The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1918-10-10
DANIEL WELLS
BY AGNES G. BRoGAN.


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?
Here, now, upon his return from O
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." wAS
signed by the well-known writer of
terSe editOrialS-Daniel Wells.
Even without his bold signature the
brief written sentences of Daniel Wells
were unmlstakable, with a call and
conviction all their own. James ROg'
erS decided furiously to call up Will
liams of the Press and inquire into the
matter, 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 witt
proof. Rogers rang for his son in
stead, and presently Jim, happy-eyed
and smiling, entered his fathers pres.
ence.
swell, dada" he cheerfully inquired.
The older man thrust the days pa
per before him. "Read that" he said
irately.
Jim, with a serious nod, dismissed
the article. 81 have read It," he re-
piled. "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 room? These
new health notions make me sick Col
lege, l suppose, has imbued you with
| the same ideas. Well, the place has
run along pretty well during the past,
and guess 1t will in the future. The
question Is, you're manager here now
he tapped the written article, What
are you going to do about thls?"
His son sank easily into chair.
"Beneft by 1t, dad" he answered
crisply.
The old mans eyes bulged-"WhatT
Benefit by It," young Jim repeated,
"cut out the things disapproved, and
begin a new order"
The father stared at his son as
though he were a stranger. "May 1
ask" he said sarcastically, "what has
made you so agreeable to new order
of thingsr Do you realize that 1t 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 businessT
Young Jim came close and looked
frankly back into his fathers face.
ayes, I'll tell you what has changed my
point Of view, dad" he replied. "It's
girl, just a little brave, sweet sort
Of a girl, working here in your fac
tory. She has talked to me about It
all"
During working hours2" his father
interrupted.
Jim shook his head. "No," he said;
"there was no time then. 1t 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
. you have been walking home nights
. with one Of your fathers factory
girls" The millionaire choked. There
was a significant pause. II have also
. asked her to marry me-" young Jim
quietly responded.
: James Rogers turned and pressed
an electric button. 1--WE will settle
D this foolishness here and now" he
, muttered. "What is the name Of this
= grip
s Jim's face flushed. "Joan," he spoke
the name gently. Joan Graves"
: When the office door opened a girl
o stood for a moment framed In the ma
4 hogany casing, then swiftly she came
9 and waited, before the two men. She
was little girl, as Jim had said. her
blue eyes unafraid.
"You sent for met" she asked.
l. ITO tell you" he burst out, shat
e your services here are no longer re-
q quired. And to impress upon you the
n fact that any silly affair between you
y and my son will mean his prompt dis
" missal from my family. Neither now
n nor at any time may he expect any
Il thing from me or mine, unless abso-
= lutely and finally you agree to give him
e up.
n 81 do not know how much trouble
y your agitating remarks may have
n caused among the workers, but hence
J. forth 1t will be useless for you to seek
m employment in any Of our stores. AS
" far as we are concerned, you shall be
r forever silenced."
( 81 am afraid" said the girl, her
II voice was low. shat will not be pos
'e sible. Because" withsquick concern
D. In her face she went over to the young
8. er man. "Jlm," she murmured, "for-
re- give me, dear, for deceiving even you.
Because, Mr.. Rogers" she continued,
81 have merely been working here as
an inspector among your people. The