening murmurs a low buzz
the buzz of a mob just barely held
in check
''Well?" he snapped.
Mutiny against the food" Payne
explained. 'I phoned you yesterday
again for orders as to what was to
be done. The men really can't be
blamed, Mr.. Monroe. They haven't
had stuff fit for a dog to eat"
''Humph!"
The old man picked up a remnant
of crockery upon the floor upon which
some of the food still chung. He re-
garded 1t disgustedly a second. then
hand as sniff OF it caught his nos
trils
"Phew! Can't blame anybody kick
ing at such stuff" he muttered. then
a frown Of annoyance grew into heavy
anger upon his countenance.
you've written me three times
about this situation, haven't you?" he
demanded, abruptly; then, without
waiting for an answer, as Payne
flushed and started to stammer: II
don't want to hear anything about
that. It's my own fault; trust Julia
to ever do anything. Every morning
the same thing; every night-wait till
tomorrow. The girl seems absolutely
to have no sense of responsibility, OF
the rights Of others, anything save her
own right to put off-put off-put
off,
Payne hung his head, avoiding the
glowering eye of the old man. There
was no denying what had just been
said. Somehow, he had felt from the
beginning that his flancee's dilatoriness
was in some measure responsible for
the neglect that had led up to this
scene OF havoc. Yet everything with
in him rose up to her defense. Be-
fore be had time to formulate a de-
Tense, Ira Monroe whIrled upon his
heel and stepped out into the center
OF the angry group.
1t was characteristic of the man
that the moment he saw situation
and grasped It's full significance he
took hold of 1t and battled for the
mastery. Payne stepped quickly up
beside him, fearful Of the result Of
such an attempt while the men we're
in their present humor. tMunroe
brushed him aside, lifting his hand
II understand there's been some
complaint about the food" he began,
a twinkle in his eye that melted some
of the threatening glances fastened
upon him. "I have understood it was
bad for some time. but l didn't realize
how bad food could be until I took a
=" He wrinkled his face wryly and
the ice was broken.
From the back OF the crowd a man
laughed. In a second he was Joined
by others and soon Munroe held them
in the palm of his hand
We'll. it's going to get better and
get better right away" he declared,
emphatically. "I'l go you one bet
ter than that, men, and tell you its
going to get good Tonight you can
look forward to a real SUPPER real
supper, understand"
He turned upon Payne, even as the
men were wildly cheering, knowing
that now was the psychological mo-
ment to make his strongest play.
Get in my car, Lee he COM
manded, and don't waste any time
getting back here with load of grub
have 1t here for supper"
AS the superintendent nodded and
quickly re-entered the office. the old
man waved the men away curtly to
their work, standing a moment look
ing after them. There was a curious
smile upon his face as Payne appeared
from the outer room. where he had
his living quarters, dressed neatly for
the town.