Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-08-21
DANIEL WELLS
BY AGNES G. BROGAN.

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The face of James Rogers turned
an angry purple, as he read the fear.
less and caustic criticism Of his own
great mandatory. How dare the
press print such an article, and who
had been their secret Investigator?
Hel :, now, upon his return from q
much needed rest, the proprietor of
Rogers "Ready to Wear Industries"
was greeted in black print by daring
exposure Of bad conditions said to
exist in his own great plant The
condemning article appearing under
the heading Of "City Notes." vas
signed by the well-known writer Of
terse edHorials-Daniel Wells.
Even without his bold signature the
brief written sentences Of Daniel Wells
were unmistakable, with a call and
conviction all their own. James Rog-
ers decided furiously to call up VII.
liams Of the Press and inquire into the
matter, a prompt contradiction must be
demanded. But irresolutely the old
mans hand rested upon the telephone.
Would Daniel Wells brook contradic-
ton? His assertions were backed with
proof. Rogers rang for his son in
stead, and presently Jim, happy-eyed
and smiling, entered his fathers pres
ence.
'Well dadT he cheerfully inquired.
The older man thrust the days pa
per before him. "Read that" he said
irately.
Jim, with serious nod dismissed
the article. IT have read it." he re-
piled. 1.-THE worst feature Of the case
is the truth Of the statement"
TRUTH" James Rogers wheeled
about toward his son. ~What would
you have for factory workers, glass
sun rooms to sew in, or afternoon
tea served in the work room2 These
new health notions make me sick Col
lege, I suppose, has imbued you with
the same ideas. Well, the place has
run along pretty well during the past,
and guess it will in the future. The
question is, you're manager here now,'
he tapped the written article, "What
are you going to do about this7"
His son sank easily into a chair.
Benefit by it. dad" he answered
crisply.
The old mans eyes bulged-"What?"
Benefit by it," young Jim repeated,
"cut out the things disapproved, and
begin new ORDER"
The father stared at his son as
though he were stranger. "May I
ask" he said sarcastically, what has
made you so agreeable to a new order
Of things?' Do you realize that it would
entail the expenditure Of large sums
Of money-my money-which later will
all be yours? That it would lessen ma
terially the profits Of our business?"
Young Jim came close and looked
frankly back into his fathers face.
Eyes, I'll tell you what has changed my
point of view, dad" he replied. ITS
! girl, just little brave, sweet sort
of girl, working here in your fac
tory. She has talked to me about it
/ all"
J "During working hoursq" his father
interrupted. ...-..
Jim shook his head. "No," he said ;
"there was no time then. It was as !
! walked home with her evenings, that
she brought me to see things as they
are, and as they should be-"
! James Rogers jumped furiously to
his feet. "You dare to tell me that
I you have been walking home nights
with one of your fathers factory
! girls" The millionaire choked. There
was significant pause. Il have also
asked her to marry me-" young Jim
quietly responded. -.
James Rogers turned and pressed
an electric button. 1--WE will settle
this foolishness here and now" he
muttered. "What is the name of this
! grip
| Jim's face flushed. "Joan," he spoke
the name gently. Joan Graves"
! When the office door opened girl
stood for moment framed in the ma
hogany casing, then swiftly she came
and waited, before the two men. She
was little girl as Jim had said. her
blue eyes unafraid.
"You sent for me?" she asked.
ITO tell you" he burst out, shat
your services here are no longer re-
quired. And to impress upon you the
fact that any silly affair between you
and my son will mean his prompt dis
missal from my family. Neither now
nor at any time may he expect any
thing from me or mine, unless abso-
lutely and finally you agree to give him
up.
| II do not know how much trouble
your agItat1ng remarks may have
caused among the workers. but hence.
forth it will be useless for you to seek
employment in any Of our stores. AS
far as we are concerned, you shall be
forever silenced."
NJ am afraid" said the girl, her
voice was low, that will not be pos
slble. Because" withsquick concern
in her face she. went over to the young
er man. "JimS' she murmured, ''for-
give me, dear, for deceiving even you.
Because, Mr.. Rogers" she continued,
II have merely been working here as
On inspector among your people. The
deplorable wrongs I have found must
be righted." She smiled a sudden
transforming smile. 6 You, and Jim,
| am sure, are going to help me right