The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1915-02-24

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"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.
IF you get another chance. say
something else about it-that it would.
make rivet-heads mash better. for in
stance. Do this two or three times II
you can, and he's safe to pick you.
He can't help 1t. Nickel-steel IL 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
it. I'll try what you say. but"-with
sudden fierceness-"dont 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 refectively as five
of the six youngsters to whom he had
spoken declined the job on one plea
or another.
80 yourselfs the only one who
wants to go, 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 riyeters to another they
went, watching the work OF each. AS
they came near Bill McSween, that
individual was passing 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,
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 bolt-heads 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; SO 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. III not
be wantin' you any more
Bill stiffened with amazement.
DO get the Chicago job?" he de-
manded.
Job? Nav! An it's little likely
you are to get one till you get over
that fool crank OF yours about nickel
steel. Where you picked up that rot
l dunno"
Picked 1t up?" he yelled Me!
Wait till l find Fred Faxon, and III
show him where picked 1t up"
Fred Faxon, is it,"
A slow grin dawned on the Irish
mans face. He thought he saw an OK
PLANTATION Of the thing.
And what's Fred Faxon been say
ing to you?" he demanded. "Aw! tell
me now. | want to know"
Furiously. Bill explained. When he
had finished. Casey laughed long and
loud.
Faith, tits the best joke I've heard
for many day, so it is he chortled.
do you know what Faxon did? He
come to me this mornin', an he says,
says he: Mister Casey says he. I'm
sute we all like McSween and want
him to get that Chicago job says he.
so want to ask you,' he says. not to
mention nickel-steel to him when Mr..
Fulton is round.
1--we known Bill for years. says
he, and he's plumb crazy on nickel
steel. He was in the crazy-house for
six months once. says he. for that
very thing: and he's liable to have to
go back. if he gets excited about it.
The doctor says So says he.
That's what Fred says; and then he
goes OF. an it's little thinks about
it till you begins to talk about nickel
steel; an then l saw mighty plain
that couldn't put crazy man of on
Mr.. Fulton. nor kape him workin'
here, either; and So
But Bill could keep silent no longer.
I'll cut his heart OUT" he yelled.
ELL"
He dashed toward the door.
But Casey flung himself in the way.
"kape still. We omadhaun." he
rasped. land listen to me. Sure, it
serves you right, so 1t does 1t was
dirty trick for you to buffalo all
them lads into refusin the job. SO 1t
was; and it's glad am you got the
| worst of it.