Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1915-09-02
queried the agent

QueTleu tue uSeuI
II have had quite good deal Of ex-
perience in office work In England. II
you should need any typewriting done
/ have had good deal Of that to do"
do you know shorthand and type
writingY" asked the agent quickly.
.Yes. learned that year or two
ago for amusement, never expecting
to use it. but l am fairly proficient
now"
you're just the man want" said the
agent, with decision. II need some one
to help me with my correspondence
and If you can run typewriter want
you to begin work at once Come in
at o'clock"
That afternoon Reginald Nelson be
gan his work In the railway freight
office. He assisted the agent in caring
for his correspondence and also at
tended to some minor clerical work.
There were FIVE other men in the office.
the cashier, assistant cashier. the bill
clerk, the rate clerk and the car mum
Der clerk, as the agent designated
them when introducing Reginald.
The conversation among the men
turned to political matters and as a
national election was approaching the
interest in this subject was intense.
Every political party seemed to be
represented In the small office force,
Reginald judged from the talk.
Finally. something brought up the
matter of civic affairs, and the discus
sion among the clerks waxed warm.
I'VE have fine lot Of guys running
this town, haven't WEI" said the bill
clerk. In tone Of disgust.
whats the matter with you and
our city administration" responded
the cashier, who was a tall. handsome
man, with an arlstocratic air.
"The arrest of those girls last night
was an outrage" said the bill clerk.
angrily. zone would think we were
living in Turkey instead of free Amer
fca."
Reginald Nelson stopped his work
and listened to the conversation.
"Those girls need not think they can
defy our courts and get away with II"
answered the cashier haughtily. "They
tell me that the whole lot OF the strik-
ers are a crowd that Is not much credit
to Bronson"
'.They lie when they attack the char
acter Of those girls!" shourad the now
thoroughly incensed bill clerk.
That's right BILL" interposed the
rate clerk. addressing the defender Of
the striking factory women. Those
girls are all right. and that one that
you are buzzing around is fine look
ing damsel. all right"
The bill clerk blushed and was ST.
lent
"well." responded the cashier apollo
getically. 81 think that most Of them
may be all right. but the pack they ar
rested need to be in jail"
"You poor fool" exclaimed the other,
those girls are the very pick of the
lot, and the rotten city administration
knew It"
Right again." interposed the rate
clerk, further. II think l saw your girl
among those who were jagged, didn't
II"
81 am not ashamed to have her put
IN jail for trying to improve conditions
In that factory" replied the bill clerk
stoutly. II tell you it is no wonder the
Socialists carried two wards at the
last election"
Reginald remembered the request Of
Joy Graham In her fathers office and
her desire to visit some girls at the
Jail.
Perhaps / might take them some
flowers for her." he said to himself
When they left the office Reginald
joined the bill clerk.
Il have a friend" began Reginald
abruptly, who wanted to take some
flowers to those girls who have been
put In JAIL"
II thought you were stranger here,
SIR" answered the bill clerk. somewhat
ungraciously.
II met Mrs. Graham and her daugh-
ter on the boat on my voyage across
the Atlantic" replied Reginald, "and
happen to know that Miss Joy Graham
would be glad II the girls had some
flowers. thought If you would so
with me to the Jail this evening will
bring some flowers and have them dis
tributed as gift"
The bill clerk looked closely at Regi-
maid, much surprised at his proposition.
After short silence he answered In
somewhat more cordial tone: THAT
will be all right The girls will appre-
ciate the kindness. will meet you at
the Y. M. @. A. steps, and we will visit
the jail together"
That evening the imprisoned strikers
enjoyed greatly their gift of flowers
brought to them in the name Of "a
young lady Of Bronson"
The next evening after Reginald Mel
son had accepted an invitation to at.
tend the Central church he was walk
ing slowly In the direction of the home
OF Allan Rutledge, the minister. The
Immigrant had been much impressed
with the personality and cordial spirit
Of the Iowa clergyman and he was
anticipating an evening Of pleasure In
his home.
Reginald Nelson was feeling peculiar
ly happy that evening. He had now
completely mastered his duties at the
railroad Office and could perform them
with ease so that his position as a
clerk was secure. Besides, on that day
he had two callers at the Office. Mr..
Townley had called for brief visit
and congratulated him on his success
In getting foothold so quickly.
II told you," said the minister, smil-
ingly. that you would find life and
all that life means In the new world"