The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1933-08-26

: oTOCkHOLM. Slim was heading
" for the railroad station to see If
he could buy an American paper
Turning into the main drag he heard
someone whistling to him. 1t was
the chief engineer, holding a paper
hatbag in his hand.
Like my new benny, Rogers?"
Slim was surprised that the Chief
knew his name, and more surprised
at such question. The Chief was
a stoutish, middle-aged man with
glasses,-not exactly stiek..
Pretty good, Chief. Just buy itP"
"Yes." The Chief looked at Slim
with his open, good natured eyes.
What do you say wa have a cup
Of coffee?"
20. K"
They stepped into cafe. The
Chief picked out a table from which
he could see who came in. A waiter
came over
Two coffees" ordered the Chief.
Then turning to Slim: give been
wanting to talk to you, but you
know how it is on board, especially
with that Old Man we got now"
Slim nodded.
I'm the first place, what was all
that row you had with him?"
Slim told him the story, as far as
It went, and added openly: But
I haven't found out yet who the
stool was"
Il can tell you that" said the
Chief easily.
Sims ears stretched forward
quickly. "Who?"
This eagerness made the Chief
cautious. We'll, if I told you, you'd
have to promise that it wouldn't go
any further, and not to start any
trouble"
"I promise you the rat won't find
out who told me, but I can't guar
antee anything further"
The Chief half smiled. "I have no
particular love for this individual
myself. But still I have certain
reasons for not wanting any trouble
to take place-yet."
RY now it was clear to Slim that it
~ couldn't be anybody from the
deckgang, and he was glad of that.
We'll, of course Chief, I don't
want to spoil any plans of yours"
you promise them"
20. K? Who was it?"
THE mate! He's been keeping his
eye peeled on you all along. Every
once in while. when you're on
watch. he sneaks back aft and pokes
around the fo'eastle.
THE dirty sklnkl"
He learned those tricks in the
NaVyl Yes, and if he had his way
we'd all be coolies right now!" The
Chief sounded bitter
Did they make you join the Ma
val Reserves, Chief?"
Shoot, I had to join that long
ago. We've al got to. or we don't
hold our Jobs minute"
The waiter came with the coffee.
The Chief took a few swallows.
Whats burning me up is the raw
deal the Company put over-on me,
and my department. Do you know
got my wages cut $25 a month,
starting this trip?"
Slim nodded.
And the Assistants So and the
boys SIS and $2.50?"
Again Slim nodded.
Now amt that a dirty shame?
wouldn't that make anybody see RED?
Here I am, been working for this
Company close to IA years, and they
treat me like so much dirt! Why
II I didn't have a wife, and three
children to send through school,
wouldn't put up with it for a min
utel"
Don't blame you, Chief"
But here's what / meant to talk
10 you about, Rogers. You're Red
sin't<you?"
Slim looked questioningly.
What I mean is, real Red not
Just a windbag spouting radical
phrases-Well, here's what I beer
meaning to tell you: I admire you
for it, yes I do. Never mind what
the Skipper and Mate says.-I sup
pose you know they're going to fire
you, don't your"
Slim laughed at the Chiefs sim
plicity
well, Rogers, here's what I been
wanting to ask you: What are my
men back aft saying about having
their wages cut? How do THEY
feel about it?"
TELL you the truth, Chief, ]
haven't gotten around to the black