The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-14

hungry but l certainly must have ] been."
 Good" Brian set down his cup. ''This place Is all right. I've stop ped here before." He paused, then went on, You know you seem to have a way of disappearing into thin air. I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."
 I've been busy" Gale said for the second time.
 wish I could say as much"
 His tone made the girl turn to look at him. "Why?" she said. "Is anything the matter?"
 "oh, guess not. Only things aren't working out the way thought they would. Maybe it's my fault" He frowned. T wish you'd tell me something" "What?"
 He told her about the pension plan he had worked out and after he had finished asked. What do you think of 1t? Would the men and women at the mill like it?" "I'm sure they would. I think it's wonderful-"
 Really? Say, that's the first word of encouragement I've had. Thatcher and everybody else I've talked to has had some criticism. They say the plan isn't practical. | Well, If 1t isn't, there must be some way to make 1t practical. I think n man who's worked in the mill 15 or 20 years ought to have some feeling of security. He ought to have something to show for his work beside just a bare living. If he'd been a good, faithful employe it's no more than his right and the company should guarantee it to him."
 What does MT Thatcher say about that?"
 Well, he was pretty vague. He seems to think the idea is all right, but 1t wouldn't work out. don't know why 1t wouldn't, though"
 For half an hour they discussed details of Brians project. Brian argued eagerly, enthusiastically Now and then the girl interrupted with 8 question or suggestion. The coffee on the counter before them cooled. The youth in the white coat gave up his cross word puzzle, half-finished, and buried himself in a magazine.
 Suddenly Gale caught sight of the clock on the wall. "Oh, she" said, Its almost 5:30 I mustn't stay any longer. had no idea it was so late"
 Well go," Brian agreed, "as soon as we have some hot coffee"
 Five minutes later they were on the road again. The sleet had stopped, but the road was crusted with ice. Wind whipped about the car, its whining voice rising now and then. shrill and high-pitched.
 Brian said, Cant make much have to go slowly"
 They went slowly. Presently Brian was talking again about the things he hoped to do at the mill. Workers should be sure of employment, with no danger of sudden dismissal. They should have protection against hard times, brought on by illness. AS the mill grew and expanded there should be an adjustment of wages so that the men and women who actually did the work should share the prosperity of the owners.
 He said, Its great to talk to someone who'll listen to me, who doesn't think I've gone off on wild theories"
 | "I don't see how anyone could call your theories wild" They do, just the same"
 T don't think so," Gale assured him.
 !
 Thanks"
 He gave her a quick, side-wise glance. She was watching the road ahead. Her chin raised and two curling strands of hair had escaped from her hat to curve against her cheek. She turned then, smiling. Were almost there," she said. "Look-there's the light on the water tower"
 Yes, there was the light on the water tower, which meant that within a few minutes they would be in town. Brian wished they would be in town.arfgtharfgthar wouldn't be. There were a l0tN of other things he wanted to talk tc this girl about, he suddenly realiz- ed. Not about the mill, but about herself. He wanted to know her l better. A lot better.
 They passed the mill and pres ently were driving between rows of houses, all exactly alike--the mill workers homes. Gale said, You can let me, out here any where"
 1 Nonsense! I'm taking you home"
 Then it's the next turn to the left"
 The coupe turned left and trav- eled two blocks. Its the third house." Gale pointed out. Yes that one."
 Brian halted the car, got out ana opened the door for her. Well" he said, it was piece of luck that I happened to come along when I did. I've been wondering about you"
 Gale laughed. "A piece of luck for me, I think you mean"
 "No-for me. But what want to know now Is when am I going to see you again?"
 There was a sound on the walk behind and Gale turned. Steve Meyers was coming toward them. =. .. Gro Be Continued) :. ...