The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1944-08-17
Page l, Column l
o y o
By JOHN C. PORT
Mcclure Syndicate-WNU Features.

THE Old Man scooted his chair
L away from the desk in the cor
ner Of the print shop known as his
office and handed a sheet Of type
written paper to the boy at the limo
type. Page one. column one." ne
said briefly. Then he stalked to the
rear of the shop. "Speedy!" he
called, and the youth who was oiling
the outmoded cylinder press
Strengthened and ceased his opera
tons.
Eyes. sir"
The Old Man stroked his chin
thoughtfully and regarded the boy
through narrowed bloodshot eyes.
If you pi a form tonight it will be
the third consecutive week you We
done it. A pretty poor average when
you consider this is a weekly pa
per-"
Speedy ran his hand over his
smooth black hair. Eyes, SIR
The Old Man shook a menac-
ing forefnger. 1T takes Red a whole
day to pick up the pieces and make
up the form again. If I wanted the
paper to come out on Saturday, II
would read that way instead OF hav-
ing Friday on the masthead!' He
stopped for breath. If you could
once get your mind off p~lay-actlng
you might be Of some value here.
But get this and get it straight;
if you pi a form again tonight,
you're through" With that final
warning the Old Man put on his
shapeless hat and left.
Speedy walked over to the llno-
type. He stroked his chin thought
fully and squinted his azure eyes at
Red. If you pi a form tonight, it
will be the third consecutive week
you've done it." He took his hand
from his chin and shook a menac-
ing forefnger. Get this and get it
straight; if you pi a form again to-
night, you're through"
Red grinned. You left out some
of it, didn't you. Barrymore"
Speedy laughed. THE Old Man
still grousing about Walters?"
yeah" Red answered. Page
one, column one. He'll land in Jail,
printing such stun. Listen:
1.-The incumbent county treasurer,
George Walters. has served his
term of usefulness. He is a crook.
as his record proves. He vainly
imagines that he lends dignity to his
office by clearing his throat at the
beginning Of a sentence and cough
ing at the end of it. The voters Of
this town will no doubt be glad to
see their most distinguished citizen
replaced by an ADLER man."
The Old Man isn't my idea of
an ethical editor" Speedy unused.
when he's mad. he'll do most
anything - unless someone scares
him. Then he's not SO tough. You
know what the trouble is, don't
your" Red asked.
Il could guess" Speedy an
swered.
The Old Mans r because
Walters gave the contract for the
commissioners proceedings to our
competitor. Well, it's a free country
and Walters had a right to do it.
The Old Man ought to brag about
the opposition candidate and lay off
Walters and his asthma or what
ever it is"
Maybe you're right" Speedy
agreed. Anyhow, what time will
you be ready"
Midnight" Red answered. Incl
d~entally. if you'll just lock the forms
on the press before you start it.
they aren't so likely to fall off,"
The Old Man wore as he
stumbled through the darkness to
the telephone. Yes he said.
He heard a throat being cleared
and then: If that rag of yours
comes out this morning with
another of your editorials. I'll sue!"
A cough. and another clearing of
the throat. ITS libel, and you know
it-you won't have a chance! And
when I get through with you, you
won't have anything at ALL" The
cough was more violent this time,
and the throat clearing more pro-
longed. Remember what I've told
you'll" Then came a veritable
spasm.
The Old Man hung up. He broke
into a cold sweat. I'll have to
60 down there" he told himself.
'Speedy'll never hear a phone if
that cylinder press is running" He
shook as he hurried into his clothes.
Got to stop it," he kept mutter-
ing. Cant let it 60 out" A few
minutes later he was at the shop.
Speedy" he bawled. Speedy.
stop the press!"
But the press wasn't running.
Speedy was looking at him, a queer
expression in his blue eyes. Il for
got to lock the forms on again, sir"
he confessed.
The Old Man blinked. Then he
sighed and a grin spread over his
face. "Oh, WELL" he said, lit isn't
the first time. III call Red. There