The Washington herald., 1916-07-16
ee.t-hat.d min superintendent in the


State.
He worked the men cruelty hard; he
was forever nagging at them and blaming
them and docking their wages for imagi-
nary delinquencies. He showed plainly
that he regarded them as breed of ami
NAL utterly inferior to himself. He
wreaked petty grudges against such of
them as he did not chance to like. He
leered at their daughters and young sis
ters. on the street. I'm a way that made
them want to kick him.
Altogether "the new super" was looked
on as public disaster by the bulk of
the mill folk. Black looks and snariing
whispers followed him upon his round of
the various floors
While Graham certainly achieved re-
suits for the stockholders, he was un-
consciously bringing the workers to a
state of mind where a strike might be
mere possibility
As for Tom. he concerned himself little
with Graham. He did his own work and
did 1t well. And, apart from that, all his
thoughts were taken up by Edna Carr.
Though Tom took scant heed of Gra-
ham, yet, strangely enough, the new su-
perintendent had given somewhat more
attention to Tom. and this secret study
on the part Of Graham was at last voiced
ir talk with Peltz, the president
Clark in Carr's department" Graham
CHANGED to say to the president one rainy
noon, as he was about to 60 to lunch.
Did you ever happen to hear of him?"
why, yes" replied Peltz. 'I gave him
his job. He Is the son OF our old presi-
dent-John Clark. Clark died bankrupt
and his son came to me for work. Carr
tells me he is wonder. I'm glad to
hear 1t. always rather liked his father;
in spite Of"
I've had my eye on him." interrupted
Graham. I've been watching him.
You're right about his being good
worker. I'll grant that; but"
But what?'' demanded Peltz. That's
all we hire him for. He's a hustler, and
he doesn't presume on his fathers name.
WHAT
Hes too popular" declared Graham
That's bad sign. Everybody In every
department likes him. He's the most pop
ular man in the mills. I don't know
why; but it's true. and don't like It."
The president laughed In derisive
amusement.
Good Lord. Graham" he exclaimed.
That's the aueerest reason for COM
plaint ! ever heard. Why don't you like
his being popular?''
II don't like any one man to be too
popular and influential in the mills" said
Graham. TT does a lot of harm"
Harm echoed Peltz in perpledty.
How"
Such a man." explained Graham. "can
make his fellow-workers do anything he
chooses. II he should play the dema-
gogue and persuade them to strike
Nonsense" chuckled Peltz. Non
sense! Why should they strike on Tom
Clark's account? He's well paid and he
seems perfectly content and loyal Get
that strike bugaboo out OF your head,
Graham; or you'll be scared every time
you see three Of the men talking to-
gether."
IF ever l see three men talking to-
gether," retorted Graham, "and II 1t is
in working hours, I'll either FIRE or fine
all three Of them for wasting the mills
time. Efficiency is going to be the
watchword as long as I'm in charge OF
the employees. But bear in mind what I
said about Clark
He left the office and started for the
main entrance of the mills. where his
automobile waited at the curb to carry
him to his club for luncheon. A heavy
rain was falling, and Graham stood on
the entrance steps waiting for the show
er to slacken so that he might venture
from the shadow OF the overhanging por-
tico and reach his car without a wetting.
He noted that someone else, emerging
from the building just ahead OF him, was
also waiting under the portico for the
rain to abate. And a second glance at
his fellow loiterer showed him she was
girl, young. neatly dressed. extremely
pretty. Graham's dull eyes frightened.
He took a step toward her.
Pardon me-" he said, with a respectful
ctvility that was a trifie overdone. You
don't work here, think"
mo. SIR" said the girl. who apparent
ly recognized him. 'T came to bring my
father his lunch
''Oh, your father is one Of US, them
Yes, sir. He is Joseph Carr. foreman
in the
Joe Carrr?" put in Graham, with a
cordiality that would have amazed the
grumpy old foreman. There isn't a bet
ter or more highly appreciated man in
the place. I'm honored to meet his
daughter. am Agnew Graham. the
superintendent" he added in needless ex-
planation. 80 you see am qualified to
speak OF your fathers fine ability And
now won't you let me do my old friends
daughter a small service? The rain is
letting up. Can't I take you home in my
carr
"Oh, no, sir, Thank you, all the same"
stammered the embarrassed Edna, quite
dumbfounded that the mighty superin-
tendent should deign to make her such
an offer
Granams heaVy face clouded at her
refusal
You have no rubbers on" he pursued
''and it will give me more pleasure than
1 can say to take you home on my way
to lunch"
Edna observed the slight frown as he
spoke This man was the superintendent,
the potentate on whose good will both
her father and Tom depended for their
employment and advancement II she
THANK you,' she faltered, 'I shall be
very much obliged to you. It is only
few blocks"
Gaily he escorted her across the shining
pavement to his car and helped her into
Its luxurious tonneau- As the chauffeur
drew away from the curb Edna gazed
around her IN almost childlike delight.
This is the very first time I've ever
been in an automobile In all my life," she
said with awed rapture. Isn't 1t won
derful?"
Graham laughed indulgently.
IT used to feel that way about It" he
said, but now I find It a lonesome and
dreary sort of amusement, unless I've
congenial companionship. Then it's great
But the ideal motor ride is by moonlight
along smooth white country road with
the noisy city far behind one, with the