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diff --git a/old/55768-0.txt b/old/55768-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 61b11ce..0000000 --- a/old/55768-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8946 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Guardsman, by Homer Greene - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Guardsman - -Author: Homer Greene - -Release Date: October 18, 2017 [EBook #55768] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GUARDSMAN *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - THE GUARDSMAN - - - - -[Illustration: THE KNIFE DROPPED FROM THE MAN’S HAND] - - - - - The Guardsman - - By - - HOMER GREENE - _Author of “The Flag,” “Pickett’s Gap,” etc._ - - - [Illustration] - - - PHILADELPHIA - GEORGE W. JACOBS & COMPANY - PUBLISHERS - - - - - Copyright, 1919, by - GEORGE W. JACOBS & COMPANY - - - _All rights reserved_ - Printed in U. S. A. - - - - -List of Illustrations - - - The knife dropped from the man’s hand _Frontispiece_ - - “I will go to-day, Mr. Barriscale,” responded Hal _Facing p. 154_ - - He helped to lift Chick into the car _Facing p. 302_ - - - - -The Guardsman - - - - -CHAPTER I - - -Hallowe’en! Religion, romance and mischief give life and color to the -name. But in the mind of the American boy mischief is the predominating -thought when the name is spoken. It is still a mystery why this -particular night should have been chosen for indulgence in that form -of juvenile pleasure which consists chiefly in removing loose property -of Mr. Smith to the front yard of Mr. Jones. But that it has been so -chosen no early promenader of the streets on the first morning in -November will have the temerity to deny. Convincing evidence of such -transfers may be seen in almost every block. - -The boys of the city of Fairweather were not different from the boys -of other American cities and villages in this respect. So it was that -on Hallowe’en in the year 1909, groups of these young citizens, on -mischief bent, were plainly visible to the discerning eye. In the -well-lighted and peopled streets they paraded boisterously, through the -darker ways they stole quietly with whispered words. - -It was not a pleasant night to be out, rain had fallen during the day, -and with the cessation of the storm had come a mist that shrouded the -town, blurred the lights, and made the wet air heavy and lifeless. - -A small group of boys, perhaps a half dozen, ranging in age from -twelve to sixteen years, moved quietly up a side street and approached -the business quarter of the city. If they had been in mischief the -evidences of it were not visible among them. If they contemplated -mischief, only a reader of minds could have discovered that fact. - -It was past midnight. Few people were abroad. A loitering policeman -stopped at a street-corner as the boys went by and carelessly scanned -the group. They were not openly violating any law nor breaking any city -ordinance, therefore it was not his duty to interfere with their proper -use of the highway, nor to investigate their proposed activities. So -he swung his club back against his forearm, hummed under his breath -a tune that he used to know as a boy, and went placidly on about his -business. But if he had been suspicious, and had stealthily followed -them, he might have seen something that would have aroused within him -a measure of zeal in the performance of his undeniable duties. For, -passing down the main street of the city, not three blocks distant from -the corner where they had met the guardian of the public peace, these -young American citizens came to a cobbler’s shop on the door-casing of -which hung a board sign inscribed with the words: - - “PUPPIES FOR SALE HERE.” - -“That sign,” said Halpert McCormack, the apparent leader of the group, -“ought to come down. In my opinion a cobbler has no business to be -selling puppies. ‘Shoemaker, stick to your last!’ That’s a proverb we -parsed in Miss Buskin’s class this morning. What do you say, fellows?” - -“Sure it ought to come down,” was the immediate and unanimous response. - -“Besides,” added Little Dusty, the youngest boy in the company, “his -puppies is no good anyway. My cousin Joe bought one off of him last -week, and he can’t even bark yet.” - -One member of the group, inclined to be facetious, inquired: - -“Who can’t bark? Joe or the dog?” - -“Neither one of ’em,” was the quick reply. “But the puppy’s got fleas -an’ Joe ain’t.” - -“That settles it,” said Hal McCormack, gravely. “A man that will sell -puppies with fleas on ’em deserves no consideration from us.” - -“Right you are!” was the response. “Here goes!” - -It took but a minute to cut the sign loose from its fastenings and to -carry it around into a side street where darkness threw a protecting -mantle over mischief. - -One of the other boys turned to Hal. “Well,” he said, “you told us to -take it down; now you got to say what we do with it.” - -“Blessed if I know,” replied Hal. - -“Stick it up somewheres,” suggested Little Dusty. - -“Sure, stick it up somewheres,” exclaimed the first boy, “but where?” - -“We might fasten it to the sign o’ Jim Nagel, the butcher,” responded -Little Dusty. - -Then a boy known as Slicker spoke up. “Butchers don’t sell puppies,” he -said, “they buy ’em. Folks’d think he was goin’ out o’ business if he -put up a sign like that.” - -“Oh,” commented Hal, “can that joke. It’s got whiskers.” - -“Besides,” continued Slicker, “I know a better stunt than that. We’ll -take it up to Barriscale’s, an’ fasten it on the gate-post.” - -“Gee!” exclaimed Little Dusty. “My dad works at Barriscale’s, and if -Mr. Barriscale found out I had a hand in it, Pop might get fired.” - -“Well,” replied Slicker, “nobody’s goin’ to know who had a hand in it. -We ain’t goin’ to hire no brass band an’ go around shoutin’ what we -done. Are we, Hal?” - -“No,” said Hal soberly. “This is secret business. No boy’s got a right -to tell on anybody but himself, not even if they skin him alive. I -won’t.” - -“Nor I,” “Nor I.” The response was unanimous and whole-hearted. - -“I don’t know about this Barriscale business, though,” added Hal. “If -Mr. Barriscale should get mad about it, he’d scour the city to find out -who did it, and then he’d have us all put in jail. Young Ben isn’t any -easy proposition to butt up against, either.” - -“Oh, you’re chicken-hearted!” exclaimed Slicker. “It’s no fun to swipe -things if you don’t put ’em where folks don’t like it. I say hang the -puppy sign on the king’s gate-post an’ let the consekences take care o’ -theirselves. Am I right?” - -“Right you are!” responded one member of the group after another. But -Hal said: “Well, whatever you fellows say, goes. I’m game if you are. -Where’s your sign? Let me have it!” - -He took the oblong board and concealed it under the capacious folds of -his rain-coat. “Now,” he added, “come on!” - -So they started, heading again toward the main street of the city. Two -blocks up that street they once more passed the loitering policeman on -duty. If he had any suspicion that the outer garment of the leader of -the group hid contraband property from his sight he did not mention it. -But when they were well by he turned and called to them. - -“You boys,” he said, “have no business on the street this time o’ -night. I want you to go home, every one o’ you.” - -“That’s where we’re headed for,” replied Slicker; and with that the -incident was closed. - -Benjamin Barriscale, toward whose private property the boys were -moving, was at the head of the principal industry of the city, operated -by a corporation known as the Barriscale Manufacturing Company. He -was reputed to be a man of great wealth, of unbending will, generous -or domineering as best suited his purpose. To invade his premises at -midnight, on a mischief-making errand, was therefore an adventure which -called for both courage and caution. His mansion was a full half mile -from the center of the city; a square, stately house set well back from -the street in the midst of a spacious lawn. Two massive, ornamental -gate-posts guarded the entrance to the grounds, but the gates that -swung between them were rarely closed. When the boys reached the place -it was well past midnight and the lights in the electric lamps at the -porch entrance had been extinguished. A single gleam showed faintly at -an upper window; for the rest the darkness was complete save that a -street lamp, a block away, endeavored, quite ineffectually, to send -its rays into the thick mist overhanging the Barriscale grounds. For -the perpetration of undiscoverable mischief the night was ideal. - -Midway of the journey the heavy board sign had been transferred from -its hiding-place under Hal’s rain-coat to the possession of two of the -younger boys. Even to them it had grown increasingly substantial, and -they were not loath now to relieve themselves of their burden. - -After careful inspection of the gate-post it was the consensus of -opinion that there was but one place on it where the sign could be -conspicuously and safely fastened, and that was at the moulding near -the top of the post. - -And to hold it in place a piece of stout twine of sufficient length to -pass across the face of the board and be tied behind the iron ornament -at the summit was absolutely necessary. But the twine was immediately -forthcoming. There was scarcely a boy in the company who had not that -necessary equipment in one or another of his pockets. And the combined -supply of the group, doubled and twisted and knotted, left nothing in -the way of fastening material to be desired. So the puppy sign was -hoisted into place, and two boys, at the risk of tumbling and breaking -their necks, anchored it securely to the stone coping and the iron -ornaments of Benjamin Barriscale’s massive gate-post. - -But the incident was not yet quite closed. Before the mischief-makers -were ready to turn their faces toward the street Slicker bethought -himself of a supplementary task. - -“Who’s got some black crayon?” he asked of the company. - -No one appeared to have black crayon, but Little Dusty was able to -produce a stub of a carpenter’s pencil which he had somewhere acquired, -and he turned it over to the questioner. - -“That’s the goods,” said Slicker. “Now hoist me up again.” - -Supported on the shoulders of two of his comrades, and steadying -himself with his left hand, he scrawled on the lower face of the board, -in large black letters: - -“Buy young Ben. He’s the only puppy left.” - -When he had been carefully lowered to the sidewalk Slicker told his -inquiring companions what he had written. - -“That was a mistake!” exclaimed Hal. “They’ll have it in for us now, -sure!” - -“Let ’em,” replied Slicker. - -“But you don’t know what you’ll be up against.” - -“Maybe they’ll tell me if I ask ’em,” responded Slicker lightly. - -Then Little Dusty spoke up. - -“I hope Ben sees it himself,” said Dusty. “He’ll know what some boys -thinks of him.” - -“And we ain’t the only ones that think that way, either,” added another -member of the group. - -“You bet we ain’t!” exclaimed still another. “I know lots o’ fellows -that’s got no use for him at all.” - -It was very true that Benjamin Barriscale, Jr., was not especially -popular with boys of his age. He was the only son of the wealthiest -man in the city; he appreciated that fact, and was self-important -accordingly. He was not offensively aristocratic or domineering, but he -was unsocial, undemocratic, uncompanionable. He had his own group of -friends, boys who followed him and flattered him, but he never seemed -to inspire a spirit of true comradeship in any one. - -Having at last finished the work in hand the Hallowe’en mischief-makers -again faced toward the street, prepared now to follow the friendly -advice of the down-town policeman. - -But Slicker, with a low whistle, brought them to a sudden halt. - -“We forgot somethin’,” he said in a hoarse whisper. - -“What?” was the unanimous inquiry. - -“We ain’t takin’ anything away. We got to take as much as we bring. -’Twouldn’t be fair to the rest o’ the places we visited if we didn’t do -anything here but just leave a sign on a gate-post.” - -“What is they to take?” inquired Little Dusty. - -“I don’t know,” replied Slicker, “but we got to find somethin’. Come on -back!” - -Hal began to demur, but he was speedily overruled by the rest, and -was quickly prevailed upon to accompany them. In single file, led by -Slicker, they passed between the gate-posts and up the paved walk. - -Then they stopped to listen. Out from the darkness at the left came -gently the sound of splashing water. The boys knew, every one knew, -that there was an ornamental fountain there. It had been a feature of -the Barriscale lawn for many years. They also knew that, peering into -the basin from the rim was the marble figure of a kneeling boy. - -“Sh!” said Slicker. “What do you say if we cop the marble kid?” - -“Great!” replied two of the boys. “Fine!” exclaimed Little Dusty. “But -can we get her loose?” - -“Sure we can. It ain’t spiked down. I know how it sets.” - -Slicker had already started across the lawn, and the others followed. - -But when they reached the fountain Hal again put in a word of protest. - -“We mustn’t do that,” he said. “That thing cost money. S’pose we should -drop it an’ break it?” - -“Aw, we’ll be careful. See! It’s loose.” And Slicker, moving the corner -of the statue gently, proved his contention that it could be easily -removed. Indeed, one stout boy could have lifted it from its resting -place and carried it away. “Here you, Billy,” added Slicker, “give us a -lift.” - -“Sh!” whispered Little Dusty. “Somebody’s comin’. Drop it an’ duck!” - -They left the statue and threw themselves prostrate on the grass to -await the passing by of the person whose footsteps they had heard. It -was a man, evidently belated and walking rapidly down the street. And -he never dreamed that, less than forty feet away from him, a group of -mischievous boys were about to commit an act of vandalism unlicensed -and unwarranted even by the rules and customs of Hallowe’en. Removing -the cobbler’s sign had been taking sufficiently daring liberties with -the property of other people, and fastening it to Mr. Barriscale’s -gate-post had been hardly a meritorious invasion of the rights of -private persons, even though it had all been done by virtue of the -license assumed to be granted to Hallowe’en revelers. But what was now -contemplated went far beyond the limit of harmless mischief, and the -project, if carried to completion, would become not only a violation of -law, but of good manners and good morals as well. Yet Hal was the only -one of the company who appeared to look upon it in this light. And -when the sound of passing footsteps had died away in the distance, and -bodies were raised from the grass, he again protested. - -“We’re getting in too deep,” he whispered. “It isn’t right. It isn’t -fair. It’s carrying the thing too far.” - -“We won’t carry it far,” replied Slicker. “Just up street a ways an’ -drop it on somebody’s porch.” - -“You know what I mean,” insisted Hal. “I’m ready for fun, or mischief -either, up to a certain limit. But this is going beyond the limit.” - -“Aw! you’re a piker! If you don’t like what we’re goin’ to do, you can -take a sneak an’ go home. Come on, fellows! Who’s game?” - -From the response it appeared that every one in the crowd was game -except Hal. His judgment had been overruled and he made no further -objection. But he did not “take a sneak.” - -“All right!” he said. “If you fellows think it’s decent, and think you -can get away with it, I’ll go along; but I’m not crazy about the job, I -can tell you.” - -That settled it. There was no other protest, and the process of removal -began at once. Two boys, one at each end, lifted the statue carefully -from its resting place. But then an accident happened. Slicker, leaning -too far toward the fountain in his effort at assistance, tumbled -inadvertently into the basin. - -The boys, frightened at the mishap, lowered their burden to the grass, -dropped on their knees, and awaited developments. It was possible that -the noise of the splash might arouse the inmates of the house and -lead to an investigation. Wet to his waist the victim of misplaced -confidence in his own ability to preserve his balance, dragged himself -slowly up across the rim of the basin, and joined his drooping comrades -on the lawn. No one laughed. It was too serious a moment. Slicker -himself was the first to speak. - -“Gee!” he whispered through his chattering teeth, “that water’s cold.” - -Then Hal had his innings. - -“You’re the guy,” he said, “that better take a sneak for home, and get -some dry duds on.” - -“Not on your life,” was the reply. “I ain’t no sugar lump. A drop o’ -water won’t hurt me. I’m goin’ to stay by till we land this stone cupid -on somebody’s porch.” - -“Whose porch?” asked Little Dusty. - -“Well, I’ll s-s-say, Jim Perry’s. That’s only two or three blocks away, -and we ain’t done nothin’ for J-J-Jim yet to-night.” - -“That’s right! We mustn’t forget Jim.” - -Evidently the noise of Slicker’s misadventure had aroused no one. -Absolute silence still reigned in and about the Barriscale mansion. The -boys got to their feet, again lifted the marble figure, and two of -them bore it silently to the street and turned up the walk. - -They passed the electric light at the corner in safety, went one more -block, and then turned into a side street. It was very dark here. From -two or three upper windows there were gleams of faint light, otherwise -the darkness was impenetrable. Jim Perry lived midway of this block, -but to locate his house in this kind of a night was next to impossible. -It was not until one of the members of the group, known as Billy, -whose home was just across the street, had gone back to the corner -and counted the houses, that the boys felt at all sure of their exact -location. But, having satisfied themselves that their selection of a -resting-place for the “stone cupid” was fully justified, they lost no -time in carrying their burden up the steps and depositing it on the -Perry porch, much to the relief of Hal, who had been in constant fear -lest some accident should happen to it. - -And, having thus performed their duties and finished their night’s -adventures, the Hallowe’en marauders decided to disband and seek their -respective homes. - -“Remember,” warned Slicker, “mum’s the word. No fellow’s got a right to -squeal if they skin him alive.” - -“I won’t peach,” replied one. “Nor I,” “Nor I,” added others. But Hal -said: - -“I’ll tell on myself if I want to, but wild horses won’t drag out of me -anything about the rest of you.” - -“All right! That’s fair!” - -So, by ones and twos, they slipped away into the thick mist, leaving -the marble figure of a kneeling boy reposing quietly on Jim Perry’s -front porch, and peering silently into a crack in the floor, as he had -peered for many years at his own image mirrored in the water of the -fountain on the Barriscale lawn. - -A half hour later another group of boys, marching up the main residence -street of the city, reached the mansion of Benjamin Barriscale. And -in this group was Benjamin Barriscale, Jr. They were returning from -an evening of Hallowe’en adventures not dissimilar to the adventures -of the company that had preceded them. At the entrance to the grounds -they stopped to say good-night to Ben, for they too had finished their -evening of sport and were on their way home. - -In the mist and darkness no one saw the sign with which the big -gate-post at the left had been ornamented. That work of skill and art -was destined not to be discovered until the light of morning should -disclose its beauty and appropriateness to the passer-by. - -The splashing of the water in the fountain on the lawn came musically -to the ears of the tired strollers, but no one of them dreamed that -the kneeling water-sprite was no longer peering from the rim of the -basin into the liquid depth beneath him. - -“Well, boys,” said Ben, “I want the rest of you to do just as I’m going -to do.” - -A shrill voice piped up: - -“Do you know what you’re goin’ to do?” - -“Sure I do,” replied Ben; “I’m going up to the house and turn in so -quick you can’t see me do it.” - -“No, you’re not. You’re goin’ with us.” - -“Where?” - -“Well, you see, we haven’t taken anything off of Jim Perry’s porch yet. -We always do that, every Hallowe’en, and if we pass him by this year -he’d feel hurt.” - -“That’s right!” added another boy. “We’ve got to do it. He’d never get -over it if we didn’t. Come on!” - -But Ben hung back. “I’m too tired,” he said. “You go ahead and swipe -what you want to, but count me out.” - -Again the shrill, piping voice broke in: - -“Oh, don’t spoil the fun, Ben. Don’t be a piker. You’re the captain of -the crew. You’ve got to go along to give orders. Come on!” - -Thus adjured, Ben’s resolution wavered. He was fond of being considered -the leader of his group. He felt that he was born to command. - -“All right,” he said. “I’ll go this once if you insist on it. But this -is the last prank for to-night, you understand.” - -“Sure we understand.” - -Silently the boys left the stately entrance to the Barriscale mansion -and moved up the street and around the corner, following unwittingly in -the footsteps of those boys who had taken the same journey so short a -time before. - -This group also found it difficult to locate the Perry house in the -thick mist and deep darkness that shrouded the side street. But, having -at last satisfied themselves that they were on the right spot, they -selected two of their number to mount the porch and seek for booty -while the rest stood guard below. - -The reconnoitering squad at once entered upon the performance of the -duties assigned to them, but it was no easy task to find their way -about in the pitch darkness that surrounded the Perry house. - -Those who were waiting on the pavement heard a noise as of some one -stumbling, and a smothered exclamation of surprise. - -“What’s the matter?” asked Ben, mounting half-way up the steps leading -to the porch. “What is it?” - -“Don’t know,” was the whispered reply. “Feels like stone. Heavy as the -dickens!” - -“Can you lift it?” - -“Sure! The two of us have it now.” - -“Then bring it along.” - -Bearing the burden between them, and slowly feeling their way, the -committee of search descended to the sidewalk and halted. - -“What is it, anyway?” asked one. “Let’s feel of it,” said another. - -So the investigation began, but it resulted in no definite knowledge -concerning the character of the prize. Eyes were of course useless, and -fingers were of little less avail. - -“It feels something like the boy on the rim of our fountain basin,” -said Ben after passing his hand carefully over the object from end to -end. “But of course it can’t be that. Anyway, now we’ve got it what are -we going to do with it?” - -“Carry it to Hal McCormack’s and leave it on his porch,” said the boy -with the shrill voice. “Let him find out what it is, an’ whose it is, -an’ carry it home to-morrow morning. I bet he’s had plenty of fun -to-night at somebody else’s expense; now let’s have a little fun at his -expense.” - -“Well, don’t waste time,” cautioned Ben. “If you’re going to take it to -McCormack’s, come along!” - -But the boy who was bearing the heavy end of the burden hesitated. - -“Say,” he whispered, “can’t one o’ you fellows take my end? I barked my -shin on the blamed thing up there, and it hurts.” - -“Sure!” replied Ben. “Here; let me have it. Hurry up!” - -But, in attempting to relieve his comrade, Ben failed to make his grasp -secure; the end of the marble figure slipped from his hands, fell to -the pavement, and was broken off almost midway of the statue, the -remaining portion still secure in the grip of a boy named Bob. - -The crash of the fall broke ominously into the stillness of the -deserted street. For the first time that night the boys were really -frightened. - -“The jig’s up!” whispered one of them, as the fog-muffled echoes died -away. - -“Let’s leave the thing here on the walk an’ skedaddle,” said another. - -“Let’s take it back on the porch,” said a third. - -“No! I tell you, no!” exclaimed Ben. “We can’t leave it here now. We’ve -got to take it away.” - -He stooped and picked up the fragment nearest to him as he spoke. “Can -you handle that other end alone, Bob?” he asked. “I’ve got this one; -come on!” - -Leading the way, he started off into the darkness, and his fellows -followed him. There was little attempt now to soften their footsteps. -It was primarily a question of haste. - -At the corner of the street the boy with the shrill voice asked where -they were going. - -“To Hal McCormack’s, you simpleton!” answered Ben impatiently. “Isn’t -that where you said you wanted to go?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then come along, and don’t stop to ask fool questions.” - -The accident, and the thought of its possible consequences, had -irritated him beyond measure, though he alone had been responsible for -the breaking of the marble. - -So to Hal McCormack’s house, three blocks away, they went. No words -were spoken. The matter had become too serious. The two boys carrying -the separated fragments mounted the steps cautiously and deposited -their several burdens on the porch floor. - -“Now,” said Ben, as he retraced his steps to the sidewalk, “beat it!” - -They did not wait upon the order of their going, but went at once. - -Up-stairs, in bed, Hal faintly heard a shuffling, scraping noise on the -porch beneath his room, then, overcome by weariness, indifferent to all -noises from whatever source they might proceed, he fell asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER II - - -When Hal McCormack came down to breakfast on the morning following -Hallowe’en, he found that the other members of the family had almost -completed their morning meal. But it was apparent, from the atmosphere -surrounding the table, that something had gone wrong. His mother looked -worried, his young sisters looked curious, and his father, who was -captain of the local company of the National Guard, had a stern and -military air. - -“Halpert,” said Captain McCormack, “before you take your seat at the -table you will please go to the front porch and see what is there.” - -The request was such an unusual one that Hal stood for a moment -wondering and motionless. But only for a moment. He had been accustomed -from childhood to give ready obedience to his father’s commands, and, -without comment or question, he obeyed now. Two minutes later he again -entered the dining-room. - -“Well,” questioned his father, “what did you find there?” - -“Why,” stammered the boy, “I found that marble statue; and it’s broken -in two.” - -“So I discovered. Who broke it?” - -“Honest, father, I don’t know. We didn’t. It was perfectly all right -when we left it.” - -“Where did you leave it?” - -“On Jim Perry’s porch.” - -“When?” - -“I guess it was about twelve o’clock.” - -“And where did you get it?” - -“From Mr. Barriscale’s lawn.” - -“I thought as much. I recognized it. Who helped you take it?” - -For the first time Hal hesitated. Hitherto his answers had been prompt -and frank. But he could not betray his companions. He had promised not -to do so. He would not have done so if he had not promised. - -“Well?” His father was looking at him sternly and questioningly. He -knew that he must make some reply. - -“Well,” he said, “you see, it’s this way. We all promised not to peach -on each other. And, if you’d just as soon, I’d rather not tell.” - -“As you like about that. I’ll not press the question. But, in that -event, I take it that you are ready, yourself, to assume full -responsibility for the damage that has been done to the statue.” - -“But, father, we didn’t break it. We didn’t bring it here.” - -“That may be. But you removed it from Mr. Barriscale’s lawn. That was -the primary offense. If you had not carried it away in the first place -it would not have been broken.” - -“I suppose not.” - -“Of course not. And since you choose to assume full responsibility for -the damage, you must make it right with Mr. Barriscale.” - -“I’d pay him in a minute but I haven’t any money, except what little -I’ve got in the bank.” - -“Then you must earn it; provided he is willing to make a cash -settlement.” - -At this point Hal’s mother broke into the conversation. - -“I just knew something was going to happen,” she wailed, “when you went -out with those rough boys last night. Why couldn’t you have stayed at -home; or else gone with Emily and Lucy?” - -“Oh, we didn’t want any boys with us!” exclaimed Emily. “We just -dressed up in old clothes and false faces, and went around visiting. We -had the best time, and Mrs. Grimstone gave us doughnuts and----” - -“Emily, be still!” admonished Mrs. McCormack. “You wouldn’t speak so -lightly of your pleasures if you understood what a terrible misfortune -has fallen on us.” - -Mr. McCormack had been smiling grimly at the interruption, but Hal had -paid little attention to it. He was considering the course that lay -before him. - -“I suppose,” he said, “I’ll have to take it back home.” - -“If you refer to the statue,” replied Mr. McCormack, “I think -undoubtedly that is the best course to pursue.” - -“And what else shall I do?” - -“Well, you must go to see Mr. Barriscale, and acknowledge your offense, -and submit to whatever penalty he imposes on you.” - -At the grim possibilities of such an interview Hal became really -frightened. The idea of having to face Mr. Barriscale personally had -not before occurred to him. He was willing to take the broken statuary -home, and to pay for the damage done, in any way that was possible -to him; but to present himself as an offender before the stern and -autocratic Mr. Barriscale, that was a part of his punishment the -thought of which struck terror to his heart. For the first time in his -life the spirit of cowardice entered into his soul. - -“I can’t face Mr. Barriscale, father,” he said. “He’s too severe. He’d -frighten me to death.” - -Captain McCormack straightened up in his chair and looked his son in -the eyes. - -“I’ve heard you say,” he replied, “that when you reach the proper age -you want to be a member of my company of the National Guard. Is that -still true?” - -“Why, yes; I think I’d like to be a soldier.” - -“Well, a soldier must never be afraid to face whatever duty lies before -him. His own comfort and safety must be a second consideration. He must -always be brave enough to be fair and honorable. If he is not he has no -business to be a soldier.” - -Hal had risen from the table, and he stood for a moment in serious -thought. At last he said simply: - -“I will go to see Mr. Barriscale.” - -That closed the incident so far as Captain McCormack was concerned. -But Hal’s mother was not so easily pacified. She continued alternately -to pity and to blame her boy, and to make dire predictions of what -was likely to happen to him when he should come in contact with Mr. -Barriscale. And as for Hal’s young sisters, they would not be appeased -until they had drawn from him a full recital of the escapade of -Hallowe’en. But he did not permit either his mother’s lamentations -or the volubility of his sisters to impede the carrying out of his -programme. As it was Saturday morning and there was no school he was -able to set about at once the performance of his most unwelcome task. -He resurrected a boy’s express wagon that he had used with delight a -few years back, loaded the fragments of broken statuary carefully into -it, covered them discreetly with a piece of burlap, and started out on -his journey to the Barriscale mansion. - -Two blocks from home he ran unexpectedly into Slicker, who stood for a -moment gazing at him and his outfit in wild-eyed astonishment. - -“What you got there?” asked Slicker. - -“Stolen goods,” replied Hal sententiously. - -“What you mean stolen goods? It ain’t the stone cupid, is it?” - -“Yes.” - -“Where you takin’ him?” - -“Back home.” - -“Perry make you take it back?” - -“No.” - -“Who did then?” - -“My father.” - -“How’d he come to know about it? Who peached?” - -Hal decided to throw off his reserve and explain. - -“Well, you see, after we left the thing on Perry’s porch some other -crowd must have come along and picked it up and brought it to our -house. That wouldn’t have been so bad, but those fellows, whoever they -were, broke it.” - -“Gee whiz! Is it bust bad?” - -“Yes. Broke in two. Ruined.” - -“That’s a crime! Let’s see!” - -Slicker lifted the burlap carefully and inspected the broken image. - -“It’s done for,” he said as he replaced the covering. “What you takin’ -it back for? It ain’t no good now.” - -“My father thought I’d better.” - -“What you goin’ to do about it?” - -“I’ve got to stand the damage.” - -“Why, you didn’t break it.” - -“I know. But I helped carry it off; and if it hadn’t been carried off -it wouldn’t have been broken.” - -“I guess that’s right, too. But you didn’t snitch it alone. What about -the rest of us?” - -“I didn’t give any of you away. I shouldered the whole job.” - -Slicker stood for a moment in deep contemplation. Finally he said: - -“That’s mighty decent, Hal; and you’re a regular brick. But it don’t go -down with me. We’ll cut the rest of the fellows out and you and me’ll -share the consekences. We’ll go fifty-fifty on it.” - -“No; you don’t have to do that, Slicker.” - -“I know I don’t; but I’m goin’ to. It’s settled. Come on!” - -He took hold of one side of the cross-piece of the handle of the wagon -and motioned to his companion to take hold of the other side. Hal knew -that when Slicker had made up his mind to do a thing there was no -turning him. So he acquiesced in the plan. And together the two boys -dragged their unlovely load toward its destination. - -Two blocks farther on they met Hal’s aunt, Miss Sarah Halpert, a lady -approaching middle age, of decided opinions about persons and things, -prominent in the civic and social life of the city, keen in intellect, -quick in resourcefulness. - -Hal would not, at this moment, have willingly come in contact with her. -When he saw her approaching he looked about for some means of escape, -but they were in the middle of a block, and the meeting was inevitable. - -“What’s all this about?” she inquired as she came up to them. “Are you -boys returning stolen goods this morning?” - -“That’s about it, Aunt Sarah,” replied Hal. - -“Well,” she continued, “if I’d caught the little rascals that left a -load of turnips in my front yard last night, they’d have thought the -day of judgment had come, sure enough. Who’s this other boy? What’s -your name, young man?” Then, before the “other boy” could reply, she -answered her own question. “Oh, you’re Slicker. You’re the boy that -fastened a tick-tack on Jerry Minahan’s window, aren’t you?” - -Slicker colored a little and acknowledged that he had committed the -offense named. - -“You ought to be ashamed of yourself!” she said. But her eyes twinkled -so as she spoke that Slicker knew she was not angry with him. - -“We’re in a hurry,” explained Hal. “We’ve got to be going.” - -He started on, dragging both the wagon and his team-mate in his haste -to escape. But she held up a warning hand. - -“None of that!” she exclaimed. “I know better. I want to know what -you’ve got there, where you got it, and where you’re taking it.” - -Hal knew, from long experience, that evasion was out of the question, -and that it would be utterly useless to deny her request. So, with -Slicker nodding occasional confirmation, he gave her the whole story. -She did not interrupt him during the recital. But when he had finished, -she said: - -“Well, I don’t envy you your job. I guess I’m the only person in town -who isn’t afraid of Benjamin Barriscale. I don’t know what he’ll do to -you, but, whatever it is, you’ll richly deserve it, both of you. I hope -he’ll give it to you, good and plenty. The idea of stealing a thing -like that! What put it into your crazy heads, anyway?” - -“It was my idea, Miss Halpert,” responded Slicker. “Hal, he didn’t want -to do it. I got him into this trouble. I’m goin’ to help him out if I -can.” - -“Good boy!” she replied. “That’s the stuff! You’ve both got the making -of men in you, once you get over this foolish age. Now trot along and -do your duty. And you, Hal, let me know this afternoon how it comes -out.” - -She started on, and the boys bent again to their task; but before she -had gone many steps she turned and called: - -“Hal! come here a minute. I want to speak to you.” - -When the boy reached her side she asked: - -“Have you got any money?” - -“Just a few dollars in the savings bank,” replied Hal. - -“My case exactly. Maybe Mr. Barriscale will want money damages. If he -does, don’t you ask your father for the cash, nor your mother. Do you -hear me? I won’t give you the money. Don’t dream it! But I guess I can -fix it up so you can earn some. Do you understand?” - -“Yes, Aunt Sarah, and thank you; but I wouldn’t----” - -“Yes, you would. You do as I tell you. Now go on about your business.” - -She turned and swept up the street, and Hal and Slicker again took up -the line of march toward the Barriscale mansion. Avoiding the busy -streets, they went a roundabout way, until, at last, they reached their -destination. There they lifted the broken marble from the wagon and, -each boy carrying his portion, they deposited it on its base at the -rim of the fountain from which it had been so rudely removed the night -before. - -No one about the premises intercepted or interfered with them. -Apparently no one saw them save one passer-by who stopped for a moment -to watch them curiously, and then, with a quizzical smile on his face, -went on about his business. - -“Well,” said Slicker, when they had returned safely to the sidewalk, -“what’s the next move?” - -“The next move,” replied Hal, “is to face Mr. Barriscale.” - -“Gee whiz! That’s a tough one.” - -“I know it’s tough. But it’s got to be done.” - -“Sure it has. It’s the only proper thing to do. Might as well order -harps for the glory land, though. There won’t be enough left of us to -make a decent dish-rag of when he gets through with us. Well, come -along!” - -“But you’re not going.” - -“Sure I’m going.” - -“No, you’re not. I won’t stand for it. I won’t take any other boy with -me on this errand. If I’m alone I can face the music. If you go along -it’ll take the starch right out of me.” - -“Rats! I’ve got to take my share.” - -“I know how you feel. But you can help more by staying away. I’ve made -up my mind.” - -For a moment Slicker looked earnestly at his companion to discover if -possible whether he really meant what he was saying, and when he found -that he did, he made no further effort to accompany him. - -“All right!” he said. “You’re the judge and jury. But don’t forget that -I wanted to go.” - -“I won’t forget it. There isn’t another boy in the crowd would make -that offer. But I’m going alone.” - -“Well, I’ll take the buggy home anyway.” - -Slicker started back up the hill dragging the express wagon after him, -and Hal faced toward the central city to meet whatever fate awaited him -there. - -The rain of the night before had not yet quite ceased, the skies were -lowering, and mist still lay heavily on the town. Hal noticed as he -came into the business portion of the city that in many of the stores -and offices lights were burning to dispel the gloom. This was true -also at the Barriscale plant. A hundred windows of the big buildings -that faced the plaza were illuminated from within. But in Hal’s mind -the lights gave no cheerful aspect to the scene. They were like so -many eyes trying to stare him out of countenance. It required a new -mustering of courage to mount the steps that led to the office door -and make his entrance there. The clerk who approached him to inquire -as to the nature of his business said that Mr. Barriscale had not -yet arrived. Hal turned away with a sense of temporary relief, left -the building, crossed the plaza, and went back toward the central -city. Just as he reached the corner of the main street he saw Mr. -Barriscale’s car turn and go down toward the factory. It pulled up in -front of the big building, and the manufacturer descended from it and -entered his office. But Hal did not immediately return. He reasoned -that the head of the company would be very busy for a little while, -getting his day’s work started, and there would be a better chance to -see him later. - -It was a full half-hour afterward that he returned to the mills. -The same clerk who had met him on his first visit told him that the -president of the company was now in and asked him to give his name and -to state the nature of his business. - -“I am Halpert McCormack,” was the reply. But his voice was so low -and seemed so strangely weak that the young man was not able to hear -it plainly above the hum of voices in the room, the clicking of -typewriters, and the muffled roar of distant machinery. - -“I am Halpert McCormack,” repeated the boy. “I want to see Mr. -Barriscale about taking away the marble figure from his fountain last -night.” - -“Very well, wait here.” - -The clerk disappeared through a door marked “Private Office,” and -reappeared in a few moments and requested Hal to enter. So the midnight -marauder found himself standing, cap in hand, in the presence of the -great man of the city. Mr. Barriscale was seated at a table in the -center of the room, and seemed to be absorbed in the scrutiny of a -document he was holding in both hands. When he finally laid the paper -down and looked at his visitor it was with no friendly gaze. - -“Well,” he inquired brusquely, “what’s your errand?” - -If the anticipation of this meeting had filled Hal’s heart with -foreboding, the reality was no less fear-compelling. Mr. Barriscale’s -presence was imposing, his manner was forbidding. Stern-eyed, -square-jawed, formidable in every aspect, he bore the appearance of a -man ready to crush any one who opposed his wish or refused to bend to -his will. But when Hal replied his voice was firm and his speech was -without hesitation. - -“I’m the boy,” he said, “who took the marble image away from your -fountain last night, and it got broke, and I carried it back there this -morning.” - -Mr. Barriscale’s frown deepened, his heavy, clipped moustache bristled -perceptibly, and a slight flush overspread his face. Evidently the -subject was not an agreeable one to him. - -“Who told you to come here?” he asked abruptly. - -“My father,” replied Hal. - -“Who is your father?” - -“Captain Lawrence McCormack; and my name is Halpert McCormack.” - -“Your father is a respectable citizen. How comes it that he has a -night-prowler for a son?” - -“I don’t know, sir.” - -“Who was with you on this job?” - -“Some boy friends. I’d rather not tell their names. I want to be -responsible for the whole thing myself.” - -“I see. Shielding your accomplices in crime. A very mistaken idea of -magnanimity. But if you want to bear the brunt of this thing I’ll -accommodate you.” - -The flush in the big man’s face grew deeper, and there was a -perceptible note of anger in his voice. The outlook was indeed menacing. - -“I want to bear the brunt of it,” replied Hal. - -“Very well!” Mr. Barriscale picked up a paper-knife and tapped on the -table with it as he spoke, apparently for the purpose of emphasizing -his words. “You admit that you entered my lawn under cover of darkness, -without permission, for the purpose of removing my property?” - -“Yes, sir!” - -“And that you did take the marble figure from my fountain and carry it -away and break it?” - -“Yes, sir!” - -“Are you aware that you have committed a crime?” - -“I didn’t know it was a crime, sir. I knew it was wrong, but we just -did it for fun.” - -“Then let me enlighten you, young man. In trespassing on my lawn -with evil intent you committed a misdemeanor, punishable by fine and -imprisonment. In breaking my statuary you are guilty of malicious -mischief, also punishable by fine and imprisonment. In taking my -property and carrying it away you are guilty of the crime of larceny -and can be sent to state’s prison for a term of years. What do you -think of the situation?” - -“I had not thought of it that way, sir.” - -Hal’s voice began to show weakness, his face paled a little, and his -knees began to tremble at this recital of his offenses against the law, -and the possible punishment for them. - -“Well,” responded the big man in a voice plainly indicative of -increasing anger, “you can think of it that way now. And perhaps you -will also be willing to tell me now who your confederates in crime -were.” Mr. Barriscale tapped the table more vigorously with his -paper-knife, straightened up in his chair, and became peremptory in his -anger. “I will find out,” he continued. “They shall all be treated as -they deserve to be, every one of them. You say the statue was broken. -Who broke it?” - -“I don’t know, sir.” - -Mr. Barriscale half rose from his chair, his face purple with passion. - -“Don’t evade my question, sir,” he cried. “I’ll have none of it! Answer -me! Who broke the marble?” - -“I did.” - -It was not Hal who spoke this time. The voice in reply came from a -boy sitting at a desk in a far corner of the room. In his trepidation -and excitement Hal had not before noticed him. The boy rose from his -chair as he spoke and advanced toward the central figures in the -conversation. It was Ben Barriscale, Jr. Heretofore there had been only -a casual acquaintance between the two boys. They attended the same high -school, but they were not in the same class, had seen little of each -other, and had had no companionship. - -It was evident that Mr. Barriscale was no less surprised at the -interruption than was Hal himself. He sank back in his chair and the -color went suddenly from his face. - -“You!” he exclaimed; “you broke it? Were you with this crowd of -midnight marauders?” - -“No,” was Ben’s reply. “I wasn’t. But I was with another crowd, and we -were doing the same things. We found the statue on Jim Perry’s porch. -It was very dark and I didn’t know what it was. We took it over to -McCormack’s, and I let it fall and it broke. I didn’t know till this -morning that it was our fountain figure.” - -Mr. Barriscale’s anger seemed suddenly to have cooled. There was no -sharpness or severity in his voice when he spoke again, only a note of -reproof. - -“That you didn’t know whose property it was,” he said, “is no excuse -for your conduct. To remove things from Mr. Perry’s porch is as -reprehensible as it is to remove things from my lawn. I can’t see but -that you are both equally guilty.” - -“I think so myself, father,” replied Ben. “And I’m ready to share any -punishment that Hal gets.” - -Benjamin Barriscale, Sr., looked slowly from one boy to the other, -and it was evident that he was in a quandary. For a full minute he -was silent; but he resumed the nervous tapping on the table with his -paper-knife. Finally he turned to Hal and asked: - -“Where is the statue now?” - -“Back on your fountain, sir,” was the reply. - -“You say it’s broken?” - -“Yes, sir. Broken in two.” - -“Then it’s beyond repair, and you two boys shall pay for it.” - -He spoke firmly still, but quietly. He said nothing more about crimes, -nor about penalties, nor about the state’s prison. The question now -appeared to be simply one of compensation. - -“That piece of marble,” he continued, after a moment of consideration, -“was of considerable value.” - -He turned suddenly to Hal. “Have you any money?” he asked. - -“No,” replied the boy; “except a few dollars in the savings bank.” - -“Well, it doesn’t matter. On second thought I’ll not permit you to pay -me money. Nor will I permit your father to pay for your misdeeds. You -boys must work out your punishment. It will be no easy job. I intend -that before you finish it you shall appreciate the sacredness of the -rights that people have in their own property.” - -Again, for a minute, he was silent while the two boys stood -apprehensively awaiting his decision. Then he turned again suddenly to -Hal. - -“Your father,” he said, “is captain of the local company of state -militia?” - -“Yes, sir,” was the reply, “he is.” - -“And it is a very honorable and responsible position. As president of -the local Armory Board engaged in the erection of the new armory, I -have come into frequent contact with him, and I have great respect for -his ability, and for his willingness to be guided in this important -military undertaking by men of greater business experience than his, -and familiar with large affairs. I am sure he will approve of the -sentence I am about to impose on you.” - -He spoke as though he were a judge sitting in the criminal courts, -about to impose sentence on a convicted prisoner. - -“Ben,” he continued, turning to his son, “are you ready to share in the -punishment I propose to provide for this young man?” - -“I’m ready, father.” The boy answered without hesitation, and with -apparent frankness. - -“Very well!” - -Mr. Barriscale pressed a button under the edge of his table, and a -young woman entered the room with pencil and pad in her hand. - -“Miss Lawranson,” he said, “you will please take dictation.” - -She seated herself at the opposite side of the table from him, and, -after a moment of consideration, he dictated the following letter: - - “JAMES MCCRAE, - _Superintendent of Construction of the State Armory, - Fairweather, Pa._ - - “_Dear Sir_: - - “You will do me a favor by employing two boys, Halpert McCormack - and Benjamin Barriscale, Jr., at such laborious tasks as they - are fitted to perform in and about the State Armory. Their hours - will be from 7 to 8:45 in the morning, and from 4:15 to 6 in the - afternoon, with a full day on Saturdays. You will please keep - them at such labor until their combined wages, at the rate of - one dollar each per day, and at the rate of two dollars per - day for Saturdays, shall amount to the sum of sixty dollars, - at which time you will kindly make a report to me, accompanied - by the appropriate extracts from your time-sheets, and I will - arrange, through the proper channels, for their compensation. - They will report to you for service on Monday morning of the - coming week. - - “Very truly yours, - BENJ. BARRISCALE, - _President of the local Armory Board_.” - -Mr. Barriscale leaned back in his chair with a look of self-satisfaction -on his face. He faced each boy in turn, and asked: - -“Are you content?” - -And, when both boys had answered him in the affirmative, he said: - -“Very well! Ben, you may return to your desk. McCormack, you may be -excused.” - -Young Barriscale resumed his former position at the far side of the -room, the great ironmaster plunged again into the mass of papers on -his table, and Hal, after a moment of hesitation, bowed and turned -away. He left the building, crossed the plaza, and turned up the side -street toward the city’s main thoroughfare. The ordeal had been passed, -the punishment had been defined, but he did not quite know whether to -congratulate himself on the lightness of his sentence or to rebel at -the humiliation it might impose on him. One thing in connection with -the incident was pleasant to think of, and that was young Ben’s frank -admission of his participation in the offense, and his willingness to -share the punishment. It stamped him as a boy of character, even though -he had been rated as something of a snob. Moreover, it was quite a -relief to know that there would be no money for Captain McCormack to -pay, even temporarily. Besides, there was to be no court proceeding, -no criminal conviction, no term in the state’s prison. Perhaps that -was due to Mr. Barriscale’s change of heart after he learned that his -son was a participant in the mischief. Hal did not quite know. At any -rate it was not so bad as it might have been, although he still had -an uneasy feeling that his offense had been exaggerated, that he might -find his punishment to be unduly severe, and that he had been saved -from deeper distress and humiliation only by a fortunate accident. - -When Hal announced at the dinner table that day that he had seen Mr. -Barriscale, and when he had stated the nature of the punishment he was -to undergo, he noticed a grim smile on the face of his father. But, -beyond a passing comment on the fairness of Ben and on the equality of -the sentence as between the two boys, Captain McCormack said little. -Whatever his thoughts or opinions were on the subject he kept them -judiciously to himself. He made some facetious remark, indeed, about -the necessity for having early breakfasts thereafter; but, so far as -the deeper aspects of the case were concerned, it was apparent that he -had decided to let his son work the matter out for himself. - -It was not so with Hal’s mother, however. She was emphatic in her -protests against the severity and humiliation of his punishment. She -could not see why a boy’s prank should be treated so seriously, even -though it had ended in an unfortunate accident. She feared that early -breakfasts would ruin her son’s digestion, and that a month of hard -labor with no opportunity for play would result in his becoming a -confirmed invalid. Her lamentations, however, did not greatly affect -Hal’s composure. She had always loved and petted him and tried to -shield him from the rough places in life, and it was but natural that -she should take a somewhat exaggerated and pessimistic view of the -present situation. - -On the following Monday morning, at ten minutes before seven, Hal -presented himself at the armory, ready for work. Ben Barriscale was -already there, but Superintendent McCrae had not yet arrived. The -building was practically completed and it was the interior finishing -that was now, for the most part, occupying the attention of the workmen. - -As Hal entered the large drill-hall he saw Ben standing on the farther -side of it, and crossed over to meet him. He greeted him pleasantly, -but the ironmaster’s son was not responsive, and seemed to be in -anything but a cheerful mood. - -“Well,” asked Hal in an effort to be companionable, “what do you -suppose they’ll put us at?” - -“I don’t know,” was the blunt reply. “And I don’t care much. Whatever -the job is I’m sick of it already.” - -Hal tried to be encouraging. “That isn’t the way to look at it,” he -protested. “We’re into it, we’ve got to make the best of it. Maybe we -can find a little sport in it after all. Let’s try.” - -“You’re welcome to work like a common laborer if you want to, and get -what fun out of it you can. I don’t fancy the prospect.” - -Ben turned away and started to cross the hall alone. But he evidently -changed his mind, for he wheeled around and came back to where Hal was -standing. - -“Say,” he asked abruptly, “was that your gang that put the sign on our -gate-post Hallowe’en?” - -“You mean the sign ‘Puppies for sale’?” - -“That’s what I mean.” - -“Yes; that was our crowd.” - -“Was it you that wrote on that sign: ‘Young Ben is the only puppy -left’?” - -“No; I didn’t write it.” - -“Who did write it?” - -“I don’t choose to tell.” - -“Why not?” - -“You know why not. Would you give another fellow away if you were in my -place?” - -“I would if he did as mean and contemptible a trick as that.” - -“I don’t admit that it was mean and contemptible.” - -“Then you’re ready to stand for it, are you?” - -The voices of the two boys in controversy had attracted the attention -of some workmen who were standing near, awaiting the blowing of the -seven o’clock gong, and they moved over to the scene of the quarrel. - -“The stout one’s Mr. Barriscale’s son,” said one of the men, “and the -other one is Captain McCormack’s boy. I know ’em both.” - -“Well,” was the response, “they’re both blue-bloods; let ’em fight it -out, an’ see who’s the best fellow.” - -By this time both boys were too excited to notice the gathering men -or to hear their comments. Ben’s voice had grown louder as his anger -increased, his face was deeply flushed, and his eyes had a dangerous -look in them. - -“I’m ready,” replied Hal, “to stand for anything my crowd did that -night. That’s why I’m the only one of ’em here this morning.” - -“Then I’ll make you sorry you’re here.” - -In a fit of uncontrollable passion Ben made a blind lunge at his -companion in punishment, and by the very violence and suddenness of the -onset he almost swept him off his feet. But Hal’s lightness and agility -stood him in good stead, and, after yielding for a moment, he braced -himself for the contest and held his ground. He was the taller of the -two boys, the more athletic and the more agile. But Ben’s greater -weight and stockiness gave him the advantage in the first onrush, and, -had he been able skilfully to follow up the attack, his quick victory -would have been a foregone conclusion. As it was, the combatants were -not unequally matched. - -The onlookers, augmented in numbers by other workmen who had been -attracted to the scene, gathered now in the conventional ring about -the fighters. The primal instinct, only veneered by centuries of -civilization, showed itself in the avidity with which they gazed on the -combat, and in the calls and cries of encouragement they gave, each to -his individual favorite. - -The boys were now struggling and writhing in each other’s arms. A full -minute they wrestled so; then came the fall. It was swift, sudden and -disastrous. The crash of it echoed through the great, empty hall. In -disentangling himself from the prone figure beneath him Ben met with no -resistance. His antagonist lay with closed eyes, limp and insensible, -on the armory floor. At this moment Superintendent McCrae came pushing -his way through the narrow ring of spectators. - -“What’s all this about?” he asked. “What’s happened?” - -“It’s a fight,” some one answered. “The stout fellow put the other one -to sleep.” - -The superintendent turned his gaze from the swiftly paling countenance -of the boy on the floor to the hardly less colorless face of his -victorious antagonist. - -“A fight, is it!” he exclaimed. “Mayhap and it’s a tragedy.” - -He knelt on the floor at Hal’s side, felt of his wrists, and tore open -his collar and jacket. - -“Here you, Bill!” he called, “run for some water. And you, Henry, -telephone for a doctor, and get a cab. Who the dickens are these -fellows, anyway?” - -Ben began to stammer an answer, but before any intelligible words had -left his mouth the superintendent interrupted him. - -“Oh, I know!” he exclaimed. “You’re Mr. Barriscale’s son, and this is -Captain McCormack’s boy. I had the letter. Here, Bill, give me the -water.” - -He poured a little from the glass into his hand and dashed it into -Hal’s face, and repeated the process twice. Then he began chafing the -boy’s wrists. Some one suggested that the victim be carried to a bench -or chair. - -“No,” replied McCrae. “Let him lie here. He’s better off on his back -till the doctor comes. Some one lend me a jacket, though, to put under -his head.” - -In a second Ben had stripped off his coat and handed it to the -superintendent, who folded it and placed it gently under Hal’s head. - -The workmen, awed by the tragic result of the fight, began melting -away, discussing as they went the possible cause of the quarrel and its -probable results. At last, with the exception of one or two foremen and -the superintendent, all the men were gone, and Ben stood, almost alone, -by the side of his victim. He was stunned and awe-stricken. He had not -dreamed that such a thing could happen. - -“I didn’t mean to knock him out,” he said finally. “I wouldn’t have -hurt him like this for the world. What shall I do about it, Mr. McCrae?” - -“Oh,” was the reply, “just stick around here till the doctor comes, -and he’ll tell us all what to do. It’s no’ very bad, I guess. He’s -breathin’ all right now.” - -The doctor was not long in coming. His office was but two blocks away, -and the messenger who had been sent for him had made great haste. He -examined the boy carefully, but found nothing wrong except that an -area on the back of his head was already swollen and showed a marked -abrasion. There was no fracture, however. - -“It’s a slight concussion,” said the doctor. “Probably struck his head -violently when he fell. He’ll come to after a little, but I guess we’d -better take him home.” - -The cab was already at the armory entrance, and McCrae and the doctor, -between them, lifted the still unconscious boy and carried him to it. -The motion seemed to rouse him, and he opened his eyes and began to -mutter something about being responsible for what the crowd had done. - -“You’d best go home,” said McCrae, addressing Ben. “You won’t be fit to -work this morning anyway. If we need you I’ll call you up. Oh, say; -suppose you telephone to Captain McCormack that his boy is slightly -hurt and we’re takin’ him home.” - -He squeezed his big body into the cab, which the doctor had already -entered; and Hal, supported by the two men, was driven rapidly to his -father’s house. - - - - -CHAPTER III - - -When Ben reached home on the morning of the encounter at the armory -he found his father still at breakfast. Mr. Barriscale looked up in -surprise as his son entered the dining-room. - -“What brings you back at this hour?” he inquired. - -“We had a little accident up at the armory,” was the reply, “and Mr. -McCrae thought I’d better come home.” - -“So? What happened?” - -Ben went around to his accustomed place at the table and seated himself. - -“I don’t want any more breakfast,” he said to his mother who was -already giving directions to the maid for serving him. “Why, father, -you see it was this way. A crowd of fellows put that sign up on our -gate-post Hallowe’en, about puppies for sale. You know. You saw it. It -said I was the only puppy left.” - -Mr. Barriscale repressed a smile and replied: - -“Yes, I saw it. What about it?” - -“Well, Hal McCormack was in that crowd. I tried to get him to tell me -who wrote that on it, and he wouldn’t. He said he didn’t do it himself, -but he wouldn’t tell me who did.” - -“Well?” - -“He said he would take the responsibility for it; so I started in to -give him a thrashing.” - -“He deserved it; I hope you gave him a good one.” - -Mr. Barriscale had not yet fully recovered from the unpleasant -sensation of having been compelled to put his son on a par with a boy -of the middle-class in the matter of punishment, and he was not at all -averse to having the matter evened up in this way. - -“I intended to,” replied Ben; “and we clinched, and I threw him, and -his head struck the floor pretty hard, I guess. Anyway, he was knocked -unconscious, and Mr. McCrae called the doctor and they took him home.” - -Mr. Barriscale set his half-lifted cup of coffee back into the saucer -and looked serious. - -“How badly was he hurt?” he inquired. “Did the doctor say?” - -“No. He said there was a slight concussion of the brain, but he -couldn’t tell what it would amount to.” - -Mr. Barriscale looked still more serious. “I’m afraid,” he said, “that -you’ve got yourself into trouble.” - -“What shall I do about it?” inquired Ben, anxiously. - -“Well, the least you can do, and probably the most at present, is to -go to the boy’s house and inquire about him, and offer apologies, and -tender your services for anything you can do.” - -“I’m so sorry for his mother,” broke in Mrs. Barriscale. “She’s such a -helpless little thing.” - -“That’s the trouble with going to the house,” replied Ben. “I’d hate to -meet her and have to explain. She’d never understand in the world.” - -“I’ll go myself to see her,” said Mrs. Barriscale. “I think I can make -it all right with her.” - -But the ironmaster, ignoring his wife’s offer, turned peremptorily to -Ben. - -“You do as I tell you,” he commanded. “You go to McCormack’s house, and -to whomever meets you there you express your regret for the occurrence, -and offer your services. Go after school to-day.” - -That settled it. Mr. Barriscale’s wish in his family circle was law. -No one ever pretended to dispute him, least of all his son. He did not -intend to be domineering, but he could not brook opposition to his will -or his plans, and few people, either within or without his home, had -sufficient temerity to oppose him. - -At four o’clock that afternoon Ben went to Captain McCormack’s house -on his unpleasant errand. But it was not Hal’s mother who came to the -door, nor yet Hal himself, nor a maid. It was Hal’s aunt, Miss Sarah -Halpert. She knew Ben, invited him in, and followed him into the little -reception room. - -“You can’t see Hal,” she said, “if that’s what you came for. He isn’t -fit to be seen. And you can’t see his mother for she’d be sure to make -a mess of it. But you can see me and say anything you like. Now go -ahead.” - -“Well,” Ben replied, “there isn’t much to say, except that I’m sorry -about Hal. I didn’t intend to hurt him; not that much anyway. And if -there’s anything I can do to help out, why, I’d like to.” - -“Who told you to say that?” she inquired abruptly. - -“My father. He said I’d better call and express my regrets and offer my -services.” - -“I thought as much. You wouldn’t have come on your own motion, would -you? Or would you?” - -“Why, I don’t know; maybe not. But I’m sure it’s the right thing to do.” - -“Of course it is; and you deserve credit for doing it whether you came -on your own account or because your father told you to. Now tell me; -what was the trouble between you and Hal? First let me say, though, -that he isn’t bad off at all. He’s coming out of it all right; a little -dazed and mumbly yet, but he’ll be all over it in a day or two. Now, -what led up to that fight?” - -“Why, he as much as called me a puppy, and I wouldn’t stand for it, -that’s all.” - -Ben threw back his shoulders and put on that determined look -characteristic of the Barriscales. - -“Of course you wouldn’t,” was Miss Halpert’s quick reply. “No -self-respecting young man cares to be called a puppy. But how did he -come to call you one?” - -“You see it was this way, Miss Halpert. His crowd put a sign on our -gate-post Hallowe’en, ‘Puppies for sale.’ And one of them wrote on it -to buy me because I was the only puppy left. I asked Hal who wrote it -and he wouldn’t tell me. He said he was willing to stand for whatever -any one of the bunch did.” - -“Well, he was a pretty good sport, wasn’t he?” - -“Yes; if you look at it that way.” - -“But that’s the way to look at it, isn’t it? And when he wouldn’t tell -you, you got mad and punched him, didn’t you?” - -“Not exactly, but I jumped for him.” - -“Took him off his guard, didn’t you?” - -“I guess so.” - -“Was that fair? Was that sportsmanlike?” - -“Perhaps not, if you put it that way.” - -“But that’s the way to put it, isn’t it?” - -“Well, if any one tries to put anything over on me I don’t stop long to -consider. I hit back.” - -“Exactly! Now, look here, Ben! I want to say something to you. You’re a -pretty good sort, and I rather like you. But you pattern too much after -your father. He thinks he’s right all the time, and that every one who -doesn’t agree with him is wrong. That’s nonsense and I’ve told him so -to his face. If you want to get on you’ll have to drop that big I you -carry around with you and concede something to the other fellow. He may -be more than half right. For instance, when Hal pulls himself together, -as he will in a day or two, you tell him, as you’ve admitted to me, -that the stand he took in this matter wasn’t very far from right, and -that you were rather hasty in resenting it. He’ll meet you more than -half-way, I promise you. And you can tell him, too, that if he ever -calls you a puppy when you don’t deserve the name, you’ll smash his -face for him, and that I’ll back you up in it. There, I guess that’ll -be all for to-day. Give my love to your mother, and tell her I’m going -to call on her to-morrow.” - -“Thank you, Miss Halpert, I will.” - -As Ben left the house and walked down the street his mind was filled -with conflicting emotions. He had been reproved, commended and -admonished. And now, at the end of it all, he felt neither angry -nor resentful. His self-respect was not diminished, but there -seemed to have been added to his mental equipment a new sense of the -responsibilities of manhood. - -When Ben reported to his father that evening the result and the details -of his visit to the McCormack home, the grim smile that occasionally -illumined Mr. Barriscale’s face spread perceptibly over it. - -“And what uncomplimentary thing,” he asked, “did Miss Halpert have to -say about me this time?” - -“Why, she said you thought you were always right and the other fellow -wrong; that I patterned too much after you, and that if I wanted to get -on with people I’d have to cut it out.” - -A slight flush overspread Mr. Barriscale’s face, but he showed no -resentment. On the contrary his smile deepened into a perceptible -chuckle. Sarah Halpert was the only person in the city, or in any other -city for that matter, who dared to tell him unpleasant things about -himself. And, strange as it may seem, he never resented her criticism -nor opposed her will. Indeed, he seemed to appreciate her frankness and -esteem her friendship. - -“Well,” he said, after a moment, “she told you to fix things up with -young McCormack, did she?” - -“Yes. And she told me that if he ever called me a puppy again I should -smash his face, and she’d back me up in it.” - -At this the elder Barriscale laughed outright. But Ben hastened to add: - -“That is, if I didn’t deserve to be called a puppy.” - -“A very wise condition. Miss Halpert usually sees both sides of every -question. You take her advice and you won’t go far wrong.” - -But it was a week before Ben had an opportunity to carry out Miss -Halpert’s suggestion concerning Hal. Not that the injured boy was laid -up that long; but the shock had been considerable, and it was thought -not advisable to put him at his regular tasks too quickly, let alone -the extra task at the armory. On the following Monday morning, however, -he reported to Mr. McCrae for work. When he arrived Ben had not yet -reached the armory, but he came soon afterward. - -“Now then,” said the superintendent when he had the boys together, “if -you two young fellows have any uncomplimentary things to say to one -another, I want you to say ’em now, and get through with it while I’m -here, and then forget it and be friends.” - -“I’ve nothing much to say,” replied Ben, “except that I’ve been -thinking it over, and I guess Hal was more than half right about not -giving away the fellow that wrote on the sign. I’ll admit I was a -little hasty in pitching into him, but I was pretty mad about that sign -and my anger got the best of me. I’m sorry I hurt him as much as I -did, though. I didn’t intend to hurt him that much.” - -“Now, Halpert,” said the superintendent, jocosely, “it’s your play. Ben -here has toed the mark pretty squarely in my opinion. The rest is up to -you.” - -“Why, I’ve got nothing against him now,” replied Hal. “I don’t lay -things up anyway. I agree with him that he was too hasty about pitching -into me for not giving away the name of the other fellow; but I don’t -blame him one bit for getting mad about the sign. Anybody would have -got mad about that, and had a right to. I would have got mad myself. -So far as hurting me is concerned, I’m all right now, and I’m ready to -forget it, as Mr. McCrae says.” - -“Good!” was the comment of the superintendent. “That’s fine! That -settles it. We’ll dispense with the hand-shaking. It’s seven o’clock -and I want you boys to get busy. Ben, you show your pal where that -other rake is, and both of you go to it.” - -The task to which the two boys were assigned, and in which Ben had -already been engaged for a day or two, was the grading of the lawn at -the side of the armory. It was desirable that the grading should be -completed and the seeding done before freezing weather should set in, -in order that a green sward might show in the early spring. Stakes had -been set and lines stretched, low places had been filled in, and it now -remained only to shape the surface with the rake. It was not a hard -task nor a menial one; it required some skill, and an eye for long and -graceful curves, and the work was not without its satisfactions and its -compensations. - -While the reconciliation between the two boys was apparently complete, -it did not lead to comradeship. They differed from each other too -radically in temperament, and in all the fundamental things on which -personal characteristics are based, to make close companionship between -them a possibility. But, during the period of their common labor, -harmony and friendship were not lacking. - -It was three weeks later that the new armory was dedicated. Great -preparations had been made for the event. The Governor of the State, -the Adjutant-General, and the Major-General in command of the state -militia, were all to be there. So also were the colonel of the regiment -and his staff, and prominent guests from other cities. There was to -be a big meeting at the armory in the afternoon, and a grand military -ball in the evening. Captain McCormack was to be in charge of all the -exercises, and Mr. Barriscale, as president of the local Armory Board, -was to make a brief address at the afternoon meeting. The programme -was carried out to the letter. Hal and Ben were not without their -parts in the performance. Their familiarity with the armory, its -nooks, corners, accessories and occupants, obtained through three weeks -of employment there, made their services as errand boys and helpers -especially acceptable. And the excitement and novelty of the occasion -provided them with much entertainment. - -When Benjamin Barriscale arose to make his address to an audience that -packed the great drill-hall, he felt, as he did not often feel, that -the occasion was worthy of the speaker. His efforts as chairman of the -local Armory Board had been crowned with success. The concrete result -of his energetic leadership and liberal personal gifts was before the -eyes of his townsmen. It had been too often the case that people looked -somewhat askance at his prominence in civic affairs, searching for the -personal advantage that might lie back of it. But, in this instance, -surely no one could impute to him other than the most unselfish and -disinterested motives. He did not minimize his own public-spirit -and liberality in his speech, though he gave due credit to his -fellow-workers in the enterprise. And he congratulated the State and -the State Armory Board on their foresight and vision in providing so -handsome, spacious and complete a building to crown the site purchased -and paid for by the citizens of Fairweather of whom he was proud to be -one. - -“These patriotic and progressive young men of the National Guard,” -he said, “deserve the best quarters that can be provided for them. -With but little compensation save a sense of duty performed, they -stand ready at any moment not only to defend the commonwealth and the -country, but also to protect those property rights and that invested -capital without which no community can prosper. In order to make the -military arm of the State most effective, the ranks of the militia -should be recruited from young men of good education, of good family, -ready at all times to meet and quell that spirit of unrest which seeks -to overthrow the present system of organized society. I intend that -when my son arrives at an appropriate age he shall become a member of -this company, ambitious to attain to leadership in it, and I hope that -other young men of like social standing will be filled with similar -aspirations.” - -When Mr. Barriscale bowed and resumed his seat on the platform, the -applause that greeted him was scant and perfunctory. Somehow he -seemed to have struck a wrong note. The audience did not appear to -be enthusiastic either over his conception of the qualifications for -membership in the Guard, or of the duty of the militia toward the -public. Nor did his declaration that his own son should eventually be a -Guardsman meet with the outburst of approval that he had expected. - -But there was little time for digesting his remarks. Captain -McCormack, troubled and apprehensive over the turn affairs had taken, -made haste to introduce as the next speaker the Governor of the -commonwealth. - -“I heartily agree,” began the Governor, “with the distinguished -gentleman who preceded me, in most of what he has said. But it seemed -to me that in one or two things he struck a discordant note. For -instance, in my view of it, the National Guard was not created and does -not exist for the purpose of protecting the property of the corporation -and the millionaire any more than it does for protecting the humblest -home in the commonwealth. Whenever and wherever the enemies of the -state, foreign or domestic, seek by violence to subvert its laws and -destroy the rights of its citizens, then and there the strong arm of -the Guard will be lifted to restore order and preserve peace.” - -A hearty round of applause greeted the Governor’s statement. It was -evident that his audience agreed with him. He continued: - -“Nor, in my opinion, should wealth, blue blood or social standing be -requisites for admission to the ranks of the Guardsmen. The young men -who belong to that organization should be democratic in principle, -patriotic in spirit, physically and mentally capable of performing the -duties required of them. Beyond that there should be no discrimination. -It will be a sad day for this great State when any social class, no -matter what, shall be in control either of its civil or its military -affairs.” - -It was then that the Governor received his ovation. A tremendous and -spontaneous outburst of applause followed swiftly on his last words. -There was no mistaking the temper of the people who had listened to -him. He had said the opportune thing at the psychological moment. -Henceforth his place in the hearts of the citizens of Fairweather was -secure. But he did not stop there. He was too politic for that. He -went on to temper his rebuke by genuine commendation. The president -of the Barriscale company was lauded for his public spirit, his -liberality toward all good causes, and especially for his persistent -and successful effort to provide a fitting home in Fairweather for the -boys of the National Guard. Nor was the commendation confined to Mr. -Barriscale. The speaker gave high praise to other citizens who had -generously assisted in the enterprise, and to the public spirit which -had led people of all classes, rich and poor, old and young, to do what -lay in their power, often at great personal sacrifice, to bring to so -happy a conclusion an adventure which would stand always to the credit -of the city. - -“For instance,” he said, “as I approached this building this afternoon, -I was struck by the perfect and artistic manner in which your armory -lawn has been graded. And I was told that it was largely the work of -two boys in their teens, sons of prominent citizens, who generously and -patriotically are giving their time and labor out of school hours, that -the environment of this building may be the handsomest in the state.” - -“Huh!” - -The exclamation came from Slicker who had been standing near the -side of the platform gazing at the speaker with wide and admiring -eyes, drinking in the power of his oratory. But the reference to the -generosity and patriotism of Slicker’s two Hallowe’en co-conspirators -had been too much for his sense of humor; hence his inadvertent -exclamation of joyous disbelief. He at once clapped both hands over his -mouth to repress any further ejaculations of surprise or amusement, but -it was too late. Most of the persons in the audience knew the story -of the grading, realized the governor’s mistake, and, after the first -gasp at Slicker’s interruption, burst into hearty laughter. The chief -executive officer of the great commonwealth was plainly nonplused. -He saw that he had fallen into some inadvertence, but what it was he -could not imagine. He turned to Captain McCormack who was sitting at -his right and inquired as to the cause of the general hilariousness. -But, when the captain rose to explain, he was so obviously confused -and embarrassed that the audience broke into renewed fits of laughter, -and the otherwise brave captain resumed his seat without having been -able to vouchsafe a sufficient explanation of the situation to the -distinguished guest. The Governor turned to Mr. Barriscale who was -sitting at his left and repeated the question. The ironmaster half rose -from his chair to reply, but, looking out over the audience and noting -the sight and sound of its ever increasing hilarity, he too sank back -into his seat silent, bewildered and dumb. - -“Perhaps,” said the Governor, “if the two young gentlemen themselves -are in the audience they will come forward and enlighten us.” But the -“two young gentlemen,” who had hitherto been standing prominently near -the steps leading to the platform, scenting trouble from the moment -of Slicker’s outburst, had, by this time, silently and judiciously -disappeared. - -It was at this juncture that Sarah Halpert, who had been sitting well -to the front of the auditorium, rose in her place. Immediately the -noise and laughter were hushed. If Sarah Halpert were about to say -something the audience wanted to hear it; and the audience did hear it. - -“Your Excellency,” she said, addressing the Governor, “has obviously -been misinformed concerning the motives which led to the employment -of certain young men as laborers on the armory lawn. And since their -fathers appear to be unable to explain the situation, and since the -young men have vanished and cannot speak for themselves, I rise to -speak for them. I will say plainly that the motives which led them -to undertake their task were neither philanthropic, public-spirited -nor patriotic. It was purely a case of involuntary servitude. Their -labor was the penalty they were paying for having performed some -mischievous Hallowe’en pranks contrary to the rules and customs of -good society. They confessed like men, were sentenced by competent -authority, and have willingly, cheerfully and splendidly been working -out their sentence on the armory lawn. But, although they are -involuntary laborers, I wish to tell you, sir, and I know them both -well, and realize what I am saying, that they are learning something -of self-respect and discipline that a year in no other school could -possibly give them. They are learning to admire our soldiers, and -to honor our flag, and, my word for it, when they reach the proper -age and become members of the National Guard, there will be no more -public-spirited, unselfish and patriotic young men in the city of -Fairweather than Hal McCormack and Ben Barriscale.” - -Sarah Halpert took her seat. Her two-minute speech had cleared the -atmosphere and had delighted the big audience. The applause that -greeted her ears was ringing and prolonged. When the Governor was again -able to gain the attention of the people he said: - -“I am deeply grateful to the lady who has so clearly and eloquently -explained the situation. In the days of our Civil War the drafted men -were the bravest of our soldiers. If another war should compel us to -raise a great army to defend our rights, the American conscript will -be the pride of our country. By the same token it is no disparagement -to these two young men of Fairweather to say that they have been -involuntarily drawn into the service of their country, since they have -performed their duties skilfully, willingly and zealously, like the -good citizens that they are.” - -After that there was no interruption. The programme was carried out to -the letter. And when the exercises were concluded Sarah Halpert hunted -up Hal and Ben and introduced them to the Governor. - -“Here are the two conscripts,” she said. “They have come to plead for -executive clemency.” - -“I will pardon them,” replied His Excellency, “on one condition; and -that is that they shall become members of the National Guard when they -reach the mature age of eighteen years.” - -“If you will parol them in my custody,” responded Miss Halpert, “I will -see that they meet the condition. Oh, as to Ben, his father’ll push him -in; but as to Hal, I’ll attend to that matter myself.” - -“That’s very kind of you,” replied the Governor, “but I’ll venture to -say that neither one of these young men will need urging when the time -comes.” - -“I’m sure I won’t,” declared Ben. - -The Governor turned to Hal. “And how about you?” he asked. - -“Well,” replied the boy frankly, “I can’t say that I’m just crazy about -it. I’d be glad to be a soldier and fight for my country in time of -war. But I wouldn’t particularly care to go out on strike duty, the way -my father did, and fight men who can’t defend themselves.” - -The Governor looked serious. “I see!” he said, after a moment’s pause. -“You would prefer to choose your enemy. Most of us would. But we can’t -always do that. We’ve got to take them as they come. And a domestic foe -may prove to be a greater menace to our rights and liberties than a -foreign one. However, I shall expect, some day, to see you both in the -uniform of a Guardsman.” - -If Benjamin Barriscale, Sr., resented the governor’s criticism of his -impolitic speech, he did not manifest his resentment. The fact that he -invited the executive head of the state and members of his staff to -dine at the Barriscale mansion before going to the grand ball in the -evening, and that the invitation was accepted, was significant of the -continuance of friendly if not cordial relations between them. Neither -one of them could afford, unnecessarily, to antagonize the other, and -both of them knew it. - -It was not until the first snow of the winter lay an inch deep on the -armory roof that Ben and Hal completed the tasks the compensation for -which paid the damages assessed by Mr. Barriscale for the destruction -of his statue. - -On a Saturday morning early in December the two boys called at the -office of the manufacturing company to close accounts. The ironmaster -dictated a form of receipt to be given to each of them, and, when the -papers were duly signed, he delivered them with much formality. Then he -turned to Hal. - -“What do you propose to make of yourself?” he inquired bluntly. - -“I--I don’t know just what you mean,” stammered the boy. - -“I mean what are you going to do for a living when you finish school? -Ben here is going into this business with me. I shall begin training -him this vacation. I intend that eventually he shall succeed me in the -management if he shows aptness and industry. What are your plans?” - -“Why,” replied the boy, “father and I have rather figured it out that -when I get through high school I am to prepare for college if he can -afford to send me. And when I get through college maybe I’ll study to -be a lawyer or a doctor or a preacher. I don’t know yet.” - -“Well, it’s high time you did know. A boy of your age should have his -eye fixed on a certain goal, and then bend all his energy and effort to -reach it.” - -“But,” added Hal, “I know what I’d like to be. I’d like to be one of -those settlement workers, like my cousin Jim is, or something like -that, and help poor people to get their rights, and down-and-outers to -have their chance to get up again.” - -“Nonsense!” Mr. Barriscale gave a grunt of displeasure. “If people -are poor, in nine cases out of ten it’s their own fault. It’s because -they’re lazy and improvident. If they’re down and out it’s the result -of indolence or dissipation. The only way to help them is to give them -hard and steady work, as we do here. This settlement business and -uplift business and all such schemes are more or less of a fad and a -farce. Work and discipline are the only remedies for deplorable social -conditions. What does your aunt, Miss Halpert, think you ought to do?” - -“Well, she thinks I ought to do something to develop grit and backbone -and muscle and things like that.” - -“Exactly! Miss Halpert is a woman of good judgment. We don’t agree -on some things; but she isn’t lacking in common sense, and she isn’t -afraid to express her opinion.” - -Mr. Barriscale smiled grimly as he recalled some vigorous clashes with -that public-spirited and determined woman. He rather liked an opponent -who fought him openly and fairly and straight from the shoulder. - -“Well,” he added, “that’s all for to-day. Ben, you remain here. I have -some work for you to do.” - -As Hal went out into the street and swung along toward home he wondered -if Mr. Barriscale’s view of life was preferable to his own. And he -thought that some day, when he was older, he would like to argue it out -with him. But he never did. - -His association with Ben at the armory when they were engaged in a -common task could not help but result in a certain kind of friendship. -But it did not develop at any time into comradeship, nor even into -close companionship. Through the years that slipped by, they were -friends and fellow-students, nothing more. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - -It was the Fourth of July in the year 1913. In accordance with the law -of precedent and of patriotism every town and city in the United States -should have had a public celebration of the day. But Fairweather was to -have none. With the exception of a flag-raising on the plaza in front -of the Barriscale mills the national anniversary was to go entirely -unrecognized in the town so far as any public demonstration was -concerned. But the flag-raising in itself was to be no inconsiderable -event. Through the liberality of certain public-spirited citizens, -principally gentlemen belonging to the Barriscale Manufacturing -Company, a tall and beautifully tapering staff had been erected, capped -with a gilded ball, and a handsome American flag had been procured and -was ready to be drawn aloft. - -It was a rare July day. The air was fresh and clear, the sky was -cloudless, the heat was not oppressive. - -The exercises were to take place at three o’clock, and it now wanted -twenty minutes of that hour, but people were already beginning to come. -They were strolling lazily down the four streets that led into the -plaza, standing expectantly at the corners, hugging the shade of the -big mill building on the west. - -On the southerly curb, talking with each other, stood Halpert McCormack -and Ben Barriscale. They had both reached the age of eighteen years. -The one straight, slender and fair-haired, was telling the other that -he had obtained employment in the Citizens’ Bank and was to begin work -there the following day. The career thus to be begun was not the one -that had been planned for him. He was to have gone to college and then -into one of the learned professions. But the death of his father soon -after his own graduation from a preparatory school made it necessary to -change the plans for his future, and he was to go into business instead. - -“It’s too bad,” said Ben, “that you had to cut out your college course. -You should have been a professor of something or other, you’re so chock -full of wisdom. What was it the boys used to call you? Socrates?” - -“I believe so.” - -“And you were going to set the world right; weren’t you?” - -“Well, I thought there were some things in the world that needed to be -set right; I still think so.” - -“For instance?” - -“For instance, the unequal distribution of wealth.” - -“Oh, every one can’t be rich. Who’d do the world’s work?” - -“No, every one can’t be rich, that’s true. But if things were properly -adjusted every one would have plenty, and there would be no poverty.” - -“That’s some of your socialistic nonsense, Hal. I’ve got a right to be -rich if I can get the money honestly. And I’m going to be rich, too, if -hard work will get me there.” - -“Ah, but you’re Benjamin Barriscale’s son. And your father is a -millionaire. And you’ve got a chance that no other fellow in this town -has. That’s what I’m finding fault with. Opportunity should be equal -for all of us. And when things are set right it will be.” - -How much longer this sociological discussion would have continued -had it not been interrupted is uncertain. But it was interrupted. -An automobile drew up to the curb, and in it was seated Miss Sarah -Halpert, alone save for the driver of the car. Her appearance and -manner indicated that she was a woman of some importance in the -community. She was appropriately gowned, attractive in looks, and under -the brim of her flower-bedecked hat her abundant hair showed becomingly -gray. The fair-haired boy greeted her cordially as Aunt Sarah, the dark -and stocky one with due courtesy, as Miss Halpert. - -“I suppose you boys are here to see the flag-raising,” she said. “I’m -sorry I can’t stay for it. I like the idea tremendously.” She turned -to face the dark-haired boy and continued: “I’m not a great admirer of -your father, Ben, everybody knows that. But I certainly commend him for -heading the movement to put this flag here. Parades and speeches are -all right enough in their way; but when it comes to inspiring genuine -patriotism, give me the sight of ‘Old Glory’ waving in the breeze every -time.” - -“Yes,” answered Ben, “there are so many persons of foreign birth -working in the mills that father thought the sight of the flag every -day would be a constant reminder to them of the duty they owe this -government, and the necessity they are under of obeying its laws.” - -“Good idea!” exclaimed the lady. “Don’t you think so, Hal?” turning to -the fair-haired boy. - -“I suppose so,” replied Hal, “provided the government is so conducted -as to command their obedience and respect.” - -“Well, isn’t it?” she asked sharply. - -“Oh, I think there are some things that might be changed for the -better.” - -“What are they, I’d like to know? No, you needn’t tell me. It’s just -some of your high-brow notions about the social order and that sort of -thing, and I don’t want to hear them. What business has a boy of your -age, anyway, befogging his brains over economic problems? Studying -baseball scores is a vastly better business for young fellows like you.” - -The music of an approaching band had grown more distinct, and a -procession could be seen coming down the main street toward the plaza. -The procession consisted of town officials, speakers of the day, -committeemen, prominent citizens, a group of young girls dressed in -white, and the local company of state militia. Miss Sarah Halpert -stood up in her automobile to watch the soldiers as they marched by. -Dressed in khaki, arms at a right-shoulder, straight and sturdy, -obeying commands with the precision of veterans, they certainly formed -a pleasing and inspiring sight. The woman clapped her hands vigorously -in approval, her eyes sparkled, and a flush came into her cheeks. - -“Splendid!” she cried. “There’s young manhood for you!” She turned -toward the fair-haired youth. - -“Halpert McCormack,” she exclaimed, “you ought to be in that company -this minute. A boy whose father was captain of it for ten years has no -right to be outside of it.” - -“I’ve been thinking about joining,” responded Hal. “I’m eighteen now, -and I suppose I could get in. I think father would have liked me to be -a member.” - -“Of course he would. You must apply for admission to the company at -once. What about you, Ben?” turning to the other boy. - -“Oh, my application’s already in,” replied Ben. “I believe in the -military life. It’s splendid discipline for any fellow. Besides, when -my country needs soldiers I want to be prepared to fight.” - -“Good! That’s the talk!” She clapped her hands again. “Now go to it, -Hal. See who gets a commission first, you or Ben. I’ll tell you what -I want,” she continued; “I want to see Halpert McCormack captain of -Company E, as his father was before him, and Benjamin Barriscale its -first lieutenant.” - -“Suppose the order of rank should be reversed?” inquired Hal, -laughingly. - -“It wouldn’t hurt my feelings a great lot,” she retorted. “It’s only -because ‘blood is thicker than water,’ and because you’re my only -sister’s son, that I want you to be the ranking officer; but if you -don’t deserve the honor I hope to goodness you won’t get it!” She -consulted her watch and continued: “Well, I must be off. I’ll leave you -boys to see that that flag is properly raised. Good-bye, both of you!” - -She gave hurried directions to her driver, the car moved forward, and, -with a final wave of her hand, she disappeared up the street down which -she had so recently come. - -The procession had passed by, the soldiers were standing at the foot -of the staff at “parade rest,” and the band had already begun to play -the opening number of the programme when the two boys, pushing their -way through the crowd, reached more nearly the center of activity. -Following the music there came an invocation by a local clergyman and -a brief address by the mayor. Then the young girls, dressed in white, -charged with the duty of actually raising the flag, came forward to -perform their patriotic task. Assisted by the chairman of the flag -committee, they fastened the colors securely to the halyards and -awaited the order to begin hoisting. The company bugler sounded to the -color, and the band struck into the first chord of The Star-Spangled -Banner. Some one shouted: “Hats off!” and immediately the hat or cap of -every man and boy in the assemblage came from his head, the hat or cap -of every man and boy save one. Immediately back of Ben and Hal stood -a black-haired, dark-eyed young man, apparently of foreign birth or -descent. His hat did not come off. He was fairly well dressed, he bore -marks of intelligence if not of culture, and there appeared to be no -reason why he should not join the rest of the company in doing honor -to the national anthem and the national flag. Moreover, from his easy -manner and confident look, it soon became apparent that he acted, or -failed to act, not from ignorance or inadvertence, but from deliberate -choice. - -“Take off your hat!” said a man standing beside him. - -“Why should I take off my hat?” he replied. - -“Because they’re playing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and they’re raising -the flag, you fool!” - -The young man with the covered head did not appear to resent the -uncomplimentary remark, but he made no move which might have been -interpreted as an intention to obey the order that had been given to -him. The two boys had already turned to face the speakers. People in -the vicinity who, by reason of the band’s music, had failed to hear -what had been said, yet knowing that a quarrel was beginning, began to -move toward the immediate scene of the controversy. The defiant young -man regarded them with cool indifference. - -“The flag which they raise,” he said, “stands too much for the -injustice and the wrong, that I should honor it.” - -The man who had protested grew red in the face. - -“Why, you ingrate,” he shouted, “the protection you get from that flag -was what brought you to this free country, and you know it!” - -And the defiant one answered: - -“The only flag which gives the protection to all men alike is the red -flag of the common brotherhood. I honor no capitalist banner.” - -He spoke distinctly, decisively, with an accent that marked him as a -student if not a master of English. Still his hat remained on his -head. More people, attracted by the speakers, began to crowd closer, -eager to hear, at short range, what was an interesting if not a heated -controversy. - -In the meantime, at the foot of the flagstaff, there was confusion -and delay. The band was still playing, but the colors were not moving -upward. Something had gone wrong with the apparatus by which the -flag was to be hoisted. A portion of the blue field and some of the -milk-white stars had been drawn up above the heads of the audience, -but had refused to go higher. Apparently the halyards had caught in -the pulley at the top of the staff, and all the efforts of the young -girls robed in white, and all the efforts of the chairman of the flag -committee, mingled freely with perspiration and ejaculations, failed -to release them. But, even in the face of this attractively awkward -situation, people were turning and pressing in ever increasing numbers -toward the man who had refused to uncover his head either at the sound -of the music or the sight of the folds of The Star-Spangled Banner. - -An impetuous young fellow, pushing his way in from the outskirts of the -crowd, cried: - -“Oh, don’t fool with him! If he won’t take his hat off, knock it off!” - -The suggestion was no sooner made than it was acted upon. A near-by -hand shot out, and the next moment the offensive head-gear went flying -out into the crowd. The face of the defiant one flushed and paled, his -dark eyes blazed with indignation, his lips twitched; but he did not -speak. No one appeared to sympathize with him; no one put forth any -effort to protect him. On the contrary, all those who witnessed the -overt act made noisy manifestation of their approval; all but Halpert -McCormack. He was silent and doubtful. He would have resented any -imputation of disloyalty on his part either in thought or deed. But the -thing that had just been done did not appeal to him. It offended his -sense of justice. His sympathy, which had always been for the under dog -in any fight, was aroused in behalf of the man who was standing alone -in the midst of a hostile crowd. But he said nothing; it would have -been useless to protest. Nor was he quite sure that the man had not, -partly at least, deserved the treatment he had received. Doubtless the -incident would have been closed then and there had not the red-faced -man who had originally protested desired further to express his -abhorrence of acts savoring of disloyalty to the flag. - -“You’ve no kick coming,” he said, addressing the young man whose hat -had been forcibly removed and was now irretrievably crushed; “you’re -lucky not to have your face smashed as well as your hat.” - -“Well,” was the prompt reply, “if this is what you call it, the American -spirit of fair play, then I have the good reason to dishonor your -American flag.” - -And the red-faced man, growing still more angry, retorted: - -“If you don’t like the American spirit, go back where you came from. -What business have you got here, anyway? Who are you?” - -Again the reply came promptly and deliberately: - -“I have the same business here like you. Me, I am Hugo Donatello, -Internationalist. My journal, which I publish in your city, is by name -_The Disinherited_. I commend it to your reading that you may learn -from it the first principles of human justice and decency.” - -Then the fellow at whose suggestion Donatello was made hatless broke in -again: - -“Oh, I know who he is. He’s an anarchist. He’s no business here. Run -him out!” - -Half a dozen voices echoed the cry: “Run him out! Run him out!” - -In the crowd there was a movement, perceptible and ominous, an -involuntary drawing toward the center of the disturbance. The red-faced -man spoke up again: - -“Gentlemen, this fellow is not only an enemy to our government, he has -also insulted our flag. Before he is permitted to go he should be made -to apologize.” - -The idea became suddenly popular. - -“Yes,” was the cry from a dozen throats, “make him apologize!” - -The red-faced man turned toward the intended victim. “Well,” he -demanded, “are you going to do it?” - -“Do what?” - -“Apologize.” - -“To whom?” - -“To the flag.” - -“But I do not honor your flag. It is the same as nothing to me.” - -“We’ll make you honor it. By the shade of Washington, we’ll make you -kiss it!” - -“Ah, that is the autocratic boast! But I am of the people. I defy you! -I will spit upon your flag!” - -He stood, with bloodless face and blazing eyes, desperate and defiant. -He could no longer hold his anger in check. He had spoken his mind. And -he knew, or should have known, that he must now pay the penalty for -his rashness. It was Ben Barriscale who, echoing the red-faced man’s -suggestion, shouted: - -“Make him kiss the flag!” - -It was a suggestion and a demand that was caught up at once by the -crowd, and immediately there was a concerted movement to carry it out. -A powerful man, standing near Donatello, seized his arms and pinioned -them behind his back. A dozen hands reached out to force him toward -the spot where the colors still lay in the arms of the girls dressed in -white. - -Up to this moment Halpert McCormack had looked on disapprovingly, -but had held his peace. He could remain silent no longer. His sense -of fair play had been outraged. To hound this man into expressions -of disloyalty and contempt and then to make him pay the humiliating -penalty strained his patience to the breaking point. - -“It’s not fair!” he shouted. “You drove him into it. You’ve got no -right to punish him!” He started forward, with arms raised as if to -strike off the hands that were gripping and pushing the defamer of the -flag. But men who were not able to reach Donatello could reach his -would-be defender, and they did. They held him back and pulled down his -arms, and the red-faced man shouted at him: - -“You hold your tongue, young fellow, or you’ll get a dose of the same -medicine.” - -But the victim of over-zealous patriotism shot a grateful glance at the -boy. - -“You have the red blood,” he cried; “I salute you!” - -Then, hatless, white-faced, outraged in soul and body, Donatello was -propelled, not too gently, to the foot of the flagstaff. - -The young girls in white became so frightened at the spectacle that -they forgot all rules of flag etiquette and dropped the colors to the -ground and fled. And into the mass of red, white and blue bunting, -caught up by some rescuer, the face of the man who had expressed a -desire to spit upon the flag was rudely and violently thrust. He had -been forced to his knees, his coat was half torn from his shoulders, -and his mass of black hair was flung in disorder across his eyes. - -After his commendation of McCormack’s futile effort to protect him -he did not again speak. He knew that words would have been not only -useless but provocative no doubt of still greater violence. And when -the crowd, burning with patriotic zeal, had worked its will with him, -had made him, after its fashion, “kiss the flag,” they let him go. They -not only let him go, they helped him on his way. They escorted him to -the curb at the opening of the main street into the plaza, turned his -face to the north, and, with one final thrust, sent him reeling up the -walk. Having performed this patriotic task they returned to the foot of -the flagstaff where renewed efforts on the part of the chairman of the -committee had finally resulted in the freeing of the halyards, and “Old -Glory,” hoisted by the girls in white, at last flung its emblematic -folds out on the sustaining winds, and flashed its splendid colors in -the sunlight of a perfect summer day. - -But one young American, Halpert McCormack by name, unconscious of any -feeling of disloyalty to his country’s flag, believing nevertheless -that it had been made the occasion and the cause of unnecessary and -disgraceful persecution, turned away in disgust from the crowd that -had been so rudely patriotic, and walked thoughtfully and regretfully -toward his home. - -And one young radical of foreign birth and destructive purpose, son -of Italian parents, outraged beyond expression at his treatment by a -patriotic mob, sought his modest quarters to brood over his wrongs, -and to lay plans and conceive plots that should in time satisfy his -passionate desire for revenge. - - - - -CHAPTER V - - -Although the incident at the flag-raising on the Fourth of July was -deeply and unpleasantly impressed on the mind and memory of Halpert -McCormack, it did not deter him from following the advice of his -Aunt Sarah Halpert, and filing his application to become a member of -Company E of the National Guard. He felt, in the first place, that in -doing so he was honoring the memory of his father, who had been, in -his lifetime, the captain of the company and devoted to its interests. -He felt also that while military force ought to be unnecessary in the -conduct and protection of governments, the times were not yet ripe for -the voluntary disarmament of any nation, and that perhaps it was his -duty as a young American citizen to identify himself with the visible -means of preserving domestic order and preventing foreign aggression. -His application for enlistment was promptly approved by the commanding -officer, and he was directed to present himself at the armory to be -sworn in. - -It so happened that McCormack and Benjamin Barriscale, Jr., appeared -at headquarters on the same evening for the same purpose. The oath, -administered to them by Captain Murray, was handed to them on separate -sheets for each one to sign. Young Barriscale affixed his name at once -with a dash and a certainty that indicated complete satisfaction with -the course he was taking. But McCormack was not so prompt. He was -given to deliberation, and he read over carefully the oath that he had -already heard. It was only after he had fully digested its contents and -asked some questions concerning it that he signed his name. One clause -of it stuck fast in his memory, and he never afterward forgot it. - - “And I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and - allegiance to the United States of America, that I will - serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies - whomsoever.” - -After the ceremony of enlistment had been completed Barriscale and -McCormack were placed in charge of a sergeant and taken down to the -drill-hall to be instructed in the “setting-up” process. And, as no -other recruits had been enlisted at about that time, they two alone -formed the awkward squad. - -They were made to assume the position and attitude of a soldier: -Heels on the same line, feet turned out equally, knees straight -without stiffness, body and head erect and squarely to the front, -chin drawn in, arms hanging naturally with thumbs along the seams of -the trousers. They were drilled in alignments, in the facings and in -marchings. Occasionally an officer or a group of privates would come -along and watch for a little the instruction of the “rookies,” and -comment on the facility with which they grasped an understanding of -military methods and practice. But there was no criticism of their -awkwardness, nor was any fun made of their mistakes. - -The most interested onlooker was Chick Dalloway. Chick was a hanger-on -of Company E. He had a decided leaning toward the military life, and -hoped some day to be a member of the company. But poor Chick was -under-sized, hump-backed, lop-shouldered, and hollow-chested. Moreover -he had not that degree of mental alertness and stability necessary in -an efficient soldier. So, although no one had ever had the heart, or -heartlessness, to tell him so, every one but Chick knew that there -was no possibility of his ever becoming an enlisted man in Company E. -In the meantime, however, the company profited by his devotion to its -interests. He was always present on drill nights, he always accompanied -the troops to the summer encampment, he ran errands, he carried water, -he cleaned equipment, he performed all kinds of humble service for -the officers and enlisted men; and while he was not on the company’s -pay-roll, he received regularly a small gratuity from those whom he -served. And as the weeks and months and years went by, he never ceased -to dream of the day when he too should wear khaki, and carry a rifle, -and march with the best of them. - -At the end of an hour the two new recruits were dismissed with -commendation from the drill-master and compliments from Chick. - -“I ain’t never seen no two rookies,” said the boy, “since I been in the -company, what got into the game quicker’n easier’n them fellers.” - -It was three weeks later that McCormack, on his way to the armory on -a drill night, ran squarely into Hugo Donatello at the river bridge -on Main Street. It was the first time that the two young men had seen -each other since the Fourth of July, but the recognition was mutual. -McCormack would have passed on with a nod, but Donatello stopped and -held out his hand. - -“I have not before had the opportunity,” he said, “to thank you for -your attitude toward me on your Independence Day. I wish that I do so -now.” - -Hal took the man’s hand; he could do no less. - -“Oh,” he replied, “that was nothing. I thought they weren’t giving you -a square deal, and I said so, that was all.” - -“I know; but it demanded the courage to say so. You were very brave. -Me, I shall not soon forget it.” - -“Well,” replied Hal, smiling, “I always did sympathize with the under -dog in a fight, and you were the under dog that day all right.” - -“Yes. The--the under dog.” He was a little doubtful about the meaning -of the phrase. The simile was not familiar to him. But he continued: -“They thought to punish me. It is the--what you call--boomerang. The -incident is known and deprecated by workers everywhere. It has roused -their resentment. They do not like that a capitalist flag be made one -excuse for abuse and oppression of a member of the proletariat. The -ruling class, they are to suffer for that outrage.” - -His voice rose at the finish, and his eyes flashed. It was plain that -the resentment he harbored was deep and bitter. - -“I’ve told you already,” said Hal, “that I didn’t think they treated -you right. But I don’t know that it was the ruling class that was to -blame for it.” - -“Yes. The capitalistic system. That is it which is to blame for all -outrages on society. When the workers come into control, it is then -that there will be justice for everybody.” - -He opened his arms as if to take into his embrace all men everywhere. - -“I know,” replied Hal. “I know what you people preach; I know what your -paper advocates. I read it. I’m interested in this social problem. I -think you’re right in a good many things, but I can’t follow you to the -end. I’m with everybody who doesn’t have a fair chance. But I don’t -see the justice in knocking down a man who has a little more than I -have and taking it away from him, provided he got it honestly.” - -“Exactly! If he got it honestly then would he have no more than his -fellow-man. Exactly! It is the ruling class who take the workers by -the throat and choke them, so, into submission, into labor, poverty, -bondage. What is the law? They make the law for us to obey. Do we -ask for our own? Behold the jail! Do we try to take what belongs to -us? Come the hired assassins, police, constabulary, militia, federal -troops. So! It is terrible! Yet, some day, some day the workers will -come into their own!” - -They had stopped on the bridge and stood leaning against the -guard-rail, looking out through the twilight across the shadowed -surface of the river to the hills that towered precipitately from the -farther bank. As they stood there Ben Barriscale passed them by on his -way to the armory. Attracted by the eagerness in Donatello’s voice, he -slackened his pace for a moment to look and listen. But the speakers, -absorbed in their conversation, did not notice him. - -“Why,” replied Hal, “I know there’s a good deal of injustice. But -without the courts and the military there’d be more. We’ve got to have -a government, and laws, and we’ve got to keep order. That’s what the -militia is for. I belong to the National Guard, now, myself.” - -“So? You are, then, a soldier?” - -“Yes. I’ve got a state and a country. I’ve sworn allegiance to the -United States, and to the State of Pennsylvania, and that I will serve -them against all their enemies.” - -“So, then, who are their enemies?” asked Donatello, and answered his -own question: “all who exploit labor and oppress the poor.” - -“Yes,” agreed Hal, “that’s true, perhaps. But there may be more direct -enemies. Mobs at home, governments abroad that would want to fight us. -We must protect our own. We must be patriotic.” - -Donatello caught up the word: - -“Patriotic! What then is patriotism? A fetish! Nothing more. A -superstition fostered by capitalism for its own most selfish purposes. -Oh, in that day, under the rule of the proletariat, patriotism will not -be any more. Workers the world over will unite under one flag, the red -flag of the common brotherhood. Not any longer will be nationalism, but -internationalism. Not any longer will be wars, poverty, suffering; but -peace, always peace, plenty, happiness!” - -The arc light on the bridge flashed up and lighted the speaker’s face, -aglow with earnestness and conviction. That he was a devout believer in -his own propaganda there could be no doubt. - -Hal lifted his elbows from the railing and shook his shoulders as if to -cast off the spell laid on him by the speaker’s enthusiasm. - -“Well,” he said, “I’ve got to hurry along or I’ll be late for drill. -I’m glad to have had a talk with you, though; I’ve often wanted to hear -one of you radicals expound your beliefs. I’ve thought and read about -these things quite a bit. I like your idealism all right; but I can’t -follow you practically.” - -“Ah, but some day you will, when you see the more clearly. I shall talk -with you again; is it not so? I have much interest. We may reach common -ground.” - -He held out his hand cordially, as to an old-time friend. So they shook -hands and said good-night to each other, and then Private McCormack, -with a leaning toward socialism, hurried along to the armory to attend -to his duties as a soldier in the service of the State. - -Both McCormack and Barriscale were now serving regularly in the ranks. -They were fully uniformed and equipped, and they drilled, marched, and -faced imaginary foes with the rest. It was not a disagreeable service. -The officers of the company were considerate, and the enlisted men -were for the most part congenial, at least to Hal. Moreover, there was -a kind of satisfaction, an exhilaration indeed, in the performance -of military movements in unison with a body of men. The swing and -rhythm of it were captivating to Hal, the sense of power engendered by -it was inspiring to Ben. And then, too, a feeling of patriotism was -aroused, an emotion that would not have been so deeply stirred by the -activities of civil life. But, while McCormack was patriotic, he was -not bloodthirsty. On the contrary, he was peace-loving in the extreme. -No one would have deprecated more than he the necessity of going to -war, yet if his country had been endangered, or his flag threatened, he -would not have hesitated to fight. Young Barriscale, on the other hand, -was more belligerent. He believed in the arbitrament of the sword. -He believed that a nation like ours should always maintain a strong, -well-drilled, well-officered national army, and be prepared to fight, -not only for the suppression of domestic and internal revolts, not only -for the defense of its own soil, but also for the preservation of the -liberties of any people oppressed by a tyrannical government, as Cuba -had been prior to 1898. Naturally, with such divergent opinions, there -had been more than one clash between the two boys, yet no bad blood had -been aroused, and their friendship with each other remained unbroken. -There had been another point of disagreement between them also. That -was concerning the punishment meted out to Donatello on the Fourth of -July. Ben had insisted that it was not a fraction of what he deserved; -Hal had contended that it was excessive, uncalled for, and brutal. So, -while the two young men remained passive friends, there had been no -companionship between them. Indeed, they had little in common save a -desire on the part of each to excel in proficiency as a member of the -National Guard. - -Then came an incident, entirely unlooked for, that brought to a sudden -end such friendly relations as had hitherto existed between them. It -occurred on the same evening on which McCormack had had his interview -with Donatello on the bridge. It was following company drill. Ranks -had been broken, and the men moved off, singly and in groups, to the -stack and locker room to put away their rifles and equipment, Hal and -Ben going with the rest. But it so chanced that each of the two boys, -independently of the other, decided to remain for a little and clean -and brighten up his gun and accoutrements. - -Ben had discovered a small spot of rust on the barrel of his rifle and -he determined to remove it. So, after oiling and rubbing the leather -parts of his equipment, he got a piece of emery paper from his locker -and set to work. - -The only persons remaining in the stack-room at this time, besides -himself, were Hal, who was busy cleaning his own rifle, and Chick, who -was watching them both. - -Chick usually followed the enlisted men to the racks after drill, and -helped them, so far as they cared to be helped, in disposing of their -arms and accoutrements. - -He was looking on now at Hal, talking with him, making suggestions and -comments, commending him for the excellence of his work. Of the two -boys he liked Hal the better. For Hal was always kind to him, and very -considerate, and treated him just as though he were already the bona -fide enlisted man that he expected some day to be; while Ben, aside -from directing him, on occasion, to perform some small service, was -dignified and distant, and had little to say to him. - -So to-night, save for an occasional side glance, Chick was paying -little attention to Private Barriscale. But when, out of the corner of -his eye, he saw Ben, with his rifle resting across his knees, begin -to rub the spot of rust on the barrel with a square of emery paper, -the boy’s attention was instantly attracted, and his interest aroused. -He looked on incredulously for a moment, then, apparently unable to -restrain his criticism, he walked across the room to where Ben was -sitting. - -“Excuse me!” he said, saluting as he approached, “but that ain’t no way -to git rust spots off’n a rifle bar’l.” - -Private Barriscale looked up in amazement. He was not accustomed to -being criticized by a company hanger-on, and, besides, things had not -gone well at the drill, and he was not in a particularly genial mood. - -“What? What’s that you say?” he demanded sharply. - -“I say,” responded Chick, “as that ain’t no way to clean a rifle bar’l. -You shouldn’t ever ought to clean a rifle bar’l with emery.” - -“What business is it of yours how I clean my rifle?” - -“Why, I s’pose ’tain’t none o’ my business. But I know ’t no one can’t -clean his rifle bar’l with no emery paper, cause it’s ag’inst the -rules.” - -“Well, when I want your advice I’ll tell you. In the meantime suppose -you confine your admonitions to your friend across the room.” - -Chick was not angry nor resentful. He felt that he had done his duty by -a new recruit. If his advice was not acceptable it was not his fault. - -“Excuse me!” he said. “I didn’t have no intention o’ buttin’ in. I just -wanted you to know what I know about cleanin’ rifle bar’ls. I al’ays -try to help the rookies out, best I kin.” - -Then, indeed, Ben’s wrath blazed up. To be called a “rookie” by this -inconsequential camp-trotter was more than he could stand. He jumped to -his feet and brought the butt of his rifle to the floor with a crash. - -“You leave this room!” he shouted. “You’ve no business here! You’re a -meddler and a fool!” - -Chick stood staring at the angry youth in amazement. He could not -understand why his well-intentioned advice should have brought forth -such a burst of wrath. Still less could he understand why he should -be ordered to leave a room in which, so far as he knew, he had been -welcome as a friend and helper for the last three years. Nor could -Halpert McCormack understand it. Or, if he did dimly understand the -cause of Barriscale’s wrath he could have no sympathy with him in his -angry outburst. Up to this moment he had been a silent witness to the -affair. Now he felt that it was just to Chick, and due to his own -self-respect, that he should take a hand in it. - -“You don’t have to go, Chick,” he said quietly. “I’ve as much authority -here as Barriscale has, and I tell you to stay.” - -Ben’s face, already flushed with anger, turned scarlet now. For a -moment he could not find words with which to express his indignation. -But when he did speak it was apparent that the current of his wrath had -changed and was setting violently toward Hal. - -“What business is it of yours,” he demanded, “what orders I give to -this intermeddling runt?” - -“It’s my business,” replied Hal, “because you’ve no right to give such -orders. Besides, Chick wasn’t intermeddling; he intended to do you a -favor.” - -“Me? Do me a favor?” He spoke in a voice and manner of infinite scorn. - -“Yes. He was entirely right when he said it was improper and against -the rules to use emery paper on your rifle barrel. A little oil, -a piece of soft wood, and a woolen rag will remove a spot of rust -effectually and save the finish on your barrel.” - -If Hal had thought to appease his comrade’s wrath by this explanation, -he soon discovered his error. Barriscale was more violently angry than -before. - -“Who set you up,” he shouted, “as an instructor in the care of arms?” - -McCormack was still calm. - -“No one,” he replied. “I’ve simply studied my regulations, and Chick -taught me, a week ago, how to remove rust.” - -“Oh, Chick taught you, did he? Major-General Chick! No wonder you’ve -made a bosom friend of him! It seems to be the height of your ambition -to make boon companions of anarchists and fools!” - -This was his parting shot. He put his rifle in its place in the rack -with a bang, flung his cleaning appliances into his locker and snapped -the door shut, and then, white with unreasonable rage, he left the -room. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - -It was late in the spring following the enlistment of Halpert McCormack -and Ben Barriscale in Company E. Ben’s father, for whom the boy had -been named, was well satisfied with his son’s predilection toward -military service, and looked to see him make rapid promotions. Mr. -Barriscale was still favorably disposed toward the National Guard. -As president of the Barriscale Manufacturing Company he was a large -employer of both skilled and unskilled labor. There had been times when -differences of opinion between him and his employees had reached the -verge of a strike, with possible violence and disorder looming up in -the distance. Such times might occur in the future. No one could tell. -If they should occur, and if there should be any serious outbreak, an -outbreak beyond the power of the local police or the state constabulary -to quell, then the safety of a half million dollars’ worth of property -might depend on the prompt and efficient action of the soldiers of the -National Guard. - -It had been demonstrated, time and again, that the military are always -masters of the mob. This fact may have accounted to some extent for -Mr. Barriscale’s interest in the state militia. And his favorable -attitude toward Company E was doubtless largely due to the further fact -that his only son was now a promising member of that organization. Be -that as it may, when he entered Captain Murray’s office on an ideal -June morning in 1914 it was with a most favorable predisposition toward -the company of which the captain was the commander. It was also with a -due sense of the importance of his errand. But Mr. Barriscale’s errands -were always important. As the head of the greatest industry in the city -of Fairweather, he was, of necessity, one of the city’s leading men, -and he was not averse to being recognized as such. - -It was his habit, in matters of business, to waste no time in -preliminary or needless conversation. He was by nature as blunt and -direct as Captain Murray was politic and suave. He might therefore have -been expected to go at once to the purpose of his visit; but, for some -unknown reason, he apparently desired, on this occasion, to approach it -by degrees. - -“I am, as you doubtless know,” he said, “a firm believer in the -National Guard. I consider it one of the most important arms of our -state government.” - -The captain replied courteously: “I have understood that to be your -attitude, Mr. Barriscale; and of course I fully agree with you.” - -“And possibly,” continued the visitor, “you will recall the fact that -I was one of the contributors, I may say the largest contributor, -toward the fund raised by the citizens for the purchase of the ground -on which the State erected your armory, and president of the local -Armory Board.” - -“Yes; I remember that circumstance and your service with gratitude.” - -“And since my son has been a member of Company E, of course my interest -in your organization has greatly increased.” - -“Quite naturally, and very properly.” - -The captain was now wondering what all this was leading up to, but his -curiosity was not to be immediately satisfied. So far as prolixity was -concerned, Mr. Barriscale was breaking the habit of a lifetime. He -continued: - -“I wish to say that I was particularly impressed with the fine -appearance, the soldierly precision, and the correct military bearing -of your men in the parade on last Memorial Day.” - -“Thank you! I appreciate the compliment. I believe the men deserve it.” - -“Yes. And I consider it our duty, sir, as civilians, to encourage our -young soldiers to excel in military performance; in fact, sir, to make -your company the crack company in the National Guard of our State.” - -“Thank you! That would be a most laudable ambition on the part of my -men.” - -“Therefore I have decided to establish a prize of one hundred dollars -to be awarded each year to that enlisted man of your company who -shall be most proficient in military drill, and most faithful in the -performance of all of his military duties.” - -“Yes?” Now that the secret was out Captain Murray was not only taken by -surprise, as Mr. Barriscale intended he should be, but he was not quite -sure whether the surprise was an agreeable one. “Yes,” he repeated. -“A most generous proposition on your part. I shall be very glad to -consider its practicability.” - -“Oh, I have considered all that,” was the reassuring reply. “The plan -is entirely feasible. I propose to place a fund of twenty-five hundred -dollars in trust, the annual interest on which will pay the expense -of administration and provide the stipulated amount for the prize. As -to the manner of making the award I am not particular. I am entirely -willing that the company commander shall designate the man.” - -“I would not think of taking such a responsibility on myself,” replied -the captain promptly. “A commanding officer should avoid everything -which might possibly be construed as an act of favoritism.” - -“Yes, I had thought you might hesitate to make an award, and in that -event I had decided to recommend that it be made by a committee of -commissioned officers chosen from the Guard outside of your company. -That method should be entirely satisfactory to the competitors.” - -“No doubt it would be. But, of course, the first question to be decided -is that of accepting your most generous offer.” - -Mr. Barriscale looked a trifle startled. “You do not mean to intimate,” -he said, “that there is any doubt in your mind about the advisability -of accepting my gift?” - -The captain replied diplomatically: - -“Regardless of how eager I might be, personally, to take advantage -of your offer, I consider the matter too important to be left to my -unaided judgment. In the first place, your proposition should be -presented to my military superiors for their approval, and, that -obtained, my men should have a voice in the matter of its acceptance.” - -Mr. Barriscale was surprised but not disconcerted. - -“Your men?” he said inquiringly. “I can understand why your superior -officers should be consulted, but I presumed that it was for your men -to obey orders and abide by rules.” - -“Well, you see it’s this way, Mr. Barriscale. In a way military -government is excessively autocratic, and in another way it is, -or should be, highly democratic. It’s the only way to preserve -discipline, and at the same time to keep the men happy, contented and -self-respecting. Now, in a case like this, which lies somewhat outside -of military rules, precedents and discipline, I think it is extremely -important that the men should have their say about it from the start. -It makes a better feeling all the way around. Captain McCormack adopted -that policy years ago, and I have tried to continue it. I think you see -the point.” - -“Yes, I see. I suppose popular opinion must be catered to, even in -military matters. Well, have it as you like. There is no doubt but that -your men will eagerly embrace such an opportunity as I offer them, not -only for the sake of the prize itself, but also for the sake of the -incentive to excel that it will give to all of them.” - -“Yes.” Captain Murray did not seem to be unduly enthusiastic, and Mr. -Barriscale continued: - -“I will have my lawyer put the offer in correct written form, setting -forth the purpose and conditions of the foundation, so that you will -have a concrete proposition to present to your superiors in office. I -will burden the gift with but one unalterable condition, and that is -that the prize shall be known as ‘The Barriscale Prize for Military -Excellence.’” - -“A very proper and appropriate name for it, I am sure. I will take -the matter up immediately upon receiving your written offer. In the -meantime permit me to express to you my deep personal gratitude for -your interest in my men.” - -There were a few minutes more of courteous conversation, and then Mr. -Barriscale hurried to the street, entered his car, and was driven to -his office at the mills, leaving Captain Murray uncertain, perplexed, -and apprehensive of trouble in the matter of the millionaire’s proposed -gift. - -Nor was Mr. Barriscale entirely satisfied with the result of his -interview. As he thought the matter over later, in his office, it -occurred to him that his proposal should have been accepted at once -by the company commander. To refer the offer to the enlisted men -for their approval might imply that there was a question about the -acceptability of his gift, and this was not a pleasing thought to him. -It was inconceivable that a public donation from Benjamin Barriscale -should be looked at askance by the donees. But the situation annoyed -him to such an extent that he was on the point of calling up Captain -Murray by telephone and withdrawing his offer, and doubtless he would -have done so had he not been at that moment interrupted by a business -call of importance. Later in the day, however, when his mind returned -to the topic, his resolution had stiffened, and he decided to see the -matter through, regardless of the manner of reception of his offer. -He had made the proposition, he would stand by his guns. It was not -long, therefore, before he sent to Captain Murray the written plan -for his proposed prize donation. The captain sent it up to regimental -headquarters and asked for instructions. In due time he was advised -that there was nothing in the regulations to prevent the acceptance of -the gift, and that so long as it proceeded from an individual, and not -from a firm or corporation employing workmen, there would appear to be -nothing in military ethics adverse to the idea of acceptance. In short, -it was a matter for the discretion of the company commander, or for the -decision of his enlisted men if he chose to refer the question to them. - -Captain Murray was in a quandary. He feared to throw the question of -acceptance open to his men lest the proposed prize should become an -apple of discord. He hesitated to decide the matter himself, lest he -should be considered too autocratic. Moreover, while he felt that the -company could not afford to reject a gift offered by a man of Mr. -Barriscale’s prominence and peculiarity, he well knew that the spirit -in which the offer had been made was not an entirely disinterested -one, and that if the gift were accepted the public would draw its own -conclusions. Many times he heartily wished that the fertile brain of -the millionaire manufacturer had never conceived the idea. - -Not so Mr. Barriscale. Having recovered from the slight shock which -Captain Murray’s hesitancy had given him, the more he thought about -his proposition the more pleased he was with his altruistic plan. He -mentioned the matter to his friends and sought their approval, which -he readily obtained; and before the company commander had heard from -headquarters, the subject of the proposed gift had become a town topic. - -In the next issue of Donatello’s weekly journal, _The Disinherited_, -there appeared a brief but biting editorial headed: “Is it an Attempt -to Bribe the Military?” - -It ran as follows: - - “It is reported, credibly, that a citizen millionaire of - Fairweather has made the offer to the company of state soldiery - in this city that he pay $100 for each of the years to one - member of the company who shall be found to be most excellent - in the military drill. So open-faced a scheme is not necessary - to further the capitalistic advantage. The soldiery of the - State know already whom they serve. Should it be that the - workers of the city make a similar offer, it would be hailed - immediately as bribery. We are informed that the members of the - company will vote whether they will accept this millionaire’s - offer. It will be interesting to watch, to see how many of the - uniformed servants of capitalism will by this vote proclaim - their allegiance to those their masters.” - -Donatello’s folio sheet was limited in circulation, but within -twenty-four hours after his editorial appeared in print it was being -discussed in Fairweather by all kinds of men in all grades of society, -and was being commended as a proper characterization of a proposed -donation, or else hotly denounced as an insult to an amiable gentleman, -and an unwarranted and vicious attack upon the integrity of Company E -of the National Guard. Nor was the membership of the company itself -entirely free from the bitterness of the controversy. - -Captain Murray looked forward with grave apprehension to the company -meeting which had been called to take up the matter. He felt that it -was now more necessary than ever that the men themselves should decide -the question, but he knew that whichever way the vote went the result -would be an unfortunate one. - -It was Monday when the opinion came from regimental headquarters; -it was Wednesday night after drill when the members of the company, -pursuant to notice, met as a business organization. Captain Murray was -in the chair. After two or three matters of secondary importance had -been disposed of he read to the men Mr. Barriscale’s written offer. At -the conclusion of the reading he said quietly: - -“Owing to the unfortunate controversy which has arisen over this -proposal I have been tempted to take the matter into my own hands -and make a decision, as I have a right to do. But it is my desire -to preserve in the company a spirit of democracy so far as it may be -consistent with military usages and discipline. I am therefore leaving -the matter entirely to you. I have communicated with headquarters, and -I find that there is no military objection to the acceptance of this -gift. If you receive it it should be strictly under the conditions of -the offer. I am ready to entertain a motion.” - -Captain Murray had no sooner finished speaking than Private Stone was -on his feet. - -“I move,” said he, “that Mr. Barriscale’s gift to Company E be accepted -in accordance with the terms and conditions under which it is offered.” - -The motion was promptly seconded. - -“Are there any remarks?” asked the chairman. He looked over his -audience apprehensively, and appeared to be greatly relieved to find -that no one seemed to care to discuss the issue. - -“If there are no remarks,” he continued, “I will put the question.” - -But before he could actually call for the vote, Ben Barriscale rose to -his feet. He was recognized by the chair and said: - -“I want to take this opportunity to repeat publicly what I have -frequently declared privately, that inasmuch as this prize is to be -given by my father I will not compete for it. I want to say also, in -answer to many open charges and mean insinuations, that there are -absolutely no strings attached to the gift. It is given in a spirit -of unselfish generosity. I am sure that those who have opposed its -acceptance have not the best interests of the Company at heart. They -have been moved by jealousy and class hatred. We should not let these -unjust suspicions and animosities influence us. We should grasp an -opportunity that may never come to us again. I hope the vote will be -unanimous for the acceptance of this gift. I call for the question.” - -The speaker had no sooner taken his seat than Private McCormack arose. -The chairman recognized him and sighed. He felt that the storm he had -anticipated was about to break. - -“In view of the remarks just made,” said McCormack, “I feel that it is -my duty to speak. I am opposed to the acceptance of this gift. But I -am not moved by jealousy or class hatred. I am not disputing the good -intentions of the giver. His motive may be an entirely disinterested -one. I do not know. But whether he intends it or not, or whether we -intend it or not, if we accept this gift we will be under an obligation -to him. If we were not we would have no sense of gratitude. The -National Guard has been sufficiently criticized as it is, for taking -the side of capital against labor in all clashes between them. No -doubt we have been accused unjustly, but the fact remains that we are -discredited in the eyes of thousands of good citizens. Don’t let us add -to our unpopularity by accepting from a capitalist this gift with its -implication of value received or to be received. I hope the proposition -will be voted down.” - -Before the applause that greeted McCormack’s speech had begun to die -down, Private Barriscale was again on his feet. His face was red with -anger, and his eyes were flashing resentment. His wrath was kindled now -not only against McCormack, but also against all those who, by their -applause, had signified their approval of his words. - -“I am surprised,” he said, “that remarks such as you have just heard -should be greeted with applause by any member of this company. The -man who seeks to discredit his comrades in arms, who charges them -with being pawns of capital, prejudiced against the poor, willing to -accept bribes; such a man should be hissed, not applauded. He has -labeled himself. He has shown you where he belongs. But what can you -expect of a man whose bosom friend is the infamous Donatello, and whose -associates are among the leading radicals of this city? I tell you, Mr. -Chairman----” - -But he got no further. The hisses of disapproval which greeted -his first sentences had now grown into a roar of protest. Halpert -McCormack, in spite of his economic vagaries, was respected by and -popular with his fellow guardsmen, and they would not listen to this -bitter denunciation of him. The room was in an uproar. A half dozen -men were loudly demanding recognition by the chair, a score of others -were protesting volubly against Barriscale’s ranting, while half as -many more were declaring that he was entirely justified in all that he -had said. - -Then Captain Murray took the matter into his own hands. Those who -chanced to be looking at him saw his jaws close together with a snap, -and saw fire flash from his eyes. His gavel came down on the block with -a mighty crash, once, twice, and thrice. - -“Order!” he shouted. “Every man in his seat at once!” - -When, a few seconds later, the tumult was quelled, he continued: - -“In view of what has just taken place here, and for the sake of harmony -in the ranks, I will myself decide what disposition shall be made of -Mr. Barriscale’s offer. As there is nothing else before the meeting I -will entertain a motion for adjournment.” - -Corporal Manning made the motion, it was duly seconded, and the meeting -was adjourned. But the controversy was not thereby ended, nor was -Captain Murray’s task made easier. He debated the matter in his own -mind for twenty-four hours, and on the second day following the company -meeting he went to the office of Mr. Barriscale at the mills, and was -at once admitted into the big man’s presence. But before he could make -known his errand the mill-owner, apparently anticipating it, began: - -“I have been expecting you, Captain. I think I know your errand. -Perhaps you will now agree with me that the proper way would have been -for you yourself to have accepted my gift on the start. It is very easy -for one or two malcontents to make serious trouble when a matter like -this is left to a popular vote.” - -“I may have made a mistake, Mr. Barriscale,” replied the captain, “but -I feel that it would have been just as serious a mistake for me to have -decided the matter on the start. I feel that it will be an extremely -serious and delicate task for any one to decide the matter in the -present temper of the men of my company; and I have come to ask you to -relieve me from this embarrassing situation.” - -“How can I relieve you, Captain?” - -“By withdrawing your offer, or permitting it to be held in abeyance -until the storm blows over.” - -Mr. Barriscale did not at once reply. Whether he was considering a -course of action, or whether he had already made up his mind, could not -be readily discovered. He knew of the incident at the company meeting. -His son had told him of it in great detail. He knew also of the -opposition that existed, both inside and outside the company, to the -acceptance of the gift. He himself felt that, under the circumstances, -it might be wise not to force the issue. To force it might easily -result in his further humiliation. To permit the matter to be held up, -as a favor to the company commander, could but redound to his credit. -His course of action was therefore plain. - -“Captain Murray,” he said at last, and he spoke with great -impressiveness; “it is far from me to add to the problems which must -constantly perplex you, and I do not see how, in justice to you, I can -do otherwise than accede to your request. The matter may be held in -abeyance for an indefinite period.” - -The captain gave a sigh of relief, and held out his hand in gratitude. - -“But,” added Mr. Barriscale, clinging to his visitor’s hand, “I must -be permitted to express my surprise and dismay, that there should be -in your company young men so ignorant, so prejudiced, so saturated -with anti-government fallacies, as to oppose a gift like this from -me because I chance to have some wealth and to be at the head of a -prosperous corporation.” - -The captain answered lightly: - -“Oh, I don’t think we should take these young radicals seriously, Mr. -Barriscale. They make liberalism an outlet for intellectual exuberance. -They’ll all get over it in time. Besides, we have only a few of them in -the company anyway. Not enough to do us any harm.” - -“That may be true, Captain; but you should not have one. Such men are a -menace to society, and distinctly dangerous in a military organization. -If we cannot depend on our organized militia in times of emergency, -then indeed we will be at the mercy of the mob. As one having the best -interests of the Guard at heart, permit me to urge that you rid your -company of such disturbing elements. Weed out every man of radical -tendencies without delay. I shall be more than happy to assist you in -such a task.” - -Captain Murray thanked the mill-owner for his consideration and his -interest and withdrew. But the relief he had felt in having the issue -relating to the prize indefinitely postponed was now turned into a -feeling of anxiety concerning some of his best men. He knew that Mr. -Barriscale’s offer of assistance was no more nor less than a veiled -threat; and while Halpert McCormack’s name had not been mentioned in -the interview, there was no doubt that that young soldier would be made -to suffer for his temerity at the company meeting, so far as it lay in -the power of the millionaire manufacturer and his son to bring such -suffering about. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - -It had been nearly two years since Halpert McCormack and Ben Barriscale -enlisted for service in the National Guard. They had one more year to -serve, yet neither of them had a thought of leaving the service when -the period of their enlistment expired. They had not only not tired of -the militiaman’s life with its duties and its tasks, they had found -pleasure and profit in it. For each of them, in a different way, it had -had its compensations and its satisfactions. - -And each of them had merited and received promotion. First they -had been advanced to the grade of corporal. And when, by reason of -contemporaneous enlistment, the terms of the first and second sergeant -expired simultaneously, and it became known that they would not -reënlist, it was generally conceded that the two places would go to -McCormack and Barriscale. But which one of them he would make his first -sergeant was still a problem in the mind of Captain Murray. Both young -men were excellent soldiers. Both of them had mastered every detail -of company drill, and there were few movements, exercises or duties -for the enlisted man to perform with which both men were not entirely -familiar. - -But the office of first sergeant is a most important one. A well-known -military authority has written: - - “It has been said the captain is the proprietor of the company, - and the first sergeant is the foreman. Under supervision of - the captain he has immediate charge of all routine matters - pertaining to the company.” - -Captain Murray knew that whichever one of the two men he selected he -would have an intelligent and efficient first sergeant. His hesitation -was due to the fact that he wished to avoid any appearance of -favoritism. Finally, remembering and following the still unfulfilled -purpose and plan of Benjamin Barriscale, Sr., he decided to award -the office as a prize to the man who should most successfully pass -an examination in military tactics. In order to be entirely fair the -test was thrown open to every enlisted man; and in order still further -to secure absolute justice in the matter, Captain Cowperthwaite from -Company M was called in to conduct the examination. - -But, as every one knew would be the case, Corporals McCormack and -Barriscale were the only ones who took the test. It was unusually -thorough and severe, and was a combination of written, oral and -physical exercises. Three days after it was held Captain Cowperthwaite -made his report which was to the effect that Corporal Barriscale had -won out by three points, the score standing nine-five and ninety-eight. - -The report was read to the company at the armory on the night of the -weekly drill. There was no demonstration from the ranks. The men -were at attention, and anything like a demonstration would have been -subversive of military discipline. Moreover, there was no enthusiasm -among the enlisted men over Barriscale’s success. Most of them liked -Hal better and would have been glad to see him capture the prize. But -they knew that Ben was a good soldier, would make an efficient orderly, -and had won his promotion fairly, so they were content. - -Immediately following the reading of the report Captain Murray -announced the appointment of Corporal Barriscale to be first sergeant, -and Corporal McCormack to be second sergeant, and directed that -official warrants confirming these appointments be read accordingly. - -When the company was dismissed Hal was the first to grasp the hand of -the new first sergeant and congratulate him on his appointment. And he -did it so frankly, with such good spirit and apparent sincerity, that -his conduct should have gone a long way toward closing the breach that -had opened between the two boys on the night of Chick’s rebuff, had -yawned wide on the night of the meeting called to decide the question -of acceptance of the prize offered by the senior Barriscale, and had -never since been completely bridged over. There had, indeed, been no -open hostility between them on account of these incidents. The matters -had not been mentioned by either of them since their occurrence. But -there was no companionship, no friendship. They were members of and -officers in the same militia company, they had such communication with -each other as their military duties required of them; that was all. - -But both boys had grown, not only physically and mentally, but also -in their outlook on life. Young Barriscale was less autocratic and -arrogant, more approachable, more politic perhaps, yet he retained, -nevertheless, much of his aristocratic feeling. He still believed -that society was and should be divided into classes, and that while -it was the privilege of some to command, it was the duty of others to -obey. He approved of a democratic government indeed, provided it was -sufficiently strong to hold the masses in check, and for this purpose -its military arm should, in his opinion, be complete, invincible, and -at all times ready for use. - -McCormack, on the other hand, was still peace-loving, and more of a -humanitarian than ever. He had always been a student and a dreamer, -and the more he read and pondered, the more he saw of actual social -conditions, the more thoroughly convinced he became that the salvation -of humanity for the future lay in that leveling process by which -the workers and the poor should be lifted to a higher social and -economic plane, and the millionaires and aristocrats brought down -to approximately the same level. Perhaps he was a socialist, he did -not quite know. At any rate, he was not a radical. He believed in a -democratic form of government, operated by virtue of its laws, and that -its laws should be enforced, even though it became necessary to use its -military arm in order to do so. - -During the last two years he had seen much of Hugo Donatello. They had, -on many occasions, discussed with each other the economic problems -confronting the country and the world. But they could not quite reach -a common ground. As time passed Donatello, who had become practically -the leader of a group of organized radicals in the city, grew more -and more extreme in his views, and through the medium of his journal, -_The Disinherited_, advocated, every week, such direct action as would -make the “workers of the world,” without further delay, the masters of -its wealth and pleasures. Quiet in manner, dreamy-eyed, soft-voiced -except when aroused, persuasive in argument and eloquent in appeal, he -exerted an influence over Hal the true extent of which the boy did not -realize. The ideas of the young radical were so big, his humanitarian -instincts apparently so strong, his theory of internationalism, -as opposed to nationalism, leading to the ultimate and glorious -brotherhood of all men, was so pleasingly and convincingly put, that -it was difficult for this bank clerk, unschooled in the art of logic, -to detect the fallacies with which the argument abounded. Yet the boy -was not swept off his feet. By reason both of his ancestry and his -education he was firmly grounded in the principle of patriotism, and -he was not easily moved. His mind was receptive, it was not thoroughly -convinced. - -But his friendship with Donatello and his association with other social -radicals in the city were commented on unfavorably in many quarters. -When the matter reached the ears of his aunt, Miss Sarah Halpert, she -brought him up with a round turn. - -“What business have you, anyway,” she asked him, “to be associating -with that ordinary class of people? They’re not your kind. What have -you in common with them, I should like to know?” - -“Well,” replied Hal, “they have hearts and brains and lungs and -stomachs just as I have. They get hot and cold and hungry and thirsty -just as I do. And whatever pleasant things there are in life they are -just as well fitted as I am to enjoy them. It seems to me that we have -a good deal in common.” - -“Stuff and nonsense!” she ejaculated. “You know very well what I mean. -And you know you can’t afford to be linked up with such a fellow, for -instance, as this Donatello. Why, his paper is a disgrace to the city. -Did you read what he had in it last week again about the National -Guard?” - -“Yes. He was rather severe on us.” - -“Severe! It was positively scandalous! Why, his sheet ought to be -suppressed by the authorities, and he, himself, put in jail for a month -and fed on bread and water.” - -“I’m afraid the fast-cure wouldn’t be a prophylactic for radicalism, -Aunt Sarah.” - -“There you go with your big words again! But this is no joke, young -man. Bad company is bound to have its effect. The next thing you know -they’ll be putting you out of the National Guard.” - -“Perhaps I’ll deserve it.” - -“If you do deserve it, I hope to goodness they’ll do it! You just -go along now and behave yourself, and drop your socialistic and -anarchistic heresies, and shake your bad company, and be a soldier and -a gentleman.” - -It was not long after this interview that Sergeant McCormack’s -qualities as a soldier and a gentleman were put severely to the test. -There was to be an exhibition drill on a certain evening, at the -armory, to which drill people of the city who were interested in the -military proficiency of the men of Company E were invited. - -There is always something attractive about this handling of rifles by -an entire company, with its rhythmic movements, its click and clash, -its sudden and startling changes, and the picturesque way in which -it brings out the muscular alertness of the men. People were fond of -coming to see such exercises. Moreover, following the drill, there -were to be gymnastic contests, such as cane wrestling, pole pulling, -tug of war, etc. It had been the aim of Captain Murray to keep his men -interested by an appeal to their social and amusement-loving natures as -well as to their ambition to excel in military proficiency. This was -one reason why the company, as a whole, was always loyal and contented, -and why it was possible to keep the ranks full of excellent soldierly -material. - -On this particular evening Sergeant McCormack, dressed in uniform, was -hurrying from his home to the armory. His mother and his sisters were -to go a little later in the car with his Aunt Sarah. - -It so chanced that on the foot-walk of the Main Street Bridge, just -where he had met him and had his first interview with him two years -before, he met Hugo Donatello. - -“I suppose,” said the young radical, half jocosely, “that you now go -for instruction of how to destroy the proletariat with the rifle, -including me, myself?” - -“Well,” replied Hal, “so far as you are concerned, I don’t know but you -deserve to be destroyed, newspaper and all. That was a fierce article -you had in last week about the National Guard.” - -“But was it not true, what I said?” - -“No. The Guard is made up of right-minded men, trying to serve their -country and their State in the fairest possible way.” - -“You do not yet know. No military is just or fair, nor can be. They are -under orders of politicians. Politicians are controlled by capitalists. -Capitalists conspire to crush workers. So there; what would you?” - -He threw out his hands with a gesture which meant that there could be -no other conclusion. - -“I haven’t got time to argue the matter with you to-night,” replied -Hal. “But I don’t like to have you talk about our men as though they -were a lot of thugs, nor our armory as though it were a nest of -conspirators against the liberty of working-men. By the way, were you -ever in our armory? Do you know what you’re talking about when you -write us down this way?” - -“I have not had the pleasure to be ever in your armory, that is true.” - -“Then come with me to-night and look us over for yourself.” - -“I would not be welcome there.” - -“I’ll answer for that. Come as my guest. It’s exhibition night. -There’ll be a lot of people there.” - -Donatello hesitated for a moment before answering. Then, as though -suddenly making up his mind, he said: - -“Very well. I will go. I am not too old, nor have I too much of the -prejudice to learn.” - -First Sergeant Benjamin Barriscale, Jr., came into the drill-hall -that evening and cast his eyes over the large number of people seated -in rows of chairs against the side-walls of the armory, awaiting the -assembling of the company. He had already mastered every detail of the -duties of his new office. He felt that the men of the company respected -him accordingly, and that by reason of his soldierly qualities rather -than of any undue condescension on his part, he was becoming popular -with the rank and file. The privates, armed and equipped, lounging -about the hall or talking with friends at the side, saluted or spoke -to him as he passed by. His keen eye discovered Hal’s mother, as well -as Hal’s sisters and aunt, Miss Halpert, seated among the guests. He -wondered what particular accomplishment Sergeant McCormack expected to -exhibit that he had been vain enough to bring all the members of his -family to see. McCormack was still a source of discomfort to him. If -he could only humiliate him again in a legitimate way, as he had done -in the competition for appointments! - -Then First Sergeant Barriscale discovered some one else, and this -discovery gave him a far greater shock than had the first one. He saw, -among the visitors, leaning unconcernedly back in his chair, Hugo -Donatello, socialist, radical, firebrand, slanderer of the government, -insulter of the flag, defamer of the National Guard. - -As one of these epithets after another came into his mind his anger -rose. Ever since the incident at the flag-raising the fellow with his -vicious weekly journal had been a thorn in the young man’s flesh. Why -should such a person force his unwelcome presence on reputable citizens -and loyal soldiers in this manner? It was not only impudent, it was -insulting. - -Without further thought or consideration he crossed the drill-hall and -confronted the objectionable visitor. - -“You are Hugo Donatello, I believe?” he said. - -The man looked up at him and answered quietly: - -“That is my name, yes.” - -“I must ask you to leave the armory. Your presence here is most -offensive.” - -For a moment Donatello stared at the officer incredulously. He could -not quite believe that he had been ordered out. - -“I came,” he said at last, “by the invitation of one, Mr. McCormack, a -member of your soldiery.” - -The mention of Hal’s name only served to increase Barriscale’s wrath. -His face grew red and his voice rose. - -“I don’t care how you came,” he replied. “I am in command here for the -present, and I order you to go.” - -Then Donatello, realizing the situation, became, in his turn, -determined and angry. - -“I am an American citizen,” he declared. “I pay the tax. This military -establishment, it is my money that helps to maintain it. I have the -right here. I will not go.” - -“Then I shall have you ejected.” - -“At your peril that will be. I give you fair warning.” - -For a moment the situation was tense. People who were sitting near -by and heard the dialogue and saw the faces of the two angry men, -grew restless and apprehensive. Just what would happen no one could -conjecture. - -But Sergeant Barriscale, without another word, turned on his heel, -strode back to the center of the hall and signaled to the drummer to -beat the assembly. Hardly had the last tap rolled from the end of the -drum-stick when the command was given to “Fall in!” - -When the lines were properly formed and dressed, and the men brought -to a “Right shoulder arms!” Sergeant Barriscale began, from memory, -to call the company roll. As each man’s name was called he responded -distinctly: “Here!” and brought his piece smartly to an “order arms.” - -At the end of the roll-call the captain and his lieutenants had not yet -come down from their quarters to the drill-hall. But while Barriscale -could not account for the delay he did not regret it. It left him still -in charge of the company. Facing the ranks he gave the command: - -“Sergeant McCormack, step two paces to the front.” - -Without knowing the purport of the order, the second sergeant, -accustomed to giving prompt obedience to all commands, passed around -the right of the line, down to the center, stepped two paces to the -front, halted and saluted his superior officer. - -The first sergeant acknowledged the salute, then, with deliberate -emphasis, in a voice that could be heard the length of the hall, he -said: - -“Sergeant McCormack, you will take a detail, consisting of one corporal -and two privates, and conduct to the street one, Hugo Donatello, whose -presence in this room is offensive to Company E and its guests.” - -For a moment Hal stood motionless and speechless. He had seen and -known nothing of the brief interview between the first sergeant and -Donatello. When he realized the meaning and force of the command that -had been given to him, he was amazed and indignant. He brought his hand -up sharply in a second salute. - -“Hugo Donatello,” he replied, “is my guest here this evening.” - -The first sergeant did not move, nor did the expression on his -face change by so much as the lifting of an eyebrow. Again, more -deliberately, more emphatically than before, in a voice that could be -heard to the remotest corner of the drill-hall, he gave the command: - -“Sergeant McCormack, you will take a detail, consisting of one corporal -and two privates, and conduct to the street one, Hugo Donatello, whose -presence in this room is an offense to Company E and its guests.” - -For Halpert McCormack it was the most tense moment that his life -had thus far known. That the man whom he had brought as his guest -should be thus publicly humiliated; that he, himself, should be -deliberately chosen as the instrument by which such humiliation was -to be accomplished; it was monstrous and unbelievable. Against such -an outrage his whole nature cried out in revolt. For one moment, in a -larger sense than he dreamed of at the time, he stood at the parting of -the ways. Then the soldier within him prevailed. He made his decision. -He saluted his superior officer, faced about, chose a corporal and two -privates, ordered them to the front, and marched with them to the place -where Donatello was still sitting, a quizzical smile on his lips, a -dangerous light in his eyes. - -In the audience there was the stillness of consternation. Women -crouched back into their seats and put their hands to their faces. A -few men rose to their feet and stared expectantly. No one could foresee -just what would happen. - -Sergeant McCormack halted his squad in front of the offending visitor. - -“I am directed,” he said, “by the officer in charge, to conduct you -from the hall.” - -“And if I refuse to go?” - -“I shall remove you by force.” - -It was all spoken quietly, deliberately, with determination on the one -hand, with repressed indignation on the other. For a moment the young -radical looked into the eyes of the young soldier. What he saw there -evidently determined him in his course. - -“So far that you are soldier,” he said, “I defy you. So far that you -are gentleman, whom I respect, I yield myself to your wish that I go.” - -He rose, took his place by the side of the sergeant, and, followed by -the detail, they moved down the hall to the big street doors from which -Donatello disappeared into the darkness. Then the squad returned to -the line, the second sergeant directed his men to their places in the -ranks, and, facing his superior officer he saluted and reported: - -“Your orders have been obeyed, sir.” - -The first sergeant returned the salute and responded concisely: - -“Take your post!” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - -The audience in the armory at Fairweather on the evening of Donatello’s -visit and expulsion had been treated to something more, and something -of vastly greater moment, than a mere exhibition drill. They had not -appreciated it at first, and while it was going on their attention -had been too greatly strained to fully take it in. But when Sergeant -McCormack reported the fulfilment of his orders, and started around -the right of the line to take his post, it dawned on the people who -had seen the incident that an exhibition of American military spirit -had been witnessed, the spirit of the soldier as distinct from that -of the civilian, that it would have been worth going far to see. -Simultaneously, from all quarters of the hall, people began to applaud. -The applause grew more vigorous and was punctured with loud hurrahs. -Men and women rose to their feet and waved hands and handkerchiefs. -Sarah Halpert mounted the chair in which she had been sitting, stood on -it, and clapped her gloved hands until they burned. - -First Sergeant Barriscale bowed to right and left. He naturally -assumed that it was all a tribute to the prompt and vigorous action -taken by him in ridding the room of an undesirable guest. Then some -one yelled: “Three cheers for Sergeant McCormack!” and it occurred to -Barriscale that the audience might also be expressing its appreciation -of the splendid sense of military discipline, exhibited under the most -severely trying circumstances, by the second sergeant. - -In the midst of the applause and shouting, Captain Murray entered with -his lieutenants, and the command was turned over to him. But he did -not learn, until after the drill was over and the company had been -dismissed, what had caused the commotion prior to his entrance. When he -did find out what had happened he crossed the hall to where Sergeant -McCormack stood talking with his mother and his aunt, and gave the -boy’s hand a mighty grip. - -“I’m proud of you!” he said. “That was splendid! You’re an ideal -soldier!” - -Whereupon Sarah Halpert, quite unable to restrain her enthusiasm, threw -her arms around the neck of the second sergeant, and, much to his -embarrassment, kissed him on both cheeks. - -The next day the occurrence at the armory the night before was the talk -of the town. The newspapers took the matter up and exploited it from -one end of the State to the other. Sergeant Barriscale was commended -for his prompt and vigorous action in ridding the armory of an avowed -enemy to the government, while Sergeant McCormack received due credit -for his soldierly obedience, under most embarrassing circumstances. -But Sergeant McCormack’s anger at the humiliation that had been put -upon him was not appeased by any commendation of his soldierly conduct. -Slow to wrath as he had always been, he was now thoroughly aroused -and intensely indignant. If he could have withdrawn from the company -and so severed the only relations between him and Barriscale, he -would have done so at once. But it is not within the province of an -enlisted man to resign, and he had no legitimate excuse for applying -for a discharge, so nothing happened. But the breach that had opened -narrowly between the two boys at the time of the flag-raising, and -that had broadened dangerously on the night Chick was ordered from the -stack-room, and had yawned wide, deep and impassable, since the night -of the company meeting, was apparently never to be closed. - -Hal was still employed at the Citizens’ Bank. He had been promoted -from one position to another until he had come now to be regarded as -one of the most trusted and skilful employees of that institution. -Only one shadow rested on his standing there, and that was cast by -his open espousal of the cause of the discontented in society, and -his association with the more radical elements in the city. He had -not been accused of planning the destruction of the existing social -order, nor of advocating the confiscation of the property of the -rich. He was a student and a dreamer rather than a militant reformer. -But his well-known attitude was bound to cast upon him the shadow of -suspicion; and since the occurrence of the incident at the armory, and -its wide exploitation, the shadow had deepened into a cloud, and more -than one whispered accusation went forth against him, of disloyalty -to the forces that had made this country great and prosperous, and of -indifference to the flag which was a symbol of power and progress, and -so regarded the world over. - -Moreover, for nearly a year, Europe had been weltering in the bloodiest -war of history. No one could tell how soon the red waves of it would -break on the shores of the United States. It was a time when absolute -loyalty was expected and demanded from every man who had the welfare -of his country and of his fellow-citizens at heart. Had it not been -that McCormack’s social heresies were leavened to an appreciable extent -by his apparent devotion to the National Guard, he would doubtless -have found himself criticized more severely, and ostracized more -effectually, than he had thus far been. - -Yet, as it developed, his military connection was not sufficient fully -to protect him. If he had been put to a test as a soldier, and had met -it bravely and successfully, he was now to be put to a still greater -test as a civilian. - -It was about two weeks after the armory incident that Hal stood one day -in the receiving teller’s cage at the bank, at the noon hour, relieving -the teller, who had gone to luncheon. He saw the senior Barriscale -enter the lobby and pass back to the president’s room. He thought -nothing of it, as Mr. Barriscale was one of the directors of the bank -and was frequently in to consult with the officers. But, ten minutes -later, Mr. Winton, the president, crossed the counting-room to the -teller’s cage, and spoke to Hal. - -“McCormack,” he said, “will you please come into my room for a few -minutes? Mr. Hanes will relieve you at the counter.” - -As they walked back together the president continued: - -“Mr. Barriscale, who, as you know, is one of our directors, has called -my attention to a matter which seriously concerns you. I believe the -better way is for you to take it up with him in person. That is the -reason I have called you.” - -Hal knew, instinctively, the nature of Mr. Barriscale’s errand, and he -knew that he had reached another crisis in his career. But, neither by -word nor look, did he exhibit any apprehension. - -In the president’s room, in a chair by the table, the millionaire -manufacturer was sitting. Big-bodied, square-jawed, with heavy -moustache and closely cropped beard, he looked the determined and -aggressive man that he was. He nodded as Hal entered the room, but he -made no other sign, and gave no word, of recognition. - -The president opened the conversation by saying: - -“Mr. Barriscale desires to speak to you on a matter which he believes -to be of considerable importance both to you and to the bank.” - -The manufacturer, accustomed to efficiency in business methods, went at -once to the heart of his errand. - -“I am credibly informed,” he said, turning to the young man, “that you -associate with a group of radicals in this community whose purposes -and plans are entirely subversive of law and order. That you not -only associate with them but that you sympathize with many of their -aims, and assist, to an appreciable extent, in the spreading of their -propaganda. It is hardly necessary for me to say that such activities -are wholly inconsistent with your position in this bank. From what I -hear, your attitude has already cost the bank something in the way -of reputation for soundness and conservatism. I have said to Mr. -Winton that you should be compelled at once to do one of two things, -either cut loose absolutely from the associations and beliefs I have -mentioned, or else give up your position in the bank.” - -He had stated his case clearly, concisely and positively. The statement -called for an equally clear, concise and positive answer, and that Hal -knew he could not give. But he was not minded to yield without at least -an attempt at justification. - -“I have friends in the city,” he replied, “among all classes of people, -holding all kinds of beliefs. For myself, I am neither a conservative -nor a radical; I have an open mind. I am looking for that which is -best for my country and for her humblest as well as her most prominent -citizens. I have tried to fulfil my duty to this bank in every way. -If my associations or conduct have brought discredit on it in the -slightest degree I am extremely sorry.” - -“I have no doubt of it, young man; but you are evading the issue. I -am not charging you with robbing the bank, but with maintaining evil -associations. It is that that is hurting us. For instance, you brought -to the armory a few evenings ago, as your guest, a notorious firebrand, -an enemy to this government, a defamer of the National Guard. I am -proud of my son that he should have had him put into the street. But -the fact has been spread broadcast that it was one of our employees who -took the fellow there, and it has done the bank no good, Mr. Winton, no -good.” - -He turned toward the president, and emphasized his conviction by -bringing his hand down forcibly on the arm of his chair. - -“It certainly was an unfortunate occurrence,” replied the president. “I -cannot believe that McCormack realized that it might be injurious to us -or he would not have been so injudicious.” - -“That’s the point exactly,” replied the manufacturer. “An employee -who shows so little judgment in the choosing of his associates as -this young man has shown, and so little discretion in his speech and -conduct, is a constant menace to any financial institution. That is -why,” turning again toward Hal, “I have recommended to Mr. Winton that -we get rid of you.” - -Get rid of him! Just as though he were a balky horse or a biting dog. -Resentment flashed up in Hal’s breast. He turned sharply on his critic. - -“You don’t have to get rid of me, Mr. Barriscale,” he replied. “When -the bank wishes me to leave I will go. In the meantime I reserve to -myself the right to choose my friends and associates.” - -Mr. Barriscale turned again toward the president with a shrug of his -shoulders and a significant wave of his hand, as if to say “I told you -so,” but he said nothing. Mr. Winton was the next to speak. - -“I am sorry you assume this attitude, McCormack,” he said. “We like you -here. Your work is excellent. We want to keep you. But I am afraid we -can do so only on the condition laid down by Mr. Barriscale. You must -either give up your associates or your position.” - -Hal looked from one to the other of the men and was silent. Across his -mind flashed the oft-repeated declaration of Donatello that under the -present social system not only business and trade, but the welfare, the -happiness, the very lives of the vast majority of men were absolutely -under the control of the money power centered in the few. Here was Mr. -Barriscale, the heaviest stockholder of the bank, the most influential -director, at the head of a corporation the daily balance of which at -the bank was five times that of any other depositor, able, by reason -of his money interest alone, to dictate the policy of the institution, -even to the matter of the employment and discharge of its clerks; the -very president himself being obliged to follow humbly in his wake. -Hal’s indignation rose with his resentment. He knew that Mr. Barriscale -had decided to force him out, and that it would be useless now for him -to argue or protest. He even doubted whether an unconditional surrender -on his part would result in more than a temporary truce. He felt that -he might as well meet the issue squarely. - -“Very well, Mr. Winton,” he said quietly, “since Mr. Barriscale’s voice -here is the controlling one, and since it is his wish that I shall go, -there is nothing for me to do but comply with it. I am not ashamed of -my beliefs or associations and I must decline to give up any of them.” - -Mr. Barriscale rose to his feet. - -“That settles it!” he exclaimed. “I presume the young man will go at -once, Mr. Winton.” - -“I will go to-day, Mr. Barriscale,” responded Hal. - -[Illustration: “I WILL GO TO-DAY, MR. BARRISCALE,” RESPONDED HAL] - -But the president began to protest. - -“Oh, not to-day, McCormack. I don’t think there is any such haste as -that. I don’t think Mr. Barriscale means that you shall go to-day.” - -The manufacturer brought the palm of his hand down heavily on the table. - -“That is exactly what I mean, Mr. Winton,” he replied; “to-day. We -can’t afford to harbor him for a moment longer than we have to. It -would be an injustice to our stockholders and depositors.” - -To this outburst Hal made no reply. He turned to the president and held -out his hand. - -“I am grateful to you, Mr. Winton,” he said, “for all the help and -encouragement you have given me, and all the patience and kindness you -have shown to me since I have been here. Good-bye!” - -Amazed, chagrined, and shocked by the suddenness of it all, the -president was unable to speak, but he held fast to the boy’s hand with -such a grip that Hal was obliged forcibly to withdraw it. When he had -done this he bowed formally in the direction of the manufacturer, and -turned and left the room. He stopped at the locker to get his hat and -one or two of his personal belongings, and then went down the aisle and -across the lobby to the big street door. As he passed the cashier’s -room that official saw him through the plate-glass window and called to -him: - -“Oh, McCormack, are you going to lunch? I wish you’d take these letters -up to the post-office for me. John is out, and I’m anxious to get them -off on the 12:40.” - -“With pleasure, Mr. Haldeman.” - -Hal reached his hand through the wicket, took the letters, and passed -out into the street. - -So, then, he had lost his job. It was an occupation of which he had -grown fond, and in which he had become skilful. His two years of bank -training would now go for naught. For it was not to be supposed that -after his dismissal from one bank he would easily find employment in -another. He must seek work now that would be less to his taste. When he -went home and told his mother about it she wept for an hour. She did -not blame him. She had implicit faith in his honesty and judgment, and -she never questioned his beliefs. But when his Aunt Sarah Halpert heard -of it she was beside herself. She sent for Hal to come to her house at -once. - -“Not but what you’ve got what you deserved to get,” she told him, -“but it was all so absurdly unnecessary. I’ve no love for the elder -Barriscale; you know that. And I’ve no doubt he took malicious delight -in throwing you into the street; but he was dead right in declaring -that the bank couldn’t afford to keep you. I’ve no sympathy for you; -none whatever. Now go find a job somewhere and stick to it, and behave -yourself. Hal,” she said, after she had stormed at him to her heart’s -content, “if you need a little money, or a little help of any kind -while you’re looking around, just come to your Aunt Sarah.” And when -she kissed him good-night there were tears in her eyes, and there was -fondness in her voice. - -It was not many days before Hal found new employment as an accountant -in a large wholesale house in the city. It was not so congenial a -task as his old one. The salary was larger, it is true, but the -hours were longer, the work more strenuous, the environment not so -refined and agreeable. However, so long as he paid strict attention -to business, his new employers were not concerned about his beliefs -or his personal associations. Indeed, in spite of his own bitter -experience, he continued to be on friendly terms with Donatello and his -group of reformers and internationalists. The young radical had laid -up nothing against Sergeant McCormack on account of his expulsion from -the armory on a certain night, but he did not cease to denounce, with -ever increasing bitterness, a civil and military system under which -such an outrage, as he termed it, was possible. When Hal was forced -from his position at the bank, Donatello’s indignation knew no bounds. -He declared that the boy was being crucified for his beliefs, at the -hands of privilege, and that the incident was but another argument -to prove that the money power and the capitalistic system the world -over should be overthrown and abolished. And slowly, insidiously, -but nevertheless effectually, under the tutelage of Donatello, the -poison of radicalism, of internationalism as opposed to patriotism, of -syndicalism as distinct from democracy, seeped into the boy’s mind and -colored his thought and his purpose. His connection with the National -Guard in these days was indeed the only anchor which held him safely to -his moorings as a loyal citizen of a great republic. And even at this -anchorage he chafed, and from it would willingly have been free. - -One afternoon, in the street, as he turned a corner near his place -of business, he ran into Joe Brownell, second lieutenant of Company -E. Brownell had been his friend since the day of his enlistment in -the Guard, and, so far as a commissioned officer could do so without -exhibiting partiality, he had been his supporter and adviser. - -“I was just hunting you up, Hal,” he said; “there’s news. Lieutenant -Morosco is going to resign.” - -“Indeed!” was the reply. “How is that?” - -“Well, you know the Sturtevant people that he’s been with so long have -transferred him to the New York office. He goes east next week. That -leaves a vacancy in the first lieutenancy.” - -“Then you’ll go up; and Barriscale will get shoulder straps?” - -“That’s just the point. That’s a programme I don’t like.” - -“Why not?” - -“Oh, there are reasons. One is that I don’t want the place. I’m not -fitted for it, and I know it. The boys like me too well and I’ve no -more sense of discipline than a ground-hog. If I ever had to command -the company I’d collapse. Another reason is that--well, there’s a -pretty congenial crowd in officers’ quarters now; I’d like to keep it -congenial.” - -“You mean that Barriscale wouldn’t be quite acceptable there?” - -“To be frank with you, that’s it exactly.” - -“But how are you going to help it? If you keep the second lieutenancy, -Barriscale will get the first.” - -“Not if I can prevent it, he won’t.” - -“How will you prevent it? He’ll be entitled to the promotion.” - -“I propose to have you stand for election to the first lieutenancy.” - -“Me!” - -“Yes, you. It’s a matter of company election, you know; the boys would -be glad to put you in, and it would be entirely satisfactory up above; -I know what I’m talking about.” - -“But, Joe, I couldn’t jump two grades. It wouldn’t be fair. Besides, -after what happened at the armory, and at the bank, and after all the -comment that’s been stirred up about me, it would never do for me to -aspire to a commission. It’s my place to crawl into my shell and stay -there till my time’s out.” - -“Nonsense! There are only two men in this town who would hate to see -you get a commission.” - -“You might as well make it three, Joe. I would hate to see myself -get it. With my views on social and economic problems and the proper -functions of government, I’ve no business in the Guard anyway. I’ve no -right to be a sergeant, much less to get a commission. The whole thing -is entirely out of the question. So drop it, Joe. I appreciate your -friendship and good intentions; but--drop it.” - -“Drop nothing! No one has ever criticized your conduct as a soldier. -It’s beyond criticism. And as for Ben Barriscale, you owe him nothing -and you know it. I’ve kept my mouth shut through everything. It was my -place to. But now, with no one but you to hear me, I’ve got to have my -fling. I think that stunt of Barriscale’s at the armory that night, -while doubtless within the rules, was the most contemptible thing I -ever heard of. And, if I’m rightly informed, even that was outclassed -by his father’s treatment of you at the bank. The whole thing gets -my----” - -Hal interrupted him impatiently. “Joe,” he said, “in a situation like -this there’s no room for resentments. But you’re a loyal friend of -mine and I’ll be fair with you. I’ll consider your proposition, and -I’ll let you know to-morrow what I’ve decided to do.” - -The next day, at noon, when the two men came together, Sergeant -McCormack said: - -“I’ve thought it all over, and I’ve decided not to stand for the -election.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - -It did not take long for the news of Morosco’s contemplated resignation -to filter through the rank and file of Company E. And every one -assumed, as McCormack had done, that Brownell would go up, and that -Barriscale would get a commission. There was no excitement concerning -it, and little discussion. The second lieutenant was popular, and the -enlisted men of the company were pleased with the contemplation of his -prospective advancement. But Barriscale had not yet touched the popular -heart, and, although no one criticized his qualities as a soldier or -his efficiency as an orderly sergeant, at the same time no one became -enthusiastic over the idea of his promotion. There was no outspoken -opposition to his advancement among the men in the ranks; but one -hanger-on of the company was not pleased with the outlook and did not -hesitate to give expression to his thought. This was Chick Dalloway. -He had never forgotten the night in the stack-room when both he and -McCormack had suffered from young Barriscale’s abuse. He had not yet -ceased to ridicule the elder Barriscale’s proposition to establish -a fund for a prize, nor had he yet condoned the offense of which he -believed the millionaire to be guilty in connection with Hal’s loss -of his position at the bank. Moreover, his heart still burned with -resentment whenever he thought of the indignity that had been placed -upon his friend and mentor on the evening of Donatello’s ejectment from -the armory. - -It was, therefore, in no pleasant mood that on the night when the news -of Morosco’s contemplated resignation first reached his ears, he walked -down the street toward the place he called his home. - -It was after drill; he had been at the armory; and ahead of him was a -group of a half-dozen members of the company dressed in uniform, going -in the same direction with him. They appeared to be in high spirits, -they were talking and laughing freely, and, as they marched along, they -began to sing one of the war songs made popular by the British troops -on the western front. - -For some reason, which he did not stop to dissect, their gayety seemed -to jar on Chick’s particular mood, and he decided to change his course -at the next corner, and lengthen his journey home by the distance of a -block. - -But, as he turned eastward, he discovered, lying in front of him on the -pavement, in the full light of the electric street lamp, what appeared -to be a letter. He picked it up and examined it. It was an unsealed and -unstamped envelope, bearing on its face only the word “Miss.” Evidently -the writer had been interrupted in his task of addressing the letter, -and had laid it aside, intending to add other words later; or else, -having got that far toward identifying the intended recipient of the -missive, he had, for some unknown reason, changed his mind. The one -preliminary word, however, was in a man’s hand, and the envelope was -not empty. - -When Chick had made out what it was that he had picked up, it occurred -to him that one of the singing boys ahead of him might have dropped it. -He hurried to catch up with them, and called, but, in their exuberance -of jollity, they failed to hear him. - -It was not until he was almost in touch with them that his voice -reached their ears. - -“Say,” he cried, “did any of you fellows drop anything?” - -They suspended their musical efforts for the moment, stopped and faced -him. - -“Did we what?” asked one of them. - -“Drop anything? let anything fall? lose anything out o’ your pockets?” - -“What are you giving us, Chick? Is this one of your practical jokes?” - -“Honest to goodness, no!” declared Chick. “I thought one o’ you might -’a’ dropped something; say like a--a pocketbook, or something like -that.” - -“Have we, boys? Has any one lost a pocketbook?” - -The speaker faced his companions, each one of whom made immediate -search of his pockets. Then, practically in unison, they declared that -nothing of the kind had been lost. - -“Why?” asked another one in the group. “Have you found a pocketbook?” - -“No,” replied Chick truthfully, “I ain’t.” - -“Then what in Sam Hill are you holding us up for, and scrapping the -finest music that ever came from human throats?” - -“Oh,” replied Chick, “I just wanted to know, that’s all. If they ain’t -none o’ you lost nothin’, w’y then o’ course I ain’t found it.” - -“Boys,” said a third one of the company, “are we going to stand for a -thing like this? This levity at our expense must cease. He’s a Hun. -What shall we do with him?” - -“Give him the g. b. in a blanket on the armory lawn next drill night. -All in favor say aye!” - -There was a chorus of ayes. - -“Forward, march! Hip! hip! hip!” - -The ranks were reformed and the fun-loving young fellows marched on. - -Chick smiled. He knew that these boys were fond of him, and would -sooner have suffered torture than have done him any harm. But he -congratulated himself on his diplomacy. He knew that if he had told -them that it was a letter he had found they would have insisted upon -seeing it, perhaps upon reading it, since the envelope was unsealed. -And some deep sense of chivalry warned the boy that a letter addressed -to “Miss,” whoever she might be, was not intended for the public eye. - -But what should he, himself, do with it? He drew it from the pocket -in which, by way of precaution, he had placed it, and again examined -the brief superscription. He noticed now, also, that the envelope was -soiled and marked by the trampling of feet. Evidently some one had -dropped it on the pavement before the boys had come along, and they, -not seeing it, had trodden on it. He looked up and down the quiet -street, but no one was in sight save the disappearing group of young -men in khaki who had already resumed their singing. It was obvious -that he could not stand there and ask occasional passers-by if any one -of them had lost a letter. It was just as obvious that it would be -useless to carry it to the post-office, the police station or the drug -store, and worse than useless to throw it back into the street. There -was really but one reasonable thing to do with it, for the present at -any rate, and that was to take it home with him. So he took it home. -In the privacy of his little attic room, by the dim light of a small, -smoky, oil lamp, he examined it once more. It occurred to him that by -looking at the contents of the letter the name of the person to whom -it belonged would be disclosed. So he slipped the folded sheet out of -the envelope, but he still hesitated to read what was written there. -It seemed to him that he was intruding upon some one’s privacy, and, -notwithstanding his lack of training and his crude environment, Chick -was at heart a gentleman. He studied over the matter for many minutes -before he finally decided that the purpose he had in view justified the -apparent intrusion into some one’s personal affairs. But when he had -once cleared his mind of doubt he hesitated no longer. He unfolded the -sheet and slowly and with difficulty, for he was no scholar, he picked -out the words and sentences. - -The letter was as follows: - - “MY DEAR RACHAEL: - - “I am going to ask you in writing something that I haven’t - dared to ask you in person. I am going to ask you if you will - marry me. It goes without saying that I am in love with you - or I wouldn’t ask you. We have been going together for about - six months, and you don’t seem to have got tired of me, so - I am plucking up courage to ask you. You know I have a good - position at the Barriscale works, and I guess you understand - I’m a pretty decent fellow. The only thing in the way is that - if this country gets into war I will likely have to go over - there with Company E and fight. But I don’t mind that if you - don’t. You know I’m a corporal now, but there’s a good chance - of my being promoted to be a sergeant, because there’s going to - be a vacancy soon, and I’m as likely to get the appointment as - anybody. - - “Dear Rachael, I hope you love me and that you will answer this - very soon and tell me you will marry me. - - “Yours with much love, - ALFRED. - - “P. S.--I never loved any other girl as much as I love you. - - “A.” - -Well, it was a love-letter; a real, genuine love-letter. Chick had -never seen one before. He had only heard of them and wondered about -them. And, being a love-letter, it was, of course, a thousand times -more important that he should keep secret the contents, than though it -had been a mere business letter. But who was Rachael to whom the letter -had been written? and, more especially, who was Alfred, who had written -it? He was a corporal in Company E. That fact, of course, went a long -way toward his identification, but it was not sufficient to make the -identification complete. There were five corporals in Company E, and if -any one of them bore the name of Alfred, Chick did not know it. - -It had become very plain to him, however, that he must find the person -who had written this letter, and deliver it up to him. That would -be simply a gentleman’s duty. In the meantime the missive would be -secreted in an inner pocket of his waistcoat where no human eye would -have an opportunity to gaze on it. - -Before he turned out his light and got into bed Chick formulated his -plan of action. - -The next day he called at the office of Captain Murray. - -“Do you happen to have,” he asked him, “any list of the co’porals in -Company E?” - -“Not here, Chick,” was the reply. “My roster is at the armory. I can -tell who they are, though.” - -“First names an’ all?” - -“Hardly that. I only know them by their last names. Why?” - -“Oh, I just kind o’ thought I’d like to know; that’s all. I--I might -want to ask one of ’em for a job.” - -“I see. Well, you go to Orderly Sergeant Barriscale. He’ll have a list -and he’ll give you their full names.” - -“No, I wouldn’t ask him. I don’t want to be under no obligation to him. -I’ll find out some way.” - -And Chick did find out. It was a slow and laborious process. But by -consulting the city directory, by asking personal friends of the -corporals, by many a roundabout way, he was in possession, before -nightfall, of the desired information. - -And then he ran up against another difficulty. There were two Alfreds -in the list; both of them young, unmarried fellows, liable to have -sweethearts. He decided to take the bull by the horns and interview -each of them in turn. He found Alfred Griffin at his place of -employment, a big wholesale house in the lower end of the city. He was -shipping clerk there. His coat was off, his sleeves were rolled up, and -he was busy as a bee checking up half a roomful of barrels, boxes and -bales ready to be sent out to customers. - -As Chick made his way across the room between piles of merchandise, -Griffin saw him coming and greeted him cheerily. - -“Hello, Chick!” he said. “What’s the best word to-day?” - -“The word o’ hope,” replied Chick. “You feelin’ perty good to-day, -yourself?” - -“Fine!” - -“Ain’t disappointed about nothin’?” - -“Not that I know of. Why?” - -Chick didn’t answer the question. He looked around cautiously to make -sure that no one else was within hearing, then he asked suddenly: - -“Say, do you know a girl by the name o’ Rachael?” - -“Do I know a girl by the name of Rachael?” - -“That’s what I ast you.” - -“Sure I do! Look here, boy, what have you got up your sleeve?” - -“Nothin’ much. Did you ever love any other girl as much as you love -her?” - -Alfred Griffin flung his checking book down on top of a barrel and -stared at Chick in utter astonishment. - -“Well, for the love of Pete!” he exclaimed. “What is it to you whether -I love her at all or not?” - -Chick was not in the least disconcerted at this outburst. - -“Oh, it ain’t much to me,” he answered coolly. “I jest thought I’d -inquire whether you ever ast her to marry you.” - -This was too much for Alfred bearing the surname of Griffin. He burst -into a hearty laugh. - -“Chick,” he said when he caught his breath, “you’re the limit. I -haven’t the ghost of an idea what you’re driving at; but let me tell -you, confidentially, that I think you’ve got the wrong pig by the ear. -The fellow you want to investigate is Corporal Fred Lewis. He’s got a -girl by the name of Rachael, and I know her. And any day he wants to -yield up his claim on her, whatever it is, I’ll be glad to drop into -his shoes. Do you get me? Now, is that what you want to know?” - -“W’y, I heard one o’ you fellows had a girl by the name o’ Rachael, and -I didn’t know which one it was.” - -“Well, what did you want to know for?” - -“I’ll tell you. You see, I’m lookin’ for a job. Not a stiddy all day -job, you un’erstand; jest pickin’ up around mornin’s. An’ I didn’t know -but what her folks might want such a man. And ef they did, I might git -a recommend from whichever one o’ you fellows is sparkin’ the girl. -See?” - -Alfred, surnamed Griffin, looked at him for a moment quizzically. - -“Chick,” he said at last, “you’re the most wonderful prevaricator that -has happened since the days of Ananias. I don’t know _why_ you’re -lying to me like that; I only know you _are_. Now you go and hunt up -Fred Lewis if you want to, and you pull this stuff on him, and see what -you get. But don’t tell him I told you about Rachael. My life wouldn’t -be worth a penny whistle if you did. He’s mighty sensitive about that -girl.” - -Chick was grinning broadly. He did not resent the charge made against -him. He knew that his accuser was in the best of humor. He had the -information he wanted, and he turned to go. - -“All right!” he said. “Much obleeged to you. No hard feelin’s. I’ll do -as much for you some time. Fred Lewis works down to the Barriscale, -don’t he?” - -“Yes; you’ll find him there in the assembling department. He’s got a -good job. If he wants to marry Rachael he can afford to.” - -“Sure! I won’t tell him you said so, though. He can’t pick nothin’ out -o’ me.” - -“That’s the talk! Good luck to you! Go to it!” - -He waved his hand gayly as the boy clumped out of the wareroom. - -Chick went on down the street toward the Barriscale plant, but he did not -enter it. It was within a quarter of an hour of quitting time anyway; -so he hung around in the neighborhood until the men came out, hundreds -of them, and, separating into groups, entered the four streets that -converged upon the plaza fronting the mills. His quick eye detected -young Lewis in the crowd, in company with a fellow employee, and, -walking a few rods in the rear, he trailed along after them. - -It was not until half a dozen or more blocks had been covered that -the two young men separated, and the one whom Chick sought went on -alone. He walked rapidly and it was no light task for the boy with the -physical handicap to overtake him. But he did overtake him eventually, -and, half out of breath, shuffled along beside him. - -The young man, seeing who his companion was, made no show, either of -pleasure or displeasure. He looked anxious and worried, as though his -mind was absorbed in the thought of some impending misfortune. - -“Oh, is that you, Chick?” he said quietly. “Going my way?” - -“Yes, for a block or two,” wheezed the boy. “Thought you might like to -have company.” - -“Sure! Come along! Am I walking a little too fast for you?” - -“Oh, I guess I can keep up all right.” - -But the young man slowed down in his gait, nevertheless, and made it -easier for the boy to keep alongside. - -For a little while after that neither of them spoke, Chick because he -had not yet recovered sufficient breath, and Lewis because he was not -in the mood for talking. - -It was Chick who at last broke the silence. - -“Lemme see!” said he, “your name’s Alfred, ain’t it? They call you -Fred; but your right name’s Alfred, ain’t it?” - -“Yes. Why?” - -The young man seemed to evince little curiosity, and to ask the -question more as a matter of form than because of a desire to seek -information. - -“Oh, nothin’ much,” replied Chick. “Only, if you was, now, writin’ a -letter, say to a girl, you’d sign your name Alfred, I s’pose?” - -Young Lewis awakened out of his apparent lethargy and glanced down -curiously at the boy who was, with some effort, keeping up with him. - -“Why, I suppose so,” he said. “What do you want to know for?” - -Chick did not reply to the question, but, after a habit he had, he -asked another one instead. - -“And if you was writin’ to any girl, you’d most likely be writin’ to a -girl name o’ Rachael, I s’pose?” - -The young fellow stopped suddenly, faced sharply toward the boy, and -laid a hand on his shoulder. - -“Look here, Chick!” he exclaimed; “have you found anything?” - -“Me? Found anything?” repeated Chick, in apparent surprise. - -“Yes; a letter, or anything like that?” - -“Why, have you lost one?” - -“Chick! Don’t keep me in suspense! If you’ve found my letter, tell me. -I’ve worried myself pretty nearly into my grave over it, already.” - -“I ast you, have you lost a letter?” Chick was very resolute and -determined. - -“Yes,” was the equally resolute reply, “I’ve lost one. Have you found -it?” - -They were standing on a quiet street corner, scarcely a block away from -the Lewis home. One or two men passed by and spoke to them, but the -greetings went unheeded. - -“I’ve found a letter,” said Chick; “but how do I know whether it’s -yourn or not? Who was it to?” - -The young fellow swallowed awkwardly before replying, and grew red -in the face. His first impulse was to resent the question as an -unwarranted intrusion into his private affairs. But, on second thought, -he knew that such an attitude on his part, especially toward Chick, -would be extremely poor policy. - -“Why,” he exclaimed finally, “it was to a girl by the name of Rachael, -and it was signed ‘Alfred.’” - -“That’s all right so far,” assented Chick. “But they’s lots o’ Rachaels -in the U. S., and the world’s full of Alfreds. Tell me what was in it.” - -“Oh, now, look here, Chick! That’s not necessary. Surely I’ve -identified the letter sufficiently, and I’m entitled to have it.” - -But Chick was obdurate. “No,” he said, “a man can’t be too careful -about love-letters. If this here letter should git into the hands o’ -the wrong party my goose would be cooked. You got to tell me what was -in the letter ’fore I give it up.” - -Alfred Lewis looked up the street, then down the street, and then at -Chick. - -“Well,” he said finally, “I asked Rachael to marry me.” - -“That’s right!” assented the boy. “You sure did. Now, was they any p. -s. on the end, or wasn’t they?” - -“I believe there was.” - -“What was in it?” - -“Look here, Chick! Confound you! you’re getting too blamed inquisitive.” - -But Chick straightened up as far as his deformed shoulders would -permit, and thrust his hands determinedly into his pockets. - -“I got to know,” he said. - -There was apparently no escape, and the young lover, with scarlet face -and stammering tongue, blurted out: - -“Why, I told her I never loved any other girl as much as I did her. -Does that satisfy you?” - -Chick did not answer the question. Instead, he thrust one hand deeper -into his pocket, drew forth the precious missive and handed it to the -writer thereof, who, having glanced at it exteriorly and interiorly, -gave a great sigh of relief. Then followed a shower of questions as -to when, where and how the letter had been found, to all of which -Chick not only gave complete and satisfactory answers, but he also -entertained his listener with a full account of his own Sherlock -Holmesian efforts in running down the writer. - -At the conclusion of the narration young Lewis grasped the boy’s hand. - -“Chick,” he declared, “you’ve saved my life. What if the other fellows -had got onto it! They’d have made the town too hot to hold me. That job -was worth money, Chick; yes, it was worth money.” - -He thrust his hand into his pocket as he spoke, drew forth a purse, -extracted therefrom a bill with a green back, and held it out to the -boy. But Chick waved aside the gift disdainfully. - -“No,” he said, “you can’t pay me nothin’. That was jest a friendly job. -But some day, when I git to be a member o’ the comp’ny, I might want a -favor; see? Then I’ll ast you.” - -The owner of the restored love-letter again grasped the boy’s hand. - -“Chick,” he said warmly, “whenever you want any favor that I can do for -you, no matter what it is, you come to me and tell me, and I’ll do it -if it takes a leg! Do you understand?” - -“I un’erstand.” - - - - -CHAPTER X - - -Three days after Hal’s interview with Brownell, First Lieutenant -Morosco sent in his resignation, it was promptly accepted, he was -duly and honorably discharged, and he left the service of the Guard. -In due time an order came down from the Governor, through his -Adjutant-General, and the Brigadier-General commanding the brigade, to -the Colonel of the ----th regiment, of the following tenor: - - “Colonel Robert M. Wagstaff is hereby authorized and directed - to hold an election for First Lieutenant of Company E, ----th - Regiment Infantry N. G. P. to fill vacancy caused by the - resignation of First Lieutenant David E. Morosco, making prompt - returns to these Headquarters. - - “By order of - BRIG.-GEN. SAMUEL A. FINLETTER, - _Commanding 3rd Brigade_.” - -Whereupon an order of similar purport was directed by Colonel Wagstaff -to Major Mowbray Huntington, directing him to proceed to Fairweather -and hold such election in person. Notice of the coming election was -posted in the armory ten days prior to the time set for it; and then -the real campaign for the office began. - -It had been taken for granted that Second Lieutenant Brownell would -succeed to the first lieutenancy, and that First Sergeant Barriscale -would be chosen to fill the office thus made vacant. But when -Brownell declared that he was not a candidate for the office of first -lieutenant, and would not accept the place if he were elected to it, -discussion as to what ought to be done was rife at the armory. - -Barriscale at once declared himself a candidate for the position, and -argued that, in accordance with all the precedents of promotion, he -was entitled to it. But there appeared to be a growing undercurrent of -opposition to his candidacy. He had not yet become sufficiently popular -with the enlisted men as a body to be their unanimous choice for any -elective position of honor in the company. And those who opposed -Barriscale’s election united, without exception, on Second Sergeant -McCormack as their choice. - -When Hal heard of the movement to elect him to the first lieutenancy -he tried his best to put a stop to it. He insisted that he was not a -candidate, that he was well satisfied with his present position, and -that at the end of his term of enlistment--and he had now less than a -year to serve--he fully intended to leave the Guard. He besought his -particular friends in the company to aid him in putting an end to the -movement in his behalf, but, although presumably they complied with -his wish, it would not down. Enlisted men came to him and begged him -to reconsider his decision. Civilians met him on the street and urged -him to stand for the election. To every one he turned a deaf ear. He -knew what his reasons were for declining; to him they were good and -sufficient; he had made up his mind and that was the end of it. - -Brownell besieged him again and again. - -“Hal,” he said, “you must be reasonable and accommodating and give us -a chance at least to vote for you. If you don’t run Ben will have no -opposition; and if he’s elected, heaven help us! there’ll be no living -with him!” - -“I’ve already told you,” replied McCormack, “that I want to do -everything on earth I can for you, because you’ve been very good to me; -but I can’t do that. I like the military life. In a way it’s splendid -and thrilling. It’s the fascination of it that makes it dangerous. -There can be no greater menace to the liberties of a people or to the -peoples of the world than the spirit and practice of militarism. Look -at Germany, dominated, burdened and brutalized by her military machine, -and striving, with no indifferent success, at the cost of millions of -lives and seas of blood, to put every nation in Europe under her boot -and spur. I tell you, Joe, I’m not a good enough soldier, nor a good -enough patriot, to take a commission in the National Guard.” - -At that Brownell became vexed and impatient. - -“It’s just because Germany,” he declared, “has run amuck among -civilized nations, like a wild beast, that she must be subdued like a -wild beast, with powder and steel; and unless I lose my guess, the day -is not far distant when we as a nation have got to pitch in and help -subdue her. In a time like this, Hal McCormack, you can’t leave the -Guard without disgracing yourself, and you can’t turn down a commission -without doing a gross injustice to every one of your comrades in arms.” - -But Sergeant McCormack was obdurate, and Brownell accomplished nothing -in any interview. - -And then, three days after the notice had been posted, Sarah Halpert -sent for her nephew. She always had to send for him when she wanted -particularly to see him. She declared that when anything especially -important was on, he studiously avoided her society. - -“It’s not that I’m so particularly anxious to see you first lieutenant,” -she said to him. “I don’t give a rap which one of you is elected. It’s -your lack of spirit that I deplore. To think that you, the son of your -father, and the grandson of your grandfather, should talk about sneaking -out of the Guard when your time’s up; and then to think that you should -become a regular slacker just to avoid a contest for an honorable -office! Hal McCormack, I’m ashamed of you and disgusted with you! -There!” - -“But, Aunt Sarah,” protested Hal, “I don’t want the office; why should -I fight for it? I don’t want to be a lieutenant, nor a major, nor -a brigadier-general. I’m satisfied to be a second sergeant in the -company, and a private in the army of the world’s workers for peace -when my term of enlistment is out.” - -“Now, stop that pacifist, socialistic nonsense! This is no time for it. -The thing for you to do is to prove that you’ve got red blood in your -veins, as you have. If your mother had one particle of spunk in her, -which she never did have, she’d make you go without your dinners till -you come to your senses. Now do as I tell you; stand for that election. -Show the kind of stuff that’s in you. Fight for it to the last ditch.” - -Hal knew there was no use of arguing with his Aunt Sarah, and he did -not try to reason with her further. But when he left her she had -not convinced him that it was his duty to seek the office of first -lieutenant. - -Among those who besought him to become a candidate, perhaps the hardest -one to refuse was Chick, or, as he had come to be known since the -evening when, in a spirit of wrath and contempt, Barriscale gave him -the title, General Chick. For Hal had no greater admirer, and no more -devoted follower in the company, nor indeed in the whole city, than -Chick Dalloway. - -It was at the armory just prior to the Thursday evening drill that -Chick said to him: - -“I couldn’t stay in the company no longer if Sergeant Barriscale was -elected first lieutenant.” - -“Why not, Chick?” asked Hal. - -“Oh, he’d lord it over everybody,” was the reply. “He’s bad enough -as first sergeant. I don’t know what he would be if he was first -lieutenant. You’ve got to run, Sergeant ’Cormack; you’ve simply got -to run. We’ll see that you’re ’lected, all right. I’ll work my hands -an’ feet off, an’ my head, too. An’ they’s plenty more of us’ll do the -same thing. I know. I’ve heard the boys talk. Won’t you run, Sergeant -’Cormack?” - -“No, Chick. I’m sorry to disappoint you; I’m awfully sorry; but I can’t -run. It--it wouldn’t be quite right for me to run, Chick, feeling as I -do about certain things.” - -“What things, Sergeant ’Cormack?” - -“I’ll tell you some time. In the meantime you stay with the company and -take whatever comes, and make the best of it, like a good soldier.” - -“All right! if you say so I will.” - -The assembly was sounding, the men were taking their places in the -ranks, and Sergeant McCormack hurried away to the fulfilment of his -duties. - -It was after the drill was over and the company had been dismissed, and -while Hal stood talking to a little group of his friends on the drill -floor, endeavoring not only to dissuade them from putting forth any -efforts in his behalf as a candidate, but also to smother, if possible, -any efforts that might be put forth by others, that Barriscale -approached him. This was an unusual thing for the first sergeant to -do. Heretofore the two men had been “on official terms,” that was all. -Outside the ranks the second sergeant had been studiously ignored by -the orderly. It was something of a surprise, therefore, when Barriscale -came up and asked Hal for the privilege of speaking to him a moment -in private. The request was willingly granted, and the two men walked -away to a remote corner of the drill-hall. When they were well out of -ear-shot of the others Barriscale said: - -“The reason I want to speak to you is that I want to know your real -attitude concerning this election. I want to get it straight. Do you -propose to stand for the election or don’t you?” - -Notwithstanding the somewhat imperative form of the question, and -the somewhat domineering manner of the questioner, Hal replied -good-naturedly: - -“There’s no secret about my attitude. I’ve said over and over again -that I’m not a candidate.” - -“I know you’ve said so. But what I want to know is whether or not you -mean it?” - -Hal looked down at him in surprise. - -“Why do you ask such a question as that?” he said. - -“Because it’s come to me pretty straight that all this talk about your -not running is simply to pull the wool over my eyes, catch me off my -guard, make me think I’ll have no opposition, and come in at the last -minute with a whirlwind campaign and sweep me off my feet. If there’s -any game of this kind on foot I want to know it.” - -For a moment Hal was too greatly shocked and too deeply amazed to -reply. He could not quite understand why he should be accused of such -trickery. - -“Would you suspect me,” he said at last, “of being guilty of playing -this kind of politics?” - -“I don’t know,” replied Barriscale bluntly. “I wouldn’t have thought it -of you two years ago; but it’s said that a man is no better than the -company he keeps. And the crowd you’ve been running with lately will -bear watching every hour of the twenty-four. But that is neither here -nor there. What I want to know is whether you are going to stand as a -candidate for the first lieutenancy?” - -At last Sergeant McCormack’s wrath was roused. - -“Do you think,” he asked angrily, “that your insolent manner and -language entitle you to that information?” - -“I think,” was the equally angry reply, “that I was a fool to expect -decent treatment from a Guardsman who has no respect for his country -or his flag.” - -With other men, in other surroundings, the next thing would have been -blows. But these men were soldiers, and this was the armory, and it was -inconceivable that the place should witness such a physical encounter -as befits only the barroom or the slums. Simultaneously the two men -turned on their heels and started back across the hall. But another -thought came into Barriscale’s mind and he swung around and again faced -his rival. - -“I want to give you notice now,” he declared savagely, “that if you do -oppose my election, either with your own or any one else’s candidacy, -I shall file charges against you and demand your dismissal from the -Guard.” - -Suddenly Hal seemed to have recovered his composure. - -“Indeed!” he inquired calmly. “On what ground?” - -“On the ground of disloyalty to the Guard and treason to the flag.” - -“So! And if I don’t oppose you?” - -“Then I’ll let you alone, as I have done. And when your time’s up you -can get out of the service quietly, without disgrace.” - -“I see. In other words you would buy me off.” - -“Call it what you choose. I’ve no doubt you’re purchasable.” - -McCormack came a step closer to the first sergeant and looked him -squarely in the eyes. - -“Barriscale,” he said quietly, “I have decided to be a candidate for -the office of first lieutenant of Company E.” - -So the die was cast. The contest was on. Threats, insolence and insult -had accomplished what the entreaties of friends and relations had -failed to bring about. - -When Lieutenant Brownell was told of Hal’s decision to stand as a -candidate he was delighted beyond measure. He said little openly, but -the grip of the hand that he gave the second sergeant when he saw him, -meant more than words. - -As for Sarah Halpert, when she heard of it she ordered her car to be -brought to the door, and she went at once to see Hal’s mother. She -swept into the little house like a west wind, and caught her sister in -her arms and kissed her twice. - -“You’ve got a boy now,” she said, “that you can be proud of. He’s -turned out to be a real McCormack after all. He’s got soldier blood in -his veins.” - -“I’m afraid so,” sighed little Mrs. McCormack. “I’m sorry he got into -it. From what Hal says it’s going to be a fight, and I do hate fights.” - -Sarah Halpert’s eyes snapped. - -“Why, you miserable little pacifist!” she exclaimed. “Don’t you know -that you’ve got this splendid country to live in because some one -was willing to fight for it? Don’t you know that the only hope for -civilization in the world to-day lies in the fact that red-blooded -men by the millions are willing to face the German beast on the -battle-field? You just get down on your knees and thank God that you’ve -got a boy who isn’t afraid to go into a fight, either of bullets or of -ballots!” - -And she swept out of the house with even more vim than she had entered -it. - -She didn’t send for Hal this time. She didn’t want to see him. She was -afraid he might put a stop to her electioneering activities. But if -there was another enlisted man in Company E whom she did not interview -on the subject of the approaching election it was because, after -diligent search, she couldn’t possibly find him. - -When Hal heard about it he went to her and protested. - -“For goodness’ sake, Aunt Sarah,” he exclaimed, “stop it!” - -“Stop what?” she inquired, with assumed innocence. - -“This electioneering business. You’re queering the whole thing. It’s -one of the unwritten rules of the service that ‘military merit alone -gives any right to claim military preferment.’ The idea of a man’s aunt -making him ridiculous by going around soliciting votes for him from -every member of the company!” - -“Well,” she replied, “you needn’t go into a decline over it. I couldn’t -raise a promise out of a single mother’s son of ’em!” - -“Of course you couldn’t. It’s one of the unwritten rules of the service -that an enlisted man shall not tell for whom he is going to vote in a -company election.” - -“There you go with your ‘unwritten rules’ again. What do I care for -‘unwritten rules,’ or written ones either for that matter? You’ve -got to win this election; and if you do win it, somebody’s got to -electioneer for you. You’re positively no good at all at soliciting -votes for yourself.” - -“I know. I don’t want to be elected as a result of soliciting votes for -myself. I want to be elected on my merit as a soldier, or not at all.” - -“Fiddlesticks! You haven’t the faintest conception of your duty to -yourself. Why, Ben Barriscale is pulling every string he can get his -fingers on. His father and his mother and his sister and his sweetheart -are all out campaigning for him with bells on. Somebody’s got to do -something for you, young man, or you’ll get left as sure as your name’s -Halpert McCormack!” - -But, at the end of the interview, impressed with Hal’s argument against -her undue activities, she promised to be more circumspect in the -promotion of his cause, and he had to be satisfied with that. - -Sergeant McCormack had expressed a wish that there should be no open -propaganda in his behalf. He felt that an aggressive fight might -develop into a bitter one, and that such a campaign would not be “for -the good of the service.” - -But Sergeant Barriscale was not so considerate or conscientious. From -the moment when Hal informed him that he would be a candidate he knew -that he had a real fight on his hands and he set about the marshaling -of his forces. He brought to bear in his favor every influence of which -he, or any member of his family, or any civilian friend, was possessed. -He used every possible argument against Sergeant McCormack’s promotion -to the first lieutenancy that he or any of his supporters could think -of. He denounced the patent unfairness of any one being permitted to -jump two grades over the head of a present deserving superior officer. -He characterized his opponent as a socialist, a radical, a dreamer, a -pacifist, a nondescript citizen hesitating on the border of absolute -disloyalty to his government in a time when virile patriotism was -needed as never before. All the resources of political skill were -resorted to to circumvent his rival. - -Under these conditions it was impossible to confine interest in the -campaign to the rank and file of Company E. The whole city was stirred -with the contest. Partisans arose on every hand. The life of the -citizen soldier was not a happy one. He was besieged from all quarters. -To some of them the European battle line would have been far to be -preferred. Yet it was generally conceded that the chances, if the -word could properly be used when the outcome had been figured with -such mathematical precision, favored Sergeant Barriscale. He had more -powerful friends, he was a more aggressive fighter, he handled every -detail of the campaign with far more skill and thoroughness than did -his opponent. - -On the evening before the election the contest reached its apparent -climax. It was not a drill night, but a score or more of the enlisted -men had gathered at the armory, and were standing or sitting in groups -about the drill-hall. - -At nine o’clock Sergeant Barriscale came in. He came with a confident -stride, and a look of contentment on his face. - -“It’s all over,” he said, “but the shouting. Giving McCormack the -benefit of every doubtful vote, I shall win by a clear majority of -seven.” - -General Chick, standing in the group that had gathered about the -candidate, heard him. It was not a pleasant thing for Chick to hear. -His whole heart had been set on the success of Sergeant McCormack. -Daytime and night-time, in season and out of season, whether he met -with rebuff, ridicule or condescension, he exploited the virtues of and -solicited votes for his beloved candidate. To have Barriscale now, on -the eve of the election, declare with such an air of confidence that -he was sure to win out, was more than Chick could stand. - -“That ain’t so!” he shouted, shrilly. “You’re licked, and you know it!” - -The first sergeant’s face reddened, and the eyes he turned on the boy -were blazing with wrath. - -“You insignificant little runt!” he cried, “how dare you speak to me!” - -He faced the other way as if in disgust at the incident, and then he -faced back again to say to the amazed and amused listeners: - -“I want to give notice now that when this thing is all over, no matter -which way it goes, I shall take measures to rid the armory and the -company of this pestiferous, boot-licking dog-robber.” - -And General Chick replied gamely: - -“Jest try it on! I come into this comp’ny long before you did, and -I’ll be in it with a major-gen’al’s commission long after you’ve been -invited to git out.” - -The crowd laughed, and the incident was closed, but Barriscale’s -confident boast that he would be elected by a majority of seven votes -had sunk deep into Chick’s heart, and he felt that something must be -done immediately to try to save the day. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - - -General Chick did not wait long at the armory after his verbal -encounter with Sergeant Barriscale. He knew that he could accomplish -nothing by remaining there, and he had a feeling that if he could only -see McCormack and talk the situation over with him some plan might be -evolved by which threatened defeat would be averted. - -He shuffled across the armory floor and out through the big front door -under the tower into the street. - -He wondered whether Ben Barriscale really knew what he was talking -about when he claimed to have a majority of seven votes, or whether -his declaration was simply a bluff made for the effect it might have -on his listeners. But he had seemed so confident; his campaign had -been so thorough and systematic, that now, at the close of it, he was -more than likely to be correct in his estimate of the result. It was a -disheartening conclusion to reach, but it was a conclusion that could -not well be avoided. At any rate there was but one thing to do now, and -that was to see Sergeant McCormack, tell him of his rival’s boast, and -consider what, if anything, could be done. - -He knew where McCormack lived, and he knew what route to take to get -there. It was already after nine o’clock, and there was no time to -lose. It was a splendid, moonlight August night and there were many -people in the streets. On the bridge that crossed the river a dozen -loiterers stood, singly and in pairs, watching the shimmer of moonlight -on the passing waters. One of them spoke to Chick as he hurried by, -but the boy did not stop to respond; he gave a quick word of greeting -and moved rapidly on. With every step that he took he grew more -and more impressed with the importance of his errand, and with the -necessity of haste in delivering it. He felt that the sooner he could -reach McCormack the greater would be the possibility of averting the -threatened disaster. - -In front of the Fairweather Club a man stood in evening clothes, -anxiously scanning the faces of those who passed by. When he saw Chick -coming a look of relief spread over his countenance. - -“Chick!” he called, “you’re just the man I’m looking for. I want you to -take a letter to Mayor Toplady for me. It’s got to be delivered before -ten o’clock.” - -Chick paused long enough to reply. - -“Can’t do it,” he said. “Ain’t got time.” - -“There’s a dollar in it for you. You can take the next car that comes -along. You’ll get there in twenty minutes.” - -Chick opened his eyes wide. There were not many days in the year in -which he earned a whole dollar. But to-night the offer did not tempt -him. - -“I’d like to ’commodate you,” he said; “but it’s jest as I told you; I -ain’t got time. I’m in too much of a hurry.” - -“I’ll give you two dollars, Chick. It isn’t every man that comes along -that I can trust. And this is important.” - -But the boy was still obdurate. - -“I tell you I can’t do it!” he exclaimed. “If they was fifty dollars in -it for me I couldn’t do it. I’ve got an important errant myself.” - -And, for the purpose of shutting off further argument and entreaty, he -hurried on. - -At the next corner he could take a street-car that would carry him to -within three blocks of McCormack’s home. He thrust his hand into his -pocket for the necessary nickel and found, to his dismay, that he was -penniless. So there was nothing for him to do but to walk the mile up -the hill, unless he could quickly find some one who would lend him -the required car fare. At that moment, as good luck would have it, he -discovered Corporal Manning, of Company E, just entering Wolf’s drug -store. He knew that Manning would lend him the money, for Manning was a -friend of his and had already done him more than one favor. Moreover, -he believed that the corporal was friendly to McCormack and would favor -his candidacy. - -As Chick entered the drug store Manning was just seating himself on one -of the revolving stools at the soda-fountain counter. He saw the boy -and called to him. - -“Just in time, Chick!” he exclaimed. “Come and have a soda on me.” - -Now the love of soda-water was Chick’s besetting sin. He himself -acknowledged that far too many of his hard-earned nickels went to -appease his desire for his favorite drink. But to-night, even though a -sudden thirst overwhelmed him, he put the temptation resolutely aside. - -“No,” he said, “I’m jest as much obleeged to you, but I ain’t got time. -I’ve got use for the nickel, though,” he added, shuffling up to the -counter, “if you’d lend me one till to-morrow.” - -“Sure!” replied Manning, cheerfully. “Make it a dime.” He produced the -coin and handed it to the boy. “But what’s the great hurry?” - -Chick looked cautiously over the near-by patrons of the place before -answering. No one was within hearing. Perhaps he might get a valuable -suggestion. - -“Well,” he whispered, “I’m goin’ up to see Sergeant ’Cormack. -Somethin’s got to be done right off.” - -“Why? What’s the matter?” - -“I jest heard Sergeant Barry say he’s goin’ to beat my candidate by -seven votes. He told the bunch up to the armory. I can’t stan’ that. -We’ve got to do somethin’ quick.” - -Manning set his glass back deliberately on the counter. - -“I don’t believe it!” he said. “He’s just throwing a bluff. Charlie -Moore and I went over the whole situation not more than half an hour -ago; and the way we figure it Hal will come under the wire with three -votes to spare.” - -“You countin’ on Stone an’ Hooper?” - -“Sure, we’re counting on them.” - -“That’s where you’re way off. They’re for Barry.” - -“It can’t be. They’re as good as promised for Hal.” - -“Well, I heard Stone say, myself, that him and Hooper was for Barry -because they had to be.” - -Corporal Manning sat for a moment in grim silence. “Then I don’t know,” -he said finally, “who you can depend on. Maybe Barriscale will get away -with it after all. He’s a crack-a-jack at wire-pulling. Did you say -there’s a bunch of the boys up at the armory?” - -“Yes; dozens of ’em.” - -“I guess I’ll go up there myself and see how the land lies.” - -“I wisht you would. An’ I’ll go on up to ’Cormack’s an’ see what can be -done.” - -Chick shuffled hastily out, but Manning rose from his seat, went to the -door, and called after him. - -“You tell Hal,” he said, when the boy came back to the step, “that he -can depend absolutely on Charlie Moore and me. I don’t know whether -he’s counting on us. I haven’t promised him anything; but he ought to -know now on whom he can rely.” - -“That’s good!” replied Chick; “I’ll tell him.” And he turned again and -hurried away. - -Manning stood for a minute in the store door gazing at the crowds in -the street, and then, without going back to finish his soda, he started -toward the armory. - -Twenty minutes later Chick rang the door-bell at the McCormack house. -Hal, himself, came to the door, and, when he saw who was there, he drew -the boy into the hall, and then into the library. - -“I know it’s perty late for me to be comin’,” began Chick apologetically; -“but I got somethin’ to tell you, an’ it wouldn’t keep over night.” - -“About the election, I suppose?” inquired Hal. - -“Yes. Sergeant Barry says he’s goin’ to win out to-morrow with seven -votes to spare. He told that to the bunch up to the armory to-night.” - -“He must be mistaken, Chick. I’ve figured it out, and according to my -figures I’ll have a majority of three.” - -“You countin’ on Stone an’ Hooper?” - -“Yes; they’re friends of mine.” - -“Well, they’re no good. They’re for Barry. I heard Fred Stone say so -himself.” - -“If that’s so I’ll get left. But I’ve done everything that it’s -possible for any decent fellow to do to get elected, and I’ll have no -regrets on that score.” - -It was at this juncture that Miss Sarah Halpert entered into the -conversation. She had been sitting with other members of the family -in an adjoining room, the connecting door of which was wide open, and -evidently she had heard Hal’s remark, for now she came bustling into -the library and stood facing the two boys. - -“That’s not so, Hal McCormack!” she declared, “and you know it. You’ve -done precious little to get elected. Why, instead of sitting here at -home to-night calmly reading Karl Marx’s silly book on ‘Kapital,’ you -ought to be out with your coat off and your sleeves rolled up, hustling -for votes, as I’ll warrant you Ben Barriscale is.” - -Hal smiled. He seldom took his Aunt Sarah’s scolding seriously. But -to-night she seemed to be more in earnest than usual. - -“Why,” she went on, “Chick is worth a dozen of you as a vote-getter. -Here he’s been running his legs off for you for days while you’ve been -dawdling around the house. What is the outlook anyway, Chick?” - -“Perty poor, Mrs. Halpert,” was the reply. - -Chick always called her “Mrs.” She said she didn’t know why on earth he -did so unless it was because he felt that even if she wasn’t married -she ought to be, so that she would have some one to be continually -bossing. - -“Well, where’s your list, Hal?” she asked. “Let’s look it over again. -We’ll separate the sheep from the goats and put bells on them. Then -we’ll know where they are.” - -She crossed over and seated herself in a chair by the table, and -beckoned to the boys to join her there. They did so. And when Hal -produced his list, already checked and rechecked, of the names of the -enlisted men in his company, she went over it with them, name by name, -and from the reports which they gave, and from her own knowledge and -opinions, she drew her conclusions and made her division. - -“’Fore I forget it,” said Chick, “Co’poral Manning sent word to tell -you that him an’ Charlie Moore is for you. He thought you might not be -sure of ’em.” - -“I wasn’t sure of them,” replied Hal. “It was rather a delicate matter -to approach them, and I didn’t do it.” - -“Of course you didn’t!” sputtered Miss Halpert. “And there are -several dozen more whom your extraordinary delicacy and modesty have -prevented you from interviewing. Oh, you’ve made a fine campaign--for -self-effacement!” She turned abruptly to Chick. “Chick,” she asked, -“who are the doubtful ones in this whole list? Just give me their names -and I’ll take them down.” - -“What for, Aunt Sarah?” Hal scented trouble. - -“I’m going to see every mother’s son of ’em to-morrow morning, and find -out what’s what.” - -“But, Aunt Sarah, you promised me----” - -She turned on him sharply. - -“My promise was on condition that you should do something for yourself. -And as near as I can make out you haven’t done a blessed thing. Chick, -give me those names.” - -Hal groaned in dismay. He knew, from long experience, the utter -uselessness of making further protest. - -“Well,” replied Chick, “there’s Maury an’ Steinman an’ Jarvis an’ -O’Donnell, an’--an’----” - -“How about Tom Hooper?” inquired Miss Halpert. - -“Him an’ Jim Stone’s ag’inst us,” answered Chick. - -“What for?” - -“No reason ’t I know of, ’cept they’re fixed.” - -“Well, they’re not fixed until after I’ve seen them.” - -“But,” protested Hal, “you don’t know those fellows, Aunt Sarah.” - -“Then,” she replied quickly, “I’ll make their acquaintance. Besides, I -know their mothers, and I guess their mothers will have the last say. -I’ll try it on anyway.” - -“Oh, Aunt Sarah! this is not a contest between the mothers of the boys.” - -“All right! Make it a contest between their aunts if you like. But the -time has come when I’m going to interfere. Chick, give me the rest of -those names.” - -When her request had been complied with, Miss Halpert went over again -with the two boys the entire list and checked up those who were surely -for and those who were surely against the second sergeant, and divided -the doubtful ones according to the probabilities; and Hal was still one -vote short. Then Chick had an idea. - -“Where you got Fred Lewis?” he asked. - -“He’s against me,” replied Hal. “He works at the Barriscale, and he’s -one of Ben’s right-hand men.” - -Chick sat for a moment in contemplative silence. - -“I shouldn’t wonder ’at I’ve got a pull with him,” he said finally. - -“You’ll have to have a pretty big pull to get him away from Ben,” -replied Hal incredulously. “What do you mean pull, anyway?” - -“Oh, I can’t tell you that. It’s somethin’ that him an’ me knows about. -It’s a secret. I’m goin’ to see him anyway.” - -He rose from his chair, cap in hand, and faced toward the door. - -“Why, Chick!” exclaimed Hal, “you can’t see him to-night. It’s after -half-past ten. He’ll be in bed.” - -“Let the boy alone!” broke in Miss Halpert, sharply. “He knows what -he’s about, and you don’t. It’s never too late to get a vote.” - -So Chick went out into the night and bent his steps toward the home of -Alfred Lewis, admirer of a girl by the name of Rachael. He, himself, -had no clear idea of what he was going to do or how he was going to do -it. He simply felt that he must find his man if possible, and settle -the question of his vote. Doubtless it was too late in the evening to -see him, as Sergeant McCormack had said; but at least it would do no -harm to try. His way lay across the city, there was no street-car line -reaching in that direction, and it was necessary for him to walk. - -When he had accomplished half the distance he found himself out of -breath, and sat down for a little while on the carriage block in front -of a private residence to rest. When he started on again he walked more -slowly. The clock in the tower of the City Hall, a mile away, tolled -out the hour of eleven. He heard it and walked faster. And when he -finally reached the Lewis home he found the house dark, and no one in -the neighborhood. He leaned against the gate where he had left young -Lewis the night he had given him the letter, and wondered what he -should do. Plainly there was but one thing for him to do, and that was -to go home. It would be absurd and unpardonable to rouse the members of -the Lewis household for the purpose of his errand. He faced back toward -the way by which he had come, but before he had moved from his place -he heard the echo of footsteps on the pavement, and discovered a dim -form approaching him. It was a man, and, as he drew near, Chick heard -him whistle softly to himself. He decided to wait till the man should -go by. But the man didn’t go by. He stopped at the gate and looked -inquiringly at the figure standing there. - -“Chick!” - -“Corp’al Lewis!” - -The recognition was mutual and simultaneous. - -“Chick, are you waiting to see me?” - -“Yes, they’s somethin’ I kind o’ want to ast you.” - -“All right! Go ahead and ask it. You’ll never find me in a more genial -frame of mind.” - -“Well, do you ’member ’bout that letter I found, to a girl name o’ -Rachael?” - -“Do I remember about it! Chick, the finding of that letter has made me -the happiest man on earth.” - -“That so?” Chick seemed to be a little incredulous at first, but when -he looked into the beaming face of the young man, as the light from the -incandescent lamp at the corner fell on it, he no longer doubted his -words. - -“Yes, let me tell you.” Young Lewis came closer and lowered his voice, -although the street was quiet as an African desert, and every house in -the block was closed and locked for the night. “You see, I took that -letter with me when I went there this evening, and I told her about how -you had found it and given it back to me; and, naturally, she wanted -to see it; so, after a while, I let her read it. And that sort o’ -broke the ice, and--well, Chick, that girl by the name of Rachael has -promised to be my wife.” - -He straightened up, threw back his head and shoulders, and assumed a -wholly monarchical air. - -“That’s fine an’ dandy,” said Chick, not knowing what else to say. - -“Yes; and let me tell you what she said, Chick. She said that if any -one else had found the letter, and had shown it, and it had become -public property, as it were, and people had identified me as the writer -and her as the proposed recipient, she wouldn’t have married me in -a thousand years; just to punish me in the first place for my crass -negligence, and in the second place to spite the gossips.” - -Chick laughed a little. “She’s got some spunk, ain’t she?” he said. - -“You bet she has. So you see where you come in, Chick. She’s under -everlasting obligations to you, and so am I.” - -The boy shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and reached out -a caressing hand to the gate-post. - -“You ’member,” he asked, “what you promised me the night I give you -back the letter?” - -“Sure I do. I promised you I’d do you any favor in my power, any time.” - -“Well, you can do it now.” - -“How?” - -“Vote for Sergeant ’Cormack to-morrow.” - -Fred Lewis looked questioningly into the eyes of his visitor and for a -moment he did not speak. Finally he said: - -“Chick, that’s a poser. You know I work in the Barriscale, don’t you?” - -“I know it.” - -“And I’m looking for promotion there.” - -“I s’pose so.” - -“And Ben is counting on my vote.” - -“Most likely.” - -“Then, what can you expect?” - -Chick did not answer the question, but he asked another. - -“Ain’t promised him nothin’, have you?” - -“No, he hasn’t asked me. He’s taken it all for granted.” - -“Well, nobody’ll know how anybody votes.” - -“That’s true.” - -“And you ain’t got nothin’ ag’inst Sergeant ’Cormack?” - -“No; he’s a fine fellow, and he’ll make a splendid officer.” - -“Then vote for him. I ask you.” - -Again young Lewis was silent. Evidently he was weighing the matter in -his mind. - -“Chick,” he said at last, “can you keep a secret?” - -“I didn’t say nothin’ ’bout the letter, did I?” - -“No, that’s right. Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I won’t promise -you a single thing. Mind you, not a single thing. But, Chick, Halpert -McCormack is going to get one vote to-morrow that he’s not expecting. -Do you get me?” - -“I got you.” - -“All right! Here’s my hand on it. And, Chick, it’s _our_ secret.” - -“Criss-cross my heart,” replied Chick. - -There was a long hand-clasp, a cheery good-night, and the boy turned -his face toward home. As he went down the hill, and struck into the -deserted Main Street, the clock in the City Hall tower tolled the hour -of twelve. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - - -On Tuesday, the fifth day of October, 1915, Major Mowbray Huntington -came to Fairweather, in pursuance of the order issued to him, to hold -an election for the office of first lieutenant of Company E. The -election was to be held at eight o’clock in the evening of that day, in -the company room at the armory. But, long before the hour for balloting -had arrived, members of the company came strolling in by ones and -twos and began to gather in little groups on the drill floor of the -armory. There was no acrimonious debate, nor was there any exhibition -of violent partisanship. The time for argument and for proselyting had -gone by. But there was intense interest. It was now a question of which -of the two candidates had secured the most prospective votes. Every one -agreed that the contest was fairly close, but Barriscale’s adherents -were confident in their prediction that he would win out by a safe -majority. Nor had Hal’s friends given up hope. They felt that it was -still among the possibilities that he should be elected. At any rate, -he had made a clean, aggressive, splendid fight, and they were proud of -him. He had never been half-hearted in the matter; not from the moment -of his decision to enter the contest. At first he had been contented -simply to announce his candidacy without entering into any active -campaign. But when he learned what a strenuous fight his opponent -was putting up, how he was leaving no stone unturned, no influence -unsolicited, no argument, fair or unfair, unused; he threw himself more -keenly into the contest, enlisted the active support of his friends in -the company, and carried on a vigorous fight up to the very close of -the campaign. And now the final chapter had been reached. - -At eight o’clock the assembly was sounded, the men fell in in full -uniform with side-arms, according to military law, the roll was called, -the command turned over to Captain Murray, and the company marched to -the large room on the second floor, where seats had been arranged in -rows for purposes of the election. - -At the table at one end of the room sat Major Huntington, flanked on -his right by Captain Murray, and on his left by Second Lieutenant -Brownell, while Corporal Manning, the company clerk, occupied a seat at -one end of the table. - -When the clerk had read to the company the order for the election, -Major Huntington arose and said: - -“In compliance with the order just read we will now proceed to the -election of a first lieutenant for Company E. It has been certified -to me that your company carries sixty-seven regularly enlisted men on -its roll, all of whom are present in uniform. You therefore have nine -more members than the minimum number required for holding an election. -A candidate must receive at least thirty-four votes in order to be -elected. I understand that there are but two known candidates for the -office, and that printed ballots have been distributed containing their -names. However, lest any man should be without, or should not care to -use, a printed ballot, the clerk will now distribute blank slips to -you, on which a candidate’s name may be written. Five minutes after -this distribution has been made, I shall have the company roll called, -and each man, as his name is spoken, will come forward and deposit his -ballot in the box on the table. I have appointed Captain Murray and -Lieutenant Brownell to be inspectors of the election. After the votes -have been cast they will be counted by us, and the result will be -immediately announced.” - -There was some whispering among the men, and a few of them began to -write the name of their candidate on the blank slips which had now -been distributed to them. For the most part, however, the electors sat -quietly with their printed ballots in their hands, awaiting the calling -of the roll. - -It was during this lull that Private Stone arose in his place. Stone -was a clerk in the employ of the Barriscale Manufacturing Company, and -a violent partisan of the first sergeant. - -“May I ask for information?” he inquired. - -“You may,” replied the presiding officer. - -“I want to know if, under military law, a man is eligible to election -as first lieutenant over the head of a man who is now his superior -officer, and who is also a candidate?” - -“I know of no rule of military law,” replied the chairman, “that denies -his eligibility.” - -Friends of McCormack, who had looked up apprehensively when the -question was put, breathed freely again. - -“Then I want to know,” continued Stone, “if it is according to military -custom for an under officer to be promoted like that?” - -“As a general thing,” replied Major Huntington, “officers go up in -accordance with their existing rank. But it is not contrary to military -ethics to jump grades. The members of a company have a perfect right, -if they choose to do so, to elevate a private to the captaincy over the -heads of all intervening officers.” - -But Stone was persistent. - -“Do you think,” he asked, “that things like that are for ‘the good of -the service’? Isn’t it better for military discipline that men should -work their way up in regular order?” - -“That,” replied the major, “is a matter that I cannot discuss with you -at this time. You must settle that for yourselves, by your ballots.” - -Stone resumed his seat, somewhat crestfallen, amid the smiles of those -who were not in sympathy with him. But no sooner was he seated than -Hooper, another ardent Barriscale supporter, sprang to his feet. It was -evident that Hooper was laboring under considerable excitement. - -“One of the candidates here,” he declared, “is known to be a socialist -and a companion of radicals who are opposed to all government. He -doesn’t believe in the use of the military to suppress riot and -disorder, nor in the punishment of any one who deliberately insults our -flag. He is unpatriotic and un-American, and unsafe to be entrusted -with the command of troops. Have we any right, legal or moral, to elect -such a person as our first lieutenant?” - -Before the last word was out of Hooper’s mouth, and before the chairman -could make any response, Private Moore, a warm friend of McCormack’s, -was on his feet. - -“That’s slander!” he shouted, “and Hooper knows it. There’s no better -soldier in the Guard, nor any more loyal citizen in this country than -Sergeant Halpert McCormack; and it’s contemptible of you”--turning -toward Hooper with red face and eyes blazing with indignation--“I say -it’s contemptible of you even to intimate to the contrary.” - -Under Moore’s fierce gaze and emphatic language Hooper wilted and -resumed his seat. - -Then Barriscale, himself, sprang into the breach. It was apparent that -his lieutenants were not standing to their guns with the force and -pertinacity that he had expected of them, and that he, himself, must -leap in and push the argument home. Major Huntington, the chairman, had -already raised his gavel, as if to shut off further discussion, but, -apparently, having permitted Moore to be heard, he thought it was not -wise to silence Barriscale. So the gavel did not fall. - -“It’s no slander!” declared Barriscale, dramatically. “What Hooper -says is all true, and he hasn’t begun to tell it all either. I’ve -investigated. I know this man’s record. And I tell you that he comes -little short of being a full-fledged anarchist. He would put the red -flag, to-day, above the Stars and Stripes. I give notice, now, that -when this thing is over, either he will be dismissed from the Guard or -I will. I shall refuse to serve in the same company----” - -He got no further. The buzz which had begun at the end of his first -half dozen words had risen to a prolonged hiss, and it now deepened -into a perfect roar of disapproval. Men on both sides sprang to their -feet clamoring to be heard. - -It was then, for the first time, that the chairman’s gavel fell; and it -fell with a crash that evidenced his state of mind. - -“Order!” he shouted. “I shall discipline the first man who remains on -his feet or who says another word!” - -Trained to obey commands, the men resumed their seats and were silent. -But, on every face was a flush of excitement, apprehension or anger. - -“I am astonished,” continued the chairman, “that members of this -company should have been guilty of such a breach of military etiquette -as this, or should have indulged in such an unsoldierly demonstration. -I am here to conduct your election, not to settle your quarrels. I -will say, however, that if the person who receives a majority of your -votes is not approved by my superior officers, he will be denied a -commission. Of that you may rest assured. The clerk will now call the -roll, and you will come forward and deposit your ballots as your names -are spoken.” - -There was no more quarreling; there were no more charges or -counter-charges. The time for action had come. - -The clerk began calling the roll, and, as he called the several names, -the men responded, advanced to the table, put their ballots into the -box and resumed their seats. - -When the voting had been completed the counting began. One by one the -ballots were removed from the box by Lieutenant Brownell, exhibited -in turn to Major Huntington and Captain Murray, and the name on them -announced to Corporal Manning, the clerk, in a voice loud and distinct -enough to be heard by every person present. - -But the clerk was not the only one in the room who was keeping tally as -the votes were counted. Fully half of the men there, with pencils and -paper, were keeping their own record as the count progressed, and the -other half were looking over their shoulders. - -It was an absorbing occupation for all of them. The two candidates -were running almost neck and neck. Now Barriscale was ahead, and now -McCormack. After a few minutes the first sergeant began to forge a -little farther to the front. When the fortieth ballot had been removed -from the box and counted, his vote stood twenty-three to McCormack’s -seventeen. - -Surrounded by his friends, at the right of the first row of seats, -Barriscale watched with intense interest the tally as Stone carried -it along in blocks of five. He had never doubted his ultimate success -in the election; now, with the vote standing as it did, he was more -confident than ever. He did not see how it was possible, with the lead -he had, for McCormack to overtake him. Already a smile of triumph began -to overspread his face. - -But the next two votes went to McCormack, and the lead was reduced -to four. However, Barriscale got numbers forty-three, forty-five and -forty-eight, thus holding his lead of four. - -But forty-nine and fifty went to McCormack, leaving Barriscale a -majority on the fiftieth count of only two. - -Things began to look serious for the first sergeant. - -Stone and Hooper were keeping tally with trembling fingers. - -Barriscale, himself, was still optimistic concerning his success, and -when the next three votes were recorded for him, carrying his lead up -to five, the confident smile reasserted itself in his face, and he -foresaw an easy victory. - -There were only fourteen more ballots to be counted, and it was hardly -within the range of possibility that he could now be defeated. - -Then, alas for human probabilities! five votes in succession were -announced for McCormack, so that, with the counting of the fifty-eighth -ballot, the two candidates were for the first time tied. - -Number fifty-nine was for Barriscale; but numbers sixty, sixty-one and -sixty-two were all for McCormack, giving him a lead of two votes. - -For the first time in all the strenuous campaign, the glimmer of hope -in Hal’s breast, alternately fading and reappearing, brightened into a -steady flame. There were but five more votes to be counted. Surely he -might reasonably hope to get two of them. - -As for Sergeant Barriscale, there was no smile on his lips now. He -stared at the tally sheet with incredulous eyes. The votes that he had -confidently counted on had not been forthcoming. It was evident that -some one, more than one indeed, had played traitor to him. Already -the fires of anger were beginning to blaze up in his breast. Had he -harbored resentment too soon? It might be; for the next three ballots -were for him. On the sixty-fifth count he was one ahead. There were but -two more ballots to be counted. Surely he had a right to expect one of -these. He grasped at the proverbial straw with the clutch of a drowning -man. - -The excitement in the room was intense but suppressed. Save for the -voice of the chairman announcing the names on the ballots, and the -voice of the clerk repeating them, there was absolute stillness. No one -else spoke, or even whispered. Men scarcely breathed for the suspense -that was on them. - -Ballot number sixty-six was removed from the box, read and recorded. It -was for McCormack. - -The two contestants were again tied. - -There was but one more ballot to be counted. That ballot would break -the tie and decide the election. - -Men put aside their tally sheets, or crumpled them in their hands, and -leaned forward in their chairs, their eyes fixed on the lips of the -presiding officer, in breathless anticipation. - -Brownell reached into the box, drew out the last ballot, glanced at it, -and handed it to Major Huntington. - -The major looked at it in his turn, showed it to Captain Murray, and -then announced the name written on it. - -“Halpert McCormack.” - -For the fraction of a minute there was dead silence. Then, like a -clap of thunder, there came a swift outburst of applause. Hands, -feet, throats united to acclaim the young officer-elect. Spontaneous, -irrepressible, enthusiastic, the chorus of rejoicing rolled out -from the company room, down the broad stairway, and across the wide -drill-hall to its remotest corner. People waiting there in scores to -hear the outcome of the election caught up the waves of sound and sent -them echoing back to the room on the upper floor, though not one of -them knew as yet whose victory it was. - -Then, for the second time that evening, the chairman’s gavel crashed -down on the table before him, but on his face there was no sign of -annoyance or of disapproval as he announced the result of the balloting. - -“Sixty-seven votes have been cast. Of these Sergeant Barriscale -receives thirty-three, and Sergeant McCormack receives thirty-four. -Second Sergeant Halpert McCormack has therefore been elected to the -office of First Lieutenant of Company E. He will report to me for -instructions immediately after the breaking of ranks. Captain Murray, -you will now dismiss your company.” - -Of course Hal was the hero of the hour. Of course people congratulated -him right and left. If his head had been easily turned he would have -faced backward forever after. Brownell was jubilant. Major-General -Chick was delirious with joy. Aunt Sarah, waiting with her ear at the -telephone receiver for word from the armory, could hardly contain -herself when the victory was announced to her. When Hal went to see -her the next day she saw him coming, met him on the porch, and kissed -him on both cheeks in full view of the passers-by, greatly to his -discomfiture. - -But he partly consoled himself by saying to her: - -“The men whom you especially interviewed in my behalf all voted against -me. The next time I run for anything I’m going to lock you into the -house and throw the key down the well. It’s not safe to have you at -large on such an occasion.” - -“You behave yourself!” she retorted, “and stop making fun of a -defenseless old maid. Do you know what I’m going to do to punish you? -I’m going to make you a gift of your officer’s uniform, and sword, and -shoulder-straps, and the whole equipment, and----” - -“Aunt Sarah, you mustn’t think----” - -“You--keep--your mouth--closed. I----” - -“But, Aunt Sarah!” - -“I say shut up! The thing’s settled. How’s your mother to-day?” - -If McCormack’s friends were jubilant over his election, he, himself, -did not appear to be unduly elated. He did not seem to feel that his -victory was a thing of which he should be especially proud. He had been -elected by a bare majority of the votes of all the electors of the -company, and he had won out over his opponent by only a single vote. - -Nor had he been greatly ambitious to obtain the promotion. Indeed, had -it not been for Barriscale’s surly conduct and attempted bribe, he -would have persisted in refusing to be a candidate. But, now that he -had been elected, he determined that he would fulfil the duties of his -new position faithfully, to the best of his judgment and ability. - -He was not objectionable to the bulk of the minority voters of the -company. If he did not know that at the time of the election he learned -it soon afterward. One by one, as opportunity offered, they came to -him, congratulated him, and gave him sincere assurances of their -entire loyalty. His opponent had, indeed, been their choice, either -for reasons of preference or policy, but McCormack was in no sense -displeasing to them. This, much to his satisfaction, they made him -understand. - -So, in due course, the return of the election was forwarded through -regimental headquarters to the Adjutant-General, the several -headquarters through which it passed endorsing thereon their approval. -It was as follows: - - “_To the Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania_: - - “SIR: - - “At an election held on the fifth day of October, A. D. 1915, - for First Lieutenant of Company E, ----th Infantry, N. G. P., - the following named person was duly elected, to wit: HALPERT - MCCORMACK of Benson County; and I hereby certify that the - company now bears upon its rolls the names of sixty-seven - bona-fide enlisted men, that at this election sixty-seven men - were paraded in State uniform, that the candidate elected - received thirty-four votes, and that he has been duly notified - by me of his election. Witness my hand this seventh day of - October, A. D. 1915. - - “MOWBRAY HUNTINGTON, - _Major_, - _Conducting Election_.” - - “Attest, - RICHARD L. MANNING, - _Clerk of Election_.” - -This return was accompanied by McCormack’s acceptance as follows: - - “_To the Adjutant-General_, - _State of Pennsylvania_: - _Through Intermediate Headquarters_. - - “SIR: - - “I have the honor to advise you that I hereby accept the - election to the office of First Lieutenant of Company E, - ----th Regiment Infantry, N. G. P. - - “Very respectfully, - HALPERT MCCORMACK, - _Second Sergeant Company E_, - Fairweather, Pa.” - -But there was no positive assurance that Hal would receive his -commission. He still had Ben Barriscale to deal with, and Barriscale -had threatened to force him out of the Guard. The first step in such -a movement would of course be to attempt to block the confirmation of -McCormack’s election before the military board authorized by law to -deny a commission to elected but unapproved officers. - -That the defeated candidate would not hesitate to take action of this -kind, if he could be assured of any fair prospect of success, every one -knew. - -He was disappointed, angry, and bitter beyond belief over his defeat. -He felt that he had been betrayed by some of those whose support he had -a right to receive; that, as he said, they had given him “the double -cross,” and that it was their defection that had led to his defeat. He -did not know, or perhaps could not have understood if he had known, -that it was his own injudicious and threatening outburst on the day of -election that caused the changing of enough ballots to precipitate the -disaster to his cause. - -And he did not know, and was destined never to know, about the -midnight visit of Chick Dalloway with Fred Lewis, nor why it was that -McCormack carried the election by a majority of just one vote. - -Of course much of his anger and resentment were directed toward his -late opponent. His threat on the night of the election had been no -idle one, and Hal and his friends knew it. They waited, therefore, -not without some apprehension, to see what steps he might now take to -prevent the first lieutenant-elect from ever having the benefit of his -shoulder-straps. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - - -It is true that First Sergeant Barriscale took into serious consideration -the question of an attempt to block the confirmation of his rival’s -election to the first lieutenancy. - -But when he consulted with his father about the matter, the elder -Barriscale advised against such action. Not that he had any love for -McCormack. He was against him as bitterly as was his son. But he had -a longer head than had his boy, and he felt that the time was not yet -ripe in which to inaugurate a movement that would do the young officer -the most injury. Hal had not renounced his socialistic leanings, nor -had he forsaken his radical associates. Of that fact the Barriscales -had assured themselves, and with that fact, and what it promised for -the future, they were at present content. - -“Give him rope enough, and he’ll hang himself,” was the sententious -comment of the elder Barriscale. - -So, in due time, Lieutenant McCormack received his commission and -took the oath required of commissioned officers. It was an oath the -obligation of which stared him in the face many times in the days that -were to come. - - “I do solemnly swear that to the best of my knowledge and - ability I will support and defend the Constitution of the - United States, and of the State of Pennsylvania, against - all enemies foreign and domestic; and that I will well and - faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am - about to enter. So help me God. - - “HALPERT MCCORMACK, - _First Lieutenant Company E, - ----th Regiment, N. G. P., - Fairweather, Pa._” - - “Sworn to and subscribed before me - this 21st day of October, A. D. 1915. - - “ELON A. CONYBEARE, - _Major, Staff of_ BRIG.-GEN’L. SAML. A. FINLETTER.” - -So, at last, Hal had his shoulder-straps, his officer’s uniform, and -his equipment. Much against his inclination he had been obliged to -accept these things as a gift from his Aunt Sarah Halpert. Not to have -done so would, as she herself declared, have completely broken her -heart. - -“I can’t go and fight,” she said to him; “not but what I’d be perfectly -willing to, but they wouldn’t let me. So the next best thing for me to -do was to furnish you with your fighting togs. And you’ll have a chance -to use ’em; take my word for it. Uncle Sam’s soldiers are going to have -some fighting to do before things get settled.” - -“I hope not, Aunt Sarah.” - -“You hope not! Why, you weak-kneed pacifist! If this government doesn’t -jump in and help France and England smash the Kaiser, I’ll be ashamed -of my flag.” - -“It’s not our quarrel.” - -“Of course it’s our quarrel. Those stupid German blunderers have made -it our quarrel. They’ve trodden on Uncle Sam’s coat-tails once a week -for a year. They’ll do it about twice more and then something will -drop. Besides, there’s all that hubbub down in Mexico, making life a -nightmare this side the border. Those hoodlums have got to be clubbed -into decency, and I don’t see but what you fellows have got to go down -there and do it. There isn’t enough of the regular army to patrol a -greaser’s cabin. And if you don’t get a taste of war across the seas or -down among the cactus, you may have a chance to show your mettle right -here at home. They say the workmen in the mills are getting impudent -and ugly and threatening a strike that’ll make Ben Barriscale’s hair -stand on end. I mean the old man.” - -She paused, not because she had no more to say, but in order to take -fresh breath. The pause gave Hal another chance to break in. - -“I wouldn’t mind helping to defend this country against a foreign -foe, if it were necessary,” he said, “or even assisting to suppress a -domestic rebellion against the lawfully organized government. But when -it comes to doing strike duty I protest. That’s a job for the state -police anyway; not for the National Guard.” - -“But it _is_ a job for the National Guard when it gets too big for the -police or the state police to handle. I suppose men have a right to -quit work whenever they want to; but they haven’t a right to try to win -a strike with brickbats and torches.” - -“If workmen were fairly treated, and given their due proportion of the -product of their labor, there would be no strikes, and no brickbats, -and no torches. Anyway, the idea of workers being awed or shot or -bayoneted by the militia into submission to their capitalist employers’ -terms, is so abhorrent to me that I don’t want to think of it.” - -“There you go again, you wild-eyed anarchist! A fine militiaman you -are! Threatening to compound felonies and protect criminals! You’d -better----” - -“There, now, Aunt Sarah, let’s call quits! We’ll never agree in the -world. You come up to the armory to-morrow night and see me in my new -uniform, and forget that I’m a bomb-throwing, king-killing anarchist.” - -It was true, as Aunt Sarah had said, that there was uneasiness among -the workmen employed in the Barriscale plant. The factory had never -before been so busy. The company was not engaged directly in the -manufacture of munitions for use by the entente allies, but it was -engaged in the manufacture of implements and machinery for the making -of such munitions. Among the men the rumor was current that the profits -of the concern were enormous, and that the Barriscales and their -associates were reaping great harvests of gold. They knew of no reason -why they, in view of the sharp advance in the general cost of living, -should not share in this prosperity. Wages had indeed been advanced -twice since the advent of the European War, but these advances were -merely a pittance in comparison to what they were entitled to receive -if stories of the company’s profits were true. - -However, the winter came and brought no strike. Men are not apt, in -severe weather, to look complacently on disappearing jobs. - -But when the late March days gave promise of an early spring, and new -life began to stir the pulses of men as it stirred the heart of nature, -the spirit of discontent awoke and crystallized into a demand on the -officers of the Barriscale Company for much higher wages, shorter hours -and better conditions of labor. The demand was refused. Next in order -was an ultimatum to the effect that unless, by the following Tuesday -night, the requirements of the men were substantially complied with, -not a union man would be found at his post on Wednesday morning. - -Benjamin Barriscale, Sr., shut his square jaws together, and told his -board of directors that so far as he was concerned he would scrap the -entire plant and go out of business before he would be black-jacked -into submission to a lot of irresponsible union officials. And since -he dominated the board and no one cared to dispute his judgment, the -ultimatum was ignored and the strike was declared. - -Both sides claimed to be confident of victory, and, as the contest -lengthened, there was less talk of compromise, and the farther away -appeared to be the day of settlement. - -In the fifth week of the struggle a new element entered into the -situation. Hitherto the management of the strike had been in the -hands of labor union officials. They had held their men well in -check, there had been little disorder and no rioting. But, from the -inception of the trouble, organizers and leaders of the radical wing -of the workers had labored among the idle men, quietly, insidiously, -persistently, successfully. Now, having gained a firm foothold, they -assumed management of the strike, and dictated to the company their -own terms for reëmployment regardless of the demands made by union -officials. Not only at the Barriscale works, but throughout the city, -they made proselytes, and trouble. The discontented, the unthinking, -the reckless, the foreign-born and unnaturalized, gathered under their -leadership. Their logic was convincing, their philosophy alluring, -their promises glittering; indeed, if they were to be believed, the -day of labor’s redemption in Fairweather was at hand. The workers had -only to persist in their demands and to block all resumption of work by -any one until those demands were met, and victory was sure to rest on -their banners. - -Into this new, more aggressive, more bitter campaign, Hugo Donatello -plunged with all of his accustomed vigor and enthusiasm. He believed -in his cause. He did not see the ugly side of his propaganda. He was -not at heart a criminal, he was a dreamer. And he dreamed that if the -principle of the solidarity of labor, the international brotherhood -of all who toiled, the distribution of all wealth to those who earned -it by their toil, could once be established in this inland city of -America, the benefit and glory of it would spread from this as a -center, across the continent, across the ocean to bring peace to -war-torn Europe; and the name of Hugo Donatello as chief propagandist -of the new-old philosophy would be acclaimed throughout the civilized -world. - -He had not yet made a complete convert of Halpert McCormack. For while -the young lieutenant sympathized deeply with his humanitarian motives, -and, in a general way, with his philosophy of economics, he was not yet -ready to approve of the methods by which the economic millennium was to -be ushered in. Complete disarmament, confiscation of private property, -abolition of restraining laws, sabotage and violence, these things were -not to Hal’s liking; in his view the end did not quite justify the -means. But, under the eloquence of Donatello’s logic, under the power -of his persuasion, under the magic force of his enthusiasm, this young -dreamer and reformer was drifting ever and ever nearer to the rocks -and shoals of that radicalism upon which, if finally and completely -stranded, he was sure to be wrecked. - -It goes without saying that Donatello’s weekly Journal, _The -Disinherited_, took up the cause of the more radical element among -the striking workmen with vigor and enthusiasm. The attitude of the -Barriscale corporation, and other manufacturers whose workmen were -out, was characterized as selfish, obstinate and cruel. One issue of -the paper, published some weeks after the inauguration of the strike, -contained an editorial a portion of which ran as follows: - - “Still the situation does not change. Still is justice - denied to those men by whose labors these very purse-proud - owners of the mills have become so rich. Now they say that - strike-breakers will be coming to take the places of those - honest working-men, and that state soldiery will protect these - scabs, and that the military company of Fairweather will be - marched to the mills and ordered by the capitalist employers - to turn the points of their bayonets against the hearts of - laborers looking for their own. But all of those members of the - military company do not have sympathy with these plutocrats and - hired thugs. What then will be? Will honest and free soldiers - obey orders to shoot down fellow-toilers, those neighbors and - friends? Is it for this the military is? Then what young man - of spirit, of heart-kindness, would join himself with that - militia, and become the tool of the capitalist class, and - forced to obey their orders, even to the shedding of the blood - of fellow-workers?” - -On the evening of the day on which the paper containing this article -made its appearance, General Chick entered the drill-hall at the armory -to find a group of militiamen reading, and discussing with some heat, -the editorial in _The Disinherited_. - -As the boy approached the crowd, one of the fun-loving members of it -called out to him: - -“Here’s a drive at you, Chick. Donatello says that no honest man will -try to join Company E. Where’s that paper? Let Chick read it for -himself.” - -The paper was thrust into Chick’s hands and the article pointed out to -him. He took it to the nearest electric sidelight, and slowly, and not -without some difficulty, read it through. - -When he returned to the group the young fellow who had spoken to him -said: - -“Well, what do you think of it?” - -“I think,” replied the boy, “that he’s way off. I got no use for them -dogs in the manger, anyway.” - -The humorous soldier turned to his companions. “There’s no doubt,” -he said, “but that Donatello had General Chick in mind when he wrote -that article. He doesn’t want Chick to join Company E, and he’s trying -to bluff him out in advance by assailing his honor and aspersing his -motives. Chick, old boy, I wouldn’t stand for it if I were you.” - -Chick never quite knew, when the boys talked to him, whether he was -being addressed in jest or in earnest; and he didn’t know on this -occasion. But he had usually found it safe to assume that those who -gave him information or advice were treating him seriously and he -proceeded now on that assumption. - -“It don’t make no difference to me what he says,” replied Chick. “He -can’t scare me out. When I git a chance to jine, I’ll jine.” - -“That’s right! and I’d tell him so. I’d put it up to him squarely that -his threats and warnings fall off of you like water off of a duck’s -back.” - -“Oh, maybe I’ll see him some time an’ have it out with him.” - -“Good! But I wouldn’t wait. ‘Strike while the iron’s hot,’ I say. I’d -tackle him to-morrow about it if I were you.” - -But Chick was already shuffling away toward the stack-room and did not -reply. The thing stayed on his mind, however, and the more he thought -of it the more indignant he became. He was not satisfied that Donatello -had had him in mind while writing the editorial. Probably that idea -originated in the minds of the boys; it was not material anyway. - -The serious part of it was that, through his newspaper, Donatello had -been making an effort to prevent young men generally from joining the -National Guard; and that, in Chick’s estimation, was an offense which -fell little short of actual treason. He wondered if Donatello did not -know that it was the duty of every young man who was able to do so, to -become a soldier of the State; that it was a patriotic privilege; that -some of the very finest young men in town were members of Company E. -If he didn’t know it, some one ought to tell him. And perhaps no one -was better fitted for the task of telling him than was General Chick, -himself. Perhaps from no one else in the city could the information so -appropriately come. - -Many times that night Chick thought about it, and when morning came -he had finally decided to call upon the editor of _The Disinherited_ -and enlighten his mind upon this important subject. It was toward -noon, however, before, having finished the performance of the various -tasks which usually occupied his mornings, he found time to make the -visit he had determined upon. When he mounted the rickety stairs -and entered the one large room which was used alike for press-room, -mailing-room and office, he found Donatello there alone, sitting at -a case and setting type. The man recognized him at once and called -him by his name. It was not the first time they had met each other. -Chick looked around him with some curiosity. He had never before been -in a press-room. This one was doubtless the humblest of its type, but -newspapers were printed here, and that fact in itself made the place -important. - -Donatello paused in his work and looked at his visitor inquiringly. - -“I ain’t never be’n in a printin’ shop before,” said Chick, “and I kind -o’ wanted to see what it looked like.” - -“Well,” replied the man, “it is not so much on the looks. But here it -is from which great ideas have gone forth in print.” - -“Do you write ’em all?” asked the boy abruptly. - -Donatello laughed a little. “I do not write all that which appears in -my paper,” he replied. “But the editorial; yes, that I write.” - -Chick drew from his pocket a copy of _The Disinherited_ and pointed to -the article which had disturbed him. - -“Did you write that?” he demanded. - -The editor laughed again. “Yes, that have I written. Do you like it? -No?” - -“No,” replied the boy. “I don’t like it. That’s what I’ve come for; -to tell you I don’t like it. Them fellows ain’t no tools of nobody. -They’re jest soldiers. They obey orders. If them strikers don’t want to -get hurt, let ’em behave theirselves. That’s all they is to it.” - -Donatello swung himself around on his stool and stared at General Chick -in amazement. Then his look of surprise gave way to one of amusement. -He clasped his hands over his knee and smiled. - -“You champion the cause of militarism?” he asked. - -“I don’t know what that is,” replied the boy. “But I b’lieve in the -National Guard, and I b’lieve in Company E, and I expect to jine it -myself the first chance I git.” - -“So! you would also the soldier be?” - -“Sure I’d be a soldier. Why, the best fellows in town belong to Company -E. Don’t you know that?” - -“Some good fellows which I know, they belong; that’s true. And when it -is that you also have belonged, there will be yet one more. Your first -lieutenant, him, in all the city there is no choicer man. Brains he -has. Heart he has. Wisdom he has. What else would you?” - -Donatello flung his hands into the air, as though the last word had -been said in the way of encomium, slid down from his stool, went over -and sat in a chair by a littered table, and motioned to Chick to occupy -another chair near by which long ago had lost all semblance of a back. - -“Now you’ve said somethin’,” replied Chick, seating himself. “Ain’t no -finer young man in Fairweather ’n what Lieutenant ’Cormack is. Him an’ -me’s been friends sence the first day he come into the comp’ny.” - -“And he and I, we have been friends since the first day we have met -with each other. Ha! Since we have the mutual friend, you and I, we -also should be friends. Is it not so?” - -If Chick had ever felt any real animosity toward the editor of _The -Disinherited_ he found himself now suddenly bereft of it. He could -not look into the frank, friendly eyes of this young man, or note his -winning smile, and harbor any grievance against him. - -“Sure!” he said; “I ain’t got nothin’ ag’inst you, ’cept what you put -in the paper ’bout the Guard, and I guess you know now that you was on -the wrong track, don’t you?” - -Donatello did not answer the question. A new thought seemed to have -come to him. - -“Where is it that you work?” he asked. - -“Oh,” replied the boy, “I do odd chores around mornin’s. I ain’t got no -stiddy, all-day job.” - -“How would you like it; an all-day job?” - -“Doin’ what?” - -“Working here with me.” - -“Printin’ the paper?” - -“Yes. Running the press. Washing the type. Sweeping the room. Going on -the errand, peddling the paper. Oh, a what you call the general utility -man. A man of all the work.” - -Chick threw a comprehensive glance around the room, as if to take in -the situation. - -“You want a man?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -“How much you want to pay?” - -“For the all-day job?” - -“No, for half a day. I got customers I can’t give up mornin’s.” - -“Well, let me see! I pay you forty cents for the half day.” - -“’Tain’t enough,” replied Chick promptly. - -“Fifty cents.” - -“That’s more like it; but you’ll have to stretch it a little furder.” - -“Fifty-five. I will not pay more.” - -“All right! I’m your huckleberry.” - -Chick’s eyes snapped, and a flush came into his cheeks. Here was a -steady job facing him on his own terms. He did not doubt his ability to -handle it. He felt that the employment would be congenial. He accepted -the place without question. There was more discussion concerning -the nature of the duties which the new employee was to perform, his -hours of labor, and the day on which he should begin work. But these -matters were easily settled, and when Chick rose to go the bargain was -complete. He felt now that he had taken his proper place in the army -of workers. He had what he had long wanted, a regular job. Moreover, -the nature of his task, that of assisting in the preparation and -publication of a weekly journal, was such as to justify him in assuming -an air of importance commensurate with the character of his duties. - -When he reached the head of the stairs on his way out a thought came to -him and he turned back. - -“I want it understood,” he said to Donatello, “that, so long as I’m -helpin’ to git out this paper, they mustn’t be no jumpin’ on the -National Guard, nor on Company E. I won’t stand for it.” - -“And if it should be so that there is?” Donatello’s voice was smooth -and musical. - -“I’ll resign my position,” declared Chick. - -“Very well! That bridge we will cross when we have reached it.” - -The next day General Chick was added to the working staff of _The -Disinherited_. - -On a day late in April, Hal received a note from Donatello asking him -to call that evening at the printing-room of _The Disinherited_. It was -not an unusual request, nor was it the first time that Hal had visited -the quarters of the social radical. - -At the street door he found General Chick who was looking up and down -the walk and apparently waiting for him. Chick had been for some months -now in Donatello’s employ. He did miscellaneous work about the place, -went on errands, washed type, delivered papers, put his hands to almost -every task that a boy with a lop-shoulder and a crooked back could be -expected to do. He was not overworked. Donatello treated him kindly, -paid him living wages, and made a friend of him. All in all it was the -best job Chick had ever had. - -When he let McCormack in he closed and locked the street door before -going with him down the dimly lighted hall to the printing-room. It was -in this room that Hal found, in Donatello’s company, two men whom he -knew by sight, but whom he had not before personally met. One of them -was distinctly a foreigner; big, muscular, shrewd-eyed, with black hair -hanging to his shoulders, and a large, loose, black tie floating from -his throat down onto his breast. He was introduced simply as Gabriel. -The other man, so far as appearance and accent went, was a well-to-do -American. His name was given as Kranich. Donatello explained that they -had come in from a neighboring city to assist the local leaders in -bringing the strike to a successful conclusion. They wanted to know -from Lieutenant McCormack what the attitude of the soldiers of the -National Guard would be in the event of their being called out on -strike duty. More specifically they wanted to know what the attitude of -Lieutenant McCormack himself would be, in the not impossible event of -his being in command of Company E on such an occasion. - -Donatello interrupted the conversation at this point by asking Chick -to go and lock the door leading into the hall. This was an important -conference, he said, and it was not worth while to run the risk of -interruption. - -So Chick locked the door, and came back and sat down on a wobbly stool, -by a dilapidated case, and listened, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, to the -discussion. - -“You know it is our theory,” explained Kranich, “that the workmen are -as much owners of their jobs as the employers are owners of their -plants; and that they have as much right to prevent other men from -taking those jobs away from them as the mill owners would have to -prevent other capitalists from seizing their mills by force. What we -want to know is, in case of an attempt by our men to resume their jobs, -or to prevent other men from appropriating them, what your personal -attitude would be if you were called out, as an officer of the National -Guard, to prevent disorder. Would your guns be pointed toward us or -toward our enemies?” - -“I would,” replied Hal, “obey the orders of my superior officer.” - -“Suppose you, yourself, were in command of the company?” - -“I would do my duty as a Guardsman.” - -“Exactly! And, what would be your duty? to protect honest workmen in -their efforts to obtain possession of the tools of their employment, or -to bayonet and shoot us at the behest of capitalists and scabs?” - -Before Hal could reply Donatello interrupted. He feared that McCormack -might be antagonized by such blunt and embarrassing questions. He knew, -from long experience, that persuasion, not bluff, was the weapon with -which to fight the prejudices of the young Guardsman. - -“You do not need so closely to question him!” he exclaimed. “I know -him. He is safe. He believes in the solidarity of labor the world over. -His sympathies, they are with our men in this struggle for the human -rights. Is it not so, Lieutenant?” - -“It is decidedly so,” replied Hal. - -“And he will that way interpret his duty as officer to do least injury -to us, his brothers. Is it not so, Lieutenant?” - -“That is correct,” replied Hal. “I do not intend to fail in the -performance of my duty in any quarter.” - -Donatello turned toward his guests with a wide sweep of his hands. - -“Gentlemen,” he said, “with that we must be content.” - -But it was an hour later, after much discussion of economic problems, -and the methods by which they were to be solved, that Chick unlocked -the door and let Lieutenant McCormack out into the street. And neither -of them saw the figure of a man patiently waiting in a dark recess two -doors away, a man who had seen all of Donatello’s guests arrive, and -who was waiting to see them all depart. - -Later on, as Hal thought over his visit to the printing shop, he felt -that he had said nothing that he did not fully believe, that he had -made no promise either of action or inaction that he did not stand -ready to fulfil. It was very true that his sympathies were with the -working class of men. He seconded all their efforts for their own -betterment. He felt that some day labor, united, harmonious, acting in -concert, under one leadership the world over, would move its enormous -body, would rise, tremble, stretch itself like some great giant, and -in the process would upheave society; and that out of the tumult and -confusion and wreckage would arise a new social order in which every -man would be the equal of every other man in all things material and -immaterial with which a beneficent Creator had endowed them. It was a -dream, perhaps. Donatello had dreamed it. His two visitors had dreamed -it. A hundred thousand men with toil-hardened hands, under the shadow -of the Stars and Stripes, had dreamed it. Countless millions in the old -world, under the iron heel of autocracy, had died dreaming it. Yet, -some day, notwithstanding the natural perverseness of the human heart, -the dream was bound to come true. So the dreamers believed; so they -taught, and to that end they struggled and fought. - -But the question of immediate moment to Halpert McCormack, a question -that pressed ever more and more persistently into his heart and -conscience, was, whether he, with opinions and beliefs so radically -at variance with those of the governing class of his country, had a -moral right to belong to, much less to be an officer in, the National -Guard. And the more he pondered upon this question, the more imperative -it seemed to him to be that he should put an end to a situation so -anomalous, a situation which in certain contingencies that might at any -moment arise, would become awkward, acute and impossible. His military -connection was the only link that still held him to the world of -conservatism; he might as well snap it and be entirely free. - -So, without consultation with any one, for he had no friend with whom -he felt that it would be profitable for him to consult, he prepared -for the final step. - -He entered the office of Captain Murray on an afternoon preceding -the weekly drill, and asked for a private interview. His request was -granted. The captain looked worried and apprehensive. - -“I have been expecting you to come,” he said. “If you hadn’t done so I -should have sent for you. But I’ll hear your errand first. What is it?” - -“It is nothing of great importance,” replied Hal. “I simply want to -show you this paper which I have decided to send to-day to Colonel -Wagstaff.” - -Captain Murray took the paper, unfolded it slowly, and read it aloud: - - “_To the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania_: - (_Through Intermediate Headquarters_) - - “Now holding the office of First Lieutenant in Company E, of - the ----th Infantry, Third Brigade, of the National Guard - of Pennsylvania, in consequence of holding certain economic - views and opinions inconsistent with such position, I hereby - tender my resignation of said office, and request an honorable - discharge therefrom. - - “I am not under arrest, nor returned to court martial, nor the - subject of any charges for any deficiency or delinquency, and - I am ready to deliver over or account for all monies, books or - other property of the State in my possession, and for which I - am accountable, to the officer authorized by law to receive the - same, and my accounts for money or public property are correct, - and I am not indebted to the State. - - “HALPERT MCCORMACK, - _First Lieutenant_.” - -Captain Murray finished reading the paper and looked up wearily and -anxiously at Hal. - -“I have been expecting this,” he said. “I am not greatly surprised. -But--it comes too late.” - -“Why too late, Captain?” - -“Because charges have already been filed against you, and a court -martial demanded. I suppose you would not want to retire under fire -even though you should be permitted to do so.” - -“I don’t know. It would depend on the nature of the charges. May I see -a copy of the complaint?” - -“Certainly!” - -Captain Murray turned to his desk, drew a long envelope from a -pigeonhole, removed a formal-looking document therefrom, and handed the -document to Lieutenant McCormack to read. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - - -The document which Captain Murray handed to McCormack to read comprised -the charges and specifications that had been filed against the first -lieutenant. It had apparently been drawn with much skill and care, and -it read as follows: - - “To CAPTAIN ROBERT J. MURRAY, - _Commanding Company E, ----th Regiment Infantry N. G. P._ - - “SIR: - - “The undersigned citizens of Fairweather in the county of - Benson beg leave to file with you the following charges and - specifications against First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack of - your company, and request you to formulate said charges and - specifications, and, through intermediate headquarters, present - them to the proper military authority, and request a hearing - upon them by court martial. - - “CHARGE I. Using contemptuous and disrespectful words against - the President and the Congress of the United States, in - violation of the 19th Article of War. - - “_Specification._ In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert - McCormack, did on or about the 20th day of April, 1916, declare - publicly, in the presence and hearing of numerous persons, that - the President and the Congress of the United States were but - the tools of organized wealth, and deserved neither the respect - nor obedience of honest and right-thinking men. - - “CHARGE II. ‘Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman,’ in - violation of the 61st and 62nd Articles of War. - - “_Specification 1._ In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert - McCormack, by principle, declaration and practice, is a - socialist, a syndicalist, an anarchist, and a sympathizer with - and believer in the principles and methods of an organization - known as ‘The Industrial Workers of the World,’ which - organization is inimical to law, order and public safety. - - “_Specification 2._ In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert - McCormack has declared himself opposed to the suppression of - mobs and riots by military force. - - “_Specification 3._ In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert - McCormack has declared that the rights of property are not - sacred as against the efforts of wage-earners who desire to - take possession of such property by force. - - “_Specification 4._ In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert - McCormack has declared that his loyalty to the red flag of - anarchism takes precedence of his loyalty to the Stars and - Stripes. - - “In further explanation of Charge II and the specifications - thereunder, the undersigned desire to add that they represent - the ownership of certain manufacturing plants in this - community, from which many of the workmen have voluntarily - withdrawn on strike; that many of such workmen, together with - a large number of irresponsible and disorderly persons, urged - on and inflamed by anarchistic leaders, have threatened to take - possession of these plants by force, or to damage or destroy - them, and it may be necessary for the owners to call on the - militia of the State for the protection of their property and - the safeguarding of the lives of their loyal employees. - - “_Signed_, - - THE BARRISCALE MANUFACTURING CO., - by Benj. Barriscale, Sr., _President_. - - THE FAIRWEATHER MACHINE CO., - by Don. G. Albertson, _President_. - - THE BENSON COUNTY IRON WORKS, - by Rufus Ingersoll, _Vice-President_.” - -Lieutenant McCormack looked up from the reading of the charges with -eyes that were dazed and incredulous. - -“Well,” said Captain Murray, “what do you think of it?” - -“Why,” replied Hal, “it’s not true; not any of it.” - -“Probably not,” replied the captain, “but you’ll have to meet it all -the same. I’ve got to forward the complaint to headquarters. I’ve no -discretion in the matter.” - -“I suppose that’s true.” - -Hal was still staring almost stupidly at his commander. The sweeping -nature of the charges, their bluntness and brutality, had given him -a shock from which he did not at once recover. For years he had been -inviting just such a calamity as this, but now that it had come, in -this direct and drastic form, the suddenness of it had quite taken away -his breath. - -Captain Murray handed Hal’s resignation back to him. - -“You won’t want to file this now,” he said. - -“No,” replied Hal, taking it, “I guess not. I think--I think I’ll deny -those charges.” - -“Of course you will. And let me tell you, you’ve got a very pretty -fight on your hands. It’ll be no boy’s play. The Barriscales are -determined. You know you’ve got yourself into this predicament -by flirting with economic vagaries, and associating with radical -charlatans. I’m willing to do what I can to help you out provided -you’ll put up a vigorous defense on your own account. I want to keep -you in the Guard.” - -“Thank you, Captain! What would you suggest?” - -“I think you’d better go and get Brownell to take up your case, and -defend you. He’s a good lawyer and a good friend of yours. If anybody -can save you he can.” - -“Very well, I’ll speak to him. In the meantime I suppose I may be -considered as being under arrest?” - -“No; I’ve thought about that. These charges are still in the nature -of a complaint from private citizens. They will not become official -until I have acted on them. But I feel that I cannot afford to ignore -them. The Army Regulations provide that the commanding officer with -whom any charges are filed shall state, in forwarding them, whether -the charges can be sustained. I cannot say that these charges will not -be sustained, but I can and will say that I do not think the filing of -them warrants your immediate arrest. You will therefore continue to -perform your usual duties until the court itself shall order otherwise.” - -“Thank you, Captain Murray! You are very generous.” - -“And, McCormack, if you get out of this thing safely--and let me tell -you frankly that the chances are against you, for you’ve been skating -on mighty thin ice,--but if you should pull through all right, for -heaven’s sake let go of all these visionary schemes! Come back to solid -earth, and be a plain American citizen along with the rest of us!” - -Hal did go to see Brownell. And although Brownell gave him a severe -dressing-down for what he termed his crass foolishness, he agreed, -nevertheless, to take up his case, and he did so with vigor and -avidity, for he was fond of the first lieutenant and would have -gone through fire and water for him. But when it came to the actual -preparation for the defense Hal could give his counsel little -assistance. The accused man knew of no specific circumstances on which -the charges could have been based, nor of any witnesses whom he could -call to disprove them. And while he was obliged to admit that he had -undoubtedly said things that might give color to the complaint, he was -nevertheless certain that the specifications as they were drawn were -untrue. - -So Brownell, with a listless client and a weak case before him, had -a man’s task on hand to make up a defense. But he plunged into the -work bravely. He cross-examined and badgered McCormack by the hour. -He interviewed Donatello, General Chick, Miss Halpert, any one and -every one who might by any possibility be able to throw light on the -situation. He studied the law of the matter and exhausted the logic of -his fertile mind in the preparation of arguments and briefs. And after -he had done everything that legal knowledge and human ingenuity could -help him to do to make ready his defense, he admitted confidentially -to Captain Murray that the case was hopeless, and, incidentally, he -brought down severe maledictions on the head of the first lieutenant, -who, by his ridiculous vagaries and indiscretions, had wrought his own -destruction. - -One day General Chick came to Brownell’s office with flushed face and -staring eyes. - -“They’ve put me through the third degree,” he said. - -“What do you mean?” asked Brownell; “talk!” - -“Why, they suspœnaed me into Jim Hooper’s place an’ made me tell -everything Lieutenant ’Cormack said that night he met them strike -leaders in Donatello’s shop.” - -“For the love of Pete! I didn’t know he met them.” - -“Sure he met ’em. I was there.” - -“What did you say he told them?” - -“Why, now, I said he told ’em he believed them men o’ Barriscale’s had -a right to their jobs, and if Barriscale didn’t give ’em back to ’em -they had a right to take ’em anyway.” - -“Yes; go on!” - -Brownell was gripping the arms of his chair in grim despair. - -“An’ he said--he said ’at he wouldn’t never give no orders to no -soldiers to shoot workin’ men tryin’ to git their places back.” - -“Oh, gosh!” The second lieutenant released his grips on the arms of -the chair and clasped his head with both his hands. “The jig’s up!” he -continued. “You’ve done it, Chick!” - -“Done what, Mr. Brownell?” - -“Given the enemy enough ammunition to blow Lieutenant McCormack into -the middle of next week.” - -“Will--will what I told ’em hurt ’im?” - -“Hurt him! Thunder and Mars! It’ll send him to a military prison for -life.” - -Stunned, dazed, almost unseeing, Chick stumbled out of Brownell’s -office into the street. Had the lieutenant for one minute realized -what a staggering blow he had given to the boy, he would have dropped -everything and hurried after him and disabused his simple mind of -its belief in the enormity of his offense. As it was, the wretched -hunchback, with an awful, self-accusing finger, piercing into his very -vitals, hot and ice-cold by turns, slunk back to hide himself in his -dingy corner in the printing-shop of Donatello. For if there was one -thing on earth that he would have lost his right hand rather than to -have done, it was a thing that might in any way have been injurious to -Halpert McCormack. And if there was one person on earth for whom he -would willingly have laid down his life and thought it a joy to do so, -that person was his beloved first lieutenant. - -The strike at the Barriscale plant, and at other smaller plants -throughout the city, dragged on through the spring, unsettled and -unbroken. But in May, just before starvation on the one side and -insolvency on the other became an acute possibility, the union men, -through an intermediate committee of interested citizens, came to terms -with the companies. - -The employers on the one hand made certain concessions, the employees -on the other hand waived certain demands, and a settlement was reached. - -But the leaders of the radicals would have none of it. Their men would -not go back, they declared, until every original demand had been fully -met, nor would they permit the union employees to resume work without -them. Moreover, when they did return it would not be as wage-slaves, -under a humiliating agreement, but as proprietors, having at least -an equal voice with their former employers in the management of the -business and the distribution of its profits. For was it not one of the -chief tenets of their organization that: - - “There is but one bargain which industrial workers will make - with the employing class, complete surrender of all control of - industry to the Organized Workers.” - -So the companies were ground between the upper millstone of unionism -and the nether millstone of syndicalism. But, when the shops were -opened, the union men, under the protection of the police, disregarding -the threats of their former companions in idleness, went back to work. -The effort to prevent them by force from doing so was unsuccessful. -There were some broken heads and bruised bodies, and the Industrialists -retired from the conflict defeated, but sullen and revengeful. Then -they picketed the plants, they waylaid workmen, they threatened -destruction of property. Under the leadership of Gabriel and Kranich, -they kept the laboring element of the community in a turmoil, the -proprietors of the mills in a state of constant apprehension, the -peaceful citizens of the community fearful lest at any moment the -volcano rumbling and grumbling under the feet of industry should break -out in violent eruption. - -Such was the situation on the day that the court martial convened -at Fairweather to try the charges against First Lieutenant Halpert -McCormack. - -The session was held in the large company room which was crowded to -the doors with both Guardsmen and civilians. - -The court consisted of five commissioned officers and a judge advocate, -none of them under the grade of captain. The commissioned officers were -in full dress, wearing their swords; the judge advocate was in undress -uniform without his sword. It was his business to protect both the -organized militia and the rights of the accused. The ranking officer -present was Colonel Wagstaff, who presided. - -The accused man, with his counsel, Lieutenant Brownell, sat at a -side table, and the Barriscales, father and son, representing the -complainants, sat with their counsel, Captain Flower of Company A, at -another table. The scene was impressive, the atmosphere of the place -was tense with suppressed excitement. - -After the order convening the court had been read, and the members of -the court had been duly sworn, the defendant was arraigned and the -charges and specifications were read to him. He was, necessarily, the -center of interest. Standing there in full dress uniform without his -sword, pale, and somewhat haggard from loss of sleep, he nevertheless -looked the soldier that he was. He knew that his case was hopeless. -Brownell had told him so at the last. All that he expected now to do -was to try to justify himself, so far as possible, in the eyes of the -community. Beyond that he was ready to submit to the judgment of the -court. So, when the time came for him to plead, he answered in a voice -firm with the consciousness of innocence of the charges as drawn and -brought against him: - -“Not guilty.” - -Then began the calling of witnesses. There were plenty of them indeed -who had heard the defendant say that in his opinion the wage system -was all wrong, that wealth obtained from the product of labor should -be fairly divided between the capitalist and the workman, and that his -sympathies in the present industrial conflict were entirely with the -men, all of whom should be permitted to resume their old places on -their own terms. There was more evidence to the effect that McCormack -had declared that the President and the Congress were but pawns in -the hands of wealth, and that the present political system was but -an instrument for the exploitation of labor. It was all very crude, -sophomoric and harmless, but it had about it an air of disloyalty that -was distinctly damaging to the chances of the young defendant. - -Then First Sergeant Ben Barriscale was called to the stand as a witness -for the prosecution. He could do little more than to repeat, in -substance, the evidence already given, but he made it stronger, more -direct, more convincing. He laid especial stress on the attitude of the -defendant toward the parties in the existing strike, his criticism of -the owners of the mills, his sympathy with the idle workmen who were -threatening revenge and disorder. While the animus of the witness was -plain, his testimony was not to be lightly considered. - -Brownell took him in hand for cross-examination. - -“You and the defendant were rival candidates last year for the office -of first lieutenant, were you not?” - -“I was a candidate,” replied the witness sharply. “I believe the -defendant was one also.” - -“And the defendant won out?” - -“By one vote, yes.” - -“And you felt pretty sore about it?” - -“I felt humiliated and outraged because his rank was inferior to mine, -and, holding the opinions he did and does, he had no right to the -office.” - -“And you declared, at the time of the election, in the presence of the -entire company, that either McCormack would be dismissed from the Guard -or you would get out of it; that you would refuse to serve in the same -company with him; you said that, did you not?” - -“I did, and I repeat it now. He’s not a fit man for any loyal Guardsman -to serve with or under.” - -Barriscale’s voice, resonant with wrath, reached to every corner of -the room. The members of the court glanced at one another in apparent -surprise and apprehension. - -Brownell waved his hand to the witness and said smilingly: - -“That is all.” - -When Ben left the stand the elder Barriscale was called to it to tell -of existing industrial conditions in the city, and of the danger of -violent interference with peaceful workmen and the rights of property; -such interference as might, and probably would, in the absence of the -state police, call for protection at the hands of the National Guard. -He gave it as his judgment, although the admission of his declaration -was strenuously objected to by Brownell as being but opinion evidence, -that it would be utterly unsafe to entrust the protection of property -and the lives of workmen to a body of troops in command of an officer -with the record of Lieutenant McCormack. - -“Mr. Barriscale,” asked Brownell, on cross-examination, “are you aware -that when Lieutenant McCormack received his commission, he swore to -defend the constitution of the United States and of this State, against -all enemies, foreign and domestic?” - -“I presume he did,” was the curt reply. - -“And you believe that he now stands ready to violate that oath?” - -“I believe that the oath means nothing to him as against the red-flag -and red-hand policy that he advocates, and the traitorous class whose -cause he has taken up.” - -“You share with your son a certain resentment and bitterness against -the defendant on account of his success in the election to the first -lieutenancy?” - -“I thought and still think, sir, that that election was an outrage -against decency. No self-respecting man should be content to serve -under an officer so elected, and so identified with the worst elements -in the community.” - -The witness’s face was red with rage, and he pounded the table in front -of him with his clenched fist as he spoke. - -“That is all, Mr. Barriscale.” - -Suave and smiling, Brownell waved the manufacturer from the stand. - -To draw from a witness an admission of hatred for the person against -whom he is testifying is to give a body blow to the value of his -testimony, and in this respect Brownell was well satisfied with his -cross-examination of the Barriscales, both father and son. - -Then came the star witness for the prosecution in the person of Chick -Dalloway. Poor Chick! For two hours he had been waiting outside the -court-room in abject misery. Since the day when Brownell revealed -to him the probable result of having given certain information to -McCormack’s enemies, he had scarcely eaten or slept. Once he had -gone to McCormack himself, to bewail his unfortunate revelations. It -was pitiful to see him. Hal tried to cheer and comfort him, but he -would not be comforted. Now, at the trial, under the badgering of -Barriscale’s lawyer he was about to clinch the fate of the best friend -he had on earth. He knew it. He knew that after he had said what he -would be compelled to say, Halpert McCormack would be discredited as a -citizen and disgraced as a soldier; and he, Chick Dalloway, would be -absolutely powerless to prevent it. - -He walked up between the rows of chairs, moving from side to side as he -went. His knees were strangely weak. His face was pale and drawn, and -his eyes seemed to be looking into some far distance. - -He took the oath and dropped into the witness-chair by the table, and -waited for the torture that he knew would be his, and for the tragedy -that was bound to swallow up his beloved lieutenant. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - - -The buzz of excitement due to Chick’s appearance on the witness stand -had scarcely subsided, and the first question had not yet been asked -him, when a man, breathless and perturbed, entered the court-room, -pushed his way up to the table where the Barriscales were sitting, -and announced, in a loud whisper, that a riot was at that moment in -progress at the Barriscale mills. Immediately all was confusion. -People began hastily to leave the room, and the president of the court -martial, after consulting with his associates, and with counsel on both -sides, announced an adjournment until the following Tuesday. - -There had, indeed, been a serious disturbance on the plaza in front -of the mills, but by the time the Barriscales reached there the -trouble was practically over. Two men, returning from their dinners -to their work in the shops, had been set upon by pickets of the -Industrialists and badly beaten. Supporters of both sides had hurried -to the scene, and the fracas had promised to be a bloody one when the -police, heavily reinforced by Barriscale guards, descended upon the -combatants, rescued the union workers, and clubbed their adversaries -from the plaza. But when the mob, frenzied and cursing, had been driven -back, the rioters left one of their number prone and bleeding on the -pavement, and that one was a woman, Marie Brussiloff, the boldest and -most bigoted leader of the local Industrialist army. She was lifted -up by the police, thrust into an ambulance, rattled away to the City -Hospital, and for many a day her comrades saw her no more. But her fate -aroused such a spirit of resentment and revenge as boded ill for the -forces of law and order, for the safety of capitalist property, and for -the lives of union workmen. - -That evening as Donatello sat at his table in the office and press-room -of _The Disinherited_, he heard footsteps on the stairs and recognized -them. It was General Chick who was coming. No one else had quite the -same method of climbing the stairs. - -When the boy came stumbling in, and the editor caught a glimpse of his -face in the lamplight, he was startled at its appearance. He had not -seen him before for two days. With the court-martial impending it had -been impossible for Chick to follow the routine of his regular tasks. -Now he stood there, his cap in his hand, white faced, trembling with -the excitement that was still on him, the pain of his unfortunate -position still mirrored in his eyes. - -If there had been, in Donatello’s mind, any thought of rebuking his -dilatory employee, that thought disappeared when he looked at him. Any -one could see that the boy was suffering. - -“Why, Chick!” he exclaimed, “what is the matter? Have you been sick; -yes?” - -“No,” replied Chick stoutly; “I ain’t been sick; I been busy. I jest -come to say I’m goin’ to quit.” - -“To quit? You mean you will leave my employ?” - -“That’s what I mean. I can’t stan’ it here no longer.” - -“The work; is it too hard?” - -“No; that’s easy enough.” - -“Is it that I have been unkind to you?” - -“No; I ain’t got no fault to find the way I been treated. It’s account -o’ Lieutenant ’Cormack.” - -“Has he asked you that you quit?” - -“No; no! He ain’t asked nothin’. But if I hadn’t ’a’ be’n here I -wouldn’t ’a’ got into this trouble. If I hadn’t ’a’ heard what he said -here that night I wouldn’t ’a’ had to be a witness ag’inst him. Now -I’ve got to tell; and it’s goin’ to break him. I hadn’t no business to -come here in the first place.” - -Chick dropped into a chair, put his elbow on the table and rested his -head in his hand. He was a picture of despair. Donatello gazed at him -curiously for a moment, and said nothing. But when he did speak his -voice was vibrant with sympathy. - -“It is not you,” he said, “who should yourself accuse. You have done -nothing. If it is to blame, the fault is mine. It was I who asked him -that he come. It was I who brought him into contact with these men to -whom he spoke words. You have simply heard them. The law, it makes you -tell that which you have heard. How can fault be yours?” - -He spread out his hands appealingly. - -“I don’t know,” replied Chick, wearily. “All I know is I hadn’t ought -to ’a’ come here; and I’m goin’ to quit. That’s what I come for, to -tell you I’m goin’ to quit. An’ you don’t owe me nothin’. You’ve -treated me white; I want to be fair with you.” - -Even if there had been any basis for contention, Donatello would not -have had the heart to argue the matter. The boy was suffering too -keenly, and it was evident that his mind was made up. - -“It is as you will,” he said. “It must be so. If it is that I can -commend you to the future employer, you shall ask it. I will so -do--gladly.” - -“You’re good to say that,” replied Chick. “But I won’t need no -recommend. I won’t never take no job in a printin’ shop ag’in.” - -He was through with his errand and he rose to go. He appeared to be -dizzy, and Donatello, thinking he was about to fall, rose and reached -toward him a helping hand. - -But the boy steadied himself without assistance and stood firm. - -“It ain’t nothin’,” he said. “I used to have them spells; but I got -over ’em. I’ll git over these.” - -He put on his cap, said good-night to his sometime employer, and left -the room. Donatello went with him to the head of the stairs and saw him -reach the bottom of the flight in safety, then he returned to his room. -But he did not immediately resume his work. He sat, for many minutes, -his chin in his hand, in deep thought. - -The day following the outbreak at the mills was Saturday. From early -morning rumors of further trouble had filled the air. Yet everything -was quiet. No union workmen had been molested, even the pickets of the -Industrial workers had been withdrawn. People versed in the ways of -syndicalism predicted that it was the calm before the storm. They were -right. - -At noon, information, carried by dependable spies, reached the Barriscale -headquarters to the effect that the cause of the Industrialists in -Fairweather had been taken up by their brethren in a neighboring city, -and that active and aggressive aid was to be immediately forthcoming. -Incensed at the treatment of their fellows by the police, angered that -one of their women should be wounded, they were to march in a body on -the Barriscale works, and demand reinstatement for their brethren, under -penalty of having the works taken over by the Industrialist army. - -It was a desperate programme; it called for drastic measures of -prevention. The chief of police admitted that his force would be unable -to cope with such a body of marchers and rioters as the Industrialists -could undoubtedly muster. The state police had troubles of their own at -the coal mines and could not be spared. It was plain that the National -Guard must be looked to for protection. - -An appeal to the Governor of the State by the mayor of Fairweather -resulted, after a considerable exchange of telegrams, in the giving of -authority to use the militia to prevent rioting. - -It was late in the afternoon when the order came down through -regimental headquarters to Captain Murray to mobilize his men at the -armory, to hold them in readiness for immediate action, and to use -his discretion about putting them into the field. At seven o’clock -ninety-five per cent of the enlisted men were present at the armory and -under arms. They were lounging about the drill-hall, sitting in the -company room, indulging in athletic sports in the basement. Some one -said that the story of the proposed invasion was a false alarm anyway, -and that there would be nothing doing. At seven-thirty Captain Murray -jumped into a waiting automobile and started for his home, promising to -return inside of an hour. At half-past eight the telephone bell in the -officers’ quarters rang viciously again and again. - -“Central must be having a fit!” said the second lieutenant putting the -receiver to his ear. - -McCormack, facing him as he sat, saw his eyes widen and his face go -white. Brownell turned from the transmitter long enough to explain to -Hal: - -“Murray’s been in a smash-up; badly hurt; taken to hospital!” - -Then he asked some hurried questions of the person who was talking to -him, apparently obtained all the information he could, and hung up the -receiver. Hal still sat facing him with expectant and apprehensive eyes. - -“That’s terrible!” exclaimed the second lieutenant. - -“What happened?” asked McCormack. - -“Why, there was an automobile collision down somewhere on Main Street. -Lewis just telephoned me. Tipped Murray’s car over, broke his leg, -smashed his ribs. He’s still unconscious.” - -Brownell got to his feet and began pacing hurriedly up and down the -floor. - -But Hal sank back in his chair, frightened, nerveless and speechless. -He knew that, with Captain Murray disabled, the command of Company E -would devolve upon him, and in his heart he knew that he was not fit to -be entrusted with that authority. No wonder his pulse fluttered, and -his breath came quick, and that he stared across the room with unseeing -eyes. - -Brownell stopped now and then, in his hurried marching, to give vent to -his feelings of grief and anxiety, but McCormack, submerged in thought, -was still silent. - -Some one knocked at the door and came in to give details, that he had -learned from an eye-witness, of the accident to Captain Murray. - -Down-stairs the drill-hall buzzed with excitement and indignation. For -it was suspected that the injury to the captain was the result of a -plot to deprive the company of the services of its regular leader at -a critical time, and throw the command to an officer whose declared -sympathies were with the prospective rioters. There appeared to have -been no excuse for the accident. A car containing two strangers, -evidently of some foreign nationality, had deliberately collided with -Captain Murray’s automobile at the corner of Main Street and Maple -Avenue. The reckless drivers had been arrested and committed to the -lock-up, but would give no information concerning themselves or their -errand in the city. Barriscale was loud in his demand that a committee -should go to Lieutenant Brownell and insist on his assuming command -of the company; but the proposition was frowned down by most of the -enlisted men. In spite of all that they had heard and seen they still -had faith in the first lieutenant and were willing to go out under his -leadership. - -At nine o’clock Brownell and McCormack commandeered a car and drove to -the hospital. But their visit was fruitless. Captain Murray could not -be seen. He was in a serious condition, semi-conscious, beginning to -suffer greatly. His wife and daughter were in the corridor with white -faces and tearful eyes, tormented with anxiety. - -When the two commissioned officers returned to the armory they learned -that news had come over the wire confirming the rumor of an invasion. -It was definitely stated that a large number of radicals and terrorists -were secretly preparing to leave the neighboring city some time in the -night and march to Fairweather on a hostile errand. But they had not -yet started, and Fairweather was twelve miles away. - -So, at ten o’clock, the Guardsmen took their shelter-tent rolls and -blankets, adjusted them for sleeping purposes, and flung themselves -down on the armory floor to rest until the command should come to “fall -in.” - -Then some one inquired for Chick, and it was recalled that he had not -been seen at the armory all the afternoon and evening. Every one knew -that excitement like this would have been meat and drink to him. Why -was he not here? - -Up-stairs, in the officers’ quarters, McCormack and Brownell were -again alone. The second lieutenant was reading up on field maneuvers. -The first lieutenant, torn with conflicting emotions and desires, was -pacing the floor. Suddenly he stopped, and faced Brownell. - -“Joe,” he said, “you’ve got to take this company out when the time -comes; I can’t!” - -Brownell looked up at him incredulously. - -“What’s the reason you can’t?” he inquired. - -“Because I’m not fit to. Because, after what they heard in court -yesterday, the boys will have no confidence in me. Because I’m under -court-martial, and ought to be under arrest. Because I’m afraid of -myself. If the worst comes to the worst there’ll be a conflict between -my duty to the Guard and the State, and my duty to those with whose -cause I sympathize. You know what I mean. Can’t you see how utterly -impossible it is for me to take command of this company?” - -He held out his hands appealingly. - -“No,” replied Brownell, promptly, “I can’t see. You’re the ranking -officer, and----” - -Hal interrupted him impatiently: - -“That doesn’t matter. I’ll go away. I’ll leave the city. I’ll make it a -necessity for you to assume command.” - -Brownell began to show impatience. - -“You’ll do nothing of the kind!” he exclaimed. “You’ll do your duty to -the State and the Guard and yourself. This gang of hoodlums? Why, man, -they’re not men looking for their jobs! They’re just common rioters and -bullies and criminals, bent on tearing the constitution of the United -States to bits, and throwing the pieces into the gutter. Look here! do -you know what you swore to do when you took your oath as a commissioned -officer? You swore to defend the constitution of the United States and -of this State against all enemies foreign and domestic. Now, go and do -it. It’s up to you. It’s the first chance you’ve had. Go and do it!” - -“But, Joe, I know these people. I know what their aspirations are, and -I know they are sincere. Their leaders are my friends. How could I give -orders to shoot them down?” - -Brownell sprang from his chair. At last his patience was exhausted. - -“Friends!” he shouted savagely. “Your friends! These thugs! These -would-be murderers! And your own captain their first victim! Why, you -cringing coward you, your blood ought to boil in your veins when you -think of the crimes of which these traitors have been and want to be -guilty. Friends! Heaven save the mark!” - -Hal did not get angry; he could not. He knew that Brownell was -castigating him because he loved him. He dropped into a chair by the -table and rested his head in his hands and was silent. Then his -comrade, knowing that he was suffering, took pity on him, and came over -and placed an affectionate hand on his shoulder. - -“Forgive me, old man!” he said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. The thing -got on my nerves and I had to let go. But you’re dead wrong. You’re in -command of this company, and you’ve got to take it out.” - -McCormack looked up wearily. - -“At the risk,” he said, “of leading it into disaster and disgrace? Why -do you compel me to face such a temptation as this?” - -Brownell’s hand tightened on Hal’s shoulder. - -“Because,” he replied, “I know you and trust you. I know what things -lie at the bottom of your heart; red blood, pure patriotism, soldierly -pride, the honor of a gentleman. I was never so little afraid of -anything in my life as I am that you will either disgrace us, or -dishonor yourself.” - -The first lieutenant did not reply. He was about to say something, but -his lips trembled, his eyes filled with tears, and he dropped his head -again into his hands and was silent. - -Down-stairs all was quiet. The Guardsmen were sleeping. Through an open -window of the officers’ quarters there came the measured tramp of the -sentry on the flagged walk outside. - -At midnight the sky was clear, the stars were shining, the street-lights -across the river gleamed like blazing jewels in the darkness. And over -the sleeping world hung still the portent of evil and the promise of -strife. - -At five o’clock on Sunday morning the call came. Word was received at -the armory that a marching mob, three hundred strong, was approaching -the outskirts of Fairweather. At five-thirty, in command of Lieutenant -McCormack, Company E was on the plaza fronting the Barriscale mills. -Hot coffee and biscuits had been served to the men before leaving the -armory, and now, at ease, with arms stacked, sitting, standing, talking -in groups, the Guardsmen awaited the coming of the mob. - -It is not to be supposed that there had been no discussion among the -enlisted men concerning the propriety and risk of being led into action -by Lieutenant McCormack. Even after Sergeant Barriscale’s failure to -have the men demand the temporary retirement of the first lieutenant, -the subject would not down. There were those who felt, and not without -reason, that it was taking too long a chance to permit an avowed -sympathizer with the disorderly element in the ranks of labor to lead -them on such an expedition as this. Barriscale, himself, was bitter in -his continued denunciation of such a programme. - -“The man should have had a sufficient sense of decency,” he declared to -a little group that surrounded him on the pavement, “to have prevented -him from taking this company out. I don’t know what he intends to do,” -he added; “but if his orders, or his refusal to give orders, show that -he intends to let this mob have its way and work its will, I, for one, -will revolt. If the first lieutenant plays traitor and the second -lieutenant’s afraid to take hold, I’ll assume command of the company -myself; I’ve got a right to under the Articles of War, and I’ll arrest -McCormack and have him punished for treason and sedition. I tell you, -boys, the honor of this company and of the whole National Guard is at -stake this morning, and I’ll stop at nothing to save it.” - -And there were those who agreed with him. - -In order to place his men most effectively for service, McCormack had -concentrated them on the northerly side of the plaza to the right of -the entrance gates to the shops, and just in rear of the flagstaff -which in the early morning was still bare of the colors. This position -was still further strengthened by the fact that the troops covered -the mouths of the three streets leading from the central city and -converging at that point. Only the mouth of the street leading to the -south was unguarded. This was the street up which the marchers would -come, and across this street, a block away, the police had thrown a -platoon which, it was hoped, would prevent the mob from reaching the -mills or coming into contact with the militia. - -Lieutenant McCormack, having made his plans, and having given final -instructions to his officers, sauntered across the corner of the plaza -to the mouth of the main street leading into the city, and leaned -against a lamp-post at the curb. He was not only deep in thought, his -mind was in a very tumult of emotions. He knew that he had reached -“the parting of the ways”; that he could no longer serve two masters, -that he must either “hate the one and love the other,” or “hold to the -one and despise the other.” The time had come when he must either give -undivided allegiance to the flag of his country, or fling himself, -body and soul, into the movement for the merging of the flags of all -countries into the red flag of social radicalism. - -The sun, well above the crest of the hill range to the east, threw long -shafts of yellow light down through the open spaces of the streets, -and flooded the plaza with a carpet of shining gold. An apple tree in -a near-by yard was a pink and white marvel of beauty and bloom. All -around him birds were rioting in their spring-time songs. - -Hal had the soul of an artist, and in any other mood he would have -breathed in the glory of the morning. But its splendor fell now upon -unseeing eyes, and its music upon ears that did not hear. - -Lieutenant Brownell approached him and saluted. - -“I am informed,” he said, “that the custodian of the flag here is about -to hoist it on the staff.” - -McCormack returned the salute. - -“You will bring the company to attention,” he said, “and do honor to -the colors.” - -Two men came from the Barriscale offices with the flag, and ran the -ends of the halyards through the rings. The company was brought to -“attention,” and then to “present arms,” while the colors mounted the -staff. - -As the banner rose, as it gave itself to the fresh morning air, as it -rolled itself out against the strong but gentle wind, as it flashed -back its glorious colors in the splendid sunlight, something gripped -Lieutenant McCormack’s heart. Perhaps it was a spirit of patriotism -that, heretofore lying dormant, now rose from the tragic struggle -that was going on in his own soul. He remembered that his father had -served under this flag, that his father’s father had fought for it, -that hundreds of thousands of men, on battle-fields, in fever camps, -in prison pens, on the decks of sinking ships, had died that it might -wave; that millions of hearts to-day beat faster as eyes dim with -patriotic sentiment looked up at it--why? Mistakes had been made under -it indeed, political crimes had been committed in its name; graft, -greed, unholy ambitions had flourished in its shelter, while the -deserving poor by thousands had toiled and sweat in the shadow of it, -and found no rest. And yet--and yet, until that far-off day shall come -when the hearts of all men shall be purged of selfishness and sin, -what nobler flag, what symbol of a better government, more free from -tyranny, more blest with liberty, more rich with opportunity, floats -anywhere in all the world? Day by day, year by year, rising out of -turmoil and tribulation and the constant struggle for better things, to -ever higher and broader planes of life and levels of true democracy, -what other people on earth have a greater right or a richer incentive -to love the one flag that protects their homes and thrills their -hearts, than the people of the United States of America? - -The colors were at the top of the staff, the halyards were fastened to -the clamps, the company was brought to an “order arms,” and again to -a rest at will, and the period of waiting was resumed. But Lieutenant -McCormack’s eyes were still fixed on the flag. Somehow, suddenly, -there was a fascination in the sight of it that he could not resist; -his country’s flag, the flag of his ancestors, the symbol of the soul -of America; America, his home. That strange grip on his heart grew -tighter, firmer, deeper--was it pain, was it sweetness, was it one of -that trio of highest and noblest sentiments that stir humanity, love of -one’s own country as distinct from every other country in the world, -that caused his eyes to fill with tears as he stood with raised head -and gazed on the “Banner of the Stars”? - -He was suddenly aware that some one was standing at his side, and when -he looked down he saw that it was General Chick. The boy, too, was -staring at the colors. - -“Ain’t it beautiful?” he asked. - -“Chick,” was the reply, “I feel this morning that that flag is the most -beautiful thing in the world, and that every American citizen should -love it.” - -“And,” added Chick, “should ought to want to be a soldier an’ fight -under it. That’s what I’ve been wanting to be; but lately I’m kind o’ -discouraged.” - -“Why discouraged, Chick?” - -“Oh, I’m afraid I won’t never git into the Guard now. It feels as -though somethin’s gone wrong inside o’ me.” - -McCormack looked down at the boy, at his gray face, his hollow eyes, -his sunken cheeks, at the evidences of physical pain with which his -countenance was marked, and he felt a sudden pity for him. - -“You’re not well, Chick,” he said; “you ought not to be here.” - -“I know,” was the labored reply. “But I couldn’t help comin’. I heard -about it, an’ I got up an’ come away while the old woman was asleep.” - -A wan smile spread over his face at the memory of his diplomatic -escape. - -“I thought, mebbe,” he continued, “I might never see the boys ag’in--in -action; and I--wanted to see ’em.” - -“Chick, you must go back home. You’re too ill to stay here.” - -The boy ignored the command and asked a question. - -“They ain’t through tryin’ you yet, air they?” - -“No, the trial will be resumed next Tuesday. Chick, you----” - -“Well, Mr. ’Cormack, if I should--should jest happen, you know--to die -before then, they couldn’t git nothin’ on you, could they?” - -He was leaning against a tie-post at the curb, trembling and exhausted. -He looked up anxiously and wistfully at the lieutenant as he spoke. - -McCormack bent down and put his arm around the boy’s shoulder and -turned his face toward the city. - -“Chick, don’t talk that way. You can’t hurt me in a thousand years so -much as I’ve hurt myself many a time in a day. Now go back home and try -to get well. We can’t do without you in the Guard.” - -A man came across the plaza from the Barriscale offices, and thrust -a written message into the lieutenant’s hands. It was to the effect -that the marchers were at the outskirts of the city; that they had -sacked provision and liquor stores on their way, were drunk, riotous, -boastful and destructive, and would reach the plaza in less than ten -minutes. - -Even as McCormack finished reading the message he heard in the distance -the dull roar that presaged the coming of the mob. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - - -When Lieutenant McCormack, after reading the message announcing the -coming of the mob, crossed the plaza and faced his company, he found -his men already in ranks and standing at “order arms.” They also had -heard the ominous sound of approaching disorder. Already the forefront -of the procession was in sight on the street leading up from the -south. Inflamed with the liquor which they had seized in the course of -their journey, the exuberant and reckless spirit of the marchers was -showing itself. Men were singing, shouting, waving clubs, demanding -justice for their fellow-workers, and the recognition of the rule -of the proletariat. At the junction of every street and alley their -members had been swelled by the angry and resentful Industrialists of -Fairweather. The cordon of police that had attempted to block their way -was swept down as though it had been a rope of straw. Now, five hundred -strong, reckless and determined, they were bearing down on the center -of the city’s industries. - -The waiting hundreds of citizens who, for the last hour, had lined the -curbs about the open place, began to withdraw. They did not care to be -caught between the clubs of the rioters and the bayonets of the militia. - -The mob, filling the main street from wall to wall, entered the plaza -like a rushing stream which, confined between barriers at the side, is -powerful and resistless, but, spreading out over the broad lowland, -loses its momentum and its destructive force. It was so with the -marchers. The wide space into which they emptied themselves weakened -their physical power, but in no wise altered their purpose or their -spirit of aggressiveness. When they caught sight of the American -flag waving from the staff before their faces, and saw the silent, -khaki-clad ranks of soldiers standing at attention beneath it, they -sent up a howl of derision. These were but the visible sign and symbol -of the powers of oppression against which they fought. Therefore they -wanted the world to know that they despised and defied them. - -From somewhere outside, a drayman’s cart was brought and rattled -across the pavement to the center of the plaza. A man leaped up into -it and began to harangue the crowd. Italian, German, Slavonic words -and sentences rolled from his tongue with equal fluency. His hearers -applauded him wildly. - -Sergeant Barriscale could endure the situation no longer. He brought -his rifle to a “shoulder arms,” stepped one pace to the front and -saluted his commanding officer. - -“Lieutenant McCormack,” he said, “do you intend to permit those fellows -to stir the rabble up to violence with incendiary speeches?” - -The lieutenant acknowledged the salute and replied calmly: - -“It is not our mission here to interfere with the right of free speech -or of public assembly.” - -“But,” shouted Ben, “this is simply a mob. The thing will develop into -a riot. The time to stop it is now. I demand that you put this company -into action and disperse that crowd.” - -Hal looked his first sergeant squarely in the eyes. He was not angry, -but there was a certain unusual note of decision in his voice as he -replied. - -“I shall not permit this company,” he said, “so long as I am in -command, to oppress or harass any person acting within his rights. You -will take your post.” - -“But these hoodlums are not within their rights. They----” - -“You will take your post, sir!” - -The look in Lieutenant McCormack’s eyes, the ring in his voice, -admonished Barriscale that the parley was at an end. He stepped back -into his place at the right of the line, and came to “order arms” with -a crash of the butt of his rifle on the pavement. - -McCormack’s language had convinced him that, so far as the Guardsmen -were concerned, the rioters were to have their way and work their will. -And the same conviction was not far removed from the breasts of many of -the men in the ranks. - -The voice of the orator on the dray grew louder, his words tumbled in -torrents from his lips, he was gesticulating like a man gone mad. His -hearers, dominated by his fierce eloquence, applauded him to the echo. -At the end of a fiery peroration there was a sudden movement of the -crowd. Some one thrust up a pole with a red flag waving from its tip. -Clubs were lifted into the air. From five hundred throats came a yell -of defiance. Every hate-lined face was turned toward the soldiers still -standing quietly at “order arms.” It was a critical moment. The orator -flung his hands into the air and begged his followers to restrain their -wrath until he should intercede for them with the capitalist-hired -militia. He dismounted from the dray and, for a moment, was lost in -the crowd. But, presently, with another leader at his side, he crossed -the narrow, open space that separated the ranks of turbulence from the -ranks of order and law. - -At the foot of the flagstaff the two men met Lieutenant McCormack and -stopped and addressed him. He recognized them, then, for the first -time, as the two leaders whom he had met in Donatello’s shop. The -American was again the spokesman. - -“May I ask,” he said, “the purpose of bringing soldiers here?” - -Lieutenant McCormack, standing with folded arms, responded quietly but -firmly: - -“To prevent disorder and violence.” - -“There will be no disorder and no violence,” replied Kranich, “unless -an attempt is made to thwart my followers in their purpose.” - -“What is their purpose?” - -The question came as mildly as though it had to do with a summer shower -instead of a prospective riot. - -“Our purpose,” was the response, “is to pass up the streets, the -entrances to which you have covered with your troops, and spread our -propaganda in the public places of the city, which is our right.” - -“I understand. Is that your entire programme?” - -The men in the ranks moved uneasily. It was apparent to them that their -commanding officer was about to accede to the demand of the leaders of -the mob. - -Kranich hesitated, and studied his questioner’s face for a moment -before replying. He was debating in his mind whether he should evade -the real issue, or whether he should depend upon the friendly sympathy -and anticipated acquiescence of the first lieutenant, and disclose the -full purpose of the marchers. He made a quick decision, and chose -the latter course as likely to lead to quicker and more satisfactory -results. - -“No,” he replied, “we intend to take possession of this plant before -us, in behalf of the men who have a right to work there and to receive -full compensation for their toil.” - -“I see. And what is it that you wish me to do?” - -Again the mild, acquiescent, deprecatory manner, with its intimation of -a truculent yielding to the will of the mob. - -The faces of the Guardsmen were a study in the expression of anxious -doubt and increasing dismay. Brownell felt chills creeping down his -back. The time had come when he, too, staunchest supporter and firmest -friend of Halpert McCormack, had to keep tight grip on his faith in him -in order to prevent it from sinking out of sight. - -Barriscale was in a tumult of wrath. That McCormack should even consent -to parley with the leaders of the mob was unbelievable and unendurable. -“Bullets, not words,” he said in a hoarse whisper to the men at his -left. “That’s what they want, bullets, not words!” - -Kranich did not reply directly to the lieutenant’s last question. He -gesticulated slightly, assumed an oratorical manner, and said: - -“The time has come for you to prove by your works your declared faith -in the righteousness of the proletarian movement.” - -“What is it that you wish me to do?” - -The question was repeated, perhaps a little more firmly, a little more -distinctly than before, and it now brought a definite answer. - -“We wish you to withdraw your troops from the plaza. The sight of them -excites and angers my followers. If they remain here I shall not be -responsible for the consequences.” - -“I understand.” - -Lieutenant McCormack turned and faced his company. It was apparent that -he was about to yield to the demand of the captains of the mob and give -such orders to his company as would lead to its immediate withdrawal. -Kranich and Gabriel looked at each other and smiled with satisfaction. -The men in the ranks grew sick at heart. Brownell clutched the butt of -his pistol in sheer desperation. Barriscale snatched his rifle up from -the pavement and started once more to leave the ranks, but was checked -by the command that now issued from the lips of the first lieutenant. - -“Fix bayonet!” - -The first sergeant dropped back into his place. Brownell’s heart leaped -in his breast. The Guardsmen caught their breaths and wondered and were -happy. - -But there was no delay in the execution of the order. The men came to -“parade rest” and drew their bayonets from their scabbards. The click -sounded sharp and ominous as the springs caught on the muzzles of the -rifle barrels. Then, with shining blades fixed, the “order arms” was -promptly resumed. - -Lieutenant McCormack turned again to face the ringleaders. The smiles -had vanished from their faces, their eyes were filled with a surprise -that was not unmixed with indignation. - -“In answer to your request,” said the lieutenant, “I will say that I -decline to withdraw my troops. But I demand that you, who seem to be -leaders of this crowd, take your men back at once along the street by -which they came. Otherwise I shall clear the plaza at the point of the -bayonet.” - -His voice, rising as he proceeded, rang out at the last with a -clearness and precision that left no room for doubt as to the meaning -of his words. - -Against all military precedent and custom the men of Company E, with -almost a single voice, gave vent to a great shout of approval. The -reaction was so great, the relief was so tremendous, that a week in -the guard-house would scarcely have been sufficient to repress this -exuberant expression of their feeling. - -The faces of the leaders of the mob blazed with wrath, and their eyes -shot fire. They had been mistaken in their man. It was Gabriel who now -spoke up. - -“And is it,” he cried angrily, the words tumbling from his bearded -lips, “that we are deceived? Are you also traitor? Judas? Hound? I -curse you! I defy your guns!” - -His face was distorted with rage. His whole body was writhing with -ungovernable passion. - -“See!” he shrieked, “I despise your capitalist flag! I spit upon it! I -destroy it!” - -As he spoke he drew from his waistcoat pocket a big clasp-knife, opened -the blade, and made a lunge toward the flagstaff with the evident -purpose of slashing the halyards and dropping the flag to be trampled -on. Quick and dextrous as he was, the first lieutenant of Company E was -quicker. In a blaze of patriotic wrath he cleared the space between him -and Gabriel, and brought the butt of his pistol crashing down upon the -head of the would-be desecrator of the flag. - -The knife dropped from the man’s hand and went clattering to the -pavement, and he, himself, swaying, staggering for a moment, fell, -bleeding and unconscious, at the foot of the staff he would have -despoiled. - -If the cheer that had greeted McCormack’s ultimatum to the leader -of the mob had been whole-souled and exuberant, the yell that came -now from the throats of half a hundred khaki-clad enthusiasts was -vociferous and overwhelming. At last they had a soldier and a patriot -for a leader, and they wanted the world to know it. - -Barriscale alone was displeased and dissatisfied. - -“It was a reckless thing to do,” he shouted. “Those fellows over there -will see red now. Bayonets are no use. We’ve got to shoot into ’em or -they’ll murder us. Look at ’em!” - -The rioters presented, indeed, a terrifying spectacle. Stunned, for -a moment, by the swift retribution that had fallen on their leader, -their amazement now gave way to a frenzy of rage. Incited to still -greater fury by Kranich who had precipitately fled into the midst of -his followers when he saw his companion fall, the men of the invading -host were clamoring for revenge. The red flag, temporarily lowered, -was again shaken aloft. Men with faces distorted by wrath and a desire -for vengeance were shrieking their anger, flourishing their clubs, -brandishing knives, daggers, pistols, gathering from the street -missiles of any and every kind with which to charge upon their enemy. -They could not conceive that sixty Guardsmen in khaki, with rifles and -bayonets, could check the murderous onslaught of five hundred desperate -and daring men. - -Already stones and brickbats were hurtling through the air, and falling -in the midst of the troops. A stone struck Manning’s head, cut through -his hat, and sent him staggering and bleeding to the curb. - -“Charge bayonet!” - -McCormack’s command rang out clear and distinct above the din and -tumult of the riot. As it went down the line the rifle of every man -was thrown to the front, his left hand supporting the barrel, his -right hand grasping the stock. The points of sixty bayonets, four -paces apart, ranged in the sweeping arc of a circle, converged in the -direction of the howling and advancing mob. Barriscale alone was in -revolt. - -“It’s wild!” he shouted. “We’ve got to give ’em bullets, not bayonets! -This is no pink tea! This is war! I say, load your guns, men, load! -load!” - -Obeying his own command, he pulled back the bolt of his piece, withdrew -a clip from his cartridge belt, pushed it with trembling and hurried -fingers into the slot of his rifle, forced the cartridges into the -magazine, thrust the bolt home, and then looked around in amazement to -see that no one else had followed his lead. - -McCormack, though his face went white with anger, still thought -it prudent to let Barriscale have his fling. The man was excited, -terrified, utterly beyond even self-control; he could harm no one but -himself. - -The calmness, the deliberation, the apparent patience which the -commanding officer was exercising in the handling of his force, -appeared to give courage to the attacking mob, the front rank of which, -forced on from behind, was now within twenty paces of the line of -army steel. The jeering was hideous and the yelling terrific. Stones, -brickbats, missiles of all kinds went crashing into the silent ranks. - -“Advance!” - -McCormack gave the command and repeated it. It was instantly obeyed. -With measured step, bayonets pointed ahead of them at the height of -their chins, firmness in every eye, determination gripping every inch -of muscle, the men of Company E moved forward in the face of such a mad -and murderous assault as few of them ever cared to witness again. - -All but Sergeant Barriscale. He was now in flat revolt. He seemed -bereft of his senses, wild with rage or fear or both. - -“I’ll not advance!” he yelled. “You boys are going to your death. -They’ll murder you. I say again, load and fire!” He turned savagely -toward the commanding officer. “Fool!” he cried, “to send your men to -slaughter. I defy your orders!” - -Then, indeed, the first lieutenant lost grip on his patience. He -thrust his pistol into its holster, reached out a right hand nerved -with wrath, tore Barriscale’s loaded and unbayoneted rifle from his -grasp, and tossed it to Manning sitting on the curb. With both hands he -gripped the shoulders of the first sergeant and flung him about, face -to the rear. - -“Report at the armory,” he cried, “and consider yourself under arrest -till I return.” - -Then he swung about and followed his men into action. - -As the troops pressed on the howling and shrieking died down, and the -firing of missiles ceased. The points of sixty bayonets were within -two feet of a hundred throats grown tired with shouting. The front -rank of rioters looked into the eyes of the men behind the guns and -saw their own doom written there. They made a last wild attempt to -thrust aside the glittering steel. The effort was futile. They only -pierced and lacerated their hands and put their lives in jeopardy. -Then valor gave way to discretion. They broke and fell back, crowding, -pushing and trampling on their comrades in the rear. The line of -bayonets lengthened till it swept the plaza and forced the last man -of the riotous host into the street up which the marchers had come a -short half hour before. Panic seized upon the throng, a mad desire in -the breast of each one to protect himself, regardless of his fellows, -against what appeared to be the murderous onslaught of the pitiless -troops. There was a wild scramble, shrieks of terror, a futile effort -to escape. But it was not until vacant lots, side streets unguarded -by police, and at last the open country, had been reached that the -defeated, scattered and terrorized invaders found safe asylum and a -respite from their fears. So, crushed, humiliated and spiritless, -bleeding from many superficial wounds, singly and in groups, the -rioters found their way back to the city from which, in the early -morning, they had come. - -Back, on the north side of the plaza, four persons stood or sat, -watching, with vivid interest, the vanishing mob and the backs of the -khaki-clad troops as they disappeared in the dust and distance down the -main street leading to the south. - -First among them was Gabriel the anarchist, who, coming to himself, -had struggled into a sitting posture the better to nurse his wounds -to which the surgeon who had administered first aid to Manning was -now giving his attention. Manning himself, sitting on the curb, a -little weak from shock and loss of blood, lifted his feeble voice in -enthusiastic acclaim as he saw the riotous army routed from the plaza -and driven down the street. Chick, seated at Manning’s side, joined -his voice, pathetically tremulous, with the corporal’s outburst of -rejoicing; and back of them a multitude of order-loving and law-abiding -citizens shouted vociferously their delight at the victory won over the -forces of disloyalty and disruption. - -Finally, Barriscale stood there, midway between the wounded rioter and -the cheering Guardsman, a powerless and pathetic figure. He looked -at the marching troops, with bayonets at the “charge,” pressing the -mob to its overthrow. He turned his eyes to the big buildings and the -spacious yards of his father’s great industrial plant, saved by the -firm and wise action of Lieutenant Halpert McCormack from pillage and -destruction. He gazed up at the swelling and rolling folds of the -“Star-Spangled Banner,” still floating, thanks to the alert patriotism -of the same bold officer, in glorious symbolism from the summit of its -staff. Finally his eyes fell on Corporal Manning and General Chick -still sitting in front of him on the curb. His face was a study. It no -longer showed any mark of excitement or anger. The emotions pictured -on it were far different; wonder, humiliation, disgust, following each -other in quick succession; finally the indication of a transforming -force back of his countenance, no less powerful and thorough than that -which this very morning had changed the tenor of the life and thought -of his comrade in arms, Halpert McCormack. He came a step nearer to -Manning. - -“Dick,” he said, “I’ve been a fool.” - -“I think, myself,” replied the corporal with a wan smile, “that you’ve -been rather indiscreet.” - -“Indiscreet! I’ve been a consummate idiot. Look at that fellow;” -he half turned his head in the direction in which McCormack had -disappeared; “getting all the honor and glory of this thing; and -deserving it; and me--facing a court martial and the penitentiary--and -deserving it.” - -He came over and sat down on the curb beside Chick, and dropped his -head into his hands. - -“Him,” said Chick, gazing also with eyes filled with admiration after -the disappearing troops, “he’ll be a major-general some day.” - -Barriscale started up again. “I’m under arrest,” he said; “I’ve got to -go to the armory. Who’s going?” - -“I am,” replied Manning. - -“Me too,” added Chick. - -“Come along then, both of you.” - -The corporal rose uncertainly to his feet, picked up his own rifle, and -started to pick up the one belonging to Barriscale with which McCormack -had intrusted him. - -“Here,” said Chick, bravely, “give that one to me.” - -The first sergeant looked down on him with pitying eyes. Yesterday he -would have despised him and thrust him aside. But to-day the boy was -so shrunken, so white and trembling, such a pathetic little figure to -undertake to carry a man’s load. - -“No,” said Barriscale, “you can’t. I’ll carry ’em both, Dick, if you’ll -trust me.” - -He took both rifles, put one over each shoulder, pushed a way through -the noisy and wondering crowd, and together the three started up the -main street toward the central city. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - - -That was a strange group that marched, three abreast, up the main -street of Fairweather that Sunday morning of the riot. Sergeant -Barriscale, with a rifle on each shoulder; on his right Corporal -Manning, hatless, with bandaged head; and on his left, shuffling weakly -along, General Chick. - -“McCormack is going to get some glory out of this day,” said Manning. - -“He deserves it,” responded Barriscale, sharply. - -And Chick added: “I ain’t never seen nothin’ to beat it. Wasn’t that -great?” - -Then, again, for a few minutes, they walked on in silence, save as they -were met and questioned by curious and excited people hurrying toward -the plaza. - -Sarah Halpert came speeding down the street in her car. When she saw -the strange trio she ordered her driver to draw up to the curb. - -“Tell me all about it, Ben!” she exclaimed. “Did you get hurt, Dick? -What’s the matter with you, Chick? Where’s Hal? Is he in command of the -company?” - -“Yes, to everything, Miss Halpert,” replied Ben. “Dick got smashed -on the head with a brickbat, Chick isn’t feeling very well, and I’m -disgraced. We’re all going back to the armory.” - -“But Hal? What’s he doing?” - -“He’s driving the rioters out of town at the point of the bayonet, Miss -Halpert. He’s covering himself with glory.” - -“Splendid!” She half rose in her seat, and clapped her hands together -vigorously. Apparently she forgot all about Manning’s wound, and -Chick’s illness, and Ben’s disgrace, for she turned quickly to her -driver, and ordered him to make haste ahead. - -“I want to catch up with the company,” she said. “I want to see Hal -doing it.” - -And the next minute she was out of sight. - -When the three men started on again Manning’s footsteps were a little -more uncertain, and Chick dragged himself a little more wearily than -before. - -In the middle of the next block Barriscale became suddenly aware that -the boy was missing from his side. He looked back and saw him lying in -a heap on the walk. He dropped his rifles and went and bent over him. -Chick was white and insensible but he was breathing. - -“Poor fellow!” said Manning, “the thing’s been too much for him. What’s -to be done?” - -Barriscale did not reply, but, looking up, he caught sight of a -passing car. It was empty save for the driver, and he hailed it and -commandeered it for his use. When it drew up to the curb he helped to -lift Chick into it, and he and Manning got in beside him. - -[Illustration: HE HELPED TO LIFT CHICK INTO THE CAR] - -“Drive to the City Hospital,” he ordered, “and break the speed law if -you want to.” - -When they drew up under the porte-cochère at the hospital, two -orderlies came, lifted out the still unconscious boy, carried him in, -and started with him down the corridor. - -“Where are you taking him?” asked Ben. - -“To the men’s ward,” was the reply. “I suppose he’s one of the rioters -you’ve picked up.” - -“Rioter!” Ben gazed at the orderly so fiercely that the young fellow -almost lost his grip on the boy’s shoulders. “Rioter nothing! He’s -General Chick. He’s a friend of mine. No men’s ward for him! He’s -to have a private room, a special nurse, and the best the hospital -affords.” He turned to the superintendent who had now come up. “I wish -you’d send the house surgeon to him at once. Give him everything he -needs. As soon as I can get in touch with Dr. Norton I’ll have him come -up and look after him. Send all bills to me.” - -“Very well, Mr. Barriscale. We’ll do our best for him.” - -The orderlies were already wheeling Chick to the elevator to take him -up-stairs. - -Barriscale turned to Manning. - -“Now, Corporal,” he said, “you can take me to the guard-house.” - -“No,” replied Manning, “I think I’ll let you go by yourself. Now that -I’m here I believe I’ll stay and have this wound fixed up with a -permanent dressing. Besides, I want to see Captain Murray and tell him -what happened this morning.” - -“That’s right! He’ll be glad to hear. Tell him the first lieutenant -played the soldier to perfection. Tell him the boys were heroes. And -tell him”--he hesitated a moment and then blurted it out: “that he’s -got a first sergeant who’s a natural born fool, a disgrace to his -company, and a blot on the National Guard.” - -Without waiting to hear the corporal’s protest he turned on his heel, -strode down the hall, entered the waiting car, and directed that he be -driven at once to the armory. - -At nine o’clock that morning Company E returned from its skirmish with -the mob. A belated squad of state constabulary had arrived and taken -charge of the situation, and there was no longer any occasion for the -Guardsmen to remain on duty. They marched up the main street, sturdy, -dusty and triumphant, followed by an admiring and applauding crowd. And -there was good reason for both admiration and applause. By reason of -the patience of the Guardsmen under great provocation, and of their -prompt obedience to orders, and by reason of the coolness, judgment and -skill of their commanding officer, Fairweather had undoubtedly been -saved from a disastrous and bloody experience. The citizens knew this -and they did not hesitate to say so. - -At the armory, after the first lieutenant had turned the company over -to Sergeant Bangs for dismissal, he beckoned to Barriscale who, without -rifle or equipment, was standing at the side-wall, and the disgraced -officer stepped forward and saluted. - -“You are suspended,” said Lieutenant McCormack to him, “from the -performance of any military duties, until your case can be taken up by -the proper authorities. In the meantime you are relieved from arrest -and may proceed about your ordinary business.” - -Sergeant Barriscale, as became a soldier, said nothing in reply. He -saluted again and retired. - -On the Tuesday following the riot the court martial reconvened to -proceed with the case against Lieutenant McCormack. The Barriscales -were not present, nor were any of their witnesses. Their counsel, -however, arose and said that in view of certain developments since the -last sitting of the court his clients did not care to prosecute the -case further. It would not have mattered much if they had so cared. -The verdict of the court was a foregone conclusion. The conduct of -the defendant on the preceding Sunday morning had served as a complete -refutation of the charges against him. Without the loss of a single -life, or the destruction of any valuable property, a riotous and -bloodthirsty mob had been quelled and dispersed. It was conceded that -this was due to the admirable way in which Lieutenant McCormack had -handled the situation. Moreover, the national emblem had been protected -against a rash and violent attack, and its would-be despoiler had -been summarily dealt with as he deserved to be. This was the dramatic -episode that made the young lieutenant’s vindication sure, and capped -the climax of his popularity. - -So, on the application of Brownell, the court dismissed the charges -without hearing any witnesses for the defense, and, so far as could be -discovered, the defendant himself was the only person in the community -who was dissatisfied with the outcome of the trial. He knew that if the -charges were not true in letter they were at least true in spirit, and -that his own conduct had formed a sufficient foundation for them. He -knew also that it was only by the narrowest sort of a margin that he -had escaped being an ingrate to his country and a traitor to his flag. -That he should now come off scot free, and in a blaze of glory besides, -was deeply offensive to his sense of proportion, of propriety, and of -justice. But there was nothing that he could do without the risk of -bringing on further complications and disasters, save to accept the -ruling of the court and the verdict of the community, and to shape his -life accordingly. - -With the rout of the mob that Sunday morning the backbone of the -strike at the Barriscale mills, and at other industrial plants in -Fairweather, was broken. Smoke again belched forth freely from the tall -stacks, the roar and clatter of machinery fell heavily on the air, -laboring humanity swarmed once more through the ways and byways of the -shops. Workmen were no longer heckled and abused on their way to and -from their homes. Many adherents of the radical labor organizations, -finding themselves on the losing side, dropped their open affiliation -with their destructive bodies, abandoned, for the time being at least, -their anarchistic principles, and returned to work on conditions -already accepted by union labor. Not that the backbone of anarchy had -been broken in Fairweather. Far from it. There were still those who, -cowed for the time being, were sullen and woeful, and awaited only -an opportune time to exhibit openly and forcibly their resentment. -Marie Brussiloff, from her cot in the hospital, and Gabriel from his -headquarters in the near-by city, still suffering from their wounds, -were “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.” Donatello alone, -of all the group, in the columns of _The Disinherited_, was mild -and conciliatory. He appeared to be grieved rather than outraged, -disappointed rather than angered. Meeting McCormack a few days after -the riot, he exhibited no bitterness nor resentment but he told him -that in his judgment he had missed the opportunity of a lifetime to do -a splendid service for humanity. - -“I feel,” was Hal’s reply, “that I am doing a far greater service for -humanity by upholding the laws of my country than I could possibly do -by letting a mob work its will.” - -“But those laws,” protested Donatello; “you know by whom they were -made.” - -“I know; I have gone all over that phase of the matter a thousand -times. But it’s democracy; and, so far, democracy has proved to be -the best form of government that any peoples of the earth have ever -lived under. I tell you, Donatello,” he was growing eager and emphatic -now, “when Gabriel tried to cut down my flag that morning, a sudden -reverence for the ‘Stars and Stripes’ took hold of me, and I would have -dared anything to protect them. I am just as much of a humanitarian -as I ever was. I am just as much in sympathy with the toiling masses -of the world as ever. But since that moment I have felt that my first -duty is to protect my own. I believe I am not lacking in a sense of -chivalry, but my mother and my sisters are my first concern above all -other women in the world. Just so my own country must come first in my -loyalty and devotion.” - -And never, after that, could any argument or appeal shake Halpert -McCormack’s conception of patriotism. - -It was four days after the riot. Captain Murray was still at the -hospital, recovering but slowly from the shock and severity of his -wounds. There was no longer any doubt that his condition was the -result of a deliberate attempt to cripple the efficiency of the local -militia company on the eve of the proposed invasion of Fairweather. His -assailants were being held in the county jail without bail to await the -result of his injuries. - -In the same hospital lay also General Chick. He was desperately ill. -The powers of disease had fastened upon his crippled and weakened -body with terrible avidity. It could not be denied that his grief and -anxiety over the anticipated fate of his beloved lieutenant had not -only hastened his illness but was mainly responsible for the ferocity -of the attack. Repeated and positive assurances had not been sufficient -to free his mind of the harassing belief that he, as an unwilling -witness, was to be the chief cause of the officer’s downfall. - -It was on the morning of this fourth day that Miss Anderson, the -trained nurse who was caring for Chick, went into Captain Murray’s -room, as she had been requested to do, to make her daily report -concerning the boy’s condition. - -“He is no better,” she said. “Of course we do not expect that he -will be any better. But if we could only get his mind relieved as to -Lieutenant McCormack’s fate--you know that is what he worries about -mostly--I am sure he would have less temperature, and be much more -comfortable.” - -Captain Murray started to raise himself on his elbow, but fell back -with a gasp of pain. - -“Why!” he exclaimed, “hasn’t he heard yet? Doesn’t he know about -McCormack?” - -“He knows nothing new about him.” - -“Well, you tell him that yesterday the court martial handed down -a decree dismissing the charges. Tell him that McCormack has been -acquitted; that he is free. Do you understand? Tell him that the -court-martial is all over, and that McCormack is free; absolutely free!” - -When the nurse came in to make her afternoon report she had scarcely -crossed the door-sill before Captain Murray called out to her: - -“Did you tell him, Miss Anderson?” - -“Yes, I told him.” - -“Did he understand? What did he say?” - -“I think he understood. I never before saw such a rapturous look on a -human face. He--he lay very quiet for--a while. Then he said----” - -Hardened as she was to pathetic sights and sounds, the lips of the -tender-hearted nurse trembled, her voice failed her, and, with tears -rolling down her cheeks, she turned and fled from the captain’s room. - -But McCormack had still to deal with the case of Barriscale. He knew -that it was his duty to file charges with Captain Murray against the -first sergeant, and he knew what those charges should be. “Behaving -himself with disrespect toward his commanding officer, in violation of -the 20th Article of War.” “Disobeying a lawful command of his superior -officer, in violation of the 21st Article of War.” It was simple -enough; his duty was plain. Yet, day after day went by and he took no -action. He, himself, had been too near the verge of disloyalty and -insubordination to make the task of preparing and presenting charges -against a comrade an easy one. - -But, when Captain Murray’s improvement made it no longer possible -to put forth the serious nature of his illness as a pretext for not -disturbing him, McCormack went down to the hospital one day, determined -to take the matter up and have an end of it. - -“I hope,” said the captain, “that you’ve brought with you the charges -against Barriscale. It’s high time something was done.” - -“No,” was the reply. “I haven’t drawn any charges. I’ve decided not to -present any.” - -In his surprise Captain Murray thrust himself up on his elbow, but he -only winced now at the pain it gave him. - -“What do you mean?” he asked. “Don’t you know that the man is guilty?” - -“Perhaps he is. But I believe he was more than half justified in what -he did. As I think of it now, my only wonder is that any man in the -company had any confidence in me, or was willing to follow me or obey -my orders.” - -The captain looked his first lieutenant in the eyes and was silent. -Evidently he was impressed with what McCormack had said. For when he -spoke again his manner was mild and he exhibited little impatience. - -“But, if you don’t court-martial him what will you do with him?” he -asked. “It’ll never do to let such a breach of discipline go unnoticed.” - -“I propose to turn him over to you for admonition under the Army -Regulations.” - -“And what shall I do with him?” - -“The most you could do in that case; the most you could do if you were -sitting as a summary court, would be to send him back to the ranks.” - -“Then I’ll send him back to the ranks.” - -“In my judgment that would be too severe a punishment.” - -Up to this moment, save at the beginning of the conversation, Captain -Murray had repressed his impatience with admirable self-control. But -now it again got the better of him. - -“Too severe!” he exclaimed. “Why, man! do you know that such an offense -as his, in the regular army, in time of war, would be punishable with -death?” - -“I know. But we’re not in the regular army, and we’re not at war.” - -“If I had my way about it,” was the captain’s reply, “we would be both -in the federal service and at war. That slaughter on the other side -will never stop until this nation goes in and stops it. The sooner we -get about it the better.” - -“I agree with you. But, as to Ben, I hope you will be lenient.” - -“And I promise you that I will punish him to the full extent of my -authority.” - -The captain was resolute, so Hal had to let it go that way. - -When he left the officer’s room he went up to the next floor to see -Chick. The boy gazed at him with unrecognizing eyes. Whether he saw him -at all or not is quite uncertain. But his shriveled and colorless lips -were incessantly moving. - -“He babbles night and day,” said Miss Anderson, “mostly about Company E -and his duties at the armory. He boasts that he is now a regular member -of the company. He says you got him in. You are his hero, Lieutenant -McCormack. He never tired of talking about you when his mind was -clear. Even now yours is the name most frequently on his lips.” - -“Poor fellow!” replied Hal. “I am glad he has the satisfaction of -believing that he has been admitted to membership in the company. It -was almost his lifelong ambition to be a Guardsman.” - -“Well, he is one now to all intents and purposes. He says he must make -haste to get well in order that he may return to his duties. His great -fear and concern seem to be that the soldiers will go across the sea to -fight, and that on account of his illness he will be left behind. If -he were to believe that such a thing had happened it would absolutely -break his heart.” - -Hal looked down on the gray face and unseeing eyes. - -“It will never happen,” he said. - -When he heard the sound of his own name issue feebly from the murmuring -lips he bent his head to listen. - -“Yes, he got me in,” said the boy. “These are my khakis. That’s my gun. -I drill; I march--I’ll go with ’em across the sea--an’ fight. Yes, -that’s my flag; the ‘red, white an’ blue.’” He paused for a moment and -then continued: “Was that taps? Well, I’m ready--I’m tired.” - -He turned his head on the pillow as if to go to rest. Hal took the -unresponsive hand and pressed it gently, gazed, for a moment, with wet -eyes, into the pinched, pathetic face, and came away. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - - -Three days after Lieutenant McCormack’s interview with Captain Murray, -First Sergeant Barriscale, in pursuance of notice duly received, -presented himself before his commanding officer, in his room at the -hospital, for admonition and punishment in accordance with the Army -Regulations. There was no bravado in his bearing, no attempt at bluster -or denial. - -“I suppose I may as well plead guilty to the charges,” he said, “and -take what’s coming to me.” - -Captain Murray looked up at him in astonishment. What had become of the -boastful, self-satisfied scion of a wealthy family as he had known him -scarcely three weeks before? He had expected to deal with a stubborn, -defiant, aggressive offender; but here came a modest, pliant, soldierly -young fellow, freely acknowledging his offense, and willing to pay -the penalty. It was a strange circumstance. It changed materially the -aspect of affairs. It set the captain to thinking. - -“But there are no charges,” he said at last. “McCormack refused to file -any.” - -“Refused--to file any?” - -Barriscale looked up at him with incredulous eyes. He could not -understand it. Why had not McCormack taken advantage of so rich an -opportunity, so just an occasion, to even up a score that had been -running lopsided for years? - -“Yes. He doesn’t want you court-martialed. I’m not particularly eager -for it myself. We’ve had enough of court-martialing in Company E for -the present. So I decided to call you before me instead for admonition -and punishment under the Army Regulations.” - -“But, Captain, mine was a court-martial offense, not a case for a -summary court. I’m not asking for any clemency. I’m guilty, and I’m -ready to take my medicine.” - -“And I mean to give it to you. But I don’t quite understand your -attitude. I supposed you’d put up a fight. What’s come over you?” - -“I don’t know, Captain Murray. I experienced a sort of change of heart -that Sunday morning. I looked around me, and realized what McCormack -had done; that our plant was saved, that the flag was still flying, -that the mob had been dispersed, and that through it all I had been -neither a patriot, a soldier nor a gentleman; but simply an unmitigated -fool. I think that was the end of one phase of my life, and the -beginning of another. Now I want to start right, and starting right -means adequate punishment for misdeeds.” - -“I see. That’s splendid! That’s the right way to look at it. I -congratulate you!” The captain’s hand moved across the counterpane, -found Ben’s, grasped it and held fast to it. “But there’ll be no -court-martial. That’s settled. And as for the punishment, I had thought -to reduce you to the ranks. It’s the most I could do, anyway. But, in -your present state of mind, I--I think I’d rather have you on the right -of the line. So I’ll just order you back to your post.” - -Barriscale sprang to his feet, his cheeks glowing and his eyes wide -with apprehension. Again it was the old fire of impetuosity that broke -out in him. - -“I protest!” he exclaimed. “That wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be fair -to McCormack, nor just to the boys in the company. If I were to obey -such an order I’d do it at the loss of every vestige of self-respect. -Captain, don’t do that, I beg of you! At least reduce me to the ranks.” - -Captain Murray, looking searchingly into his first sergeant’s face, saw -that he was both sincere and determined. - -“Very well,” he said; “back to the ranks you go.” - -As Barriscale turned to leave the captain’s room Miss Anderson entered -it. Her eyes were solemn but tearless, as befits the eyes of those who -have just witnessed the passing of a soul. - -“General Chick,” she said, “is dead.” - -He had died in the full belief that the great ambition of his life had -been fulfilled, that he was a soldier of the Guard, and that, in the -embarkation for the great war, he had not been left behind. And so his -death came joyfully. He had, indeed, gone “across the sea,” not to -fight under any earthly flag, but to march and sing forever under the -stainless banner of the Lord of Hosts. - -In August following the annual July encampment the regiment to which -Company E belonged was mobilized at Mount Gretna, along with other -National Guard units, was mustered into the federal service, and, in -October, was sent to the Mexican border. It went into camp at Camp -Stewart, seven miles north of El Paso, and remained there during the -entire winter. The regiment saw no active service; it was not even -called upon to patrol the border. - -Not that the men did not have their experiences, their pleasures -and their hardships. But, what with the daily drill, the camp -entertainments, the trips to the city, and the letters and parcels from -home, life on the sand plains of the Rio Grande valley did not become -especially monotonous. The troops would have preferred to march and -fight; they would have been delighted to be with Pershing’s regulars -in the heart of Mexico, but there was little murmuring and there were -few complaints. They were soldiers in the service of the federal -government; they were being well cared for, it was their business to -obey orders and be content. - -This was especially true of the men of Company E. They spent no time -nor wasted any breath in useless murmuring. They performed their duties -as soldiers with skill and alacrity. Theirs became the crack company -in the regiment. Lieutenant McCormack, their commander, had not only -their respect but their affection. From the day of the riot his place -in their minds and hearts was fixed and unalterable. As for Barriscale, -the old prejudice against him had worn gradually away until he had -become in fact as well as in theory a comrade. As a private in the -ranks he performed every duty with painstaking care and fidelity. The -old sense of self-importance had disappeared; he was simply Private -Barriscale, in the service of his country, no better nor worse than -the men who surrounded him. As Brownell put it one day, he had become -“really human.” - -The breach between him and McCormack had, apparently, not yet been -fully closed. It is certain that there was no familiar companionship -between them. Barriscale had made formal apology to the first -lieutenant, his apology had been accepted and his offense kindly -minimized, and there the matter had ended. They were soldiers and -gentlemen in their relations with each other, that was all. Whether -a bit of the old resentment still dwelt in the heart of each of them, -or whether it was a natural diffidence and hesitancy that prevented -them from approaching one another on what was of necessity a delicate -subject, perhaps neither of them could have told. - -But an incident happened one day that in its consequences brought about -a change in the relations between the two men. - -Plodding back from the city of El Paso to camp in the afternoon of a -December day, Barriscale was caught in one of the violent sandstorms -characteristic of that region. Swept, buffeted, blinded, drenched with -the terrific downpour of rain, he reached the camp battered, breathless -and exhausted. After three days of partial disability he developed a -full case of pneumonia. The disease was not of the most severe type, -however, and at no time was he considered to be desperately or even -critically ill. - -But Lieutenant McCormack, the company commander, deemed it advisable to -telegraph to Barriscale’s father the fact of his son’s illness. - -This he did on the third day after the nature of the disease had become -definitely established. - -The telegram was an assuring one, but it brought Benjamin Barriscale, -Sr., to Camp Stewart within thirty-six hours after its receipt. He -found his son much improved, the crisis safely passed, and the young -man on the sure road to recovery. He remained with him three days. - -It was on the afternoon of the second day, as he was sitting at the -side of Ben’s cot which had been partitioned off by screens from the -rest of the hospital ward, that the subject of their relations with -Lieutenant Halpert McCormack came up. - -“I’ve nothing against him now,” said Ben. “I’ve seen him day in and day -out for months, and in my opinion he’s a soldier and a gentleman.” - -The elder Barriscale sat for a moment in silence. - -“I may have been rather harsh in my judgment of him before the riot,” -he said at last. “But I still think that his opinions and conduct -justify my attitude toward him up to that time.” - -“That may be very true, father; but you’ll have to admit that he -handled the situation that day in a masterly manner.” - -“Yes, I’ll admit that.” - -“And that his patience and judgment and firmness not only saved our -property from destruction, but prevented much bloodshed and probably a -city-wide disaster.” - -“I guess that’s true too.” - -“Then why haven’t we got the moral courage to acknowledge it, and -tell him so, and put an end to this awkward restraint, and this -uncomfortable attitude on the part of all of us?” - -Again the elder man hesitated. - -“He may still be a radical,” he replied; “and I don’t care to humble -myself before a person of that type. When this ultra-socialist germ -once finds lodgment in a young man’s mind, it’s no easy task to -displace it.” - -“Well, I guess he’s got rid of it all right now.” The invalid raised -himself on his elbow and added earnestly: “You know I believe -McCormack’s one ambition to-day is to serve his country faithfully as a -soldier.” - -“That’s a laudable ambition, I’m sure.” - -It was at this juncture that Lieutenant McCormack, having come to the -hospital to visit the two or three of his men who were invalids there, -was ushered by a nurse into the little apartment screened off for -Barriscale. When he saw that the sick man had company he would have -withdrawn, but Ben called to him. - -“Come in,” he said. “Father’s here, and he wants to see you.” - -So McCormack came in; not wholly at ease, to be sure, but with the -dignified and courteous bearing of a soldier. The elder Barriscale -reached out a friendly hand to him and he took it, and then passed -around to the other side of the cot. - -“Ben is right,” said the elder man. “I did want to see you, and I -should not have left camp without having done so. I want to thank you -for having notified me of my son’s illness.” - -“That is a duty,” replied the lieutenant, “which we owe to the parents -of our men when they are seriously ill. And I think your son has been -seriously, though not dangerously, ill.” - -“Yes; I have talked with the surgeon, who thinks his escape from -something far worse than this was extremely fortunate.” - -“And I am extremely glad,” added the lieutenant, “that he is so well on -the road to recovery, and will soon be back with us. We all appreciate -him and need him. He is an ideal soldier.” - -The words came unconsciously, almost impetuously. If McCormack had -stopped to consider he might not have uttered them. Still he made no -attempt to modify them, for he knew that they were true. - -But the heart of the father had been touched; and if any feeling of -prejudice or resentment against his son’s one time rival had remained -with him prior to his journey south, it vanished in this moment. Blunt -and direct in meeting opposition to his will, he was equally blunt -and direct in acknowledging his faults or mistakes, or expressing his -gratitude or approval. - -“I want to thank you, sir,” he said, “for your generosity. Your -conduct toward my son since the day of the riot has been more than -magnanimous.” - -“You are very kind to think so and to say so,” replied the lieutenant -modestly. - -“And I want to say further,” went on the manufacturer, “that while -there was a time when I doubted your true Americanism, that time -has passed. Your conduct as an officer has proved your worth as a -patriot. You have lived up to the best traditions of the American -soldier. I admire your judgment, sir, and your patience and skill, and -broad-mindedness, and----” - -What more Benjamin Barriscale, Sr., would have said had not a peculiar -choking sensation checked his speech, cannot be definitely known. It is -certain that his eyes were moist and his lips trembled. His enthusiasm -and his surroundings had betrayed him into an emotion such as he had -not experienced in years. And as for his son, two big tears escaping -from his eyes were coursing down his cheeks unheeded and undisturbed. - -Lieutenant Halpert McCormack did not quite know what to say. He began -to stumble over some awkward expression of appreciation and thanks, but -the elder Barriscale cut him short. - -“There,” he said, “the incident is closed. I want to go up and see the -boys of your company, and take home any messages they want to send. And -if there’s anything they need while they’re down here, they shall have -it if it’s in my power to get it to them.” - -When Hal rose to go Ben reached out his hand to him. - -“There’s not much left,” he said, “for me to say, except to assure you, -with all the heart and energy I’ve got, that my father’s sentiments are -mine.” - -And in that moment the old breach between them was closed forever. - -On the day that Private Ben Barriscale left the hospital, a committee -representing the enlisted men of Company E called on First Lieutenant -McCormack at company headquarters. There were three sergeants and two -corporals. The lieutenant received them graciously but wonderingly, -and waited for them to declare their errand. Manning, although only a -corporal, appeared to be the spokesman of the committee. He saluted -gravely and drew from his pocket a formidable looking paper. - -“Lieutenant McCormack,” he said, “we are not sure whether or not we are -violating military rules and customs in appearing before you to make a -certain request, but we feel that our earnestness and good faith will, -in any event, be our sufficient excuse. I hand you a petition, signed -by every enlisted man in Company E but one, and as the matter concerns -him he was not asked to sign it.” - -He handed the paper to McCormack, returned to his place and stood at -attention. - -The company commander, with not a little misgiving, unfolded the paper -and began to read it. It ran as follows: - - “_To First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack, Commanding Company E_: - - “The undersigned, including the entire roster of your Company - with the exception of one name, respectfully pray you to fill - the vacancy now existing in the office of First Sergeant, - by reappointing thereto Private Benjamin Barriscale who has - heretofore filled the position with marked ability. - - “_Signed_,” - -McCormack ran his eyes down the long list of names, then folded the -paper and looked into the faces of his visitors. - -“Are you aware,” he said, “that when Private Barriscale was returned to -the ranks he lost his grading, and, in accordance with military usage, -should begin again at the lowest round of the ladder to win promotions?” - -“We are aware of that,” was Manning’s reply; “but we feel that the -circumstances surrounding Barriscale’s case warrant the waiving of this -custom. He has taken his punishment like a soldier. He has made himself -agreeable and helpful to his comrades. He is absolutely faithful in the -performance of every duty. It seems to us that he has paid in full the -penalty for his old offense.” - -The company commander did not seem to be greatly interested in this -plea, but he turned to Acting First Sergeant Bangs, who stood at the -left of the group. - -“Are you willing,” he asked, “to waive such right of appointment to the -first sergeantcy, as you may have by reason of your present position?” - -“Yes, Lieutenant,” was the prompt and earnest reply; “I am not only -willing, but glad to do it. In my judgment Private Barriscale has -easily won the honor which we are asking for him.” - -Still the company commander did not seem to be deeply impressed with -the sergeant’s plea. - -He asked, of no member of the committee in particular: - -“Does Barriscale know anything about this?” - -Manning and Boyle replied with one accord, in the same words: - -“Not a word!” And Manning added: “We have not taken him into our -confidence for fear he might disapprove and put a stop to it.” - -Again Lieutenant McCormack looked into the faces of his visitors for a -moment without speaking. Then he said quietly: - -“I do not think that, under the circumstances, you have been guilty of -any breach of military etiquette. I will accept your petition, consider -it, and consult with my lieutenants concerning it.” - -They saluted him, he returned the salute, and then they turned on their -heels and left the commander’s tent. - -Three days later orders were posted announcing the appointment of -Private Benjamin Barriscale to the office of First Sergeant. - -Late in March Company E came home from the border. - -As the boys marched up from the station, stalwart, bronzed, with -ringing steps and beaming faces, the citizenry of Fairweather lined -the curbs and hung from the windows to greet and acclaim them. As they -went by, Sarah Halpert, standing in her automobile, surrounded by the -McCormack family, waved her handkerchief, and shouted her enthusiastic -welcome. She had reason to be both proud and happy. For her old wish -had been fulfilled; Halpert McCormack was captain of Company E, and -Benjamin Barriscale was its first lieutenant. Captain Murray had -resigned his commission, and the new appointments had come down through -headquarters three days before the entrainment of the troops for home. - -“Haven’t I told you times without number,” exclaimed Sarah Halpert, -“that the boy had the stuff in him? All that was needed to bring it -out was a Sabbath morning, and a howling mob, and a threat against Old -Glory.” - - * * * * * - - Transcriber’s Notes: - - --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_). - - --Printer's, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently - corrected. - - --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - - --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - - --Except for the frontispiece, illustrations have been moved to - follow the text that they illustrate. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Guardsman, by Homer Greene - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GUARDSMAN *** - -***** This file should be named 55768-0.txt or 55768-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/7/6/55768/ - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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