The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1919-01-30
DANIEL WELLS
BY AGNES G. HRocAN.

press print SuCu I'LL dIllCic, anu WI
had been their secret investigator
Here, now, upon his return from
much needed rest, the proprietor o
Rogers "Ready to Wear Industries
was greeted in black print by darin
exposure of bad conditions said t
exist in his own great plant. Thu
condemning article appearing undel
the heading of "City Notes." VIA:
signed by the well-known writer o.
terse editorials-Daniel Wells.
Even without his bold signature the
brief written sentences of Daniel Wells
were unmistakable, with call and
conviction all their own. James Rog-
Hams 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 with
proof. Rogers rang for his son in
stead, and presently Jim, happy-eyed
and smiling, entered his fathers pres
ence.
"Well, dad?" 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. II have read it," he re-
piled. "The worst feature Of the case
is the truth Of the statement"
"Truthl'' 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, 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 u.s. you're manager here now,"
he tapped the written article, "What
are you going to do about this?"
His son sank easily into 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 a new order"
The father stared at his son as
though he were a stranger. "May I
ask" he said sarcastically, "what has
made you so agreeable to new order
of thingsT Do you realize that it would
entail the expenditure of large sums
Of money-my money-which later will
n11 ho hot
terially the profits of our businessT
Young Jim came close and looked
frankly back into his fathers face.
"Yes, I'll tell you what has changed my
point Of view, dad" he replied. "It's
a girl, just little brave, sweet sort
Of girl. working here in your fac
tory. She has talked to me about 1t
all"
During working hours?" his father
interrupted.
Jim shook his head. NO." he said;
"there was no time then. 1t was as I
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 significant pause. II have also
asked her to marry me-" young Jim
quietly responded.
James Rogers turned and pressed
an electric button. '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 a 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, "that
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
ulSSdl IIOu NY IdInlly. Neltner 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.
Il do not know how much trouble
your agitating remarks may have
caused among the workers, but hence
forth 1t will be useless for you to seek
employment in any Of our stores. AS
far as we are concerned, you shall be
forever silenced."
II am afraid" said the girl, her
voice was low, "that will not be pos
sible. Because" withsquick concern
in her face she went over to the young
er man. "Jim," she murmured, "for-
give me, dear, for deceiving even you.
Because, Mr.. Rogers" she continued,
Il have merely been working here as
an inspector among your people. The
deplorable wrongs I have found must
be righted" She smiled sudden
transforming smile. "You, and Jim,
l am sure, are going to help me right
them"
IAN Inspector" James Rogers re-