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diff --git a/7522-h/7522-h.htm b/7522-h/7522-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a94003e --- /dev/null +++ b/7522-h/7522-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,17490 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + King Coal | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +.m2 {margin-left: 2em;} +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of King Coal, by Upton Sinclair</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title:King Coal +<br>A Novel</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Upton Sinclair</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: May 13, 2003 [eBook #7522]<br> +[Most recently updated: February 23, 2024]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Widger, Eric Eldred, Beth Trapaga and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KING COAL *</div> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h1> + KING COAL + </h1> + <h3> + <i>A NOVEL</i> + </h3> + <p> + <br> + </p> + <h2> + By Upton Sinclair + </h2> + <h5> + TO <br> <br> MARY CRAIG KIMBROUGH <br> <br> To whose persistence in + the perilous task of tearing<br> her husband's manuscript to pieces, the + reader is indebted <br> for the absence of most of the faults from this + book. + </h5> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> BOOK ONE — THE DOMAIN OF KING COAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> BOOK TWO — THE SERFS OF KING COAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> BOOK THREE — THE HENCHMEN OF KING COAL + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> BOOK FOUR — THE WILL OF KING COAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> POSTSCRIPT </a> + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + Upton Sinclair is one of the not too many writers who have consecrated + their lives to the agitation for social justice, and who have also + enrolled their art in the service of a set purpose. A great and + non-temporizing enthusiast, he never flinched from making sacrifices. Now + and then he attained great material successes as a writer, but invariably + he invested and lost his earnings in enterprises by which he had hoped to + ward off injustice and to further human happiness. Though disappointed + time after time, he never lost faith nor courage to start again. + </p> + <p> + As a convinced socialist and eager advocate of unpopular doctrines, as an + exposer of social conditions that would otherwise be screened away from + the public eye, the most influential journals of his country were as a + rule arraigned against him. Though always a poor man, though never willing + to grant to publishers the concessions essential for many editions and + general popularity, he was maliciously represented to be a carpet knight + of radicalism and a socialist millionaire. He has several times been + obliged to change his publisher, which goes to prove that he is no seeker + of material gain. + </p> + <p> + Upton Sinclair is one of the writers of the present time most deserving of + a sympathetic interest. He shows his patriotism as an American, not by + joining in hymns to the very conditional kind of liberty peculiar to the + United States, but by agitating for infusing it with the elixir of real + liberty, the liberty of humanity. He does not limit himself to a + dispassionate and entertaining description of things as they are. But in + his appeals to the honour and good-fellowship of his compatriots, he opens + their eyes to the appalling conditions under which wage-earning slaves are + living by the hundreds of thousands. His object is to better these + unnatural conditions, to obtain for the very poorest a glimpse of light + and happiness, to make even them realise the sensation of cosy well-being + and the comfort of knowing that justice is to be found also for them. + </p> + <p> + This time Upton Sinclair has absorbed himself in the study of the miner's + life in the lonesome pits of the Rocky Mountains, and his sensitive and + enthusiastic mind has brought to the world an American parallel to + GERMINAL, Emile Zola's technical masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + The conditions described in the two books are, however, essentially + different. While Zola's working-men are all natives of France, one meets + in Sinclair's book a motley variety of European emigrants, speaking a + Babel of languages and therefore debarred from forming some sort of + association to protect themselves against being exploited by the anonymous + limited Company. Notwithstanding this natural bar against united action on + the part of the wage-earning slaves, the Company feels far from at ease + and jealously guards its interests against any attempt of organising the + men. + </p> + <p> + A young American of the upper class, with great sympathy for the + downtrodden and an honest desire to get a first-hand knowledge of their + conditions in order to help them, decides to take employment in a mine + under a fictitious name and dressed like a working-man. His unusual way of + trying to obtain work arouses suspicion. He is believed to be a + professional strike-leader sent out to organise the miners against their + exploiters, and he is not only refused work, but thrashed mercilessly. + When finally he succeeds in getting inside, he discovers with growing + indignation the shameless and inhuman way in which those who unearth the + black coal are being exploited. + </p> + <p> + These are the fundamental ideas of the book, but they give but a faint + notion of the author's poetic attitude. Most beautifully is this shown in + Hal's relation to a young Irish girl, Red Mary. She is poor, and her daily + life harsh and joyless, but nevertheless her wonderful grace is one of the + outstanding features of the book. The first impression of Mary is that of + a Celtic Madonna with a tender heart for little children. She develops + into a Valküre of the working-class, always ready to fight for the + worker's right. + </p> + <p> + The last chapters of the book give a description of the miners' revolt + against the Company. They insist upon their right to choose a deputy to + control the weighing-in of the coal, and upon having the mines sprinkled + regularly to prevent explosion. They will also be free to buy their food + and utensils wherever they like, even in shops not belonging to the + Company. + </p> + <p> + In a postscript Sinclair explains the fundamental facts on which his work + of art has been built up. Even without the postscript one could not help + feeling convinced that the social conditions he describes are true to + life. The main point is that Sinclair has not allowed himself to become + inspired by hackneyed phrases that bondage and injustice and the other + evils and crimes of Kingdoms have been banished from Republics, but that + he is earnestly pointing to the honeycombed ground on which the greatest + modern money-power has been built. The fundament of this power is not + granite, but mines. It lives and breathes in the light, because it has + thousands of unfortunates toiling in the darkness. It lives and has its + being in proud liberty because thousands are slaving for it, whose + thraldom is the price of this liberty. + </p> + <p> + This is the impression given to the reader of this exciting novel. + </p> + <p> + GEORG BRANDES. + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK ONE — THE DOMAIN OF KING COAL + </h2> + <h3> + SECTION 1. + </h3> + <p> + The town of Pedro stood on the edge of the mountain country; a straggling + assemblage of stores and saloons from which a number of branch railroads + ran up into the canyons, feeding the coal-camps. Through the week it slept + peacefully; but on Saturday nights, when the miners came trooping down, + and the ranchmen came in on horseback and in automobiles, it wakened to a + seething life. + </p> + <p> + At the railroad station, one day late in June, a young man alighted from a + train. He was about twenty-one years of age, with sensitive features, and + brown hair having a tendency to waviness. He wore a frayed and faded suit + of clothes, purchased in a quarter of his home city where the Hebrew + merchants stand on the sidewalks to offer their wares; also a soiled blue + shirt without a tie, and a pair of heavy boots which had seen much + service. Strapped on his back was a change of clothing and a blanket, and + in his pockets a comb, a toothbrush, and a small pocket mirror. + </p> + <p> + Sitting in the smoking-car of the train, the young man had listened to the + talk of the coal-camps, seeking to correct his accent. When he got off the + train he proceeded down the track and washed his hands with cinders, and + lightly powdered some over his face. After studying the effect of this in + his mirror, he strolled down the main street of Pedro, and, selecting a + little tobacco-shop, went in. In as surly a voice as he could muster, he + inquired of the proprietress, “Can you tell me how to get to the Pine + Creek mine?” + </p> + <p> + The woman looked at him with no suspicion in her glance. She gave the + desired information, and he took a trolley and got off at the foot of the + Pine Creek canyon, up which he had a thirteen-mile trudge. It was a + sunshiny day, with the sky crystal clear, and the mountain air + invigourating. The young man seemed to be happy, and as he strode on his + way, he sang a song with many verses: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “Old King Coal was a merry old soul,<br> +<span class="m2">And a merry old soul was he;</span><br> + He made him a college all full of knowledge—<br> +<span class="m2">Hurrah for you and me!</span><br> +<br> + “Oh, Liza-Ann, come out with me,<br> +<span class="m2">The moon is a-shinin' in the monkey-puzzle tree;</span><br> + Oh, Liza-Ann, I have began<br> +<span class="m2">To sing you the song of Harrigan!</span><br> +<br> + “He keeps them a-roll, this merry old soul—<br> +<span class="m2">The wheels of industree;</span><br> + A-roll and a-roll, for his pipe and his bowl<br> +<span class="m2">And his college facultee!</span><br> +<br> + “Oh, Mary-Jane, come out in the lane,<br> +<span class="m2">The moon is a-shinin' in the old pecan;</span><br> + Oh, Mary-Jane, don't you hear me a-sayin'<br> +<span class="m2">I'll sing you the song of Harrigan!</span><br> +<br> + “So hurrah for King Coal, and his fat pay-roll,<br> +<span class="m2">And his wheels of industree!</span><br> + Hurrah for his pipe, and hurrah for his bowl—<br> +<span class="m2">And hurrah for you and me!</span><br> +<br> + “Oh, Liza-Ann, come out with me,<br> +<span class="m2">The moon is a-shinin'—”</span><br> + </p> + <p> + And so on and on—as long as the moon was a-shinin' on a college + campus. It was a mixture of happy nonsense and that questioning with which + modern youth has begun to trouble its elders. As a marching tune, the song + was a trifle swift for the grades of a mountain canyon; Warner could stop + and shout to the canyon-walls, and listen to their answer, and then march + on again. He had youth in his heart, and love and curiosity; also he had + some change in his trousers' pocket, and a ten dollar bill, for extreme + emergencies, sewed up in his belt. If a photographer for Peter Harrigan's + General Fuel Company could have got a snap-shot of him that morning, it + might have served as a “portrait of a coal-miner” in any “prosperity” + publication. + </p> + <p> + But the climb was a stiff one, and before the end the traveller became + aware of the weight of his boots, and sang no more. Just as the sun was + sinking up the canyon, he came upon his destination—a gate across + the road, with a sign upon it: + </p> + <h3> + PINE CREEK COAL CO. + </h3> + <h3> + PRIVATE PROPERTY + </h3> + <h3> + TRESPASSING FORBIDDEN + </h3> + <p> + Hal approached the gate, which was of iron bars, and padlocked. After + standing for a moment to get ready his surly voice, he kicked upon the + gate and a man came out of a shack inside. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I want to get in. I'm looking for a job.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Pedro.” + </p> + <p> + “Where you been working?” + </p> + <p> + “I never worked in a mine before.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you work?” + </p> + <p> + “In a grocery-store.” + </p> + <p> + “What grocery-store?” + </p> + <p> + “Peterson & Co., in Western City.” + </p> + <p> + The guard came closer to the gate and studied him through the bars. + </p> + <p> + “Hey, Bill!” he called, and another man came out from the cabin. “Here's a + guy says he worked in a grocery, and he's lookin' for a job.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's your papers?” demanded Bill. + </p> + <p> + Every one had told Hal that labour was scarce in the mines, and that the + companies were ravenous for men; he had supposed that a workingman would + only have to knock, and it would be opened unto him. “They didn't give me + no papers,” he said, and added, hastily, “I got drunk and they fired me.” + He felt quite sure that getting drunk would not bar one from a coal camp. + </p> + <p> + But the two made no move to open the gate. The second man studied him + deliberately from top to toe, and Hal was uneasily aware of possible + sources of suspicion. “I'm all right,” he declared. “Let me in, and I'll + show you.” + </p> + <p> + Still the two made no move. They looked at each other, and then Bill + answered, “We don't need no hands.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” exclaimed Hal, “I saw a sign down the canyon—” + </p> + <p> + “That's an old sign,” said Bill. + </p> + <p> + “But I walked all the way up here!” + </p> + <p> + “You'll find it easier walkin' back.” + </p> + <p> + “But—it's night!” + </p> + <p> + “Scared of the dark, kid?” inquired Bill, facetiously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, say!” replied Hal. “Give a fellow a chance! Ain't there some way I + can pay for my keep—or at least for a bunk to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “There's nothin' for you,” said Bill, and turned and went into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The other man waited and watched, with a decidedly hostile look. Hal + strove to plead with him, but thrice he repeated, “Down the canyon with + you.” So at last Hal gave up, and moved down the road a piece and sat down + to reflect. + </p> + <p> + It really seemed an absurdly illogical proceeding, to post a notice, + “Hands Wanted,” in conspicuous places on the roadside, causing a man to + climb thirteen miles up a mountain canyon, only to be turned off without + explanation. Hal was convinced that there must be jobs inside the + stockade, and that if only he could get at the bosses he could persuade + them. He got up and walked down the road a quarter of a mile, to where the + railroad-track crossed it, winding up the canyon. A train of “empties” was + passing, bound into the camp, the cars rattling and bumping as the engine + toiled up the grade. This suggested a solution of the difficulty. + </p> + <p> + It was already growing dark. Crouching slightly, Hal approached the cars, + and when he was in the shadows, made a leap and swung onto one of them. It + took but a second to clamber in, and he lay flat and waited, his heart + thumping. + </p> + <p> + Before a minute had passed he heard a shout, and looking over, he saw the + Cerberus of the gate running down a path to the track, his companion, + Bill, just behind him. “Hey! come out of there!” they yelled; and Bill + leaped, and caught the car in which Hal was riding. + </p> + <p> + The latter saw that the game was up, and sprang to the ground on the other + side of the track and started out of the camp. Bill followed him, and as + the train passed, the other man ran down the track to join him. Hal was + walking rapidly, without a word; but the Cerberus of the gate had many + words, most of them unprintable, and he seized Hal by the collar, and + shoving him violently, planted a kick upon that portion of his anatomy + which nature has constructed for the reception of kicks. Hal recovered his + balance, and, as the man was still pursuing him, he turned and aimed a + blow, striking him on the chest and making him reel. + </p> + <p> + Hal's big brother had seen to it that he knew how to use his fists; he now + squared off, prepared to receive the second of his assailants. But in + coal-camps matters are not settled in that primitive way, it appeared. The + man halted, and the muzzle of a revolver came suddenly under Hal's nose. + “Stick 'em up!” said the man. + </p> + <p> + This was a slang which Hal had never heard, but the meaning was + inescapable; he “stuck 'em up.” At the same moment his first assailant + rushed at him, and dealt him a blow over the eye which sent him sprawling + backward upon the stones. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 2. + </h3> + <p> + When Hal came to himself again he was in darkness, and was conscious of + agony from head to toe. He was lying on a stone floor, and he rolled over, + but soon rolled back again, because there was no part of his back which + was not sore. Later on, when he was able to study himself, he counted over + a score of marks of the heavy boots of his assailants. + </p> + <p> + He lay for an hour or two, making up his mind that he was in a lock-up, + because he could see the starlight through iron bars. He could hear + somebody snoring, and he called half a dozen times, in a louder and louder + voice, until at last, hearing a growl, he inquired, “Can you give me a + drink of water?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you hell if you wake me up again,” said the voice; after which + Hal lay in silence until morning. + </p> + <p> + A couple of hours after daylight, a man entered his cell. “Get up,” said + he, and added a prod with his foot. Hal had thought he could not do it, + but he got up. + </p> + <p> + “No funny business now,” said his jailer, and grasping him by the sleeve + of his coat, marched him out of the cell and down a little corridor into a + sort of office, where sat a red-faced personage with a silver shield upon + the lapel of his coat. Hal's two assailants of the night before stood + nearby. + </p> + <p> + “Well, kid?” said the personage in the chair. “Had a little time to think + it over?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal, briefly. + </p> + <p> + “What's the charge?” inquired the personage, of the two watchmen. + </p> + <p> + “Trespassing and resisting arrest.” + </p> + <p> + “How much money you got, young fellow?” was, the next question. + </p> + <p> + Hal hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Speak up there!” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “Two dollars and sixty-seven cents,” said Hal—“as well as I can + remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on!” said the other. “What you givin' us?” And then, to the two + watchmen, “Search him.” + </p> + <p> + “Take off your coat and pants,” said Bill, promptly, “and your boots.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I say!” protested Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Take 'em off!” said the man, and clenched his fists. Hal took 'em off, + and they proceeded to go through the pockets, producing a purse with the + amount stated, also a cheap watch, a strong pocket knife, the tooth-brush, + comb and mirror, and two white handkerchiefs, which they looked at + contemptuously and tossed to the spittle-drenched floor. + </p> + <p> + They unrolled the pack, and threw the clean clothing about. Then, opening + the pocket-knife, they proceeded to pry about the soles and heels of the + boots, and to cut open the lining of the clothing. So they found the ten + dollars in the belt, which they tossed onto the table with the other + belongings. Then the personage with the shield announced, “I fine you + twelve dollars and sixty-seven cents, and your watch and knife.” He added, + with a grin, “You can keep your snot-rags.” + </p> + <p> + “Now see here!” said Hal, angrily. “This is pretty raw!” + </p> + <p> + “You get your duds on, young fellow, and get out of here as quick as you + can, or you'll go in your shirt-tail.” + </p> + <p> + But Hal was angry enough to have been willing to go in his skin. “You tell + me who you are, and your authority for this procedure?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm marshal of the camp,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “You mean you're an employé of the General Fuel Company? And you propose + to rob me—” + </p> + <p> + “Put him out, Bill,” said the marshal. And Hal saw Bill's fists clench. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” he said, swallowing his indignation. “Wait till I get my + clothes on.” And he proceeded to dress as quickly as possible; he rolled + up his blanket and spare clothing, and started for the door. + </p> + <p> + “Remember,” said the marshal, “straight down the canyon with you, and if + you show your face round here again, you'll get a bullet through you.” + </p> + <p> + So Hal went out into the sunshine, with a guard on each side of him as an + escort. He was on the same mountain road, but in the midst of the + company-village. In the distance he saw the great building of the breaker, + and heard the incessant roar of machinery and falling coal. He marched + past a double lane of company houses and shanties, where slattern women in + doorways and dirty children digging in the dust of the roadside paused and + grinned at him—for he limped as he walked, and it was evident enough + what had happened to him. + </p> + <p> + Hal had come with love and curiosity. The love was greatly diminished—evidently + this was not the force which kept the wheels of industry a-roll. But the + curiosity was greater than ever. What was there so carefully hidden inside + this coal-camp stockade? + </p> + <p> + Hal turned and looked at Bill, who had showed signs of humour the day + before. “See here,” said he, “you fellows have got my money, and you've + blacked my eye and kicked me blue, so you ought to be satisfied. Before I + go, tell me about it, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell you what?” growled Bill. + </p> + <p> + “Why did I get this?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you're too gay, kid. Didn't you know you had no business trying + to sneak in here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal; “but that's not what I mean. Why didn't you let me in at + first?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wanted a job in a mine,” demanded the man, “why didn't you go at + it in the regular way?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know the regular way.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just it. And we wasn't takin' chances with you. You didn't look + straight.” + </p> + <p> + “But what did you think I was? What are you afraid of?” + </p> + <p> + “Go on!” said the man. “You can't work me!” + </p> + <p> + Hal walked a few steps in silence, pondering how to break through. “I see + you're suspicious of me,” he said. “I'll tell you the truth, if you'll let + me.” Then, as the other did not forbid him, “I'm a college boy, and I + wanted to see life and shift for myself a while. I thought it would be a + lark to come here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Bill, “this ain't no foot-ball field. It's a coal-mine.” + </p> + <p> + Hal saw that his story had been accepted. “Tell me straight,” he said, + “what did you think I was?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't mind telling,” growled Bill. “There's union agitators + trying to organise these here camps, and we ain't taking no chances with + 'em. This company gets its men through agencies, and if you'd went and + satisfied them, you'd 'a been passed in the regular way. Or if you'd went + to the office down in Pedro and got a pass, you'd 'a been all right. But + when a guy turns up at the gate, and looks like a dude and talks like a + college perfessor, he don't get by, see?” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Hal. And then, “If you'll give me the price of a breakfast + out of my money, I'll be obliged.” + </p> + <p> + “Breakfast is over,” said Bill. “You sit round till the pinyons gets + ripe.” He laughed; but then, mellowed by his own joke, he took a quarter + from his pocket and passed it to Hal. He opened the padlock on the gate + and saw him out with a grin; and so ended Hal's first turn on the wheels + of industry. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 3. + </h3> + <p> + Hal Warner started to drag himself down the road, but was unable to make + it. He got as far as a brooklet that came down the mountain-side, from + which he might drink without fear of typhoid; there he lay the whole day, + fasting. Towards evening a thunder-storm came up, and he crawled under the + shelter of a rock, which was no shelter at all. His single blanket was + soon soaked through, and he passed a night almost as miserable as the + previous one. He could not sleep, but he could think, and he thought about + what had happened to him. “Bill” had said that a coal mine was not a + foot-ball field, but it seemed to Hal that the net impress of the two was + very much the same. He congratulated himself that his profession was not + that of a union organiser. + </p> + <p> + At dawn he dragged himself up, and continued his journey, weak from cold + and unaccustomed lack of food. In the course of the day he reached a + power-station near the foot of the canyon. He did not have the price of a + meal, and was afraid to beg; but in one of the group of buildings by the + roadside was a store, and he entered and inquired concerning prunes, which + were twenty-five cents a pound. The price was high, but so was the + altitude, and as Hal found in the course of time, they explained the one + by the other—not explaining, however, why the altitude of the price + was always greater than the altitude of the store. Over the counter he saw + a sign: “We buy scrip at ten per cent discount.” He had heard rumours of a + state law forbidding payment of wages in “scrip”; but he asked no + questions, and carried off his very light pound of prunes, and sat down by + the roadside and munched them. + </p> + <p> + Just beyond the power-house, down on the railroad track, stood a little + cabin with a garden behind it. He made his way there, and found a + one-legged old watchman. He asked permission to spend the night on the + floor of the cabin; and seeing the old fellow look at his black eye, he + explained, “I tried to get a job at the mine, and they thought I was a + union organiser.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the man, “I don't want no union organisers round here.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'm not one,” pleaded Hal. + </p> + <p> + “How do I know what you are? Maybe you're a company spy.” + </p> + <p> + “All I want is a dry place to sleep,” said Hal. “Surely it won't be any + harm for you to give me that.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not so sure,” the other answered. “However, you can spread your + blanket in the corner. But don't you talk no union business to me.” + </p> + <p> + Hal had no desire to talk. He rolled himself in his blanket and slept like + a man untroubled by either love or curiosity. In the morning the old + fellow gave him a slice of corn bread and some young onions out of his + garden, which had a more delicious taste than any breakfast that had ever + been served him. When Hal thanked his host in parting, the latter + remarked: “All right, young fellow, there's one thing you can do to pay + me, and that is, say nothing about it. When a man has grey hair on his + head and only one leg, he might as well be drowned in the creek as lose + his job.” + </p> + <p> + Hal promised, and went his way. His bruises pained him less, and he was + able to walk. There were ranch-houses in sight—it was like coming + back suddenly to America! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 4. + </h3> + <p> + Hal had now before him a week's adventures as a hobo: a genuine hobo, with + no ten dollar bill inside his belt to take the reality out of his + experiences. He took stock of his worldly goods and wondered if he still + looked like a dude. He recalled that he had a smile which had fascinated + the ladies; would it work in combination with a black eye? Having no other + means of support, he tried it on susceptible looking housewives, and found + it so successful that he was tempted to doubt the wisdom of honest labour. + He sang the Harrigan song no more, but instead the words of a hobo-song he + had once heard: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what's the use of workin' when there's women in the land?” + </p> + <p> + The second day he made the acquaintance of two other gentlemen of the + road, who sat by the railroad-track toasting some bacon over a fire. They + welcomed him, and after they had heard his story, adopted him into the + fraternity and instructed him in its ways of life. Pretty soon he made the + acquaintance of one who had been a miner, and was able to give him the + information he needed before climbing another canyon. + </p> + <p> + “Dutch Mike” was the name this person bore, for reasons he did not + explain. He was a black-eyed and dangerous-looking rascal, and when the + subject of mines and mining was broached, he opened up the flood-gates of + an amazing reservoir of profanity. He was through with that game—Hal + or any other God-damned fool might have his job for the asking. It was + only because there were so many natural-born God-damned fools in the world + that the game could be kept going. “Dutch Mike” went on to relate dreadful + tales of mine-life, and to summon before him the ghosts of one pit-boss + after another, consigning them to the fires of eternal perdition. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to work while I was young,” said he, “but now I'm cured, an' fer + good.” The world had come to seem to him a place especially constructed + for the purpose of making him work, and every faculty he possessed was + devoted to foiling this plot. Sitting by a camp-fire near the stream which + ran down the valley, Hal had a merry time pointing out to “Dutch Mike” how + he worked harder at dodging work than other men worked at working. The + hobo did not seem to mind that, however—it was a matter of principle + with him, and he was willing to make sacrifices for his convictions. Even + when they had sent him to the work-house, he had refused to work; he had + been shut in a dungeon, and had nearly died on a diet of bread and water, + rather than work. If everybody would do the same, he said, they would soon + “bust things.” + </p> + <p> + Hal took a fancy to this spontaneous revolutionist, and travelled with him + for a couple of days, in the course of which he pumped him as to details + of the life of a miner. Most of the companies used regular employment + agencies, as the guard had mentioned; but the trouble was, these agencies + got something from your pay for a long time—the bosses were “in + cahoots” with them. When Hal wondered if this were not against the law, + “Cut it out, Bo!” said his companion. “When you've had a job for a while, + you'll know that the law in a coal-camp is what your boss tells you.” The + hobo went on to register his conviction that when one man has the giving + of jobs, and other men have to scramble for them, the law would never have + much to say in the deal. Hal judged this a profound observation, and + wished that it might be communicated to the professor of political economy + at Harrigan. + </p> + <p> + On the second night of his acquaintance with “Dutch Mike,” their “jungle” + was raided by a constable with half a dozen deputies; for a determined + effort was being made just then to drive vagrants from the neighbourhood—or + to get them to work in the mines. Hal's friend, who slept with one eye + open, made a break in the darkness, and Hal followed him, getting under + the guard of the raiders by a foot-ball trick. They left their food and + blankets behind them, but “Dutch Mike” made light of this, and lifted a + chicken from a roost to keep them cheerful through the night hours, and + stole a change of underclothing off a clothes-line the next day. Hal ate + the chicken, and wore the underclothing, thus beginning his career in + crime. + </p> + <p> + Parting from “Dutch Mike,” he went back to Pedro. The hobo had told him + that saloon-keepers nearly always had friends in the coal-camps, and could + help a fellow to a job. So Hal began enquiring, and the second one + replied, Yes, he would give him a letter to a man at North Valley, and if + he got the job, the friend would deduct a dollar a month from his pay. Hal + agreed, and set out upon another tramp up another canyon, upon the + strength of a sandwich “bummed” from a ranch-house at the entrance to the + valley. At another stockaded gate of the General Fuel Company he presented + his letter, addressed to a person named O'Callahan, who turned out also to + be a saloon-keeper. + </p> + <p> + The guard did not even open the letter, but passed Hal in at sight of it, + and he sought out his man and applied for work. The man said he would help + him, but would have to deduct a dollar a month for himself, as well as a + dollar for his friend in Pedro. Hal kicked at this, and they bartered back + and forth; finally, when Hal turned away and threatened to appeal directly + to the “super,” the saloon-keeper compromised on a dollar and a half. + </p> + <p> + “You know mine-work?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Brought up at it,” said Hal, made wise, now, in the ways of the world. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you work?” + </p> + <p> + Hal named several mines, concerning which he had learned something from + the hoboes. He was going by the name of “Joe Smith,” which he judged + likely to be found on the payroll of any mine. He had more than a week's + growth of beard to disguise him, and had picked up some profanity as well. + </p> + <p> + The saloon-keeper took him to interview Mr. Alec Stone, pit-boss in Number + Two mine, who inquired promptly: “You know anything about mules?” + </p> + <p> + “I worked in a stable,” said Hal, “I know about horses.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mules is different,” said the man. “One of my stable-men got the + colic the other day, and I don't know if he'll ever be any good again.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a chance,” said Hal. “I'll manage them.” + </p> + <p> + The boss looked him over. “You look like a bright chap,” said he. “I'll + pay you forty-five a month, and if you make good I'll make it fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, sir. When do I start in?” + </p> + <p> + “You can't start too quick to suit me. Where's your duds?” + </p> + <p> + “This is all I've got,” said Hal, pointing to the bundle of stolen + underwear in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Well, chuck it there in the corner,” said the man; then suddenly he + stopped, and looked at Hal, frowning. “You belong to any union?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, no!” + </p> + <p> + “Did you <i>ever</i> belong to any union?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. Never.” + </p> + <p> + The man's gaze seemed to imply that Hal was lying, and that his secret + soul was about to be read. “You have to swear to that, you know, before + you can work here.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal, “I'm willing.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see you about it to-morrow,” said the other. “I ain't got the paper + with me. By the way, what's your religion?” + </p> + <p> + “Seventh Day Adventist.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Christ! What's that?” + </p> + <p> + “It don't hurt,” said Hal. “I ain't supposed to work on Saturdays, but I + do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't you go preachin' it round here. We got our own preacher—you + chip in fifty cents a month for him out of your wages. Come ahead now, and + I'll take you down.” And so it was that Hal got his start in life. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 5. + </h3> + <p> + The mule is notoriously a profane and godless creature; a blind alley of + Nature, so to speak, a mistake of which she is ashamed, and which she does + not permit to reproduce itself. The thirty mules under Hal's charge had + been brought up in an environment calculated to foster the worst + tendencies of their natures. He soon made the discovery that the “colic” + of his predecessor had been caused by a mule's hind foot in the stomach; + and he realised that he must not let his mind wander for an instant, if he + were to avoid this dangerous disease. + </p> + <p> + These mules lived their lives in the darkness of the earth's interior; + only when they fell sick were they taken up to see the sunlight and to + roll about in green pastures. There was one of them called “Dago Charlie,” + who had learned to chew tobacco, and to rummage in the pockets of the + miners and their “buddies.” Not knowing how to spit out the juice, he + would make himself ill, and then he would swear off from indulgence. But + the drivers and the pit-boys knew his failing, and would tempt “Dago + Charlie” until he fell from grace. Hal soon discovered this moral tragedy, + and carried the pain of it in his soul as he went about his all-day + drudgery. + </p> + <p> + He went down the shaft with the first cage, which was very early in the + morning. He fed and watered his charges, and helped to harness them. Then, + when the last four hoofs had clattered away, he cleaned out the stalls, + and mended harness, and obeyed the orders of any person older than himself + who happened to be about. + </p> + <p> + Next to the mules, his torment was the “trapper-boys,” and other + youngsters with whom he came into contact. He was a newcomer, and so they + hazed him; moreover, he had an inferior job—there seemed to their + minds to be something humiliating and comic about the task of tending + mules. These urchins came from a score of nations of Southern Europe and + Asia; there were flat-faced Tartars and swarthy Greeks and shrewd-eyed + little Japanese. They spoke a compromise language, consisting mainly of + English curse words and obscenities; the filthiness which their minds had + spawned was incredible to one born and raised in the sunlight. They + alleged obscenities of their mothers and their grandmothers; also of the + Virgin Mary, the one mythological character they had heard of. Poor little + creatures of the dark, their souls grimed and smutted even more quickly + and irrevocably than their faces! + </p> + <p> + Hal had been advised by his boss to inquire for board at “Reminitsky's.” + He came up in the last car, at twilight, and was directed to a dimly + lighted building of corrugated iron, where upon inquiry he was met by a + stout Russian, who told him he could be taken care of for twenty-seven + dollars a month, this including a cot in a room with eight other single + men. After deducting a dollar and a half a month for his saloon-keepers, + fifty cents for the company clergyman and a dollar for the company doctor, + fifty cents a month for wash-house privileges and fifty cents for a sick + and accident benefit fund, he had fourteen dollars a month with which to + clothe himself, to found a family, to provide himself with beer and + tobacco, and to patronise the libraries and colleges endowed by the + philanthropic owners of coal mines. + </p> + <p> + Supper was nearly over at Reminitsky's when he arrived; the floor looked + like the scene of a cannibal picnic, and what food was left was cold. It + was always to be this way with him, he found, and he had to make the best + of it. The dining-room of this boarding-house, owned and managed by the G. + F. C., brought to his mind the state prison, which he had once visited—with + its rows of men sitting in silence, eating starch and grease out of + tin-plates. The plates here were of crockery half an inch thick, but the + starch and grease never failed; the formula of Reminitsky's cook seemed to + be, When in doubt add grease, and boil it in. Even ravenous as Hal was + after his long tramp and his labour below ground, he could hardly swallow + this food. On Sundays, the only time he ate by daylight, the flies swarmed + over everything, and he remembered having heard a physician say that an + enlightened man should be more afraid of a fly than of a Bengal tiger. The + boarding-house provided him with a cot and a supply of vermin, but with no + blanket, which was a necessity in the mountain regions. So after supper he + had to seek out his boss, and arrange to get credit at the company-store. + They were willing to give a certain amount of credit, he found, as this + would enable the camp-marshal to keep him from straying. There was no law + to hold a man for debt—but Hal knew by this time how much a + camp-marshal cared for law. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 6. + </h3> + <p> + For three days Hal toiled in the bowels of the mine, and ate and pursued + vermin at Reminitsky's. Then came a blessed Sunday, and he had a couple of + free hours to see the sunlight and to get a look at the North Valley camp. + It was a village straggling along more than a mile of the mountain canyon. + In the centre were the great breaker-buildings, the shaft-house, and the + power-house with its tall chimneys; nearby were the company-store and a + couple of saloons. There were several boarding-houses like Reminitsky's, + and long rows of board cabins containing from two to four rooms each, some + of them occupied by several families. A little way up a slope stood a + school-house, and another small one-room building which served as a + church; the clergyman belonging to the General Fuel Company denomination. + He was given the use of the building, by way of start over the saloons, + which had to pay a heavy rental to the company; it seemed a proof of the + innate perversity of human nature that even in spite of this advantage, + heaven was losing out in the struggle against hell in the coal-camp. + </p> + <p> + As one walked through this village, the first impression was of + desolation. The mountains towered, barren and lonely, scarred with the + wounds of geologic ages. In these canyons the sun set early in the + afternoon, the snow came early in the fall; everywhere Nature's hand + seemed against man, and man had succumbed to her power. Inside the camps + one felt a still more cruel desolation—that of sordidness and + animalism. There were a few pitiful attempts at vegetable-gardens, but the + cinders and smoke killed everything, and the prevailing colour was of + grime. The landscape was strewn with ash-heaps, old wire and tomato-cans, + and smudged and smutty children playing. + </p> + <p> + There was a part of the camp called “shanty-town,” where, amid miniature + mountains of slag, some of the lowest of the newly-arrived foreigners had + been permitted to build themselves shacks out of old boards, tin, and + sheets of tar-paper. These homes were beneath the dignity of + chicken-houses, yet in some of them a dozen people were crowded, men and + women sleeping on old rags and blankets on a cinder floor. Here the babies + swarmed like maggots. They wore for the most part a single ragged smock, + and their bare buttocks were shamelessly upturned to the heavens. It was + so the children of the cave-men must have played, thought Hal; and waves + of repulsion swept over him. He had come with love and curiosity, but both + motives failed here. How could a man of sensitive nerves, aware of the + refinements and graces of life, learn to love these people, who were an + affront to his every sense—a stench to his nostrils, a jabbering to + his ear, a procession of deformities to his eye? What had civilisation + done for them? What could it do? After all, what were they fit for, but + the dirty work they were penned up to do? So spoke the haughty + race-consciousness of the Anglo-Saxon, contemplating these Mediterranean + hordes, the very shape of whose heads was objectionable. + </p> + <p> + But Hal stuck it out; and little by little new vision came to him. First + of all, it was the fascination of the mines. They were old mines—veritable + cities tunnelled out beneath the mountains, the main passages running for + miles. One day Hal stole off from his job, and took a trip with a + “rope-rider,” and got through his physical senses a realisation of the + vastness and strangeness and loneliness of this labyrinth of night. In + Number Two mine the vein ran up at a slope of perhaps five degrees; in + part of it the empty cars were hauled in long trains by an endless rope, + but coming back loaded, they came of their own gravity. This involved much + work for the “spraggers,” or boys who did the braking; it sometimes meant + run-away cars, and fresh perils added to the everyday perils of + coal-mining. + </p> + <p> + The vein varied from four to five feet in thickness; a cruelty of nature + which made it necessary that the men at the “working face”—the place + where new coal was being cut—should learn to shorten their stature. + After Hal had squatted for a while and watched them at their tasks, he + understood why they walked with head and shoulders bent over and arms + hanging down, so that, seeing them coming out of the shaft in the + gloaming, one thought of a file of baboons. The method of getting out the + coal was to “undercut” it with a pick, and then blow it loose with a + charge of powder. This meant that the miner had to lie on his side while + working, and accounted for other physical peculiarities. + </p> + <p> + Thus, as always, when one understood the lives of men, one came to pity + instead of despising. Here was a separate race of creatures, subterranean, + gnomes, pent up by society for purposes of its own. Outside in the + sunshine-flooded canyon, long lines of cars rolled down with their freight + of soft-coal; coal which would go to the ends of the earth, to places the + miner never heard of, turning the wheels of industry whose products the + miner would never see. It would make precious silks for fine ladies, it + would cut precious jewels for their adornment; it would carry long trains + of softly upholstered cars across deserts and over mountains; it would + drive palatial steamships out of wintry tempests into gleaming tropic + seas. And the fine ladies in their precious silks and jewels would eat and + sleep and laugh and lie at ease—and would know no more of the + stunted creatures of the dark than the stunted creatures knew of them. Hal + reflected upon this, and subdued his Anglo-Saxon pride, finding + forgiveness for what was repulsive in these people—their barbarous, + jabbering speech, their vermin-ridden homes, their bare-bottomed babies. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 7. + </h3> + <p> + It chanced before many days that Hal got a holiday, relieving the monotony + of his labours as stableman: an accidental holiday, not provided for in + his bargain with the pit-boss. Something went wrong with the + ventilating-course in Number Two, and he began to notice a headache, and + heard the men grumbling that their lamps were burning low. Then, as + matters began to get serious, orders came to get the mules to the surface. + </p> + <p> + Which meant an amusing adventure. The delight of Hal's pets at seeing the + sunlight was irresistibly comic. They could not be kept from lying down + and rolling on their backs in the cinder-strewn street; and when they were + corralled in a distant part of the camp where actual grass grew, they + abandoned themselves to rapture like a horde of school children at a + picnic. + </p> + <p> + So Hal had a few free hours; and being still young and not cured of idle + curiosities, he climbed the canyon wall to see the mountains. As he was + sliding down again, toward evening, a vivid spot of colour was painted + into his picture of mine-life; he found himself in somebody's back yard, + and being observed by somebody's daughter, who was taking in the family + wash. It was a splendid figure of a lass, tall and vigorous, with the sort + of hair that in polite circles is called auburn, and that flaming colour + in the cheeks which is Nature's recompense to people who live where it + rains all the time. She was the first beautiful sight Hal had seen since + he had come up the canyon, and it was only natural that he should be + interested. It seemed to him that, so long as the girl stared, he had a + right to stare back. It did not occur to him that he too was a pleasing + sight—that the mountain air had given colour to his cheeks and a + shine to his gay brown eyes, while the mountain winds had blown his wavy + brown hair. + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” said she, at last, in a warm voice, unmistakably Irish. + </p> + <p> + “Hello yourself,” said Hal, in the accepted dialect; then he added, with + more elegance, “Pardon me for trespassing on your wash.” + </p> + <p> + Her grey eyes opened wider. “Go on!” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather stay,” said Hal. “It's a beautiful sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll move, so ye can see it better.” She carried her armful of clothes + over and dropped them into the basket. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal, “it's not so fine now. The colours have faded.” + </p> + <p> + She turned and gazed at him again. “Go on wid ye! I been teased about my + hair since before I could talk.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis envy,” said Hal, dropping into her way of speech; and he came a few + steps nearer, so that he could inspect the hair more closely. It lay above + her brow in undulations which were agreeable to the decorative instinct, + and a tight heavy braid of it fell over her shoulders and swung to her + waist-line. He observed the shoulders, which were sturdy, obviously + accustomed to hard labour; not conforming to accepted romantic standards + of femininity, yet having an athletic grace of their own. They were + covered with a faded blue calico dress, unfortunately not entirely clean; + also, the young man noticed, there was a rent in one shoulder through + which a patch of skin was visible. The girl's eyes, which had been + following his, became defiant; she tossed a piece of her washing over the + shoulder, where it stayed through the balance of the interview. + </p> + <p> + “Who are ye?” she demanded, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “My name's Joe Smith. I'm a stableman in Number Two.” + </p> + <p> + “And what were ye doin' up there, if a body might ask?” She lifted her + grey eyes to the bare mountainside, down which he had come sliding in a + shower of loose stones and dirt. + </p> + <p> + “I've been surveying my empire,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Your what?” + </p> + <p> + “My empire. The land belongs to the company, but the landscape belongs to + him who cares for it.” + </p> + <p> + She tossed her head a little. “Where did ye learn to talk like ye do?” + </p> + <p> + “In another life,” said he—“before I became a stableman. Not in + entire forgetfulness, but trailing clouds of glory did I come.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment she wrestled with this. Then a smile broke upon her face. + “Sure, 'tis like a poetry-book! Say some more!” + </p> + <p> + “<i>O, singe fort, so suess und fein</i>!” quoted Hal—and saw her + look puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Aren't you American?” she inquired; and he laughed. To speak a foreign + language in North Valley was not a mark of culture! + </p> + <p> + “I've been listening to the crowd at Reminitsky's,” he said, + apologetically. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! You eat there?” + </p> + <p> + “I go there three times a day. I can't say I eat very much. Could you live + on greasy beans?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” laughed the girl, “the good old pertaties is good enough for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have said you lived on rose leaves!” he observed. + </p> + <p> + “Go on wid ye! 'Tis the blarney-stone ye been kissin'!” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis no stone I'd be wastin' my kisses on.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye're gettin' bold, Mister Smith. I'll not listen to ye.” And she turned + away, and began industriously taking her clothes from the line. But Hal + did not want to be dismissed. He came a step closer. + </p> + <p> + “Coming down the mountain-side,” he said, “I found something wonderful. + It's bare and grim up there, but I came on a sheltered corner where the + sun shone, and there was a wild rose. Only one! I thought to myself, 'So + roses grow, even in the loneliest parts of the world!'” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, 'tis a poetry-book again!” she cried. “Why didn't ye bring the + rose?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a poetry-book that tells us to 'leave the wild-rose on its + stalk.' It will go on blooming there; but if one were to pluck it, it + would wither in a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + He had meant nothing more by this than to keep the conversation going. But + her answer turned the tide of their acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “Ye can never be sure, lad. Perhaps to-night a storm may come and blow it + to pieces. Perhaps if ye'd pulled it and been happy, 'twould 'a been what + the rose was for.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever of unconscious patronage there had been in the poet's attitude + was lost now in the eternal mystery. Whether the girl knew it—or + cared—she had won the woman's first victory. She had caught the + man's mind and pinned it with curiosity. What did this wild rose of the + mining camps mean? + </p> + <p> + The wild rose, apparently unconscious that she had said anything + epoch-making, was busy with the wash; and meantime Hal Warner studied her + features and pondered her words. From a lady of sophistication they would + have meant only one thing, an invitation; but in this girl's clear grey + eyes was nothing of wantonness, only pain. But what was this pain in the + face and words of one so young, so eager and alive? Was it the melancholy + of her race, the thing one got in old folk-songs? Or was it a new and + special kind of melancholy, engendered in mining-camps in the far West of + America? + </p> + <p> + The girl's countenance was as intriguing as her words. Her grey eyes were + set under sharply defined dark brows, which did not match her hair. Her + lips also were sharply defined, and straight, almost without curves, so + that it seemed as if her mouth had been painted in carmine upon her face. + These features gave her, when she stared at you, an aspect vivid and + startling, bold, with a touch of defiance. But when she smiled, the red + lips would curve into gentler lines, and the grey eyes would become + wistful, and seemingly darker in colour. Winsome indeed, but not simple, + was this Irish lass! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 8. + </h3> + <p> + Hal asked the name of his new acquaintance, and she told him it was Mary + Burke. “Ye've not been here long, I take it,” she said, “or ye'd have + heard of 'Red Mary.' 'Tis along of this hair.” + </p> + <p> + “I've not been here long,” he answered, “but I shall hope to stay now—along + of this hair! May I come to see you some time, Miss Burke?” + </p> + <p> + She did not reply, but glanced at the house where she lived. It was an + unpainted, three room cabin, more dilapidated than the average, with bare + dirt and cinders about it, and what had once been a picket-fence, now + falling apart and being used for stove-wood. The windows were cracked and + broken, and upon the roof were signs of leaks that had been crudely + patched. + </p> + <p> + “May I come?” he made haste to ask again—so that he would not seem + to look too critically at her home. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps ye may,” said the girl, as she picked up the clothes basket. He + stepped forward, offering to carry it, but she did not give it up. Holding + it tight, and looking him defiantly in the face, she said, “Ye may come, + but ye'll not find it a happy place to visit, Mr. Smith. Ye'll hear soon + enough from the neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I know any of your neighbours,” said he. + </p> + <p> + There was sympathy in his voice; but her look was no less defiant. “Ye'll + hear about it, Mr. Smith; but ye'll hear also that I hold me head up. And + 'tis not so easy to do that in North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't like the place?” he asked; and he was amazed by the effect of + this question, which was merely polite. It was as if a storm cloud had + swept over the girl's face. “I hate it! 'Tis a place of fear and devils!” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated a moment; then, “Will you tell me what you mean by that when + I come?” + </p> + <p> + But “Red Mary” was winsome again. “When ye come, Mr. Smith, I'll not be + entertaining ye with troubles. I'll put on me company manner, and we'll go + out for a nice walk, if ye please.” + </p> + <p> + All the way as he walked back to Reminitsky's to supper, Hal thought about + this girl; not merely her pleasantness to the eye, so unexpected in this + place of desolation, but her personality, which baffled him—the pain + that seemed always just beneath the surface of her thoughts, the fierce + pride which flashed out at the slightest suggestion of sympathy, the way + she had of brightening when he spoke the language of metaphor, however + trite. How had she come to know about poetry-books? He wanted to know more + about this miracle of Nature—this wild rose blooming on a bare + mountain-side! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 9. + </h3> + <p> + There was one of Mary Burke's remarks upon which Hal soon got light—her + statement that North Valley was a place of fear. He listened to the tales + of these underworld men, until it came so that he shuddered with dread + each time that he went down in the cage. + </p> + <p> + There was a wire-haired and almond eyed Korean, named Cho, a “rope-rider” + in Hal's part of the mine. He was one of those who had charge of the long + trains of cars, called “trips,” which were hauled through the main + passage-ways; the name “rope-rider” came from the fact that he sat on the + heavy iron ring to which the rope was attached. He invited Hal to a seat + with him, and Hal accepted, at peril of his job as well as of his limbs. + Cho had picked up what he fondly thought was English, and now and then one + could understand a word. He pointed upon the ground, and shouted above the + rattle of the cars: “Big dust!” Hal saw that the ground was covered with + six inches of coal-dust, while on the old disused walls one could write + his name in it. “Much blow-up!” said the rope-rider; and when the last + empty cars had been shunted off into the working-rooms, and he was waiting + to make up a return “trip,” he laboured with gestures to explain what he + meant. “Load cars. Bang! Bust like hell!” + </p> + <p> + Hal knew that the mountain air in this region was famous for its dryness; + he learned now that the quality which meant life to invalids from every + part of the world meant death to those who toiled to keep the invalids + warm. Driven through the mines by great fans, this air took out every + particle of moisture, and left coal dust so thick and dry that there were + fatal explosions from the mere friction of loading-shovels. So it happened + that these mines were killing several times as many men as other mines + throughout the country. + </p> + <p> + Was there no remedy for this, Hal asked, talking with one of his + mule-drivers, Tim Rafferty, the evening after his ride with Cho. There was + a remedy, said Tim—the law required sprinkling the mines with + “adobe-dust”; and once in Tim's life, he remembered this law's being + obeyed. There had come some “big fellows” inspecting things, and previous + to their visit there had been an elaborate campaign of sprinkling. But + that had been several years ago, and now the apparatus was stored away, + nobody knew where, and one heard nothing about sprinkling. + </p> + <p> + It was the same with precautions against gas. The North Valley mines were + especially “gassy,” it appeared. In these old rambling passages one smelt + a stink as of all the rotten eggs in all the barn-yards of the world; and + this sulphuretted hydrogen was the least dangerous of the gases against + which a miner had to contend. There was the dreaded “choke-damp,” which + was odourless, and heavier than air. Striking into soft, greasy coal, one + would open a pocket of this gas, a deposit laid up for countless ages, + awaiting its predestined victim. A man might sink to sleep as he lay at + work, and if his “buddy,” or helper, happened to be out of sight, and to + delay a minute too long, it would be all over with the man. And there was + the still more dreaded “fire-damp,” which might wreck a whole mine, and + kill scores and even hundreds of men. + </p> + <p> + Against these dangers there was a “fire-boss,” whose duty was to go + through the mine, testing for gas, and making sure that the + ventilating-course was in order, and the fans working properly. The + “fire-boss” was supposed to make his rounds in the early morning, and the + law specified that no one should go to work till he had certified that all + was safe. But what if the “fire-boss” overslept himself, or happened to be + drunk? It was too much to expect thousands of dollars to be lost for such + a reason. So sometimes one saw men ordered to their work, and sent down + grumbling and cursing. Before many hours some of them would be prostrated + with headache, and begging to be taken out; and perhaps the superintendent + would not let them out, because if a few came, the rest would get scared + and want to come also. + </p> + <p> + Once, only last year, there had been an accident of that sort. A young + mule-driver, a Croatian, told Hal about it while they sat munching the + contents of their dinner-pails. The first cage-load of men had gone down + into the mine, sullenly protesting; and soon afterwards some one had taken + down a naked light, and there had been an explosion which had sounded like + the blowing up of the inside of the world. Eight men had been killed, the + force of the explosion being so great that some of the bodies had been + wedged between the shaft wall and the cage, and it had been necessary to + cut them to pieces to get them out. It was them Japs that were to blame, + vowed Hal's informant. They hadn't ought to turn them loose in coal mines, + for the devil himself couldn't keep a Jap from sneaking off to get a + smoke. + </p> + <p> + So Hal understood how North Valley was a place of fear. What tales the old + chambers of these mines could have told, if they had had voices! Hal + watched the throngs pouring in to their labours, and reflected that + according to the statisticians of the government eight or nine of every + thousand of them were destined to die violent deaths before a year was + out, and some thirty more would be badly injured. And they knew this, they + knew it better than all the statisticians of the government; yet they went + to their tasks! Reflecting upon this, Hal was full of wonder. What was the + force that kept men at such a task? Was it a sense of duty? Did they + understand that society had to have coal and that some one had to do the + “dirty work” of providing it? Did they have a vision of a future, great + and wonderful, which was to grow out of their ill-requited toil? Or were + they simply fools or cowards, submitting blindly, because they had not the + wit nor the will to do otherwise? Curiosity held him, he wanted to + understand the inner souls of these silent and patient armies which + through the ages have surrendered their lives to other men's control. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 10. + </h3> + <p> + Hal was coming to know these people; to see them no longer as a mass, to + be despised or pitied in bulk, but as individuals, with individual + temperaments and problems, exactly like people in the world of the + sunlight. Mary Burke and Tim Rafferty, Cho the Korean and Madvik the + Croatian—one by one these individualities etched themselves into the + foreground of Hal's picture, making it a thing of life, moving him to + sympathy and fellowship. Some of these people, to be sure, were stunted + and dulled to a sordid ugliness of soul and body—but on the other + hand, some of them were young, and had the light of hope in their hearts, + and the spark of rebellion. + </p> + <p> + There was “Andy,” a boy of Greek parentage; Androkulos was his right name—but + it was too much to expect any one to get that straight in a coal-camp. Hal + noticed him at the store, and was struck by his beautiful features, and + the mournful look in his big black eyes. They got to talking, and Andy + made the discovery that Hal had not spent all his time in coal-camps, but + had seen the great world. It was pitiful, the excitement that came into + his voice; he was yearning for life, with its joys and adventures—and + it was his destiny to sit ten hours a day by the side of a chute, with the + rattle of coal in his ears and the dust of coal in his nostrils, picking + out slate with his fingers. He was one of many scores of “breaker-boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you go away?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Christ! How I get away? Got mother, two sisters.” + </p> + <p> + “And your father?” So Hal made the discovery that Andy's father had been + one of those men whose bodies had had to be cut to pieces to get them out + of the shaft. Now the son was chained to the father's place, until his + time too should come! + </p> + <p> + “Don't want to be miner!” cried the boy. “Don't want to get <i>kil-lid</i>!” + </p> + <p> + He began to ask, timidly, what Hal thought he could do if he were to run + away from his family and try his luck in the world outside. Hal, striving + to remember where he had seen olive-skinned Greeks with big black eyes in + this beautiful land of the free, could hold out no better prospect than a + shoe-shining parlour, or the wiping out of wash-bowls in a hotel-lavatory, + handing over the tips to a fat padrone. + </p> + <p> + Andy had been to school, and had learned to read English, and the teacher + had loaned him books and magazines with wonderful pictures in them; now he + wanted more than pictures, he wanted the things which they portrayed. So + Hal came face to face with one of the difficulties of mine-operators. They + gathered a population of humble serfs, selected from twenty or thirty + races of hereditary bondsmen; but owing to the absurd American custom of + having public-schools, the children of this population learned to speak + English, and even to read it. So they became too good for their lot in + life; and then a wandering agitator would get in, and all of a sudden + there would be hell. Therefore in every coal-camp had to be another kind + of “fire-boss,” whose duty it was to guard against another kind of + explosions—not of carbon monoxide, but of the human soul. + </p> + <p> + The immediate duties of this office in North Valley devolved upon Jeff + Cotton, the camp-marshal. He was not at all what one would have expected + from a person of his trade—lean and rather distinguished-looking, a + man who in evening clothes might have passed for a diplomat. But his mouth + would become ugly when he was displeased, and he carried a gun with six + notches upon it; also he wore a deputy-sheriff's badge, to give him + immunity for other notches he might wish to add. When Jeff Cotton came + near, any man who was explosive went off to be explosive by himself. So + there was “order” in North Valley, and it was only on Saturday and Sunday + nights, when the drunks had to be suppressed, or on Monday mornings when + they had to be haled forth and kicked to their work, that one realised + upon what basis this “order” rested. + </p> + <p> + Besides Jeff Cotton, and his assistant, “Bud” Adams, who wore badges, and + were known, there were other assistants who wore no badges, and were not + supposed to be known. Coming up in the cage one evening, Hal made some + remark to the Croatian mule-driver, Madvik, about the high price of + company-store merchandise, and was surprised to get a sharp kick on the + ankle. Afterwards, as they were on their way to supper, Madvik gave him + the reason. “Red-faced feller, Gus. Look out for him—company + spotter.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” said Hal, with interest. “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I know. Everybody know.” + </p> + <p> + “He don't look like he had much sense,” said Hal—who had got his + idea of detectives from Sherlock Holmes. + </p> + <p> + “No take much sense. Go pit-boss, say, 'Joe feller talk too much. Say + store rob him.' Any damn fool do that. Hey?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” admitted Hal. “And the company pays him for it?” + </p> + <p> + “Pit-boss pay him. Maybe give him drink, maybe two bits. Then pit-boss + come to you: 'You shoot your mouth off too much, feller. Git the hell out + of here!' See?” + </p> + <p> + Hal saw. + </p> + <p> + “So you go down canyon. Then maybe you go 'nother mine. Boss say, 'Where + you work?' You say 'North Valley.' He say, 'What your name?' You say, 'Joe + Smith.' He say, 'Wait.' He go in, look at paper; he come out, say, 'No + job!' You say, 'Why not?' He say, 'Shoot off your mouth too much, feller. + Git the hell out of here!' See?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean a black-list,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, black-list. Maybe telephone, find out all about you. You do + anything bad, like talk union”—Madvik had dropped his voice and + whispered the word “union”—“they send your picture—don't get + job nowhere in state. How you like that?” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 11. + </h3> + <p> + Before long Hal had a chance to see this system of espionage at work, and + he began to understand something of the force which kept these silent and + patient armies at their tasks. On a Sunday morning he was strolling with + his mule-driver friend Tim Rafferty, a kindly lad with a pair of dreamy + blue eyes in his coal-smutted face. They came to Tim's home, and he + invited Hal to come in and meet his family. The father was a bowed and + toil-worn man, but with tremendous strength in his solid frame, the + product of many generations of labour in coal-mines. He was known as “Old + Rafferty,” despite the fact that he was well under fifty. He had been a + pit-boy at the age of nine, and he showed Hal a faded leather album with + pictures of his ancestors in the “oul' country”—men with sad, deeply + lined faces, sitting very stiff and solemn to have their presentments made + permanent for posterity. + </p> + <p> + The mother of the family was a gaunt, grey-haired woman, with no teeth, + but with a warm heart. Hal took to her, because her home was clean; he sat + on the family door-step, amid a crowd of little Rafferties with + newly-washed Sunday faces, and fascinated them with tales of adventures + cribbed from Clark Russell and Captain Mayne Reid. As a reward he was + invited to stay for dinner, and had a clean knife and fork, and a clean + plate of steaming hot potatoes, with two slices of salt pork on the side. + It was so wonderful that he forthwith inquired if he might forsake his + company boarding-house and come and board with them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rafferty opened wide her eyes. “Sure,” exclaimed she, “do you think + you'd be let?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, 't would be a bad example for the others.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean I <i>have</i> to board at Reminitsky's?” + </p> + <p> + “There be six company boardin'-houses,” said the woman. + </p> + <p> + “And what would they do if I came to you?” + </p> + <p> + “First you'd get a hint, and then you'd go down the canyon, and maybe us + after ye.” + </p> + <p> + “But there's lots of people have boarders in shanty-town,” objected Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Them wops! Nobody counts them—they live any way they happen to + fall. But you started at Reminitsky's, and 't would not be healthy for + them that took ye away.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” laughed Hal. “There seem to be a lot of unhealthy things + hereabouts.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure there be! They sent down Nick Ammons because his wife bought milk + down the canyon. They had a sick baby, and it's not much you get in this + thin stuff at the store. They put chalk in it, I think; any way, you can + see somethin' white in the bottom.” + </p> + <p> + “So you have to trade at the store, too!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought ye said ye'd worked in coal-mines,” put in Old Rafferty, who + had been a silent listener. + </p> + <p> + “So I have,” said Hal. “But it wasn't quite that bad.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said Mrs. Rafferty, “I'd like to know where 'twas then—in + this country. Me and me old man spent weary years a-huntin'.” + </p> + <p> + Thus far the conversation had proceeded naturally; but suddenly it was as + if a shadow passed over it—a shadow of fear. Hal saw Old Rafferty + look at his wife, and frown and make signs to her. After all, what did + they know about this handsome young stranger, who talked so glibly, and + had been in so many parts of the world? + </p> + <p> + “'Tis not complainin' we'd be,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + And his wife made haste to add, “If they let peddlers and the like of them + come in, 'twould be no end to it, I suppose. We find they treat us here as + well as anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis no joke, the life of workin' men, wherever ye try it,” added the + other; and when young Tim started to express an opinion, they shut him up + with such evident anxiety that Hal's heart ached for them, and he made + haste to change the subject. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 12. + </h3> + <p> + On the evening of the same Sunday Hal went to pay his promised call upon + Mary Burke. She opened the front door of the cabin to let him in, and even + by the dim rays of the little kerosene lamp, there came to him an + impression of cheerfulness. “Hello,” she said—just as she had said + it when he had slid down the mountain into the family wash. He followed + her into the room, and saw that the impression he had got of cheerfulness + came from Mary herself. How bright and fresh she looked! The old blue + calico, which had not been entirely clean, was newly laundered now, and on + the shoulder where the rent had been was a neat patch of unfaded blue. + </p> + <p> + There being only three rooms in Mary's home, two of these necessarily + bed-rooms, she entertained her company in the kitchen. The room was bare, + Hal saw—there was not even so much as a clock by way of ornament. + The only charm the girl had been able to give to it, in preparation for + company, was that of cleanness. The board floor had been newly sanded and + scrubbed; the kitchen table also had been scrubbed, and the kettle on the + stove, and the cracked tea-pot and bowls on the shelf. Mary's little + brother and sister were in the room: Jennie, a dark-eyed, dark-haired + little girl, frail, with a sad, rather frightened face; and Tommie, a + round headed youngster, like a thousand other round headed and + freckle-faced boys. Both of them were now sitting very straight in their + chairs, staring at the visitor with a certain resentment, he thought. He + suspected that they had been included in the general scrubbing. Inasmuch + as it had been uncertain just when the visitor would come, they must have + been required to do this every night, and he could imagine family + disturbances, with arguments possibly not altogether complimentary to + Mary's new “feller.” + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be a certain uneasiness in the place. + </p> + <p> + Mary did not invite her company to a seat, but stood irresolute; and after + Hal had ventured a couple of friendly remarks to the children, she said, + abruptly, “Shall we be takin' that walk that we spoke of, Mr. Smith?” + </p> + <p> + “Delighted!” said Hal; and while she pinned on her hat before the broken + mirror on the shelf, he smiled at the children and quoted two lines from + his Harrigan song— + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “Oh, Mary-Jane, come out in the lane,<br> + The moon is a-shinin' in the old pecan!” + </p> + <p> + Tommie and Jennie were too shy to answer, but Mary exclaimed, “'Tis in a + tin-can ye see it shinin' here!” + </p> + <p> + They went out. In the soft summer night it was pleasant to stroll under + the moon—especially when they had come to the remoter parts of the + village, where there were not so many weary people on door-steps and + children playing noisily. There were other young couples walking here, + under the same moon; the hardest day's toil could not so sap their + energies that they did not feel the spell of this soft summer night. + </p> + <p> + Hal, being tired, was content to stroll and enjoy the stillness; but Mary + Burke sought information about the mysterious young man she was with. + “Ye've not worked long in coal-mines, Mr. Smith?” she remarked. + </p> + <p> + Hal was a trifle disconcerted. “How did you find that out?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't look it—ye don't talk it. Ye're not like anybody or + anything around here. I don't know how to say it, but ye make me think + more of the poetry-books.” + </p> + <p> + Flattered as Hal was by this naïve confession, he did not want to talk of + the mystery of himself. He took refuge in a question about the + “poetry-books.” “I've read some,” said the girl; “more than ye'd have + thought, perhaps.” This with a flash of her defiance. + </p> + <p> + He asked more questions, and learned that she, like the Greek boy, “Andy,” + had come under the influence of that disturbing American institution, the + public-school; she had learned to read, and the pretty young teacher had + helped her, lending her books and magazines. Thus she had been given a key + to a treasure-house, a magic carpet on which to travel over the world. + These similes Mary herself used—for the Arabian Nights had been one + of the books that were loaned to her. On rainy days she would hide behind + the sofa, reading at a spot where the light crept in—so that she + might be safe from small brothers and sisters! + </p> + <p> + Joe Smith had read these same books, it appeared; and this seemed + remarkable to Mary, for books cost money and were hard to get. She + explained how she had searched the camp for new magic carpets, finding a + “poetry-book” by Longfellow, and a book of American history, and a story + called “David Copperfield,” and last and strangest of all, another story + called “Pride and Prejudice.” A curious freak of fortune—the prim + and sentimentally quivering Jane Austen in a coal-camp in a far Western + wilderness! An adventure for Jane, as well as for Mary! + </p> + <p> + What had Mary made of it, Hal wondered. Had she revelled, shop-girl + fashion, in scenes of pallid ease? He learned that what she had made of it + was despair. This world outside, with its freedom and cleanness, its + people living gracious and worth-while lives, was not for her; she was + chained to a scrub-pail in a coal-camp. Things had got so much worse since + the death of her mother, she said. Her voice had become dull and hard—Hal + thought that he had never heard a young voice express such hopelessness. + </p> + <p> + “You've never been anywhere but here?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I been in two other camps,” she said—“first the Gordon, and then + East Run. But they're all alike.” + </p> + <p> + “But you've been down to the towns?” + </p> + <p> + “Only for a day, once or twice a year. Once I was in Sheridan, and in a + church I heard a lady sing.” + </p> + <p> + She stopped for a moment, lost in this memory. Then suddenly her voice + changed—and he could imagine in the darkness that she had tossed her + head defiantly. “I'll not be entertainin' company with my troubles! Ye + know how tiresome that is when ye hear it from somebody else—like my + next-door neighbour, Mrs. Zamboni. D' ye know her?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “The poor old lady has troubles enough, God knows. Her man's not much good—he's + troubled with the drink; and she's got eleven childer, and that's too many + for one woman. Don't ye think so?” + </p> + <p> + She asked this with a naïveté which made Hal laugh. “Yes,” he said, “I + do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think people'd help her more if she'd not complain so! And half + of it in the Slavish language, that a body can't understand!” So Mary + began to tell funny things about Mrs. Zamboni and her other polyglot + neighbours, imitating their murdering of the Irish dialect. Hal thought + her humour was naïve and delightful, and he led her on to more cheerful + gossip during the remainder of their walk. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 13. + </h3> + <p> + But then, as they were on their way home, tragedy fell upon them. Hearing + a step behind them, Mary turned and looked; then catching Hal by the arm, + she drew him into the shadows at the side, whispering to him to be silent. + The bent figure of a man went past them, lurching from side to side. + </p> + <p> + When he had turned and gone into the house, Mary said, “It's my father. + He's ugly when he's like that.” And Hal could hear her quick breathing in + the darkness. + </p> + <p> + So that was Mary's trouble—the difficulty in her home life to which + she had referred at their first meeting! Hal understood many things in a + flash—why her home was bare of ornament, and why she did not invite + her company to sit down. He stood silent, not knowing what to say. Before + he could find the word, Mary burst out, “Oh, how I hate O'Callahan, that + sells the stuff to my father! His home with plenty to eat in it, and his + wife dressin' in silk and goin' down to mass every Sunday, and thinkin' + herself too good for a common miner's daughter! Sometimes I think I'd like + to kill them both.” + </p> + <p> + “That wouldn't help much,” Hal ventured. + </p> + <p> + “No, I know—there'd only be some other one in his place. Ye got to + do more than that, to change things here. Ye got to get after them that + make money out of O'Callahan.” + </p> + <p> + So Mary's mind was groping for causes! Hal had thought her excitement was + due to humiliation, or to fear of a scene of violence when she reached + home; but she was thinking of the deeper aspects of this terrible drink + problem. There was still enough unconscious snobbery in Hal Warner for him + to be surprised at this phenomenon in a common miner's daughter; and so, + as at their first meeting, his pity was turned to intellectual interest. + </p> + <p> + “They'll stop the drink business altogether some day,” he said. He had not + known that he was a Prohibitionist; he had become one suddenly! + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she answered, “they'd best stop it soon, if they don't want to be + too late. 'Tis a sight to make your heart sick to see the young lads + comin' home staggerin', too drunk even to fight.” + </p> + <p> + Hal had not had time to see much of this aspect of North Valley. “They + sell to boys?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, who's to care? A boy's money's as good as a man's.” + </p> + <p> + “But I should think the company—” + </p> + <p> + “The company lets the saloon-buildin'—that's all the company cares.” + </p> + <p> + “But they must care something about the efficiency of their hands!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, there's plenty more where they come from. When ye can't work, they + fire ye, and that's all there is to it.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it so easy to get skilled men?” + </p> + <p> + “It don't take much skill to get out coal. The skill is in keepin' your + bones whole—and if you can stand breakin' 'em, the company can stand + it.” + </p> + <p> + They had come to the little cabin. Mary stood for a moment in silence. + “I'm talkin' bitter again!” she exclaimed suddenly. “And I promised ye me + company manner! But things keep happening to set me off.” And she turned + abruptly and ran into the house. Hal stood for a moment wondering if she + would return; then, deciding that she had meant that as good night, he + went slowly up the street. + </p> + <p> + He fought against a mood of real depression, the first he had known since + his coming to North Valley. He had managed so far to keep a certain degree + of aloofness, that he might see this industrial world without prejudice. + But to-night his pity for Mary had involved him more deeply. To be sure, + he might be able to help her, to find her work in some less crushing + environment; but his mind went on to the question—how many girls + might there be in mining-camps, young and eager, hungering for life, but + crushed by poverty, and by the burden of the drink problem? + </p> + <p> + A man walked past Hal, greeting him in the semi-darkness with a nod and a + motion of the hand. It was the Reverend Spragg, the gentleman who was + officially commissioned to combat the demon rum in North Valley. + </p> + <p> + Hal had been to the little white church the Sunday before, and heard the + Reverend Spragg preach a doctrinal sermon, in which the blood of the lamb + was liberally sprinkled, and the congregation heard where and how they + were to receive compensation for the distresses they endured in this vale + of tears. + </p> + <p> + What a mockery it seemed! Once, indubitably, people had believed such + doctrines; they had been willing to go to the stake for them. But now + nobody went to the stake for them—on the contrary, the company + compelled every worker to contribute out of his scanty earnings towards + the preaching of them. How could the most ignorant of zealots confront + such an arrangement without suspicion of his own piety? Somewhere at the + head of the great dividend-paying machine that was called the General Fuel + Company must be some devilish intelligence that had worked it all out, + that had given the orders to its ecclesiastical staff: “We want the + present—we leave you the future! We want the bodies—we leave + you the souls! Teach them what you will about heaven—so long as you + let us plunder them on earth!” + </p> + <p> + In accordance with this devil's program, the Reverend Spragg might + denounce the demon rum, but he said nothing about dividends based on the + renting of rum-shops, nor about local politicians maintained by company + contributions, plus the profits of wholesale liquor. He said nothing about + the conclusions of modern hygiene, concerning over-work as a cause of the + craving for alcohol; the phrase “industrial drinking,” it seemed, was not + known in General Fuel Company theology! In fact, when you listened to such + a sermon, you would never have guessed that the hearers of it had physical + bodies at all; certainly you would never have guessed that the preacher + had a body, which was nourished by food produced by the overworked and + under-nourished wage-slaves whom he taught! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 14. + </h3> + <p> + For the most part the victims of this system were cowed and spoke of their + wrongs only in whispers; but there was one place in the camp, Hal found, + where they could not keep silence, where their sense of outrage battled + with their fear. This place was the solar plexus of the mine-organism, the + centre of its nervous energies; to change the simile, it was the + judgment-seat, where the miner had sentence passed upon him—sentence + either to plenty, or to starvation and despair. + </p> + <p> + This place was the “tipple,” where the coal that came out of the mine was + weighed and recorded. Every digger, as he came from the cage, made for + this spot. There was a bulletin-board, and on it his number, and the + record of the weights of the cars he had sent out that day. And every man, + no matter how ignorant, had learned enough English to read those figures. + </p> + <p> + Hal had gradually come to realise that here was the place of drama. Most + of the men would look, and then, without a sound or glance about, would + slouch off with drooping shoulders. Others would mumble to themselves—or, + what amounted to the same thing, would mumble to one another in barbarous + dialects. But about one in five could speak English; and scarcely an + evening passed that some man did not break loose, shaking his fist at the + sky, or at the weigh-boss—behind the latter's back. He might gather + a knot of fellow-grumblers about him; it was to be noted that the + camp-marshal had the habit of being on hand at this hour. + </p> + <p> + It was on one of these occasions that Hal first noticed Mike Sikoria, a + grizzle-haired old Slovak, who had spent twenty years in the mines of + these regions. All the bitterness of all the wrongs of all these years + welled up in Old Mike, as he shouted his score aloud: “Nineteen, + twenty-two, twenty-four, twenty! Is that my weight, Mister? You want me to + believe that's my weight?” + </p> + <p> + “That's your weight,” said the weigh-boss, coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, by Judas, your scale is off, Mister! Look at them cars—them + cars is big! You measure them cars, Mister—seven feet long, three + and a half feet high, four feet wide. And you tell me them don't go but + twenty?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't load them right,” said the boss. + </p> + <p> + “Don't load them right?” echoed the old miner; he became suddenly + plaintive, as if more hurt than angered by such an insinuation. “You know + all the years I work, and you tell me I don't know a load? When I load a + car, I load him like a miner, I don't load him like a Jap, that don't know + about a mine! I put it up—I chunk it up like a stack of hay. I load + him square—like that.” With gestures the old fellow was illustrating + what he meant. “See there! There's a ton on the top, and a ton and a half + on the bottom—and you tell me I get only nineteen, twenty!” + </p> + <p> + “That's your weight,” said the boss, implacably. + </p> + <p> + “But, Mister, your scale is wrong! I tell you I used to get my weight. I + used to get forty-five, forty-six on them cars. Here's my buddy—ask + him if it ain't so. What is it, Bo?” + </p> + <p> + “Um m m-mum,” said Bo, who was a negro—though one could hardly be + sure of this for the coal-dust on him. + </p> + <p> + “I can't make a living no more!” exclaimed the old Slovak, his voice + trembling and his wizened dark eyes full of pleading. “What you think I + make? For fifteen days, fifty cents! I pay board, and so help me God, + Mister—and I stand right here—I swear for God I make fifty + cents. I dig the coal and I ain't got no weight, I ain't got nothing! Your + scale is wrong!” + </p> + <p> + “Get out!” said the weigh-boss, turning away. + </p> + <p> + “But, Mister!” cried Old Mike, following behind him, and pouring his whole + soul into his words. “What is this life, Mister? You work like a burro, + and you don't get nothing for it! You burn your own powder—half a + dollar a day powder—what you think of that? Crosscut—and you + get nothing! Take the skip and a pillar, and you get nothing! Brush—and + you get nothing! Here, by Judas, a poor man, going and working his body to + the last point, and blood is run out! You starve me to death, I say! I + have got to have something to eat, haven't I?” + </p> + <p> + And suddenly the boss whirled upon him. “Get the hell out of here!” he + shouted. “If you don't like it, get your time and quit. Shut your face, or + I'll shut it for you.” + </p> + <p> + The old man quailed and fell silent. He stood for a moment more, biting + his whiskered lips nervously; then his shoulders sank together, and he + turned and slunk off, followed by his negro helper. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 15. + </h3> + <p> + Old Mike boarded at Reminitsky's, and after supper was over, Hal sought + him out. He was easy to know, and proved an interesting acquaintance. With + the help of his eloquence Hal wandered through a score of camps in the + district. The old fellow had a temper that he could not manage, and so he + was always on the move; but all places were alike, he said—there was + always some trick by which a miner was cheated of his earnings. A miner + was a little business man, a contractor who took a certain job, with its + expenses and its chance of profit or loss. A “place” was assigned to him + by the boss—and he undertook to get out the coal from it, being paid + at the rate of fifty-five cents a ton for each ton of clean coal. In some + “places” a man could earn good money, and in others he would work for + weeks, and not be able to keep up with his store-account. + </p> + <p> + It all depended upon the amount of rock and slate that was found with the + coal. If the vein was low, the man had one or two feet of rock to take off + the ceiling, and this had to be loaded on separate cars and taken away. + This work was called “brushing,” and for it the miner received no pay. Or + perhaps it was necessary to cut through a new passage, and clean out the + rock; or perhaps to “grade the bottom,” and lay the ties and rails over + which the cars were brought in to be loaded; or perhaps the vein ran into + a “fault,” a broken place where there was rock instead of coal—and + this rock must be hewed away before the miner could get at the coal. All + such work was called “dead-work,” and it was the cause of unceasing war. + In the old days the company had paid extra for it; now, since they had got + the upper hand of the men, they were refusing to pay. And so it was + important to the miner to have a “place” assigned him where there was not + so much of this dead work. And the “place” a man got depended upon the + boss; so here, at the very outset, was endless opportunity for favouritism + and graft, for quarrelling, or “keeping in” with the boss. What chance did + a man stand who was poor and old and ugly, and could not speak English + good? inquired old Mike, with bitterness. The boss stole his cars and gave + them to other people; he took the weight off the cars, and gave them to + fellows who boarded with him, or treated him to drinks, or otherwise + curried favour with him. + </p> + <p> + “I work five days in the Southeastern,” said Mike, “and when I work them + five days, so help me God, brother, if I don't get up out of this chair, + fifteen cents I was still in the hole yet. Fourteen inches of rock! And + the Mr. Bishop—that is the superintendent—I says, 'Do you pay + something for that rock?' 'Huh?' says he. 'Well,' I says, 'if you don't + pay nothing for the rock, I don't go ahead with it. I ain't got no place + to put that rock.' 'Get the hell out of here,' says he, and when I started + to fight he pull gun on me. And then I go to Cedar Mountain, and the super + give me work there, and he says, 'You go Number Four,' and he says, 'Rail + is in Number Three, and the ties.' And he says, 'I pay you for it when you + put it in.' So I take it away and I put it in, and I work till twelve + o'clock. Carried the three pair of rails and the ties, and I pulled all + the spikes—” + </p> + <p> + “Pulled the spikes?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Got no good spikes. Got to use old spikes, what you pull out of them old + ties. So then I says, 'What is my half day, what you promise me?' Says he, + 'You ain't dug no coal yet!' 'But, mister,' says I, 'you promise me pay to + pull them spikes and put in them ties!' Says he, 'Company pay nothin' for + dead work—you know that,' says he, and that is all the satisfaction + I get.” + </p> + <p> + “And you didn't get your half day's pay?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure I get nothin'. Boss do just as he please in coal mine.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 16. + </h3> + <p> + There was another way, Old Mike explained, in which the miner was at the + mercy of others; this was the matter of stealing cars. Each miner had + brass checks with his number on them, and when he sent up a loaded car, he + hung one of these checks on a hook inside. In the course of the long + journey to the tipple, some one would change the check, and the car was + gone. In some mines, the number was put on the car with chalk; and how + easy it was for some one to rub it out and change it! It appeared to Hal + that it would have been a simple matter to put a number padlock on the + car, instead of a check; but such an equipment would have cost the company + one or two hundred dollars, he was told, and so the stealing went on year + after year. + </p> + <p> + “You think it's the bosses steal these cars?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes bosses, sometimes bosses' friend—sometimes company + himself steal them from miners.” In North Valley it was the company, the + old Slovak insisted. It was no use sending up more than six cars in one + day, he declared; you could never get credit for more than six. Nor was it + worth while loading more than a ton on a car; they did not really weigh + the cars, the boss just ran them quickly over the scales, and had orders + not to go above a certain average. Mike told of an Italian who had loaded + a car for a test, so high that he could barely pass it under the roof of + the entry, and went up on the tipple and saw it weighed himself, and it + was sixty-five hundred pounds. They gave him thirty-five hundred, and when + he started to fight, they arrested him. Mike had not seen him arrested, + but when he had come out of the mine, the man was gone, and nobody ever + saw him again. After that they put a door onto the weigh-room, so that no + one could see the scales. + </p> + <p> + The more Hal listened to the men and reflected upon these things, the more + he came to see that the miner was a contractor who had no opportunity to + determine the size of the contract before he took it on, nor afterwards to + determine how much work he had done. More than that, he was obliged to use + supplies, over the price and measurements of which he had no control. He + used powder, and would find himself docked at the end of the month for a + certain quantity, and if the quantity was wrong, he would have no redress. + He was charged a certain sum for “black-smithing”—the keeping of his + tools in order; and he would find a dollar or two deducted from his + account each month, even though he had not been near the blacksmith shop. + </p> + <p> + Let any business-man in the world consider the proposition, thought Hal, + and say if he would take a contract upon such terms! Would a man undertake + to build a dam, for example, with no chance to measure the ground in + advance, nor any way of determining how many cubic yards of concrete he + had to put in? Would a grocer sell to a customer who proposed to come into + the store and do his own weighing—and meantime locking the grocer + outside? Merely to put such questions was to show the preposterousness of + the thing; yet in this district were fifteen thousand men working on + precisely such terms. + </p> + <p> + Under the state law, the miner had a right to demand a check-weighman to + protect his interest at the scales, paying this check-weighman's wages out + of his own earnings. Whenever there was any public criticism about + conditions in the coal-mines, this law would be triumphantly cited by the + operators; and one had to have actual experience in order to realise what + a bitter mockery this was to the miner. + </p> + <p> + In the dining-room Hal sat next to a fair-haired Swedish giant named + Johannson, who loaded timbers ten hours a day. This fellow was one who + indulged in the luxury of speaking his mind, because he had youth and huge + muscles, and no family to tie him down. He was what is called a + “blanket-stiff,” wandering from mine to harvest-field and from + harvest-field to lumber-camp. Some one broached the subject of + check-weighmen to him, and the whole table heard his scornful laugh. Let + any man ask for a check-weighman! + </p> + <p> + “You mean they would fire him?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe!” was the answer. “Maybe they make him fire himself.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “They make his life one damn misery till he go.” + </p> + <p> + So it was with check-weighman—as with scrip, and with company + stores, and with all the provisions of the law to protect the miner + against accidents. You might demand your legal rights, but if you did, it + was a matter of the boss's temper. He might make your life one damn misery + till you went of your own accord. Or you might get a string of curses and + an order, “Down the canyon!”—and likely as not the toe of a boot in + your trouser-seat, or the muzzle of a revolver under your nose. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 17. + </h3> + <p> + Such conditions made the coal-district a place of despair. Yet there were + men who managed to get along somehow, and to raise families and keep + decent homes. If one had the luck to escape accident, if he did not marry + too young, or did not have too many children; if he could manage to escape + the temptations of liquor, to which overwork and monotony drove so many; + if, above all, he could keep on the right side of his boss—why then + he might have a home, and even a little money on deposit with the company. + </p> + <p> + Such a one was Jerry Minetti, who became one of Hal's best friends. He was + a Milanese, and his name was Gerolamo, which had become Jerry in the + “melting-pot.” He was about twenty-five years of age, and what is unusual + with the Italians, was of good stature. Their meeting took place—as + did most of Hal's social experiences—on a Sunday. Jerry had just had + a sleep and a wash, and had put on a pair of new blue overalls, so that he + presented a cheering aspect in the sunlight. He walked with his head up + and his shoulders square, and one could see that he had few cares in the + world. + </p> + <p> + But what caught Hal's attention was not so much Jerry as what followed at + Jerry's heels; a perfect reproduction of him, quarter-size, also with a + newly-washed face and a pair of new blue overalls. He too had his head up, + and his shoulders square, and he was an irresistible object, throwing out + his heels and trying his best to keep step. Since the longest strides he + could take left him behind, he would break into a run, and getting close + under his father's heels, would begin keeping step once more. + </p> + <p> + Hal was going in the same direction, and it affected him like the music of + a military band; he too wanted to throw his head up and square his + shoulders and keep step. And then other people, seeing the grin on his + face, would turn and watch, and grin also. But Jerry walked on gravely, + unaware of this circus in the rear. + </p> + <p> + They went into a house; and Hal, having nothing to do but enjoy life, + stood waiting for them to come out. They returned in the same procession, + only now the man had a sack of something on his shoulder, while the little + chap had a smaller load poised in imitation. So Hal grinned again, and + when they were opposite him, he said, “Hello.” + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” said Jerry, and stopped. Then, seeing Hal's grin, he grinned + back; and Hal looked at the little chap and grinned, and the little chap + grinned back. Jerry, seeing what Hal was grinning at, grinned more than + ever; so there stood all three in the middle of the road, grinning at one + another for no apparent reason. + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but that's a great kid!” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Gee, you bet!” said Jerry; and he set down his sack. If some one desired + to admire the kid, he was willing to stop any length of time. + </p> + <p> + “Yours?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You bet!” said Jerry, again. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Buster!” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Hello yourself!” said the kid. One could see in a moment that he had been + in the “melting-pot.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your name?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Jerry,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “And what's his name?” Hal nodded towards the man— + </p> + <p> + “Big Jerry.” + </p> + <p> + “Got any more like you at home?” + </p> + <p> + “One more,” said Big Jerry. “Baby.” + </p> + <p> + “He ain't like me,” said Little Jerry. “He's little.” + </p> + <p> + “And you're big?” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “He can't walk!” + </p> + <p> + “Neither can you walk!” laughed Hal, and caught him up and slung him onto + his shoulder. “Come on, we'll ride!” + </p> + <p> + So Big Jerry took up his sack again, and they started off; only this time + it was Hal who fell behind and kept step, squaring his shoulders and + flinging out his heels. Little Jerry caught onto the joke, and giggled and + kicked his sturdy legs with delight. Big Jerry would look round, not + knowing what the joke was, but enjoying it just the same. + </p> + <p> + They came to the three-room cabin which was Both Jerrys' home; and Mrs. + Jerry came to the door, a black-eyed Sicilian girl, who did not look old + enough to have even one baby. They had another bout of grinning, at the + end of which Big Jerry said, “You come in?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You stay supper,” added the other. “Got spaghetti.” + </p> + <p> + “Gee!” said Hal. “All right, let me stay, and pay for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hell, no!” said Jerry. “You no pay!” + </p> + <p> + “No! No pay!” cried Mrs. Jerry, shaking her pretty head energetically. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal, quickly, seeing that he might hurt their feelings. + “I'll stay if you're sure you have enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, plenty!” said Jerry. “Hey, Rosa?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, plenty!” said Mrs. Jerry. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll stay,” said Hal. “You like spaghetti, Kid?” + </p> + <p> + “Jesus!” cried Little Jerry. + </p> + <p> + Hal looked about him at this Dago home. It was a tome in keeping with its + pretty occupant. There were lace curtains in the windows, even shinier and + whiter than at the Rafferties; there was an incredibly bright-coloured rug + on the floor, and bright coloured pictures of Mount Vesuvius and of + Garibaldi on the walls. Also there was a cabinet with many interesting + treasures to look at—a bit of coral and a conch-shell, a shark's + tooth and an Indian arrow-head, and a stuffed linnet with a glass cover + over him. A while back Hal would not have thought of such things as + especially stimulating to the imagination; but that was before he had + begun to spend five-sixths of his waking hours in the bowels of the earth. + </p> + <p> + He ate supper, a real Dago supper; the spaghetti proved to be real Dago + spaghetti, smoking hot, with tomato sauce and a rich flavour of + meat-juice. And all through the meal Hal smacked his lips and grinned at + Little Jerry, who smacked his lips and grinned back. It was all so + different from feeding at Reminitsky's pig-trough, that Hal thought he had + never had such a good supper in his life before. As for Mr. and Mrs. + Jerry, they were so proud of their wonderful kid, who could swear in + English as good as a real American, that they were in the seventh heaven. + </p> + <p> + When the meal was over, Hal leaned back and exclaimed, just as he had at + the Rafferties', “Lord, how I wish I could board here!” + </p> + <p> + He saw his host look at his wife. “All right,” said he. “You come here. I + board you. Hey, Rosa?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said Rosa. + </p> + <p> + Hal looked at them, astonished. “You're sure they'll let you?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Let me? Who stop me?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. Maybe Reminitsky. You might get into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry grinned. “I no fraid,” said he. “Got friends here. Carmino my + cousin. You know Carmino?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Pit-boss in Number One. He stand by me. Old Reminitsky go hang! You come + here, I give you bunk in that room, give you good grub. What you pay + Reminitsky?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-seven a month.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, you pay me twenty-seven, you get everything good. Can't get + much stuff here, but Rosa good cook, she fix it.” + </p> + <p> + Hal's new friend—besides being a favourite of the boss—was a + “shot-firer”; it was his duty to go about the mine at night, setting off + the charges of powder which the miners had got ready by day. This was + dangerous work, calling for a skilled man, and it paid pretty well; so + Jerry got on in the world and was not afraid to speak his mind, within + certain limits. He ignored the possibility that Hal might be a company + spy, and astonished him by rebellious talk of the different kinds of graft + in North Valley, and at other places he had worked since coming to America + as a boy. Minetti was a Socialist, Hal learned; he took an Italian + Socialist paper, and the clerk at the post-office knew what sort of paper + it was, and would “josh” him about it. What was more remarkable, Mrs. + Minetti was a Socialist also; that meant a great deal to a man, as Jerry + explained, because she was not under the domination of a priest. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 18. + </h3> + <p> + Hal made the move at once, sacrificing part of a month's board, which + Reminitsky would charge against his account with the company. But he was + willing to pay for the privilege of a clean home and clean food. To his + amusement he found that in the eyes of his Irish friends he was losing + caste by going to live with the Minettis. There were most rigid social + lines in North Valley, it appeared. The Americans and English and Scotch + looked down upon the Welsh and Irish; the Welsh and Irish looked down upon + the Dagoes and Frenchies; the Dagoes and Frenchies looked down upon + Polacks and Hunkies, these in turn upon Greeks, Bulgarians and + “Montynegroes,” and so on through a score of races of Eastern Europe, + Lithuanians, Slovaks, and Croatians, Armenians, Roumanians, Rumelians, + Ruthenians—ending up with Greasers, niggers, and last and lowest, + Japs. + </p> + <p> + It was when Hal went to pay another call upon the Rafferties that he made + this discovery. Mary Burke happened to be there, and when she caught sight + of him, her grey eyes beamed with mischief. “How do ye do, Mr. Minetti?” + she cried. + </p> + <p> + “How do ye do, Miss Rosetti?” he countered. + </p> + <p> + “You lika da spagett?” + </p> + <p> + “You no lika da spagett?” + </p> + <p> + “I told ye once,” laughed the girl—“the good old pertaties is good + enough for me!” + </p> + <p> + “And you remember,” said he, “what I answered?” + </p> + <p> + Yes, she remembered! Her cheeks took on the colour of the rose-leaves he + had specified as her probable diet. + </p> + <p> + And then the Rafferty children, who had got to know Hal well, joined in + the teasing. “Mister Minetti! Lika da spagetti!” Hal, when he had grasped + the situation, was tempted to retaliate by reminding them that he had + offered to board with the Irish, and been turned down; but he feared that + the elder Rafferty might not appreciate this joke, so instead he pretended + to have supposed all along that the Rafferties were Italians. He addressed + the elder Rafferty gravely, pronouncing the name with the accent on the + second syllable—“Signer Rafferti”; and this so amused the old man + that he chuckled over it at intervals for an hour. His heart warmed to + this lively young fellow; he forgot some of his suspicions, and after the + youngsters had been sent away to bed, he talked more or less frankly about + his life as a coal-miner. + </p> + <p> + “Old Rafferty” had once been on the way to high station. He had been made + tipple-boss at the San José mine, but had given up his job because he had + thought that his religion did not permit him to do what he was ordered to + do. It had been a crude proposition of keeping the men's score at a + certain level, no matter how much coal they might send up; and when + Rafferty had quit rather than obey such orders, he had had to leave the + mine altogether; for of course everybody knew why he had quit, and his + mere presence had the effect of keeping discontent alive. + </p> + <p> + “You think there are no honest companies at all?” Hal asked. + </p> + <p> + The old man answered, “There be some, but 'tis not so easy as ye might + think to be honest. They have to meet each other's prices, and when one + short-weights, the others have to. 'Tis a way of cuttin' wages without the + men findin' it out; and there be people that do not like to fall behind + with their profits.” Hal found himself thinking of old Peter Harrigan, who + controlled the General Fuel Company, and had made the remark: “I am a + great clamourer for dividends!” + </p> + <p> + “The trouble with the miner,” continued Old Rafferty, “is that he has no + one to speak for him. He stands alone—” + </p> + <p> + During this discourse, Hal had glanced at “Red Mary,” and noticed that she + sat with her arms on the table, her sturdy shoulders bowed in a fashion + which told of a hard day's toil. But here she broke into the conversation; + her voice came suddenly, alive with scorn: “The trouble with the miner is + that he's a <i>slave!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now—” put in the old man, protestingly. + </p> + <p> + “He has the whole world against him, and he hasn't got the sense to get + together—to form a union, and stand by it!” + </p> + <p> + There fell a sudden silence in the Rafferty home. Even Hal was startled—for + this was the first time during his stay in the camp that he had heard the + dread word “union” spoken above a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I know!” said Mary, her grey eyes full of defiance. “Ye'll not have the + word spoken! But some will speak it in spite of ye!” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis all very well,” said the old man. “When ye're young, and a woman too—” + </p> + <p> + “A woman! Is it only the women that can have courage?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said he, with a wry smile, “'tis the women that have the tongues, + and that can't he stopped from usin' them. Even the boss must know that.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe so,” replied Mary. “And maybe 'tis the women have the most to + suffer in a coal-camp; and maybe the boss knows that.” The girl's cheeks + were red. + </p> + <p> + “Mebbe so,” said Rafferty; and after that there was silence, while he sat + puffing his pipe. It was evident that he did not care to go on, that he + did not want union speeches made in his home. After a while Mrs. Rafferty + made a timid effort to change the course of the talk, by asking after + Mary's sister, who had not been well; and after they had discussed + remedies for the ailments of children, Mary rose, saying, “I'll be goin' + along.” + </p> + <p> + Hal rose also. “I'll walk with you, if I may,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said she; and it seemed that the cheerfulness of the Rafferty + family was restored by the sight of a bit of gallantry. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 19. + </h3> + <p> + They strolled down the street, and Hal remarked, “That's the first word + I've heard here about a union.” + </p> + <p> + Mary looked about her nervously. “Hush!” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + “But I thought you said you were talking about it!” + </p> + <p> + She answered, “'Tis one thing, talkin' in a friend's house, and another + outside. What's the good of throwin' away your job?” + </p> + <p> + He lowered his voice. “Would you seriously like to have a union here?” + </p> + <p> + “Seriously?” said she. “Didn't ye see Mr. Rafferty—what a coward he + is? That's the way they are! No, 'twas just a burst of my temper. I'm a + bit crazy to-night—something happened to set me off.” + </p> + <p> + He thought she was going on, but apparently she changed her mind. Finally + he asked, “What happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, 'twould do no good to talk,” she answered; and they walked a bit + farther in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me about it, won't you?” he said; and the kindness in his tone made + its impression. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis not much ye know of a coal-camp, Joe Smith,” she said. “Can't ye + imagine what it's like—bein' a woman in a place like this? And a + woman they think good-lookin'!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so it's that!” said he, and was silent again. “Some one's been + troubling you?” he ventured after a while. + </p> + <p> + “Sure! Some one's always troublin' us women! Always! Never a day but we + hear it. Winks and nudges—everywhere ye turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” + </p> + <p> + “The bosses, the clerks—anybody that has a chance to wear a stiff + collar, and thinks he can offer money to a girl. It begins before she's + out of short skirts, and there's never any peace afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can't make them understand?” + </p> + <p> + “I've made them understand me a bit; now they go after my old man.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure! D'ye suppose they'd not try that? Him that's so crazy for liquor, + and can never get enough of it!” + </p> + <p> + “And your father?—” But Hal stopped. She would not want that + question asked! + </p> + <p> + She had seen his hesitation, however. “He was a decent man once,” she + declared. “'Tis the life here, that turns a man into a coward. 'Tis + everything ye need, everywhere ye turn—ye have to ask favours from + some boss. The room ye work in, the dead work they pile on ye; or maybe + 'tis more credit ye need at the store, or maybe the doctor to come when + ye're sick. Just now 'tis our roof that leaks—so bad we can't find a + dry place to sleep when it rains.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Hal. “Who owns the house?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, there's none but company houses here.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's supposed to fix it?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kosegi, the house-agent. But we gave him up long ago—if he does + anything, he raises the rent. Today my father went to Mr. Cotton. He's + supposed to look out for the health of the place, and it seems hardly + healthy to keep people wet in their beds.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did Cotton say?” asked Hal, when she stopped again. + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't ye know Jeff Cotton—can't ye guess what he'd say? + 'That's a fine girl ye got, Burke! Why don't ye make her listen to + reason?' And then he laughed, and told me old father he'd better learn to + take a hint. 'Twas bad for an old man to sleep in the rain—he might + get carried off by pneumonia.” + </p> + <p> + Hal could no longer keep back the question, “What did your father do?” + </p> + <p> + “I'd not have ye think hard of my old father,” she said, quickly. “He used + to be a fightin' man, in the days before O'Callahan had his way with him. + But now he knows what a camp-marshal can do to a miner!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 20. + </h3> + <p> + Mary Burke had said that the company could stand breaking the bones of its + men; and not long after Number Two started up again, Hal had a chance to + note the truth of this assertion. + </p> + <p> + A miner's life depended upon the proper timbering of the room where he + worked. The company undertook to furnish the timbers, but when the miner + needed them, he would find none at hand, and would have to make the + mile-long trip to the surface. He would select timbers of the proper + length, and would mark them—the understanding being that they were + to be delivered to his room by some of the labourers. But then some one + else would carry them off—here was more graft and favouritism, and + the miner might lose a day or two of work, while meantime his account was + piling up at the store, and his children might have no shoes to go to + school. Sometimes he would give up waiting for timbers, and go on taking + out coal; so there would be a fall of rock—and the coroner's jury + would bring in a verdict of “negligence,” and the coal-operators would + talk solemnly about the impossibility of teaching caution to miners. Not + so very long ago Hal had read an interview which the president of the + General Fuel Company had given to a newspaper, in which he set forth the + idea that the more experience a miner had the more dangerous it was to + employ him, because he thought he knew it all, and would not heed the wise + regulations which the company laid down for his safety! + </p> + <p> + In Number Two mine there were some places being operated by the “room and + pillar” method; the coal being taken out as from a series of rooms, the + portion corresponding to the walls of the rooms being left to uphold the + roof. These walls are the “pillars”; and when the end of the vein is + reached, the miner begins to work backwards, “pulling the pillars,” and + letting the roof collapse behind him. This is a dangerous task; as he + works, the man has to listen to the drumming sounds of the rock above his + head, and has to judge just when to make his escape. Sometimes he is too + anxious to save a tool; or sometimes the collapse comes without warning. + In that case the victim is seldom dug out; for it must be admitted that a + man buried under a mountain is as well buried as a company could be + expected to arrange it. + </p> + <p> + In Number Two mine a man was caught in this way. He stumbled as he ran, + and the lower half of his body was pinned fast; the doctor had to come and + pump opiates into him, while the rescue crew was digging him loose. The + first Hal knew of the accident was when he saw the body stretched out on a + plank, with a couple of old sacks to cover it. He noticed that nobody + stopped for a second glance. Going up from work, he asked his friend + Madvik, the mule driver, who answered, “Lit'uanian feller—got mash.” + And that was all. Nobody knew him, and nobody cared about him. + </p> + <p> + It happened that Mike Sikoria had been working nearby, and was one of + those who helped to get the victim out. Mike's negro “buddy” had been in + too great haste to get some of the rock out of the way, and had got his + hand crushed, and would not be able to work for a month or so. Mike told + Hal about it, in his broken English. It was a terrible thing to see a man + trapped like that, gasping, his eyes almost popping out of his head. + Fortunately he was a young fellow, and had no family. + </p> + <p> + Hal asked what they would do with the body; the answer was they would bury + him in the morning. The company had a piece of ground up the canyon. + </p> + <p> + “But won't they have an inquest?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Inques'?” repeated the other. “What's he?” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn't the coroner see the body?” + </p> + <p> + The old Slovak shrugged his bowed shoulders; if there was a coroner in + this part of the world, he had never heard of it; and he had worked in a + good many mines, and seen a good many men put under the ground. “Put him + in a box and dig a hole,” was the way he described the procedure. + </p> + <p> + “And doesn't the priest come?” + </p> + <p> + “Priest too far away.” + </p> + <p> + Afterwards Hal made inquiry among the English-speaking men, and learned + that the coroner did sometimes come to the camp. He would empanel a jury + consisting of Jeff Cotton, the marshal, and Predovich, the Galician Jew + who worked in the company store, and a clerk or two from the company's + office, and a couple of Mexican labourers who had no idea what it was all + about. This jury would view the corpse, and ask a couple of men what had + happened, and then bring in a verdict: “We find that the deceased met his + death from a fall of rock caused by his own fault.” (In one case they had + added the picturesque detail: “No relatives, and damned few friends!”) + </p> + <p> + For this service the coroner got a fee, and the company got an official + verdict, which would be final in case some foreign consul should threaten + a damage suit. So well did they have matters in hand that nobody in North + Valley had ever got anything for death or injury; in fact, as Hal found + later, there had not been a damage suit filed against any coal-operator in + that county for twenty-three years! + </p> + <p> + This particular, accident was of consequence to Hal, because it got him a + chance to see the real work of mining. Old Mike was without a helper, and + made the proposition that Hal should take the job. It was better than a + stableman's, for it paid two dollars a day. + </p> + <p> + “But will the boss let me change?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You give him ten dollar, he change you,” said Mike. + </p> + <p> + “Sorry,” said Hal, “I haven't got ten dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “You give him ten dollar credit,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + And Hal laughed. “They take scrip for graft, do they?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure they take him,” said Mike. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I treat my mules bad?” continued the other. “So I can make him + change me for nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “He change you to hell!” replied Mike. “You get him cross, he put us in + bad room, cost us ten dollar a week. No, sir—you give him drink, say + fine feller, make him feel good. You talk American—give him jolly!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 21. + </h3> + <p> + Hal was glad of this opportunity to get better acquainted with his + pit-boss. Alec Stone was six feet high, and built in proportion, with arms + like hams—soft with fat, yet possessed of enormous strength. He had + learned his manner of handling men on a sugar-plantation in Louisiana—a + fact which, when Hal heard it, explained much. Like a stage-manager who + does not heed the real names of his actors, but calls them by their + character-names, Stone had the habit of addressing his men by their + nationalities: “You, Polack, get that rock into the car! Hey, Jap, bring + them tools over here! Shut your mouth, now, Dago, and get to work, or I'll + kick the breeches off you, sure as you're alive!” + </p> + <p> + Hal had witnessed one occasion when there was a dispute as to whose duty + it was to move timbers. There was a great two-handled cross-cut saw lying + on the ground, and Stone seized it and began to wave it, like a mighty + broadsword, in the face of a little Bohemian miner. “Load them timbers, + Hunkie, or I'll carve you into bits!” And as the terrified man shrunk + back, he followed, until his victim was flat against a wall, the weapon + swinging to and fro under his nose after the fashion of “The Pit and the + Pendulum.” “Carve you into pieces, Hunkie! Carve you into stew-meat!” When + at last the boss stepped back, the little Bohemian leaped to load the + timbers. + </p> + <p> + The curious part about it to Hal was that Stone seemed to be reasonably + good-natured about such proceedings. Hardly one time in a thousand did he + carry out his bloodthirsty threats, and like as not he would laugh when he + had finished his tirade, and the object of it would grin in turn—but + without slackening his frightened efforts. After the broad-sword waving + episode, seeing that Hal had been watching, the boss remarked, “That's the + way you have to manage them wops.” Hal took this remark as a tribute to + his American blood, and was duly flattered. + </p> + <p> + He sought out the boss that evening, and found him with his feet upon the + railing of his home. “Mr. Stone,” said he, “I've something I'd like to ask + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Fire away, kid,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you come up to the saloon and have a drink?” + </p> + <p> + “Want to get something out of me, hey? You can't work me, kid!” But + nevertheless he slung down his feet from the railing, and knocked the + ashes out of his pipe and strolled up the street with Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Stone,” said Hal, “I want to make a change.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that? Got a grouch on them mules?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, but I got a better job in sight. Mike Sikoria's buddy is laid + up, and I'd like to take his place, if you're willing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that's a nigger's place, kid. Ain't you scared to take a nigger's + place?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know about hoodoos?” + </p> + <p> + “What I want,” said Hal, “is the nigger's pay.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the boss, abruptly, “you stick by them mules. I got a good + stableman, and I don't want to spoil him. You stick, and by and by I'll + give you a raise. You go into them pits, the first thing you know you'll + get a fall of rock on your head, and the nigger's pay won't be no good to + you.” + </p> + <p> + They came to the saloon and entered. Hal noted that a silence fell within, + and every one nodded and watched. It was pleasant to be seen going out + with one's boss. + </p> + <p> + O'Callahan, the proprietor, came forward with his best society smile and + joined them, and at Hal's invitation they ordered whiskies. “No, you stick + to your job,” continued the pit-boss. “You stay by it, and when you've + learned to manage mules, I'll make a boss out of you, and let you manage + men.” + </p> + <p> + Some of the bystanders tittered. The pit-boss poured down his whiskey, and + set the glass on the bar. “That's no joke,” said he, in a tone that every + one could hear. “I learned that long ago about niggers. They'd say to me, + 'For God's sake, don't talk to our niggers like that. Some night you'll + have your house set afire.' But I said, 'Pet a nigger, and you've got a + spoiled nigger.' I'd say, 'Nigger, don't you give me any of your imp, or + I'll kick the breeches off you.' And they knew I was a gentleman, and they + stepped lively.” + </p> + <p> + “Have another drink,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + The pit-boss drank, and becoming more sociable, told nigger stories. On + the sugar-plantations there was a rush season, when the rule was twenty + hours' work a day; when some of the niggers tried to shirk it, they would + arrest them for swearing or crap-shooting, and work them as convicts, + without pay. The pit-boss told how one “buck” had been brought before the + justice of the peace, and the charge read, “being cross-eyed”; for which + offence he had been sentenced to sixty days' hard labour. This anecdote + was enjoyed by the men in the saloon—whose race-feelings seemed to + be stronger than their class-feelings. + </p> + <p> + When the pair went out again, it was late, and the boss was cordial. “Mr. + Stone,” began Hal, “I don't want to bother you, but I'd like first rate to + get more pay. If you could see your way to let me have that buddy's job, + I'd be more than glad to divide with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Divide with me?” said Stone. “How d'ye mean?” Hal waited with some + apprehension—for if Mike had not assured him so positively, he would + have expected a swing from the pit-boss's mighty arm. + </p> + <p> + “It's worth about fifteen a month more to me. I haven't any cash, but if + you'd be willing to charge off ten dollars from my store-account, it would + be well worth my while.” + </p> + <p> + They walked for a short way in silence. “Well, I'll tell you,” said the + boss, at last; “that old Slovak is a kicker—one of these fellows + that thinks he could run the mine if he had a chance. And if you get to + listenin' to him, and think you can come to me and grumble, by God—” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right, sir,” put in Hal, quickly. “I'll manage that for you—I'll + shut him up. If you'd like me to, I'll see what fellows he talks with, and + if any of them are trying to make trouble, I'll tip you off.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that's the talk,” said the boss, promptly. “You do that, and I'll + keep my eye on you and give you a chance. Not that I'm afraid of the old + fellow—I told him last time that if I heard from him again, I'd kick + the breeches off him. But when you got half a thousand of this foreign + scum, some of them Anarchists, and some of them Bulgars and Montynegroes + that's been fightin' each other at home—” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said Hal. “You have to watch 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it,” said the pit-boss. “And by the way, when you tell the + store-clerk about that fifteen dollars, just say you lost it at poker.” + </p> + <p> + “I said ten dollars,” put in Hal, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know,” responded the other. “But <i>I</i> said fifteen!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 22. + </h3> + <p> + Hal told himself with satisfaction that he was now to do the real work of + coal-mining. His imagination had been occupied with it for a long time; + but as so often happens in the life of man, the first contact with reality + killed the results of many years' imagining. It killed all imagining, in + fact; Hal found that his entire stock of energy, both mental and physical, + was consumed in enduring torment. If any one had told him the horror of + attempting to work in a room five feet high, he would not have believed + it. It was like some of the dreadful devices of torture which one saw in + European castles, the “iron maiden” and the “spiked collar.” Hal's back + burned as if hot irons were being run up and down it; every separate joint + and muscle cried aloud. It seemed as if he could never learn the lesson of + the jagged ceiling above his head—he bumped it and continued to bump + it, until his scalp was a mass of cuts and bruises, and his head ached + till he was nearly blind, and he would have to throw himself flat on the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Then old Mike Sikoria would grin. “I know. Like green mule! Some day get + tough!” + </p> + <p> + Hal recalled the great thick callouses on the flanks of his former + charges, where the harness rubbed against them. “Yes, I'm a 'green mule,' + all right!” + </p> + <p> + It was amazing how many ways there were to bruise and tear one's fingers, + loading lumps of coal into a car. He put on a pair of gloves, but these + wore through in a day. And then the gas, and the smoke of powder, stifling + one; and the terrible burning of the eyes, from the dust and the feeble + light. There was no way to rub these burning eyes, because everything + about one was equally dusty. Could anybody have imagined the torment of + that—any of those ladies who rode in softly upholstered + parlour-cars, or reclined upon the decks of steam-ships in gleaming tropic + seas? + </p> + <p> + Old Mike was good to his new “buddy.” Mike's spine was bent and his hands + were hardened by forty years of this sort of toil, so he could do the work + of two men, and entertain his friend with comments into the bargain. The + old fellow had the habit of talking all the time, like a child; he would + talk to his helper, to himself, to his tools. He would call these tools by + obscene and terrifying names—but with entire friendliness and good + humour. “Get in there, you son-of-a-gun!” he would say to his pick. “Come + along here, you wop!” he would say to his car. “In with you, now, you old + buster!” he would say to a lump of coal. And he would lecture Hal on the + details of mining. He would tell stories of successful days, or of + terrible mishaps. Above all he would tell about rascality—cursing + the “G. F. C.,” its foremen and superintendents, its officials, directors + and stock-holders, and the world which permitted such a criminal + institution to exist. + </p> + <p> + Noon-time would come, and Hal would lie upon his back, too worn to eat. + Old Mike would sit munching; his abundant whiskers came to a point on his + chin, and as his jaws moved, he looked for all the world like an aged + billy-goat. He was a kind-hearted and anxious old billy-goat, and sought + to tempt his buddy with a bit of cheese or a swig of cold coffee. He + believed in eating—no man could keep up steam if he did not stoke + the furnace. Failing in this, he would try to divert Hal's mind, telling + stories of mining-life in America and Russia. He was most proud to have an + “American feller” for a buddy, and tried to make the work as easy as + possible, for fear lest Hal might quit. + </p> + <p> + Hal did not quit; but he would drag himself out towards night, so + exhausted that he would fall asleep in the cage. He would fall asleep at + supper, and go in and sink down on his cot and sleep like a log. And oh, + the torture of being routed out before daybreak! Having to shake the sleep + out of his head, and move his creaking joints, and become aware of the + burning in his eyes, and the blisters and sores on his hands! + </p> + <p> + It was a week before he had a moment that was not pain; and he never got + fully used to the labour. It was impossible for any one to work so hard + and keep his mental alertness, his eagerness and sensitiveness; it was + impossible to work so hard and be an adventurer—to be anything, in + fact, but a machine. Hal had heard that phrase of contempt, “the inertia + of the masses,” and had wondered about it. He no longer wondered, he knew. + Could a man be brave enough to protest to a pit-boss when his body was + numb with weariness? Could he think out a definite conclusion as to his + rights and wrongs, and back his conclusion with effective action, when his + mental faculties were paralysed by such weariness of body? + </p> + <p> + Hal had come here, as one goes upon the deck of a ship in mid-ocean, to + see the storm. In this ocean of social misery, of ignorance and despair, + one saw upturned, tortured faces, writhing limbs and clutching hands; in + one's ears was a storm of lamentation, upon one's cheek a spray of blood + and tears. Hal found himself so deep in this ocean that he could no longer + find consolation in the thought that he could escape whenever he wanted + to: that he could say to himself, It is sad, it is terrible—but + thank God, I can get out of it when I choose! I can go back into the warm + and well-lighted saloon and tell the other passengers how picturesque it + is, what an interesting experience they are missing! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 23. + </h3> + <p> + During these days of torment, Hal did not go to see “Red Mary”; but then, + one evening, the Minettis' baby having been sick, she came in to ask about + it, bringing what she called “a bit of a custard” in a bowl. Hal was + suspicious enough of the ways of men, especially of business-men; but when + it came to women he was without insight—it did not occur to him as + singular that an Irish girl with many troubles at home should come out to + nurse a Dago woman's baby. He did not reflect that there were plenty of + sick Irish babies in the camp, to whom Mary might have taken her “bit of a + custard.” And when he saw the surprise of Rosa, who had never met Mary + before, he took it to be the touching gratitude of the poor! + </p> + <p> + There are, in truth, many kinds of women, with many arts, and no man has + time to learn them all. Hal had observed the shop-girl type, who dress + themselves with many frills, and cast side-long glances, and indulge in + fits of giggles to attract the attention of the male; he was familiar with + the society-girl type, who achieve the same end with more subtle and + alluring means. But could there be a type who hold little Dago babies in + their laps, and call them pretty Irish names, and feed them custard out of + a spoon? Hal had never heard of that kind, and he thought that “Red Mary” + made a charming picture—a Celtic madonna with a Sicilian infant in + her arms. + </p> + <p> + He noticed that she was wearing the same faded blue calico-dress with a + patch on the shoulder. Man though he was, he realised that dress is an + important consideration in the lives of women. He was tempted to suspect + that this blue calico might be the only dress that Mary owned; but seeing + it newly laundered every time, he concluded that she must have at least + one other. At any rate, here she was, crisp and fresh-looking; and with + the new shining costume, she had put on the long promised “company + manner”: high spirits and badinage, precisely like any belle of the world + of luxury, who powders and bedecks herself for a ball. She had been grim + and complaining in former meetings with this interesting young man; she + had frightened him away, apparently; perhaps she could win him back by + womanliness and good humour. + </p> + <p> + She rallied him upon his battered scalp and his creaking back, telling him + he looked ten years older—which he was fully prepared to believe. + Also she had fun with him for working under a Slovak—another loss of + caste, it appeared! This was a joke the Minettis could share in—especially + Little Jerry, who liked jokes. He told Mary how Joe Smith had had to pay + fifteen dollars for his new job, besides several drinks at O'Callahan's. + Also he told how Mike Sikoria had called Joe his “green mule.” Little + Jerry complained about the turn of events, for in the old days Joe had + taught him a lot of fine new games—and now he was sore, and would + not play them. Also, in the old days he had sung a lot of jolly songs, + full of the most fascinating rhymes. There was a song about a “monkey + puzzle tree”! Had Mary ever seen that kind of tree? Little Jerry never got + tired of trying to imagine what it might look like. + </p> + <p> + The Dago urchin stood and watched gravely while Mary fed the custard to + the baby; and when two or three spoonfuls were held out to him, he opened + his mouth wide, and afterwards licked his lips. Gee, that was good stuff! + </p> + <p> + When the last taste was gone, he stood gazing at Mary's shining coronet. + “Say,” said he, “was your hair always like that?” + </p> + <p> + Hal and Mary burst into laughter, while Rosa cried “Hush!” She was never + sure what this youngster would say next. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, did ye think I painted it?” asked Mary. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know,” said Little Jerry. “It looks so nice and new.” And he + turned to Hal. “Ain't it?” + </p> + <p> + “You bet,” said Hal, and added, “Go on and tell her about it. Girls like + compliments.” + </p> + <p> + “Compliments?” echoed Little Jerry. “What's that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Hal, “that's when you say that her hair is like the sunrise, + and her eyes are like twilight, or that she's a wild rose on a + mountain-side.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said the Dago urchin, somewhat doubtfully. “Anyhow,” he added, “she + make nice custard!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 24. + </h3> + <p> + The time came for Mary to take her departure, and Hal got up, wincing with + pain, to escort her home. She regarded him gravely, having not realised + before how seriously he was suffering. As they walked along she asked, + “Why do ye do such work, when ye don't have to?” + </p> + <p> + “But I <i>do</i> have to! I have to earn a living!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't have to earn it that way! A bright young fellow like you—an + American!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “I thought it would be interesting to see coal mining.” + </p> + <p> + “Now ye've seen it,” said the girl—“now quit!” + </p> + <p> + “But it won't do me any harm to go on for a while!” + </p> + <p> + “Won't it? How can ye know? When any day they may carry you out on a + plank!” + </p> + <p> + Her “company manner” was gone; her voice was full of bitterness, as it + always was when she spoke of North Valley. “I know what I'm tellin' ye, + Joe Smith. Didn't I lose two brothers in it—as fine lads as ye'd + find anywhere in the world! And many another lad I've seen go in laughin', + and come out a corpse—or what is worse, for workin' people, a + cripple. Sometimes I'd like to go and stand at the pit-mouth in the + mornin' and cry to them, 'Go back, go back! Go down the canyon this day! + Starve, if ye have to, beg if ye have to, only find some other work but + coal-minin'!'” + </p> + <p> + Her voice had risen to a passion of protest; when she went on a new note + came into it—a note of personal terror. “It's worse now—since + you came, Joe! To see ye settin' out on the life of a miner—you, + that are young and strong and different. Oh, go away, Joe, go away while + ye can!” + </p> + <p> + He was astonished at her intensity. “Don't worry about me, Mary,” he said. + “Nothing will happen to me. I'll go away after a while.” + </p> + <p> + The path was irregular, and he had been holding her arm as they walked. He + felt her trembling, and went on again, quickly, “It's not I that should go + away, Mary. It's yourself. You hate the place—it's terrible for you + to have to live here. Have you never thought of going away?” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer at once, and when she did the excitement was gone from + her voice; it was flat and dull with despair. “'Tis no use to think of me. + There's nothin' I can do—there's nothin' any girl can do when she's + poor. I've tried—but 'tis like bein' up against a stone wall. I + can't even save the money to get on a train with! I've tried it—I + been savin' for two years—and how much d'ye think I got, Joe? Seven + dollars! Seven dollars in two years! No—ye can't save money in a + place where there's so many things that wring the heart. Ye may hate them + for being cowards—but ye must help when ye see a man killed, and his + family turned out without a roof to cover them in the winter-time!” + </p> + <p> + “You're too tender-hearted, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “No, 'tis not that! Should I go off and leave me own brother and sister, + that need me?” + </p> + <p> + “But you could earn money and send it to them.” + </p> + <p> + “I earn a little here—I do cleanin' and nursin' for some that need + me.” + </p> + <p> + “But outside—couldn't you earn more?” + </p> + <p> + “I could get a job in a restaurant for seven or eight a week, but I'd have + to spend more, and what I sent home would not go so far, with me away. Or + I could get a job in some other woman's home, and work fourteen hours a + day for it. But, Joe, 'tis not more drudgery I want, 'tis somethin' fair + to look upon—somethin' of my own!” She flung out her arms suddenly + like one being stifled. “Oh, I want somethin' that's fair and clean!” + </p> + <p> + Again he felt her trembling. Again the path was rough, and having an + impulse of sympathy, he put his arm about her. In the world of leisure, + one might indulge in such considerateness, and he assumed it would not be + different with a miner's daughter. But then, when she was close to him, he + felt, rather than heard, a sob. + </p> + <p> + “Mary!” he whispered; and they stopped. Almost without realising it, he + put his other arm about her, and in a moment more he felt her warm breath + on his cheek, and she was trembling and shaking in his embrace. “Joe! + Joe!” she whispered. “<i>You</i> take me away!” + </p> + <p> + She was a rose in a mining-camp, and Hal was deeply moved. The primrose + path of dalliance stretched fair before him, here in the soft summer + night, with a moon overhead which bore the same message as it bore in the + Italian gardens of the leisure-class. But not many minutes passed before a + cold fear began to steal over Hal. There was a girl at home, waiting for + him; and also there was the resolve which had been growing in him since + his coming to this place—a resolve to find some way of compensation + to the poor, to repay them for the freedom and culture he had taken; not + to prey upon them, upon any individual among them. There were the Jeff + Cottons for that! + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he pleaded, “we mustn't do this.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because—I'm not free. There is some one else.” + </p> + <p> + He felt her start, but she did not draw away. + </p> + <p> + “Where?” she asked, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “At home, waiting for me.” + </p> + <p> + “And why didn't ye tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know.” + </p> + <p> + Hal realised in a moment that the girl had ground of complaint against + him. According to the simple code of her world, he had gone some distance + with her; he had been seen to walk out with her, he had been accounted her + “fellow.” He had led her to talk to him of herself—he had insisted + upon having her confidences. And these people who were poor did not have + subtleties, there was no room in their lives for intellectual curiosities, + for Platonic friendships or philanderings. “Forgive me, Mary!” he said. + </p> + <p> + She made no answer; but a sob escaped her, and she drew back from his arms—slowly. + He struggled with an impulse to clasp her again. She was beautiful, warm + with life—and so much in need of happiness! + </p> + <p> + But he held himself in check, and for a minute or two they stood apart. + Then he asked, humbly, “We can still be friends, Mary, can't we? You must + know—I'm so <i>sorry</i>!” + </p> + <p> + But she could not endure being pitied. “'Tis nothin',” she said. “Only I + thought I was going to get away! That's what ye mean to me.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 25. + </h3> + <p> + Hal had promised Alec Stone to keep a look-out for trouble-makers; and one + evening the boss stopped him on the street, and asked him if he had + anything to report. Hal took the occasion to indulge his sense of humour. + </p> + <p> + “There's no harm in Mike Sikoria,” said he. “He likes to shoot off his + head, but if he's got somebody to listen, that's all he wants. He's just + old and grouchy. But there's another fellow that I think would bear + watching.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's that?” asked the boss. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know his last name. They call him Gus and he's a 'cager.' Fellow + with a red face.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Stone—“Gus Durking.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he tried his best to get me to talk about unions. He keeps bringing + it up, and I think he's some kind of trouble-maker.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said the boss. “I'll get after him.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't say I told you,” said Hal, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no—sure not.” And Hal caught the trace of a smile on the + pit-boss's face. + </p> + <p> + He went away, smiling in his turn. The “red-faced feller. Gus,” was the + person Madvik had named as being a “spotter” for the company! + </p> + <p> + There were ins and outs to this matter of “spotting,” and sometimes it was + not easy to know what to think. One Sunday morning Hal went for a walk up + the canyon, and on the way he met a young chap who got to talking with + him, and after a while brought up the question of working-conditions in + North Valley. He had only been there a week, he said, but everybody he had + met seemed to be grumbling about short weight. He himself had a job as an + “outside man,” so it made no difference to him, but he was interested, and + wondered what Hal had found. + </p> + <p> + Straightway came the question, was this really a workingman, or had Alec + Stone set some one to spying upon his spy. This was an intelligent fellow, + an American—which in itself was suspicious, for most of the new men + the company got in were from “somewhere East of Suez.” + </p> + <p> + Hal decided to spar for a while. He did not know, he said, that conditions + were any worse here than elsewhere. You heard complaints, no matter what + sort of job you took. + </p> + <p> + Yes, said the stranger, but matters seemed to be especially bad in the + coal-camps. Probably it was because they were so remote, and the companies + owned everything in sight. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” asked Hal, thinking that this might trap him. + </p> + <p> + But the other answered straight; he had evidently worked in half a dozen + of the camps. In Mateo he had paid a dollar a month for wash-house + privileges, and there had never been any water after the first three men + had washed. There had been a common wash-tub for all the men, an + unthinkably filthy arrangement. At Pine Creek—Hal found the very + naming of the place made his heart stand still—at Pine Creek he had + boarded with his boss, but the roof of the building leaked, and everything + he owned was ruined; the boss would do nothing—yet when the boarder + moved, he lost his job. At East Ridge, this man and a couple of other + fellows had rented a two room cabin and started to board themselves, in + spite of the fact that they had to pay a dollar-fifty a sack for potatoes + and eleven cents a pound for sugar at the company store. They had + continued until they made the discovery that the water supply had run + short, and that the water for which they were paying the company a dollar + a month was being pumped from the bottom of the mine, where the filth of + mules and men was plentiful! + </p> + <p> + Hal forced himself to remain non-committal; he shook his head and said it + was too bad, but the workers always got it in the neck, and he didn't see + what they could do about it. So they strolled back to the camp, the + stranger evidently baffled, and Hal, for his part, feeling like the reader + of a detective story at the end of the first chapter. Was this young man + the murderer, or was he the hero? One would have to read on in the book to + find out! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 26. + </h3> + <p> + Hal kept his eye upon his new acquaintance, and perceived that he was + talking with others. Before long the man tackled Old Mike; and Mike of + course could not refuse an invitation to grumble, though it came from the + devil himself. Hal decided that something must be done about it. + </p> + <p> + He consulted his friend Jerry, who, being a radical, might have some + touch-stone by which to test the stranger. Jerry sought him out at + noon-time, and came back and reported that he was as much in the dark as + Hal. Either the man was an agitator, seeking to “start something,” or else + he was a detective sent in by the company. There was only one way to find + out—which was for some one to talk freely with him, and see what + happened to that person! + </p> + <p> + After some hesitation, Hal decided that he would be the victim. It + rewakened his love of adventure, which digging in a coal-mine had subdued + in him. The mysterious stranger was a new sort of miner, digging into the + souls of men; Hal would countermine him, and perhaps blow him up. He could + afford the experiment better than some others—better, for example, + than little Mrs. David, who had already taken the stranger into her home, + and revealed to him the fact that her husband had been a member of the + most revolutionary of all miners' organisations, the South Wales + Federation. + </p> + <p> + So next Sunday Hal invited the stranger for another walk. The man showed + reluctance—until Hal said that he wanted to talk to him. As they + walked up the canyon, Hal began, “I've been thinking about what you said + of conditions in these camps, and I've concluded it would be a good thing + if we had a little shaking up here in North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “When I first came here, I used to think the men were grouchy. But now + I've had a chance to see for myself, and I don't believe anybody gets a + square deal. For one thing, nobody gets full weight in these mines—at + least not unless he's some favourite of the boss. I'm sure of it, for I've + tried all sorts of experiments with my partner. We've loaded a car extra + light, and got eighteen hundredweight, and then we've loaded one high and + solid, so that we'd know it had twice as much in it—but all we ever + got was twenty-two and twenty-three. There's just no way you can get over + that—though everybody knows those big cars can be made to hold two + or three tons.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose they might,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “And if you get the smallest piece of rock in, you get a 'double-O,' sure + as fate; and sometimes they say you got rock in when you didn't. There's + no law to make them prove it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I suppose not.” + </p> + <p> + “What it comes to is simply this—they make you think they are paying + fifty-five a ton, but they've secretly cut you down to thirty-five. And + yesterday at the company-store I paid a dollar and a half for a pair of + blue overalls that I'd priced in Pedro for sixty cents.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the other, “the company has to haul them up here, you know!” + </p> + <p> + So, gradually, Hal made the discovery that the tables were turned—the + mysterious personage was now occupied in holding <i>him</i> at arm's + length! For some reason, Hal's sudden interest in industrial justice had + failed to make an impression. + </p> + <p> + So his career as a detective came to an inglorious end. “Say, man!” he + exclaimed “What's your game, anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + “Game?” said the other, quietly. “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean, what are you here for?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm here for two dollars a day—the same as you, I guess.” + </p> + <p> + Hal began to laugh. “You and I are like a couple of submarines, trying to + find each other under water. I think we'd better come to the surface to do + our fighting.” + </p> + <p> + The other considered the simile, and seemed to like it. “You come first,” + said he. But he did not smile. His quiet blue eyes were fixed on Hal with + deadly seriousness. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal; “my story isn't very thrilling. I'm not an escaped + convict, I'm not a company spy, as you may be thinking. Nor am I a + 'natural born' coal-miner. I happen to have a brother and some friends at + home who think they know about the coal-industry, and it got on my nerves, + and I came to see for myself. That's all, except that I've found things + interesting, and want to stay on a while, so I hope you aren't a 'dick'!” + </p> + <p> + The other walked in silence, weighing Hal's words. “That's not exactly + what you'd call a usual story,” he remarked, at last. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” replied Hal. “The best I can say for it is that it's true.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the stranger, “I'll take a chance on it. I have to trust + somebody, if I'm ever to get anywhere. I picked you out because I liked + your face.” He gave Hal another searching look as he walked. “Your smile + isn't that of a cheat. But you're young—so let me remind you of the + importance of secrecy in this place.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll keep mum,” said Hal; and the stranger opened a flap inside his + shirt, and drew out a letter which certified him to be Thomas Olson, an + organiser for the United Mine-Workers, the great national union of the + coal-miners! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 27. + </h3> + <p> + Hal was so startled by this discovery that he stopped in his tracks and + gazed at the man. He had heard a lot about “trouble-makers” in the camps, + but so far the only kind he had seen were those hired by the company to + make trouble for the men. But now, here was a union organiser! Jerry had + suggested the possibility, but Hal had not thought of it seriously; an + organiser was a mythological creature, whispered about by the miners, + cursed by the company and its servants, and by Hal's friends at home. An + incendiary, a fire-brand, a loudmouthed, irresponsible person, stirring up + blind and dangerous passions! Having heard such things all his life, Hal's + first impulse was of distrust. He felt like the one-legged old switchman + who had given him a place to sleep, after his beating at Pine Creek, and + who had said, “Don't you talk no union business to me!” + </p> + <p> + Seeing Hal's emotion, the organiser gave an uneasy laugh. “While you're + hoping I'm not a 'dick,' I trust you understand I'm hoping <i>you're</i> + not one.” + </p> + <p> + Hal's answer was to the point. “I was taken for an organiser once,” he + said, and his hands sought the seat of his ancient bruises. + </p> + <p> + The other laughed. “You got off with a beating? You were lucky. Down in + Alabama, not so long ago, they tarred and feathered one of us.” + </p> + <p> + Dismay came upon Hal's face; but after a moment he too began to laugh. “I + was just thinking about my brother and his friends—what they'd have + said if I'd come home from Pine Creek in a coat of tar and feathers!” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly,” ventured the other, “they'd have said you got what you + deserved.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that seems to be their attitude. That's the rule they apply to all + the world—if anything goes wrong with you, it must be your own + fault. It's a land of equal opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + “And you'll notice,” said the organiser, “that the more privileges people + have had, the more boldly they talk that way.” + </p> + <p> + Hal began to feel a sense of comradeship with this stranger, who was able + to understand one's family troubles! It had been a long time since Hal had + talked with any one from the outside world, and he found it a relief to + his mind. He remembered how, after he had got his beating, he had lain out + in the rain and congratulated himself that he was not what the guards had + taken him for. Now he was curious about the psychology of an organiser. A + man must have strong convictions to follow that occupation! + </p> + <p> + He made the remark, and the other answered, “You can have my pay any time + you'll do my work. But let me tell you, too, it isn't being beaten and + kicked out of camp that bothers one most; it isn't the camp-marshal and + the spy and the blacklist. Your worst troubles are inside the heads of the + fellows you're trying to help! Have you ever thought what it would mean to + try to explain things to men who speak twenty different languages?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course,” said Hal. “I wonder how you ever get a start.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you look for an interpreter—and maybe he's a company spy. Or + maybe the first man you try to convert reports you to the boss. For, of + course, some of the men are cowards, and some of them are crooks; they'll + sell out the next fellow for a better 'place'—maybe for a glass of + beer.” + </p> + <p> + “That must have a tendency to weaken your convictions,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the other, in a matter of fact tone. “It's hard, but one can't + blame the poor devils. They're ignorant—kept so deliberately. The + bosses bring them here, and have a regular system to keep them from + getting together. And of course these European peoples have their old + prejudices—national prejudices, religious prejudices, that keep them + apart. You see two fellows, one you think is exactly as miserable as the + other—but you find him despising the other, because back home he was + the other's superior. So they play into the bosses' hands.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 28. + </h3> + <p> + They had come to a remote place in the canyon, and found themselves seats + on a flat rock, where they could talk in comfort. + </p> + <p> + “Put yourself in their place,” said the organiser. “They're in a strange + country, and one person tells them one thing, and another tells them + something else. The masters and their agents say: 'Don't trust the union + agitators. They're a lot of grafters, they live easy and don't have to + work. They take your money and call you out on strike, and you lose your + jobs and your home; they sell you out, maybe, and go on to some other + place to repeat the same trick.' And the workers think maybe that's true; + they haven't the wit to see that if the union leaders are corrupt, it must + be because the bosses are buying them. So you see, they're completely + bedevilled; they don't know which way to turn.” + </p> + <p> + The man was speaking quietly, but there was a little glow of excitement in + his face. “The company is forever repeating that these people are + satisfied—that it's we who are stirring them up. But are they + satisfied? You've been here long enough to know!” + </p> + <p> + “There's no need to discuss that,” Hal answered. “Of course they're not + satisfied! They've seemed to me like a lot of children crying in the dark—not + knowing what's the matter with them, or who's to blame, or where to turn + for help.” + </p> + <p> + Hal found himself losing his distrust of this man. He did not correspond + in any way to Hal's imaginary picture of a union organiser; he was a + blue-eyed, clean-looking young American, and instead of being wild and + loud-mouthed, he seemed rather wistful. He had indignation, of course, but + it did not take the form of ranting or florid eloquence; and this + repression was making its appeal to Hal, who, in spite of his democratic + impulses, had the habits of thought of a class which shrinks from + noisiness and over-emphasis. + </p> + <p> + Also Hal was interested in his attitude towards the weaknesses of + working-people. The “inertia” of the poor, which caused so many people to + despair for them—their cowardice and instability—these were + things about which Hal had heard all his life. “You can't help them,” + people would say. “They're dirty and lazy, they drink and shirk, they + betray each other. They've always been like that.” The idea would be + summed up in a formula: “You can't change human nature!” Even Mary Burke, + herself one of the working-class, spoke of the workers in this angry and + scornful way. But Olson had faith in their manhood, and went ahead to + awaken and teach them. + </p> + <p> + To his mind the path was clear and straight. “They must be taught the + lesson of solidarity. As individuals, they're helpless in the power of the + great corporations; but if they stand together, if they sell their labour + as a unit—then they really count for something.” He paused, and + looked at the other inquiringly. “How do you feel about unions?” + </p> + <p> + Hal answered, “They're one of the things I want to find out about. You + hear this and that—there's so much prejudice on each side. I want to + help the under dog, but I want to be sure of the right way.” + </p> + <p> + “What other way is there?” And Olson paused. “To appeal to the tender + hearts of the owners?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly; but mightn't one appeal to the world in general—to + public opinion? I was brought up an American, and learned to believe in my + country. I can't think but there's some way to get justice. Maybe if the + men were to go into politics—” + </p> + <p> + “Politics?” cried Olson. “My God! How long have you been in this place?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a couple of months.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, stay till November, and see what they do with the ballot-boxes in + these camps!” + </p> + <p> + “I can imagine, of course—” + </p> + <p> + “No, you can't. Any more than you could imagine the graft and the misery!” + </p> + <p> + “But if the men should take to voting together—” + </p> + <p> + “How <i>can</i> they take to voting together—when any one who + mentions the idea goes down the canyon? Why, you can't even get + naturalisation papers, unless you're a company man; they won't register + you, unless the boss gives you an O. K. How are you going to make a start, + unless you have a union?” + </p> + <p> + It sounded reasonable, Hal had to admit; but he thought of the stories he + had heard about “walking delegates,” all the dreadful consequences of + “union domination.” He had not meant to go in for unionism! + </p> + <p> + Olson was continuing. “We've had laws passed, a whole raft of laws about + coal-mining—the eight-hour law, the anti-scrip law, the + company-store law, the mine-sprinkling law, the check-weighman law. What + difference has it made in North Valley that there are such laws on the + statute-books? Would you ever even know about them?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now!” said Hal. “If you put it that way—if your movement is to + have the law enforced—I'm with you!” + </p> + <p> + “But how will you get the law enforced, except by a union? No individual + man can do it—it's 'down the canyon' with him if he mentions the + law. In Western City our union people go to the state officials, but they + never do anything—and why? They know we haven't got the men behind + us! It's the same with the politicians as it is with the bosses—the + union is the thing that counts!” + </p> + <p> + Hal found this an entirely new argument. “People don't realise that idea—that + men have to be organised to get their <i>legal</i> rights.” + </p> + <p> + And the other threw up his hands with a comical gesture. “My God! If you + want to make a list of the things that people don't realise about us + miners!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 29. + </h3> + <p> + Olson was eager to win Hal, and went on to tell all the secrets of his + work. He sought men who believed in unions, and were willing to take the + risk of trying to convert others. In each place he visited he would get a + group together, and would arrange some way to communicate with them after + he left, smuggling in propaganda literature for distribution. So there + would be the nucleus of an organisation. In a year or two they would have + such a nucleus in every camp, and then they would be ready to come into + the open, calling meetings in the towns, and in places in the canyons to + which the miners would flock. So the flame of revolt would leap up; men + would join the movement faster than the companies could get rid of them, + and they would make a demand for their rights, backed with the threat of a + strike throughout the entire district. + </p> + <p> + “You understand,” added Olson, “we have a legal right to organise—even + though the bosses disapprove. You need not stand back on that score.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal; “but it occurs to me that as a matter of tactics, it + would be better here in North Valley if you chose some issue there's less + controversy about; if, for instance, you'd concentrate on getting a + check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + The other smiled. “We'd have to have a union to back the demand; so what's + the difference?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” argued Hal, “there are prejudices to be reckoned with. Some people + don't like the idea of a union—they think it means tyranny and + violence—” + </p> + <p> + The organiser laughed. “You aren't convinced but that it does yourself, + are you! Well, all I can tell you is, if you want to tackle the job of + getting a check-weighman in North Valley, I'll not stand in your way!” + </p> + <p> + Here was an idea—a real idea! Life had grown dull for Hal since he + had become a buddy, working in a place five feet high. This would promise + livelier times! + </p> + <p> + But was it a thing he wanted to do? So far he had been an observer of + conditions in this coal-camp. He had convinced himself that conditions + were cruel, and he had pretty well convinced himself that the cruelty was + needless and deliberate. But when it came to a question of an action to be + taken—then he hesitated, and old prejudices and fears made + themselves heard. He had been told that labour was “turbulent” and “lazy,” + that it had to be “ruled with a strong hand”; now, was he willing to + weaken the strong hand, to ally himself with those who “fomented labour + troubles”? + </p> + <p> + But this would not be the same thing, he told himself. This suggestion of + Olson's was different from trade unionism, which might be a demoralising + force, leading the workers from one demand to another, until they were + seeking to “dominate industry.” This would be merely an appeal to the law, + a test of that honesty and fair dealing to which the company everywhere + laid claim. If, as the bosses proclaimed, the workers were fully protected + by the check-weighman law; if, as all the world was made to believe, the + reason there was no check-weighman was simply because the men did not ask + for one—why, then there would be no harm done. If on the other hand + a demand for a right that was not merely a legal right, but a moral right + as well—if that were taken by the bosses as an act of rebellion + against the company—well, Hal would understand a little more about + the “turbulence” of labour! If, as Old Mike and Johannson and the rest + maintained, the bosses would “make your life one damn misery” till you + left—then he would be ready to make a few damn miseries for the + bosses in return! + </p> + <p> + “It would be an adventure,” said Hal, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + And the other laughed. “It would that!” + </p> + <p> + “You're thinking I'll have another Pine Creek experience,” Hal added. + “Well, maybe so—but I have to try things out for myself. You see, + I've got a brother at home, and when I think about going in for + revolution, I have imaginary arguments with him. I want to be able to say + 'I didn't swallow anybody's theories; I tried it for myself, and this is + what happened.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the organiser, “that's all right. But while you're seeking + education for yourself and your brother, don't forget that I've already + got my education. I <i>know</i> what happens to men who ask for a + check-weighman, and I can't afford to sacrifice myself proving it again.” + </p> + <p> + “I never asked you to,” laughed Hal. “If I won't join your movement, I + can't expect you to join mine! But if I can find a few men who are willing + to take the risk of making a demand for a check-weighman—that won't + hurt your work, will it?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure not!” said the other. “Just the opposite—it'll give me an + object lesson to point to. There are men here who don't even know they've + a legal right to a check-weighman. There are others who know they don't + get their weights, but aren't sure its the company that's cheating them. + If the bosses should refuse to let any one inspect the weights, if they + should go further and fire the men who ask it—well, there'll be + plenty of recruits for my union local!” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal. “I'm not setting out to recruit your union local, + but if the company wants to recruit it, that's the company's affair!” And + on this bargain the two shook hands. + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK TWO — THE SERFS OF KING COAL + </h2> + <h3> + SECTION 1. + </h3> + <p> + Hal was now started upon a new career, more full of excitements than that + of stableman or buddy, with perils greater than those of falling rock or + the hind feet of mules in the stomach. The inertia which overwork produces + had not had time to become a disease with him; youth was on his side, with + its zest for more and yet more experience. He found it thrilling to be a + conspirator, to carry about with him secrets as dark and mysterious as the + passages of the mine in which he worked. + </p> + <p> + But Jerry Minetti, the first person he told of Tom Olson's purpose in + North Valley, was older in such thrills. The care-free look which Jerry + was accustomed to wear vanished abruptly, and fear came into his eyes. “I + know it come some day,” he exclaimed—“trouble for me and Rosa!” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “We get into it—get in sure. I say Rosa, 'Call yourself Socialist—what + good that do? No help any. No use to vote here—they don't count no + Socialist vote, only for joke!' I say, 'Got to have union. Got to strike!' + But Rosa say, 'Wait little bit. Save little bit money, let children grow + up. Then we help, no care if we no got any home.'” + </p> + <p> + “But we're not going to start a union now!” objected Hal. “I have another + plan for the present.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry, however, was not to be put at ease. “No can wait!” he declared. + “Men no stand it! I say, 'It come some day quick—like blow-up in + mine! Somebody start fight, everybody fight.'” And Jerry looked at Rosa, + who sat with her black eyes fixed anxiously upon her husband. “We get into + it,” he said; and Hal saw their eyes turn to the room where Little Jerry + and the baby were sleeping. + </p> + <p> + Hal said nothing—he was beginning to understand the meaning of + rebellion to such people. He watched with curiosity and pity the struggle + that went on; a struggle as old as the soul of man—between the voice + of self-interest, of comfort and prudence, and the call of duty, of the + ideal. No trumpet sounded for this conflict, only the still small voice + within. + </p> + <p> + After a while Jerry asked what it was Hal and Olson had planned; and Hal + explained that he wanted to make a test of the company's attitude toward + the check-weighman law. Hal thought it a fine scheme; what did Jerry + think? + </p> + <p> + Jerry smiled sadly. “Yes, fine scheme for young feller—no got + family!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right,” said Hal, “I'll take the job—I'll be the + check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + “Got to have committee,” said Jerry—“committee go see boss.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, but we'll get young fellows for that too—men who have no + families. Some of the fellows who live in the chicken-coops in + shanty-town. They won't care what happens to them.” + </p> + <p> + But Jerry would not share Hal's smile. “No got sense 'nough, them fellers. + Take sense to stick together.” He explained that they would need a group + of men to stand back of the committee; such a group would have to be + organised, to hold meetings in secret—it would be practically the + same thing as a union, would be so regarded by the bosses and their + spotters. And no organisation of any sort was permitted in the camps. + There had been some Serbians who had wanted to belong to a fraternal order + back in their home country, but even that had been forbidden. If you + wanted to insure your life or your health, the company would attend to it—and + get the profit from it. For that matter, you could not even buy a + post-office money-order, to send funds back to the old country; the + post-office clerk, who was at the same time a clerk in the company-store, + would sell you some sort of a store-draft. + </p> + <p> + So Hal was facing the very difficulties about which Olson had warned him. + The first of them was Jerry's fear. Yet Hal knew that Jerry was no + “coward”; if any man had a contempt for Jerry's attitude, it was because + he had never been in Jerry's place! + </p> + <p> + “All I'll ask of you now is advice,” said Hal. “Give me the names of some + young fellows who are trustworthy, and I'll get their help without anybody + suspecting you.” + </p> + <p> + “You my boarder!” was Jerry's reply to this. + </p> + <p> + So again Hal was “up against it.” “You mean that would get you into + trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure! They know we talk. They know I talk Socialism, anyhow. They fire me + sure!” + </p> + <p> + “But how about your cousin, the pit-boss in Number One?” + </p> + <p> + “He no help. May be get fired himself. Say damn fool—board + check-weighman!” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal. “Then I'll move away now, before it's too late. You + can say I was a trouble-maker, and you turned me off.” + </p> + <p> + The Minettis sat gazing at each other—a mournful pair. They hated to + lose their boarder, who was such good company, and paid them such good + money. As for Hal, he felt nearly as bad, for he liked Jerry and his + girl-wife, and Little Jerry—even the black-eyed baby, who made so + much noise and interrupted conversation! + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Jerry. “I no run, away! I do my share!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right,” replied Hal. “You do your share—but not just + yet. You stay on in the camp and help Olson after I'm fired. We don't want + the best men put out at once.” + </p> + <p> + So, after further argument, it was decided, and Hal saw little Rosa sink + back in her chair and draw a deep breath of relief. The time for martyrdom + was put off; her little three-roomed cabin, her furniture and her shining + pans and her pretty white lace curtains, might be hers for a few weeks + longer! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 2. + </h3> + <p> + Hal went back to Reminitsky's boarding-house; a heavy sacrifice, but not + without its compensations, because it gave him more chance to talk with + the men. + </p> + <p> + He and Jerry made up a list of those who could be trusted with the secret: + the list beginning with the name of Mike Sikoria. To be put on a + committee, and sent to interview a boss, would appeal to Old Mike as the + purpose for which he had been put upon earth! But they would not tell him + about it until the last minute, for fear lest in his excitement he might + shout out the announcement the next time he lost one of his cars. + </p> + <p> + There was a young Bulgarian miner named Wresmak who worked near Hal. The + road into this man's room ran up an incline, and he had hardly been able + to push his “empties” up the grade. While he was sweating and straining at + the task, Alec Stone had come along, and having a giant's contempt for + physical weakness, began to cuff him. The man raised his arm—whether + in offence or to ward off the blow, no one could be sure; but Stone fell + upon him and kicked him all the way down the passage, pouring out upon him + furious curses. Now the man was in another room, where he had taken out + over forty car-loads of rock, and been allowed only three dollars for it. + No one who watched his face when the pit-boss passed would doubt that this + man would be ready to take his chances in a movement of protest. + </p> + <p> + Then there was a man whom Jerry knew, who had just come out of the + hospital, after contact with the butt-end of the camp-marshal's revolver. + This was a Pole, who unfortunately did not know a word of English; but + Olson, the organiser, had got into touch with another Pole, who spoke a + little English, and would pass the word on to his fellow-countryman. Also + there was a young Italian, Rovetta, whom Jerry knew and whose loyalty he + could vouch for. + </p> + <p> + There was another person Hal thought of—Mary Burke. He had been + deliberately avoiding her of late; it seemed the one safe thing to do—although + it seemed also a cruel thing, and left his mind ill at ease. He went over + and over what had happened. How had the trouble got started? It is a man's + duty in such cases to take the blame upon himself; but a man does not like + to take blame upon himself, and he tries to make it as light as possible. + Should Hal say that it was because he had been too officious that night in + helping Mary where the path was rough? She had not actually needed such + help, she was quite as capable on her feet as he! But he had really gone + farther than that—he had had a definite sentimental impulse; and he + had been a cad—he should have known all along that all this girl's + discontent, all the longing of her starved soul, would become centred upon + him, who was so “different,” who had had opportunity, who made her think + of the “poetry-books”! + </p> + <p> + But here suddenly seemed a solution of the difficulty; here was a new + interest for Mary, a safe channel in which her emotions could run. A woman + could not serve on a miners' committee, but she would be a good adviser, + and her sharp tongue would be a weapon to drive others into line. Being + aflame with this enterprise, Hal became impersonal, man-fashion—and + so fell into another sentimental trap! He did not stop to think that + Mary's interest in the check-weighman movement might be conditioned in + part by a desire to see more of him; still less did it occur to him that + he might be glad for a pretext to see Mary. + </p> + <p> + No, he was picturing her in a new role, an activity more inspiriting than + cooking and nursing. His “poetry-book” imagination took fire; he gave her + a hope and a purpose, a pathway with a goal at the end. Had there not been + women leaders in every great proletarian movement? + </p> + <p> + He went to call on her, and met her at the door of her cabin. “'Tis a + cheerin' sight to see ye, Joe Smith!” she said. And she looked him in the + eye and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “The same to you, Mary Burke!” he answered. + </p> + <p> + She was game, he saw; she was going to be a “good sport.” But he noticed + that she was paler than when he had seen her last. Could it be that these + gorgeous Irish complexions ever faded? He thought that she was thinner + too; the old blue calico seemed less tight upon her. + </p> + <p> + Hal plunged into his theme. “Mary, I had a vision of you to-day!” + </p> + <p> + “Of me, lad? What's that?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed. “I saw you with a glory in your face, and your hair shining + like a crown of gold. You were mounted on a snow-white horse, and wore a + robe of white, soft and lustrous—like Joan of Arc, or a leader in a + suffrage parade. You were riding at the head of a host—I've still + got the music in my ears, Mary!” + </p> + <p> + “Go on with ye, lad—what's all this about?” + </p> + <p> + “Come in and I'll tell you,” he said. + </p> + <p> + So they went into the bare kitchen, and sat in bare wooden chairs—Mary + folding her hands in her lap like a child who has been promised a + fairy-story. “Now hurry,” said she. “I want to know about this new dress + ye're givin' me. Are ye tired of me old calico?” + </p> + <p> + He joined in her smile. “This is a dress you will weave for yourself, + Mary, out of the finest threads of your own nature—out of courage + and devotion and self-sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, 'tis the poetry-book again! But what is it ye're really meanin'?” + </p> + <p> + He looked about him. “Is anybody here?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody.” + </p> + <p> + But instinctively he lowered his voice as he told his story. There was an + organiser of the “big union” in the camp, and he was going to rouse the + slaves to protest. + </p> + <p> + The laughter went out of Mary's face. “Oh! It's that!” she said, in a flat + tone. The vision of the snow-white horse and the soft and lustrous robe + was gone. “Ye can never do anything of that sort here!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the men in this place. Don't ye remember what I told ye at Mr. + Rafferty's? They're cowards!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mary, it's easy to say that. But it's not so pleasant being turned + out of your home—” + </p> + <p> + “Do ye have to tell me that?” she cried, with sudden passion. “Haven't I + seen that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mary; but I want to <i>do</i> something—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and haven't I wanted to do something? Sure, I've wanted to bite off + the noses of the bosses!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he laughed, “we'll make that a part of our programme.” But Mary + was not to be lured into cheerfulness; her mood was so full of pain and + bewilderment that he had an impulse to reach out and take her hand again. + But he checked that; he had come to divert her energies into a safe + channel! + </p> + <p> + “We must waken these men to resistance, Mary!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye can't do it, Joe—not the English-speakin' men. The Greeks and + the Bulgars, maybe—they're fightin' at home, and they might fight + here. But the Irish never—never! Them that had any backbone went out + long ago. Them that stayed has been made into boot-licks. I know them, + every man of them. They grumble, and curse the boss, but then they think + of the blacklist, and they go back and cringe at his feet.” + </p> + <p> + “What such men want—” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis booze they want, and carousin' with the rotten women in the + coal-towns, and sittin' up all night winnin' each other's money with a + greasy pack of cards! They take their pleasure where they find it, and + 'tis nothin' better they want.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Mary, if that's so, don't you see it's all the more reason for + trying to teach them? If not for their own sakes, for the sake of their + children! The children, mustn't grow up like that! They are learning + English, at least—” + </p> + <p> + Mary gave a scornful laugh. “Have ye been up to that school?” + </p> + <p> + He answered no; and she told him there were a hundred and twenty children + packed in one room, three in a seat, and solid all round the wall. She + went on, with swift anger—the school was supposed to be paid for out + of taxes, but as nobody owned any property but the company, it was all in + the company's hands. The school-board consisted of Mr. Cartwright, the + mine-superintendent, and Jake Predovich, a clerk in the store, and the + preacher, the Reverend Spraggs. Old Spraggs would bump his nose on the + floor if the “super” told him to. + </p> + <p> + “Now, now!” said Hal, laughing. “You're down on him because his + grandfather was an Orangeman!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 3. + </h3> + <p> + Mary Burke had been suckled upon despair, and the poison of it was deep in + her blood. Hal began to realise that it would be as hard to give her a + hope as to rouse the workers whom she despised. She was brave enough, no + doubt, but how could he persuade her to be brave for men who had no + courage for themselves? + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he said, “in your heart you don't really hate these people. You + know how they suffer, you pity them for it. You give their children your + last cent when they need it—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lad!” she cried, and he saw tears suddenly spring into her eyes. + “'Tis because I love them so that I hate them! Sometimes 'tis the bosses I + would murder, sometimes 'tis the men. What is it ye're wantin' me to do?” + </p> + <p> + And then, even before he could answer, she began to run over the list of + her acquaintances in the camp. Yes, there was one man Hal ought to talk + to; he would be too old to join them, but his advice would be invaluable, + and they could be sure he would never betray them. That was old John + Edstrom, a Swede from Minnesota, who had worked in this district from the + time the mines had first started up. He had been active in the great + strike eight years ago, and had been black-listed, his four sons with him. + The sons were scattered now to the four parts of the world, but the father + had stayed nearby, working as a ranch-hand and railroad labourer, until a + couple of years ago, during a rush season, he had got a chance to come + back into the mines. + </p> + <p> + He was old, old, declared Mary—must be sixty. And when Hal remarked + that that did not sound so frightfully aged, she answered that one seldom + heard of a man being able to work in a coal-mine at that age; in fact, + there were not many who managed to live to that age. Edstrom's wife was + dying now, and he was having a hard time. + </p> + <p> + “'Twould not be fair to let such an old gentleman lose his job,” said + Mary. “But at least he could give ye good advice.” + </p> + <p> + So that evening the two of them went to call on John Edstrom, in a tiny + unpainted cabin in “shanty-town,” with a bare earth floor, and a half + partition of rough boards to hide his dying wife from his callers. The + woman's trouble was cancer, and this made calling a trying matter, for + there was a fearful odour in the place. For some time it was impossible + for Hal to force himself to think about anything else; but finally he + overcame this weakness, telling himself that this was a war, and that a + man must be ready for the hospital as well as for the parade-ground. + </p> + <p> + He looked about, and saw that the cracks of Edstrom's cabin were stopped + with rags, and the broken windowpanes mended with brown paper. The old man + had evidently made an effort to keep the place neat, and Hal noticed a row + of books on a shelf. Because it was cold in these mountain regions at + night, even in September, the old man had a fire in the little cast-iron + stove, and sat huddled by it. There were only a few hairs left on his + head, and his scrubby beard was as white as anything could be in a + coal-camp. The first impression of his face was of its pallor, and then of + the benevolence in the faded dark eyes; also his voice was gentle, like a + caress. He rose to greet his visitors, and put out to Hal a trembling + hand, which resembled the paw of some animal, horny and misshapen. He made + a move to draw up a bench, and apologised for his unskillful + house-keeping. It occurred to Hal that a man might be able to work in a + coal-mine at sixty, and not be able to work in it at sixty-one. + </p> + <p> + Hal had requested Mary to say nothing about his purpose, until after he + had a chance to judge for himself. So now the girl inquired about Mrs. + Edstrom. There was no news, the man answered; she was lying in a stupor, + as usual. Dr. Barrett had come again, but all he could do was to give her + morphine. No one could do any more, the doctor declared. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, he'd not know it if they could!” sniffed Mary. + </p> + <p> + “He's not such a bad one, when he's sober,” said Edstrom, patiently. + </p> + <p> + “And how often is that?” sniffed Mary again. She added, by way of + explanation to Hal, “He's a cousin of the super.” + </p> + <p> + Things were better here than in some places, said Edstrom. At Harvey's + Run, where he had worked, a man had got his eye hurt, and had lost it + through the doctor's instrument slipping; broken arms and legs had been + set wrong, and either the men had to go through life as cripples, or go + elsewhere and have the bones re-broken and reset, It was like everything + else—the doctor was a part of the company machine, and if you had + too much to say about him, it was down the canyon with you. You not only + had a dollar a month taken out of your pay, but if you were injured, and + he came to attend you, he would charge whatever extra he pleased. + </p> + <p> + “And you have to pay?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + “They take it off your account,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes they take it when he's done nothin' at all,” added Mary. “They + charged Mrs. Zamboni twenty-five dollars for her last baby—and Dr. + Barrett never set foot across her door till three hours after the baby was + in my arms!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 4. + </h3> + <p> + The talk went on. Wishing to draw the old man out, Hal spoke of various + troubles of the miners, and at last he suggested that the remedy might be + found in a union. Edstrom's dark eyes studied him, and then turned to + Mary. “Joe's all right,” said the girl, quickly. “You can trust him.” + </p> + <p> + Edstrom made no direct answer to this, but remarked that he had once been + in a strike. He was a marked man, now, and could only stay in the camp so + long as he attended strictly to his own affairs. The part he had played in + the big strike had never been forgotten; the bosses had let him work + again, partly because they had needed him at a rush time, and partly + because the pit-boss happened to be a personal friend. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him about the big strike,” said Mary. “He's new in this district.” + </p> + <p> + The old man had apparently accepted Mary's word for Hal's good faith, for + he began to narrate those terrible events which were a whispered tradition + of the camps. There had been a mighty effort of ten thousand slaves for + freedom; and it had been crushed with utter ruthlessness. Ever since these + mines had been started, the operators had controlled the local powers of + government, and now, in the emergency, they had brought in the state + militia as well, and used it frankly to drive the strikers back to work. + They had seized the leaders and active men, and thrown them into jail + without trial or charges; when the jails would hold no more, they kept + some two hundred in an open stockade, called a “bull-pen,” and finally + they loaded them into freight-cars, took them at night out of the state, + and dumped them off in the midst of the desert without food or water. + </p> + <p> + John Edstrom had been one of these men. He told how one of his sons had + been beaten and severely injured in jail, and how another had been kept + for weeks in a damp cellar, so that he had come out crippled with + rheumatism for life. The officers of the state militia had done these + things; and when some of the local authorities were moved to protest, the + militia had arrested them—even the judges of the civil courts had + been forbidden to sit, under threat of imprisonment. “To hell with the + constitution!” had been the word of the general in command; his + subordinate had made famous the saying, “No habeas corpus; we'll give them + post-mortems!” + </p> + <p> + Tom Olson had impressed Hal with his self-control, but this old man made + an even deeper impression upon him. As he listened, he became humble, + touched with awe. Incredible as it might seem, when John Edstrom talked + about his cruel experiences, it was without bitterness in his voice, and + apparently without any in his heart. Here, in the midst of want and + desolation, with his family broken and scattered, and the wolf of + starvation at his door, he could look back upon the past without hatred of + those who had ruined him. Nor was this because he was old and feeble, and + had lost the spirit of revolt; it was because he had studied economics, + and convinced himself that it was an evil system which blinded men's eyes + and poisoned their souls. A better day was coming, he said, when this evil + system would be changed, and it would be possible for men to be merciful + to one another. + </p> + <p> + At this point in the conversation, Mary Burke gave voice once more to her + corroding despair. How could things ever be changed? The bosses were + mean-hearted, and the men were cowards and traitors. That left nobody but + God to do the changing—and God had left things as they were for such + a long time! + </p> + <p> + Hal was interested to hear how Edstrom dealt with this attitude. “Mary,” + he said, “did you ever read about ants in Africa?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “They travel in long columns, millions and millions of them. And when they + come to a ditch, the front ones fall in, and more and more of them on top, + till they fill up the ditch, and the rest cross over. We are ants, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter how many go in,” cried the girl, “none will ever get across. + There's no bottom to the ditch!” + </p> + <p> + He answered: “That's more than any ant can know. Mary. All they know is to + go in. They cling to each other's bodies, even in death; they make a + bridge, and the rest go over.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll step one side!” she declared, fiercely. “I'll not throw meself + away.” + </p> + <p> + “You may step one side,” answered the other—“but you'll step back + into line again. I know you better than you know yourself, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the little cabin. The winds of an early fall shrilled + outside, and life suddenly seemed to Hal a stern and merciless thing. He + had thought in his youthful fervour it would be thrilling to be a + revolutionist; but to be an ant, one of millions and millions, to perish + in a bottomless ditch—that was something a man could hardly bring + himself to face! He looked at the bowed figure of this white haired + toiler, vague in the feeble lamplight, and found himself thinking of + Rembrandt's painting, the Visit of Emmaus: the ill-lighted room in the + dirty tavern, and the two ragged men, struck dumb by the glow of light + about the forehead of their table-companion. It was not fantastic to + imagine a glow of light about the forehead of this soft-voiced old man! + </p> + <p> + “I never had any hope it would come in my time,” the old man was saying + gently. “I did use to hope my boys might see it—but now I'm not sure + even of that. But in all my life I never doubted that some day the + working-people will cross over to the promised land. They'll no longer be + slaves, and what they make won't be wasted by idlers. And take it from one + who knows, Mary—for a workingman or woman not to have that faith, is + to have lost the reason for living.” + </p> + <p> + Hal decided that it would be safe to trust this man, and told him of his + check-weighman plan. “We only want your advice,” he explained, remembering + Mary's warning. “Your sick wife—” + </p> + <p> + But the old man answered, sadly, “She's almost gone, and I'll soon be + following. What little strength I have left might as well be used for the + cause.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 5. + </h3> + <p> + This business of conspiracy was grimly real to men whose living came out + of coal; but Hal, even at the most serious moments, continued to find in + it the thrill of romance. He had read stories of revolutionists, and of + the police who hunted them. That such excitements were to be had in + Russia, he knew; but if any one had told him they could be had in his own + free America, within a few hours' journey of his home city and his + college-town, he could not have credited the statement. + </p> + <p> + The evening after his visit to Edstrom, Hal was stopped on the street by + his boss. Encountering him suddenly, Hal started, like a pick-pocket who + runs into a policeman. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, kid,” said the pit-boss. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Mr. Stone,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “I want to talk to you,” said the boss. + </p> + <p> + “All right, sir.” And then, under his breath, “He's got me!” + </p> + <p> + “Come up to my house,” said Stone; and Hal followed, feeling as if + hand-cuffs were already on his wrists. + </p> + <p> + “Say,” said the man, as they walked, “I thought you were going to tell me + if you'd heard any talk.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't heard any, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued Stone, “you want to get busy; there's sure to be kickers + in every coal-camp.” And deep within, Hal drew a sigh of relief. It was a + false alarm! + </p> + <p> + They came to the boss's house, and he took a chair on the piazza and + motioned Hal to take another. They sat in semi-darkness, and Stone dropped + his voice as he began. “What I want to talk to you about now is something + else—this election.” + </p> + <p> + “Election, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you know there was one? The Congressman in this district died, and + there's a special election three weeks from next Tuesday.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, sir.” And Hal chuckled inwardly. He would get the information + which Tom Olson had recommended to him! + </p> + <p> + “You ain't heard any talk about it?” inquired the pit-boss. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at all, sir. I never pay much attention to politics—it + ain't in my line.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's the way I like to hear a miner talk!” said the pit-boss, + with heartiness. “If they all had sense enough to leave politics to the + politicians, they'd be a sight better off. What they need is to tend to + their own jobs.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” agreed Hal, meekly—“like I had to tend to them mules, if + I didn't want to get the colic.” + </p> + <p> + The boss smiled appreciatively. “You've got more sense than most of 'em. + If you'll stand by me, there'll be a chance for you to move up in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Stone,” said Hal. “Give me a chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well now, here's this election. Every year they send us a bunch of + campaign money to handle. A bit of it might come your way.” + </p> + <p> + “I could use it, I reckon,” said Hal, brightening visibly. “What is it you + want?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, while Stone puffed on his pipe. He went on, in a + business-like manner. “What I want is somebody to feel things out a bit, + and let me know the situation. I thought it better not to use the men that + generally work for me, but somebody that wouldn't be suspected. Down in + Sheridan and Pedro they say the Democrats are making a big stir, and the + company's worried. I suppose you know the 'G. F. C.' is Republican.” + </p> + <p> + “I've heard so.” + </p> + <p> + “You might think a congressman don't have much to do with us, way off in + Washington; but it has a bad effect to have him campaigning, telling the + men the company's abusing them. So I'd like you just to kind o' circulate + a bit, and start the men on politics, and see if any of them have been + listening to this MacDougall talk. (MacDougall's this here Democrat, you + know.) And I want to find out whether they've been sending in literature + to this camp, or have any agents here. You see, they claim the right to + come in and make speeches, and all that sort of thing. North Valley's an + incorporated town, so they've got the law on their side, in a way, and if + we shut 'em out, they make a howl in the papers, and it looks bad. So we + have to get ahead of them in quiet ways. Fortunately there ain't any hall + in the camp for them to meet in, and we've made a local ordinance against + meetings on the street. If they try to bring in circulars, something has + to happen to them before they get distributed. See?” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Hal; he thought of Tom Olson's propaganda literature! + </p> + <p> + “We'll pass the word out,—it's the Republican the company wants + elected; and you be on the lookout and see how they take it in the camp.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds easy enough,” said Hal. “But tell me, Mr. Stone, why do you + bother? Do so many of these wops have votes?” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't the wops so much. We get them naturalised on purpose—they + vote our way for a glass of beer. But the English-speaking men, or the + foreigners that's been here too long, and got too big for their breeches—they're + the ones we got to watch. If they get to talking politics, they don't stop + there; the first thing you know, they're listening to union agitators, and + wanting to run the camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I see!” said Hal, and wondered if his voice sounded right. + </p> + <p> + But the pit-boss was concerned with his own troubles. “As I told Si Adams + the other day, what I'm looking for is fellows that talk some new lingo—one + that nobody will ever understand! But I suppose that would be too easy. + There's no way to keep them from learning some English!” + </p> + <p> + Hal decided to make use of this opportunity to perfect his education. + “Surely, Mr. Stone,” he remarked, “you don't have to count any votes if + you don't want to!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you,” replied Stone; “it's a question of the easiest way + to manage things. When I was superintendent over to Happy Gulch, we didn't + waste no time on politics. The company was Democratic at that time, and + when election night come, we wrote down four hundred votes for the + Democratic candidates. But the first thing we knew, a bunch of fellers was + taken into town and got to swear they'd voted the Republican ticket in our + camp. The Republican papers were full of it, and some fool judge ordered a + recount, and we had to get busy over night and mark up a new lot of + ballots. It gave us a lot of bother!” + </p> + <p> + The pit-boss laughed, and Hal joined him discreetly. + </p> + <p> + “So you see, you have to learn to manage. If there's votes for the wrong + candidate in your camp, the fact gets out, and if the returns is too + one-sided, there's a lot of grumbling. There's plenty of bosses that don't + care, but I learned my lesson that time, and I got my own method—that + is not to let any opposition start. See?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe a mine-boss has got no right to meddle in politics—but + there's one thing he's got the say about, and that is who works in his + mine. It's the easiest thing to weed out—weed out—” Hal never + forgot the motion of beefy hands with which Alec Stone illustrated these + words. As he went on, the tones of his voice did not seem so good-natured + as usual. “The fellows that don't want to vote my way can go somewhere + else to do their voting. That's all I got to say on politics!” + </p> + <p> + There was a brief pause, while Stone puffed on his pipe. Then it may have + occurred to him that it was not necessary to go into so much detail in + breaking in a political recruit. When he resumed, it was in a good-natured + tone of dismissal. “That's what you do, kid. To-morrow you get a sprained + wrist, so you can't work for a few days, and that'll give you a chance to + bum round and hear what the men are saying. Meantime, I'll see you get + your wages.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds all right,” said Hal; but showing only a small part of his + satisfaction! + </p> + <p> + The pit-boss rose from his chair and knocked the ashes from his pipe. + “Mind you—I want the goods. I've got other fellows working, and I'm + comparing 'em. For all you know, I may have somebody watching you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal, and grinned cheerfully. “I'll not fail to bear that in + mind.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 6. + </h3> + <p> + The first thing Hal did was to seek out Tom Olson and narrate this + experience. The two of them had a merry time over it. “I'm the favourite + of a boss now!” laughed Hal. + </p> + <p> + But the organiser became suddenly serious. “Be careful what you do for + that fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “He might use it on you later on. One of the things they try to do if you + make any trouble for them, is to prove that you took money from them, or + tried to.” + </p> + <p> + “But he won't have any proofs.” + </p> + <p> + “That's my point—don't give him any. If Stone says you've been + playing the political game for him, then some fellow might remember that + you did ask him about politics. So don't have any marked money on you.” + </p> + <p> + Hal laughed. “Money doesn't stay on me very long these days. But what + shall I say if he asks me for a report?” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better put your job right through, Joe—so that he won't have + time to ask for any report.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” was the reply. “But just the same, I'm going to get all the + fun there is, being the favourite of a boss!” + </p> + <p> + And so, early the next morning when Hal went to his work he proceeded to + “sprain his wrist.” He walked about in pain, to the great concern of Old + Mike; and when finally he decided that he would have to lay off, Mike + followed him half way to the shaft, giving him advice about hot and cold + cloths. Leaving the old Slovak to struggle along as best he could alone, + Hal went out to bask in the wonderful sunshine of the upper world, and the + still more wonderful sunshine of a boss's favour. + </p> + <p> + First he went to his room at Reminitsky's, and tied a strip of old shirt + about his wrist, and a clean handkerchief on top of that; by this symbol + he was entitled to the freedom of the camp and the sympathy of all men, + and so he sallied forth. + </p> + <p> + Strolling towards the tipple of Number One, he encountered a wiry, + quick-moving little man, with restless black eyes and a lean, intelligent + face. He wore a pair of common miner's “jumpers,” but even so, he was not + to be taken for a workingman. Everything about him spoke of authority. + </p> + <p> + “Morning, Mr. Cartwright,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” replied the superintendent; then, with a glance at Hal's + bandage, “You hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. Just a bit of sprain, but I thought I'd better lay off.” + </p> + <p> + “Been to the doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I don't think it's that bad.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better go. You never know how bad a sprain is.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, sir,” said Hal. Then, as the superintendent was passing, “Do you + think, Mr. Cartwright, that MacDougall stands any chance of being + elected?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” replied the other, surprised. “I hope not. You aren't + going to vote for him, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. I'm a Republican—born that way. But I wondered if you'd + heard any MacDougall talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm hardly the one that would hear it. You take an interest in + politics?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir—in a way. In fact, that's how I came to get this wrist.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that? In a fight?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; but you see, Mr. Stone wanted me to feel out sentiment in the + camp, and he told me I'd better sprain my wrist and lay off.” + </p> + <p> + The “super,” after staring at Hal, could not keep from laughing. Then he + looked about him. “You want to be careful, talking about such things.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I could surely trust the superintendent,” said Hal, drily. + </p> + <p> + The other measured him with his keen eyes; and Hal, who was getting the + spirit of political democracy, took the liberty of returning the gaze. + “You're a wide-awake young fellow,” said Cartwright, at last. “Learn the + ropes here, and make yourself useful, and I'll see you're not passed + over.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, sir—thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe you'll be made an election-clerk this time. That's worth three + dollars a day, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, sir.” And Hal put on his smile again. “They tell me you're the + mayor of North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “I am.” + </p> + <p> + “And the justice of the peace is a clerk in your store. Well, Mr. + Cartwright, if you need a president of the board of health or a dog + catcher, I'm your man—as soon, that is, as my wrist gets well.” + </p> + <p> + And so Hal went on his way. Such “joshing” on the part of a “buddy” was of + course absurdly presumptuous; the superintendent stood looking after him + with a puzzled frown upon his face. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 7. + </h3> + <p> + Hal did not look back, but turned into the company-store. “North Valley + Trading Company” read the sign over the door; within was a Serbian woman + pointing out what she wanted to buy, and two little Lithuanian girls + watching the weighing of a pound of sugar. Hal strolled up to the person + who was doing the weighing, a middle-aged man with a yellow moustache + stained with tobacco-juice. “Morning, Judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Huh!” was the reply from Silas Adams, justice of the peace in the town of + North Valley. + </p> + <p> + “Judge,” said Hal, “what do you think about the election?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think about it,” said the other. “Busy weighin' sugar.” + </p> + <p> + “Anybody round here going to vote for MacDougall?” + </p> + <p> + “They better not tell me if they are!” + </p> + <p> + “What?” smiled Hal. “In this free American republic?” + </p> + <p> + “In this part of the free American republic a man is free to dig coal, but + not to vote for a skunk like MacDougall.” Then, having tied up the sugar, + the “J. P.” whittled off a fresh chew from his plug, and turned to Hal. + “What'll you have?” + </p> + <p> + Hal purchased half a pound of dried peaches, so that he might have an + excuse to loiter, and be able to keep time with the jaws of the Judge. + While the order was being filled, he seated himself upon the counter. “You + know,” said he, “I used to work in a grocery.” + </p> + <p> + “That so? Where at?” + </p> + <p> + “Peterson & Co., in American City.” Hal had told this so often that he + had begun to believe it. + </p> + <p> + “Pay pretty good up there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, pretty fair.” Then, realising that he had no idea what would + constitute good pay in a grocery, Hal added, quickly, “Got a bad wrist + here!” + </p> + <p> + “That so?” said the other. + </p> + <p> + He did not show much sociability; but Hal persisted, refusing to believe + that any one in a country store would miss an opening to discuss politics, + even with a miner's helper. “Tell me,” said he, “just what is the matter + with MacDougall?” + </p> + <p> + “The matter with him,” said the Judge, “is that the company's against + him.” He looked hard at the young miner. “You meddlin' in politics?” he + growled. But the young miner's gay brown eyes showed only appreciation of + the earlier response; so the “J. P.” was tempted into specifying the + would-be congressman's vices. Thus conversation started; and pretty soon + the others in the store joined in—“Bob” Johnson, bookkeeper and + post-master, and “Jake” Predovich, the Galician Jew who was a member of + the local school-board, and knew the words for staple groceries in fifteen + languages. + </p> + <p> + Hal listened to an exposition of the crimes of the political opposition in + Pedro County. Their candidate, MacDougall, had come to the state as a + “tin-horn gambler,” yet now he was going around making speeches in + churches, and talking about the moral sentiment of the community. “And him + with a district chairman keeping three families in Pedro!” declared Si + Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” ventured Hal, “if what I hear is true, the Republican chairman + isn't a plaster saint. They say he was drunk at the convention—” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe so,” said the “J. P.” “But we ain't playin' for the prohibition + vote; and we ain't playin' for the labour vote—tryin' to stir up the + riff-raff in these coal-camps, promisin' 'em high wages an' short hours. + Don't he know he can't get it for 'em? But he figgers he'll go off to + Washington and leave us here to deal with the mess he's stirred up!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you fret,” put in Bob Johnson—“he ain't goin' to no + Washin'ton.” + </p> + <p> + The other two agreed, and Hal ventured again, “He says you stuff the + ballot-boxes.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you suppose his crowd is doin' in the cities? We got to meet 'em + some way, ain't we?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see,” said Hal, naïvely. “You stuff them worse!” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes we stuff the boxes, and sometimes we stuff the voters.” There + was an appreciative titter from the others, and the “J. P.” was moved to + reminiscence. “Two years ago I was election clerk, over to Sheridan, and + we found we'd let 'em get ahead of us—they had carried the whole + state. 'By God,' said Alf. Raymond, 'we'll show 'em a trick from the + coal-counties! And there won't be no recount business either!' So we held + back our returns till the rest had come in, and when we seen how many + votes we needed, we wrote 'em down. And that settled it.” + </p> + <p> + “That seems a simple method,” remarked Hal. “They'll have to get up early + to beat Alf.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet you!” said Si, with the complacency of one of the gang. “They + call this county the 'Empire of Raymond.'” + </p> + <p> + “It must be a cinch,” said Hal—“being the sheriff, and having the + naming of so many deputies as they need in these coal-camps!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed the other. “And there's his wholesale liquor business, too. + If you want a license in Pedro county, you not only vote for Alf, but you + pay your bills on time!” + </p> + <p> + “Must be a fortune in that!” remarked Hal; and the Judge, the Post-master + and the School-commissioner appeared like children listening to a story of + a feast. “You bet you!” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it takes money to run politics in this county,” Hal added. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Alf don't put none of it up, you can bet! That's the company's + job.” + </p> + <p> + This from the Judge; and the School-commissioner added, “De coin in dese + camps is beer.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see!” laughed Hal. “The companies buy Alf's beer, and use it to get + him votes!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure thing!” said the Post-master. + </p> + <p> + At this moment he happened to reach into his pocket for a cigar, and Hal + observed a silver shield on the breast of his waistcoat. “That a deputy's + badge?” he inquired, and then turned to examine the School-commissioner's + costume. “Where's yours?” + </p> + <p> + “I git mine ven election comes,” said Jake, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “And yours, Judge?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a justice of the peace, young feller,” said Silas, with dignity. + </p> + <p> + Leaning round, and observing a bulge on the right hip of the + School-commissioner, Hal put out his hand towards it. Instinctively the + other moved his hand to the spot. + </p> + <p> + Hal turned to the Post-master. “Yours?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Mine's under the counter,” grinned Bob. + </p> + <p> + “And yours, Judge?” + </p> + <p> + “Mine's in the desk,” said the Judge. + </p> + <p> + Hal drew a breath. “Gee!” said he. “It's like a steel trap!” He managed to + keep the laugh on his face, but within he was conscious of other feelings + than those of amusement. He was losing that “first fine careless rapture” + with which he had set out to run with the hare and the hounds in North + Valley! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 8. + </h3> + <p> + Two days after this beginning of Hal's political career, it was arranged + that the workers who were to make a demand for a check-weighman should + meet in the home of Mrs. David. When Mike Sikoria came up from the pit + that day, Hal took him aside and told him of the gathering. A look of + delight came upon the old Slovak's face as he listened; he grabbed his + buddy by the shoulders, crying, “You mean it?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure meant it,” said Hal. “You want to be on the committee to go and see + the boss?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Pluha biedna</i>!” cried Mike—which is something dreadful in his + own language. “By Judas, I pack up my old box again!” + </p> + <p> + Hal felt a guilty pang. Should he let this old man into the thing? “You + think you'll have to move out of camp?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Move out of state this time! Move back to old country, maybe!” And Hal + realised that he could not stop him now, even if he wanted to. The old + fellow was so much excited that he hardly ate any supper, and his buddy + was afraid to leave him alone, for fear he might blurt out the news. + </p> + <p> + It had been agreed that those who attended the meeting should come one by + one, and by different routes. Hal was one of the first to arrive, and he + saw that the shades of the house had been drawn, and the lamps turned low. + He entered by the back door, where “Big Jack” David stood on guard. “Big + Jack,” who had been a member of the South Wales Federation at home, made + sure of Hal's identity, and then passed him in without a word. + </p> + <p> + Inside was Mike—the first on hand. Mrs. David, a little black-eyed + woman with a never-ceasing tongue, was bustling about, putting things in + order; she was so nervous that she could not sit still. This couple had + come from their birth-place only a year or so ago, and had brought all + their wedding presents to their new home—pictures and bric-a-brac + and linen. It was the prettiest home Hal had so far been in, and Mrs. + David was risking it deliberately, because of her indignation that her + husband had had to foreswear his union in order to get work in America. + </p> + <p> + The young Italian, Rovetta, came, then old John Edstrom. There being not + chairs enough in the house, Mrs. David had set some boxes against the + wall, covering them with cloth; and Hal noticed that each person took one + of these boxes, leaving the chairs for the later comers. Each one as he + came in would nod to the others, and then silence would fall again. + </p> + <p> + When Mary Burke entered, Hal divined from her aspect and manner that she + had sunk back into her old mood of pessimism. He felt a momentary + resentment. He was so thrilled with this adventure; he wanted everybody + else to be thrilled—especially Mary! Like every one who has not + suffered much, he was repelled by a condition of perpetual suffering in + another. Of course Mary had good reasons for her black moods—but she + herself considered it necessary to apologise for what she called her + “complainin'”! She knew that he wanted her to help encourage the others; + but here she was, putting herself in a corner and watching this wonderful + proceeding, as if she had said: “I'm an ant, and I stay in line—but + I'll not pretend I have any hope in it!” + </p> + <p> + Rosa and Jerry had insisted on coming, in spite of Hal's offer to spare + them. After them came the Bulgarian, Wresmak; then the Polacks, Klowoski + and Zamierowski. Hal found these difficult names to remember, but the + Polacks were not at all sensitive about this; they would grin + good-naturedly while he practised, nor would they mind if he gave it up + and called them Tony and Pete. They were humble men, accustomed all their + lives to being driven about. Hal looked from one to another of their bowed + forms and toil-worn faces, appearing more than ever sombre and mournful in + the dim light; he wondered if the cruel persecution which had driven them + to protest would suffice to hold them in line. + </p> + <p> + Once a newcomer, having misunderstood the orders, came to the front door + and knocked; and Hal noted that every one started, and some rose to their + feet in alarm. Again he recognised the atmosphere of novels of Russian + revolutionary life. He had to remind himself that these men and women, + gathered here like criminals, were merely planning to ask for a right + guaranteed them by the law! + </p> + <p> + The last to come was an Austrian miner named Huszar, with whom Olson had + got into touch. Then, it being time to begin, everybody looked uneasily at + everybody else. Few of them had conspired before, and they did not know + quite how to set about it. Olson, the one who would naturally have been + their leader, had deliberately stayed away. They must run this + check-weighman affair for themselves! + </p> + <p> + “Somebody talk,” said Mrs. David at last; and then, as the silence + continued, she turned to Hal. “You're going to be the check-weighman. You + talk.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm the youngest man here,” said Hal, with a smile. “Some older fellow + talk.” + </p> + <p> + But nobody else smiled. “Go on!” exclaimed old Mike; and so at last Hal + stood up. It was something he was to experience many times in the future; + because he was an American, and educated, he was forced into a position of + leadership. + </p> + <p> + “As I understand it, you people want a check-weighman. Now, they tell me + the pay for a check-weighman should be three dollars a day, but we've got + only seven miners among us, and that's not enough. I will offer to take + the job for twenty-five cents a day from each man, which will make a + dollar-seventy-five, less than what I'm getting now as a buddy. If we get + thirty men to come in, then I'll take ten cents a day from each, and make + the full three dollars. Does that seem fair?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure!” said Mike; and the others added their assent by word or nod. + </p> + <p> + “All right. Now, there's nobody that works in this mine but knows the men + don't get their weight. It would cost the company several hundred dollars + a day to give us our weight, and nobody should be so foolish as to imagine + they'll do it without a struggle. We've got to make up our minds to stand + together.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, stand together!” cried Mike. + </p> + <p> + “No get check-weighman!” exclaimed Jerry, pessimistically. + </p> + <p> + “Not unless we try, Jerry,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + And Mike thumped his knee. “Sure try! And get him too!” + </p> + <p> + “Right!” cried “Big Jack.” But his little wife was not satisfied with the + response of the others. She gave Hal his first lesson in the drilling of + these polyglot masses. + </p> + <p> + “Talk to them. Make them understand you!” And she pointed them out one by + one with her finger: “You! You! Wresmak, here, and you, Klowoski, and you, + Zam—you other Polish fellow. Want check-weighman. Want to get all + weight. Get all our money. Understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “Get committee, go see super! Want check-weighman. Understand? Got to have + check-weighman! No back down, no scare.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no scare!” Klowoski, who understood some English, explained + rapidly to Zamierowski; and Zamierowski, whose head was still plastered + where Jeff Cotton's revolver had hit it, nodded eagerly in assent. In + spite of his bruises, he would stand by the others, and face the boss. + </p> + <p> + This suggested another question. “Who's going to do the talking to the + boss?” + </p> + <p> + “You do that,” said Mrs. David, to Hal. + </p> + <p> + “But I'm the one that's to be paid. It's not for me to talk.” + </p> + <p> + “No one else can do it right,” declared the woman. + </p> + <p> + “Sure—got to be American feller!” said Mike. + </p> + <p> + But Hal insisted. If he did the talking, it would look as if the + check-weighman had been the source of the movement, and was engaged in + making a good paying job for himself. + </p> + <p> + There was discussion back and forth, until finally John Edstrom spoke up. + “Put me on the committee.” + </p> + <p> + “You?” said Hal. “But you'll be thrown out! And what will your wife do?” + </p> + <p> + “I think my wife is going to die to-night,” said Edstrom, simply. + </p> + <p> + He sat with his lips set tightly, looking straight before him. After a + pause he went on: “If it isn't to-night, it will be to-morrow, the doctor + says; and after that, nothing will matter. I shall have to go down to + Pedro to bury her, and if I have to stay, it will make little difference + to me, so I might as well do what I can for the rest of you. I've been a + miner all my life, and Mr. Cartwright knows it; that might have some + weight with him. Let Joe Smith and Sikoria and myself be the ones to go + and see him, and the rest of you wait, and don't give up your jobs unless + you have to.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 9. + </h3> + <p> + Having settled the matter of the committee, Hal told the assembly how Alec + Stone had asked him to spy upon the men. He thought they should know about + it; the bosses might try to use it against him, as Olson had warned. “They + may tell you I'm a traitor,” he said. “You must trust me.” + </p> + <p> + “We trust you!” exclaimed Mike, with fervour; and the others nodded their + agreement. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” Hal answered. “You can rest sure of this one thing—if I + get onto that tipple, you're going to get your weights!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear, hear!” cried “Big Jack,” in English fashion. And a murmur ran about + the room. They did not dare make much noise, but they made clear that that + was what they wanted. + </p> + <p> + Hal sat down, and began to unroll the bandage from his wrist. “I guess I'm + through with this,” he said, and explained how he had come to wear it. + </p> + <p> + “What?” cried Old Mike. “You fool me like that?” And he caught the wrist, + and when he had made sure there was no sign of swelling upon it, he shook + it so that he almost sprained it really, laughing until the tears ran down + his cheeks. “You old son-of-a-gun!” he exclaimed. Meantime Klowoski was + telling the story to Zamierowski, and Jerry Minetti was explaining it to + Wresmak, in the sort of pidgin-English which does duty in the camps. Hal + had never seen such real laughter since coming to North Valley. + </p> + <p> + But conspirators cannot lend themselves long to merriment. They came back + to business again. It was agreed that the hour for the committee's visit + to the superintendent should be quitting-time on the morrow. And then John + Edstrom spoke, suggesting that they should agree upon their course of + action in case they were offered violence. + </p> + <p> + “You think there's much chance of that?” said some one. + </p> + <p> + “Sure there be!” cried Mike Sikoria. “One time in Cedar Mountain we go see + boss, say air-course blocked. What you think he do them fellers? He hit + them one lick in nose, he kick them three times in behind, he run them + out!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “if there's going to be anything like that, we must be + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “What you do?” demanded Jerry. + </p> + <p> + It was time for Hal's leadership. “If he hits me one lick in the nose,” he + declared, “I'll hit him one lick in the nose, that's all.” + </p> + <p> + There was a bit of applause at this. That was the way to talk! Hal tasted + the joys of his leadership. But then his fine self-confidence met with a + sudden check—a “lick in the nose” of his pride, so to speak. There + came a woman's voice from the corner, low and grim: “Yes! And get ye'self + killed for all your trouble!” + </p> + <p> + He looked towards Mary Burke, and saw her vivid face, flushed and + frowning. “What do you mean?” he asked. “Would you have us turn and run + away?” + </p> + <p> + “I would that!” said she. “Rather than have ye killed, I would! What'll ye + do if he pulls his gun on ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Would he pull his gun on a committee?” + </p> + <p> + Old Mike broke in again. “One time in Barela—ain't I told you how I + lose my cars? I tell weigh-boss somebody steal my cars, and he pull gun on + me, and he say, 'Get the hell off that tipple, you old billy-goat, I shoot + you full of holes!'” + </p> + <p> + Among his class-mates at college, Hal had been wont to argue that the + proper way to handle a burglar was to call out to him, saying, “Go ahead, + old chap, and help yourself; there's nothing here I'm willing to get shot + for.” What was the value of anything a burglar could steal, in comparison + with a man's own life? And surely, one would have thought, this was a good + time to apply the plausible theory. But for some reason Hal failed even to + remember it. He was going ahead, precisely as if a ton of coal per day was + the one thing of consequence in life! + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do?” he asked. “We don't want to back out.” + </p> + <p> + But even while he asked the question, Hal was realising that Mary was + right. His was the attitude of the leisure-class person, used to having + his own way; but Mary, though she had a temper too, was pointing the + lesson of self-control. It was the second time to-night that she had + injured his pride. But now he forgave her in his admiration; he had always + known that Mary had a mind and could help him! His admiration was + increased by what John Edstrom was saying—they must do nothing that + would injure the cause of the “big union,” and so they must resolve to + offer no physical resistance, no matter what might be done to them. + </p> + <p> + There was vehement argument on the other side. “We fight! We fight!” + declared Old Mike, and cried out suddenly, as if in anticipation of the + pain in his injured nose. “You say me stand that?” + </p> + <p> + “If you fight back,” said Edstrom, “we'll all get the worst of it. The + company will say we started the trouble, and put us in the wrong. We've + got to make up our mind to rely on moral force.” + </p> + <p> + So, after more discussion, it was agreed; every man would keep his temper—that + is, if he could! So they shook hands all round, pledging themselves to + stand firm. But, when the meeting was declared adjourned, and they stole + out one by one into the night, they were a very sober and anxious lot of + conspirators. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 10. + </h3> + <p> + Hal slept but little that night. Amid the sounds of the snoring of eight + of Reminitsky's other boarders, he lay going over in his mind various + things which might happen on the morrow. Some of them were far from + pleasant things; he tried to picture himself with a broken nose, or with + tar and feathers on him. He recalled his theory as to the handling of + burglars. The “G. F. C.” was a burglar of gigantic and terrible + proportions; surely this was a time to call out, “Help yourself!” But + instead of doing it, Hal thought about Edstrom's ants, and wondered at the + power which made them stay in line. + </p> + <p> + When morning came, he went up into the mountains, where a man may wander + and renew his moral force. When the sun had descended behind the + mountain-tops, he descended also, and met Edstrom and Sikoria in front of + the company office. + </p> + <p> + They nodded a greeting, and Edstrom told Hal that his wife had died during + the day. There being no undertaker in North Valley, he had arranged for a + woman friend to take the body down to Pedro, so that he might be free for + the interview with Cartwright. Hal put his hand on the old man's shoulder, + but attempted no word of condolence; he saw that Edstrom had faced the + trouble and was ready for duty. + </p> + <p> + “Come ahead,” said the old man, and the three went into the office. While + a clerk took their message to the inner office, they stood for a couple of + minutes, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, and turning their + caps in their hands in the familiar manner of the lowly. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Cartwright appeared in the doorway, his small sparely-built + figure eloquent of sharp authority. “Well, what's this?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” said Edstrom, “we'd like to speak to you. We've decided, + sir, that we want to have a check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>What</i>?” The word came like the snap of a whip. + </p> + <p> + “We'd like to have a check-weighman, sir.” + </p> + <p> + There was a moment's silence. “Come in here.” They filed into the inner + office, and he shut the door. + </p> + <p> + “Now. What's this?” + </p> + <p> + Edstrom repeated his words again. + </p> + <p> + “What put that notion into your heads?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, sir; only we thought we'd be better satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “You think you're not getting your weight?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, you see—some of the men—we think it would be + better if we had the check-weighman. We're willing to pay for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's this check-weighman to be?” + </p> + <p> + “Joe Smith, here.” + </p> + <p> + Hal braced himself to meet the other's stare. “Oh! So it's you!” Then, + after a moment, “So that's why you were feeling so gay!” + </p> + <p> + Hal was not feeling in the least gay at the moment; but he forebore to say + so. There was a silence. + </p> + <p> + “Now, why do you fellows want to throw away your money?” The + superintendent started to argue with them, showing the absurdity of the + notion that they could gain anything by such a course. The mine had been + running for years on its present system, and there had never been any + complaint. The idea that a company as big and as responsible as the “G. F. + C.” would stoop to cheat its workers out of a few tons of coal! And so on, + for several minutes. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Cartwright,” said Edstrom, when the other had finished, “you know + I've worked all my life in mines, and most of it in this district. I am + telling you something I know when I say there is general dissatisfaction + throughout these camps because the men feel they are not getting their + weight. You say there has been no public complaint; you understand the + reason for this—” + </p> + <p> + “What is the reason?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Edstrom, gently, “maybe you don't know the reason—but + anyway we've decided that we want a check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + It was evident that the superintendent had been taken by surprise, and was + uncertain how to meet the issue. “You can imagine,” he said, at last, “the + company doesn't relish hearing that its men believe it's cheating them—” + </p> + <p> + “We don't say the company knows anything about it, Mr. Cartwright. It's + possible that some people may be taking advantage of us, without either + the company or yourself having anything to do with it. It's for your + protection as well as ours that a check-weighman is needed.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said the other, drily. His tone revealed that he was holding + himself in by an effort. “Very well,” he added, at last. “That's enough + about the matter, if your minds are made up. I'll give you my decision + later.” + </p> + <p> + This was a dismissal, and Mike Sikoria turned humbly, and started to the + door. But Edstrom was one of the ants that did not readily “step one + side”; and Mike took a glance at him, and then stepped back into line in a + hurry, as if hoping his delinquency had not been noted. + </p> + <p> + “If you please, Mr. Cartwright,” said Edstrom, “we'd like your decision, + so as to have the check-weighman start in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “What? You're in such a hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “There's no reason for delay, sir. We've selected our man, and we're ready + to pay him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are the men who are ready to pay him? Just you two” + </p> + <p> + “I am not at liberty to name the other men, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! So it's a secret movement!” + </p> + <p> + “In a way—yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said the superintendent, ominously. “And you don't care what the + company thinks about it!” + </p> + <p> + “It's not that, Mr. Cartwright, but we don't see anything for the company + to object to. It's a simple business arrangement—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it seems simple to you, it doesn't to me,” snapped the other. + And then, getting himself in hand, “Understand me, the company would not + have the least objection to the men making sure of their weights, if they + really think it's necessary. The company has always been willing to do the + right thing. But it's not a matter that can be settled off hand. I will + let you know later.” + </p> + <p> + Again they were dismissed, and again Old Mike turned, and Edstrom also. + But now another ant sprang into the ditch. “Just when will you be prepared + to let the check-weighman begin work, Mr. Cartwright?” asked Hal. + </p> + <p> + The superintendent gave him a sharp look, and again it could be seen that + he made a strong effort to keep his temper. “I'm not prepared to say,” he + replied. “I will let you know, as soon as convenient to me. That's all + now.” And as he spoke he opened the door, putting something into the + action that was a command. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Cartwright,” said Hal, “there's no law against our having a + check-weighman, is there?” + </p> + <p> + The look which these words drew from the superintendent showed that he + knew full well what the law was. Hal accepted this look as an answer, and + continued, “I have been selected by a committee of the men to act as their + check-weighman, and this committee has duly notified the company. That + makes me a check-weighman, I believe, Mr. Cartwright, and so all I have to + do is to assume my duties.” Without waiting for the superintendent's + answer, he walked to the door, followed by his somewhat shocked + companions. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 11. + </h3> + <p> + At the meeting on the night before it had been agreed to spread the news + of the check-weighman movement, for the sake of its propaganda value. So + now when the three men came out from the office, there was a crowd waiting + to know what had happened; men clamoured questions, and each one who got + the story would be surrounded by others eager to hear. Hal made his way to + the boarding-house, and when he had finished his supper, he set out from + place to place in the camp, telling the men about the check-weighman plan + and explaining that it was a legal right they were demanding. All this + while Old Mike stayed on one side of him, and Edstrom on the other; for + Tom Olson had insisted strenuously that Hal should not be left alone for a + moment. Evidently the bosses had given the same order; for when Hal came + out from Reminitsky's, there was “Jake” Predovich, the store-clerk, on the + fringe of the crowd, and he followed wherever Hal went, doubtless making + note of every one he spoke to. + </p> + <p> + They consulted as to where they were to spend the night. Old Mike was + nervous, taking the activities of the spy to mean that they were to be + thugged in the darkness. He told horrible stories of that sort of thing. + What could be an easier way for the company to settle the matter? They + would fix up some story; the world outside would believe they had been + killed in a drunken row, perhaps over some woman. This last suggestion + especially troubled Hal; he thought of the people at home. No, he must not + sleep in the village! And on the other hand he could not go down the + canyon, for if he once passed the gate, he might not be allowed to repass + it. + </p> + <p> + An idea occurred to him. Why not go <i>up</i> the canyon? There was no + stockade at the upper end of the village—nothing but wilderness and + rocks, without even a road. + </p> + <p> + “But where we sleep?” demanded Old Mike, aghast. + </p> + <p> + “Outdoors,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Pluha biedna</i>! And get the night air into my bones?” + </p> + <p> + “You think you keep the day air in your bones when you sleep inside?” + laughed Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't I, when I shut them windows tight, and cover up my bones?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, risk the night air once,” said Hal. “It's better than having + somebody let it into you with a knife.” + </p> + <p> + “But that fellow Predovich—he follow us up canyon too!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he's only one man, and we don't have to fear him. If he went + back for others, he'd never be able to find us in the darkness.” + </p> + <p> + Edstrom, whose notions of anatomy were not so crude as Mike's, gave his + support to this suggestion; so they got their blankets and stumbled up the + canyon in the still, star-lit night. For a while they heard the spy behind + them, but finally his footsteps died away, and after they had moved on for + some distance, they believed they were safe till daylight. Hal had slept + out many a night as a hunter, but it was a new adventure to sleep out as + the game! + </p> + <p> + At dawn they rose, and shook the dew from their blankets, and wiped it + from their eyes. Hal was young, and saw the glory of the morning, while + poor Mike Sikoria groaned and grumbled over his stiff and aged joints. He + thought he had ruined himself forever, but he took courage at Edstrom's + mention of coffee, and they hurried down to breakfast at their + boarding-house. + </p> + <p> + Now came a critical time, when Hal had to be left by himself. Edstrom was + obliged to go down to see to his wife's funeral; and it was obvious that + if Mike Sikoria were to lay off work, he would be providing the boss with + an excuse for firing him. The law which provided for a check-weighman had + failed to provide for a check-weighman's body-guard! + </p> + <p> + Hal had announced his programme in that flash of defiance in Cartwright's + office. As soon as work started up, he went to the tipple. “Mr. Peters,” + he said, to the tipple-boss, “I've come to act as check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + The tipple-boss was a man with a big black moustache, which made him look + like the pictures of Nietzsche. He stared at Hal, frankly dumbfounded. + “What the devil?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the men have chosen me check-weighman,” explained Hal, in a + business-like manner. “When their cars come up, I'll see to their + weights.” + </p> + <p> + “You keep off this tipple, young fellow!” said Peters. His manner was + equally business-like. + </p> + <p> + So the would-be check-weighman came out and sat on the steps to wait. The + tipple was a fairly public place, and he judged he was as safe there as + anywhere. Some of the men grinned and winked at him as they went about + their work; several found a chance to whisper words of encouragement. And + all morning he sat, like a protestant at the palace-gates of a mandarin in + China, It was tedious work, but he believed that he would be able to stand + it longer than the company. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 12. + </h3> + <p> + In the middle of the morning a man came up to him—“Bud” Adams, a + younger brother of the “J. P.,” and Jeff Cotton's assistant. Bud was + stocky, red-faced, and reputed to be handy with his fists. So Hal rose up + warily when he saw him. + </p> + <p> + “Hey, you,” said Bud. “There's a telegram at the office for you.” + </p> + <p> + “For me?” + </p> + <p> + “Your name's Joe Smith, ain't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's what it says.” + </p> + <p> + Hal considered for a moment. There was no one to be telegraphing Joe + Smith. It was only a ruse to get him away. + </p> + <p> + “What's in the telegram?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “How do I know?” said Bud. + </p> + <p> + “Where is it from?” + </p> + <p> + “I dunno that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “you might bring it to me here.” + </p> + <p> + The other's eyes flew open. This was not a revolt, it was a revolution! + “Who the hell's messenger boy do you think I am?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Don't the company deliver telegrams?” countered Hal, politely. And Bud + stood struggling with his human impulses, while Hal watched him + cautiously. But apparently those who had sent the messenger had given him + precise instructions; for he controlled his wrath, and turned and strode + away. + </p> + <p> + Hal continued his vigil. He had his lunch with him; and was prepared to + eat alone—understanding the risk that a man would be running who + showed sympathy with him. He was surprised, therefore, when Johannson, the + giant Swede, came and sat down by his side. There also came a young + Mexican labourer, and a Greek miner. The revolution was spreading! + </p> + <p> + Hal felt sure the company would not let this go on. And sure enough, + towards the middle of the afternoon, the tipple-boss came out and beckoned + to him. “Come here, you!” And Hal went in. + </p> + <p> + The “weigh-room” was a fairly open place; but at one side was a door into + an office. “This way,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + But Hal stopped where he was. + </p> + <p> + “This is where the check-weighman belongs, Mr. Peters.” + </p> + <p> + “But I want to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I can hear you, sir.” Hal was in sight of the men, and he knew that was + his only protection. + </p> + <p> + The tipple-boss went back into the office; and a minute later Hal saw what + had been intended. The door opened and Alec Stone came out. + </p> + <p> + He stood for a moment looking at his political henchman. Then he came up. + “Kid,” he said, in a low voice, “you're overdoing this. I didn't intend + you to go so far.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not what you intended, Mr. Stone,” answered Hal. + </p> + <p> + The pit-boss came closer yet. “What you looking for, kid? What you expect + to get out of this?” + </p> + <p> + Hal's gaze was unwavering. “Experience,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “You're feeling smart, sonny. But you'd better stop and realise what + you're up against. You ain't going to get away with it, you know; get that + through your head—you ain't going to get away with it. You'd better + come in and have a talk with me.” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know how it'll be, Smith? These little fires start up—but + we put 'em out. We know how to do it, we've got the machinery. It'll all + be forgotten in a week or two, and then where'll you be at? Can't you + see?” + </p> + <p> + As Hal still made no reply, the other's voice dropped lower. “I understand + your position. Just give me a nod, and it'll be all right. You tell the + men that you've watched the weights, and that they're all right. They'll + be satisfied, and you and me can fix it up later.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Stone,” said Hal, with intense gravity, “am I correct in the + impression that you are offering me a bribe?” + </p> + <p> + In a flash, the man's self-control vanished. He thrust his huge fist + within an inch of Hal's nose, and uttered a foul oath. But Hal did not + remove his nose from the danger-zone, and over the fist a pair of angry + brown eyes gazed at the pit-boss. “Mr. Stone, you had better realise this + situation. I am in dead earnest about this matter, and I don't think it + will be safe for you to offer me violence.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment or two the man continued to glare at Hal; but it appeared + that he, like Bud Adams, had been given instructions. He turned abruptly + and strode back into the office. + </p> + <p> + Hal stood for a bit, until he had made sure of his composure. After which + he strolled over towards the scales. A difficulty had occurred to him for + the first time—that he did not know anything about the working of + coal-scales. + </p> + <p> + But he was given no time to learn. The tipple-boss reappeared. “Get out of + here, fellow!” said he. + </p> + <p> + “But you invited me in,” remarked Hal, mildly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now I invite you out again.” + </p> + <p> + And so the protestant resumed his vigil at the mandarin's palace-gates. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 13. + </h3> + <p> + When the quitting-whistle blew, Mike Sikoria came quickly to join Hal and + hear what had happened. Mike was exultant, for several new men had come up + to him and offered to join the check-weighman movement. The old fellow was + not sure whether this was owing to his own eloquence as a propagandist, or + to the fine young American buddy he had; but in either case he was equally + proud. He gave Hal a note which had been slipped into his hand, and which + Hal recognised as coming from Tom Olson. The organiser reported that every + one in the camp was talking check-weighman, and so from a propaganda + standpoint they could count their move a success, no matter what the + bosses might do. He added that Hal should have a number of men stay with + him that night, so as to have witnesses if the company tried to “pull off + anything.” “And be careful of the new men,” he added; “one or two of them + are sure to be spies.” + </p> + <p> + Hal and Mike discussed their programme for the second night. Neither of + them were keen for sleeping out again—the old Slovak because of his + bones, and Hal because he saw there were now several spies following them + about. At Reminitsky's, he spoke to some of those who had offered their + support, and asked them if they would be willing to spend the night with + him in Edstrom's cabin. Not one shrank from this test of sincerity; they + all got their blankets, and repaired to the place, where Hal lighted the + lamp and held an impromptu check-weighman meeting—and incidentally + entertained himself with a spy-hunt! + </p> + <p> + One of the new-comers was a Pole named Wojecicowski; this, on top of + Zamierowski, caused Hal to give up all effort to call the Poles by their + names. “Woji” was an earnest little man, with a pathetic, tired face. He + explained his presence by the statement that he was sick of being robbed; + he would pay his share for a check-weighman, and if they fired him, all + right, he would move on, and to hell with them. After which declaration he + rolled up in a blanket and went to snoring on the floor of the cabin. That + did not seem to be exactly the conduct of a spy. + </p> + <p> + Another was an Italian, named Farenzena; a dark-browed and + sinister-looking fellow, who might have served as a villain in any + melodrama. He sat against the wall and talked in guttural tones, and Hal + regarded him with deep suspicion. It was not easy to understand his + English, but finally Hal managed to make out the story he was telling—that + he was in love with a “fanciulla,” and that the “fanciulla” was playing + with him. He had about made up his mind that she was a coquette, and not + worth bothering with, so he did not care any curses if they sent him down + the canyon. “Don't fight for fanciulla, fight for check-weighman!” he + concluded, with a growl. + </p> + <p> + Another volunteer was a Greek labourer, a talkative young chap who had sat + with Hal at lunch-time, and had given his name as Apostolikas. He entered + into fluent conversation with Hal, explaining how much interested he was + in the check-weighman plan; he wanted to know just what they were going to + do, what chance of success they thought they had, who had started the + movement and who was in it. Hal's replies took the form of little sermons + on working-class solidarity. Each time the man would start to “pump” him, + Hal would explain the importance of the present issue to the miners, how + they must stand by one another and make sacrifices for the good of all. + After he had talked abstract theories for half an hour, Apostolikas gave + up and moved on to Mike Sikoria, who, having been given a wink by Hal, + talked about “scabs,” and the dreadful things that honest workingmen would + do to them. When finally the Greek grew tired again, and lay down on the + floor, Hal moved over to Old Mike and whispered that the first name of + Apostolikas must be Judas! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 14. + </h3> + <p> + Old Mike went to sleep quickly; but Hal had not worked for several days, + and had exciting thoughts to keep him awake. He had been lying quiet for a + couple of hours, when he became aware that some one was moving in the + room. There was a lamp burning dimly, and through half-closed eyes he made + out one of the men lifting himself to a sitting position. At first he + could not be sure which one it was, but finally he recognised the Greek. + </p> + <p> + Hal lay motionless, and after a minute or so he stole another look and saw + the man crouching and listening, his hands still on the floor. Through + half opened eye-lids Hal continued to steal glimpses, while the other rose + and tip-toed towards him, stepping carefully over the sleeping forms. + </p> + <p> + Hal did his best to simulate the breathing of sleep: no easy matter, with + the man stooping over him, and a knife-thrust as one of the possibilities + of the situation. He took the chance, however; and after what seemed an + age, he felt the man's fingers lightly touch his side. They moved down to + his coat-pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Going to search me!” thought Hal; and waited, expecting the hand to + travel to other pockets. But after what seemed an interminable period, he + realised that Apostolikas had risen again, and was stepping back to his + place. In a minute more he had lain down, and all was still in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Hal's hand moved to the pocket, and his fingers slid inside. They touched + something, which he recognised instantly as a roll of bills. + </p> + <p> + “I see!” thought he. “A frame-up!” And he laughed to himself, his mind + going back to early boyhood—to a dilapidated trunk in the attic of + his home, containing story-books that his father had owned. He could see + them now, with their worn brown covers and crude pictures: “The Luck and + Pluck Series,” by Horatio Alger; “Live or Die,” “Rough and Ready,” etc. + How he had thrilled over the story of the country-boy who comes to the + city, and meets the villain who robs his employer's cash-drawer and drops + the key of it into the hero's pocket! Evidently some one connected with + the General Fuel Company had read Horatio Alger! + </p> + <p> + Hal realised that he could not be too quick about getting those bills out + of his pocket. He thought of returning them to “Judas,” but decided that + he would save them for Edstrom, who was likely to need money before long. + He gave the Greek half an hour to go to sleep, then with his pocket-knife + he gently picked out a hole in the cinders of the floor and buried the + money as best he could. After which he wormed his way to another place, + and lay thinking. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 15. + </h3> + <p> + Would they wait until morning, or would they come soon? He was inclined to + the latter guess, so he was only slightly startled when, an hour or two + later, he heard the knob of the cabin-door turned. A moment later came a + crash and the door was burst open, with the shoulder of a heavy man behind + it. + </p> + <p> + The room was in confusion in a second. Men sprang to their feet, crying + out; others sat up bewildered, still half asleep. The room was bright from + an electric torch in the hands of one of the invaders. “There's the + fellow!” cried a voice, which Hal instantly recognised as belonging to + Jeff Cotton, the camp-marshal. “Stick 'em up, there! You, Joe Smith!” Hal + did not wait to see the glint of the marshal's revolver. + </p> + <p> + There followed a silence. As this drama was being staged for the benefit + of the other men, it was necessary to give them time to get thoroughly + awake, and to get their eyes used to the light. Meantime Hal stood, his + hands in the air. Behind the torch he could make out the faces of the + marshal, Bud Adams, Alec Stone, Jake Predovich, and two or three others. + </p> + <p> + “Now, men,” said Cotton, at last, “you are some of the fellows that want a + check-weighman. And this is the man you chose. Is that right?” + </p> + <p> + There was no answer. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to show you the kind of fellow he is. He came to Mr. Stone here + and offered to sell you out.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie, men,” said Hal, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “He took some money from Mr. Stone to sell you out!” insisted the marshal. + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie,” said Hal, again. + </p> + <p> + “He's got that money now!” cried the other. + </p> + <p> + And Hal cried, in turn, “They are trying to frame something on me, boys! + Don't let them fool you!” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up,” commanded the marshal; then, to the men, “I'll show you. I + think he's got that money on him now. Jake, search him.” + </p> + <p> + The store-clerk advanced. + </p> + <p> + “Watch out, boys!” exclaimed Hal. “They will put something in my pockets.” + And then to Old Mike, who had started angrily forward, “It's all right, + Mike! Let them alone!” + </p> + <p> + “Jake, take off your coat,” ordered Cotton. “Roll up your sleeves. Show + your hands.” + </p> + <p> + It was for all the world like the performance of a prestidigitator. The + little Jew took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves above his elbows. + He exhibited his hands to the audience, turning them this way and that; + then, keeping them out in front of him, he came slowly towards Hal, like a + hypnotist about to put him to sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Watch him!” said Cotton. “He's got that money on him, I know.” + </p> + <p> + “Look sharp!” cried Hal. “If it isn't there, they'll put it there.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your hands up, young fellow,” commanded the marshal. “Keep back from + him there!” This last to Mike Sikoria and the other spectators, who were + pressing nearer, peering over one another's shoulders. + </p> + <p> + It was all very serious at the time, but afterwards, when Hal recalled the + scene, he laughed over the grotesque figure of Predovich searching his + pockets while keeping as far away from him as possible, so that every one + might know that the money had actually come out of Hal's pocket. The + searcher put his hands first in the inside pockets, then in the pockets of + Hal's shirt. Time was needed to build up this climax! + </p> + <p> + “Turn around,” commanded Cotton; and Hal turned, and the Jew went through + his trouser-pockets. He took out in turn Hal's watch, his comb and mirror, + his handkerchief; after examining them and holding them up, he dropped them + onto the floor. There was a breathless hush when he came to Hal's purse, + and proceeded to open it. Thanks to the greed of the company, there was + nothing in the purse but some small change. Predovich closed it and + dropped it to the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Wait now! He's not through!” cried the master of ceremonies. “He's got + that money somewhere, boys! Did you look in his side-pockets, Jake?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” said Jake. + </p> + <p> + “Look sharp!” cried the marshal; and every one craned forward eagerly, + while Predovich stooped down on one knee, and put his hand into one coat + pocket and then into the other. + </p> + <p> + He took his hand out again, and the look of dismay upon his face was so + obvious that Hal could hardly keep from laughing. “It ain't dere!” he + declared. + </p> + <p> + “What?” cried Cotton, and they stared at each other. “By God, he's got rid + of it!” + </p> + <p> + “There's no money on me, boys!” proclaimed Hal. “It's a job they are + trying to put over on us.” + </p> + <p> + “He's hid it!” shouted the marshal. “Find it, Jake!” + </p> + <p> + Then Predovich began to search again, swiftly, and with less circumstance. + He was not thinking so much about the spectators now, as about all that + good money gone for nothing! He made Hal take off his coat, and ripped + open the lining; he unbuttoned the trousers and felt inside; he thrust his + fingers down inside Hal's shoes. + </p> + <p> + But there was no money, and the searchers were at a standstill. “He took + twenty-five dollars from Mr. Stone to sell you out!” declared the marshal. + “He's managed to get rid of it somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” cried Hal, “they sent a spy in here, and told him to put money on + me.” He was looking at Apostolikas as he spoke; he saw the man start and + shrink back. + </p> + <p> + “That's him! He's a scab!” cried Old Mike. “He's got the money on him, I + bet!” And he made a move towards the Greek. + </p> + <p> + So the camp-marshal realised suddenly that it was time to ring down the + curtain on this drama. “That's enough of this foolishness,” he declared. + “Bring that fellow along here!” And in a flash a couple of the party had + seized Hal's wrists, and a third had grabbed him by the collar of his + shirt. Before the miners had time to realise what was happening, they had + rushed their prisoner out of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The quarter of an hour which followed was an uncomfortable one for the + would-be check-weighman. Outside, in the darkness, the camp-marshal was + free to give vent to his rage, and so was Alec Stone. They poured out + curses upon him, and kicked him and cuffed him as they went along. One of + the men who held his wrists twisted his arm, until he cried out with pain; + then they cursed him harder, and bade him hold his mouth. Down the dark + and silent street they went swiftly, and into the camp-marshal's office, + and upstairs to the room which served as the North Valley jail. Hal was + glad enough when they left him here, slamming the iron door behind them. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 16. + </h3> + <p> + It had been a crude and stupid plot, yet Hal realised that it was adapted + to the intelligence of the men for whom it was intended. But for the + accident that he had stayed awake, they would have found the money on him, + and next morning the whole camp would have heard that he had sold out. Of + course his immediate friends, the members of the committee, would not have + believed it; but the mass of the workers would have believed it, and so + the purpose of Tom Olson's visit to North Valley would have been balked. + Throughout the experiences which were to come to him, Hal retained his + vivid impression of that adventure; it served to him as a symbol of many + things. Just as the bosses had tried to bedevil him, to destroy his + influence with his followers, so later on he saw them trying to bedevil + the labour-movement, to confuse the intelligence of the whole country. + </p> + <p> + Now Hal was in jail. He went to the window and tried the bars—but + found that they had been made for such trials. Then he groped his way + about in the darkness, examining his prison, which proved to be a steel + cage built inside the walls of an ordinary room. In one corner was a + bench, and in another corner another bench, somewhat broader, with a + mattress upon it. Hal had read a little about jails—enough to cause + him to avoid this mattress. He sat upon the bare bench, and began to + think. + </p> + <p> + It is a fact that there is a peculiar psychology incidental to being in + jail; just as there is a peculiar psychology incidental to straining your + back and breaking your hands loading coal-cars in a five foot vein; and + another, and quite different psychology, produced by living at ease off + the labours of coal-miners. In a jail, you have first of all the sense of + being an animal; the animal side of your being is emphasised, the animal + passions of hatred and fear are called into prominence, and if you are to + escape being dominated by them, it can only be by intense and concentrated + effort of the mind. So, if you are a thinking man, you do a great deal of + thinking in a jail; the days are long, and the nights still longer—you + have time for all the thoughts you can have. + </p> + <p> + The bench was hard, and seemed to grow harder. There was no position in + which it could be made to grow soft. Hal got up and paced about, then he + lay down for a while, then got up and walked again; and all the while he + thought, and all the while the jail-psychology was being impressed upon + his mind. + </p> + <p> + First, he thought about his immediate problem. What were they going to do + to him? The obvious thing would be to put him out of camp, and so be done + with him; but would they rest content with that, in their irritation at + the trick he had played? Hal had heard vaguely of that native American + institution, the “third degree,” but had never had occasion to think of it + as a possibility in his own life. What a difference it made, to think of + it in that way! + </p> + <p> + Hal had told Tom Olson that he would not pledge himself to organise a + union, but that he would pledge himself to get a check-weighman; and Olson + had laughed, and seemed quite content—apparently assuming that it + would come to the same thing. And now, it rather seemed that Olson had + known what he was talking about. For Hal found his thoughts no longer + troubled with fears of labour union domination and walking delegate + tyranny; on the contrary, he became suddenly willing for the people of + North Valley to have a union, and to be as tyrannical as they knew how! + And in this change, though Hal had no idea of it, he was repeating an + experience common among reformers; many of whom begin as mild and + benevolent advocates of some obvious bit of justice, and under the + operation of the jail-psychology are made into blazing and determined + revolutionists. “Eternal spirit of the chainless mind,” says Byron. + “Greatest in dungeons Liberty thou art!” + </p> + <p> + The poet goes on to add that “When thy sons to fetters are confined—” + then “Freedom's fame finds wings on every wind.” And just as it was in + Chillon, so it seemed to be in North Valley. Dawn came, and Hal stood at + the window of his cell, and heard the whistle blow and saw the workers + going to their tasks, the toil-bent, pallid faced creatures of the + underworld, like a file of baboons in the half-light. He waved his hand to + them, and they stopped and stared, and then waved back; he realised that + every one of those men must be thinking about his imprisonment, and the + reason for it—and so the jail-psychology was being communicated to + them. If any of them cherished distrust of unions, or doubt of the need of + organisation in North Valley—that distrust and that doubt were being + dissipated! + </p> + <p> + —There was only one thing discouraging about the matter, as Hal + thought it over. Why should the bosses have left him here in plain sight, + when they might so easily have put him into an automobile, and whisked him + down to Pedro before daylight? Was it a sign of the contempt they felt for + their slaves? Did they count upon the sight of the prisoner in the window + to produce fear instead of resentment? And might it not be that they + understood their workers better than the would-be check-weighman? He + recalled Mary Burke's pessimism about them, and anxiety gnawed at his + soul; and—such is the operation of the jail-psychology—he + fought against this anxiety. He hated the company for its cynicism, he + clenched his hands and set his teeth, desiring to teach the bosses a + lesson, to prove to them that their workers were not slaves, but men! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 17. + </h3> + <p> + Toward the middle of the morning, Hal heard footsteps in the corridor + outside, and a man whom he did not know opened the barred door and set + down a pitcher of water and a tin plate with a hunk of bread on it. When + he started to leave, Hal spoke: “Just a minute, please.” + </p> + <p> + The other frowned at him. + </p> + <p> + “Can you give me any idea how long I am to stay in here?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “If I'm to be locked up,” said Hal, “I've certainly a right to know what + is the charge against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to blazes!” said the other, and slammed the door and went down the + corridor. + </p> + <p> + Hal went to the window again, and passed the time watching the people who + went by. Groups of ragged children gathered, looking up at him, grinning + and making signs—until some one appeared below and ordered them + away. + </p> + <p> + As time passed, Hal became hungry. The taste of bread, eaten alone, + becomes speedily monotonous, and the taste of water does not relieve it; + nevertheless, Hal munched the bread, and drank the water, and wished for + more. + </p> + <p> + The day dragged by; and late in the afternoon the keeper came again, with + another hunk of bread and another pitcher of water. “Listen a moment,” + said Hal, as the man was turning away. + </p> + <p> + “I got nothin' to say to you,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “I have something to say to you,” pleaded Hal. “I have read in a book—I + forget where, but it was written by some doctor—that white bread + does not contain the elements necessary to the sustaining of the human + body.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on!” growled the jailer. “What yer givin' us?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean,” explained Hal, “a diet of bread and water is not what I'd choose + to live on.” + </p> + <p> + “What would yer choose?” + </p> + <p> + The tone suggested that the question was a rhetorical one; but Hal took it + in good faith. “If I could have some beefsteak and mashed potatoes—” + </p> + <p> + The door of the cell closed with a slam whose echoes drowned out the rest + of that imaginary menu. And so once more Hal sat on the hard bench, and + munched his hunk of bread, and thought jail-thoughts. + </p> + <p> + When the quitting-whistle blew, he stood at the window, and saw the groups + of his friends once again, and got their covert signals of encouragement. + Then darkness fell, and another long vigil began. + </p> + <p> + It was late; Hal had no means of telling how late, save that all the + lights in the camps were out. He made up his mind that he was in for the + night, and had settled himself on the floor with his arm for a pillow, and + had dozed off to sleep, when suddenly there came a scraping sound against + the bars of his window. He sat up with a start, and heard another sound, + unmistakably the rustling of paper. He sprang to the window, where by the + faint light of the stars he could make out something dangling. He caught + at it; it seemed to be an ordinary note-book, such as stenographers use, + tied on the end of a pole. + </p> + <p> + Hal looked out, but could see no one. He caught hold of the pole and + jerked it, as a signal; and then he heard a whisper which he recognised + instantly as Rovetta's. “Hello! Listen. Write your name hundred times in + book. I come back. Understand?” + </p> + <p> + The command was a sufficiently puzzling one, but Hal realised that this + was no time for explanations. He answered, “Yes,” and broke the string and + took the notebook. There was a pencil attached, with a piece of cloth + wrapped round the point to protect it. + </p> + <p> + The pole was withdrawn, and Hal sat on the bench, and began to write, + three or four times on a page, “Joe Smith—Joe Smith—Joe + Smith.” It is not hard to write “Joe Smith,” even in darkness, and so, + while his hand moved, Hal's mind was busy with this mystery. It was fairly + to be assumed that his committee did not want his autograph to distribute + for a souvenir; they must want it for some vital purpose, to meet some new + move of the bosses. The answer to this riddle was not slow in coming: + having failed in their effort to find money on him, the bosses had framed + up a letter, which they were exhibiting as having been written by the + would-be check-weigh-man. His friends wanted his signature to disprove the + authenticity of the letter. + </p> + <p> + Hal wrote a free and rapid hand, with a generous flourish; he felt sure it + would be different from Alec Stone's idea of a working-boy's scrawl. His + pencil flew on and on—“Joe Smith—Joe Smith—” page after + page, until he was sure that he had written a signature for every miner in + the camp, and was beginning on the buddies. Then, hearing a whistle + outside, he stopped and sprang to the window. + </p> + <p> + “Throw it!” whispered a voice; and Hal threw it. He saw a form vanish up + the street, after which all was quiet again. He listened for a while, to + see if he had roused his jailer; then he lay down on the bench—and + thought more jail-thoughts! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 18. + </h3> + <p> + Morning came, and the mine-whistle blew, and Hal stood at the window + again. This time he noticed that some of the miners on their way to work + had little strips of paper in their hands, which strips they waved + conspicuously for him to see. Old Mike Sikoria came along, having a whole + bunch of strips in his hands, which he was distributing to all who would + take them. Doubtless he had been warned to proceed secretly, but the + excitement of the occasion had been too much for him; he capered about + like a young spring lamb, and waved the strips at Hal in plain sight of + all the world. + </p> + <p> + Such indiscreet behaviour met the return it invited. As Hal watched, he + saw a stocky figure come striding round the corner, confronting the + startled old Slovak. It was Bud Adams, the mine-guard, and his hard fists + were clenched, and his whole body gathered for a blow. Mike saw him, and + was as if suddenly struck with paralysis; his toil-bent shoulders sunk + together, and his hands fell to his sides—his fingers opening, and + his precious strips of paper fluttering to the ground. Mike stared at Bud + like a fascinated rabbit, making no move to protect himself. + </p> + <p> + Hal clutched the bars, with an impulse to leap to his friend's defence. + But the expected blow did not fall; the mine-guard contented himself with + glaring ferociously, and giving an order to the old man. Mike stooped and + picked up the papers—the process taking him some time, as he was + unable or unwilling to take his eyes off the mine-guard's. When he got + them all in his hands, there came another order, and he gave them up to + Bud. After which he fell back a step, and the other followed, his fists + still clenched, and a blow seeming about to leap from him every moment. + Mike receded another step, and then another—so the two of them + backed out of sight around the corner. Men who had been witnesses of this + little drama turned and slunk off, and Hal was given no clue as to its + outcome. + </p> + <p> + A couple of hours afterwards, Hal's jailer came up, this time without any + bread and water. He opened the door and commanded the prisoner to “come + along.” Hal went downstairs, and entered Jeff Cotton's office. + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal sat at his desk with a cigar between his teeth. He was + writing, and he went on writing until the jailer had gone out and closed + the door. Then he turned his revolving chair and crossed his legs, leaning + back and looking at the young miner in his dirty blue overalls, his hair + tousled and his face pale from his period of confinement. The + camp-marshal's aristocratic face wore a smile. “Well, young fellow,” said + he, “you've been having a lot of fun in this camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty fair, thank you,” answered Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Beat us out all along the line, hey?” Then, after a pause, “Now, tell me, + what do you think you're going to get out of it?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what Alec Stone asked me,” replied Hal. “I don't think it would do + much good to explain. I doubt if you believe in altruism any more than + Stone does.” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal took his cigar from his mouth, and flicked off the ashes. + His face became serious, and there was a silence, while he studied Hal. + “You a union organiser?” he asked, at last. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You're an educated man; you're no labourer, that I know. Who's paying + you?” + </p> + <p> + “There you are! You don't believe in altruism.” + </p> + <p> + The other blew a ring of smoke across the room. “Just want to put the + company in the hole, hey? Some kind of agitator?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a miner who wants to be a check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + “Socialist?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends upon developments here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the marshal, “you're an intelligent chap, that I can see. So + I'll lay my hand on the table and you can study it. You're not going to + serve as check-weighman in North Valley, nor any other place that the 'G. + F. C.' has anything to do with. Nor are you going to have the satisfaction + of putting the company in a hole. We're not even going to beat you up and + make a martyr of you. I was tempted to do that the other night, but I + changed my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You might change the bruises on my arm,” suggested Hal, in a pleasant + voice. + </p> + <p> + “We're going to offer you the choice of two things,” continued the + marshal, without heeding this mild sarcasm. “Either you will sign a paper + admitting that you took the twenty-five dollars from Alec Stone, in which + case we will fire you and call it square; or else we will prove that you + took it, in which case we will send you to the pen for five or ten years. + Do you get that?” + </p> + <p> + Now when Hal had applied for the job of check-weighman, he had been + expecting to be thrown out of the camp, and had intended to go, counting + his education complete. But here, as he sat and gazed into the marshal's + menacing eyes, he decided suddenly that he did not want to leave North + Valley. He wanted to stay and take the measure of this gigantic “burglar,” + the General Fuel Company. + </p> + <p> + “That's a serious threat, Mr. Cotton,” he remarked. “Do you often do + things like that?” + </p> + <p> + “We do them when we have to,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's a novel proposition. Tell me more about it. What will the + charge be?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not sure about that—we'll put it up to our lawyers. Maybe + they'll call it conspiracy, maybe blackmail. They'll make it whatever + carries a long enough sentence.” + </p> + <p> + “And before I enter my plea, would you mind letting me see the letter I'm + supposed to have written.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you've heard about the letter, have you?” said the camp-marshal, + lifting his eyebrows in mild surprise. He took from his desk a sheet of + paper and handed it to Hal, who read: + </p> + <p> + “Dere mister Stone, You don't need worry about the check-wayman. Pay me + twenty five dollars, and I will fix it right. Yours try, Joe Smith.” + </p> + <p> + Having taken in the words of the letter, Hal examined the paper, and + perceived that his enemies had taken the trouble, not merely to forge a + letter in his name, but to have it photographed, to have a cut made of the + photograph, and to have it printed. Beyond doubt they had distributed it + broadcast in the camp. And all this in a few hours! It was as Olson had + said—a regular system to keep the men bedevilled. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 19. + </h3> + <p> + Hal took a minute or so to ponder the situation. “Mr. Cotton,” he said, at + last. “I know how to spell better than that. Also my handwriting is a bit + more fluent.” + </p> + <p> + There was a trace of a smile about the marshal's cruel lips. “I know,” he + replied. “I've not failed to compare them.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a good secret-service department!” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Before you get through, young fellow, you'll discover that our legal + department is equally efficient.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “they'll need to be; for I don't see how you can get + round the fact that I'm a check-weighman, chosen according to the law, and + with a group of the men behind me.” + </p> + <p> + “If that's what you're counting on,” retorted Cotton, “you may as well + forget it. You've got no group any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! You've got rid of them?” + </p> + <p> + “We've got rid of the ring-leaders.” + </p> + <p> + “Of whom?” + </p> + <p> + “That old billy-goat, Sikoria, for one.” + </p> + <p> + “You've shipped him?” + </p> + <p> + “We have.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw the beginning of that. Where have you sent him?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” smiled the marshal, “is a job for <i>your</i> secret-service + department!” + </p> + <p> + “And who else?” + </p> + <p> + “John Edstrom has gone down to bury his wife. It's not the first time that + dough-faced old preacher has made trouble for us, but it'll be the last. + You'll find him in Pedro—probably in the poor-house.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” responded Hal, quickly—and there came just a touch of elation + in his voice—“he won't have to go to the poor-house at once. You + see, I've just sent twenty-five dollars to him.” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal frowned. “Really!” Then, after a pause, “You <i>did</i> + have that money on you! I thought that lousy Greek had got away with it!” + </p> + <p> + “No. Your knave was honest. But so was I. I knew Edstrom had been getting + short weight for years, so he was the one person with any right to the + money.” + </p> + <p> + This story was untrue, of course; the money was still buried in Edstrom's + cabin. But Hal meant for the old miner to have it in the end, and meantime + he wanted to throw Cotton off the track. + </p> + <p> + “A clever trick, young man!” said the marshal. “But you'll repent it + before you're through. It only makes me more determined to put you where + you can't do us any harm.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean in the pen? You understand, of course, it will mean a jury + trial. You can get a jury to do what you want?” + </p> + <p> + “They tell me you've been taking an interest in politics in Pedro County. + Haven't you looked into our jury-system?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I haven't got that far.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal began blowing rings of smoke again. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there are some three hundred men on our jury-list, and we know them + all. You'll find yourself facing a box with Jake Predovich as foreman, + three company-clerks, two of Alf Raymond's saloon-keepers, a ranchman with + a mortgage held by the company-bank, and five Mexicans who have no idea + what it's all about, but would stick a knife into your back for a drink of + whiskey. The District Attorney is a politician who favours the miners in + his speeches, and favours us in his acts; while Judge Denton, of the + district court, is the law partner of Vagleman, our chief-counsel. Do you + get all that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal. “I've heard of the 'Empire of Raymond'; I'm interested to + see the machinery. You're quite open about it!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the marshal, “I want you to know what you're up against. + We didn't start this fight, and we're perfectly willing to end it without + trouble. All we ask is that you make amends for the mischief you've done + us.” + </p> + <p> + “By 'making amends,' you mean I'm to disgrace myself—to tell the men + I'm a traitor?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely,” said the marshal. + </p> + <p> + “I think I'll have a seat while I consider the matter,” said Hal; and he + took a chair, and stretched out his legs, and made himself elaborately + comfortable. “That bench upstairs is frightfully hard,” said he, and + smiled mockingly upon the camp-marshal. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 20. + </h3> + <p> + When this conversation was continued, it was upon a new and unexpected + line. “Cotton,” remarked the prisoner, “I perceive that you are a man of + education. It occurs to me that once upon a time you must have been what + the world calls a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + The blood started into the camp-marshal's face. “You go to hell!” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I did not intend to ask questions,” continued Hal. “I can well understand + that you mightn't care to answer them. My point is that, being an + ex-gentleman, you may appreciate certain aspects of this case which would + be beyond the understanding of a nigger-driver like Stone, or an + efficiency expert like Cartwright. One gentleman can recognise another, + even in a miner's costume. Isn't that so?” + </p> + <p> + Hal paused for an answer, and the marshal gave him a wary look. “I suppose + so,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to begin with, one gentleman does not smoke without inviting + another to join him.” + </p> + <p> + The man gave another look. Hal thought he was going to consign him to + hades once more; but instead he took a cigar from his vest-pocket and held + it out. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Hal, quietly. “I do not smoke. But I like to be + invited.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, while the two men measured each other. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Cotton,” began the prisoner, “you pictured the scene at my trial. + Let me carry on the story for you. You have your case all framed up, your + hand-picked jury in the box, and your hand-picked judge on the bench, your + hand-picked prosecuting-attorney putting through the job; you are ready to + send your victim to prison, for an example to the rest of your employés. + But suppose that, at the climax of the proceedings, you should make the + discovery that your victim is a person who cannot be sent to prison?” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot be sent to prison?” repeated the other. His tone was thoughtful. + “You'll have to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely not to a man of your intelligence! Don't you know, Cotton, there + are people who cannot be sent to prison?” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal smoked his cigar for a bit. “There are some in this + county,” said he. “But I thought I knew them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “has it never occurred to you that there might be some + in this <i>state</i>?” + </p> + <p> + There followed a long silence. The two men were gazing into each other's + eyes; and the more they gazed, the more plainly Hal read uncertainty in + the face of the marshal. + </p> + <p> + “Think how embarrassing it would be!” he continued. “You have your drama + all staged—as you did the night before last—only on a larger + stage, before a more important audience; and at the <i>dénouement</i> you + find that, instead of vindicating yourself before the workers in North + Valley, you have convicted yourself before the public of the state. You + have shown the whole community that you are law-breakers; worse than that—you + have shown that you are jack-asses!” + </p> + <p> + This time the camp-marshal gazed so long that his cigar went out. And + meantime Hal was lounging in his chair, smiling at him strangely. It was + as if a transformation was taking place before the marshal's eyes; the + miner's “jumpers” fell away from Hal's figure, and there was a suit of + evening-clothes in their place! + </p> + <p> + “Who the devil are you?” cried the man. + </p> + <p> + “Well now!” laughed Hal. “You boast of the efficiency of your secret + service department! Put them at work upon this problem. A young man, age + twenty-one, height five feet ten inches, weight one hundred and fifty-two + pounds, eyes brown, hair chestnut and rather wavy, manner genial, a + favourite with the ladies—at least that's what the society notes say—missing + since early in June, supposed to be hunting mountain-goats in Mexico. As + you know, Cotton, there's only one city in the state that has any + 'society,' and in that city there are only twenty-five or thirty families + that count. For a secret service department like that of the 'G. F. C.', + that is really too easy.” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a silence, until Hal broke it. “Your distress is a tribute + to your insight. The company is lucky in the fact that one of its + camp-marshals happens to be an ex-gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Again the other flushed. “Well, by God!” he said, half to himself; and + then, making a last effort to hold his bluff—“You're kidding me!” + </p> + <p> + “'Kidding,' as you call it, is one of the favourite occupations of + society, Cotton. A good part of our intercourse consists of it—at + least among the younger set.” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the marshal rose. “Say,” he demanded, “would you mind going back + upstairs for a few minutes?” + </p> + <p> + Hal could not restrain his laughter at this. “I should mind it very much,” + he said. “I have been on a bread and water diet for thirty-six hours, and + I should like very much to get out and have a breath of fresh air.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the other, lamely, “I've got to send you up there.” + </p> + <p> + “That's another matter,” replied Hal. “If you send me, I'll go, but it's + your look-out. You've kept me here without legal authority, with no charge + against me, and without giving me an opportunity to see counsel. Unless + I'm very much mistaken, you are liable criminally for that, and the + company is liable civilly. That is your own affair, of course. I only want + to make clear my position—when you ask me would I <i>mind</i> + stepping upstairs, I, answer that I would mind very much indeed.” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal stood for a bit, chewing nervously on his extinct cigar. + Then he went to the door. “Hey, Gus!” he called. Hal's jailer appeared, + and Cotton whispered to him, and he went away again. “I'm telling him to + get you some food, and you can sit and eat it here. Will that suit you + better?” + </p> + <p> + “It depends,” said Hal, making the most of the situation. “Are you + inviting me as your prisoner, or as your guest?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come off!” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “But I have to know my legal status. It will be of importance to my + lawyers.” + </p> + <p> + “Be my guest,” said the camp-marshal. + </p> + <p> + “But when a guest has eaten, he is free to go out, if he wishes to!” + </p> + <p> + “I will let you know about that before you get through.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be quick. I'm a rapid eater.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll promise you won't go away before that?” + </p> + <p> + “If I do,” was Hal's laughing reply, “it will be only to my place of + business. You can look for me at the tipple, Cotton!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 21. + </h3> + <p> + The marshal went out, and a few moments later the jailer came back, with a + meal which presented a surprising contrast to the ones he had previously + served. There was a tray containing cold ham, a couple of soft boiled + eggs, some potato salad, and a cup of coffee with rolls and butter. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” said Hal, condescendingly. “That's even nicer than beefsteak + and mashed potatoes!” He sat and watched, not offering to help, while the + other made room for the tray on the table in front of him. Then the man + stalked out, and Hal began to eat. + </p> + <p> + Before he had finished, the camp-marshal returned. He seated himself in + his revolving chair, and appeared to be meditative. Between bites, Hal + would look up and smile at him. + </p> + <p> + “Cotton,” said he, “you know there is no more certain test of breeding + than table-manners. You will observe that I have not tucked my napkin in + my neck, as Alec Stone would have done.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm getting you,” replied the marshal. + </p> + <p> + Hal set his knife and fork side by side on his plate. “Your man has + overlooked the finger-bowl,” he remarked. “However, don't bother. You + might ring for him now, and let him take the tray.” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal used his voice for a bell, and the jailer came. + “Unfortunately,” said Hal, “when your people were searching me, night + before last, they dropped my purse, so I have no tip for the waiter.” + </p> + <p> + The “waiter” glared at Hal as if he would like to bite him; but the + camp-marshal grinned. “Clear out, Gus, and shut the door,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Then Hal stretched his legs and made himself comfortable again. “I must + say I like being your guest better than being your prisoner!” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “I've been talking it over with Mr. Cartwright,” began the marshal. “I've + got no way of telling how much of this is bluff that you've been giving + me, but it's evident enough that you're no miner. You may be some + newfangled kind of agitator, but I'm damned if I ever saw an agitator that + had tea-party manners. I suppose you've been brought up to money; but if + that's so, why you want to do this kind of thing is more than I can + imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Cotton,” said Hal, “did you never hear of <i>ennui</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the other, “but aren't you rather young to be troubled with + that complaint?” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I've seen others suffering from it, and wanted to try a different + way of living from theirs?” + </p> + <p> + “If you're what you say, you ought to be still in college.” + </p> + <p> + “I go back for my senior year this fall.” + </p> + <p> + “What college?” + </p> + <p> + “You doubt me still, I see!” said Hal, and smiled. Then, unexpectedly, + with a spirit which only moonlit campuses and privilege could beget, he + chanted: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “Old King Coal was a merry old soul,<br> + <span class="m2">And a merry old soul was he;</span><br> + He made him a college, all full of knowledge—<br> + <span class="m2">Hurrah for you and me!”</span> + </p> + <p> + “What college is that?” asked the marshal. And Hal sang again: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “Oh, Liza-Ann, come out with me,<br> + The moon is a-shinin' in the monkey-puzzle tree!<br> + Oh, Liza-Ann, I have began<br> + To sing you the song of Harrigan!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” commented the marshal, when the concert was over. “Are there + many more like you at Harrigan?” + </p> + <p> + “A little group—enough to leaven the lump.” + </p> + <p> + “And this is your idea of a vacation?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn't a vacation; it's a summer-course in practical sociology.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see!” said the marshal; and he smiled in spite of himself. + </p> + <p> + “All last year we let the professors of political economy hand out their + theories to us. But somehow the theories didn't seem to correspond with + the facts. I said to myself, 'I've got to check them up.' You know the + phrases, perhaps—individualism, <i>laissez faire</i>, freedom of + contract, the right of every man to work for whom he pleases. And here you + see how the theories work out—a camp-marshal with a cruel smile on + his face and a gun on his hip, breaking the laws faster than a governor + can sign them.” + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal decided suddenly that he had had enough of this + “tea-party.” He rose to his feet to cut matters short. “If you don't mind, + young man,” said he, “we'll get down to business!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 22. + </h3> + <p> + He took a turn about the room, then he came and stopped in front of Hal. + He stood with his hands thrust into his pockets, with a certain jaunty + grace that was out of keeping with his occupation. He was a handsome + devil, Hal thought—in spite of his dangerous mouth, and the marks of + dissipation on him. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” he began, with another effort at geniality. “I don't know who + you are, but you're wide awake; you've got your nerve with you, and I + admire you. So I'm willing to call the thing off, and let you go back and + finish that course at college.” + </p> + <p> + Hal had been studying the other's careful smile. “Cotton,” he said, at + last, “let me get the proposition clear. I don't have to say I took that + money?” + </p> + <p> + “No, we'll let you off from that.” + </p> + <p> + “And you won't send me to the pen?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I never meant to do that, of course. I was only trying to bluff you. + All I ask is that you clear out, and give our people a chance to forget.” + </p> + <p> + “But what's there in that for me, Cotton? If I had wanted to run away, I + could have done it any time during the last eight or ten weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, but now it's different. Now it's a matter of my + consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut out the consideration!” exclaimed Hal. “You want to get rid of me, + and you'd like to do it without trouble. But you can't—so forget + it.” + </p> + <p> + The other was staring, puzzled. “You mean you expect to stay here?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean just that.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man, I've had enough of this! I've got no more time to play. I + don't care who you are, I don't care about your threats. I'm the marshal + of this camp, and I have the job of keeping order in it. I say you're + going to get out!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Cotton,” said Hal, “this is an incorporated town! I have a right to + walk on the streets—exactly as much right as you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to waste time arguing. I'm going to put you into an + automobile and take you down to Pedro!” + </p> + <p> + “And suppose I go to the District Attorney and demand that he prosecute + you?” + </p> + <p> + “He'll laugh at you.” + </p> + <p> + “And suppose I go to the Governor of the state?” + </p> + <p> + “He'll laugh still louder.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Cotton; maybe you know what you're doing; but I wonder—I + wonder just how sure you feel. Has it never occurred to you that your + superiors might not care to have you take these high-handed steps?” + </p> + <p> + “My superiors? Who do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “There's one man in the state you must respect—even though you + despise the District Attorney and the Governor. That is Peter Harrigan.” + </p> + <p> + “Peter Harrigan?” echoed the other; and then he burst into a laugh. “Well, + you <i>are</i> a merry lad!” + </p> + <p> + Hal continued to study him, unmoved. “I wonder if you're sure! He'll stand + for everything you've done.” + </p> + <p> + “He will!” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “For the way you treat the workers? He knows you are giving short + weights.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh hell!” said the other. “Where do you suppose he got the money for your + college?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause; at last the marshal asked, defiantly, “Have you got + what you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Hal. “Of course, I thought it all along, but it's hard to + convince other people. Old Peter's not like most of these Western wolves, + you know; he's a pious high-church man.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal smiled grimly. “So long as there are sheep,” said he, + “there'll be wolves in sheep's clothing.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Hal. “And you leave them to feed on the lambs!” + </p> + <p> + “If any lamb is silly enough to be fooled by that old worn-out skin,” + remarked the marshal, “it deserves to be eaten.” + </p> + <p> + Hal was studying the cynical face in front of him. “Cotton,” he said, “the + shepherds are asleep; but the watch-dogs are barking. Haven't you heard + them?” + </p> + <p> + “I hadn't noticed.” + </p> + <p> + “They are barking, barking! They are going to wake the shepherds! They are + going to save the sheep!” + </p> + <p> + “Religion don't interest me,” said the other, looking bored; “your kind + any more than Old Peter's.” + </p> + <p> + And suddenly Hal rose to his feet. “Cotton,” said he, “my place is with + the flock! I'm going back to my job at the tipple!” And he started towards + the door. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 23. + </h3> + <p> + Jeff Cotton sprang forward. “Stop!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + But Hal did not stop. + </p> + <p> + “See here, young man!” cried the marshal. “Don't carry this joke too far!” + And he sprang to the door, just ahead of his prisoner. His hand moved + toward his hip. + </p> + <p> + “Draw your gun, Cotton,” said Hal; and, as the marshal obeyed, “Now I will + stop. If I obey you in future, it will be at the point of your revolver.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal's mouth was dangerous-looking. “You may find that in this + country there's not so much between the drawing of a gun and the firing of + it!” + </p> + <p> + “I've explained my attitude,” replied Hal. “What are your orders?” + </p> + <p> + “Come back and sit in this chair.” + </p> + <p> + So Hal sat, and the marshal went to his desk, and took up the telephone. + “Number seven,” he said, and waited a moment. “That you, Tom? Bring the + car right away.” + </p> + <p> + He hung up the receiver, and there followed a silence; finally Hal + inquired, “I'm going to Pedro?” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply. + </p> + <p> + “I see I've got on your nerves,” said Hal. “But I don't suppose it's + occurred to you that you deprived me of my money last night. Also, I've an + account with the company, some money coming to me for my work? What about + that?” + </p> + <p> + The marshal took up the receiver and gave another number. “Hello, Simpson. + This is Cotton. Will you figure out the time of Joe Smith, buddy in Number + Two, and send over the cash. Get his account at the store; and be quick, + we're waiting for it. He's going out in a hurry.” Again he hung up the + receiver. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” said Hal, “did you take that trouble for Mike Sikoria?” + </p> + <p> + There was silence. + </p> + <p> + “Let me suggest that when you get my time, you give me part of it in + scrip. I want it for a souvenir.” + </p> + <p> + Still there was silence. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” persisted the prisoner, tormentingly, “there's a law against + paying wages in scrip.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal was goaded to speech. “We don't pay in scrip.” + </p> + <p> + “But you do, man! You know you do!” + </p> + <p> + “We give it when they ask their money ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “The law requires you to pay them twice a month, and you don't do it. You + pay them once a month, and meantime, if they need money, you give them + this imitation money!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it satisfies them, where's your kick?” + </p> + <p> + “If it doesn't satisfy them, you put them on the train and ship them out?” + </p> + <p> + The marshal sat in silence, tapping impatiently with his fingers on the + desk. + </p> + <p> + “Cotton,” Hal began, again, “I'm out for education, and there's something + I'd like you to explain to me—a problem in human psychology. When a + man puts through a deal like this, what does he tell himself about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said the marshal, “if you'll pardon me, you are getting to be + a bore.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but we've got an automobile ride before us! Surely we can't sit in + silence all the way!” After a moment he added, in a coaxing tone, “I + really want to learn, you know. You might be able to win me over.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Cotton, promptly. “I'll not go in for anything like that!” + </p> + <p> + “But why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, I'm no match for you in long-windedness. I've heard you + agitators before, you're all alike: you think the world is run by talk—but + it isn't.” + </p> + <p> + Hal had come to realise that he was not getting anywhere in his duel with + the camp-marshal. He had made every effort to get somewhere; he had + argued, threatened, bluffed, he had even sung songs for the marshal! But + the marshal was going to ship him out, that was all there was to it. + </p> + <p> + Hal had gone on with the quarrel, simply because he had to wait for the + automobile, and because he had endured indignities and had to vent his + anger and disappointment. But now he stopped quarrelling suddenly. His + attention was caught by the marshal's words, “You think the world is run + by talk!” Those were the words Hal's brother always used! And also, the + marshal had said, “You agitators!” For years it had been one of the taunts + Hal had heard from his brother, “You will turn into one of these + agitators!” Hal had answered, with boyish obstinacy, “I don't care if I + do!” And now, here the marshal was calling him an agitator, seriously, + without an apology, without the license of blood relationship. He repeated + the words, “That's what gets me about you agitators—you come in here + trying to stir these people up—” + </p> + <p> + So that was the way Hal seemed to the “G. F. C.”! He had come here + intending to be a spectator, to stand on the deck of the steamer and look + down into the ocean of social misery. He had considered every step so + carefully before he took it! He had merely tried to be a check-weighman, + nothing more! He had told Tom Olson he would not go in for unionism; he + had had a distrust of union organisers, of agitators of all sorts—blind, + irresponsible persons who went about stirring up dangerous passions. He + had come to admire Tom Olson—but that had only partly removed his + prejudices; Olson was only one agitator, not the whole lot of them! + </p> + <p> + But all his consideration for the company had counted for nothing; + likewise all his efforts to convince the marshal that he was a + leisure-class person. In spite of all Hal's “tea-party manners,” the + marshal had said, “You agitators!” What was he judging by, Hal wondered. + Had he, Hal Warner, come to look like one of these blind, irresponsible + persons? It was time that he took stock of himself! + </p> + <p> + Had two months of “dirty work” in the bowels of the earth changed him so? + The idea was bound to be disconcerting to one who had been a favourite of + the ladies! Did he talk like it?—he who had been “kissing the + Blarney-stone!” The marshal had said he was “long-winded!” Well, to be + sure, he had talked a lot; but what could the man expect—having shut + him up in jail for two nights and a day, with only his grievances to brood + over! Was that the way real agitators were made—being shut up with + grievances to brood over? + </p> + <p> + Hal recalled his broodings in the jail. He had been embittered; he had not + cared whether North Valley was dominated by labour unions. But that had + all been a mood, the same as his answer to his brother; that was jail + psychology, a part of his summer course in practical sociology. He had put + it aside; but apparently it had made a deeper impression upon him than he + had realised. It had changed his physical aspect! It had made him look and + talk like an agitator! It had made him “irresponsible,” “blind!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, that was it! All this dirt, ignorance, disease, this knavery and + oppression, this maiming of men in body and soul in the coal-camps of + America—all this did not exist—it was the hallucination of an + “irresponsible” brain! There was the evidence of Hal's brother and the + camp-marshal to prove it; there was the evidence of the whole world to + prove it! The camp-marshal and his brother and the whole world could not + be “blind!” And if you talked to them about these conditions, they + shrugged their shoulders, they called you a “dreamer,” a “crank,” they + said you were “off your trolley”; or else they became angry and bitter, + they called you names; they said, “You agitators!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 24. + </h3> + <p> + The camp-marshal of North Valley had been “agitated” to such an extent + that he could not stay in his chair. All the harassments of his troubled + career had come pouring into his mind. He had begun pacing the floor, and + was talking away, regardless of whether Hal listened or not. + </p> + <p> + “A campful of lousy wops! They can't understand any civilised language, + they've only one idea in the world—to shirk every lick of work they + can, to fill up their cars with slate and rock and blame it on some other + fellow, and go off to fill themselves with booze. They won't work fair, + they won't fight fair—they fight with a knife in the back! And you + agitators with your sympathy for them—why the hell do they come to + this country, unless they like it better than their own?” + </p> + <p> + Hal had heard this question before; but they had to wait for the + automobile—and being sure that he was an agitator now, he would make + all the trouble he could! “The reason is obvious enough,” he said. “Isn't + it true that the 'G. F. C.' employs agents abroad to tell them of the + wonderful pay they get in America?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they get it, don't they? Three times what they ever got at home!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it doesn't do them any good. There's another fact which the 'G. + F. C.' doesn't mention—that the cost of living is even higher than + the wages. Then, too, they're led to think of America as a land of + liberty; they come, hoping for a better chance for themselves and their + children; but they find a camp-marshal who's off in his geography—who + thinks the Rocky Mountains are somewhere in Russia!” + </p> + <p> + “I know that line of talk!” exclaimed the other. “I learned to wave the + starry flag when I was a kid. But I tell you, you've got to get coal + mined, and it isn't the same thing as running a Fourth of July + celebration. Some church people make a law they shan't work on Sunday—and + what comes of that? They have thirty-six hours to get soused in, and so + they can't work on Monday!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely there's a remedy, Cotton! Suppose the company refused to rent + buildings to saloon-keepers?” + </p> + <p> + “Good God! You think we haven't tried it? They go down to Pedro for the + stuff, and bring back all they can carry—inside them and out. And if + we stop that—then our hands move to some other camps, where they can + spend their money as they please. No, young man, when you have such + cattle, you have to drive them! And it takes a strong hand to do it—a + man like Peter Harrigan. If there's to be any coal, if industry's to go + on, if there's to be any progress—” + </p> + <p> + “We have that in our song!” laughed Hal, breaking into the camp-marshal's + discourse— + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “He keeps them a-roll, that merry old soul—<br> + <span class="m2">The wheels of industree;</span><br> + A-roll and a-roll, for his pipe and his bowl<br> + <span class="m2">And his college facultee!”</span><br> + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” growled the marshal. “It's easy enough for you smart young chaps to + make verses, while you're living at ease on the old man's bounty. But that + don't answer any argument. Are you college boys ready to take over his + job? Or these Democrat politicians that come in here, talking fool-talk + about liberty, making labour laws for these wops—” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to understand,” said Hal. “You object to the politicians who pass + the laws, you doubt their motives—and so you refuse to obey. But why + didn't you tell me sooner you were an anarchist?” + </p> + <p> + “Anarchist?” cried the marshal. “<i>Me</i> an anarchist?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what an anarchist is, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Good God! If that isn't the limit! You come here, stirring up the men—a + union agitator, or whatever you are—and you know that the first idea + of these people, when they do break loose, is to put dynamite in the + shafts and set fire to the buildings!” + </p> + <p> + “Do they do that?” There was surprise in Hal's tone. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you read what they did in the last big strike? That dough-faced + old preacher, John Edstrom, could tell you. He was one of the bunch.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal, “you're mistaken. Edstrom has a different philosophy. But + others did, I've no doubt. And since I've been here, I can understand + their point of view entirely. When they set fire to the buildings, it was + because they thought you and Alec Stone might be inside.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal did not smile. + </p> + <p> + “They want to destroy the properties,” continued Hal, “because that's the + only way they can think of to punish the tyranny and greed of the owners. + But, Cotton, suppose some one were to put a new idea into their heads; + suppose some one were to say to them, 'Don't destroy the properties—<i>take + them!</i>'” + </p> + <p> + The other stared. “Take them! So that's your idea of morality!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be more moral than the method by which Peter got them in the + beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “What method is that?” demanded the marshal, with some appearance of + indignation. “He paid the market-price for them, didn't he?” + </p> + <p> + “He paid the market-price for politicians. Up in Western City I happen to + know a lady who was a school-commissioner when he was buying school-lands + from the state—lands that were known to contain coal. He was paying + three dollars an acre, and everybody knew they were worth three thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cotton, “if you don't buy the politicians, you wake up some + fine morning and find that somebody else has bought them. If you have + property, you have to protect it.” + </p> + <p> + “Cotton,” said Hal, “you sell Old Peter your time—but surely you + might keep part of your brains! Enough to look at your monthly pay-check + and realise that you too are a wage-slave, not much better than the miners + you despise.” + </p> + <p> + The other smiled. “My check might be bigger, I admit; but I've figured + over it, and I think I have an easier time than you agitators. I'm + top-dog, and I expect to stay on top.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Cotton, on that view of life, I don't wonder you get drunk now and + then. A dog-fight, with no faith or humanity anywhere! Don't think I'm + sneering at you—I'm talking out of my heart to you. I'm not so + young, nor such a fool, that I haven't had the dog-fight aspect of things + brought to my attention. But there's something in a fellow that insists he + isn't all dog; he has at least a possibility of something better. Take + these poor under-dogs sweating inside the mountain, risking their lives + every hour of the day and night to provide you and me with coal to keep us + warm—to 'keep the wheels of industry a-roll'—” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 25. + </h3> + <p> + These were the last words Hal spoke. They were obvious enough words, yet + when he looked back upon the coincidence, it seemed to him a singular one. + For while he was sitting there chatting, it happened that the poor + under-dogs inside the mountain were in the midst of one of those + experiences which make the romance and terror of coal-mining. One of the + boys who were employed underground, in violation of the child labour law, + was in the act of bungling his task. He was a “spragger,” whose duty it + was to thrust a stick into the wheel of a loaded car to hold it; and he + was a little chap, and the car was in motion when he made the attempt. It + knocked him against the wall—and so there was a load of coal rolling + down grade, pursued too late by half a dozen men. Gathering momentum, it + whirled round a curve and flew from the track, crashing into timbers and + knocking them loose. With the timbers came a shower of coal-dust, + accumulated for decades in these old workings; and at the same time came + an electric light wire, which, as it touched the car, produced a spark. + </p> + <p> + And so it was that Hal, chatting with the marshal, suddenly felt, rather + than heard, a deafening roar; he felt the air about him turn into a living + thing which struck him a mighty blow, hurling him flat upon the floor. The + windows of the room crashed inward upon him in a shower of glass, and the + plaster of the ceiling came down on his head in another shower. + </p> + <p> + When he raised himself, half stunned, he saw the marshal, also on the + floor; these two conversationalists stared at each other with horrified + eyes. Even as they crouched, there came a crash above their heads, and + half the ceiling of the room came toward them, with a great piece of + timber sticking through. All about them were other crashes, as if the end + of the world had come. + </p> + <p> + They struggled to their feet, and rushing to the door, flung it open, just + as a jagged piece of timber shattered the side-walk in front of them. They + sprang back again, “Into the cellar!” cried the marshal, leading the way + to the back-stairs. + </p> + <p> + But before they had started down these stairs, they realised that the + crashing had ceased. “What is it?” gasped Hal, as they stood. + </p> + <p> + “Mine-explosion,” said the other; and after a few seconds they ran to the + door again. + </p> + <p> + The first thing they saw was a vast pillar of dust and smoke, rising into + the sky above them. It spread before their dazed eyes, until it made night + of everything about them. There was still a rain of lighter debris + pattering down over the village; as they stared, and got their wits about + them, remembering how things had looked before this, they realised that + the shaft-house of Number One had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Blown up, by God!” cried the marshal; and the two ran out into the + street, and looking up, saw that a portion of the wrecked building had + fallen through the roof of the jail above their heads. + </p> + <p> + The rain of debris had now ceased, but there were clouds of dust which + covered the two men black; the clouds grew worse, until they could hardly + see their way at all. And with the darkness there fell silence, which, + after the sound of the explosion and the crashing of debris, seemed the + silence of death. + </p> + <p> + For a few moments Hal stood dazed. He saw a stream of men and boys pouring + from the breaker; while from every street there appeared a stream of + women; women old, women young—leaving their cooking on the stove, + their babies in the crib, with their older children screaming at their + skirts, they gathered in swarms about the pit-mouth, which was like the + steaming crater of a volcano. + </p> + <p> + Cartwright, the superintendent, appeared, running toward the fan-house. + Cotton joined him, and Hal followed. The fan-house was a wreck, the giant + fan lying on the ground a hundred feet away, its blades smashed. Hal was + too inexperienced in mine-matters to get the full significance of this; + but he saw the marshal and the superintendent stare blankly at each other, + and heard the former's exclamation, “That does for us!” Cartwright said + not a word; but his thin lips were pressed together, and there was fear in + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Back to the smoking pit-mouth the two men hurried, with Hal following. + Here were a hundred, two hundred women crowded, clamouring questions all + at once. They swarmed about the marshal, the superintendent, the other + bosses—even about Hal, crying hysterically in Polish and Bohemian + and Greek. When Hal shook his head, indicating that he did not understand + them, they moaned in anguish, or shrieked aloud. Some continued to stare + into the smoking pit-mouth; others covered the sight from their eyes, or + sank down upon their knees, sobbing, praying with uplifted hands. + </p> + <p> + Little by little Hal began to realise the full horror of a mine-disaster. + It was not noise and smoke and darkness, nor frantic, wailing women; it + was not anything above ground, but what was below in the smoking black + pit! It was men! Men whom Hal knew, whom he had worked with and joked + with, whose smiles he had shared; whose daily life he had come to know! + Scores, possibly hundreds of them, they were down here under his feet—some + dead, others injured, maimed. What would they do? What would those on the + surface do for them? Hal tried to get to Cotton, to ask him questions; but + the camp-marshal was surrounded, besieged. He was pushing the women back, + exclaiming, “Go away! Go home!” + </p> + <p> + What? Go home? they cried. When their men were in the mine? They crowded + about him closer, imploring, shrieking. + </p> + <p> + “Get out!” he kept exclaiming. “There's nothing you can do! There's + nothing anybody can do yet! Go home! Go home!” He had to beat them back by + force, to keep them from pushing one another into the pit-mouth. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere Hal looked were women in attitudes of grief: standing rigid, + staring ahead of them as if in a trance; sitting down, rocking to and fro; + on their knees with faces uplifted in prayer; clutching their terrified + children about their skirts. He saw an Austrian woman, a pitiful, pale + young thing with a ragged grey shawl about her head, stretching out her + hands and crying: “Mein Mann! Mein Mann!” Presently she covered her face, + and her voice died into a wail of despair: “O, mein Mann! O, mein Mann!” + She turned away, staggering about like some creature that has received a + death wound. Hal's eyes followed her; her cry, repeated over and over + incessantly, became the leit-motif of this symphony of horror. + </p> + <p> + He had read about mine-disasters in his morning newspaper; but here a + mine-disaster became a thing of human flesh and blood. The unendurable + part of it was the utter impotence of himself and of all the world. This + impotence became clearer to him each moment—from the exclamations of + Cotton and of the men he questioned. It was monstrous, incredible—but + it was so! They must send for a new fan, they must wait for it to be + brought in, they must set it up and get it into operation; they must wait + for hours after that while smoke and gas were cleared out of the main + passages of the mine; and until this had been done, there was nothing they + could do—absolutely nothing! The men inside the mine would stay. + Those who had not been killed outright would make their way into the + remoter chambers, and barricade themselves against the deadly “after + damp.” They would wait, without food or water, with air of doubtful + quality—they would wait and wait, until the rescue-crew could get to + them! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 26. + </h3> + <p> + At moments in the midst of this confusion, Hal found himself trying to + recall who had worked in Number One, among the people he knew. He himself + had been employed in Number Two, so he had naturally come to know more men + in that mine. But he had known some from the other mine—Old Rafferty + for one, and Mary Burke's father for another, and at least one of the + members of his check-weighman group—Zamierowski. Hal saw in a sudden + vision the face of this patient little man, who smiled so good-naturedly + while Americans were trying to say his name. And Old Rafferty, with all + his little Rafferties, and his piteous efforts to keep the favour of his + employers! And poor Patrick Burke, whom Hal had never seen sober; + doubtless he was sober now, if he was still alive! + </p> + <p> + Then in the crowd Hal encountered Jerry Minetti, and learned that another + man who had been down was Farenzena, the Italian whose “fanciulla” had + played with him; and yet another was Judas Apostolikas—having taken + his thirty pieces of silver with him into the deathtrap! + </p> + <p> + People were making up lists, just as Hal was doing, by asking questions of + others. These lists were subject to revision—sometimes under + dramatic circumstances. You saw a woman weeping, with her apron to her + eyes; suddenly she would look up, give a piercing cry, and fling her arms + about the neck of some man. As for Hal, he felt as if he were encountering + a ghost when suddenly he recognised Patrick Burke, standing in the midst + of a group of people. He went over and heard the old man's story—how + there was a Dago fellow who had stolen his timbers, and he had come up to + the surface for more; so his life had been saved, while the timber-thief + was down there still—a judgment of Providence upon mine-miscreants! + </p> + <p> + Presently Hal asked if Burke had been to tell his family. He had run home, + he said, but there was nobody there. So Hal began pushing his way through + the throngs, looking for Mary, or her sister Jennie, or her brother + Tommie. He persisted in this search, although it occurred to him to wonder + whether the family of a hopeless drunkard would appreciate the + interposition of Providence in his behalf. + </p> + <p> + He encountered Olson, who had had a narrow escape, being employed as a + surface-man near the hoist. All this was an old story to the organiser, + who had worked in mines since he was eight years old, and had seen many + kinds of disaster. He began to explain things to Hal, in a matter of fact + way. The law required a certain number of openings to every mine, also an + escape-way with ladders by which men could come out; but it cost good + money to dig holes in the ground. + </p> + <p> + At this time the immediate cause of the explosion was unknown, but they + could tell it was a “dust explosion” by the clouds of coke-dust, and no + one who had been into the mine and seen its dry condition would doubt what + they would find when they went down and traced out the “force” and its + effects. They were supposed to do regular sprinkling, but in such matters + the bosses used their own judgment. + </p> + <p> + Hal was only half listening to these explanations. The thing was too raw + and too horrible to him. What difference did it make whose fault it was? + The accident had happened, and the question was now how to meet the + emergency! Underneath Olson's sentences he heard the cry of men and boys + being asphyxiated in dark dungeons—he heard the wailing of women, + like a surf beating on a distant shore, or the faint, persistent + accompaniment of muted strings: “O, mein Mann! O, mein Mann!” + </p> + <p> + They came upon Jeff Cotton again. With half a dozen men to help him, he + was pushing back the crowd from the pit-mouth, and stretching barbed wired + to hold them back. He was none too gentle about it, Hal thought; but + doubtless women are provoking when they are hysterical. He was answering + their frenzied questions, “Yes, yes! We're getting a new fan. We're doing + everything we can, I tell you. We'll get them out. Go home and wait.” + </p> + <p> + But of course no one would go home. How could a woman sit in her house, or + go about her ordinary tasks of cooking or washing, while her man might be + suffering asphyxiation under the ground? The least she could do was to + stand at the pit-mouth—as near to him as she could get! Some of them + stood motionless, hour after hour, while others wandered through the + village streets, asking the same people, over and over again, if they had + seen their loved ones. Several had turned up, like Patrick Burke; there + seemed always a chance for one more. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 27. + </h3> + <p> + In the course of the afternoon Hal came upon Mary Burke on the street. She + had long ago found her father, and seen him off to O'Callahan's to + celebrate the favours of Providence. Now Mary was concerned with a graver + matter. Number Two Mine was in danger! The explosion in Number One had + been so violent that the gearing of the fan of the other mine, nearly a + mile up the canyon, had been thrown out of order. So the fan had stopped; + and when some one had gone to Alec Stone, asking that he bring out the + men, Stone had refused. “What do ye think he said?” cried Mary. “What do + ye think? 'Damn the men! Save the mules!'” + </p> + <p> + Hal had all but lost sight of the fact that there was a second mine in the + village, in which hundreds of men and boys were still at work. “Wouldn't + they know about the explosion?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “They might have heard the noise,” said Mary. “But they'd not know what it + was; and the bosses won't tell them till they've got out the mules.” + </p> + <p> + For all that he had seen in North Valley, Hal could hardly credit that + story. “How do you know it, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “Young Rovetta just told me. He was there, and heard it with his own + ears.” + </p> + <p> + He was staring at her. “Let's go and make sure,” he said, and they started + up the main street of the village. On the way they were joined by others—for + already the news of this fresh trouble had begun to spread. Jeff Cotton + went past them in an automobile, and Mary exclaimed, “I told ye so! When + ye see him goin', ye know there's dirty work to be done!” + </p> + <p> + They came to the shaft-house of Number Two, and found a swarm of people, + almost a riot. Women and children were shrieking and gesticulating, + threatening to break into the office and use the mine-telephone to warn + the men themselves. And here was the camp-marshal driving them back. Hal + and Mary arrived in time to see Mrs. David, whose husband was at work in + Number Two, shaking her fist in the marshal's face and screaming at him + like a wild-cat. He drew his revolver upon her; and at this Hal started + forward. A blind fury seized him—he would have thrown himself upon + the marshal. + </p> + <p> + But Mary Burke stopped him, flinging her arms about him, and pinning him + by main force. “No, no!” she cried. “Stay back, man! D'ye want to get + killed?” + </p> + <p> + He was amazed at her strength. He was amazed also at the vehemence of her + emotion. She was calling him a crazy fool, and names even more harsh. + “Have ye no more sense than a woman? Running into the mouth of a revolver + like that!” + </p> + <p> + The crisis passed in a moment, for Mrs. David fell back, and then the + marshal put up his weapon. But Mary continued scolding Hal, trying to drag + him away. “Come on now! Come out of here!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mary! We must do something!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye can do nothin', I tell ye! Ye'd ought to have sense enough to know it. + I'll not let ye get yeself murdered! Come away now!” And half by force and + half by cajoling, she got him farther down the street. + </p> + <p> + He was trying to think out the situation. Were the men in Number Two + really in danger? Could it be possible that the bosses would take such a + chance in cold blood? And right at this moment, with the disaster in the + other mine before their eyes! He could not believe it; and meantime Mary, + at his side, was declaring that the men were in no real danger—it + was only Alec Stone's brutal words that had set her crazy. + </p> + <p> + “Don't ye remember the time when the air-course was blocked before, and ye + helped to get up the mules yeself? Ye thought nothin' of it then, and 'tis + the same now. They'll get everybody out in time!” + </p> + <p> + She was concealing her real feelings in order to keep him safe; he let her + lead him on, while he tried to think of something else to do. He would + think of the men in Number Two; they were his best friends, Jack David, + Tim Rafferty, Wresmak, Androkulos, Klowoski. He would think of them, in + their remote dungeons—breathing bad air, becoming sick and faint—in + order that mules might be saved! He would stop in his tracks, and Mary + would drag him on, repeating over and over, “Ye can do nothin'! Nothin'!” + And then he would think, What could he do? He had put up his best bluff to + Jeff Cotton a few hours earlier, and the answer had been the muzzle of the + marshal's revolver in his face. All he could accomplish now would be to + bring himself to Cotton's attention, and be thrust out of camp forthwith. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 28. + </h3> + <p> + They came to Mary's home; and next door was the home of the Slav woman, + Mrs. Zamboni, about whom in the past she had told him so many funny + stories. Mrs. Zamboni had had a new baby every year for sixteen years, and + eleven of these babies were still alive. Now her husband was trapped in + Number One, and she was distracted, wandering about the streets with the + greater part of her brood at her heels. At intervals she would emit a howl + like a tortured animal, and her brood would take it up in various timbres. + Hal stopped to listen to the sounds, but Mary put her fingers into her + ears and fled into the house. Hal followed her, and saw her fling herself + into a chair and burst into hysterical weeping. And suddenly Hal realised + what a strain this terrible affair had been upon Mary. It had been bad + enough to him—but he was a man, and more able to contemplate sights + of horror. Men went to their deaths in industry and war, and other men saw + them go and inured themselves to the spectacle. But women were the mothers + of these men; it was women who bore them in pain, nursed them and reared + them with endless patience—women could never become inured to the + spectacle! Then too, the women's fate was worse. If the men were dead, + that was the end of them; but the women must face the future, with its + bitter memories, its lonely and desolate struggle for existence. The women + must see the children suffering, dying by slow stages of deprivation. + </p> + <p> + Hal's pity for all suffering women became concentrated upon the girl + beside him. He knew how tenderhearted she was. She had no man in the mine, + but some day she would have, and she was suffering the pangs of that + inexorable future. He looked at her, huddled in her chair, wiping away her + tears with the hem of her old blue calico. She seemed unspeakably pathetic—like + a child that has been hurt. She was sobbing out sentences now and then, as + if to herself: “Oh, the poor women, the poor women! Did ye see the face of + Mrs. Jonotch? She'd jumped into the smoking pit-mouth if they'd let her!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't suffer so, Mary!” pleaded Hal—as if he thought she could + stop. + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone!” she cried. “Let me have it out!” And Hal, who had had no + experience with hysteria, stood helplessly by. + </p> + <p> + “There's more misery than I ever knew there was!” she went on. “'Tis + everywhere ye turn, a woman with her eyes burnin' with suffering wondering + if she'll ever see her man again! Or some mother whose lad may be dying + and she can do nothin' for him!” + </p> + <p> + “And neither can you do anything, Mary,” Hal pleaded again. “You're only + sorrowing yourself to death.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye say that to me?” she cried. “And when ye were ready to let Jeff Cotton + shoot ye, because you were so sorry for Mrs. David! No, the sights here + nobody can stand.” + </p> + <p> + He could think of nothing to answer. He drew up a chair and sat by her in + silence, and after a while she began to grow calmer, and wiped away her + tears, and sat gazing dully through the doorway into the dirty little + street. + </p> + <p> + Hal's eyes followed hers. There were the ash-heaps and tomato-cans, there + were two of Mrs. Zamboni's bedraggled brood, poking with sticks into a + dump-heap—looking for something to eat, perhaps, or for something to + play with. There was the dry, waste grass of the road-side, grimy with + coal-dust, as was everything else in the village. What a scene!—And + this girl's eyes had never a sight of anything more inspiring than this. + Day in and day out, all her life long, she looked at this scene! Had he + ever for a moment reproached her for her “black moods”? With such an + environment could men or women be cheerful—could they dream of + beauty, aspire to heights of nobility and courage, to happy service of + their fellows? There was a miasma of despair over this place; it was not a + real place—it was a dream-place—a horrible, distorted + nightmare! It was like the black hole in the ground which haunted Hal's + imagination, with men and boys at the bottom of it, dying of asphyxiation! + </p> + <p> + Suddenly it came to Hal—he wanted to get away from North Valley! To + get away at all costs! The place had worn down his courage; slowly, day + after day, the sight of misery and want, of dirt and disease, of hunger, + oppression, despair, had eaten the soul out of him, had undermined his + fine structure of altruistic theories. Yes, he wanted to escape—to a + place where the sun shone, where the grass grew green, where human beings + stood erect and laughed and were free. He wanted to shut from his eyes the + dust and smoke of this nasty little village; to stop his ears to that + tormenting sound of women wailing: “O, mein Mann! O, mein Mann!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at the girl, who sat staring before her, bent forward, her arms + hanging limply over her knees. + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he said, “you must go away from here! It's no place for a + tenderhearted girl to be. It's no place for any one!” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him dully for a moment. “It was me that was tellin' <i>you</i> + to go away,” she said, at last. “Ever since ye came here I been sayin' it! + Now I guess ye know what I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “I do, and I want to go. But I want you to go too.” + </p> + <p> + “D'ye think 'twould do me any good, Joe?” she asked. “D'ye think 'twould + do me any good to get away? Could I ever forget the sights I've seen this + day? Could I ever have any real, honest happiness anywhere after this?” + </p> + <p> + He tried to reassure her, but he was far from reassured himself. How would + it be with him? Would he ever feel that he had a right to happiness after + this? Could he take any satisfaction in a pleasant and comfortable world, + knowing that it was based upon such hideous misery? His thoughts went to + that world, where careless, pleasure-loving people sought gratification of + their desires. It came to him suddenly that what he wanted more than to + get away was to bring those people here, if only for a day, for an hour, + that they might hear this chorus of wailing women! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 29. + </h3> + <p> + Mary made Hal swear that he would not get into a fight with Cotton; then + they went to Number Two. They found the mules coming up, and the bosses + promising that in a short while the men would be coming. Everything was + all right—there was not a bit of danger! But Mary was afraid to + trust Hal, in spite of his promise, so she lured him back to Number One. + </p> + <p> + They found that a rescue-car had just arrived from Pedro, bringing doctors + and nurses, also several “helmets.” These “helmets” were strange looking + contrivances, fastened over the head and shoulders, air-tight, and + provided with oxygen sufficient to last for an hour or more. The men who + wore them sat in a big bucket which was let down the shaft with a + windlass, and every now and then they pulled on a signal-cord to let those + on the surface know they were alive. When the first of them came back, he + reported that there were bodies near the foot of the shaft, but apparently + all dead. There was heavy black smoke, indicating a fire somewhere in the + mine; so nothing more could be done until the fan had been set up. By + reversing the fan, they could draw out the smoke and gases and clear the + shaft. + </p> + <p> + The state mine-inspector had been notified, but was ill at home, and was + sending one of his deputies. Under the law this official would have charge + of all the rescue work, but Hal found that the miners took no interest in + his presence. It had been his duty to prevent the accident, and he had not + done so. When he came, he would do what the company wanted. + </p> + <p> + Some time after dark the workers began to come out of Number Two, and + their women, waiting at the pit-mouth, fell upon their necks with cries of + thankfulness. Hal observed other women, whose men were in Number One, and + would perhaps never come out again, standing and watching these greetings + with wistful, tear-filled eyes. Among those who came out was Jack David, + and Hal walked home with him and his wife, listening to the latter abuse + Jeff Cotton and Alec Stone, which was an education in the vocabulary of + class-consciousness. The little Welsh woman repeated the pit-boss's + saying, “Damn the men, save the mules!” She said it again and again—it + seemed to delight her like a work of art, it summed up so perfectly the + attitude of the bosses to their men! There were many other people + repeating that saying, Hal found; it went all over the village, in a few + days it went all over the district. It summed up what the district + believed to be the attitude of the coal-operators to the workers! + </p> + <p> + Having got over the first shock of the disaster, Hal wanted information, + and he questioned Big Jack, a solid and well-read man who had given + thought to every aspect of the industry. In his quiet, slow way, he + explained to Hal that the frequency of accidents in this district was not + due to any special difficulty in operating these mines, the explosiveness + of the gases or the dryness of the atmosphere. It was merely the + carelessness of those in charge, their disregard of the laws for the + protection of the men. There ought to be a law with “teeth” in it—for + example, one providing that for every man killed in a coal-mine his heirs + should receive a thousand dollars, regardless of who had been to blame for + the accident. Then you would see how quickly the operators would get busy + and find remedies for the “unusual” dangers! + </p> + <p> + As it was, they knew that no matter how great their culpability, they + could get off with slight loss. Already, no doubt, their lawyers were on + the spot, and by the time the first bodies were brought out, they would be + fixing things up with the families. They would offer a widow a ticket back + to the old country; they would offer a whole family of orphaned children, + maybe fifty dollars, maybe a hundred dollars—and it would be a case + of take it or leave it. You could get nothing from the courts; the case + was so hopeless that you could not even find a lawyer to make the attempt. + That was one reform in which the companies believed, said “Big Jack,” with + sarcasm; they had put the “shyster lawyer” out of business! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 30. + </h3> + <p> + There followed a night and then another day of torturing suspense. The fan + came, but it had to be set up before anything could be done. As volumes of + black smoke continued to pour from the shaft, the opening was made tight + with a board and canvas cover; it was necessary, the bosses said, but to + Hal it seemed the climax of horror. To seal up men and boys in a place of + deadly gases! + </p> + <p> + There was something peculiarly torturing in the idea of men caught in a + mine; they were directly under one's feet, yet it was impossible to get to + them, to communicate with them in any way! The people on top yearned to + them, and they, down below, yearned back. It was impossible to forget them + for even a few minutes. People would become abstracted while they talked, + and would stand staring into space; suddenly, in the midst of a crowd, a + woman would bury her face in her hands and burst into tears, and then all + the others would follow suit. + </p> + <p> + Few people slept in North Valley during those two nights. They held + mourning parties in their homes or on the streets. Some house-work had to + be done, of course, but no one did anything that could be left undone. The + children would not play; they stood about, silent, pale, like wizened-up + grown people, over-mature in knowledge of trouble. The nerves of every one + were on edge, the self-control of every one balanced upon a fine point. + </p> + <p> + It was a situation bound to be fruitful in imaginings and rumours, + stimulated to those inclined to signs and omens—the seers of ghosts, + or those who went into trances, or possessed second sight or other + mysterious gifts. There were some living in a remote part of the village + who declared they had heard explosions under the ground, several blasts in + quick succession. The men underground were setting off dynamite by way of + signalling! + </p> + <p> + In the course of the second day Hal sat with Mary Burke upon the steps of + her home. Old Patrick lay within, having found the secret of oblivion at + O'Callahan's. Now and then came the moaning of Mrs. Zamboni, who was in + her cabin with her brood of children. Mary had been in to feed them, + because the distracted mother let them starve and cry. Mary was worn out, + herself; the wonderful Irish complexion had faded, and there were no + curves to the vivid lips. They had been sitting in silence, for there was + nothing to talk of but the disaster—and they had said all there was + to say about that. But Hal had been thinking while he watched Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Mary,” he said, at last; “when this thing is over, you must + really come away from here. I've thought it all out—I have friends + in Western City who will give you work, so you can take care of yourself, + and of your brother and sister too. Will you go?” + </p> + <p> + But she did not answer. She continued to gaze indifferently into the dirty + little street. + </p> + <p> + “Truly, Mary,” he went on. “Life isn't so terrible everywhere as it is + here. Come away! Hard as it is to believe, you'll forget all this. People + suffer, but then they stop suffering; it's nature's way—to make them + forget.” + </p> + <p> + “Nature's way has been to beat me dead,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mary. Despair can become a disease, but it hasn't with you. You're + just tired out. If you'll try to rouse yourself—” And he reached + over and caught her hand with an attempt at playfulness. “Cheer up, Mary! + You're coming away from North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + She turned and looked at him. “Am I?” she asked, impassively; and she went + on studying his face. “Who are ye, Joe Smith? What are ye doin' here?” + </p> + <p> + “Working in a coal-mine,” he laughed, still trying to divert her. + </p> + <p> + But she went on, as gravely as before. “Ye're no working man, that I know. + And ye're always offering me help! Ye're always sayin' what ye can do for + me!” She paused and there came some of the old defiance into her face. + “Joe, ye can have no idea of the feelin's that have got hold of me just + now. I'm ready to do something desperate; ye'd best be leavin' me alone, + Joe!” + </p> + <p> + “I think I understand, Mary. I would hardly blame you for anything you + did.” + </p> + <p> + She took up his words eagerly. “Wouldn't ye, Joe? Ye're sure? Then what I + want is to get the truth from ye. I want ye to talk it out fair!” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mary. What is it?” + </p> + <p> + But her defiance had vanished suddenly. Her eyes dropped, and he saw her + fingers picking nervously at a fold of her dress. “About us, Joe,” she + said. “I've thought sometimes ye cared for me. I've thought ye liked to be + with me—not just because ye were sorry for me, but because of <i>me</i>. + I've not been sure, but I can't help thinkin' it's so. Is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is,” he said, a little uncertainly. “I <i>do</i> care for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then is it that ye don't care for that other girl all the time?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “it's not that.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye can care for two girls at the same time?” + </p> + <p> + He did not know what to say. “It would seem that I can, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes again and studied his face. “Ye told me about that + other girl, and I been wonderin', was it only to put me off? Maybe it's me + own fault, but I can't make meself believe in that other girl, Joe!” + </p> + <p> + “You're mistaken, Mary,” he answered, quickly. “What I told you was true.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, maybe so,” she said, but there was no conviction in her tone. “Ye + come away from her, and ye never go where she is or see her—it's + hard to believe ye'd do that way if ye were very close to her. I just + don't think ye love her as much as ye might. And ye say you do care some + for me. So I've thought—I've wondered—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped, forcing herself to meet his gaze: “I been tryin' to work it + out! I know ye're too good a man for me, Joe. Ye come from a better place + in life, ye've a right to expect more in a woman—” + </p> + <p> + “It's not that, Mary!” + </p> + <p> + But she cut him short. “I know that's true! Ye're only tryin' to save my + feelin's. I know ye're better than me! I've tried hard to hold me head up, + I've tried a long time not to let meself go to pieces. I've even tried to + keep cheerful, telling meself I'd not want to be like Mrs. Zamboni, + forever complainin'. But 'tis no use tellin' yourself lies! I been up to + the church, and heard the Reverend Spragg tell the people that the rich + and poor are the same in the sight of the Lord. And maybe 'tis so, but I'm + not the Lord, and I'll never pretend I'm not ashamed to be livin' in a + place like this.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure the Lord has no interest in keeping you here—” he began. + </p> + <p> + But she broke in, “What makes it so hard to bear is knowin' there's so + many wonderful things in the world, and ye can never have them! 'Tis as if + ye had to see them through a pane of glass, like in the window of a store. + Just think, Joe Smith—once, in a church in Sheridan, I heard a lady + sing beautiful music; once in my whole lifetime! Can ye guess what it + meant to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mary, I can.” + </p> + <p> + “But I had that all out with meself—years ago. I knew the price a + workin' girl has to pay for such things, and I said, I'll not let meself + think about them. I've hated this place, I've wanted to get away—but + there's only one way to go, to let some man take ye! So I've stayed; I've + kept straight, Joe. I want ye to believe that.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Mary!” + </p> + <p> + “No! It's not been 'of course'! It means ye have to fight with + temptations. It's many a time I've looked at Jeff Cotton, and thought + about the things I need! And I've done without! But now comes the thing a + woman wants more than all the other things in the world!” + </p> + <p> + She paused, but only for a moment. “They tell ye to love a man of your own + class. Me old mother said that to me, before she died. But suppose ye + didn't happen to? Suppose ye'd stopped and thought what it meant, havin' + one baby after another, till ye're worn out and drop—like me old + mother did? Suppose ye knew good manners when ye see them—ye knew + interestin' talk when ye heard it!” She clasped her hands suddenly before + her, exclaiming, “Ah, 'tis something different ye are, Joe—so + different from anything around here! The way ye talk, the way ye move, the + gay look in your eyes! No miner ever had that happy look, Joe; me heart + stops beatin' almost when ye look at me!” She stopped with a sharp + catching of her breath, and he saw that she was struggling for + self-control. After a moment she exclaimed, defiantly: “But they'd tell + ye, be careful, ye daren't love that kind of man; ye'd only have your + heart broken!” + </p> + <p> + There was silence. For this problem the amateur sociologist had no + solution at hand—whether for the abstract question, or for its + concrete application! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 31. + </h3> + <p> + Mary forced herself to go on. “This is how I've worked it out, Joe! I said + to meself, 'Ye love this man; and it's his <i>love</i> ye want—nothin' + else! If he's got a place in the world, ye'd only hold him back—and + ye'd not want to do that. Ye don't want his name, or his friends, or any + of those things—ye want <i>him</i>!' Have ye ever heard of such a + thing as that?” + </p> + <p> + Her cheeks were flaming, but she continued to meet his gaze. “Yes, I've + heard of it,” he answered, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “What would ye say to it? Is it honest? The Reverend Spragg would say + 'twas the devil, no doubt; Father O'Gorman, down in Pedro, would call it + mortal sin; and maybe they know—but I don't! I only know I can't + stand it any more!” + </p> + <p> + Tears sprang to her eyes, and she cried out suddenly, “Oh, take me away + from here! Take me away and give me a chance, Joe! I'll ask nothing, I'll + never stand in your way; I'll work for ye, I'll cook and wash and do + everything for ye, I'll wear my fingers to the bone! Or I'll go out and + work at some job, and earn my share. And I'll make ye this promise—if + ever ye get tired and want to leave me, ye'll not hear a word of + complaint!” + </p> + <p> + She made no conscious appeal to his senses; she sat gazing at him honestly + through her tears, and that made it all the harder to answer her. + </p> + <p> + What could he say? He felt the old dangerous impulse—to take the + girl in his arms and comfort her. When finally he spoke it was with an + effort to keep his voice calm. “I'd say yes, Mary, if I thought it would + work.” + </p> + <p> + “It <i>would</i> work! It would, Joe! Ye can quit when ye want to. I mean + it!” + </p> + <p> + “There's no woman lives who can be happy on such terms, Mary. She wants + her man, and she wants him to herself, and she wants him always; she's + only deluding herself if she believes anything else. You're over-wrought + now, what you've seen in the last few days has made you wild—” + </p> + <p> + “No!” she exclaimed. “'Tis not only that! I been thinkin' about it for + weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “I know. You've been thinking, but you wouldn't have spoken if it hadn't + been for this horror.” He paused for a moment, to renew his own + self-possession. “It won't do, Mary,” he declared. “I've seen it tried + more than once, and I'm not so old either. My own brother tried it once, + and ruined himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, ye're afraid to trust me, Joe!” + </p> + <p> + “No, it's not that; what I mean is—he ruined his own heart, he made + himself selfish. He took everything, and gave nothing. He's much older + than I, so I've had a chance to see its effect on him. He's cold, he has + no faith, even in his own nature; when you talk to him about making the + world better he tells you you're a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “It's another way of bein' afraid of me,” she insisted. “Afraid you'd + ought to marry me!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mary—there's the other girl. I really love her, and I'm + promised to her. What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis that I've never believed you loved her,” she said, in a whisper. Her + eyes fell and she began picking nervously again at the faded blue dress, + which was smutted and grease-stained, perhaps from her recent effort with + Mrs. Zamboni's brood. Several times Hal thought she was going to speak, + but she shut her lips tightly again; he watched her, his heart aching. + </p> + <p> + When finally she spoke, it was still in a whisper, and there was a note of + humility he had never heard from her before. “Ye'll not be wantin' to + speak to me, Joe, after what I've said.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mary!” he exclaimed, and caught her hand, “don't say I've made you + more unhappy! I want to help you! Won't you let me be your friend—your + real, true friend? Let me help you to get out of this trap; you'll have a + chance to look about, you'll find a way to be happy—the whole world + will seem different to you then, and you'll laugh at the idea that you + ever wanted me!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 32. + </h3> + <p> + The two of them went back to the pit-mouth. It had been two days since the + disaster, and still the fan had not been started, and there was no sign of + its being started. The hysteria of the women was growing, and there was a + tension in the crowds. Jeff Cotton had brought in a force of men to assist + him in keeping order. They had built a fence of barbed wire about the + pit-mouth and its approaches, and behind this wire they walked—hard-looking + citizens with policemen's “billies,” and the bulge of revolvers plainly + visible on their hips. + </p> + <p> + During this long period of waiting, Hal had talks with members of his + check-weighman group. They told what had happened while he was in jail, + and this reminded him of something which had been driven from his mind by + the explosion. Poor old John Edstrom was down in Pedro, perhaps in dire + need. Hal went to the old Swede's cabin that night, climbed through a + window, and dug up the buried money. There were five five-dollar bills, + and he put them in an envelope, addressed them in care of General + Delivery, Pedro, and had Mary Burke take them to the post office and + register them. + </p> + <p> + The hours dragged on, and still there was no sign of the pit-mouth being + opened. There began to be secret gatherings of the miners and their wives + to complain at the conduct of the company; and it was natural that Hal's + friends who had started the check-weighman movement, should take the lead + in these. They were among the most intelligent of the workers, and saw + farther into the meaning of events. They thought, not merely of the men + who were trapped under ground at this moment, but of thousands of others + who would be trapped through years to come. Hal, especially, was pondering + how he could accomplish something definite before he left the camp; for of + course he would have to leave soon—Jeff Cotton would remember him, + and carry out his threat to get rid of him. + </p> + <p> + Newspapers had come in, with accounts of the disaster, and Hal and his + friends read these. It was evident that the company had been at pains to + have the accounts written from its own point of view. There existed some + public sensitiveness on the subject of mine-disasters in this state. The + death-rate from accidents was seen to be mounting steadily; the reports of + the state mine inspector showed six per thousand in one year, eight and a + half in the next, and twenty-one and a half in the next. When fifty or a + hundred men were killed in a single accident, and when such accidents kept + happening, one on the heels of another, even the most callous public could + not help asking questions. So in this case the “G. F. C.” had been careful + to minimise the loss of life, and to make excuses. The accident had been + owing to no fault of the company's; the mine had been regularly sprinkled, + both with water and adobe dust, and so the cause of the explosion must + have been the carelessness of the men in handling powder. + </p> + <p> + In Jack David's cabin one night there arose a discussion as to the number + of men entombed in the mine. The company's estimate of the number was + forty, but Minetti and Olson and David agreed that this was absurd. Any + man who went about in the crowds could satisfy himself that there were two + or three times as many unaccounted for. And this falsification was + deliberate, for the company had a checking system, whereby it knew the + name of every man in the mine. But most of these names were + unpronounceable Slavish, and the owners of the names had no friends to + mention them—at least not in any language understood by American + newspaper editors. + </p> + <p> + It was all a part of the system, declared Jack David: its purpose and + effect being to enable the company to go on killing men without paying for + them, either in money or in prestige. It occurred to Hal that it might be + worth while to contradict these false statements—almost as worth + while as to save the men who were at this moment entombed. Any one who + came forward to make such a contradiction would of course be giving + himself up to the black-list; but then, Hal regarded himself as a man + already condemned to that penalty. + </p> + <p> + Tom Olson spoke up. “What would you do with your contradiction?” + </p> + <p> + “Give it to the papers,” Hal answered. + </p> + <p> + “But what papers would print it?” + </p> + <p> + “There are two rival papers in Pedro, aren't there?” + </p> + <p> + “One owned by Alf Raymond, the sheriff-emperor, and the other by Vagleman, + counsel for the 'G. F. C.' Which one would you try?” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, the outside papers—those in Western City. There are + reporters here now, and some one of them would surely take it.” + </p> + <p> + Olson answered, declaring that they would not get any but labour and + Socialist papers to print such news. But even that was well worth doing. + And Jack David, who was strong for unions and all their activities, put + in, “The thing to do is to take a regular census, so as to know exactly + how many are in the mine.” + </p> + <p> + The suggestion struck fire, and they agreed to set to work that same + evening. It would be a relief to do something, to have something in their + minds but despair. They passed the word to Mary Burke, to Rovetta, + Klowoski, and others; and at eleven o'clock the next morning they met + again, and the lists were put together, and it was found that no less than + a hundred and seven men and boys were positively known to be inside Number + One. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 33. + </h3> + <p> + As it happened, however, discussion of this list and the method of giving + it to the world was cut short by a more urgent matter. Jack David came in + with news of fresh trouble at the pit-mouth. The new fan was being put in + place; but they were slow about it, so slow that some people had become + convinced that they did not mean to start the fan at all, but were keeping + the mine sealed to prevent the fire from spreading. A group of such + malcontents had presumed to go to Mr. Carmichael, the deputy state + mine-inspector, to urge him to take some action; and the leader of these + protestants, Huszar, the Austrian, who had been one of Hal's + check-weighman group, had been taken into custody and marched at + double-quick to the gate of the stockade! + </p> + <p> + Jack David declared furthermore that he knew a carpenter who was working + in the fan-house, and who said that no haste whatever was being made. All + the men at the fan-house shared that opinion; the mine was sealed, and + would stay sealed until the company was sure the fire was out. + </p> + <p> + “But,” argued Hal, “if they were to open it, the fire would spread; and + wouldn't that prevent rescue work?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” declared “Big Jack.” He explained that by reversing the fan + they could draw the smoke up through the air-course, which would clear the + main passages for a time. “But, you see, some coal might catch fire, and + some timbers; there might be falls of rock so they couldn't work some of + the rooms again.” + </p> + <p> + “How long will they keep the mine sealed?” cried Hal, in consternation. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody can say. In a big mine like that, a fire might smoulder for a + week.” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody be dead!” cried Rosa Minetti, wringing her hands in a sudden + access of grief. + </p> + <p> + Hal turned to Olson. “Would they possibly do such a thing?” + </p> + <p> + “It's been done—more than once,” was the organiser's reply. + </p> + <p> + “Did you never hear about Cherry, Illinois?” asked David. “They did it + there, and more than three hundred people lost their lives.” He went on to + tell that dreadful story, known to every coal-miner. They had sealed the + mine, while women fainted and men tore their clothes in frenzy—some + going insane. They had kept it sealed for two weeks, and when they opened + it, there were twenty-one men still alive! + </p> + <p> + “They did the same thing in Diamondville, Wyoming,” added Olson. “They + built up a barrier, and when they took it away they found a heap of dead + men, who had crawled to it and torn their fingers to the bone trying to + break through.” + </p> + <p> + “My God!” cried Hal, springing to his feet. “And this man Carmichael—would + he stand for that?” + </p> + <p> + “He'd tell you they were doing their best,” said “Big Jack.” “And maybe he + thinks they are. But you'll see—something'll keep happening; they'll + drag on from day to day, and they'll not start the fan till they're + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it's murder!” cried Hal. + </p> + <p> + “It's business,” said Tom Olson, quietly. + </p> + <p> + Hal looked from one to another of the faces of these working people. Not + one but had friends in that trap; not one but might be in the same trap + to-morrow! + </p> + <p> + “You have to stand it!” he exclaimed, half to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see the guards at the pit-mouth?” answered David. “Don't you + see the guns sticking out of their pockets?” + </p> + <p> + “They bring in more guards this morning,” put in Jerry Minetti. “Rosa, she + see them get off.” + </p> + <p> + “They know what they doin'!” said Rosa. “They only fraid we find it out! + They told Mrs. Zamboni she keep away or they send her out of camp. And old + Mrs. Jonotch—her husband and three sons inside!” + </p> + <p> + “They're getting rougher and rougher,” declared Mrs. David. “That big + fellow they call Pete, that came up from Pedro—the way he's handling + the women is a shame!” + </p> + <p> + “I know him,” put in Olson; “Pete Hanun. They had him in Sheridan when the + union first opened headquarters. He smashed one of our organisers in the + mouth and broke four of his teeth. They say he has a jail-record.” + </p> + <p> + All through the previous year at college Hal had listened to lectures upon + political economy, filled with the praises of a thing called “Private + Ownership.” This Private Ownership developed initiative and economy; it + kept the wheels of industry a-roll, it kept fat the pay-rolls of college + faculties; it accorded itself with the sacred laws of supply and demand, + it was the basis of the progress and prosperity wherewith America had been + blessed. And here suddenly Hal found himself face to face with the reality + of it; he saw its wolfish eyes glaring into his own, he felt its smoking + hot breath in his face, he saw its gleaming fangs and claw-like fingers, + dripping with the blood of men and women and children. Private Ownership + of coal-mines! Private Ownership of sealed-up entrances and non-existent + escape-ways! Private Ownership of fans which did not start, of sprinklers + which did not sprinkle. Private Ownership of clubs and revolvers, and of + thugs and ex-convicts to use them, driving away rescuers and shutting up + agonised widows and orphans in their homes! Oh, the serene and well-fed + priests of Private Ownership, chanting in academic halls the praises of + the bloody Demon! + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Hal stopped still. Something had risen in him, the existence of + which he had never suspected. There was a new look upon his face, his + voice was deep as a strong man's when he spoke: “I am going to make them + open that mine!” + </p> + <p> + They looked at him. They were all of them close to the border of hysteria, + but they caught the strange note in his utterance. “I am going to make + them open that mine!” + </p> + <p> + “How?” asked Olson. + </p> + <p> + “The public doesn't know about this thing. If the story got out, there'd + be such a clamour, it couldn't go on!” + </p> + <p> + “But how will you get it out?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give it to the newspapers! They can't suppress such a thing—I + don't care how prejudiced they are!” + </p> + <p> + “But do you think they'd believe what a miner's buddy tells them?” asked + Mrs. David. + </p> + <p> + “I'll find a way to make them believe me,” said Hal. “I'm going to make + them open that mine!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 34. + </h3> + <p> + In the course of his wanderings about the camp, Hal had observed several + wide-awake looking young men with notebooks in their hands. He could see + that these young men were being made guests of the company, chatting with + the bosses upon friendly terms; nevertheless, he believed that among them + he might find one who had a conscience—or at any rate who would + yield to the temptation of a “scoop.” So, leaving the gathering at Mrs. + David's, Hal went to the pit-mouth, watching out for one of these + reporters; when he found him, he followed him for a while, desiring to get + him where no company “spotter” might interfere. At the first chance, he + stepped up, and politely asked the reporter to come into a side street, + where they might converse undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + The reporter obeyed the request; and Hal, concealing the intensity of his + feelings, so as not to repel the other, let it be known that he had worked + in North Valley for some months, and could tell much about conditions in + the camp. There was the matter of adobe-dust, for example. Explosions in + dry mines could be prevented by spraying the walls with this material. Did + the reporter happen to know that the company's claim to have used it was + entirely false? + </p> + <p> + No, the reporter answered, he did not know this. He seemed interested, and + asked Hal's name and occupation. Hal told him “Joe Smith,” a “buddy,” who + had recently been chosen as check-weighman. The reporter, a lean and + keen-faced young man, asked many questions—intelligent questions; + incidentally he mentioned that he was the local correspondent of the great + press association whose stories of the disaster were sent to every corner + of the country. This seemed to Hal an extraordinary piece of good fortune, + and he proceeded to tell this Mr. Graham about the census which some of + the workers had taken; they were able to give the names of a hundred and + seven men and boys who were inside the mine. The list was at Mr. Graham's + disposal if he cared to see it. Mr. Graham seemed more interested than + ever, and made notes in his book. + </p> + <p> + Another thing, more important yet, Hal continued; the matter of the delay + in getting the fan started. It had been three days since the explosion, + but there had been no attempt at entering the mine. Had Mr. Graham seen + the disturbance at the pit-mouth that morning? Did he realise that a man + had been thrown out of camp merely because he had appealed to the deputy + state mine-inspector? Hal told what so many had come to believe—that + the company was saving property at the expense of life. He went on to + point out the human meaning of this—he told about old Mrs. Rafferty, + with her failing health and her eight children; about Mrs. Zamboni, with + eleven children; about Mrs. Jonotch, with a husband and three sons in the + mine. Led on by the reporter's interest, Hal began to show some of his + feeling. These were human beings, not animals; they loved and suffered, + even though they were poor and humble! + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly!” said Mr. Graham. “You're right, and you may rest assured + I'll look into this.” + </p> + <p> + “There's one thing more,” said Hal. “If my name is mentioned, I'll be + fired, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't mention it,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, if you can't publish the story without giving its source—” + </p> + <p> + “I'm the source,” said the reporter, with a smile. “Your name would not + add anything.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with quiet assurance; he seemed to know so completely both the + situation and his own duty in regard to it, that Hal felt a thrill of + triumph. It was as if a strong wind had come blowing from the outside + world, dispelling the miasma which hung over this coal-camp. Yes, this + reporter <i>was</i> the outside world! He was the power of public opinion, + making itself felt in this place of knavery and fear! He was the voice of + truth, the courage and rectitude of a great organisation of publicity, + independent of secret influences, lifted above corruption! + </p> + <p> + “I'm indebted to you,” said Mr. Graham, at the end, and Hal's sense of + victory was complete. What an extraordinary chance—that he should + have run into the agent of the great press association! The story would go + out to the great world of industry, which depended upon coal as its + life-blood. The men in the factories, the wheels of which were turned by + coal—the travellers on trains which were moved by coal—they + would hear at last of the sufferings of those who toiled in the bowels of + the earth for them! Even the ladies, reclining upon the decks of palatial + steamships in gleaming tropic seas—so marvellous was the power of + modern news-spreading agencies, that these ladies too might hear the cry + for help of these toilers, and of their wives and little ones! And from + this great world would come an answer, a universal shout of horror, of + execration, that would force even old Peter Harrigan to give way! So Hal + mused—for he was young, and this was his first crusade. + </p> + <p> + He was so happy that he was able to think of himself again, and to realise + that he had not eaten that day. It was noon-time, and he went into + Reminitsky's, and was about half through with the first course of + Reminitsky's two-course banquet, when his cruel disillusioning fell upon + him! + </p> + <p> + He looked up and saw Jeff Cotton striding into the dining-room, making + straight for him. There was blood in the marshal's eye, and Hal saw it, + and rose, instinctively. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” said Cotton, and took him by the coat-sleeve and marched him out, + almost before the rest of the diners had time to catch their breath. + </p> + <p> + Hal had no opportunity now to display his “tea-party manners” to the + camp-marshal. As they walked, Cotton expressed his opinion of him, that he + was a skunk, a puppy, a person of undesirable ancestry; and when Hal + endeavoured to ask a question—which he did quite genuinely, not + grasping at once the meaning of what was happening—the marshal bade + him “shut his face,” and emphasised the command by a twist at his + coat-collar. At the same time two of the huskiest mine-guards, who had + been waiting at the dining-room door, took him, one by each arm, and + assisted his progress. + </p> + <p> + They went down the street and past Jeff Cotton's office, not stopping this + time. Their destination was the railroad-station, and when Hal got there, + he saw a train standing. The three men marched him to it, not releasing + him till they had jammed him down into a seat. + </p> + <p> + “Now, young fellow,” said Cotton, “we'll see who's running this camp!” + </p> + <p> + By this time Hal had regained a part of his self-possession. “Do I need a + ticket?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see to that,” said the marshal. + </p> + <p> + “And do I get my things?” + </p> + <p> + “You save some questions for your college professors,” snapped the + marshal. + </p> + <p> + So Hal waited; and a minute or two later a man arrived on the run with his + scanty belongings, rolled into a bundle and tied with a piece of twine. + Hal noted that this man was big and ugly, and was addressed by the + camp-marshal as “Pete.” + </p> + <p> + The conductor shouted, “All aboard!” And at the same time Jeff Cotton + leaned over towards Hal and spoke in a menacing whisper: “Take this from + me, young fellow; don't stop in Pedro, move on in a hurry, or something + will happen to you on a dark night.” + </p> + <p> + After which he strode down the aisle, and jumped off the moving train. But + Hal noticed that Pete Hanun, the breaker of teeth, stayed on the car a few + seats behind him. + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK THREE — THE HENCHMEN OF KING COAL + </h2> + <h3> + SECTION 1. + </h3> + <p> + It was Hal's intention to get to Western City as quickly as possible to + call upon the newspaper editors. But first he must have money to travel, + and the best way he could think of to get it was to find John Edstrom. He + left the train, followed by Pete Hanun; after some inquiry, he came upon + the undertaker who had buried Edstrom's wife, and who told him where the + old Swede was staying, in the home of a labouring-man nearby. + </p> + <p> + Edstrom greeted him with eager questions: Who had been killed? What was + the situation? Hal told in brief sentences what had happened. When he + mentioned his need of money, Edstrom answered that he had a little, and + would lend it, but it was not enough for a ticket to Western City. Hal + asked about the twenty-five dollars which Mary Burke had sent by + registered mail; the old man had heard nothing about it, he had not been + to the post-office. “Let's go now!” said Hal, at once; but as they were + starting downstairs, a fresh difficulty occurred to him. Pete Hanun was on + the street outside, and it was likely that he had heard about this money + from Jeff Cotton; he might hold Edstrom up and take it away. + </p> + <p> + “Let me suggest something,” put in the old man. “Come and see my friend Ed + MacKellar. He may be able to give us some advice—even to think of + some way to get the mine open.” Edstrom explained that MacKellar, an old + Scotchman, had been a miner, but was now crippled, and held some petty + office in Pedro. He was a persistent opponent of “Alf” Raymond's machine, + and they had almost killed him on one occasion. His home was not far away, + and it would take little time to consult him. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal, and they set out at once. Pete Hanun followed them, + not more than a dozen yards behind, but did not interfere, and they turned + in at the gate of a little cottage. A woman opened the door for them, and + asked them into the dining-room where MacKellar was sitting—a + grey-haired old man, twisted up with rheumatism and obliged to go about on + crutches. + </p> + <p> + Hal told his story. As the Scotchman had been brought up in the mines, it + was not necessary to go into details about the situation. When Hal told + his idea of appealing to the newspapers, the other responded at once, “You + won't have to go to Western City. There's a man right here who'll do the + business for you; Keating, of the <i>Gazette</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “The Western City <i>Gazette?</i>” exclaimed Hal. He knew this paper; an + evening journal selling for a cent, and read by working-men. Persons of + culture who referred to it disposed of it with the adjective “yellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said MacKellar, noting Hal's tone. “But it's the only paper that + will publish your story anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is this Keating?” + </p> + <p> + “He's been up at the mine. It's too bad you didn't meet him.” + </p> + <p> + “Can we get hold of him now?” + </p> + <p> + “He might be in Pedro. Try the American Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + Hal went to the telephone, and in a minute was hearing for the first time + the cheery voice of his friend and lieutenant-to-be, “Billy” Keating. In a + couple of minutes more the owner of the voice was at MacKellar's door, + wiping the perspiration from his half-bald forehead. He was round-faced, + like a full moon, and as jolly as Falstaff; when you got to know him + better, you discovered that he was loyal as a Newfoundland dog. For all + his bulk, Keating was a newspaper man, every inch of him “on the job.” + </p> + <p> + He started to question the young miner as soon as he was introduced, and + it quickly became clear to Hal that here was the man he was looking for. + Keating knew exactly what questions to ask, and had the whole story in a + few minutes. “By thunder!” he cried. “My last edition!” And he pulled out + his watch, and sprang to the telephone. “Long distance,” he called; then, + “I want the city editor of the Western City <i>Gazette</i>. And, operator, + please see if you can't rush it through. It's very urgent, and last time I + had to wait nearly half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + He turned back to Hal, and proceeded to ask more questions, at the same + time pulling a bunch of copy-paper from his pocket and making notes. He + got all Hal's statements about the lack of sprinkling, the absence of + escape-ways, the delay in starting the fan, the concealing of the number + of men in the mine. “I knew things were crooked up there!” he exclaimed. + “But I couldn't get a lead! They kept a man with me every minute of the + time. You know a fellow named Predovich?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” said Hal. “The company store-clerk; he once went through my + pockets.” + </p> + <p> + Keating made a face of disgust. “Well, he was my chaperon. Imagine trying + to get the miners to talk to you with that sneak at your heels! I said to + the superintendent, 'I don't need anybody to escort me around your place.' + And he looked at me with a nasty little smile. 'We wouldn't want anything + to happen to you while you're in this camp, Mr. Keating.' 'You don't + consider it necessary to protect the lives of the other reporters,' I + said. 'No,' said he; 'but the <i>Gazette</i> has made a great many + enemies, you know.' 'Drop your fooling, Mr. Cartwright,' I said. 'You + propose to have me shadowed while I'm working on this assignment?' 'You + can put it that way,' he answered, 'if you think it'll please the readers + of the <i>Gazette</i>.'” + </p> + <p> + “Too bad we didn't meet!” said Hal. “Or if you'd run into any of our + check-weighman crowd!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! You know about that check-weighman business!” exclaimed the reporter. + “I got a hint of it—that's how I happened to be down here to-day. I + heard there was a man named Edstrom, who'd been shut out for making + trouble; and I thought if I could find him, I might get a lead.” + </p> + <p> + Hal and MacKellar looked at the old Swede, and the three of them began to + laugh. “Here's your man!” said MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + “And here's your check-weighman!” added Edstrom, pointing to Hal. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the reporter was on his job again; he began to fire another + series of questions. He would use that check-weighman story as a + “follow-up” for the next day, to keep the subject of North Valley alive. + The story had a direct bearing on the disaster, because it showed what the + North Valley bosses were doing when they should have been looking after + the safety of their mine. “I'll write it out this afternoon and send it by + mail,” said Keating; he added, with a smile, “That's one advantage of + handling news the other papers won't touch—you don't have to worry + about losing your 'scoops'!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 2. + </h3> + <p> + Keating went to the telephone again, to worry “long distance”; then, + grumbling about his last edition, he came back to ask more questions about + Hal's experiences. Before long he drew out the story of the young man's + first effort in the publicity game; at which he sank back in his chair, + and laughed until he shook, as the nursery-rhyme describes it, “like a + bowlful of jelly.” + </p> + <p> + “Graham!” he exclaimed. “Fancy, MacKellar, he took that story to Graham!” + </p> + <p> + The Scotchman seemed to find it equally funny; together they explained + that Graham was the political reporter of the <i>Eagle</i>, the paper in + Pedro which was owned by the Sheriff-emperor. One might call him Alf + Raymond's journalistic jackal; there was no job too dirty for him. + </p> + <p> + “But,” cried Hal, “he told me he was correspondent for the Western press + association!” + </p> + <p> + “He's that, too,” replied Billy. + </p> + <p> + “But does the press association employ spies for the 'G. F. C.'?” + </p> + <p> + The reporter answered, drily, “When you understand the news game better, + you'll realise that the one thing the press association cares about in a + correspondent is that he should have respect for property. If respect for + property is the back-bone of his being, he can learn what news is, and the + right way to handle it.” + </p> + <p> + Keating turned to the Scotchman. “Do you happen to have a typewriter in + the house, Mr. MacKellar?” + </p> + <p> + “An old one,” said the other—“lame, like myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll make out with it. I'd ask this young man over to my hotel, but I + think he'd better keep off the streets as much as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right. If you take my advice, you'll take the typewriter upstairs, + where there's no chance of a shot through the window.” + </p> + <p> + “Great heavens!” exclaimed Hal. “Is this America, or mediaeval Italy?” + </p> + <p> + “It's the Empire of Raymond,” replied MacKellar. “They shot my friend Tom + Burton dead while he stood on the steps of his home. He was opposing the + machine, and had evidence about ballot-frauds he was going to put before + the Grand Jury.” + </p> + <p> + While Keating continued to fret with “long distance,” the old Scotchman + went on trying to impress upon Hal the danger of his position. Quite + recently an organiser of the miners' union had been beaten up in broad + day-light and left insensible on the sidewalk; MacKellar had watched the + trial and acquittal of the two thugs who had committed this crime—the + foreman of the jury being a saloon-keeper one of Raymond's heelers, and + the other jurymen being Mexicans, unable to comprehend a word of the court + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly such a jury as Jeff Cotton promised me!” remarked Hal, with a + feeble attempt at a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the other; “and don't make any mistake about it, if they + want to put you away, they can do it. They run the whole machine here. I + know how it is, for I had a political job myself, until they found they + couldn't use me.” + </p> + <p> + The old Scotchman went on to explain that he had been elected justice of + peace, and had tried to break up the business of policemen taking money + from the women of the town; he had been forced to resign, and his enemies + had made his life a torment. Recently he had been candidate for district + judge on the Progressive ticket, and told of his efforts to carry on a + campaign in the coal-camps—how his circulars had been confiscated, + his posters torn down, his supporters “kangarooed.” It was exactly as Alec + Stone, the pit-boss, had explained to Hal. In some of the camps the + meeting-halls belonged to the company; in others they belonged to + saloon-keepers whose credit depended upon Alf Raymond. In the few places + where there were halls that could be hired, the machine had gone to the + extreme of sending in rival entertainments, furnishing free music and free + beer in order to keep the crowds away from MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + All this time Billy Keating had been chafing and scolding at “long + distance.” Now at last he managed to get his call, and silence fell in the + room. “Hello, Pringle, that you? This is Keating. Got a big story on the + North Valley disaster. Last edition put to bed yet? Put Jim on the wire. + Hello, Jim! Got your book?” And then Billy, evidently talking to a + stenographer, began to tell the story he had got from Hal. Now and then he + would stop to repeat or spell a word; once or twice Hal corrected him on + details. So, in about a quarter of an hour, they put the job through; and + Keating turned to Hal. + </p> + <p> + “There you are, son,” said he. “Your story'll be on the street in Western + City in a little over an hour; it'll be down here as soon thereafter as + they can get telephone connections. And take my advice, if you want to + keep a whole skin, you'll be out of Pedro when that happens!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 3. + </h3> + <p> + When Hal spoke, he did not answer Billy Keating's last remark. He had been + listening to a retelling of the North Valley disaster over the telephone; + so he was not thinking about his skin, but about a hundred and seven men + and boys buried inside a mine. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Keating,” said he, “are you sure the <i>Gazette</i> will print that + story?” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” exclaimed the other. “What am I here for?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I've been disappointed once, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you got into the wrong camp. We're a poor man's paper, and this + is what we live on.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no chance of its being 'toned down'?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the slightest, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no chance of Peter Harrigan's suppressing it?” + </p> + <p> + “Peter Harrigan made his attempts on the <i>Gazette</i> long ago, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “and now tell me this—will it do the work?” + </p> + <p> + “In what way?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean—in making them open the mine.” + </p> + <p> + Keating considered for a moment. “I'm afraid it won't do much.” + </p> + <p> + Hal looked at him blankly. He had taken it for granted the publication of + the facts would force the company to move. But Keating explained that the + <i>Gazette</i> read mainly by working-people, and so had comparatively + little influence. “We're an afternoon paper,” he said; “and when people + have been reading lies all morning, it's not easy to make them believe the + truth in the afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “But won't the story go to other papers—over the country, I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we have a press service; but the papers are all like the <i>Gazette</i>—poor + man's papers. If there's something very raw, and we keep pounding away for + a long time, we can make an impression; at least we limit the amount of + news the Western press association can suppress. But when it comes to a + small matter like sealing up workingmen in a mine, all we can do is to + worry the 'G. F. C.' a little.” + </p> + <p> + So Hal was just where he had begun! “I must find some other plan,” he + exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see what you can do,” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, while the young miner pondered. “I had thought of going + up to Western City and appealing to the editors,” he said, a little + uncertainly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can tell you about that—you might as well save your + car-fare. They wouldn't touch your story.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I appealed to the Governor?” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, he probably wouldn't see you. And if he did, he + wouldn't do anything. He's not really the Governor, you know; he's a + puppet put up there to fool you. He only moves when Harrigan pulls a + string.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I knew he was Old Peter's man,” said Hal. “But then”—and + he concluded, somewhat lamely, “What <i>can</i> I do?” + </p> + <p> + A smile of pity came upon the reporter's face. “I can see this is the + first time you've been up against 'big business.'” And then he added, + “You're young! When you've had more experience, you'll leave these + problems to older heads!” But Hal failed to get the reporter's sarcasm. He + had heard these exact words in such deadly seriousness from his brother! + Besides, he had just come from scenes of horror. + </p> + <p> + “But don't you see, Mr. Keating?” he exclaimed. “It's impossible for me to + sit still while those men die?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about your sitting still,” said the other. “All I know is + that all your moving about isn't going to do them any good.” + </p> + <p> + Hal turned to Edstrom and MacKellar. “Gentlemen,” he said, “listen to me + for a minute.” And there was a note of pleading in his voice—as if + he thought they were deliberately refusing to help him! “We've got to do + something about this. We've <i>got</i> to do something! I'm new at the + game, as Mr. Keating says; but you aren't. Put your minds on it, + gentlemen, and help me work out a plan!” + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence. “God knows,” said Edstrom, at last. “I'd suggest + something if I could.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, too,” said MacKellar. “You're up against a stone-wall, my boy. The + government here is simply a department of the 'G. F. C.' The officials are + crooks—company servants, all of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Just a moment now,” said Hal. “Let's consider. Suppose we had a real + government—what steps would we take? We'd carry such a case to the + District Attorney, wouldn't we?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, no doubt of it,” said MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + “You mentioned him before,” said Hal. “He threatened to prosecute some + mine-superintendents for ballot-frauds, you said.” + </p> + <p> + “That was while he was running for election,” said MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I remember what Jeff Cotton said—that he was friendly to the + miners in his speeches, and to the companies in his acts.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the man,” said the other, drily. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” argued Hal, “oughtn't I go to him, to give him a chance, at least? + You can't tell, he might have a heart inside him.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a heart he needs,” replied MacKellar; “it's a back-bone.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely I ought to put it up to him! If he won't do anything, at least + I'll put him on record, and it'll make another story for you, won't it, + Mr. Keating?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's true,” admitted the reporter. “What would you ask him to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to lay the matter before the Grand Jury; to bring indictments + against the North Valley bosses.” + </p> + <p> + “But that would take a long time; it wouldn't save the men in the mine.” + </p> + <p> + “What might save them would be the threat of it.” MacKellar put in. “I + don't think any threat of Dick Barker's would count for that much. The + bosses know they could stop him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, isn't there somebody else? Shouldn't I try the courts?” + </p> + <p> + “What courts?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. You tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the Scotchman, “to begin at the bottom, there's a justice of + the peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's he?” + </p> + <p> + “Jim Anderson, a horse-doctor. He's like any other J.P. you ever knew—he + lives on petty graft.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there a higher court?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the district court; Judge Denton. He's the law-partner of Vagleman, + counsel for the 'G. F. C.' How far would you expect to get with him?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I'm clutching at straws,” said Hal. “But they say that's what a + drowning man does. Anyway, I'm going to see these people, and maybe out of + the lot of them I can find one who'll act. It can't do any harm!” + </p> + <p> + The three men thought of some harm it might do; they tried to make Hal + consider the danger of being slugged Or shot. “They'll do it!” exclaimed + MacKellar. “And no trouble for them—they'll prove you were stabbed + by a drunken Dago, quarrelling over some woman.” + </p> + <p> + But Hal had got his head set; he believed he could put this job through + before his enemies had time to lay any plans. Nor would he let any of his + friends accompany him; he had something more important for both Edstrom + and Keating to do—and as for MacKellar, he could not get about + rapidly enough. Hal bade Edstrom go to the post-office and get the + registered letter, and proceed at once to change the bills. It was his + plan to make out affidavits, and if the officials here would not act, to + take the affidavits to the Governor. And for this he would need money. + Meantime, he said, let Billy Keating write out the check-weighman story, + and in a couple of hours meet him at the American Hotel, to get copies of + the affidavits for the <i>Gazette</i>. + </p> + <p> + Hal was still wearing the miner's clothes he had worn on the night of his + arrest in Edstrom's cabin. But he declined MacKellar's offer to lend him a + business-suit; the old Scotchman's clothes would not fit him, he knew, and + it would be better to make his appeal as a real miner than as a misfit + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + These matters being settled, Hal went out upon the street, where Pete + Hanun, the breaker of teeth, fell in behind him. The young miner at once + broke into a run, and the other followed suit, and so the two of them sped + down the street, to the wonder of people on the way. As Hal had had + practice as a sprinter, no doubt Pete was glad that the District + Attorney's office was not far away! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 4. + </h3> + <p> + Mr. Richard Parker was busy, said the clerk in toe outer office; for which + Hal was not sorry, as it gave him a chance to get his breath. Seeing a + young man flushed and panting, the clerk stared with curiosity; but Hal + offered no explanation, and the breaker of teeth waited on the street + outside. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker received his caller in a couple of minutes. He was a well-fed + gentleman with generous neck and chin, freshly shaved and rubbed with + talcum powder. His clothing was handsome, his linen immaculate; one got + the impression of a person who “did himself well.” There were papers on + his desk, and he looked preoccupied. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said he, with a swift glance at the young miner. + </p> + <p> + “I understand that I am speaking to the District Attorney of Pedro + County?” + </p> + <p> + “That's right.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker, have you given any attention to the circumstances of the + North Valley disaster?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mr. Parker. “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I have just come from North Valley, and I can give you information which + may be of interest to you. There are a hundred and seven people entombed + in the mine, and the company officials have sealed it, and are sacrificing + those lives.” + </p> + <p> + The other put down the correspondence, and made an examination of his + caller from under his heavy eyelids. “How do you know this?” + </p> + <p> + “I left there only a few hours ago. The facts are known to all the workers + in the camp.” + </p> + <p> + “You are speaking from what you heard?” + </p> + <p> + “I am speaking from what I know at first hand. I saw the disaster, I saw + the pit-mouth boarded over and covered with canvas. I know a man who was + driven out of camp this morning for complaining about the delay in + starting the fan. It has been over three days since the explosion, and + still nothing has been done.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker proceeded to fire a series of questions, in the sharp, + suspicious manner customary to prosecuting officials. But Hal did not mind + that; it was the man's business to make sure. + </p> + <p> + Presently he demanded to know how he could get corroboration of Hal's + statements. + </p> + <p> + “You'll have to go up there,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “You say the facts are known to the men. Give me the names of some of + them.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no authority to give their names, Mr. Parker.” + </p> + <p> + “What authority do you need? They will tell me, won't they?” + </p> + <p> + “They may, and they may not. One man has already lost his job; not every + man cares to lose his job.” + </p> + <p> + “You expect me to go up there on your bare say-so?” + </p> + <p> + “I offer you more than my say-so. I offer an affidavit.” + </p> + <p> + “But what do I know about you?” + </p> + <p> + “You know that I worked in North Valley—or you can verify the fact + by using the telephone. My name is Joe Smith, and I was a miner's helper + in Number Two.” + </p> + <p> + But that was not sufficient, said Mr. Parker; his time was valuable, and + before he took a trip to North Valley he must have the names of witnesses + who would corroborate these statements. + </p> + <p> + “I offer you an affidavit!” exclaimed Hal. “I say that I have knowledge + that a crime is being committed—that a hundred and seven human lives + are being sacrificed. You don't consider that a sufficient reason for even + making inquiry?” + </p> + <p> + The District Attorney answered again that he desired to do his duty, he + desired to protect the workers in their rights; but he could not afford to + go off on a “wild goose chase,” he must have the names of witnesses. And + Hal found himself wondering. Was the man merely taking the first pretext + for doing nothing? Or could it be that an official of the state would go + as far as to help the company by listing the names of “trouble-makers”? + </p> + <p> + In spite of his distrust, Hal was resolved to give the man every chance he + could. He went over the whole story of the disaster. He took Mr. Parker up + to the camp, showed him the agonised women and terrified children crowding + about the pit-mouth, driven back with clubs and revolvers. He named family + after family, widows and mothers and orphans. He told of the miners + clamouring for a chance to risk their lives to save their fellows. He let + his own feelings sweep him along; he pleaded with fervour for his + suffering friends. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said the other, breaking in upon his eloquence, “how long + have you been working in North Valley?” + </p> + <p> + “About ten weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been working in coal-mines?” + </p> + <p> + “That was my first experience.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think that in ten weeks you have learned enough to entitle you to + bring a charge of 'murder' against men who have spent their lives in + learning the business of mining?” + </p> + <p> + “As I have told you,” exclaimed Hal, “it's not merely my opinion; it's the + opinion of the oldest and most experienced of the miners. I tell you no + effort whatever is being made to save those men! The bosses care nothing + about their men! One of them, Alec Stone, was heard by a crowd of people + to say, 'Damn the men! Save the mules!'” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody up there is excited,” declared the other. “Nobody can think + straight at present—you can't think straight yourself. If the mine's + on fire, and if the fire is spreading to such an extent that it can't be + put out—” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. Parker, how can you say that it's spreading to such an extent?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, how can you say that it isn't?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. “I understand there's a deputy mine-inspector up + there,” said the District Attorney, suddenly. “What's his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Carmichael,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what does <i>he</i> say about it?” + </p> + <p> + “It was for appealing to him that the miner, Huszar, was turned out of + camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Parker—and there came a note into his voice by + which Hal knew that he had found the excuse he sought—“Well, it's + Carmichael's business, and I have no right to butt in on it. If he comes + to me and asks for indictments, I'll act—but not otherwise. That's + all I have to say about it.” + </p> + <p> + And Hal rose. “Very well, Mr. Parker,” said he. “I have put the facts + before you. I was told you wouldn't do anything, but I wanted to give you + a chance. Now I'm going to ask the Governor for your removal!” And with + these words the young miner strode out of the office. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 5. + </h3> + <p> + Hal went down the street to the American Hotel, where there was a public + stenographer. When this young woman discovered the nature of the material + he proposed to dictate, her fingers trembled visibly; but she did not + refuse the task, and Hal proceeded to set forth the circumstances of the + sealing of the pit-mouth of Number One Mine at North Valley, and to pray + for warrants for the arrest of Enos Cartwright and Alec Stone. Then he + gave an account of how he had been selected as check-weighman and been + refused access to the scales; and with all the legal phraseology he could + rake up, he prayed for the arrest of Enos Cartwright and James Peters, + superintendent and tipple-boss at North Valley, for these offences. In + another affidavit he narrated how Jeff Cotton, camp-marshal, had seized + him at night, mistreated him, and shut him in prison for thirty-six hours + without warrant or charge; also how Cotton, Pete Hanun, and two other + parties by name unknown, had illegally driven him from the town of North + Valley, threatening him with violence; for which he prayed the arrest of + Jeff Cotton, Pete Hanun, and the two parties unknown. + </p> + <p> + Before this task was finished, Billy Keating came in, bringing the + twenty-five dollars which Edstrom had got from the post-office. They found + a notary public, before whom Hal made oath to each document; and when + these had been duly inscribed and stamped with the seal of the state, he + gave carbon copies to Keating, who hurried off to catch a mail-train which + was just due. Billy would not trust such things to the local post-office; + for Pedro was the hell of a town, he declared. As they went out on the + street again they noticed that their body-guard had been increased by + another husky-looking personage, who made no attempt to conceal what he + was doing. + </p> + <p> + Hal went around the corner to an office bearing the legend, “J.W. + Anderson, Justice of the Peace.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Anderson, the horse-doctor, sat at his desk within. He had evidently + chewed tobacco before he assumed the ermine, and his reddish-coloured + moustache still showed the stains. Hal observed such details, trying to + weigh his chances of success. He presented the affidavit describing his + treatment in North Valley, and sat waiting while His Honour read it + through with painful slowness. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the man, at last, “what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I want a warrant for Jeff Cotton's arrest.” + </p> + <p> + The other studied him for a minute. “No, young fellow,” said he. “You + can't get no such warrant here.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because Cotton's a deputy-sheriff; he had a right to arrest you.” + </p> + <p> + “To arrest me without a warrant?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know he didn't have a warrant?” + </p> + <p> + “He admitted to me that he didn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, whether he had a warrant or not, it was his business to keep order + in the camp.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean he can do anything he pleases in the camp?” + </p> + <p> + “What I mean is, it ain't my business to interfere. Why didn't you see Si + Adams, up to the camp?” + </p> + <p> + “They didn't give me any chance to see him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the other, “there's nothing I can do for you. You can see + that for yourself. What kind of discipline could they keep in them camps + if any fellow that had a kick could come down here and have the marshal + arrested?” + </p> + <p> + “Then a camp-marshal can act without regard to the law?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't say that.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose he had committed murder—would you give a warrant for that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, if it was murder.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you knew that he was in the act of committing murder in a + coal-camp—would you try to stop him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Then here's another affidavit,” said Hal; and he produced the one about + the sealing of the mine. There was silence while Justice Anderson read it + through. + </p> + <p> + But again he shook his head. “No, you can't get no such warrants here.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it ain't my business to run a coal-mine. I don't understand it, + and I'd make a fool of myself if I tried to tell them people how to run + their business.” + </p> + <p> + Hal argued with him. Could company officials in charge of a coal-mine + commit any sort of outrage upon their employés, and call it running their + business? Their control of the mine in such an emergency as this meant the + power of life and death over a hundred and seven men and boys; could it be + that the law had nothing to say in such a situation? But Mr. Anderson only + shook his head; it was not his business to interfere. Hal might go up to + the court-house and see Judge Denton about it. So Hal gathered up his + affidavits and went out to the street again—where there were now + three husky-looking personages waiting to escort him. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 6. + </h3> + <p> + The district court was in session and Hal sat for a while in the + court-room, watching Judge Denton. Here was another prosperous and + well-fed appearing gentleman, with a rubicund visage shining over the top + of his black silk robe. The young miner found himself regarding both the + robe and the visage with suspicion. Could it be that Hal was becoming + cynical, and losing his faith in his fellow man? What he thought of, in + connection with the Judge's appearance, was that there was a living to be + made sitting on the bench, while one's partner appeared before the bench + as coal-company counsel! + </p> + <p> + In an interval of the proceedings, Hal spoke to the clerk, and was told + that he might see the judge at four-thirty; but a few minutes later Pete + Hanun came in and whispered to this clerk. The clerk looked at Hal, then + he went up and whispered to the Judge. At four-thirty, when the court was + declared adjourned, the Judge rose and disappeared into his private + office; and when Hal applied to the clerk, the latter brought out the + message that Judge Denton was too busy to see him. + </p> + <p> + But Hal was not to be disposed of in that easy fashion. There was a side + door to the court-room, with a corridor beyond it, and while he stood + arguing with the clerk he saw the rubicund visage of the Judge flit past. + </p> + <p> + He darted in pursuit. He did not shout or make a disturbance; but when he + was close behind his victim, he said, quietly, “Judge Denton, I appeal to + you for justice!” + </p> + <p> + The Judge turned and looked at him, his countenance showing annoyance. + “What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + It was a ticklish moment, for Pete Hanun was at Hal's heels, and it would + have needed no more than a nod from the Judge to cause him to collar Hal. + But the Judge, taken by surprise, permitted himself to parley with the + young miner; and the detective hesitated, and finally fell back a step or + two. + </p> + <p> + Hal repeated his appeal. “Your Honour, there are a hundred and seven men + and boys now dying up at the North Valley mine. They are being murdered, + and I am trying to save their lives!” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said the Judge, “I have an urgent engagement down the + street.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied Hal, “I will walk with you and tell you as you go.” + Nor did he give “His Honour” a chance to say whether this arrangement was + pleasing to him; he set out by his side, with Pete Hanun and the other two + men some ten yards in the rear. + </p> + <p> + Hal told the story as he had told it to Mr. Richard Parker; and he + received the same response. Such matters were not easy to decide about; + they were hardly a Judge's business. There was a state official on the + ground, and it was for him to decide if there was violation of law. + </p> + <p> + Hal repeated his statement that a man who made a complaint to this + official had been thrown out of camp. “And I was thrown out also, your + Honour.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody told me what for.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut, young man! They don't throw men out without telling them the + reason!” + </p> + <p> + “But they <i>do</i>, your Honour! Shortly before that they locked me up in + jail, and held me for thirty-six hours without the slightest show of + authority.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have been doing something!” + </p> + <p> + “What I had done was to be chosen by a committee of miners to act as their + check-weighman.” + </p> + <p> + “Their check-weighman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, your Honour. I am informed there's a law providing that when the men + demand a check-weighman, and offer to pay for him, the company must permit + him to inspect the weights. Is that correct?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “And there's a penalty for refusing?” + </p> + <p> + “The law always carries a penalty, young man.” + </p> + <p> + “They tell me that law has been on the statute-books for fifteen or + sixteen years, and that the penalty is from twenty-five to five hundred + dollars fine. It's a case about which there can be no dispute, your Honour—the + miners notified the superintendent that they desired my services, and when + I presented myself at the tipple, I was refused access to the scales; then + I was seized and shut up in jail, and finally turned out of the camp. I + have made affidavit to these facts, and I think I have the right to ask + for warrants for the guilty men.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you produce witnesses to your statements?” + </p> + <p> + “I can, your Honour. One of the committee of miners, John Edstrom, is now + in Pedro, having been kept out of his home, which he had rented and paid + for. The other, Mike Sikoria, was also thrown out of camp. There are many + others at North Valley who know all about it.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. Judge Denton for the first time took a good look at the + young miner at his side; and then he drew his brows together in solemn + thought, and his voice became deep and impressive. “I shall take this + matter under advisement. What is your name, and where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “Joe Smith, your Honour. I'm staying at Edward MacKellar's, but I don't + know how long I'll be able to stay there. There are company thugs watching + the place all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “That's wild talk!” said the Judge, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “As it happens,” said Hal, “we are being followed by three of them at this + moment—one of them the same Pete Hanun who helped to drive me out of + North Valley. If you will turn your head you will see them behind us.” + </p> + <p> + But the portly Judge did not turn his head. + </p> + <p> + “I have been informed,” Hal continued, “that I am taking my life in my + hands by my present course of action. I believe I'm entitled to ask for + protection.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “To begin with, I'd like you to cause the arrest of the men who are + shadowing me.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not my business to cause such arrests. You should apply to a + policeman.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see any policeman. Will you tell me where to find one?” + </p> + <p> + His Honour was growing weary of such persistence. “Young man, what's the + matter with you is that you've been reading dime novels, and they've got + on your nerves!” + </p> + <p> + “But the men are right behind me, your Honour! Look at them!” + </p> + <p> + “I've told you it's not my business, young man!” + </p> + <p> + “But, your Honour, before I can find a policeman I may be dead!” + </p> + <p> + The other appeared to be untroubled by this possibility. + </p> + <p> + “And, your Honour, while you are taking these matters under advisement, + the men in the mine will be dead!” + </p> + <p> + Again there was no reply. + </p> + <p> + “I have some affidavits here,” said Hal. “Do you wish them?” + </p> + <p> + “You can give them to me if you want to,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “You don't ask me for them?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Then just one more question—if you will pardon me, your Honour. Can + you tell me where I can find an honest lawyer in this town—a man who + might be willing to take a case against the interests of the General Fuel + Company?” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence—a long, long silence. Judge Denton, of the firm + of Denton and Vagleman, stared straight in front of him as he walked. + Whatever complicated processes might have been going on inside his mind, + his judicial features did not reveal them. “No, young man,” he said at + last, “it's not my business to give you information about lawyers.” And + with that the judge turned on his heel and went into the Elks' Club. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 7. + </h3> + <p> + Hal stood and watched the portly figure until it disappeared; then he + turned back and passed the three detectives, who stopped. He stared at + them, but made no sign, nor did they. Some twenty feet behind him, they + fell in and followed as before. + </p> + <p> + Judge Denton had suggested consulting a policeman; and suddenly Hal + noticed that he was passing the City Hall, and it occurred to him that + this matter of his being shadowed might properly be brought to the + attention of the mayor of Pedro. He wondered what the chief magistrate of + such a “hell of a town” might be like; after due inquiry, he found himself + in the office of Mr. Ezra Perkins, a mild-mannered little gentleman who + had been in the undertaking-business, before he became a figure-head for + the so-called “Democratic” machine. + </p> + <p> + He sat pulling nervously at a neatly trimmed brown beard, trying to + wriggle out of the dilemma into which Hal put him. Yes, it might possibly + be that a young miner was being followed on the streets of the town; but + whether or not this was against the law depended on the circumstances. If + he had made a disturbance in North Valley, and there was reason to believe + that he might be intending trouble, doubtless the company was keeping + track of him. But Pedro was a law-abiding place, and he would be protected + in his rights so long as he behaved himself. + </p> + <p> + Hal replied by citing what MacKellar had told him about men being slugged + on the streets in broad day-light. To this Mr. Perkins answered that there + was uncertainty about the circumstances of these cases; anyhow, they had + happened before he became mayor. His was a reform administration, and he + had given strict orders to the Chief of Police that there were to be no + more incidents of the sort. + </p> + <p> + “Will you go with me to the Chief of Police and give him orders now?” + demanded Hal. + </p> + <p> + “I do not consider it necessary,” said Mr. Perkins. + </p> + <p> + He was about to go home, it seemed. He was a pitiful little rodent, and it + was a shame to torment him; but Hal stuck to him for ten or twenty minutes + longer, arguing and insisting—until finally the little rodent bolted + for the door, and made his escape in an automobile. “You can go to the + Chief of Police yourself,” were his last words, as he started the machine; + and Hal decided to follow the suggestion. He had no hope left, but he was + possessed by a kind of dogged rage. He <i>would</i> not let go! + </p> + <p> + Upon inquiry of a passer-by, he learned that police headquarters was in + this same building, the entrance being just round the corner. He went in, + and found a man in uniform writing at a desk, who stated that the Chief + had “stepped down the street.” Hal sat down to wait, by a window through + which he could look out upon the three gunmen loitering across the way. + </p> + <p> + The man at the desk wrote on, but now and then he eyed the young miner + with that hostility which American policemen cultivate toward the lower + classes. To Hal this was a new phenomenon, and he found himself suddenly + wishing that he had put on MacKellar's clothes. Perhaps a policeman would + not have noticed the misfit! + </p> + <p> + The Chief came in. His blue uniform concealed a burly figure, and his + moustache revealed the fact that his errand down the street had had to do + with beer. “Well, young fellow?” said he, fixing his gaze upon Hal. + </p> + <p> + Hal explained his errand. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want me to do?” asked the Chief, in a decidedly hostile + voice. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to make those men stop following me.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I make them stop?” + </p> + <p> + “You can lock them up, if necessary. I can point them out to you, if + you'll step to the window.” + </p> + <p> + But the other made no move. “I reckon if they're follerin' you, they've + got some reason for it. Have you been makin' trouble in the camps?” He + asked this question with sudden force, as if it had occurred to him that + it might be his duty to lock up Hal. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal, speaking as bravely as he could—“no indeed, I + haven't been making trouble. I've only been demanding my rights.” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know what you been doin'?” + </p> + <p> + The young miner was willing to explain, but the other cut him short. “You + behave yourself while you're in this town, young feller, d'you see? If you + do, nobody'll bother you.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Hal, “they've already threatened to bother me.” + </p> + <p> + “What did they say?” + </p> + <p> + “They said something might happen to me on a dark night.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so it might—you might fall down and hit your nose.” + </p> + <p> + The Chief was pleased with this wit, but only for a moment. “Understand, + young feller, we'll give you your rights in this town, but we got no love + for agitators, and we don't pretend to have. See?” + </p> + <p> + “You call a man an agitator when he demands his legal rights?” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't got time to argue with you, young feller. It's no easy matter + keepin' order in coal-camps, and I ain't going to meddle in the business. + I reckon the company detectives has got as good a right in this town as + you.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. Hal saw that there was nothing to be gained by further + discussion with the Chief. It was his first glimpse of the American + policeman as he appears to the labouring man in revolt, and he found it an + illuminating experience. There was dynamite in his heart as he turned and + went out to the street; nor was the amount of the explosive diminished by + the mocking grins which he noted upon the faces of Pete Hanun and the + other two husky-looking personages. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 8. + </h3> + <p> + Hal judged that he had now exhausted his legal resources in Pedro; the + Chief of Police had not suggested any one else he might call upon, so + there seemed nothing he could do but go back to MacKellar's and await the + hour of the night train to Western City. He started to give his guardians + another run, by way of working off at least a part of his own temper; but + he found that they had anticipated this difficulty. An automobile came up + and the three of them stepped in. Not to be outdone, Hal engaged a hack, + and so the expedition returned in pomp to MacKellar's. + </p> + <p> + Hal found the old cripple in a state of perturbation. All that afternoon + his telephone had been ringing; one person after another had warned him—some + pleading with him, some abusing him. It was evident that among them were + people who had a hold on the old man; but he was undaunted, and would not + hear of Hal's going to stay at the hotel until train-time. + </p> + <p> + Then Keating returned, with an exciting tale to tell. Schulman, general + manager of the “G. F. C.,” had been sending out messengers to hunt for + him, and finally had got him in his office, arguing and pleading, cajoling + and denouncing him by turns. He had got Cartwright on the telephone, and + the North Valley superintendent had laboured to convince Keating that he + had done the company a wrong. Cartwright had told a story about Hal's + efforts to hold up the company for money. “Incidentally,” said Keating, + “he added the charge that you had seduced a girl in his camp.” + </p> + <p> + Hal stared at his friend. “Seduced a girl!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “That's what he said; a red-headed Irish girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, damn his soul!” + </p> + <p> + There followed a silence, broken by a laugh from Billy. “Don't glare at me + like that. <i>I</i> didn't say it!” + </p> + <p> + But Hal continued to glare, nevertheless. “The dirty little skunk!” + </p> + <p> + “Take it easy, sonny,” said the fat man, soothingly. “It's quite the usual + thing, to drag in a woman. It's so easy—for of course there always + <i>is</i> a woman. There's one in this case, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “There's a perfectly decent girl.” + </p> + <p> + “But you've been friendly with her? You've been walking around where + people can see you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “So you see, they've got you. There's nothing you can do about a thing of + that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “You wait and see!” Hal burst out. + </p> + <p> + The other gazed curiously at the angry young miner. “What'll you do? Beat + him up some night?” + </p> + <p> + But the young miner did not answer. “You say he described the girl?” + </p> + <p> + “He was kind enough to say she was a red-headed beauty, and with no one to + protect her but a drunken father. I could understand that must have made + it pretty hard for her, in one of these coal-camps.” There was a pause. + “But see here,” said the reporter, “you'll only do the girl harm by making + a row. Nobody believes that women in coal-camps have any virtue. God + knows, I don't see how they do have, considering the sort of men who run + the camps, and the power they have.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Keating,” said Hal, “did <i>you</i> believe what Cartwright told + you?” + </p> + <p> + Keating had started to light a cigar. He stopped in the middle, and his + eyes met Hal's. “My dear boy,” said he, “I didn't consider it my business + to have an opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “But what did you say to Cartwright?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! That's another matter. I said that I'd been a newspaper man for a + good many years, and I knew his game.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for that,” said Hal. “You may be interested to know there isn't + any truth in the story.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to hear it,” said the other. “I believe you.” + </p> + <p> + “Also you may be interested to know that I shan't drop the matter until + I've made Cartwright take it back.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you're an enterprising cuss!” laughed the reporter. “Haven't you + got enough on your hands, with all the men you're going to get out of the + mine?” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 9. + </h3> + <p> + Billy Keating went out again, saying that he knew a man who might be + willing to talk to him on the quiet, and give him some idea what was going + to happen to Hal. Meantime Hal and Edstrom sat down to dinner with + MacKellar. The family were afraid to use the dining-room of their home, + but spread a little table in the upstairs hall. The distress of mind of + MacKellar's wife and daughter was apparent, and this brought home to Hal + the terror of life in this coal-country. Here were American women, in an + American home, a home with evidences of refinement and culture; yet they + felt and acted as if they were Russian conspirators, in terror of Siberia + and the knout! + </p> + <p> + The reporter was gone a couple of hours; when he came back, he brought + news. “You can prepare for trouble, young fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Jeff Cotton's in town.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him in an automobile. If he left North Valley at this time, it was + for something serious, you may be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he mean to do?” + </p> + <p> + “There's no telling. He may have you slugged; he may have you run out of + town and dumped out in the desert; he may just have you arrested.” + </p> + <p> + Hal considered for a moment. “For slander?” + </p> + <p> + “Or for vagrancy; or on suspicion of having robbed a bank in Texas, or + murdered your great-grandmother in Tasmania. The point is, he'll keep you + locked up till this trouble has blown over.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “I don't want to be locked up. I want to go up to + Western City. I'm waiting for the train.” + </p> + <p> + “You may have to wait till morning,” replied Keating. “There's been + trouble on the railroad—a freight-car broke down and ripped up the + track; it'll be some time before it's clear.” + </p> + <p> + They discussed this new problem back and forth. MacKellar wanted to get in + half a dozen friends and keep guard over Hal during the night; and Hal had + about agreed to this idea, when the discussion was given a new turn by a + chance remark of Keating's. “Somebody else is tied up by the railroad + accident. The Coal King's son!” + </p> + <p> + “The Coal King's son?” echoed Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Young Percy Harrigan. He's got a private car here—or rather a whole + train. Think of it—dining-car, drawing-room car, two whole cars with + sleeping apartments! Wouldn't you like to be a son of the Coal King?” + </p> + <p> + “Has he come on account of the mine-disaster?” + </p> + <p> + “Mine-disaster?” echoed Keating. “I doubt if he's heard of it. They've + been on a trip to the Grand Canyon, I was told; there's a baggage-car with + four automobiles.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Old Peter with them?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he's in New York. Percy's the host. He's got one of his automobiles + out, and was up in town—two other fellows and some girls.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's in his party?” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't find out. You can see, it might be a story for the <i>Gazette</i>—the + Coal King's son, coming by chance at the moment when a hundred and seven + of his serfs are perishing in the mine! If I could only have got him to + say a word about the disaster! If I could even have got him to say he + didn't know about it!” + </p> + <p> + “Did you try?” + </p> + <p> + “What am I a reporter for?” + </p> + <p> + “What happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing happened; except that he froze me stiff.” + </p> + <p> + “Where was this?” + </p> + <p> + “On the street. They stopped at a drug-store, and I stepped up. 'Is this + Mr. Percy Harrigan?' He was looking into the store, over my head. 'I'm a + reporter,' I said, 'and I'd like to ask you about the accident up at North + Valley.' 'Excuse me,' he said, in a tone—gee, it makes your blood + cold to think of it! 'Just a word,' I pleaded. 'I don't give interviews,' + he answered; and that was all—he continued looking over my head, and + everybody else staring in front of them. They had turned to ice at my + first word. If ever I felt like a frozen worm!” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Ain't it wonderful,” reflected Billy, “how quick you can build up an + aristocracy! When you looked at that car, the crowd in it and the airs + they wore, you'd think they'd been running the world since the time of + William the Conqueror. And Old Peter came into this country with a + pedlar's pack on his shoulders!” + </p> + <p> + “We're hustlers here,” put in MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + “We'll hustle all the way to hell in a generation more,” said the + reporter. Then, after a minute, “Say, but there's one girl in that bunch + that was the real thing! She sure did get me! You know all those fluffy + things they do themselves up in—soft and fuzzy, makes you think of + spring-time orchards. This one was exactly the colour of apple-blossoms.” + </p> + <p> + “You're susceptible to the charms of the ladies?” inquired Hal, mildly. + </p> + <p> + “I am,” said the other. “I know it's all fake, but just the same, it makes + my little heart go pit-a-pat. I always want to think they're as lovely as + they look.” + </p> + <p> + Hal's smile became reminiscent, and he quoted: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “Oh Liza-Ann, come out with me,<br> + <span class="m2">The moon is a-shinin' in the monkey-puzzle tree!”</span> + </p> + <p> + Then he stopped, with a laugh. “Don't wear your heart on your sleeve, Mr. + Keating. She wouldn't be above taking a peck at it as she passed.” + </p> + <p> + “At me? A worm of a newspaper reporter?” + </p> + <p> + “At you, a man!” laughed Hal. “I wouldn't want to accuse the lady of + posing; but a lady has her role in life, and has to keep her hand in.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. The reporter was looking at the young miner with sudden + curiosity. “See here,” he remarked, “I've been wondering about you. How do + you come to know so much about the psychology of the leisure class?” + </p> + <p> + “I used to have money once,” said Hal. “My family's gone down as quickly + as the Harrigans have come up.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 10. + </h3> + <p> + Hal went on to question Keating about the apple-blossom girl. “Maybe I + could guess who she is. What colour was her hair?” + </p> + <p> + “The colour of molasses taffy when you've pulled it,” said Billy; “but all + fluffy and wonderful, with star-dust in it. Her eyes were brown, and her + cheeks pink and cream.” + </p> + <p> + “She had two rows of pearly white teeth, that flashed at you when she + smiled?” + </p> + <p> + “She didn't smile, unfortunately.” + </p> + <p> + “Then her brown eyes gazed at you, wide open, full of wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they did—only it was into the drug-store window.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she wear a white hat of soft straw, with a green and white flower + garden on it, and an olive green veil, and maybe cream white ribbons?” + </p> + <p> + “By George, I believe you've seen her!” exclaimed the reporter. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe,” said Hal. “Or maybe I'm describing the girl on the cover of one + of the current magazines!” He smiled; but then, seeing the other's + curiosity, “Seriously, I think I do know your young lady. If you announce + that Miss Jessie Arthur is a member of the Harrigan party, you won't be + taking a long chance.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't afford to take any chance at all,” said the reporter. “You mean + Robert Arthur's daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Heiress-apparent of the banking business of Arthur and Sons,” said Hal. + “It happens I know her by sight.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” + </p> + <p> + “I worked in a grocery-store where she used to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Whereabouts?” + </p> + <p> + “Peterson and Company, in Western City.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho! And you used to sell her candy.” + </p> + <p> + “Stuffed dates.” + </p> + <p> + “And your little heart used to go pit-a-pat, so that you could hardly + count the change?” + </p> + <p> + “Gave her too much, several times!” + </p> + <p> + “And you wondered if she was as good as she was beautiful! One day you + were thrilled with hope, the next you were cynical and bitter—till + at last you gave up in despair, and ran away to work in a coal-mine!” + </p> + <p> + They laughed, and MacKellar and Edstrom joined in. But suddenly Keating + became serious again. “I ought to be away on that story!” he exclaimed. + “I've got to get something out of that crowd about the disaster. Think + what copy it would make!” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; I only know I ought to be trying. I'll hang round the + train, and maybe I can get one of the porters to talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Interview with the Coal King's porter!” chuckled Hal. “How it feels to + make up a multi-millionaire's bed!” + </p> + <p> + “How it feels to sell stuffed dates to a banker's daughter!” countered the + other. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly it was Hal's turn to become serious. “Listen, Mr. Keating,” + said he, “why not let <i>me</i> interview young Harrigan?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! I'm the proper person—one of his miners! I help to make his + money for him, don't I? I'm the one to tell him about North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + Hal saw the reporter staring at him in sudden excitement; he continued: + “I've been to the District Attorney, the Justice of the Peace, the + District Judge, the Mayor and the Chief of Police. Now, why shouldn't I go + to the Owner?” + </p> + <p> + “By thunder!” cried Billy. “I believe you'd have the nerve!” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I would,” replied Hal, quietly. + </p> + <p> + The other scrambled out of his chair, wild with delight. “I dare you!” he + exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “I'm ready,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You mean it?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I mean it.” + </p> + <p> + “In that costume?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. I'm one of his miners.” + </p> + <p> + “But it won't go,” cried the reporter. “You'll stand no chance to get near + him unless you're well dressed.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of that? What I've got on might be the garb of a + railroad-hand. Suppose there was something out of order in one of the cars—the + plumbing, for example?” + </p> + <p> + “But you couldn't fool the conductor or the porter.” + </p> + <p> + “I might be able to. Let's try it.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, while Keating thought. “The truth is,” he said, “it + doesn't matter whether you succeed or not—it's a story if you even + make the attempt. The Coal King's son appealed to by one of his serfs! The + hard heart of Plutocracy rejects the cry of Labour!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hal, “but I really mean to get to him. Do you suppose he's got + back to the train yet?” + </p> + <p> + “They were starting to it when I left.” + </p> + <p> + “And where <i>is</i> the train?” + </p> + <p> + “Two or three hundred yards east of the station, I was told.” + </p> + <p> + MacKellar and Edstrom had been listening enthralled to this exciting + conversation. “That ought to be just back of my house,” said the former. + </p> + <p> + “It's a short train—four parlour-cars and a baggage-car,” added + Keating. “It ought to be easy to recognise.” + </p> + <p> + The old Scotchman put in an objection. “The difficulty may be to get out + of this house. I don't believe they mean to let you get away to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, that's so!” exclaimed Keating. “We're talking too much—let's + get busy. Are they watching the back door, do you suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “They've been watching it all day,” said MacKellar. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” broke in Hal—“I've an idea. They haven't tried to + interfere with your going out, have they, Mr. Keating?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor with you, Mr. MacKellar?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not yet,” said the Scotchman. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” Hal suggested, “suppose you lend me your crutches?” + </p> + <p> + Whereat Keating gave an exclamation of delight. “The very thing!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take your over-coat and hat,” Hal added. “I've watched you get + about, and I think I can give an imitation. As for Mr. Keating, he's not + easy to mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “Billy, the fat boy!” laughed the other. “Come, let's get on the job!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go out by the front door at the same time,” put in Edstrom, his old + voice trembling with excitement. “Maybe that'll help to throw them off the + track.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 11. + </h3> + <p> + They had been sitting upstairs in MacKellar's room. Now they rose, and + were starting for the stairs, when suddenly there came a ring at the front + door bell. They stopped and stared at one another. “There they are!” + whispered Keating. + </p> + <p> + And MacKellar sat down suddenly, and held out his crutches to Hal. “The + hat and coat are in the front hall,” he exclaimed. “Make a try for it!” + His words were full of vigour, but like Edstrom, his voice was trembling. + He was no longer young, and could not take adventure gaily. + </p> + <p> + Hal and Keating ran downstairs, followed by Edstrom. Hal put on the coat + and hat, and they went to the back door, while at the same time Edstrom + answered the bell in front. + </p> + <p> + The back door opened into a yard, and this gave, through a side gate, into + an alley. Hal's heart was pounding furiously as he began to hobble along + with the crutches. He had to go at MacKellar's slow pace—while + Keating, at his side, started talking. He informed “Mr. MacKellar,” in a + casual voice, that the <i>Gazette</i> was a newspaper which believed in + the people's cause, and was pledged to publish the people's side of all + public questions. Discoursing thus, they went out of the gate and into the + alley. + </p> + <p> + A man emerged from the shadows and walked by them. He passed within three + feet of Hal, and peered at him, narrowly. Fortunately there was no moon; + Hal could not see the man's face, and hoped the man could not see his. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Keating was proceeding with his discourse. “You understand, Mr. + MacKellar,” he was saying, “sometimes it's difficult to find out the truth + in a situation like this. When the interests are filling their newspapers + with falsehoods and exaggerations, it's a temptation for us to publish + falsehoods and exaggerations on the other side. But we find in the long + run that it pays best to publish the truth, Mr. MacKellar—we can + stand by it, and there's no come-back.” + </p> + <p> + Hal, it must be admitted, was not paying much attention to this edifying + sermon. He was looking ahead, to where the alley debouched onto the + street. It was the street behind MacKellar's house, and only a block from + the railroad-track. + </p> + <p> + He dared not look behind, but he was straining his ears. Suddenly he heard + a shout, in John Edstrom's voice. “Run! Run!” + </p> + <p> + In a flash, Hal dropped the two crutches, and started down the alley, + Keating at his heels. They heard cries behind them, and a voice, sounding + quite near, commanded, “Halt!” They had reached the end of the alley, and + were in the act of swerving, when a shot rang out and there was a crash of + glass in a house beyond them on the far side of the street. + </p> + <p> + Farther on was a vacant lot with a path running across it. Following this, + they dodged behind some shanties, and came to another street—and so + to the railroad tracks. There was a long line of freight-cars before them, + and they ran between two of these, and climbing over the couplings, saw a + great engine standing, its headlight gleaming full in their eyes. They + sprang in front of it, and alongside the train, passing a tender, then a + baggage-car, then a parlour-car. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are!” exclaimed Keating, who was puffing like a bellows. + </p> + <p> + Hal saw that there were only three more cars to the train; also, he saw a + man in a blue uniform standing at the steps. He dashed towards him. “Your + car's on fire!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “What?” exclaimed the man. “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” cried Hal; and in a flash he had sprung past the other, up the + steps and into the car. + </p> + <p> + There was a long, narrow corridor, to be recognised as the kitchen portion + of a dining-car; at the other end of this corridor was a swinging door, + and to this Hal leaped. He heard the conductor shouting to him to stop, + but he paid no heed. He slipped off his over-coat and hat; and then, + pushing open the door, he entered a brightly lighted apartment—and + the presence of the Coal King's son. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 12. + </h3> + <p> + White linen and cut glass of the dining-saloon shone brilliantly under + electric lights, softened to the eye by pink shades. Seated at the tables + were half a dozen young men and as many young ladies, all in evening + costume; also two or three older ladies. They had begun the first course + of their meal, and were laughing and chatting, when suddenly came this + unexpected visitor, clad in coal-stained miner's jumpers. He was not + disturbing in the manner of his entry; but immediately behind him came a + fat man, perspiring, wild of aspect, and wheezing like an old fashioned + steam-engine; behind him came the conductor of the train, in a no less + evident state of agitation. So, of course, conversation ceased. The young + ladies turned in their chairs, while several of the young men sprang to + their feet. + </p> + <p> + There followed a silence: until finally one of the young men took a step + forward. “What's this?” he demanded, as one who had a right to demand. + </p> + <p> + Hal advanced towards the speaker, a slender youth, correct in appearance, + but not distinguished looking. “Hello, Percy!” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + A look of amazement came upon the other's face. He stared, but seemed + unable to believe what he saw. And then suddenly came a cry from one of + the young ladies; the one having hair the colour of molasses taffy when + you've pulled it—but all fluffy and wonderful, with stardust in it. + Her cheeks were pink and cream, and her brown eyes gazed, wide open, full + of wonder. She wore a dinner gown of soft olive green, with a cream white + scarf of some filmy material thrown about her bare shoulders. + </p> + <p> + She had started to her feet. “It's Hal!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Hal Warner!” echoed young Harrigan. “Why, what in the world—?” + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by a clamour outside. “Wait a moment,” said Hal, + quietly. “I think some one else is coming in.” + </p> + <p> + The door was pushed violently open. It was pushed so violently that Billy + Keating and the conductor were thrust to one side; and Jeff Cotton + appeared in the entrance. + </p> + <p> + The camp-marshal was breathless, his face full of the passion of the hunt. + In his right hand he carried a revolver. He glared about him, and saw the + two men he was chasing; also he saw the Coal King's son, and the rest of + the astonished company. He stood, stricken dumb. + </p> + <p> + The door was pushed again, forcing him aside, and two more men crowded in, + both of them carrying revolvers in their hands. The foremost was Pete + Hanun, and he also stood staring. The “breaker of teeth” had two teeth of + his own missing, and when his prize-fighter's jaw dropped down, the + deficiency became conspicuous. It was probably his first entrance into + society, and he was like an overgrown boy caught in the jam-closet. + </p> + <p> + Percy Harrigan's manner became distinctly imperious. “What does this + mean?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + It was Hal who answered. “I am seeking a criminal, Percy.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” There were little cries of alarm from the women. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a criminal; the man who sealed up the mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Sealed up the mine?” echoed the other. “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me explain. First, I will introduce my friends. Harrigan, this is my + friend Keating.” + </p> + <p> + Billy suddenly realised that he had a hat on his head. He jerked it off; + but for the rest, his social instincts failed him. He could only stare. He + had not yet got all his breath. + </p> + <p> + “Billy's a reporter,” said Hal. “But you needn't worry—he's a + gentleman, and won't betray a confidence. You understand, Billy.” + </p> + <p> + “Y—yes,” said Billy, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “And this,” said Hal, “is Jeff Cotton, camp-marshal at North Valley. I + suppose you know, Percy, that the North Valley mines belong to the 'G. F. + C.' Cotton, this is Mr. Harrigan.” + </p> + <p> + Then Cotton remembered his hat; also his revolver, which he tried to get + out of sight behind his back. + </p> + <p> + “And this,” continued Hal, “is Mr. Pete Hanun, by profession a breaker of + teeth. This other gentleman, whose name I don't know, is presumably an + assistant-breaker.” So Hal went on, observing the forms of social + intercourse, his purpose being to give his mind a chance to work. So much + depended upon the tactics he chose in this emergency! Should he take Percy + to one side and tell him the story quietly, leaving it to his sense of + justice and humanity? No, that was not the way one dealt with the + Harrigans! They had bullied their way to the front; if anything were done + with them, it would be by force! If anything were done with Percy, it + would be by laying hold of him before these guests, exposing the + situation, and using their feelings to coerce him! + </p> + <p> + The Coal King's son was asking questions again. What was all this about? + So Hal began to describe the condition of the men inside the mine. “They + have no food or water, except what they had in their dinner-pails; and + it's been three days and a half since the explosion! They are breathing + bad air; their heads are aching, the veins swelling in their foreheads; + their tongues are cracking, they are lying on the ground, gasping. But + they are waiting—kept alive by the faith they have in their friends + on the surface, who will try to get to them. They dare not take down the + barriers, because the gases would kill them at once. But they know the + rescuers will come, so they listen for the sounds of axes and picks. That + is the situation.” + </p> + <p> + Hal stopped and waited for some sign of concern from young Harrigan. But + no such sign was given. Hal went on: + </p> + <p> + “Think of it, Percy! There is one old man in that mine, an Irishman who + has a wife and eight children waiting to learn about his fate. I know one + woman who has a husband and three sons in the mine. For three days and a + half the women and children have been standing at the pit-mouth; I have + seen them sitting with their heads sunk upon their knees, or shaking their + fists, screaming curses at the criminal who is to blame.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. “The criminal?” inquired young Harrigan. “I don't + understand!” + </p> + <p> + “You'll hardly be able to believe it; but nothing has been done to rescue + these men. The criminal has nailed a cover of boards over the pit-mouth, + and put tarpaulin over it—sealing up men and boys to die!” + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of horror from the diners. + </p> + <p> + “I know, you can't conceive such a thing. The reason is, there's a fire in + the mine; if the fan is set to working, the coal will burn. But at the + same time, some of the passages could be got clear of smoke, and some of + the men could be rescued. So it's a question of property against lives; + and the criminal has decided for the property. He proposes to wait a week, + two weeks, until the fire has been smothered; <i>then</i> of course the + men and boys will be dead.” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence. It was broken by young Harrigan. “Who has done this?” + </p> + <p> + “His name is Enos Cartwright.” + </p> + <p> + “But who <i>is</i> he?” + </p> + <p> + “Just now when I said that I was seeking the criminal, I misled you a + little, Percy. I did it because I wanted to collect my thoughts.” Hal + paused: when he continued, his voice was sharper, his sentences falling + like blows. “The criminal I've been telling you about is the + superintendent of the mine—a man employed and put in authority by + the General Fuel Company. The one who is being chased is not the one who + sealed up the mine, but the one who proposed to have it opened. He is + being treated as a malefactor, because the laws of the state, as well as + the laws of humanity, have been suppressed by the General Fuel Company; he + was forced to seek refuge in your car, in order to save his life from + thugs and gunmen in the company's employ!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 13. + </h3> + <p> + Knowing these people well, Hal could measure the effect of the thunderbolt + he had hurled among them. They were people to whom good taste was the + first of all the virtues; he knew how he was offending them. If he was to + win them to the least extent, he must explain his presence here—a + trespasser upon the property of the Harrigans. + </p> + <p> + “Percy,” he continued, “you remember how you used to jump on me last year + at college, because I listened to 'muck-rakers.' You saw fit to take + personal offence at it. You knew that their tales couldn't be true. But I + wanted to see for myself, so I went to work in a coal-mine. I saw the + explosion; I saw this man, Jeff Cotton, driving women and children away + from the pit-mouth with blows and curses. I set out to help the men in the + mine, and the marshal rushed me out of camp. He told me that if I didn't + go about my business, something would happen to me on a dark night. And + you see—this is a dark night!” + </p> + <p> + Hal waited, to give young Harrigan a chance to grasp this situation and to + take command. But apparently young Harrigan was not aware of the presence + of the camp-marshal and his revolver. Hal tried again: + </p> + <p> + “Evidently these men wouldn't have minded killing me; they fired at me + just now. The marshal still has the revolver and you can smell the + powder-smoke. So I took the liberty of entering your car, Percy. It was to + save my life, and you'll have to excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + The Coal King's son had here a sudden opportunity to be magnanimous. He + made haste to avail himself of it. “Of course, Hal,” he said. “It was + quite all right to come here. If our employés were behaving in such + fashion, it was without authority, and they will surely pay for it.” He + spoke with quiet certainty; it was the Harrigan manner, and before it Jeff + Cotton and the two mine-guards seemed to wither and shrink. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Percy,” said Hal. “It's what I knew you'd say. I'm sorry to + have disturbed your dinner-party—” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Hal; it was nothing of a party.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, Percy, it was not only to save myself, but the people in the + mine! They are dying, and every moment is precious. It will take a day at + least to get to them, so they'll be at their last gasp. Whatever's to be + done must be done at once.” + </p> + <p> + Again Hal waited—until the pause became awkward. The diners had so + far been looking at him; but now they were looking at young Harrigan, and + young Harrigan felt the change. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know just what you expect of me, Hal. My father employs competent + men to manage his business, and I certainly don't feel that I know enough + to give them any suggestions.” This again in the Harrigan manner; but it + weakened before Hal's firm gaze. “What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “You can give the order to open the mine, to reverse the fan and start it. + That will draw out the smoke and gases, and the rescuers can go down.” + </p> + <p> + “But Hal, I assure you I have no authority to give such an order.” + </p> + <p> + “You must <i>take</i> the authority. Your father's in the East, the + officers of the company are in their beds at home; you are here!” + </p> + <p> + “But I don't understand such things, Hal! I don't know anything of the + situation—except what you tell me. And while I don't doubt your + word, any man may make a mistake in such a situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Come and see for yourself, Percy! That's all I ask, and it's easy enough. + Here is your train, your engine with steam up; have us switched onto the + North Valley branch, and we can be at the mine in half an hour. Then—let + me take you to the men who know! Men who've been working all their lives + in mines, who've seen accidents like this many times, and who will tell + you the truth—that there's a chance of saving many lives, and that + the chance is being thrown away to save some thousands of dollars' worth + of coal and timbers and track.” + </p> + <p> + “But even if that's true, Hal, I have no <i>power</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “If you come there, you can cut the red-tape in one minute. What those + bosses are doing is a thing that can only be done in darkness!” + </p> + <p> + Under the pressure of Hal's vehemence, the Harrigan manner was failing; + the Coal King's son was becoming a bewildered and quite ordinary youth. + But there was a power greater than Hal behind him. He shook his head. + “It's the old man's business, Hal. I've no right to butt in!” + </p> + <p> + The other, in his desperate need, turned to the rest of the party. His + gaze, moving from one face to another, rested upon the magazine-cover + countenance, with the brown eyes wide open, full of wonder. + </p> + <p> + “Jessie! What do you think about it?” + </p> + <p> + The girl started, and distress leaped into her face. “How do you mean, + Hal?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him he ought to save those lives!” + </p> + <p> + The moments seemed ages as Hal waited. It was a test, he realised. The + brown eyes dropped. “I don't understand such things, Hal!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jessie, I am explaining them! Here are men and boys being suffocated + to death, in order to save a little money. Isn't that plain?” + </p> + <p> + “But how can I <i>know</i>, Hal?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm giving you my word, Jessie. Surely I wouldn't appeal to you unless I + knew.” + </p> + <p> + Still she hesitated. And there came a swift note of feeling into his + voice: “Jessie, dear!” + </p> + <p> + As if under a spell, the girl's eyes were raised to his; he saw a scarlet + flame of embarrassment spreading over her throat and cheeks. “Jessie, I + know—it seems an intolerable thing to ask! You've never been rude to + a friend. But I remember once you forgot your good manners, when you saw a + rough fellow on the street beating an old drudge-horse. Don't you remember + how you rushed at him—like a wild thing! And now—think of it, + dear, here are old drudge-creatures being tortured to death; but not + horses—working-men!” + </p> + <p> + Still the girl gazed at him. He could read grief, dismay in her eyes; he + saw tears steal from them, and stream down her cheeks. “Oh, I don't know, + I don't <i>know!</i>” she cried; and hid her face in her hands, and began + to sob aloud. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 14. + </h3> + <p> + There was a painful pause. Hal's gaze travelled on, and came to a + grey-haired lady in a black dinner-gown, with a rope of pearls about her + neck. “Mrs. Curtis! Surely <i>you</i> will advise him!” + </p> + <p> + The grey-haired lady started—was there no limit to his impudence? + She had witnessed the torturing of Jessie. But Jessie was his fiancée; he + had no such claim upon Mrs. Curtis. She answered, with iciness in her + tone: “I could not undertake to dictate to my host in such a matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Curtis! You have founded a charity for the helping of stray cats and + dogs!” These words rose to Hal's lips; but he did not say them. His eyes + moved on. Who else might help to bully a Harrigan? + </p> + <p> + Next to Mrs. Curtis sat Reggie Porter, with a rose in the button-hole of + his dinner-jacket. Hal knew the rôle in which Reggie was there—a + kind of male chaperon, an assistant host, an admirer to the wealthy, a + solace to the bored. Poor Reggie lived other people's lives, his soul + perpetually a-quiver with other people's excitements, with gossip, + preparations for tea-parties, praise of tea-parties past. And always the + soul was pushing; calculating, measuring opportunities, making up in tact + and elegance for distressing lack of money. Hal got one swift glimpse of + the face; the sharp little black moustaches seemed standing up with + excitement, and in a flash of horrible intuition Hal read the situation—Reggie + was expecting to be questioned, and had got ready an answer that would + increase his social capital in the Harrigan family bank! + </p> + <p> + Across the aisle sat Genevieve Halsey: tall, erect, built on the scale of + a statue. You thought of the ox-eyed Juno, and imagined stately emotions; + but when you came to know Genevieve, you discovered that her mind was + slow, and entirely occupied with herself. Next to her was Bob Creston, + smooth-shaven, rosy-cheeked, exuding well-being—what is called a + “good fellow,” with a wholesome ambition to win cups for his athletic + club, and to keep up the score of his rifle-team of the state militia. + Jolly Bob might have spoken, out of his good heart; but he was in love + with a cousin of Percy's, Betty Gunnison, who sat across the table from + him—and Hal saw her black eyes shining, her little fists clenched + tightly, her lips pressed white. Hal understood Betty—she was one of + the Harrigans, working at the Harrigan family task of making the children + of a pack-pedlar into leaders in the “younger set!” + </p> + <p> + Next sat “Vivie” Cass, whose talk was of horses and dogs and such + ungirlish matters; Hal had discussed social questions in her presence, and + heard her view expressed in one flashing sentence—“If a man eats + with his knife, I consider him my personal enemy!” Over her shoulder + peered the face of a man with pale eyes and yellow moustaches—Bert + Atkins, cynical and world-weary, whom the papers referred to as a + “club-man,” and whom Hal's brother had called a “tame cat.” There was + “Dicky” Everson, like Hal, a favourite of the ladies, but nothing more; + “Billy” Harris, son of another “coal man”; Daisy, his sister; and Blanche + Vagleman, whose father was Old Peter's head lawyer, whose brother was the + local counsel, and publisher of the Pedro <i>Star</i>. + </p> + <p> + So Hal's eyes moved from face to face, and his mind from personality to + personality. It was like the unrolling of a scroll; a panorama of a world + he had half forgotten. He had no time for reflection, but one impression + came to him, swift and overwhelming. Once he had lived in this world and + taken it as a matter of course. He had known these people, gone about with + them; they had seemed friendly, obliging, a good sort of people on the + whole. And now, what a change! They seemed no longer friendly! Was the + change in them? Or was it Hal who had become cynical—so that he saw + them in this terrifying new light, cold, and unconcerned as the stars + about men who were dying a few miles away! + </p> + <p> + Hal's eyes came back to the Coal King's son, and he discovered that Percy + was white with anger. “I assure you, Hal, there's no use going on with + this. I have no intention of letting myself be bulldozed.” + </p> + <p> + Percy's gaze shifted with sudden purpose to the camp-marshal. “Cotton, + what do you say about this? Is Mr. Warner correct in his idea of the + situation?” + </p> + <p> + “You know what such a man would say, Percy!” broke in Hal. + </p> + <p> + “I don't,” was the reply. “I wish to know. What is it, Cotton?” + </p> + <p> + “He's mistaken, Mr. Harrigan.” The marshal's voice was sharp and defiant. + </p> + <p> + “In what way?” + </p> + <p> + “The company's doing everything to get the mine open, and has been from + the beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” And there was triumph in Percy's voice. “What is the cause of the + delay?” + </p> + <p> + “The fan was broken, and we had to send for a new one. It's a job to set + it up—such things can't be done in an hour.” + </p> + <p> + Percy turned to Hal. “You see! There are two opinions, at least!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” cried Betty Gunnison, her black eyes snapping at Hal. She + would have said more, but Hal interrupted, stepping closer to his host. + “Percy,” he said, in a low voice, “come back here, please. I have a word + to say to you alone.” + </p> + <p> + There was just a hint of menace in Hal's voice; his gaze went to the far + end of the car, a space occupied only by two negro waiters. These retired + in haste as the young men moved towards them; and so, having the Coal + King's son to himself, Hal went in to finish this fight. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 15. + </h3> + <p> + Percy Harrigan was known to Hal, as a college-boy is known to his + class-mates. He was not brutal, like his grim old father; he was merely + self-indulgent, as one who had always had everything; he was weak, as one + who had never had to take a bold resolve. He had been brought up by the + women of the family, to be a part of what they called “society”; in which + process he had been given high notions of his own importance. The life of + the Harrigans was dominated by one painful memory—that of a pedlar's + pack; and Hal knew that Percy's most urgent purpose was to be regarded as + a real and true and freehanded aristocrat. It was this knowledge Hal was + using in his attack. + </p> + <p> + He began with apologies, attempting to soothe the other's anger. He had + not meant to make a scene like this; it was the gunmen who had forced it, + putting his life in danger. It was the very devil, being chased about at + night and shot at! He had lost his nerve, really; he had forgot what + little manners he had been able to keep as a miner's buddy. He had made a + spectacle of himself; good Lord yes, he realised how he must seem! + </p> + <p> + —And Hal looked at his dirty miner's jumpers, and then at Percy. He + could see that Percy was in hearty agreement thus far—he had indeed + made a spectacle of himself, and of Percy too! Hal was sorry about this + latter, but here they were, in a pickle, and it was certainly too late + now. This story was out—there could be no suppressing it! Hal might + sit down on his reporter-friend, Percy might sit down on the waiters and + the conductor and the camp-marshal and the gunmen—but he could not + possibly sit down on all his friends! They would talk about nothing else + for weeks! The story would be all over Western City in a day—this + amazing, melodramatic, ten-twenty-thirty story of a miner's buddy in the + private car of the Coal King's son! + </p> + <p> + “And you must see, Percy,” Hal went on, “it's the sort of thing that + sticks to a man. It's the thing by which everybody will form their idea of + you as long as you live!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take my chances with my friends' criticism,” said the other, with + some attempt at the Harrigan manner. + </p> + <p> + “You can make it whichever kind of story you choose,” continued Hal, + implacably. “The world will say, He decided for the dollars; or it will + say, He decided for the lives. Surely, Percy, your family doesn't need + those particular dollars so badly! Why, you've spent more on this one + train-trip!” + </p> + <p> + And Hal waited, to give his victim time to calculate. + </p> + <p> + The result of the thinking was a question worthy of Old Peter. “What are + <i>you</i> getting out of this?” + </p> + <p> + “Percy,” said Hal, “you must <i>know</i> I'm getting nothing! If you can't + understand it otherwise, say to yourself that you are dealing with a man + who's irresponsible. I've seen so many terrible things—I've been + chased around so much by camp-marshals—why, Percy, that man Cotton + has six notches on his gun! I'm simply crazy!” And into the brown eyes of + this miner's buddy came a look wild enough to convince a stronger man than + Percy Harrigan. “I've got just one idea left in the world, Percy—to + save those miners! You make a mistake unless you realise how desperate I + am. So far I've done this thing incog! I've been Joe Smith, a miner's + buddy. If I'd come out and told my real name—well, maybe I wouldn't + have made them open the mine, but at least I'd have made a lot of trouble + for the G. F. C.! But I didn't do it; I knew what a scandal it would make, + and there was something I owed my father. But if I see there's no other + way, if it's a question of letting those people perish, I'll throw + everything else to the winds. Tell your father that; tell him I threatened + to turn this man Keating loose and blow the thing wide open—denounce + the company, appeal to the Governor, raise a disturbance and get arrested + on the street, if necessary, in order to force the facts before the + public. You see, I've got the facts, Percy! I've been there and seen with + my own eyes. Can't you realise that?” + </p> + <p> + The other did not answer, but it was evident that he realised. + </p> + <p> + “On the other hand, see how you can fix it, if you choose. You were on a + pleasure trip when you heard of this disaster; you rushed up and took + command, you opened the mine, you saved the lives of your employés. That + is the way the papers will handle it.” + </p> + <p> + Hal, watching his victim intently, and groping for the path to his mind, + perceived that he had gone wrong. Crude as the Harrigans were, they had + learned that it is not aristocratic to be picturesque. + </p> + <p> + “All right then!” said Hal, quickly. “If you prefer, you needn't be + mentioned. The bosses up at the camp have the reporters under their + thumbs, they'll handle the story any way you want it. The one thing I care + about is that you run your car up and see the mine opened. Won't you do + it, Percy?” + </p> + <p> + Hal was gazing into the other's eyes, knowing that life and death for the + miners hung upon his nod. “Well? What is the answer?” + </p> + <p> + “Hal,” exclaimed Percy, “my old man will give me hell!” + </p> + <p> + “All right; but on the other hand, <i>I'll</i> give you hell; and which + will be worse?” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a silence. “Come along, Percy! For God's sake!” And Hal's + tone was desperate, alarming. + </p> + <p> + And suddenly the other gave way. “All right!” + </p> + <p> + Hal drew a breath. “But mind you!” he added. “You're not going up there to + let them fool you! They'll try to bluff you out—they may go as far + as to refuse to obey you. But you must stand by your guns—for, you + see, I'm going along, I'm going to see that mine open. I'll never quit + till the rescuers have gone down!” + </p> + <p> + “Will they go, Hal?” + </p> + <p> + “Will they go? Good God, man, they're clamouring for the chance to go! + They've almost been rioting for it. I'll go with them—and you, too, + Percy—the whole crowd of us idlers will go! When we come out, we'll + know something about the business of coal-mining!” + </p> + <p> + “All right, I'm with you,” said the Coal King's son. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 16. + </h3> + <p> + Hal never knew what Percy said to Cartwright that night; he only knew that + when they arrived at the mine the superintendent was summoned to a + consultation, and half an hour later Percy emerged smiling, with the + announcement that Hal Warner had been mistaken all along; the mine + authorities had been making all possible haste to get the fan ready, with + the intention of opening the mine at the earliest moment. The work was now + completed, and in an hour or two the fan was to be started, and by morning + there would be a chance of rescuers getting in. Percy said this so + innocently that for a moment Hal wondered if Percy himself might not + believe it. Hal's position as guest of course required that he should + graciously pretend to believe it, consenting to appear as a fool before + the rest of the company. + </p> + <p> + Percy invited Hal and Billy Keating to spend the night in the train; but + this Hal declined. He was too dirty, he said; besides, he wanted to be up + at daylight, to be one of the first to go down the shaft. Percy answered + that the superintendent had vetoed this proposition—he did not want + any one to go down but experienced men, who could take care of themselves. + When there were so many on hand ready and eager to go, there was no need + to imperil the lives of amateurs. + </p> + <p> + At the risk of seeming ungracious, Hal declared that he would “hang + around” and see them take the cover off the pit-mouth. There were mourning + parties in some of the cabins, where women were gathered together who + could not sleep, and it would be an act of charity to take them the good + news. + </p> + <p> + Hal and Keating set out; they went first to the Rafferties', and saw Mrs. + Rafferty spring up and stare at them, and then scream aloud to the Holy + Virgin, waking all the little Rafferties to frightened clamour. When the + woman had made sure that they really knew what they were talking about, + she rushed out to spread the news, and so pretty soon the streets were + alive with hurrying figures, and a crowd gathered once more at the + pit-mouth. + </p> + <p> + Hal and Keating went on to Jerry Minetti's. Out of a sense of loyalty to + Percy, Hal did no more than repeat Percy's own announcement, that it had + been Cartwright's intention all along to have the mine opened. It was + funny to see the effect of this statement—the face with which Jerry + looked at Hal! But they wasted no time in discussion; Jerry slipped into + his clothes and hurried with them to the pit-mouth. + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, a gang was already tearing off the boards and canvas. Never + since Hal had been in North Valley had he seen men working with such a + will! Soon the great fan began to stir, and then to roar, and then to + sing; and there was a crowd of a hundred people, roaring and singing also. + </p> + <p> + It would be some hours before anything more could be done; and suddenly + Hal realised that he was exhausted. He and Billy Keating went back to the + Minetti cabin, and spreading themselves a blanket on the floor, lay down + with sighs of relief. As for Billy, he was soon snoring; but to Hal there + came sudden reaction from all the excitement, and sleep was far from him. + </p> + <p> + An ocean of thoughts came flooding into his mind: the world outside, <i>his</i> + world, which he had banished deliberately for several months, and which he + had so suddenly been compelled to remember! It had seemed so simple, what + he had set out to do that summer: to take another name, to become a member + of another class, to live its life and think its thoughts, and then come + back to his own world with a new and fascinating adventure to tell about! + The possibility that his own world, the world of Hal Warner, might find + him out as Joe Smith, the miner's buddy—that was a possibility which + had never come to his mind. He was like a burglar, working away at a job + in darkness, and suddenly finding the room flooded with light. + </p> + <p> + He had gone into the adventure, prepared to find things that would shock + him; he had known that somehow, somewhere, he would have to fight the + “system.” But he had never expected to find himself in the thick of the + class-war, leading a charge upon the trenches of his own associates. Nor + was this the end, he knew; this war would not be settled by the winning of + a trench! Lying here in the darkness and silence, Hal was realising what + he had got himself in for. To employ another simile, he was a man who + begins a flirtation on the street, and wakes up next morning to find + himself married. + </p> + <p> + It was not that he had regrets for the course he had taken with Percy. No + other course had been thinkable. But while Hal had known these North + Valley people for ten weeks, he had known the occupants of Percy's car for + as many years. So these latter personalities loomed large in his + consciousness, and here in the darkness their thoughts about him, whether + actively hostile or passively astonished, laid siege to the defences of + his mind. + </p> + <p> + Particularly he found himself wrestling with Jessie Arthur. Her face rose + up before him, appealing, yearning. She had one of those perfect faces, + which irresistibly compel the soul of a man. Her brown eyes, soft and + shining, full of tenderness; her lips, quick to tremble with emotion; her + skin like apple-blossoms, her hair with star-dust in it! Hal was cynical + enough about coal-operators and mine-guards, but it never occurred to him + that Jessie's soul might be anything but what these bodily charms implied. + He was in love with her; and he was too young, too inexperienced in love + to realise that underneath the sweetness of girlhood, so genuine and so + lovable, might lie deep, unconscious cruelty, inherited and instinctive—the + cruelty of caste, the hardness of worldly prejudice. A man has to come to + middle age, and to suffer much, before he understands that the charms of + women, those rare and magical perfections of eyes and teeth and hair, that + softness of skin and delicacy of feature, have cost labour and care of + many generations, and imply inevitably that life has been feral, that + customs and conventions have been murderous and inhuman. + </p> + <p> + Jessie had failed Hal in his desperate emergency. But now he went over the + scene, and told himself that the test had been an unfair one. He had known + her since childhood, and loved her, and never before had he seen an act or + heard a word that was not gracious and kind. But—so he told himself—she + gave her sympathy to those she knew; and what chance had she ever had to + know working-people? He must give her the chance; he must compel her, even + against her will, to broaden her understanding of life! The process might + hurt her, it might mar the unlined softness of her face, but nevertheless, + it would be good for her—it would be a “growing pain”! + </p> + <p> + So, lying there in the darkness and silence, Hal found himself absorbed in + long conversation with his sweetheart. He escorted her about the camp, + explaining things to her, introducing her to this one and that. He took + others of his private-car friends and introduced them to his North Valley + friends. There were individuals who had qualities in common, and would + surely hit it off! Bob Creston, for example, who was good at a “song and + dance”—he would surely be interested in “Blinky,” the vaudeville + specialist of the camp! Mrs. Curtis, who liked cats, would find a bond of + sisterhood with old Mrs. Nagle, who lived next door to the Minettis, and + kept five! And even Vivie Cass, who hated men who ate with their knives—she + would be driven to murder by the table-manners of Reminitsky's boarders, + but she would take delight in “Dago Charlie,” the tobacco-chewing mule + which had once been Hal's pet! Hal could hardly wait for daylight to come, + so that he might begin these efforts at social amalgamation! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 17. + </h3> + <p> + Towards dawn Hal fell asleep; he was awakened by Billy Keating, who sat up + yawning, at the same time grumbling and bewailing. Hal realised that Billy + also had discovered troubles during the night. Never in all his career as + a journalist had he had such a story; never had any man had such a story—and + it must be killed! + </p> + <p> + Cartwright had got the reporters together late the night before and told + them the news—that the company had at last succeeded in getting the + mine ready to be opened; also that young Mr. Harrigan was there in his + private train, prompted by his concern for the entombed miners. The + reporters would mention his coming, of course, but were requested not to + “play it up,” nor to mention the names of Mr. Harrigan's guests. Needless + to say they were not told that the “buddy” who had been thrown out of camp + for insubordination had turned out to be the son of Edward S. Warner, the + “coal magnate.” + </p> + <p> + A fine, cold rain was falling, and Hal borrowed an old coat of Jerry's and + slipped it on. Little Jerry clamoured to go with him, and after some + controversy Hal wrapped him in a shawl and slung him onto his shoulder. It + was barely daylight, but already the whole population of the village was + on hand at the pit-mouth. The helmet-men had gone down to make tests, so + the hour of final revelation was at hand. Women stood with wet shawls + about their hunched shoulders, their faces white and strained, their + suspense too great for any sort of utterance. A ghastly thought it was, + that while they were shuddering in the wet, their men below might be + expiring for lack of a few drops of water! + </p> + <p> + The helmet-men, coming up, reported that lights would burn at the bottom + of the shaft; so it was safe for men to go down without helmets, and the + volunteers of the first rescue party made ready. All night there had been + a clattering of hammers, where the carpenters were working on a new cage. + Now it was swung from the hoist, and the men took their places in it. When + at last the hoist began to move, and the group disappeared below the + surface of the ground, you could hear a sigh from a thousand throats, like + the moaning of wind in a pine-tree. They were leaving women and children + above, yet not one of these women would have asked them to stay—such + was the deep unconscious bond of solidarity which made these toilers of + twenty nations one! + </p> + <p> + It was a slow process, letting down the cage; on account of the danger of + gas, and the newness of the cage, it was necessary to proceed a few feet + at a time, waiting for a pull upon the signal-cord to tell that the men + were all right. After they had reached the bottom, there would be more + time, no one could say how long, before they came upon survivors with + signs of life in them. There were bodies near the foot of the shaft, + according to the reports of the helmet-men, but there was no use delaying + to bring these up, for they must have been dead for days. Hal saw a crowd + of women clamouring about the helmet-men, trying to find out if these + bodies had been recognised. Also he saw Jeff Cotton and Bud Adams at their + old duty of driving the women back. + </p> + <p> + The cage returned for a second load of men. There was less need of caution + now; the hoist worked quickly, and group after group of men with silent, + set faces, and pickaxes and crow-bars and shovels in their hands, went + down into the pit of terror. They would scatter through the workings, + testing everywhere ahead of them with safety-lamps, and looking for + barriers erected by the imprisoned men for defence against the gases. As + they hammered on these barriers, perhaps they would hear the signals of + living men on the other side; or they would break through in silence, and + find men too far gone to make a sound, yet possibly with the spark of life + still in them. + </p> + <p> + One by one, Hal's friends went down—“Big Jack” David, and Wresmak, + the Bohemian, Klowoski, the Pole, and finally Jerry Minetti. Little Jerry + waved his hand from his perch on Hal's shoulder; while Rosa, who had come + out and joined them, was clinging to Hal's arm, silent, as if her soul + were going down in the cage. There went blue-eyed Tim Rafferty to look for + his father, and black-eyed “Andy,” the Greek boy, whose father had + perished in a similar disaster years ago; there went Rovetta, and Carmino, + the pit-boss, Jerry's cousin. One by one their names ran through the + crowd, as of heroes marching out to battle. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 18. + </h3> + <p> + Looking about, Hal saw some of the guests of the Harrigan party. There was + Vivie Cass, standing under an umbrella with Bert Atkins; and there was Bob + Creston with Dicky Everson. These two had on mackintoshes and water-proof + hats, and were talking to Cartwright; tall, immaculate men, who seemed + like creatures of another world beside the stunted and coal-smutted + miners. + </p> + <p> + Seeing Hal, they moved over to him. “Where did you get the kid?” inquired + Bob, his rosy, smooth-shaven face breaking into a smile. + </p> + <p> + “I picked him up,” said Hal, giving Little Jerry a toss and sliding him + off his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, kid!” said Bob. + </p> + <p> + And the answer came promptly, “Hello, yourself!” Little Jerry knew how to + talk American; he was a match for any society man! “My father's went down + in that cage,” said he, looking up at the tall stranger, his bright black + eyes sparkling. + </p> + <p> + “Is that so!” replied the other. “Why don't you go?” + </p> + <p> + “My father'll get 'em out. He ain't afraid o' nothin', my father!” + </p> + <p> + “What's your father's name?” + </p> + <p> + “Big Jerry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho! And what'll you be when you grow up?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm goin' to be a shot-firer.” + </p> + <p> + “In this mine?” + </p> + <p> + “You bet not!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + Little Jerry looked mysterious. “I ain't tellin' all I know,” said he. + </p> + <p> + The two young fellows laughed. Here was education for them! “Maybe you'll + go back to the old country?” put in Dicky Everson. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir-ee!” said Little Jerry. “I'm American.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe you'll be president some day.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what my father says,” replied the little chap—“president of + a miners' union.” + </p> + <p> + Again they laughed; but Rosa gave a nervous whisper and caught at the + child's sleeve. That was not the sort of thing to say to mysterious and + rich-looking strangers! “This is Little Jerry's mother, Mrs. Minetti,” put + in Hal, by way of reassuring her. + </p> + <p> + “Glad to meet you, Mrs. Minetti,” said the two young men, taking off their + hats with elaborate bows; they stared, for Rosa was a pretty object as she + blushed and made her shy response. She was much embarrassed, having never + before in her life been bowed to by men like these. + </p> + <p> + And here they were greeting Joe Smith as an old friend, and calling him by + a strange name! She turned her black Italian eyes upon Hal in inquiry, and + he felt a flush creeping over him. It was almost as uncomfortable to be + found out by North Valley as to be found out by Western City! + </p> + <p> + The men talked about the rescue-work, and what Cartwright had been telling + of its progress. The fire was in one of the main passages, and was burning + out the timbering, spreading rapidly under the draft from the reversed + fan. There could be little hope of rescue in this part of the mine, but + the helmet-men would defy the heat and smoke in the burned out passages. + They knew how likely was the collapse of such portions of the mine; but + also they knew that men had been working here before the explosion. “I + must say they're a game lot!” remarked Dicky. + </p> + <p> + A group of women and children were gathered about to listen, their shyness + overcome by their torturing anxiety for news. They made one think of women + in war-time, listening to the roar of distant guns and waiting for the + bringing in of the wounded. Hal saw Bob and Dicky glance now and then at + the ring of faces about them; they were getting something of this mood, + and that was a part of what he had desired for them. + </p> + <p> + “Are the others coming out?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said Bob. “I suppose they're having breakfast. It's time + we went in.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you come with us?” added Dicky. + </p> + <p> + “No, thanks,” replied Hal, “I've an engagement with the kid here.” And he + gave Little Jerry's hand a squeeze. “But tell some of the other fellows to + come. They'll be interested in these things.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said the two, as they moved away. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 19. + </h3> + <p> + After allowing a sufficient time for the party in the dining-car to finish + breakfast, Hal went down to the tracks, and induced the porter to take in + his name to Percy Harrigan. He was hoping to persuade Percy to see the + village under other than company chaperonage; he heard with dismay the + announcement that the party had arranged to depart in the course of a + couple of hours. + </p> + <p> + “But you haven't seen anything at all!” Hal protested. + </p> + <p> + “They won't let us into the mine,” replied the other. “What else is there + we can do?” + </p> + <p> + “I wanted you to talk to the people and learn something about conditions + here. You ought not to lose this chance, Percy!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right, Hal, but you might understand this isn't a convenient + time. I've got a lot of people with me, and I've no right to ask them to + wait.” + </p> + <p> + “But can't they learn something also, Percy?” + </p> + <p> + “It's raining,” was the reply; “and ladies would hardly care to stand + round in a crowd and see dead bodies brought out of a mine.” + </p> + <p> + Hal got the rebuke. Yes, he had grown callous since coming to North + Valley; he had lost that delicacy of feeling, that intuitive understanding + of the sentiments of ladies, which he would surely have exhibited a short + time earlier in his life. He was excited about this disaster; it was a + personal thing to him, and he lost sight of the fact that to the ladies of + the Harrigan party it was, in its details, merely sordid and repelling. If + they went out in the mud and rain of a mining-village and stood about + staring, they would feel that they were exhibiting, not human compassion, + but idle curiosity. The sights they would see would harrow them to no + purpose; and incidentally they would be exposing themselves to distressing + publicity. As for offering sympathy to widows and orphans—well, + these were foreigners mostly, who could not understand what was said to + them, and who might be more embarrassed than helped by the intrusion into + their grief of persons from an alien world. + </p> + <p> + The business of offering sympathy had been reduced to a system by the + civilisation which these ladies helped to maintain; and, as it happened, + there was one present who was familiar with this system. Mrs. Curtis had + already acted, so Percy informed Hal; she had passed about a + subscription-paper, and in a couple of minutes over a thousand dollars had + been pledged. This would be paid by check to the “Red Cross,” whose agents + would understand how to distribute relief among such sufferers. So the + members of Percy's party felt that they had done the proper and delicate + thing, and might go their ways with a quiet conscience. + </p> + <p> + “The world can't stop moving just because there's been a mine-disaster,” + said the Coal King's son. “People have engagements they must keep.” + </p> + <p> + And he went on to explain what these engagements were. He himself had to + go to a dinner that evening, and would barely be able to make it. Bert + Atkins was to play a challenge match at billiards, and Mrs. Curtis was to + attend a committee meeting of a woman's club. Also it was the last Friday + of the month; had Hal forgotten what that meant? + </p> + <p> + After a moment Hal remembered—the “Young People's Night” at the + country club! He had a sudden vision of the white colonial mansion on the + mountain-side, with its doors and windows thrown wide, and the strains of + an orchestra floating out. In the ball-room the young ladies of Percy's + party would appear—Jessie, his sweetheart, among them—gowned + in filmy chiffons and laces, floating in a mist of perfume and colour and + music. They would laugh and chatter, they would flirt and scheme against + one another for the sovereignty of the ball-room—while here in North + Valley the sobbing widows would be clutching their mangled dead in their + arms! How strange, how ghastly it seemed! How like the scenes one read of + on the eve of the French Revolution! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 20. + </h3> + <p> + Percy wanted Hal to come away with the party. He suggested this tactfully + at first, and then, as Hal did not take the hint, he began to press the + matter, showing signs of irritation. The mine was open now—what more + did Hal want? When Hal suggested that Cartwright might order it closed + again, Percy revealed the fact that the matter was in his father's hands. + The superintendent had sent a long telegram the night before, and an + answer was due at any moment. Whatever the answer ordered would have to be + done. + </p> + <p> + There was a grim look upon Hal's face, but he forced himself to speak + politely. “If your father orders anything that interferes with the + rescuing of the men—don't you see, Percy, that I have to fight him?” + </p> + <p> + “But how <i>can</i> you fight him?” + </p> + <p> + “With the one weapon I have—publicity.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean—” Percy stopped, and stared. + </p> + <p> + “I mean what I said before—I'd turn Billy Keating loose and blow + this whole story wide open.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, by God!” cried young Harrigan. “I must say I'd call it damned dirty + of you! You said you'd not do it, if I'd come here and open the mine!” + </p> + <p> + “But what good does it do to open it, if you close it again before the men + are out?” Hal paused, and when he went on it was in a sincere attempt at + apology. “Percy, don't imagine I fail to appreciate the embarrassments of + this situation. I know I must seem a cad to you—more than you've + cared to tell me. I called you my friend in spite of all our quarrels. All + I can do is to assure you that I never intended to get into such a + position as this.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what the hell did you want to come here for? You knew it was the + property of a friend—” + </p> + <p> + “That's the question at issue between us, Percy. Have you forgotten our + arguments? I tried to convince you what it meant that you and I should own + the things by which other people have to live. I said we were ignorant of + the conditions under which our properties were worked, we were a bunch of + parasites and idlers. But you laughed at me, called me a crank, an + anarchist, said I swallowed what any muck-raker fed me. So I said: 'I'll + go to one of Percy's mines! Then, when he tries to argue with me, I'll + have him!' That was the way the thing started—as a joke. But then I + got drawn into things. I don't want to be nasty, but no man with a drop of + red blood in his veins could stay in this place a week without wanting to + fight! That's why I want you to stay—you ought to stay, to meet some + of the people and see for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can't stay,” said the other, coldly. “And all I can tell you is + that I wish you'd go somewhere else to do your sociology.” + </p> + <p> + “But where could I go, Percy? Somebody owns everything. If it's a big + thing, it's almost certain to be somebody we know.” + </p> + <p> + Said Percy, “If I might make a suggestion, you could have begun with the + coal-mines of the Warner Company.” + </p> + <p> + Hal laughed. “You may be sure I thought of that, Percy. But see the + situation! If I was to accomplish my purpose, it was essential that I + shouldn't be known. And I had met some of my father's superintendents in + his office, and I knew they'd recognise me. So I <i>had</i> to go to some + other mines.” + </p> + <p> + “Most fortunate for the Warner Company,” replied Percy, in an ugly tone. + </p> + <p> + Hal answered, gravely, “Let me tell you, I don't intend to leave the + Warner Company permanently out of my sociology.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the other, “all I can say is that we pass one of their + properties on our way back, and nothing would please me better than to + stop the train and let you off!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 21. + </h3> + <p> + Hal went into the drawing-room car. There were Mrs. Curtis and Reggie + Porter, playing bridge with Genevieve Halsey and young Everson. Bob + Creston was chatting with Betty Gunnison, telling her what he had seen + outside, no doubt. Bert Atkins was looking over the morning paper, + yawning. Hal went on, seeking Jessie Arthur, and found her in one of the + compartments of the car, looking out of the rain-drenched window—learning + about a mining-camp in the manner permitted to young ladies of her class. + </p> + <p> + He expected to find her in a disturbed state of mind, and was prepared to + apologise. But when he met the look of distress she turned upon him, he + did not know just where to begin. He tried to speak casually—he had + heard she was going away. But she caught him by the hand, exclaiming: + “Hal, you are coming with us!” + </p> + <p> + He did not answer for a moment, but sat down by her. “Have I made you + suffer so much, Jessie?” + </p> + <p> + He saw tears start into her eyes. “Haven't you <i>known</i> you were + making me suffer? Here I was as Percy's guest; and to have you put such + questions to me! What could I say? What do I know about the way Mr. + Harrigan should run his business?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” he said, humbly. “Perhaps I shouldn't have drawn you into it. + But the matter was so complicated and so sudden. Can't you understand + that, and forgive me? Everything has turned out so well!” + </p> + <p> + But she did not think that everything had turned out well. “In the first + place, for you to be here, in such a plight! And when I thought you were + hunting mountain-goats in Mexico!” + </p> + <p> + He could not help laughing; but Jessie had not even a smile. “And then—to + have you drag our love into the thing, there before every one!” + </p> + <p> + “Was that really so terrible, Jessie?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with amazement. That he, Hal Warner, could have done + such a thing, and not realise how terrible it was! To put her in a + position where she had to break either the laws of love or the laws of + good-breeding! Why, it had amounted to a public quarrel. It would be the + talk of the town—there was no end to the embarrassment of it! + </p> + <p> + “But, sweetheart!” argued Hal. “Try to see the reality of this thing—think + about those people in the mine. You really <i>must</i> do that!” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him, and noticed the new, grim lines that had come upon his + youthful face. Also, she caught the note of suppressed passion in his + voice. He was pale and weary looking, in dirty clothes, his hair unkempt + and his face only half washed. It was terrifying—as if he had gone + to war. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me, Jessie,” he insisted. “I want you to know about these + things. If you and I are ever to make each other happy, you must try to + grow up with me. That was why I was glad to have you here—you would + have a chance to see for yourself. Now I ask you not to go without + seeing.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have to go, Hal. I can't ask Percy Harrigan to stay and + inconvenience everybody!” + </p> + <p> + “You can stay without him. You can ask one of the ladies to chaperon you.” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him in dismay. “Why, Hal! What a thing to suggest!” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Think how it would look!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't think so much about looks, dear—” + </p> + <p> + She broke in: “Think what Mamma would say!” + </p> + <p> + “She wouldn't like it, I know—” + </p> + <p> + “She would be wild! She would never forgive either of us. She would never + forgive any one who stayed with me. And what would Percy say, if I came + here as his guest, and stayed to spy on him and his father? Don't you see + how preposterous it would be?” + </p> + <p> + Yes, he saw. He was defying all the conventions of her world, and it + seemed to her a course of madness. She clutched his hands in hers, and the + tears ran down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Hal,” she cried, “I can't leave you in this dreadful place! You look like + a ghost, and a scarecrow, too! I want you to go and get some decent + clothes and come home on this train.” + </p> + <p> + But he shook his head. “It's not possible, Jessie.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have a duty to do here. Can't you understand, dear? All my + life, I've been living on the labour of coal-miners, and I've never taken + the trouble to go near them, to see how my money was got!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Hal! These aren't your people! They are Mr. Harrigan's people!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “but it's all the same. They toil, and we live on their + toil, and take it as a matter of course.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can one <i>do</i> about it, Hal?” + </p> + <p> + “One can understand it, if nothing else. And you see what I was able to do + in this case—to get the mine open.” + </p> + <p> + “Hal,” she exclaimed, “I can't understand you! You've become so cynical, + you don't believe in any one! You're quite convinced that these officials + meant to murder their working people! As if Mr. Harrigan would let his + mines be run that way!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Harrigan, Jessie? He passes the collection plate at St. George's! + That's the only place you've ever seen him, and that's all you know about + him.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what everybody says, Hal! Papa knows him, and my brothers—yes, + your own brother, too! Isn't it true that Edward would disapprove what + you're doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, I fear so.” + </p> + <p> + “And you set yourself up against them—against everybody you know! Is + it reasonable to think the older people are all wrong, and only you are + right? Isn't it at least possible you're making a mistake? Think about it—honestly, + Hal, for my sake!” + </p> + <p> + She was looking at him pleadingly; and he leaned forward and took her + hand. “Jessie,” he said, his voice trembling, “I <i>know</i> that these + working people are oppressed; I know it, because I have been one of them! + And I know that such men as Peter Harrigan, and even my own brother, are + to blame! And they've got to be faced by some one—they've got to be + made to see! I've come to see it clearly this summer—that's the job + I have to do!” + </p> + <p> + She was gazing at him with her wide-open, beautiful eyes; underneath her + protests and her terror, she was thrilling with awe at this amazing madman + she loved. “They will <i>kill</i> you!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest—you don't need to worry about that—I don't think + they'll kill me.” + </p> + <p> + “But they shot at you!” + </p> + <p> + “No, they shot at Joe Smith, a miner's buddy. They won't shoot at the son + of a millionaire—not in America, Jessie.” + </p> + <p> + “But some dark night—” + </p> + <p> + “Set your mind at rest,” he said, “I've got Percy tied up in this, and + everybody knows it. There's no way they could kill me without the whole + story's coming out—and so I'm as safe as I would be in my bed at + home!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 22. + </h3> + <p> + Hal was still possessed by his idea that Jessie must be taught—she + must have knowledge forced upon her, whether she would or no. The train + would not start for a couple of hours, and he tried to think of some use + he could make of that precious interval. He recalled that Rosa Minetti had + returned to her cabin to attend to her baby. A sudden vision came to him + of Jessie in that little home. Rosa was sweet and good, and assuredly + Little Jerry was a “winner.” + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart,” he said, “I wish you'd come for a walk with me.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's raining, Hal!” + </p> + <p> + “It won't hurt you to spoil one dress; you have plenty.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not thinking of that—” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>wish</i> you'd come.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't feel comfortable about it, Hal. I'm here as Percy's guest, and he + mightn't like—” + </p> + <p> + “I'll ask him if he objects to your taking a stroll,” he suggested, with + pretended gravity. + </p> + <p> + “No, no! That would make it worse!” Jessie had no humour whatever about + these matters. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Vivie Cass was out, and some of the others are going. He hasn't + objected to that.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, Hal. But he knows they're all right.” + </p> + <p> + Hal laughed. “Come on, Jessie. Percy won't hold you for my sins! You have + a long train journey before you, and some fresh air will be good for you.” + </p> + <p> + She saw that she must make some concession to him, if she was to keep any + of her influence over him. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” she said, with resignation, and disappeared and returned with + a heavy veil over her face, to conceal her from prying reportorial eyes; + also an equipment of mackintosh, umbrella and overshoes, against the rain. + The two stole out of the car, feeling like a couple of criminals. + </p> + <p> + Skirting the edge of the throng about the pit-mouth, they came to the + muddy, unpaved quarter in which the Italians had their homes; he held her + arm, steering her through the miniature sloughs and creeks. It was + thrilling to him to have her with him thus, to see her sweet face and hear + her voice full of love. Many a time he had thought of her here, and told + her in his imagination of his experiences! + </p> + <p> + He told her now—about the Minetti family, and how he had met Big and + Little Jerry on the street, and how they had taken him in, and then been + driven by fear to let him go again. He told his check-weighman story, and + was telling how Jeff Cotton had arrested him; but they came to the Minetti + cabin, and the terrifying narrative was cut short. + </p> + <p> + It was Little Jerry who came to the door, with the remains of breakfast + distributed upon his cheeks; he stared in wonder at the mysteriously + veiled figure. Entering, they saw Rosa sitting in a chair nursing her + baby. She rose in confusion; but she did not quite like to turn her back + upon her guests, so she stood trying to hide her breast as best she could, + blushing and looking very girlish and pretty. + </p> + <p> + Hal introduced Jessie, as an old friend who was interested to meet his new + friends, and Jessie threw back her veil and sat down. Little Jerry wiped + off his face at his mother's command, and then came where he could stare + at this incredibly lovely vision. + </p> + <p> + “I've been telling Miss Arthur what good care you took of me,” said Hal to + Rosa. “She wanted to come and thank you for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Jessie, graciously. “Anybody who is good to Hal earns my + gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + Rosa started to murmur something; but Little Jerry broke in, with his + cheerful voice, “Why you call him Hal? His name's Joe!” + </p> + <p> + “Ssh!” cried Rosa. But Hal and Jessie laughed—and so the process of + Americanising Little Jerry was continued. + </p> + <p> + “I've got lots of names,” said Hal. “They called me Hal when I was a kid + like you.” + </p> + <p> + “Did <i>she</i> know you then?” inquired Little Jerry. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she your girl?” + </p> + <p> + Rosa laughed shyly, and Jessie blushed, and looked charming. She realised + vaguely a difference in manners. These people accepted the existence of + “girls,” not concealing their interest in the phenomenon. + </p> + <p> + “It's a secret,” warned Hal. “Don't you tell on us!” + </p> + <p> + “I can keep a secret,” said Little Jerry. After a moment's pause he added, + dropping his voice, “You gotta keep secrets if you work in North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet your life,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “My father's a Socialist,” continued the other, addressing Jessie; then, + since one thing leads on to another, “My father's a shot-firer.” + </p> + <p> + “What's a shot-firer?” asked Jessie, by way of being sociable. + </p> + <p> + “Jesus!” exclaimed Little Jerry. “Don't you know nothin' about minin'?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jessie. “You tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “You couldn't get no coal without a shot-firer,” declared Little Jerry. + “You gotta get a good one, too, or maybe you bust up the mine. My father's + the best they got.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he do?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they got a drill—long, long, like this, all the way across + the room; and they turn it and bore holes in the coal. Sometimes they got + machines to drill, only we don't like them machines, 'cause it takes the + men's jobs. When they got the holes, then the shot-firer comes and sets + off the powder. You gotta have—” and here Little Jerry slowed up, + pronouncing each syllable very carefully—“per-miss-i-ble powder—what + don't make no flame. And you gotta know just how much to put in. If you + put in too much, you smash the coal, and the miner raises hell; if you + don't put in enough, you make too much work for him, an' he raises hell + again. So you gotta get a good shot-firer.” + </p> + <p> + Jessie looked at Hal, and he saw that her dismay was mingled with genuine + amusement. He judged this a good way for her to get her education, so he + proceeded to draw out Little Jerry on other aspects of coal-mining: on + short weights and long hours, grafting bosses and camp-marshals, + company-stores and boarding-houses, Socialist agitators and union + organisers. Little Jerry talked freely of the secrets of the camp. “It's + all right for you to know,” he remarked gravely. “You're Joe's girl!” + </p> + <p> + “You little cherub!” exclaimed Jessie. + </p> + <p> + “What's a cherub?” was Little Jerry's reply. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 23. + </h3> + <p> + So the time passed in a way that was pleasant. Jessie was completely won + by this little Dago mine-urchin, in spite of all his frightful + curse-words; and Hal saw that she was won, and was delighted by the + success of this experiment in social amalgamation. He could not read + Jessie's mind, and realise that underneath her genuine delight were + reservations born of her prejudices, the instinctive cruelty of caste. + Yes, this little mine chap was a cherub, now; but how about when he grew + big? He would grow ugly and coarse-looking, in ten years one would not + know him from any other of the rough and dirty men of the village. Jessie + took the fact that common people grow ugly as they mature as a proof that + they are, in some deep and permanent way, the inferiors of those above + them. Hal was throwing away his time and strength, trying to make them + into something which Nature had obviously not intended them to be! She + decided to make that point to Hal on their way back to the train. She + realised that he had brought her here to educate her; like all the rest of + the world, she resented forcible education, and she was not without hope + that she might turn the tables and educate Hal. + </p> + <p> + Pretty soon Rosa finished nursing the baby, and Jessie remarked the little + one's black eyes. This topic broke down the mother's shyness, and they + were chatting pleasantly, when suddenly they heard sounds outside which + caused them to start up. It was a clamour of women's voices; and Hal and + Rosa sprang to the door. Just now was a critical time, when every one was + on edge for news. + </p> + <p> + Hal threw open the door and called to those outside “What is it?” There + came a response, in a woman's voice, “They've found Rafferty!” + </p> + <p> + “Alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody knows yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “In Room Seventeen. Eleven of them—Rafferty, and young Flanagan, and + Johannson, the Swede. They're near dead—can't speak, they say. They + won't let anybody near them.” + </p> + <p> + Other voices broke in; but the one which answered Hal had a different + quality; it was a warm, rich voice, unmistakably Irish, and it held + Jessie's attention. “They've got them in the tipple-room, and the women + want to know about their men, and they won't tell them. They're beatin' + them back like dogs!” + </p> + <p> + There was a tumult of weeping, and Hal stepped out of the cabin, and in a + minute or so he entered again, supporting on his arm a girl, clad in a + faded blue calico dress, and having a head of very conspicuous red hair. + She seemed half fainting, and kept moaning that it was horrible, horrible. + Hal led her to a chair, and she sank into it and hid her face in her + hands, sobbing, talking incoherently between her sobs. + </p> + <p> + Jessie stood looking at this girl. She felt the intensity of her + excitement, and shared it; yet at the same time there was something in + Jessie that resented it. She did not wish to be upset about things like + this, which she could not help. Of course these unfortunate people were + suffering; but—what a shocking lot of noise the poor thing was + making! A part of the poor thing's excitement was rage, and Jessie + realised that, and resented it still more. It was as if it were a personal + challenge to her; the same as Hal's fierce social passions, which so + bewildered and shocked her. + </p> + <p> + “They're beatin' the women back like dogs!” the girl repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” said Hal, trying to soothe her, “the doctors will be doing their + best. The women couldn't expect to crowd about them!” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe they couldn't; but that's not it, Joe, and ye know it! They been + bringin' up dead bodies, some they found where the explosion was—blown + all to pieces. And they won't let anybody see them. Is that because of the + doctors? No, it ain't! It's because they want to tell lies about the + number killed! They want to count four or five legs to a man! And that's + what's drivin' the women crazy! I saw Mrs. Zamboni, tryin' to get into the + shed, and Pete Hanun caught her by the breasts and shoved her back. 'I + want my man!' she screamed. 'Well, what do you want him for? He's all in + pieces!' 'I want the pieces!' 'What good'll they do you? Are you goin' to + eat him?'” + </p> + <p> + There were cries of horror now, even from Jessie; and the strange girl hid + her face in her hands and began to sob again. Hal put his hand gently on + her arm. + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he pleaded, “it's not so bad—at least they're getting the + people out.” + </p> + <p> + “How do ye know what they're doin'? They might be sealin' up parts of the + mine down below! That's what makes it so horrible—nobody knows + what's happenin'! Ye should have heard poor Mrs. Rafferty screamin'. Joe, + it went through me like a knife. Just think, it's been half an hour since + they brought him up, and the poor lady can't be told if her man is alive.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 24. + </h3> + <p> + Hal stood for a few moments in thought. He was surprised that such things + should be happening while Percy Harrigan's train was in the village. He + was considering whether he should go to Percy, or whether a hint to Cotton + or Cartwright would not be sufficient. + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he said, in a quiet voice, “you needn't distress yourself so. We + can get better treatment for the women, I'm sure.” + </p> + <p> + But her sobbing went on. “What can ye do? They're bound to have their + way!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal. “There's a difference now. Believe me—something can + be done. I'll step over and have a word with Jeff Cotton.” + </p> + <p> + He started towards the door; but there came a cry: “Hal!” It was Jessie, + whom he had almost forgotten in his sudden anger at the bosses. + </p> + <p> + At her protest he turned and looked at her; then he looked at Mary. He saw + the latter's hands fall from her tear-stained face, and her expression of + grief give way to one of wonder. “Hal!” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” he said, quickly. “Miss Burke, this is my friend, Miss + Arthur.” Then, not quite sure if this was a satisfactory introduction, he + added, “Jessie, this is my friend, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + Jessie's training could not fail in any emergency. “Miss Burke,” she said, + and smiled with perfect politeness. But Mary said nothing, and the + strained look did not leave her face. + </p> + <p> + In the first excitement she had almost failed to notice this stranger; but + now she stared, and realisation grew upon her. Here was a girl, beautiful + with a kind of beauty hardly to be conceived of in a mining-camp; + reserved, yet obviously expensive—even in a mackintosh and + rubber-shoes. Mary was used to the expensiveness of Mrs. O'Callahan, but + here was a new kind of expensiveness, subtle and compelling, strangely + unconscious. And she laid claim to Joe Smith, the miner's buddy! She + called him by a name hitherto unknown to his North Valley associates! It + needed no word from Little Jerry to guide Mary's instinct; she knew in a + flash that here was the “other girl.” + </p> + <p> + Mary was seized with sudden acute consciousness of the blue calico dress, + patched at the shoulder and stained with grease-spots; of her hands, big + and rough with hard labour; of her feet, clad in shoes worn sideways at + the heel, and threatening to break out at the toes. And as for Jessie, she + too had the woman's instinct; she too saw a girl who was beautiful, with a + kind of beauty of which she did not approve, but which she could not deny—the + beauty of robust health, of abounding animal energy. Jessie was not + unaware of the nature of her own charms, having been carefully educated to + conserve them; nor did she fail to make note of the other girl's handicaps—the + patched and greasy dress, the big rough hands, the shoes worn sideways. + But even so, she realised that “Red Mary” had a quality which she lacked—that + beside this wild rose of a mining-camp, she, Jessie Arthur, might possibly + seem a garden flower, fragile and insipid. + </p> + <p> + She had seen Hal lay his hand upon Mary's arm, and heard her speak to him. + She called him Joe! And a sudden fear had leaped into Jessie's heart. + </p> + <p> + Like many girls who have been delicately reared, Jessie Arthur knew more + than she admitted, even to herself. She knew enough to realise that young + men with ample means and leisure are not always saints and ascetics. Also, + she had heard the remark many times made that these women of the lower + orders had “no morals.” Just what did such a remark mean? What would be + the attitude of such a girl as Mary Burke—full-blooded and intense, + dissatisfied with her lot in life—to a man of culture and charm like + Hal? She would covet him, of course; no woman who knew him could fail to + covet him. And she would try to steal him away from his friends, from the + world to which he belonged, the future of happiness and ease to which he + was entitled. She would have powers—dark and terrible powers, all + the more appalling to Jessie because they were mysterious. Might they + possibly be able to overcome even the handicap of a dirty calico dress, of + big rough hands and shoes worn sideways? + </p> + <p> + These reflections, which have taken many words to explain, came to Jessie + in one flash of intuition. She understood now, all at once, the + incomprehensible phenomenon—that Hal should leave friends and home + and career, to come and live amid this squalor and suffering! She saw the + old drama of the soul of man, heaven and hell contending for mastery of + it; and she knew that she was heaven, and that this “Red Mary” was hell. + </p> + <p> + She looked at Hal. He seemed to her so fine and true; his face was frank, + he was the soul of honourableness. No, it was impossible to believe that + he had yielded to such a lure! If that had been the case, he would never + have brought her to this cabin, he would never have taken a chance of her + meeting the girl. No; but he might be struggling against temptation, he + might be in the toils of it, and only half aware of it. He was a man, and + therefore blind; he was a dreamer, and it would be like him to idealise + this girl, calling her naïve and primitive, thinking that she had no + wiles! Jessie had come just in time to save him! And she would fight to + save him—using wiles more subtle than those at the command of any + mining-camp hussy! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 25. + </h3> + <p> + It was the surging up in Jessie Arthur of that instinctive self, the + creature of hereditary cruelty, of the existence of which Hal had no idea. + She drew back, and there was a quiet <i>hauteur</i> in her tone as she + spoke. “Hal, come here, please.” + </p> + <p> + He came; and she waited until he was close enough for intimacy, and then + said, “Have you forgotten you have to take me back to the train?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't you come with me for a few minutes?” he pleaded. “It would have + such a good effect if you did.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't go into that crowd,” she answered; and suddenly her voice + trembled, and the tears came into her sweet brown eyes. “Don't you know, + Hal, that I couldn't stand such terrible sights? This poor girl—she + is used to them—she is hardened! But I—I—oh, take me + away, take me away, dear Hal!” This cry of a woman for protection came + with a familiar echo to Hal's mind. He did not stop to think—he was + moved by it instinctively. Yes, he had exposed the girl he loved to + suffering! He had meant it for her own good, but even so, it was cruel! + </p> + <p> + He stood close to her, and saw the love-light in her eyes; he saw the + tears, the trembling of her sensitive chin. She swayed to him, and he + caught her in his arms—and there, before these witnesses, she let + him press her to him, while she sobbed and whispered her distress. She had + been shy of caresses hitherto, watched and admonished by an experienced + mother; certainly she had never before made what could by the remotest + stretch of the imagination be considered an advance towards him. But now + she made it, and there was a cry of triumph in her soul as she saw that he + responded to it. He was still hers—and these low people should know + it, this “other girl” should know it! + </p> + <p> + Yet, in the midst of this very exultation, Jessie Arthur really felt the + grief she expressed for the women of North Valley; she really felt horror + at the story of Mrs. Zamboni's “man”: so intricate is the soul of woman, + so puzzling that faculty, older than the ages, which enables her to be + hysterical, and at the same time to be guided in the use of that hysteria + by deep and infallible calculation. + </p> + <p> + But she made Hal realise that it was necessary for him to take her away. + He turned to Mary Burke and said, “Miss Arthur's train is leaving in a + short time. I'll have to take her hack, and then I'll go to the pit-mouth + with you and see what I can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” Mary answered; and her voice was hard and cold. But Hal did + not notice this. He was a man, and not able to keep up with the emotions + of one woman—to say nothing of two women at the same time. + </p> + <p> + He took Jessie out, and all the way back to the train she fought a + desperate fight to get him away from here. She no longer even suggested + that he get decent clothing; she was willing for him to come as he was, in + his coal-stained mining-jumpers, in the private train of the Coal King's + son. She besought him in the name of their affection. She threatened him + that if he did not come, this might be the last time they would meet. She + even broke down in the middle of the street, and let him stand there in + plain sight of miners' wives and children, and of possible newspaper + reporters, holding her in his arms and comforting her. + </p> + <p> + Hal was much puzzled; but he would not give way. The idea of going off in + Percy Harrigan's train had come to seem morally repulsive to him; he hated + Percy Harrigan's train, and Percy Harrigan also, he declared. And Jessie + saw that she was only making him unreasonable—that before long he + might be hating her. With her instinctive <i>savoir faire</i>, she brought + up his suggestion that she might find some one to chaperon her, and stay + with him at North Valley until he was ready to come away. + </p> + <p> + Hal's heart leaped at that; he had no idea what was in her mind—the + certainty that no one of the ladies of the Harrigan party would run the + risk of offending her host by staying under such circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “You mean it, sweetheart?” he cried, happily. + </p> + <p> + She answered, “I mean that I love you, Hal.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, dear!” he said. “We'll see if we can arrange it.” + </p> + <p> + But as they walked on, she managed, without his realising it, to cause him + to reflect upon the effect of her staying. She was willing to do it, if it + was what he wanted; but it would injure, perhaps irrevocably, his standing + with her parents. They would telegraph her to come at once; and if she did + not obey, they would come by the next train. So on, until at last Hal was + moved to withdraw his own suggestion. After all, what was the use of her + staying, if her mind was on the people at home, if she would simply keep + him in hot water? Before the conversation was over Hal had become clear in + his mind that North Valley was no place for Jessie Arthur, and that he had + been a fool to think he could bring the two together. + </p> + <p> + She tried to get him to promise to leave as soon as the last man had been + brought out of the mine. He answered that he intended to leave then, + unless some new emergency should arise. She tried to get an unqualified + promise; and failing in that, when they had nearly got to the train she + suddenly made a complete surrender. Let him do what he pleased—but + let him remember that she loved him, that she needed him, that she could + not do without him. No matter what he might do, no matter what people + might say about him, she believed in him, she would stand by him. Hal was + deeply touched, and took her in his arms again and kissed her tenderly + under the umbrella, in the presence of the wondering stares of several + urchins with coal-smutted faces. He pledged anew his love for her, + assuring her that no amount of interest in mining-camps should ever steal + him from her. + </p> + <p> + Then he put her on the train, and shook hands with the departing guests. + He was so very sombre and harassed-looking that the young men forbore to + “kid” him as they would otherwise have done. He stood on the + station-platform and saw the train roll away—and felt, to his own + desperate bewilderment, that he hated these friends of his boyhood and + youth. His reason protested against it; he told himself there was nothing + they could do, no reason on earth for them to stay—and yet he hated + them. They were hurrying off to dance and flirt at the country club—while + he was going back to the pit-mouth, to try to get Mrs. Zamboni the right + to inspect the pieces of her “man”! + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK FOUR — THE WILL OF KING COAL + </h2> + <h3> + SECTION 1. + </h3> + <p> + The pit of death was giving up its secrets. The hoist was busy, and + cage-load after cage-load came up, with bodies dead and bodies living and + bodies only to be classified after machines had pumped air into them for a + while. Hal stood in the rain and watched the crowd and thought that he had + never witnessed a scene so compelling to pity and terror. The silence that + would fall when any one appeared who might have news to tell! The sudden + shriek of anguish from some woman whose hopes were struck dead! The moans + of sympathy that ran through the crowd, alternating with cheers at some + good tidings, shaking the souls of the multitude as a storm of wind shakes + a reed-field! + </p> + <p> + And the stories that ran through the camp—brought up from the + underground world—stories of incredible sufferings, and of still + more incredible heroisms! Men who had been four days without food or + water, yet had resisted being carried out of the mine, proposing to stay + and help rescue others! Men who had lain together in the darkness and + silence, keeping themselves alive by the water which seeped from the rocks + overhead, taking turns lying face upwards where the drops fell, or wetting + pieces of their clothing and sucking out the moisture! Members of the + rescue parties would tell how they knocked upon the barriers, and heard + the faint answering signals of the imprisoned men; how madly they toiled + to cut through, and how, when at last a little hole appeared, they heard + the cries of joy, and saw the eyes of men shining from the darkness, while + they waited, gasping, for the hole to grow bigger, so that water and food + might be passed in! + </p> + <p> + In some places they were fighting the fire. Long lines of hose had been + sent down, and men were moving forward foot by foot, as the smoke and + steam were sucked out ahead of them by the fan. Those who did this work + were taking their lives in their hands, yet they went without hesitation. + There was always hope of finding men in barricaded rooms beyond. + </p> + <p> + Hal sought out Jeff Cotton at the entrance to the tipple-room, which had + been turned into a temporary hospital. It was the first time the two had + met since the revelation in Percy's car, and the camp-marshal's face took + on a rather sheepish grin. “Well, Mr. Warner, you win,” he remarked; and + after a little arguing he agreed to permit a couple of women to go into + the tipple-room and make a list of the injured, and go out and give the + news to the crowd. Hal went to the Minettis to ask Mary Burke to attend to + this; but Rosa said that Mary had gone out after he and Miss Arthur had + left, and no one knew where she was. So Hal went to Mrs. David, who + consented to get a couple of friends, and do the work without being called + a “committee.” “I won't have any damned committees!” the camp-marshal had + declared. + </p> + <p> + So the night passed, and part of another day. A clerk from the office came + to Hal with a sealed envelope, containing a telegram, addressed in care of + Cartwright. “I most urgently beg of you to come home at once. It will be + distressing to Dad if he hears what has happened, and it will not be + possible to keep the matter from him for long.” + </p> + <p> + As Hal read, he frowned; evidently the Harrigans had got busy without + delay! He went to the office and telephoned his answer. “Am planning to + leave in a day or two. Trust you will make an effort to spare Dad until + you have heard my story.” + </p> + <p> + This message troubled Hal. It started in his mind long arguments with his + brother, and explanations and apologies to his father. He loved the old + man tenderly. What a shame if some emissary of the Harrigans were to get + to him to upset him with misrepresentations! + </p> + <p> + Also these ideas had a tendency to make Hal homesick; they brought more + vividly to his thoughts the outside world, with its physical allurements—there + being a limit to the amount of unwholesome meals and dirty beds and + repulsive sights a man of refinement can force himself to endure. Hal + found himself obsessed by a vision of a club dining-room, with odours of + grilled steaks and hot rolls, and the colours of salads and fresh fruits + and cream. The conviction grew suddenly strong in him that his work in + North Valley was nearly done! + </p> + <p> + Another night passed, and another day. The last of the bodies had been + brought out, and the corpses shipped down to Pedro for one of those big + wholesale funerals which are a feature of mine-life. The fire was out, and + the rescue-crews had given place to a swarm of carpenters and timbermen, + repairing the damage and making the mine safe. The reporters had gone; + Billy Keating having clasped Hal's hand, and promised to meet him for + luncheon at the club. An agent of the “Red Cross” was on hand, and was + feeding the hungry out of Mrs. Curtis's subscription-list. What more was + there for Hal to do—except to bid good-bye to his friends, and + assure them of his help in the future? + </p> + <p> + First among these friends was Mary Burke, whom he had had no chance to + talk to since the meeting with Jessie. He realised that Mary had been + deliberately avoiding him. She was not in her home, and he went to inquire + at the Rafferties', and stopped for a good-bye chat with the old woman + whose husband he had saved. + </p> + <p> + Rafferty was going to pull through. His wife had been allowed in to see + him, and tears rolled down her shrunken cheeks as she told about it. He + had been four days and nights blocked up in a little tunnel, with no food + or water, save for a few drops of coffee which he had shared with other + men. He could still not speak, he could hardly move a hand; but there was + life in his eyes, and his look had been a greeting from the soul she had + loved and served these thirty years and more. Mrs. Rafferty sang praises + to the Rafferty God, who had brought him safely through these perils; it + seemed obvious that He must be more efficient than the Protestant God of + Johannson, the giant Swede, who had lain by Rafferty's side and given up + the ghost. + </p> + <p> + But the doctor had stated that the old Irishman would never be good to + work again; and Hal saw a shadow of terror cross the sunshine of Mrs. + Rafferty's rejoicing. How could a doctor say a thing like that? Rafferty + was old, to be sure; but he was tough—and could any doctor imagine + how hard a man would try who had a family looking to him? Sure, he was not + the one to give up for a bit of pain now and then! Besides him, there was + only Tim who was earning; and though Tim was a good lad, and worked + steady, any doctor ought to know that a big family could not be kept going + on the wages of one eighteen-year-old pit-boy. As for the other lads, + there was a law that said they were too young to work. Mrs. Rafferty + thought there should be some one to put a little sense into the heads of + them that made the laws—for if they wanted to forbid children to + work in coal-mines, they should surely provide some other way to feed the + children. + </p> + <p> + Hal listened, agreeing sympathetically, and meantime watching her, and + learning more from her actions than from her words. She had been obedient + to the teachings of her religion, to be fruitful and multiply; she had fed + three grown sons into the maw of industry, and had still eight children + and a man to care for. Hal wondered if she had ever rested a single minute + of daylight in all her fifty-four years. Certainly not while he had been + in her house! Even now, while praising the Rafferty God and blaming the + capitalist law-makers, she was getting a supper, moving swiftly, silently, + like a machine. She was lean as an old horse that has toiled across a + desert; the skin over her cheek-bones was tight as stretched rubber, and + cords stood out in her wrists like piano-wires. + </p> + <p> + And now she was cringing before the spectre of destitution. He asked what + she would do about it, and saw the shadow of terror cross her face again. + There was one recourse from starvation, it seemed—to have her + children taken from her, and put in some institution! At the mention of + this, one of the special nightmares of the poor, the old woman began to + sob and cry again that the doctor was wrong; he would see, and Hal would + see—Old Rafferty would be back at his job in a week or two! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 2. + </h3> + <p> + Hal went out on the street again. It was the hour which would have been + sunset in a level region; the tops of the mountains were touched with a + purple light, and the air was fresh and chill with early fall. Down the + darkening streets he saw a gathering of men; there was shouting, and + people running towards the place, so he hurried up, with the thought in + his mind, “What's the matter now?” There were perhaps a hundred men crying + out, their voices mingling like the sound of waves on the sea. He could + make out words: “Go on! Go on! We've had enough of it! Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + “What's happened?” he asked, of some one on the outskirts; and the man, + recognising him, raised a cry which ran through the throng: “Joe Smith! + He's the boy for us! Come in here, Joe! Give us a speech!” + </p> + <p> + But even while Hal was asking questions, trying to get the situation + clear, other shouts had drowned out his name. “We've had enough of them + walking over us!” And somebody cried, more loudly, “Tell us about it! Tell + it again! Go on!” + </p> + <p> + A man was standing upon the steps of a building at one side. Hal stared in + amazement; it was Tim Rafferty. Of all people in the world—Tim, the + light-hearted and simple, Tim of the laughing face and the merry Irish + blue eyes! Now his sandy hair was tousled and his features distorted with + rage. “Him near dead!” he yelled. “Him with his voice gone, and couldn't + move his hand! Eleven years he's slaved for them, and near killed in an + accident that's their own fault—every man in this crowd knows it's + their own fault, by God!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure thing! You're right!” cried a chorus of voices “Tell it all!” + </p> + <p> + “They give him twenty-five dollars and his hospital expenses—and + what'll his hospital expenses be? They'll have him out on the street again + before he's able to stand. You know that—they done it to Pete + Cullen!” + </p> + <p> + “You bet they did!” + </p> + <p> + “Them damned lawyers in there—gettin' 'em to sign papers when they + don't know what they're doin'. An' me that might help him can't get near! + By Christ, I say it's too much! Are we slaves, or are we dogs, that we + have to stand such things?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll stand no more of it!” shouted one. “We'll go in there and see to it + ourselves!” + </p> + <p> + “Come on!” shouted another. “To hell with their gunmen!” + </p> + <p> + Hal pushed his way into the crowd. “Tim!” he cried. “How do you know + this?” + </p> + <p> + “There's a fellow in there seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you—they'd fire him; but it's somebody you know as + well as me. He come and told me. They're beatin' me old father out of + damages!” + </p> + <p> + “They do it all the time!” shouted Wauchope, an English miner at Hal's + side. “That's why they won't let us in there.” + </p> + <p> + “They done the same thing to my father!” put in another voice. Hal + recognised Andy, the Greek boy. + </p> + <p> + “And they want to start Number Two in the mornin'!” yelled Tim. “Who'll go + down there again? And with Alec Stone, him that damns the men and saves + the mules!” + </p> + <p> + “We'll not go back in them mines till they're safe!” shouted Wauchope. + “Let them sprinkle them—or I'm done with the whole business.” + </p> + <p> + “And let 'em give us our weights!” cried another. “We'll have a + check-weighman, and we'll get what we earn!” + </p> + <p> + So again came the cry, “Joe Smith! Give us a speech, Joe! Soak it to 'em! + You're the boy!” + </p> + <p> + Hal stood helpless, dismayed. He had counted his fight won—and here + was another beginning! The men were looking to him, calling upon him as + the boldest of the rebels. Only a few of them knew about the sudden change + in his fortunes. + </p> + <p> + Even while he hesitated, the line of battle had swept past him; the + Englishman, Wauchope, sprang upon the steps and began to address the + throng. He was one of the bowed and stunted men, but in this emergency he + developed sudden lung-power. Hal listened in astonishment; this silent and + dull-looking fellow was the last he would have picked for a fighter. Tom + Olson had sounded him out, and reported that he would hear nothing, so + they had dismissed him from mind. And here he was, shouting terrible + defiance! + </p> + <p> + “They're a set of robbers and murderers! They rob us everywhere we turn! + For my part, I've had enough of it! Have you?” + </p> + <p> + There was a roar from every one within reach of his voice. They had all + had enough. + </p> + <p> + “All right, then—we'll fight them!” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah! Hurrah! We'll have our rights!” + </p> + <p> + Jeff Cotton came up on the run, with “Bud” Adams and two or three of the + gunmen at his heels. The crowd turned upon them, the men on the outskirts + clenching their fists, showing their teeth like angry dogs. Cotton's face + was red with rage, but he saw that he had a serious matter in hand; he + turned and went for more help—and the mob roared with delight. + Already they had begun their fight! Already they had won their first + victory! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 3. + </h3> + <p> + The crowd moved down the street, shouting and cursing as it went. Some one + started to sing the Marseillaise, and others took it up, and the words + mounted to a frenzy: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “To arms! To arms, ye brave!<br> + March on, march on, all hearts resolved<br> + On victory or death!”<br> + </p> + <p> + There were the oppressed of many nations in this crowd; they sang in a + score of languages, but it was the same song. They would sing a few bars, + and the yells of others would drown them out. “March on! March on! All + hearts resolved!” Some rushed away in different directions to spread the + news, and very soon the whole population of the village was on the spot; + the men waving their caps, the women lifting up their hands and shrieking—or + standing terrified, realising that babies could not be fed upon + revolutionary singing. + </p> + <p> + Tim Rafferty was raised up on the shoulders of the crowd and made to tell + his story once more. While he was telling it, his old mother came running, + and her shrieks rang above the clamour: “Tim! Tim! Come down from there! + What's the matter wid ye?” She was twisting her hands together in an agony + of fright; seeing Hal, she rushed up to him. “Get him out of there, Joe! + Sure, the lad's gone crazy! They'll turn us out of the camp, they'll give + us nothin' at all—and what'll become of us? Mother of God, what's + the matter with the b'y?” She called to Tim again; but Tim paid no + attention, if he heard her. Tim was on the march to Versailles! + </p> + <p> + Some one shouted that they would go to the hospital to protect the injured + men from the “damned lawyers.” Here was something definite, and the crowd + moved in that direction, Hal following with the stragglers, the women and + children, and the less bold among the men. He noticed some of the clerks + and salaried employés of the company; presently he saw Jeff Cotton again, + and heard him ordering these men to the office to get revolvers. + </p> + <p> + “Big Jack” David came along with Jerry Minetti, and Hal drew back to + consult with them. Jerry was on fire. It had come—the revolt he had + been looking forward to for years! Why were they not making speeches, + getting control of the men and organising them? + </p> + <p> + Jack David voiced uncertainty. They had to consider if this outburst could + mean anything permanent. + </p> + <p> + Jerry answered that it would mean what they chose to make it mean. If they + took charge, they could guide the men and hold them together. Wasn't that + what Tom Olson had wanted? + </p> + <p> + No, said the big Welshman, Olson had been trying to organise the men + secretly, as preliminary to a revolt in all the camps. That was quite + another thing from an open movement, limited to one camp. Was there any + hope of success for such a movement? If not, they would be foolish to + start, they would only be making sure of their own expulsion. + </p> + <p> + Jerry turned to Hal. What did he think? + </p> + <p> + And so at last Hal had to speak. It was hard for him to judge, he said. He + knew so little about labour matters. It was to learn about them that he + had come to North Valley. It was a hard thing to advise men to submit to + such treatment as they had been getting; but on the other hand, any one + could see that a futile outbreak would discourage everybody, and make it + harder than ever to organise them. + </p> + <p> + So much Hal spoke; but there was more in his mind, which he could not + speak. He could not say to these men, “I am a friend of yours, but I am + also a friend of your enemy, and in this crisis I cannot make up my mind + to which side I owe allegiance. I'm bound by a duty of politeness to the + masters of your lives; also, I'm anxious not to distress the girl I am to + marry!” No, he could not say such things. He felt himself a traitor for + having them in his mind, and he could hardly bring himself to look these + men in the eye. Jerry knew that he was in some way connected with the + Harrigans; probably he had told the rest of Hal's friends, and they had + been discussing it and speculating about the meaning of it. Suppose they + should think he was a spy? + </p> + <p> + So Hal was relieved when Jack David spoke firmly. They would only be + playing the game of the enemy if they let themselves be drawn in + prematurely. They ought to have the advice of Tom Olson. + </p> + <p> + Where was Olson? Hal asked; and David explained that on the day when Hal + had been thrown out of camp, Olson had got his “time” and set out for + Sheridan, the local headquarters of the union, to report the situation. He + would probably not come back; he had got his little group together, he had + planted the seed of revolt in North Valley. + </p> + <p> + They discussed back and forth the problem of getting advice. It was + impossible to telephone from North Valley without everything they said + being listened to; but the evening train for Pedro left in a few minutes, + and “Big Jack” declared that some one ought to take it. The town of + Sheridan was only fifteen or twenty miles from Pedro, and there would be a + union official there to advise them; or they might use the long distance + telephone, and persuade one of the union leaders in Western City to take + the midnight train, and be in Pedro next morning. + </p> + <p> + Hal, still hoping to withdraw himself, put this task off on Jack David. + They emptied out the contents of their pockets, so that he might have + funds enough, and the big Welshman darted off to catch the train. In the + meantime Jerry and Hal agreed to keep in the background, and to seek out + the other members of their group and warn them to do the same. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 4. + </h3> + <p> + This programme was a convenient one for Hal; but as he was to find almost + at once, it had been adopted too late. He and Jerry started after the + crowd, which had stopped in front of one of the company buildings; and as + they came nearer they heard some one making a speech. It was the voice of + a woman, the tones rising clear and compelling. They could not see the + speaker, because of the throng, but Hal recognised her voice, and caught + his companion by the arm. “It's Mary Burke!” + </p> + <p> + Mary Burke it was, for a fact; and she seemed to have the crowd in a kind + of frenzy. She would speak one sentence, and there would come a roar from + the throng; she would speak another sentence, and there would come another + roar. Hal and Jerry pushed their way in, to where they could make out the + words of this litany of rage. + </p> + <p> + “Would they go down into the pit themselves, do ye think?” + </p> + <p> + “They would not!” + </p> + <p> + “Would they be dressed in silks and laces, do ye think?” + </p> + <p> + “They would not!” + </p> + <p> + “Would they have such fine soft hands, do ye think?” + </p> + <p> + “They would not!” + </p> + <p> + “Would they hold themselves too good to look at ye?” + </p> + <p> + “They would not! They would not!” + </p> + <p> + And Mary swept on: “If only ye'd stand together, they'd come to ye on + their knees to ask for terms! But ye're cowards, and they play on your + fears! Ye're traitors, and they buy ye out! They break ye into pieces, + they do what they please with ye—and then ride off in their private + cars, and leave gunmen to beat ye down and trample on your faces! How long + will ye stand it? How long?” + </p> + <p> + The roar of the mob rolled down the street and back again. “We'll not + stand it! We'll not stand it!” Men shook their clenched fists, women + shrieked, even children shouted curses. “We'll fight them! We'll slave no + more for them!” + </p> + <p> + And Mary found a magic word. “We'll have a union!” she shouted. “We'll get + together and stay together! If they refuse us our rights, we'll know what + to answer—we'll have a <i>strike!</i>” + </p> + <p> + There was a roar like the crashing of thunder in the mountains. Yes, Mary + had found the word! For many years it had not been spoken aloud in North + Valley, but now it ran like a flash of gunpowder through the throng. + “Strike! Strike! Strike! Strike!” It seemed as if they would never have + enough of it. Not all of them had understood Mary's speech, but they knew + this word, “Strike!” They translated and proclaimed it in Polish and + Bohemian and Italian and Greek. Men waved their caps, women waved their + aprons—in the semi-darkness it was like some strange kind of + vegetation tossed by a storm. Men clasped one another's hands, the more + demonstrative of the foreigners fell upon one another's necks. “Strike! + Strike! Strike!” + </p> + <p> + “We're no longer slaves!” cried the speaker. “We're men—and we'll + live as men! We'll work as men—or we'll not work at all! We'll no + longer be a herd of cattle, that they can drive about as they please! + We'll organise, we'll stand together—shoulder to shoulder! Either + we'll win together, or we'll starve and die together! And not a man of us + will yield, not a man of us will turn traitor! Is there anybody here + who'll scab on his fellows?” + </p> + <p> + There was a howl, which might have come from a pack of wolves. Let the man + who would scab on his fellows show his dirty face in that crowd! + </p> + <p> + “Ye'll stand by the union?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll stand by it!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye'll swear?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll swear!” + </p> + <p> + She flung her arms to heaven with a gesture of passionate adjuration. + “Swear it on your lives! To stick to the rest of us, and never a man of ye + give way till ye've won! Swear! <i>Swear!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Men stood, imitating her gesture, their hands stretched up to the sky. “We + swear! We swear!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye'll not let them break ye! Ye'll not let them frighten ye!” + </p> + <p> + “No! No!” + </p> + <p> + “Stand by your word, men! Stand by it! 'Tis the one chance for your wives + and childer!” The girl rushed on—exhorting with leaping words and + passionate out-flung arms—a tall, swaying figure of furious + rebellion. Hal listened to the speech and watched the speaker, marvelling. + Here was a miracle of the human soul, here was hope born of despair! And + the crowd around her—they were sharing the wonderful rebirth; their + waving arms, their swaying forms responded to Mary as an orchestra to the + baton of a leader. + </p> + <p> + A thrill shook Hal—a thrill of triumph! He had been beaten down + himself, he had wanted to run from this place of torment; but now there + was hope in North Valley—now there would be victory, freedom! + </p> + <p> + Ever since he had come to the coal-country, the knowledge had been growing + in Hal that the real tragedy of these people's lives was not their + physical suffering, but their mental depression—the dull, hopeless + misery in their minds. This had been driven into his consciousness day by + day, both by what he saw and by what others told him. Tom Olson had first + put it into words: “Your worst troubles are inside the heads of the + fellows you're trying to help!” How could hope be given to men in this + environment of terrorism? Even Hal himself, young and free as he was, had + been brought to despair. He came from a class which is accustomed to say, + “Do this,” or “Do that,” and it will be done. But these mine-slaves had + never known that sense of power, of certainty; on the contrary, they were + accustomed to having their efforts balked at every turn, their every + impulse to happiness or achievement crushed by another's will. + </p> + <p> + But here was this miracle of the human soul! Here was hope in North + Valley! Here were the people rising—and Mary Burke at their head! It + was his vision come true—Mary Burke with a glory in her face, and + her hair shining like a crown of gold! Mary Burke mounted upon a + snow-white horse, wearing a robe of white, soft and lustrous—like + Joan of Arc, or a leader in a suffrage parade! Yes, and she was at the + head of a host, he had the music of its marching in his ears! + </p> + <p> + Underneath Hal's jesting words had been a real vision, a real faith in + this girl. Since that day when he had first discovered her, a wild rose of + the mining-camp taking in the family wash, he had realised that she was no + pretty young working-girl, but a woman with a mind and a personality. She + saw farther, she felt more deeply than the average of these wage-slaves. + Her problem was the same as theirs, yet more complex. When he had wanted + to help her and had offered to get her a job, she had made clear that what + she craved was not merely relief from drudgery, but a life with + intellectual interest. So then the idea had come to him that Mary should + become a teacher, a leader of her people. She loved them, she suffered for + them and with them, and at the same time she had a mind that was capable + of seeking out the causes of their misery. But when he had gone to her + with plans of leadership, he had been met by her corroding despair; her + pessimism had seemed to mock his dreams, her contempt for these + mine-slaves had belittled his efforts in their behalf and in hers. + </p> + <p> + And now, here she was taking up the role he had planned for her! Her very + soul was in this shouting throng, he thought. She had lived the lives of + these people, shared their every wrong, been driven to rebellion with + them. Being a mere man, Hal missed one important point about this + startling development; he did not realise that Mary's eloquence was + addressed, not merely to the Rafferties and the Wauchopes, and the rest of + the North Valley mine-slaves, but to a certain magazine-cover girl, clad + in a mackintosh and a pale green hat and a soft and filmy and horribly + expensive motoring veil! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 5. + </h3> + <p> + Mary's speech was brought to a sudden end. A group of the men had moved + down the street, and there arose a disturbance there. The noise of it + swelled louder, and more people began to move in that direction. Mary + turned to look, and all at once the whole throng surged down the street. + </p> + <p> + The trouble was at the hospital. In front of this building was a porch, + and on it Cartwright and Alec Stone were standing, with a group of the + clerks and office-employés, among whom Hal saw Predovich, Johnson, the + postmaster, and Si Adams. At the foot of the steps stood Tim Rafferty, + with a swarm of determined men at his back. He was shouting, “We want them + lawyers out of there!” + </p> + <p> + The superintendent himself had undertaken to parley with him. “There are + no lawyers in here, Rafferty.” + </p> + <p> + “We don't trust you!” And the crowd took up the cry: “We'll see for + ourselves!” + </p> + <p> + “You can't go into this building,” declared Cartwright. + </p> + <p> + “I'm goin' to see my father!” shouted Tim. “I've got a right to see my + father, ain't I?” + </p> + <p> + “You can see him in the morning. You can take him away, if you want to. + We've no desire to keep him. But he's asleep now, and you can't disturb + the others.” + </p> + <p> + “You weren't afraid to disturb them with your damned lawyers!” And there + was a roar of approval—so loud that Cartwright's denial could hardly + be heard. + </p> + <p> + “There have been no lawyers near him, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie!” shouted Wauchope. “They been in there all day, and you know + it. We mean to have them out.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, Tim!” cried Andy, the Greek boy, pushing his way to the front. “Go + on!” cried the others; and thus encouraged, Rafferty started up the steps. + </p> + <p> + “I mean to see my father!” As Cartwright caught him by the shoulder, he + yelled, “Let me go, I say!” + </p> + <p> + It was evident that the superintendent was trying his best not to use + violence; he was ordering his own followers back at the same time that he + was holding the boy. But Tim's blood was up; he shoved forward, and the + superintendent, either striking him or trying to ward off a blow, threw + him backwards down the steps. There was an uproar of rage from the throng; + they surged forward, and at the same time some of the men on the porch + drew revolvers. + </p> + <p> + The meaning of that situation was plain enough. In a moment more the mob + would be up the steps, and there would be shooting. And if once that + happened, who could guess the end? Wrought up as the crowd was, it might + not stop till it had fired every company building, perhaps not until it + had murdered every company representative. + </p> + <p> + Hal had resolved to keep in the back-ground, but he saw that to keep in + the back-ground at that moment would be an act of cowardice, almost a + crime. He sprang forward, his cry rising above the clamour. “Stop, men! + Stop!” + </p> + <p> + There was probably no other man in North Valley who could have got himself + heeded at that moment. But Hal had their confidence, he had earned the + right to be heard. Had he not been to prison for them, had they not seen + him behind the bars? “Joe Smith!” The cry ran from one end of the excited + throng to the other. + </p> + <p> + Hal was fighting his way forward, shoving men to one side, imploring, + commanding silence. “Tim Rafferty! Wait!” And Tim, recognising the voice, + obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Once clear of the press, Hal sprang upon the porch, where Cartwright did + not attempt to interfere with him. + </p> + <p> + “Men!” he cried. “Hold on a moment! This isn't what you want! You don't + want a fight!” He paused for an instant; but he knew that no mere negative + would hold them at that moment. They must be told what they did want. Just + now he had learned the particular words that would carry, and he + proclaimed them at the top of his voice: “What you want is a union! A <i>strike!</i>” + </p> + <p> + He was answered by a roar from the crowd, the loudest yet. Yes, that was + what they wanted! A strike! And they wanted Joe Smith to organise it, to + lead it. He had been their leader once, he had been thrown out of camp for + it. How he had got back they were not quite clear—but here he was, + and he was their darling. Hurrah for him! They would follow him to hell + and back! + </p> + <p> + And wasn't he the boy with the nerve! Standing there on the porch of the + hospital, right under the very noses of the bosses, making a union speech + to them, and the bosses never daring to touch him! The crowd, realising + this situation, went wild with delight. The English-speaking men shouted + assent to his words; and those who could not understand, shouted because + the others did. + </p> + <p> + They did not want fighting—of course not! Fighting would not help + them! What would help them was to get together, and stand a solid body of + free men. There would be a union committee, able to speak for all of them, + to say that no man would go to work any more until justice was secured! + They would have an end to the business of discharging men because they + asked for their rights, of blacklisting men and driving them out of the + district because they presumed to want what the laws of the state awarded + them! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 6. + </h3> + <p> + How long could a man expect to stand on the steps of a company building, + with a super and a pit-boss at his back, and organise a union of + mine-workers? Hal realised that he must move the crowd from that perilous + place. + </p> + <p> + “You'll do what I say, now?” he demanded; and when they agreed in chorus, + he added the warning: “There'll be no fighting! And no drinking! If you + see any man drunk to-night, sit on him and hold him down!” + </p> + <p> + They laughed and cheered. Yes, they would keep straight. Here was a job + for sober men, you bet! + </p> + <p> + “And now,” Hal continued, “the people in the hospital. We'll have a + committee go in and see about them. No noise—we don't want to + disturb the sick men. We only want to make sure nobody else is disturbing + them. Some one will go in and stay with them. Does that suit you?” + </p> + <p> + Yes, that suited them. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal. “Keep quiet for a moment.” + </p> + <p> + And he turned to the superintendent. “Cartwright,” said he, “we want a + committee to go in and stay with our people.” Then, as the superintendent + started to expostulate, he added, in a low voice, “Don't be a fool, man! + Don't you see I'm trying to save your life?” + </p> + <p> + The superintendent knew how bad it would be for discipline to let Hal + carry his point with the crowd; but also he saw the immediate danger—and + he was not sure of the courage and shooting ability of book-keepers and + stenographers. + </p> + <p> + “Be quick, man!” exclaimed Hal. “I can't hold these people long. If you + don't want hell breaking loose, come to your senses.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Cartwright, swallowing his dignity. + </p> + <p> + And Hal turned to the men and announced the concession. There was a shout + of triumph. + </p> + <p> + “Now, who's to go?” said Hal, when he could be heard again; and he looked + about at the upturned faces. There Were Tim and Wauchope, the most obvious + ones; but Hal decided to keep them under his eye. He thought of Jerry + Minetti and of Mrs. David—but remembered his agreement with “Big + Jack,” to keep their own little group in the back-ground. Then he thought + of Mary Burke; she had already done herself all the harm she could do, and + she was a person the crowd would trust. He called her, and called Mrs. + Ferris, an American woman in the crowd. The two came up the steps, and Hal + turned to Cartwright. + </p> + <p> + “Now, let's have an understanding,” he said. “These people are going in to + stay with the sick men, and to talk to them if they want to, and nobody's + going to give them any orders but the doctors and nurses. Is that right?” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said the superintendent, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said Hal. “And for God's sake have a little sense and stand by + your word; this crowd has had all it can endure, and if you do any more to + provoke it, the consequences will be on you. And while you're about it, + see that the saloons are closed and kept closed until this trouble is + settled. And keep your people out of the way—don't let them go about + showing their guns and making faces.” + </p> + <p> + Without waiting to hear the superintendent's reply, Hal turned to the + throng, and held up his hand for silence. “Men,” he said, “we have a big + job to do—we're going to organise a union. And we can't do it here + in front of the hospital. We've made too much noise already. Let's go off + quietly, and have our meeting on the dump in back of the power-house. Does + that suit you?” + </p> + <p> + They answered that it suited them; and Hal, having seen the two women + passed safely into the hospital, sprang down from the porch to lead the + way. Jerry Minetti came to his side, trembling with delight; and Hal + clutched him by the arm and whispered, excitedly, “Sing, Jerry! Sing them + some Dago song!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 7. + </h3> + <p> + They got to the place appointed without any fighting. And meantime Hal had + worked out in his mind a plan for communicating with this polyglot horde. + He knew that half the men could not understand a word of English, and that + half the remainder understood very little. Obviously, if he was to make + matters clear to them, they must be sorted out according to nationality, + and a reliable interpreter found for each group. + </p> + <p> + The process of sorting proved a slow one, involving no end of shouting and + good-natured jostling—Polish here, Bohemian here, Greek here, + Italian here! When this job had been done, and a man found from each + nationality who understood enough English to translate to his fellows, Hal + started in to make a speech. But before he had spoken many sentences, + pandemonium broke loose. All the interpreters started interpreting at the + same time—and at the top of their lungs; it was like a parade with + the bands close together! Hal was struck dumb; then he began to laugh, and + the various audiences began to laugh; the orators stopped, perplexed—then + they too began to laugh. So wave after wave of merriment rolled over the + throng; the mood of the assembly was changed all at once, from rage and + determination to the wildest hilarity. Hal learned his first lesson in the + handling of these hordes of child-like people, whose moods were quick, + whose tempers were balanced upon a fine point. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary for him to make his speech through to the end, and then + move the various audiences apart, to be addressed by the various + interpreters. But then arose a new difficulty. How could any one control + these floods of eloquence? How be sure that the message was not being + distorted? Hal had been warned by Olson of company detectives who posed as + workers, gaining the confidence of men in order to incite them to + violence. And certainly some of these interpreters were violent-looking, + and one's remarks sounded strange in their translations! + </p> + <p> + There was the Greek orator, for example; a wild man, with wild hair and + eyes, who tore all his passions to tatters. He stood upon a barrel-head, + with the light of two pit-lamps upon him, and some two score of his + compatriots at his feet; he waved his arms, he shook his fists, he + shrieked, he bellowed. But when Hal, becoming uneasy, went over and asked + another English-speaking Greek what the orator was saying, the answer was + that he was promising that the law should be enforced in North Valley! + </p> + <p> + Hal stood watching this perfervid little man, a study in the possibilities + of gesture. He drew back his shoulders and puffed out his chest, almost + throwing himself backwards off the barrel-head; he was saying that the + miners would be able to live like men. He crouched down and bowed his + head, moaning; he was telling them what would happen if they gave up. He + fastened his fingers in his long black hair and began tugging desperately; + he pulled, and then stretched out his empty hands; he pulled again, so + hard that it almost made one cry out with pain to watch him. Hal asked + what that was for; and the answer was, “He say, 'Stand by union! Pull one + hair, he come out; pull all hairs, no come out'!” It carried one back to + the days of Aesop and his fables! + </p> + <p> + Tom Olson had told Hal something about the technique of an organiser, who + wished to drill these ignorant hordes. He had to repeat and repeat, until + the dullest in his audience had grasped his meaning, had got into his head + the all-saving idea of solidarity. When the various orators had talked + themselves out, and the audiences had come back to the cinder-heap, Hal + made his speech all over again, in words of one syllable, in the kind of + pidgin-English which does duty in the camps. Sometimes he would stop to + reinforce it with Greek or Italian or Slavish words he had picked up. Or + perhaps his eloquence would inflame some one of the interpreters afresh, + and he would wait while the man shouted a few sentences to his + compatriots. It was not necessary to consider the possibility of boring + any one, for these were patient and long-suffering men, and now + desperately in earnest. + </p> + <p> + They were going to have a union; they were going to do the thing in + regular form, with membership cards and officials chosen by ballot. So Hal + explained to them, step by step. There was no use organising unless they + meant to stay organised. They would choose leaders, one from each of the + principal language groups; and these leaders would meet and draw up a set + of demands, which would be submitted in mass-meeting, and ratified, and + then presented to the bosses with the announcement that until these terms + were granted, not a single North Valley worker would go back into the + pits. + </p> + <p> + Jerry Minetti, who knew all about unions, advised Hal to enroll the men at + once; he counted on the psychological effect of having each man come + forward and give in his name. But here at once they met a difficulty + encountered by all would-be organisers—lack of funds. There must be + pencils and paper for the enrollment; and Hal had emptied his pockets for + Jack David! He was forced to borrow a quarter, and send a messenger off to + the store. It was voted by the delegates that each member as he joined the + union should be assessed a dime. There would have to be some telegraphing + and telephoning if they were going to get help from the outside world. + </p> + <p> + A temporary committee was named, consisting of Tim Rafferty, Wauchope and + Hal, to keep the lists and the funds, and to run things until another + meeting could be held on the morrow; also a body-guard of a dozen of the + sturdiest and most reliable men were named to stay by the committee. The + messenger came back with pads and pencils, and sitting on the ground by + the light of pit-lamps, the interpreters wrote down the names of the men + who wished to join the union, each man in turn pledging his word for + solidarity and discipline. Then the meeting was declared adjourned till + daylight of the morrow, and the workers scattered to their homes to sleep, + with a joy and sense of power such as few of them had ever known in their + lives before. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 8. + </h3> + <p> + The committee and its body-guard repaired to the dining-room of + Reminitsky's, where they stretched themselves out on the floor; no one + attempted to interfere with them, and while the majority snored + peacefully, Hal and a small group sat writing out the list of demands + which were to be submitted to the bosses in the morning. It was arranged + that Jerry should go down to Pedro by the early morning train, to get into + touch with Jack David and the union officials, and report to them the + latest developments. Because the officials were sure to have detectives + following them, Hal warned Jerry to go to MacKellar's house, and have + MacKellar bring “Big Jack” to meet him there. Also Jerry must have + MacKellar get the <i>Gazette</i> on the long distance phone, and tell + Billy Keating about the strike. + </p> + <p> + A hundred things like this Hal had to think of; his head was a-buzz with + them, so that when he lay down to sleep he could not. He thought about the + bosses, and what they might be doing. The bosses would not be sleeping, he + felt sure! + </p> + <p> + And then came thoughts about his private-car friends; about the + strangeness of this plight into which he had got himself! He laughed aloud + in a kind of desperation as he recalled Percy's efforts to get him away + from here. And poor Jessie! What could he say to her now? + </p> + <p> + The bosses made no move that night; and when morning came, the strikers + hurried to the meeting-place, some of them without even stopping for + breakfast. They came tousled and unkempt, looking anxiously at their + fellows, as if unable to credit the memory of the bold thing they had done + on the night before. But finding the committee and its body-guard on hand + and ready for business, their courage revived, they felt again the + wonderful sentiment of solidarity which had made men of them. Pretty soon + speech-making began, and cheering and singing, which brought out the + laggards and the cowards. So in a short while the movement was in full + swing, with practically every man, woman and child among the workers + present. + </p> + <p> + Mary Burke came from the hospital, where she had spent the night. She + looked weary and bedraggled, but her spirit of battle had not slumped. She + reported that she had talked with some of the injured men, and that many + of them had signed “releases,” whereby the company protected itself + against even the threat of a lawsuit. Others had refused to sign, and Mary + had been vehement in warning them to stand out. Two other women + volunteered to go to the hospital, in order that she might have a chance + to rest; but Mary did not wish to rest, she did not feel as if she could + ever rest again. + </p> + <p> + The members of the newly-organised union proceeded to elect officers. They + sought to make Hal president, but he was shy of binding himself in that + irrevocable way, and succeeded in putting the honour off on Wauchope. Tim + Rafferty was made treasurer and secretary. Then a committee was chosen to + go to Cartwright with the demands of the men. It included Hal, Wauchope, + and Tim; an Italian named Marcelli, whom Jerry had vouched for; a + representative of the Slavs and one of the Greeks—Rusick and + Zammakis, both of them solid and faithful men. Finally, with a good deal + of laughter and cheering, the meeting voted to add Mary Burke to this + committee. It was a new thing to have a woman in such a role, but Mary was + the daughter of a miner and the sister of a breaker-boy, and had as good a + right to speak as any one in North Valley. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 9. + </h3> + <p> + Hal read the document which had been prepared the night before. They + demanded the right to have a union without being discharged for it. They + demanded a check-weighman, to be elected by the men themselves. They + demanded that the mines should be sprinkled to prevent explosions, and + properly timbered to prevent falls. They demanded the right to trade at + any store they pleased. Hal called attention to the fact that every one of + these demands was for a right guaranteed by the laws of the state; this + was a significant fact, and he urged the men not to include other demands. + After some argument they voted down the proposition of the radicals, who + wanted a ten per cent. increase in wages. Also they voted down the + proposition of a syndicalist-anarchist, who explained to them in a jumble + of English and Italian that the mines belonged to them, and that they + should refuse all compromise and turn the bosses out forthwith. + </p> + <p> + While this speech was being delivered, young Rovetta pushed his way + through the crowd and drew Hal to one side. He had been down by the + railroad-station and seen the morning train come in. From it had descended + a crowd of thirty or forty men, of that “hard citizen” type which every + miner in the district could recognise at the first glance. Evidently the + company officials had been keeping the telephone-wires busy that night; + they were bringing in, not merely this train-load of guards, but + automobile loads from other camps—from the Northeastern down the + canyon, and from Barela, in a side canyon over the mountain. + </p> + <p> + Hal told this news to the meeting, which received it with howls of rage. + So that was the bosses' plan! Hot-heads sprang upon the cinder-heap, half + a dozen of them trying to make speeches at once. The leaders had to + suppress these too impetuous ones by main force; once more Hal gave the + warning of “No fighting!” They were going to have faith in their union; + they were going to present a solid front to the company, and the company + would learn the lesson that intimidation would not win a strike. + </p> + <p> + So it was agreed, and the committee set out for the company's office, + Wauchope carrying in his hand the written demands of the meeting. Behind + the committee marched the crowd in a solid mass; they packed the street in + front of the office, while the heroic seven went up the steps and passed + into the building. Wauchope made inquiry for Mr. Cartwright, and a clerk + took in the message. + </p> + <p> + They stood waiting; and meanwhile, one of the office-people, coming in + from the street, beckoned to Hal. He had an envelope in his hand, and gave + it over without a word. It was addressed, “Joe Smith,” and Hal opened it, + and found within a small visiting card, at which he stared. “Edward S. + Warner, Jr.”! + </p> + <p> + For a moment Hal could hardly believe the evidence of his eyesight. Edward + in North Valley! Then, turning the card over, he read, in his brother's + familiar handwriting, “I am at Cartwright's house. I must see you. The + matter concerns Dad. Come instantly.” + </p> + <p> + Fear leaped into Hal's heart. What could such a message mean? + </p> + <p> + He turned quickly to the committee and explained. “My father's an old man, + and had a stroke of apoplexy three years ago. I'm afraid he may be dead, + or very ill. I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a trick!” cried Wauchope excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “No, not possibly,” answered Hal. “I know my brother's handwriting. I must + see him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” declared the other, “we'll wait. We'll not see Cartwright until + you get back.” + </p> + <p> + Hal considered this. “I don't think that's wise,” he said. “You can do + what you have to do just as well without me.” + </p> + <p> + “But I wanted you to do the talking!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Hal, “that's your business, Wauchope. You are the president + of the union. You know what the men want, as well as I do; you know what + they complain of. And besides, there's not going to be any need of talking + with Cartwright. Either he's going to grant our demands or he isn't.” + </p> + <p> + They discussed the matter back and forth. Mary Burke insisted that they + were pulling Hal away just at the critical moment! He laughed as he + answered. She was as good as any man when it came to an argument. If + Wauchope showed signs of weakening, let her speak up! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 10. + </h3> + <p> + So Hal hurried off, and climbed the street which led to the + superintendent's house, a concrete bungalow set upon a little elevation + overlooking the camp. He rang the bell, and the door opened, and in the + entrance stood his brother. + </p> + <p> + Edward Warner was eight years older than Hal; the perfect type of the + young American business man. His figure was erect and athletic, his + features were regular and strong, his voice, his manner, everything about + him spoke of quiet decision, of energy precisely directed. As a rule, he + was a model of what the tailor's art could do, but just now there was + something abnormal about his attire as well as his manner. + </p> + <p> + Hal's anxiety had been increasing all the way up the street. “What's the + matter with Dad?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “Dad's all right,” was the answer—“that is, for the moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what—?” + </p> + <p> + “Peter Harrigan's on his way back from the East. He's due in Western City + to-morrow. You can see that something will be the matter with Dad unless + you quit this business at once.” + </p> + <p> + Hal had a sudden reaction from his fear. “So that's all!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + His brother was gazing at the young miner, dressed in sooty blue overalls, + his face streaked with black, his wavy hair all mussed. “You wired me you + were going to leave here, Hal!” + </p> + <p> + “So I was; but things happened that I couldn't foresee. There's a strike.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but what's that got to do with it?” Then, with exasperation in his + voice, “For God's sake, Hal, how much farther do you expect to go?” + </p> + <p> + Hal stood for a few moments, looking at his brother. Even in a tension as + he was, he could not help laughing. “I know how all this must seem to you, + Edward. It's a long story; I hardly know how to begin.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I suppose not,” said Edward, drily. + </p> + <p> + And Hal laughed again. “Well, we agree that far, at any rate. What I was + hoping was that we could talk it all over quietly, after the excitement + was past. When I explain to you about conditions in this place—” + </p> + <p> + But Edward interrupted. “Really, Hal, there's no use of such an argument. + I have nothing to do with conditions in Peter Harrigan's camps.” + </p> + <p> + The smile left Hal's face. “Would you have preferred to have me + investigate conditions in the Warner camps?” Hal had tried to suppress his + irritation, but there was simply no way these two could get along. “We've + had our arguments about these things, Edward, and you've always had the + best of me—you could tell me I was a child, it was presumptuous of + me to dispute your assertions. But now—well, I'm a child no longer, + and we'll have to meet on a new basis.” + </p> + <p> + Hal's tone, more than his words, made an impression. Edward thought before + he spoke. “Well, what's your new basis?” + </p> + <p> + “Just now I'm in the midst of a strike, and I can hardly stop to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't think of Dad in all this madness?” + </p> + <p> + “I think of Dad, and of you too, Edward; but this is hardly the time—” + </p> + <p> + “If ever in the world there was a time, this is it!” + </p> + <p> + Hal groaned inwardly. “All right,” he said, “sit down. I'll try to give + you some idea how I got swept into this.” + </p> + <p> + He began to tell about the conditions he had found in this stronghold of + the “G. F. C.” As usual, when he talked about it, he became absorbed in + its human aspects; a fervour came into his tone, he was carried on, as he + had been when he tried to argue with the officials in Pedro. But his + eloquence was interrupted, even as it had been then; he discovered that + his brother was in such a state of exasperation that he could not listen + to a consecutive argument. + </p> + <p> + It was the old, old story; it had been thus as far back as Hal could + remember. It seemed one of the mysteries of nature, how she could have + brought two such different temperaments out of the same parentage. Edward + was practical and positive; he knew what he wanted in the world, and he + knew how to get it; he was never troubled with doubts, nor with + self-questioning, nor with any other superfluous emotions; he could not + understand people who allowed that sort of waste in their mental + processes. He could not understand people who got “swept into things.” + </p> + <p> + In the beginning, he had had with Hal the prestige of the elder brother. + He was handsome as a young Greek god, he was strong and masterful; whether + he was flying over the ice with sure, strong strokes, or cutting the water + with his glistening shoulders, or bringing down a partridge with the + certainty and swiftness of a lightning stroke, Edward was the incarnation + of Success. When he said that one's ideas were “rot,” when he spoke with + contempt of “mollycoddles”—then indeed one suffered in soul, and had + to go back to Shelley and Ruskin to renew one's courage. + </p> + <p> + The questioning of life had begun very early with Hal; there seemed to be + something in his nature which forced him to go to the roots of things; and + much as he looked up to his wonderful brother, he had been made to realise + that there were sides of life to which this brother was blind. To begin + with, there were religious doubts; the distresses of mind which plague a + young man when first it dawns upon him that the faith he has been brought + up in is a higher kind of fairy-tale. Edward had never asked such + questions, apparently. He went to church, because it was the thing to do; + more especially because it was pleasing to the young lady he wished to + marry to have him put on stately clothes, and escort her to a beautiful + place of music and flowers and perfumes, where she would meet her friends, + also in stately clothes. How abnormal it seemed to Edward that a young man + should give up this pleasant custom, merely because he could not be sure + that Jonah had swallowed a whale! + </p> + <p> + But it was when Hal's doubts attacked his brother's week-day religion—the + religion of the profit-system—that the controversy between them had + become deadly. At first Hal had known nothing about practical affairs, and + it had been Edward's duty to answer his questions. The prosperity of the + country had been built up by strong men; and these men had enemies—evil-minded + persons, animated by jealousy and other base passions, seeking to tear + down the mighty structure. At first this devil-theory had satisfied the + boy; but later on, as he had come to read and observe, he had been plagued + by doubts. In the end, listening to his brother's conversation, and + reading the writings of so-called “muck-rakers,” the realisation was + forced upon him that there were two types of mind in the controversy—those + who thought of profits, and those who thought of human beings. + </p> + <p> + Edward was alarmed at the books Hal was reading; he was still more alarmed + when he saw the ideas Hal was bringing home from college. There must have + been some strange change in Harrigan in a few years; no one had dreamed of + such ideas when Edward was there! No one had written satiric songs about + the faculty, or the endowments of eminent philanthropists! + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Edward Warner Senior had had a paralytic stroke, and + Edward Junior had taken charge of the company. Three years of this had + given him the point of view of a coal-operator, hard and set for a + life-time. The business of a coal-operator was to buy his labour cheap, to + turn out the maximum product in the shortest time, and to sell the product + at the market price to parties whose credit was satisfactory. If a concern + was doing that, it was a successful concern; for any one to mention that + it was making wrecks of the people who dug the coal, was to be guilty of + sentimentality and impertinence. + </p> + <p> + Edward had heard with dismay his brother's announcement that he meant to + study industry by spending his vacation as a common labourer. However, + when he considered it, he was inclined to think that the idea might not be + such a bad one. Perhaps Hal would not find what he was looking for; + perhaps, working with his hands, he might get some of the nonsense knocked + out of his head! + </p> + <p> + But now the experiment had been made, and the revelation had burst upon + Edward that it had been a ghastly failure. Hal had not come to realise + that labour was turbulent and lazy and incompetent, needing a strong hand + to rule it; on the contrary, he had become one of these turbulent ones + himself! A champion of the lazy and incompetent, an agitator, a fomenter + of class-prejudice, an enemy of his own friends, and of his brother's + business associates! + </p> + <p> + Never had Hal seen Edward in such a state of excitement. There was + something really abnormal about him, Hal realised; it puzzled him vaguely + while he talked, but he did not understand it until his brother told how + he had come to be here. He had been attending a dinner-dance at the home + of a friend, and Percy Harrigan had got him on the telephone at half past + eleven o'clock at night. Percy had had a message from Cartwright, to the + effect that Hal was leading a riot in North Valley; Percy had painted the + situation in such lurid colours that Edward had made a dash and caught the + midnight train, wearing his evening clothes, and without so much as a + tooth-brush with him! + </p> + <p> + Hal could hardly keep from bursting out laughing. His brother, his + punctilious and dignified brother, alighting from a sleeping-car at seven + o'clock in the morning, wearing a dress suit and a silk hat! And here he + was, Edward Warner Junior, the fastidious, who never paid less than a + hundred and fifty dollars for a suit of clothes, clad in a “hand-me-down” + for which he had expended twelve dollars and forty-eight cents in a + “Jew-store” in a coal-town! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 11. + </h3> + <p> + But Edward would not stop for a single smile; his every faculty was + absorbed in the task he had before him, to get his brother out of this + predicament, so dangerous and so humiliating. Hal had come to a town owned + by Edward's business friends, and had proceeded to meddle in their + affairs, to stir up their labouring people and imperil their property. + That North Valley was the property of the General Fuel Company—not + merely the mines and the houses, but likewise the people who lived in them—Edward + seemed to have no doubt whatever; Hal got only exclamations of annoyance + when he suggested any other point of view. Would there have been any town + of North Valley, if it had not been for the capital and energy of the + General Fuel Company? If the people of North Valley did not like the + conditions which the General Fuel Company offered them, they had one + simple and obvious remedy—to go somewhere else to work. But they + stayed; they got out the General Fuel Company's coal, they took the + General Fuel Company's wages— + </p> + <p> + “Well, they've stopped taking them now,” put in Hal. + </p> + <p> + All right, that was their affair, replied Edward. But let them stop + because they wanted to—not because outside agitators put them up to + it. At any rate, let the agitators not include a member of the Warner + family! + </p> + <p> + The elder brother pictured old Peter Harrigan on his way back from the + East; the state of unutterable fury in which he would arrive, the storm he + would raise in the business world of Western City. Why, it was + unimaginable, such a thing had never been heard of! “And right when we're + opening up a new mine—when we need every dollar of credit we can + get!” + </p> + <p> + “Aren't we big enough to stand off Peter Harrigan?” inquired Hal. + </p> + <p> + “We have plenty of other people to stand off,” was the answer. “We don't + have to go out of our way to make enemies.” + </p> + <p> + Edward spoke, not merely as the elder brother, but also as the money-man + of the family. When the father had broken down from over-work, and had + been changed in one terrible hour from a driving man of affairs into a + childish and pathetic invalid, Hal had been glad enough that there was one + member of the family who was practical; he had been perfectly willing to + see his brother shoulder these burdens, while he went off to college, to + amuse himself with satiric songs. Hal had no responsibilities, no one + asked anything of him—except that he would not throw sticks into the + wheels of the machine his brother was running. “You are living by the coal + industry! Every dollar you spend comes from it—” + </p> + <p> + “I know it! I know it!” cried Hal. “That's the thing that torments me! The + fact that I'm living upon the bounty of such wage-slaves—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, cut it out!” cried Edward. “That's not what I mean!” + </p> + <p> + “I know—but it's what <i>I</i> mean! From now on I mean to know + about the people who work for me, and what sort of treatment they get. I'm + no longer your kid-brother, to be put off with platitudes.” + </p> + <p> + “You know ours are union mines, Hal—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but what does that mean? How do we work it? Do we give the men their + weights?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course! They have their check-weighmen.” + </p> + <p> + “But then, how do we compete with the operators in this district, who pay + for a ton of three thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + “We manage it—by economy.” + </p> + <p> + “Economy? I don't see Peter Harrigan wasting anything here!” Hal paused + for an answer, but none came. “Do we buy the check-weighmen? Do we bribe + the labour leaders?” + </p> + <p> + Edward coloured slightly. “What's the use of being nasty, Hal? You know I + don't do dirty work.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean to be nasty, Edward; but you must know that many a + business-man can say he doesn't do dirty work, because he has others do it + for him. What about politics, for instance? Do we run a machine, and put + our clerks and bosses into the local offices?” + </p> + <p> + Edward did not answer, and Hal persisted, “I mean to know these things! + I'm not going to be blind any more!” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Hal—you can know anything you want; but for God's sake, + not now! If you want to be taken for a man, show a man's common sense! + Here's Old Peter getting back to Western City to-morrow night! Don't you + know that he'll be after me, raging like a mad bull? Don't you know that + if I tell him I can do nothing—that I've been down here and tried to + pull you away—don't you know he'll go after Dad?” + </p> + <p> + Edward had tried all the arguments, and this was the only one that + counted. “You must keep him away from Dad!” exclaimed Hal. + </p> + <p> + “You tell me that!” retorted the other. “And when you know Old Peter! + Don't you know he'll get at him, if he has to break down the door of the + house? He'll throw the burden of his rage on that poor old man! You've + been warned about it clearly; you know it may be a matter of life and + death to keep Dad from getting excited. I don't know what he'd do; maybe + he'd fly into a rage with you, maybe he'd defend you. He's old and weak, + he's lost his grip on things. Anyhow, he'd not let Peter abuse you—and + like as not he'd drop dead in the midst of the dispute! Do you want to + have that on your conscience, along with the troubles of your workingmen + friends?” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 12. + </h3> + <p> + Hal sat staring in front of him, silent. Was it a fact that every man had + something in his life which palsied his arm, and struck him helpless in + the battle for social justice? + </p> + <p> + When he spoke again, it was in a low voice. “Edward, I'm thinking about a + young Irish boy who works in these mines. He, too, has a father; and this + father was caught in the explosion. He's an old man, with a wife and seven + other children. He's a good man, the boy's a good boy. Let me tell you + what Peter Harrigan has done to them!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Edward, “whatever it is, it's all right, you can help them. + They won't need to starve.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Hal, “but there are so many others; I can't help them all. + And besides, can't you see, Edward—what I'm thinking about is not + charity, but <i>justice</i>. I'm sure this boy, Tim Rafferty, loves his + father just exactly as much as I love my father; and there are other old + men here, with sons who love them—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Hal, for Christ's sake!” exclaimed Edward, in a sort of explosion. He + had no other words to express his impatience. “Do you expect to take all + the troubles in the world on your shoulders?” And he sprang up and caught + the other by the arm. “Boy, you've got to come away from here!” + </p> + <p> + Hal got up, without answering. He seemed irresolute, and his brother + started to draw him towards the door. “I've got a car here. We can get a + train in an hour—” + </p> + <p> + Hal saw that he had to speak firmly. “No, Edward,” he said. “I can't come + just yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you you <i>must</i> come!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't. I made these men a promise!” + </p> + <p> + “In God's name—what are these men to you? Compared with your own + father!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't explain it, Edward. I've talked for half an hour, and I don't + think you've even heard me. Suffice it to say that I see these people + caught in a trap—and one that my whole life has helped to make. I + can't leave them in it. What's more, I don't believe Dad would want me to + do it, if he understood.” + </p> + <p> + The other made a last effort at self-control. “I'm not going to call you a + sentimental fool. Only, let me ask you one plain question. What do you + think you can <i>do</i> for these people?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I can help to win decent conditions for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” cried Edward; he sighed, in his agony of exasperation. “In + Peter Harrigan's mines! Don't you realise that he'll pick them up and + throw them out of here, neck and crop—the whole crew, every man in + the town, if necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” answered Hal; “but if the men in the other mines should join + them—if the big union outside should stand by them—” + </p> + <p> + “You're dreaming, Hal! You're talking like a child! I talked to the + superintendent here; he had telegraphed the situation to Old Peter, and + had just got an answer. Already he's acted, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Acted?” echoed Hal. “How do you mean?” He was staring at his brother in + sudden anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “They were going to turn the agitators out, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>What?</i> And while I'm here talking!” + </p> + <p> + Hal turned toward the door. “You knew it all the time!” he exclaimed. “You + kept me here deliberately!” + </p> + <p> + He was starting away, but Edward sprang and caught him. “What could you + have done?” + </p> + <p> + “Turn me loose!” cried Hal, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool, Hal! I've been trying to keep you out of the trouble. + There may be fighting.” + </p> + <p> + Edward threw himself between Hal and the door, and there was a sharp + struggle. But the elder man was no longer the athlete, the young bronzed + god; he had been sitting at a desk in an office, while Hal had been doing + hard labour. Hal threw him to one side, and in a moment more had sprung + out of the door, and was running down the slope. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 13. + </h3> + <p> + Coming to the main street of the village, Hal saw the crowd in front of + the office. One glance told him that something had happened. Men were + running this way and that, gesticulating, shouting. Some were coming in + his direction, and when they saw him they began to yell to him. The first + to reach him was Klowoski, the little Pole, breathless; gasping with + excitement. “They fire our committee!” + </p> + <p> + “Fire them?” + </p> + <p> + “Fire 'em out! Down canyon!” The little man was waving his arms in wild + gestures; his eyes seemed about to start out of his head. “Take 'em off! + Whole bunch fellers—gunmen! People see them—come out back + door. Got ever'body's arm tied. Gunmen fellers hold 'em, don't let 'em + holler, can't do nothin'! Got them cars waitin'—what you call?—” + </p> + <p> + “Automobiles?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, got three! Put ever'body in, quick like that—they go down + road like wind! Go down canyon, all gone! They bust our strike!” And the + little Pole's voice ended in a howl of despair. + </p> + <p> + “No, they won't bust our strike!” exclaimed Hal. “Not yet!” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he was reminded of the fact that his brother had followed him—puffing + hard, for the run had been strenuous. He caught Hal by the arm, + exclaiming, “Keep out of this, I tell you!” + </p> + <p> + Thus while Hal was questioning Klowoski, he was struggling + half-unconsciously, to free himself from his brother's grasp. Suddenly the + matter was forced to an issue, for the little Polack emitted a cry like an + angry cat, and went at Edward with fingers outstretched like claws. Hal's + dignified brother would have had to part with his dignity, if Hal had not + caught Klowoski's onrush with his other arm. “Let him alone!” he said. + “It's my brother!” Whereupon the little man fell back and stood watching + in bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + Hal saw Androkulos running to him. The Greek boy had been in the street + back of the office, and had seen the committee carried off; nine people + had been taken—Wauchope, Tim Rafferty, and Mary Burke, Marcelli, + Zammakis and Rusick, and three others who had served as interpreters on + the night before. It had all been done so quickly that the crowd had + scarcely realised what was happening. + </p> + <p> + Now, having grasped the meaning of it, the men were beside themselves with + rage. They shook their fists, shouting defiance to a group of officials + and guards who were visible upon the porch of the office-building. There + was a clamour of shouts for revenge. + </p> + <p> + Hal could see instantly the dangers of the situation; he was like a man + watching the burning fuse of a bomb. Now, if ever, this polyglot horde + must have leadership—wise and cool and resourceful leadership. + </p> + <p> + The crowd, discovering his presence, surged down upon him like a wave. + They gathered round him, howling. They had lost the rest of their + committee, but they still had Joe Smith. Joe Smith! Hurrah for Joe! Let + the gunmen take him, if they could! They waved their caps, they tried to + lift him upon their shoulders, so that all could see him. + </p> + <p> + There was clamour for a speech, and Hal started to make his way to the + steps of the nearest building, with Edward holding on to his coat. Edward + was jostled; he had to part with his dignity—but he did not part + with his brother. And when Hal was about to mount the steps, Edward made a + last desperate effort, shouting into his ear, “Wait a minute! Wait! Are + you going to try to talk to this mob?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. Don't you see there'll be trouble if I don't?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll get yourself killed! You'll start a fight, and get a lot of these + poor devils shot! Use your common sense, Hal; the company has brought in + guards, and they are armed, and your people aren't.” + </p> + <p> + “That's exactly why I have to speak!” + </p> + <p> + The discussion was carried on under difficulties, the elder brother + clinging to the younger's arm, while the younger sought to pull free, and + the mob shouted with a single voice, “Speech! Speech!” There were some + near by who, like Klowoski, did not relish having this stranger + interfering with their champion, and showed signs of a disposition to “mix + in”; so at last Edward gave up the struggle, and the orator mounted the + steps and faced the throng. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 14. + </h3> + <p> + Hal raised his arms as a signal for silence. + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” he cried, “they've kidnapped our committee. They think they'll + break our strike that way—but they'll find they've made a mistake!” + </p> + <p> + “They will! Right you are!” roared a score of voices. + </p> + <p> + “They forget that we've got a union. Hurrah for our North Valley union!” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah! Hurrah!” The cry echoed to the canyon-walls. + </p> + <p> + “And hurrah for the big union that will back us—the United + Mine-Workers of America!” + </p> + <p> + Again the yell rang out; again and again. “Hurrah for the union! Hurrah + for the United Mine-Workers!” A big American miner, Ferris, was in the + front of the throng, and his voice beat in Hal's ears like a steam-siren. + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” Hal resumed, when at last he could be heard, “use your brains a + moment. I warned you they would try to provoke you! They would like + nothing better than to start a scrap here, and get a chance to smash our + union! Don't forget that, boys, if they can make you fight, they'll smash + the union, and the union is our only hope!” + </p> + <p> + Again came the cry: “Hurrah for the union!” Hal let them shout it in + twenty languages, until they were satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys,” he went on, at last, “they've shipped out our committee. They + may ship me out in the same way—” + </p> + <p> + “No, they won't!” shouted voices in the crowd. And there was a bellow of + rage from Ferris. “Let them try it! We'll burn them in their beds!” + </p> + <p> + “But they <i>can</i> ship me out!” argued Hal. “You <i>know</i> they can + beat us at that game! They can call on the sheriff, they can get the + soldiers, if necessary! We can't oppose them by force—they can turn + out every man, woman and child in the village, if they choose. What we + have to get clear is that even that won't crush our union! Nor the big + union outside, that will be backing us! We can hold out, and make them + take us back in the end!” + </p> + <p> + Some of Hal's friends, seeing what he was trying to do, came to his + support. “No fighting! No violence! Stand by the union!” And he went on to + drive the lesson home; even though the company might evict them, the big + union of the four hundred and fifty thousand mine-workers of the country + would feed them, it would call out the rest of the workers in the district + in sympathy. So the bosses, who thought to starve and cow them into + submission, would find their mines lying permanently idle. They would be + forced to give way, and the tactics of solidarity would triumph. + </p> + <p> + So Hal went on, recalling the things Olson had told him, and putting them + into practice. He saw hope in their faces again, dispelling the mood of + resentment and rage. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys,” said he, “I'm going in to see the superintendent for you. + I'll be your committee, since they've shipped out the rest.” + </p> + <p> + The steam-siren of Ferris bellowed again: “You're the boy! Joe Smith!” + </p> + <p> + “All right, men—now mind what I say! I'll see the super, and then + I'll go down to Pedro, where there'll be some officers of the United + Mine-workers this morning. I'll tell them the situation, and ask them to + back you. That's what you want, is it?” + </p> + <p> + That was what they wanted. “Big union!” + </p> + <p> + “All right. I'll do the best I can for you, and I'll find some way to get + word to you. And meantime you stand firm. The bosses will tell you lies, + they'll try to deceive you, they'll send spies and trouble-makers among + you—but you hold fast, and wait for the big union.” + </p> + <p> + Hal stood looking at the cheering crowd. He had time to note some of the + faces upturned to him. Pitiful, toil-worn faces they were, each making its + separate appeal, telling its individual story of deprivation and defeat. + Once more they were transfigured, shining with that wonderful new light + which he had seen for the first time the previous evening. It had been + crushed for a moment, but it flamed up again; it would never die in the + hearts of men—once they had learned the power it gave. Nothing Hal + had yet seen moved him so much as this new birth of enthusiasm. A + beautiful, a terrible thing it was! + </p> + <p> + Hal looked at his brother, to see how he had been moved. What he saw on + his brother's face was satisfaction, boundless relief. The matter had + turned out all right! Hal was coming away! + </p> + <p> + Hal turned again to the men; somehow, after his glance at Edward, they + seemed more pitiful than ever. For Edward typified the power they were + facing—the unseeing, uncomprehending power that meant to crush them. + The possibility of failure was revealed to Hal in a flash of emotion, + overwhelming him. He saw them as they would be, when no leader was at hand + to make speeches to them. He saw them waiting, their life-long habit of + obedience striving to reassert itself; a thousand fears besetting them, a + thousand rumours preying upon them—wild beasts set on them by their + cunning enemies. They would suffer, not merely for themselves, but for + their wives and children—the very same pangs of dread that Hal + suffered when he thought of one old man up in Western City, whose doctors + had warned him to avoid excitement. + </p> + <p> + If they stood firm, if they kept their bargain with their leader, they + would be evicted from their homes, they would face the cold of the coming + winter, they would face hunger and the black-list. And he, meantime—what + would he be doing? What was his part of the bargain? He would interview + the superintendent for them, he would turn them over to the “big union”—and + then he would go off to his own life of ease and pleasure. To eat grilled + steaks and hot rolls in a perfectly appointed club, with suave and + softly-moving servitors at his beck! To dance at the country club with + exquisite creatures of chiffon and satin, of perfume and sweet smiles and + careless, happy charms! No, it was too easy! He might call that his duty + to his father and brother, but he would know in his heart that it was + treason to life; it was the devil, taking him onto a high mountain and + showing him all the kingdoms of the earth! + </p> + <p> + Moved by a sudden impulse, Hal raised his hands once more. “Boys,” he + said, “we understand each other now. You'll not go back to work till the + big union tells you. And I, for my part, will stand by you. Your cause is + my cause, I'll go on fighting for you till you have your rights, till you + can live and work as men! Is that right?” + </p> + <p> + “That's right! That's right!” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then—we'll swear to it!” And Hal raised his hands, and + the men raised theirs, and amid a storm of shouts, and a frantic waving of + caps, he made them the pledge which he knew would bind his own conscience. + He made it deliberately, there in his brother's presence. This was no mere + charge on a trench, it was enlisting for a war! But even in that moment of + fervour, Hal would have been frightened had he realised the period of that + enlistment, the years of weary and desperate conflict to which he was + pledging his life. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 15. + </h3> + <p> + Hal descended from his rostrum, and the crowds made way for him, and with + his brother at his side he went down the street to the office building, + upon the porch of which the guards were standing. His progress was a + triumphal one; rough voices shouted words of encouragement in his ears, + men jostled and fought to shake his hand or to pat him on the back; they + even patted Edward and tried to shake his hand, because he was with Hal, + and seemed to have his confidence. Afterwards Hal thought it over and was + merry. Such an adventure for Edward! + </p> + <p> + The younger man went up the steps of the building and spoke to the guards. + “I want to see Mr. Cartwright.” + </p> + <p> + “He's inside,” answered one, not cordially. With Edward following, Hal + entered, and was ushered into the private office of the superintendent. + </p> + <p> + Having been a working-man, and class-conscious, Hal was observant of the + manners of mine-superintendents; he noted that Cartwright bowed politely + to Edward, but did not include Edward's brother. “Mr. Cartwright,” he + said, “I have come to you as a deputation from the workers of this camp.” + </p> + <p> + The superintendent did not appear impressed by the announcement. + </p> + <p> + “I am instructed to say that the men demand the redress of four grievances + before they return to work. First—” + </p> + <p> + Here Cartwright spoke, in his quick, sharp way. “There's no use going on, + sir. This company will deal only with its men as individuals. It will + recognise no deputations.” + </p> + <p> + Hal's answer was equally quick. “Very well, Mr. Cartwright. In that case, + I come to you as an individual.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment the superintendent seemed nonplussed. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to ask four rights which are granted to me by the laws of this + state. First, the right to belong to a union, without being discharged for + it.” + </p> + <p> + The other had recovered his manner of quiet mastery. “You have that right, + sir; you have always had it. You know perfectly well that the company has + never discharged any one for belonging to a union.” + </p> + <p> + The man was looking at Hal, and there was a duel of the eyes between them. + A cold anger moved Hal. His ability to endure this sort of thing was at an + end. “Mr. Cartwright,” he said, “you are the servant of one of the world's + greatest actors; and you support him ably.” + </p> + <p> + The other flushed and drew back; Edward put in quickly: “Hal, there's + nothing to be gained by such talk!” + </p> + <p> + “He has all the world for an audience,” persisted Hal. “He plays the most + stupendous farce—and he and all his actors wearing such solemn + faces!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Cartwright,” said Edward, with dignity, “I trust you understand that + I have done everything I can to restrain my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Mr. Warner,” replied the superintendent. “And you must know + that I, for my part, have done everything to show your brother + consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “Again!” exclaimed Hal. “This actor is a genius!” + </p> + <p> + “Hal, if you have business with Mr. Cartwright—” + </p> + <p> + “He showed me consideration by sending his gunmen to seize me at night, + drag me out of a cabin, and nearly twist the arm off me! Such humour never + was!” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright attempted to speak—but looking at Edward, not at Hal. “At + that time—” + </p> + <p> + “He showed me consideration by having me locked up in jail and fed on + bread and water for two nights and a day! Can you beat that humour?” + </p> + <p> + “At that time I did not know—” + </p> + <p> + “By forging my name to a letter and having it circulated in the camp! + Finally—most considerate of all—by telling a newspaper man + that I had seduced a girl here!” + </p> + <p> + The superintendent flushed still redder. “<i>No!</i>” he declared. + </p> + <p> + “<i>What?</i>” cried Hal. “You didn't tell Billy Keating of the <i>Gazette</i> + that I had seduced a girl in North Valley? You didn't describe the girl to + him—a red-haired Irish girl?” + </p> + <p> + “I merely said, Mr. Warner, that I had heard certain rumours—” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Certain</i> rumours, Mr. Cartwright? The certainty was all of your + making! You made a definite and explicit statement to Mr. Keating—” + </p> + <p> + “I did not!” declared the other. + </p> + <p> + “I'll soon prove it!” And Hal started towards the telephone on + Cartwright's desk. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do, Hal?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to get Billy Keating on the wire, and let you hear his + statement.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, rot, Hal!” cried Edward. “I don't care anything about Keating's + statement. You know that at that time Mr. Cartwright had no means of + knowing who you were.” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright was quick to grasp this support. “Of course not, Mr. Warner! + Your brother came here, pretending to be a working boy—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Hal. “So that's it! You think it proper to circulate slanders + about working boys in your camp?” + </p> + <p> + “You have been here long enough to know what the morals of such boys are.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been here long enough, Mr. Cartwright, to know that if you want to + go into the question of morals in North Valley, the place for you to begin + is with the bosses and guards you put in authority, and allow to prey upon + women.” + </p> + <p> + Edward broke in: “Hal, there's nothing to be gained by pursuing this + conversation. If you have any business here, get it over with, for God's + sake!” + </p> + <p> + Hal made an effort to recover his self-possession. He came back to the + demands of the strike—but only to find that he had used up the + superintendent's self-possession. “I have given you my answer,” declared + Cartwright, “I absolutely decline any further discussion.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “since you decline to permit a deputation of your men to + deal with you in plain, business-like fashion, I have to inform you as an + individual that every other individual in your camp refuses to work for + you.” + </p> + <p> + The superintendent did not let himself be impressed by this elaborate + sarcasm. “All I have to tell you, sir, is that Number Two mine will resume + work in the morning, and that any one who refuses to work will be sent + down the canyon before night.” + </p> + <p> + “So quickly, Mr. Cartwright? They have rented their homes from the + company, and you know that according to the company's own lease they are + entitled to three days' notice before being evicted!” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright was so unwise as to argue. He knew that Edward was hearing, and + he wished to clear himself. “They will not be evicted by the company. They + will be dealt with by the town authorities.” + </p> + <p> + “Of which you yourself are the head?” + </p> + <p> + “I happen to have been elected mayor of North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “As mayor of North Valley, you gave my brother to understand that you + would put me out, did you not?” + </p> + <p> + “I asked your brother to persuade you to leave.” + </p> + <p> + “But you made clear that if he could not do this, you would put me out?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is true.” + </p> + <p> + “And the reason you gave was that you had had instructions by telegraph + from Mr. Peter Harrigan. May I ask to what office Mr. Harrigan has been + elected in your town?” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright saw his difficulty. “Your brother misunderstood me,” he said, + crossly. + </p> + <p> + “Did you misunderstand him, Edward?” + </p> + <p> + Edward had walked to the window in disgust; he was looking at tomato-cans + and cinder-heaps, and did not see fit to turn around. But the + superintendent knew that he was hearing, and considered it necessary to + cover the flaw in his argument. “Young man,” said he, “you have violated + several of the ordinances of this town.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there an ordinance against organising a union of the miners?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but there is one against speaking on the streets.” + </p> + <p> + “Who passed that ordinance, if I may ask?” + </p> + <p> + “The town council.” + </p> + <p> + “Consisting of Johnson, postmaster and company-store clerk; Ellison, + company book-keeper; Strauss, company pit-boss; O'Callahan, company + saloon-keeper. Have I the list correct?” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “And the fifth member of the town council is yourself, ex-officio—Mr. + Enos Cartwright, mayor and company-superintendent.” + </p> + <p> + Again there was no answer. + </p> + <p> + “You have an ordinance against street-speaking; and at the same time your + company owns the saloon-buildings, the boarding-houses, the church and the + school. Where do you expect the citizens to do their speaking?” + </p> + <p> + “You would make a good lawyer, young man. But we who have charge here know + perfectly well what you mean by 'speaking'!” + </p> + <p> + “You don't approve, then, of the citizens holding meetings?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that we don't consider it necessary to provide agitators with + opportunity to incite our employés.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, Mr. Cartwright, are you speaking as mayor of an American + community, or as superintendent of a coal-mine?” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright's face had been growing continually redder. Addressing Edward's + back, he said, “I don't see any reason why this should continue.” + </p> + <p> + And Edward was of the same opinion. He turned. “Really, Hal—” + </p> + <p> + “But, Edward! A man accuses your brother of being a law-breaker! Have you + hitherto known of any criminal tendencies in our family?” + </p> + <p> + Edward turned to the window again and resumed his study of the + cinder-heaps and tomato-cans. It was a vulgar and stupid quarrel, but he + had seen enough of Hal's mood to realise that he would go on and on, so + long as any one was indiscreet enough to answer him. + </p> + <p> + “You say, Mr. Cartwright, that I have violated the ordinance against + speaking on the street. May I ask what penalty this ordinance carries?” + </p> + <p> + “You will find out when the penalty is exacted of you.” + </p> + <p> + Hal laughed. “From what you said just now, I gather that the penalty is + expulsion from the town! If I understand legal procedure, I should have + been brought before the justice of the peace—who happens to be + another company store-clerk. Instead of that, I am sentenced by the mayor—or + is it the company superintendent? May I ask how that comes to be?” + </p> + <p> + “It is because of my consideration—” + </p> + <p> + “When did I ask consideration?” + </p> + <p> + “Consideration for your brother, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Then your ordinance provides that the mayor—or is it the + superintendent?—may show consideration for the brother of a + law-breaker, by changing his penalty to expulsion from the town. Was it + consideration for Tommie Burke that caused you to have his sister sent + down the canyon?” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright clenched his hands. “I've had all I'll stand of this!” + </p> + <p> + He was again addressing Edward's back; and Edward turned and answered, “I + don't blame you, sir.” Then to Hal, “I really think you've said enough!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I've said enough,” replied Hal—“to convince you that the + pretence of American law in this coal-camp is a silly farce, an insult and + a humiliation to any man who respects the institutions of his country.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Mr. Warner,” said the superintendent, to Edward, “have had + experience in managing coal-mines. You know what it means to deal with + ignorant foreigners, who have no understanding of American law—” + </p> + <p> + Hal burst out laughing. “So you're teaching them American law! You're + teaching them by setting at naught every law of your town and state, every + constitutional guarantee—and substituting the instructions you get + by telegraph from Peter Harrigan!” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright turned and walked to the door. “Young man,” said he, over his + shoulder, “it will be necessary for you to leave North Valley this + morning. I only hope your brother will be able to persuade you to leave + without trouble.” And the bang of the door behind him was the + superintendent's only farewell. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 17. + </h3> + <p> + Edward turned upon his brother. “Now what the devil did you want to put me + through a scene like that for? So undignified! So utterly uncalled for! A + quarrel with a man so far beneath you!” + </p> + <p> + Hal stood where the superintendent had left him. He was looking at his + brother's angry face. “Was that all you got out of it, Edward?” + </p> + <p> + “All that stuff about your private character! What do you care what a + fellow like Cartwright thinks about you?” + </p> + <p> + “I care nothing at all what he thinks, but I care about having him use + such a slander. That's one of their regular procedures, so Billy Keating + says.” + </p> + <p> + Edward answered, coldly, “Take my advice, and realise that when you deny a + scandal, you only give it circulation.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” answered Hal. “That's what makes me so angry. Think of the + girl, the harm done to her!” + </p> + <p> + “It's not up to you to worry about the girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose that Cartwright had slandered some woman friend of yours. Would + you have felt the same indifference?” + </p> + <p> + “He'd not have slandered any friend of mine; I choose my friends more + carefully.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course. What that means is that you choose them among the rich. + But I happen to be more democratic in my tastes—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for heaven's sake!” cried Edward. “You reformers are all alike—you + talk and talk and talk!” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you the reason for that, Edward—a man like you can shut + his eyes, but he can't shut his ears!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, can't you let up on me for awhile—long enough to get out of + this place? I feel as if I were sitting on the top of a volcano, and I've + no idea when it may break out again.” + </p> + <p> + Hal began to laugh. “All right,” he said; “I guess I haven't shown much + appreciation of your visit. I'll be more sociable now. My next business is + in Pedro, so I'll go that far with you. There's one thing more—” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “The company owes me money—” + </p> + <p> + “What money?” + </p> + <p> + “Some I've earned.” + </p> + <p> + It was Edward's turn to laugh. “Enough to buy you a shave and a bath?” + </p> + <p> + He took out his wallet, and pulled off several bills; and Hal, watching + him, realised suddenly a change which had taken place in his own + psychology. Not merely had he acquired the class-consciousness of the + working-man, he had acquired the money-consciousness as well. He was + actually concerned about the dollars the company owed him! He had earned + those dollars by back- and heart-breaking toil, lifting lumps of coal into + cars; the sum was enough to keep the whole Rafferty family alive for a + week or two. And here was Edward, with a smooth brown leather wallet full + of ten- and twenty-dollar bills, which he peeled off without counting, + exactly as if money grew on trees, or as if coal came out of the earth and + walked into furnaces to the sound of a fiddle and a flute! + </p> + <p> + Edward had of course no idea of these abnormal processes going on in his + brother's mind. He was holding out the bills. “Get yourself some decent + things,” he said. “I hope you don't have to stay dirty in order to feel + democratic?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Hal; and then, “How are we going?” + </p> + <p> + “I've a car waiting, back of the office.” + </p> + <p> + “So you had everything ready!” But Edward made no answer; afraid of + setting off the volcano again. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 18. + </h3> + <p> + They went out by the rear door of the office, entered the car, and sped + out of the village, unseen by the crowd. And all the way down the canyon + Edward pleaded with Hal to drop the controversy and come home at once. He + brought up the tragic question of Dad again; when that did not avail, he + began to threaten. Suppose Hal's money-resources were to be cut off, + suppose he were to find himself left out of his father's will—what + would he do then? Hal answered, without a smile, “I can always get a job + as organiser for the United Mine-Workers.” + </p> + <p> + So Edward gave up that line of attack. “If you won't come,” he declared, + “I'm going to stay by you till you do!” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal. He could not help smiling at this dire threat. “But + if I take you about and introduce you to my friends, you must agree that + what you hear shall be confidential.” + </p> + <p> + The other made a face of disgust. “What the devil would I want to talk + about your friends for?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what might happen,” said Hal. “You're going to meet Peter + Harrigan and take his side, and I can't tell what you might conceive it + your duty to do.” + </p> + <p> + The other exclaimed, with sudden passion, “I'll tell you right now! If you + try to go back to that coal-camp, I swear to God I'll apply to the courts + and have you shut up in a sanitarium. I don't think I'd have much trouble + in persuading a judge that you're insane.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal, with a laugh—“not a judge in this part of the + world!” + </p> + <p> + Then, after studying his brother's face for a moment, it occurred to him + that it might be well not to let such an idea rest unimpeached in Edward's + mind. “Wait,” said he, “till you meet my friend Billy Keating, of the <i>Gazette</i>, + and hear what he would do with such a story! Billy is crazy to have me + turn him loose to 'play up' my fight with Old Peter!” The conversation + went no farther—but Hal was sure that Edward would “put that in his + pipe and smoke it.” + </p> + <p> + They came to the MacKellar home in Pedro, and Edward waited in the + automobile while Hal went inside. The old Scotchman welcomed him warmly, + and told him what news he had. Jerry Minetti had been there that morning, + and MacKellar at his request had telephoned to the office of the union in + Sheridan, and ascertained that Jack David had brought word about the + strike on the previous evening. All parties had been careful not to + mention names, for “leaks” in the telephone were notorious, but it was + clear who the messenger had been. As a result of the message, Johann + Hartman, president of the local union of the miners, was now at the + American Hotel in Pedro, together with James Moylan, secretary of the + district organisation—the latter having come down from Western City + on the same train as Edward. + </p> + <p> + This was all satisfactory; but MacKellar added a bit of information of + desperate import—the officers of the union declared that they could + not support a strike at the present time! It was premature, it could lead + to nothing but failure and discouragement to the larger movement they were + planning. + </p> + <p> + Such a possibility Hal had himself realised at the outset. But he had + witnessed the new birth of freedom at North Valley, he had seen the + hungry, toil-worn faces of men looking up to him for support; he had been + moved by it, and had come to feel that the union officials must be moved + in the same way. “They've simply got to back it!” he exclaimed. “Those men + must not be disappointed! They'll lose all hope, they'll sink into utter + despair! The labour men must realise that—I must make them!” + </p> + <p> + The old Scotchman answered that Minetti had felt the same way. He had + flung caution to the winds, and rushed over to the hotel to see Hartman + and Moylan. Hal decided to follow, and went out to the automobile. + </p> + <p> + He explained matters to his brother, whose comment was, Of course! It was + what he had foretold. The poor, mis-guided miners would go back to their + work, and their would-be leader would have to admit the folly of his + course. There was a train for Western City in a couple of hours; it would + be a great favour if Hal would arrange to take it. + </p> + <p> + Hal answered shortly that he was going to the American Hotel. His brother + might take him there, if he chose. So Edward gave the order to the driver + of the car. Incidentally, Edward began asking about clothing-stores in + Pedro. While Hal was in the hotel, pleading for the life of his newly-born + labour union, Edward would seek a costume in which he could “feel like a + human being.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 19. + </h3> + <p> + Hal found Jerry Minetti with the two officials in their hotel-room: Jim + Moylan, district secretary, a long, towering Irish boy, black-eyed and + black-haired, quick and sensitive, the sort of person one trusted and + liked at the first moment; and Johann Hartman, local president, a + grey-haired miner of German birth, reserved and slow-spoken, evidently a + man of much strength, both physical and moral. He had need of it, any one + could realise, having charge of a union headquarters in the heart of this + “Empire of Raymond”! + </p> + <p> + Hal first told of the kidnapping of the committee. This did not surprise + the officials, he found; it was the thing the companies regularly did when + there was threat of rebellion in the camps. That was why efforts to + organise openly were so utterly hopeless. There was no chance for anything + but a secret propaganda, maintained until every camp had the nucleus of an + organisation. + </p> + <p> + “So you can't back this strike!” exclaimed Hal. + </p> + <p> + Not possibly, was Moylan's reply. It would be lost as soon as it was + begun. There was no slightest hope of success until a lot of organisation + work had been done. + </p> + <p> + “But meantime,” argued Hal, “the union at North Valley will go to pieces!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” was the reply. “We'll only have to start another. That's what + the labour movement is like.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Moylan was young, and saw Hal's mood. “Don't misunderstand us!” he + cried. “It's heartbreaking—but it's not in our power to help. We are + charged with building up the union, and we know that if we supported + everything that looked like a strike, we'd be bankrupt the first year. You + can't imagine how often this same thing happens—hardly a month we're + not called on to handle such a situation.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see what you mean,” said Hal. “But I thought that in this case, + right after the disaster, with the men so stirred—” + </p> + <p> + The young Irishman smiled, rather sadly. “You're new at this game,” he + said. “If a mine-disaster was enough to win a strike, God knows our job + would be easy. In Barela, just down the canyon from you, they've had three + big explosions—they've killed over five hundred men in the past + year!” + </p> + <p> + Hal began to see how, in his inexperience, he had lost his sense of + proportion. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the two labour leaders, and recalled the picture of such a + person which he had brought with him to North Valley—a hot headed + and fiery agitator, luring honest workingmen from their jobs. But here was + the situation exactly reversed! Here was he in a blaze of excitement—and + two labour leaders turning the fire-hose on him! They sat quiet and + business-like, pronouncing a doom upon the slaves of North Valley. Back to + their black dungeons with them! + </p> + <p> + “What can we tell the men?” he asked, making an effort to repress his + chagrin. + </p> + <p> + “We can only tell them what I'm telling you—that we're helpless, + till we've got the whole district organised. Meantime, they have to stand + the gaff; they must do what they can to keep an organisation.” + </p> + <p> + “But all the active men will be fired!” + </p> + <p> + “No, not quite all—they seldom get them all.” + </p> + <p> + Here the stolid old German put in. In the last year the company had turned + out more than six thousand men because of union activity or suspicion of + it. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Six thousand!</i>” echoed Hal. “You mean from this one district?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “But there aren't more than twelve or fifteen thousand men in the + district!” + </p> + <p> + “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how can you ever keep an organisation?” + </p> + <p> + The other answered, quietly, “They treat the new men the same as they + treated the old.” + </p> + <p> + Hal thought suddenly of John Edstrom's ants! Here they were—building + their bridge, building it again and again, as often as floods might + destroy it! They had not the swift impatience of a youth of the + leisure-class, accustomed to having his own way, accustomed to thinking of + freedom and decency and justice as necessities of life. Much as Hal + learned from the conversation of these men, he learned more from their + silences—the quiet, matter-of-fact way they took things which had + driven him beside himself with indignation. He began to realise what it + would mean to stand by his pledge to those poor devils in North Valley. He + would need more than one blaze of excitement; he would need brains and + patience and discipline, he would need years of study and hard work! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 20. + </h3> + <p> + Hal found himself forced to accept the decision of the labour-leaders. + They had had experience, they could judge the situation. The miners would + have to go back to work, and Cartwright and Alec Stone and Jeff Cotton + would drive them as before! All that the rebels could do was to try to + keep a secret organisation in the camp. + </p> + <p> + Jerry Minetti mentioned Jack David. He had gone back this morning, without + having seen the labour-leaders. So he might escape suspicion, and keep his + job, and help the union work. + </p> + <p> + “How about you?” asked Hal. “I suppose you've cooked your goose.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry had never heard this phrase, but he got its meaning. “Sure thing!” + said he. “Cooked him plenty!” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you see the 'dicks' down stairs in the lobby?” inquired Hartman. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't learned to recognise them yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you will, if you stay at this business. There hasn't been a minute + since our office was opened that we haven't had half a dozen on the other + side of the street. Every man that comes to see us is followed back to his + camp and fired that same day. They've broken into my desk at night and + stolen my letters and papers; they've threatened us with death a hundred + times.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how you make any headway at all!” + </p> + <p> + “They can never stop us. They thought when they broke into my desk, they'd + get a list of our organisers. But you see, I carry the lists in my head!” + </p> + <p> + “No small task, either,” put in Moylan. “Would you like to know how many + organisers we have at work? Ninety-seven. And they haven't caught a single + one of them!” + </p> + <p> + Hal heard him, amazed. Here was a new aspect of the labour movement! This + quiet, resolute old “Dutchy,” whom you might have taken for a + delicatessen-proprietor; this merry-eyed Irish boy, whom you would have + expected to be escorting a lady to a firemen's ball——they were + captains of an army of sappers who were undermining the towers of Peter + Harrigan's fortress of greed! + </p> + <p> + Hartman suggested that Jerry might take a chance at this sort of work. He + would surely be fired from North Valley, so he might as well send word to + his family to come to Pedro. In this way he might save himself to work as + an organiser; because it was the custom of these company “spotters” to + follow a man back to his camp and there identify him. If Jerry took a + train for Western City, they would be thrown off the track, and he might + get into some new camp and do organising among the Italians. Jerry + accepted this proposition with alacrity; it would put off the evil day + when Rosa and her little ones would be left to the mercy of chance. + </p> + <p> + They were still talking when the telephone rang. It was Hartman's + secretary in Sheridan, reporting that he had just heard from the kidnapped + committee. The entire party, eight men and Mary Burke, had been taken to + Horton, a station not far up the line, and put on the train with many dire + threats. But they had left the train at the next stop, and declared their + intention of coming to Pedro. They were due at the hotel very soon. + </p> + <p> + Hal desired to be present at this meeting, and went downstairs to tell his + brother. There was another dispute, of course. Edward reminded Hal that + the scenery of Pedro had a tendency to monotony; to which Hal could only + answer by offering to introduce his brother to his friends. They were men + who could teach Edward much, if he would consent to learn. He might attend + the session with the committee—eight men and a woman who had + ventured an act of heroism and been made the victims of a crime. Nor were + they bores, as Edward might be thinking! There was blue-eyed Tim Rafferty, + for example, a silent, smutty-faced gnome who had broken out of his black + cavern and spread unexpected golden wings of oratory; and Mary Burke, of + whom Edward might read in that afternoon's edition of the Western City <i>Gazette</i>—a + “Joan of Arc of the coal-camps,” or something equally picturesque. But + Edward's mood was not to be enlivened. He had a vision of his brother's + appearance in the paper as the companion of this Hibernian Joan! + </p> + <p> + Hal went off with Jerry Minetti to what his brother described as a + “hash-house,” while Edward proceeded in solitary state to the dining-room + of the American Hotel. But he was not left in solitary state; pretty soon + a sharp-faced young man was ushered to a seat beside him, and started up a + conversation. He was a “drummer,” he said; his “line” was hardware, what + was Edward's? Edward answered coldly that he had no “line,” but the young + man was not rebuffed—apparently his “line” had hardened his + sensibilities. Perhaps Edward was interested in coal-mines? Had he been + visiting the camps? He questioned so persistently, and came back so often + to the subject, that at last it dawned over Edward what this meant—he + was receiving the attention of a “spotter!” Strange to say, the + circumstance caused Edward more irritation against Peter Harrigan's regime + than all his brother's eloquence about oppression at North Valley. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 21. + </h3> + <p> + Soon after dinner the kidnapped committee arrived, bedraggled in body and + weary in soul. They inquired for Johann Hartman, and were sent up to the + room, where there followed a painful scene. Eight men and a woman who had + ventured an act of heroism and been made the victims of a crime could not + easily be persuaded to see their efforts and sacrifices thrown on the + dump-heap, nor were they timid in expressing their opinions of those who + were betraying them. + </p> + <p> + “You been tryin' to get us out!” cried Tim Rafferty. “Ever since I can + remember you been at my old man to help you—an' here, when we do + what you ask, you throw us down!” + </p> + <p> + “We never asked you to go on strike,” said Moylan. + </p> + <p> + “No, that's true. You only asked us to pay dues, so you fellows could have + fat salaries.” + </p> + <p> + “Our salaries aren't very fat,” replied the young leader, patiently. + “You'd find that out if you investigated.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, whatever they are, they go on, while ours stop. We're on the + streets, we're done for. Look at us—and most of us has got families, + too! I got an old mother an' a lot of brothers and sisters, an' my old man + done up an' can't work. What do you think's to become of us?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll help you out a little, Rafferty—” + </p> + <p> + “To hell with you!” cried Tim. “I don't want your help! When I need + charity, I'll go to the county. They're another bunch of grafters, but + they don't pretend to be friends to the workin' man.” + </p> + <p> + Here was the thing Tom Olson had told Hal at the outset—the + workingmen bedevilled, not knowing whom to trust, suspecting the very + people who most desired to help them. “Tim,” he put in, “there's no use + talking like that. We have to learn patience—” + </p> + <p> + And the boy turned upon Hal. “What do you know about it? It's all a joke + to you. You can go off and forget it when you get ready. You've got money, + they tell me!” + </p> + <p> + Hal felt no resentment at this; it was what he heard from his own + conscience. “It isn't so easy for me as you think, Tim. There are other + ways of suffering besides not having money—” + </p> + <p> + “Much sufferin' you'll do—with your rich folks!” sneered Tim. + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of protest from others of the committee. + </p> + <p> + “Good God, Rafferty!” broke in Moylan. “We can't help it, man—we're + just as helpless as you!” + </p> + <p> + “You say you're helpless—but you don't even try!” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Try?</i> Do you want us to back a strike that we know hasn't a chance? + You might as well ask us to lie down and let a load of coal run over us. + We can't win, man! I tell you we can't <i>win</i>! We'd only be throwing + away our organisation!” + </p> + <p> + Moylan became suddenly impassioned. He had seen a dozen sporadic strikes + in this district, and many a dozen young strikers, homeless, desolate, + embittered, turning their disappointment on him. “We might support you + with our funds, you say—we might go on doing it, even while the + company ran the mine with scabs. But where would that land us, Rafferty? I + seen many a union on the rocks—and I ain't so old either! If we had + a bank, we'd support all the miners of the country, they'd never need to + work again till they got their rights. But this money we spend is the + money that other miners are earnin'—right now, down in the pits, + Rafferty, the same as you and your old man. They give us this money, and + they say, 'Use it to build up the union. Use it to help the men that + aren't organised—take them in, so they won't beat down our wages and + scab on us. But don't waste it, for God's sake; we have to work hard to + make it, and if we don't see results, you'll get no more out of us.' Don't + you see how that is, man? And how it weighs on us, worse even then the + fear that maybe we'll lose our poor salaries—though you might refuse + to believe anything so good of us? You don't need to talk to me like I was + Peter Harrigan's son. I was a spragger when I was ten years old, and I + ain't been out of the pits so long that I've forgot the feeling. I assure + you, the thing that keeps me awake at night ain't the fear of not gettin' + a living, for I give myself a bit of education, working nights, and I know + I could always turn out and earn what I need; but it's wondering whether + I'm spending the miners' money the best way, whether maybe I mightn't save + them a little misery if I hadn't 'a' done this or had 'a' done that. When + I come down on that sleeper last night, here's what I was thinking, Tim + Rafferty—all the time I listened to the train bumping—'Now I + got to see some more of the suffering, I got to let some good men turn + against us, because they can't see why we should get salaries while they + get the sack. How am I going to show them that I'm working for them—working + as hard as I know how—and that I'm not to blame for their trouble?'” + </p> + <p> + Here Wauchope broke in. “There's no use talking any more. I see we're up + against it. We'll not trouble you, Moylan.” + </p> + <p> + “You trouble me,” cried Moylan, “unless you stand by the movement!” + </p> + <p> + The other laughed bitterly. “You'll never know what I do. It's the road + for me—and you know it!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, wherever you go, it'll be the same; either you'll be fighting for + the union, or you'll be a weight that we have to carry.” + </p> + <p> + The young leader turned from one to another of the committee, pleading + with them not to be embittered by this failure, but to turn it to their + profit, going on with the work of building up the solidarity of the + miners. Every man had to make his sacrifices, to pay his part of the + price. The thing of importance was that every man who was discharged + should be a spark of unionism, carrying the flame of revolt to a new part + of the country. Let each one do his part, and there would soon be no place + to which the masters could send for “scabs.” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 22. + </h3> + <p> + There was one member of this committee whom Hal watched with especial + anxiety——Mary Burke. She had not yet said a word; while the + others argued and protested, she sat with her lips set and her hands + clenched. Hal knew what rage this failure must bring to her. She had risen + and struggled and hoped, and the result was what she had always said it + would be—nothing! Now he saw her, with eyes large and dark with + fatigue, fixed on this fiery young labour-leader. He knew that a war must + be going on within her. Would she drop out entirely now? It was the test + of her character—as it was the test of the characters of all of + them. + </p> + <p> + “If only we're strong enough and brave enough,” Jim Moylan was saying, “we + can use our defeats to educate our people and bring them together. Right + now, if we can make the men at North Valley see what we're doing, they + won't go back beaten, they won't be bitter against the union, they'll only + go back to wait. And ain't that a way to beat the bosses—to hold our + jobs, and keep the union alive, till we've got into all the camps, and can + strike and win?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause; then Mary spoke. “How're you meanin' to tell the men?” + Her voice was without emotion, but nevertheless, Hal's heart leaped. + Whether Mary had any hope or not, she was going to stay in line with the + rest of the ants! + </p> + <p> + Johann Hartman explained his idea. He would have circulars printed in + several languages and distributed secretly in the camp, ordering the men + back to work. But Jerry met this suggestion with a prompt no. The people + would not believe the circulars, they would suspect the bosses of having + them printed. Hadn't the bosses done worse than that, “framing up” a + letter from Joe Smith to balk the check-weighman movement? The only thing + that would help would be for some of the committee to get into the camp + and see the men face to face. + </p> + <p> + “And it got to be quick!” Jerry insisted. “They get notice to work in + morning, and them that don't be fired. They be the best men, too—men + we want to save.” + </p> + <p> + Other members of the committee spoke up, agreeing with this. Said Rusick, + the Slav, slow-witted and slow-spoken, “Them fellers get mighty damn sore + if they lose their job and don't got no strike.” And Zammakis, the Greek, + quick and nervous, “We say strike; we got to say no strike.” + </p> + <p> + What could they do? There was, in the first place, the difficulty of + getting away from the hotel, which was being watched by the “spotters.” + Hartman suggested that if they went out all together and scattered, the + detectives could not follow all of them. Those who escaped might get into + North Valley by hiding in the “empties” which went up to the mine. + </p> + <p> + But Moylan pointed out that the company would be anticipating this; and + Rusick, who had once been a hobo, put in: “They sure search them cars. + They give us plenty hell, too, when they catch us.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, it would be a dangerous mission. Mary spoke again. “Maybe a lady + could do it better.” + </p> + <p> + “They'd beat a lady,” said Minetti. + </p> + <p> + “I know, but maybe a lady might fool them. There's some widows that came + to Pedro for the funerals, and they're wearin' veils that hide their + faces. I might pretend to be one of them and get into the camp.” + </p> + <p> + The men looked at one another. There was an idea! The scowl which had + stayed upon the face of Tim Rafferty ever since his quarrel with Moylan, + gave place suddenly to a broad grin. + </p> + <p> + “I seen Mrs. Zamboni on the street,” said he. “She had on black veils + enough to hide the lot of us.” + </p> + <p> + And here Hal spoke, for the first time since Tim Rafferty had silenced + him. “Does anybody know where to find Mrs. Zamboni?” + </p> + <p> + “She stay with my friend, Mrs. Swajka,” said Rusick. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hal, “there's something you people don't know about this + situation. After they had fired you, I made another speech to the men, and + made them swear they'd stay on strike. So now I've got to go back and eat + my words. If we're relying on veils and things, a man can be fixed up as + well as a woman.” + </p> + <p> + They were staring at him. “They'll beat you to death if they catch you!” + said Wauchope. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hal, “I don't think so. Anyhow, it's up to me”—he glanced + at Tim Rafferty—“because I'm the only one who doesn't have to suffer + for the failure of our strike.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry I said that!” cried Tim, impulsively. + </p> + <p> + “That's all right, old man,” replied Hal. “What you said is true, and I'd + like to do something to ease my conscience.” He rose to his feet, + laughing. “I'll make a peach of a widow!” he said. “I'm going up and have + a tea-party with my friend Jeff Cotton!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 23. + </h3> + <p> + Hal proposed going to find Mrs. Zamboni at the place where she was + staying; but Moylan interposed, objecting that the detectives would surely + follow him. Even though they should all go out of the hotel at once, the + one person the detective would surely stick to was the arch-rebel and + trouble-maker, Joe Smith. Finally they decided to bring Mrs. Zamboni to + the room. Let her come with Mrs. Swajka or some other woman who spoke + English, and go to the desk and ask for Mary Burke, explaining that Mary + had borrowed money from her, and that she had to have it to pay the + undertaker for the burial of her man. The hotel-clerk might not know who + Mary Burke was; but the watchful “spotters” would gather about and listen, + and if it was mentioned that Mary was from North Valley, some one would + connect her with the kidnapped committee. + </p> + <p> + This was made clear to Rusick, who hurried off, and in the course of half + an hour returned with the announcement that the women were on the way. A + few minutes later came a tap on the door, and there stood the black-garbed + old widow with her friend. She came in; and then came looks of dismay and + horrified exclamations. Rusick was requesting her to give up her weeds to + Joe Smith! + </p> + <p> + “She say she don't got nothing else,” explained the Slav. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her I give her plenty money buy more,” said Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Ai! Jesu!” cried Mrs. Zamboni, pouring out a sputtering torrent. + </p> + <p> + “She say she don't got nothing to put on. She say it ain't good to go no + clothes!” + </p> + <p> + “Hasn't she got on a petticoat?” + </p> + <p> + “She say petticoat got holes!” + </p> + <p> + There was a burst of laughter from the company, and the old woman turned + scarlet from her forehead to her ample throat. “Tell her she wrap up in + blankets,” said Hal. “Mary Burke buy her new things.” + </p> + <p> + It proved surprisingly difficult to separate Mrs. Zamboni from her widow's + weeds, which she had purchased with so great an expenditure of time and + tears. Never had a respectable lady who had borne sixteen children + received such a proposition; to sell the insignia of her grief—and + here in a hotel room, crowded with a dozen men! Nor was the task made + easier by the unseemly merriment of the men. “Ai! Jesu!” cried Mrs. + Zamboni again. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her it's very, very important,” said Hal. “Tell her I must have + them.” And then, seeing that Rusick was making poor headway, he joined in, + in the compromise-English one learns in the camps. “Got to have! Sure + thing! Got to hide! Quick! Get away from boss! See? Get killed if no go!” + </p> + <p> + So at last the frightened old woman gave way. “She say all turn backs,” + said Rusick. And everybody turned, laughing in hilarious whispers, while, + with Mary Burke and Mrs. Swajka for a shield, Mrs. Zamboni got out of her + waist and skirt, putting a blanket round her red shoulders for modesty's + sake. When Hal put the garments on, there was a foot to spare all round; + but after they had stuffed two bed pillows down in the front of him, and + drawn them tight at the waist-line, the disguise was judged more + satisfactory. He put on the old lady's ample if ragged shoes, and Mary + Burke set the widow's bonnet on his head and adjusted the many veils; + after that Mrs. Zamboni's own brood of children would not have suspected + the disguise. + </p> + <p> + It was a merry party for a few minutes; worn and hopeless as Mary had + seemed, she was possessed now by the spirit of fun. But then quickly the + laughter died. The time for action had come. Mary Burke said that she + would stay with what was left of Mrs. Zamboni, to answer the door in case + any of the hotel people or the detectives should come. Hal asked Jim + Moylan to see Edward, and say that Hal was writing a manifesto to the + North Valley workers, and would not be ready to leave until the midnight + train. + </p> + <p> + These things agreed upon, Hal shook hands all round, and the eleven men + left the room at once, going down stairs and through the lobby, scattering + in every direction on the streets. Mrs. Swajka and the pseudo-Mrs. Zamboni + followed a minute later—and, as they anticipated, found the lobby + swept clear of detectives. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 24. + </h3> + <p> + Bidding Mrs. Swajka farewell, Hal set out for the railroad station. But + before he had gone a block from the hotel, he ran into his brother, coming + straight towards him. + </p> + <p> + Edward's face wore a bored look; his very manner of carrying the magazine + under his arm said that he had selected it in a last hopeless effort + against the monotony of Pedro. Such a trick of fate, to take a man of + important affairs, and immure him at the mercy of a maniac in a + God-forsaken coal-town! What did people do in such a hole? Pay a nickel to + look at moving pictures of cow-boys and counterfeiters? + </p> + <p> + Edward's aspect was too much for Hal's sense of humour. Besides, he had a + good excuse; was it not proper to make a test of his disguise, before + facing the real danger in North Valley? + </p> + <p> + He placed himself in the path of his brother's progress, and in Mrs. + Zamboni's high, complaining tones, began, “Mister!” + </p> + <p> + Edward stared at the interrupting black figure. “Mister, you Joe Smith's + brother, hey?” + </p> + <p> + The question had to be repeated before Edward gave his grudging answer. He + was not proud of the relationship. + </p> + <p> + “Mister,” continued the whining voice, “my old man got blow up in mine. I + get five pieces from my man what I got to bury yesterday in grave-yard. I + got to pay thirty dollar for bury them pieces and I don't got no more + money left. I don't got no money from them company fellers. They come + lawyer feller and he say maybe I get money for bury my man, if I don't jay + too much. But, Mister, I got eleven children I got to feed, and I don't + got no more man, and I don't find no new man for old woman like me. When I + go home I hear them children crying and I don't got no food, and them + company-stores don't give me no food. I think maybe you Joe Smith's + brother you good man, maybe you sorry for poor widow-woman, you maybe give + me some money, Mister, so I buy some food for them children.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Edward. He pulled out his wallet and extracted a bill, + which happened to be for ten dollars. His manner seemed to say, “For + heaven's sake, here!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Zamboni clutched the bill with greedy fingers, but was not appeased. + “You got plenty money, Mister! You rich man, hey! You maybe give me all + them moneys, so I got plenty feed them children? You don't know them + company-stores, Mister, them prices is way up high like mountains; them + children is hungry, they cry all day and night, and one piece money don't + last so long. You give me some more piece moneys, Mister——hey?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you one more,” said Edward. “I need some for myself.” He pulled + off another bill. + </p> + <p> + “What you need so much, Mister? You don't got so many children, hey? And + you got plenty more money home, maybe!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all I can give you,” said the man. He took a step to one side, to + get round the obstruction in his path. + </p> + <p> + But the obstruction took a step also—and with surprising agility. + “Mister, I thank you for them moneys. I tell them children I get moneys + from good man. I like you, Mister Smith, you give money for poor + widow-woman—you nice man.” + </p> + <p> + And the dreadful creature actually stuck out one of her paws, as if + expecting to pat Edward on the cheek, or to chuck him under the chin. He + recoiled, as from a contagion; but she followed him, determined to do + something to him, he could not be sure what. He had heard that these + foreigners had strange customs! + </p> + <p> + “It's all right! It's nothing!” he insisted, and fell back—at the + same time glancing nervously about, to see if there were spectators of + this scene. + </p> + <p> + “Nice man, Mister! Nice man!” cried the old woman, with increasing + cordiality. “Maybe some day I find man like you, Mr. Edward Smith—so + I don't stay widow-woman no more. You think maybe you like to marry nice + Slavish woman, got plenty nice children?” + </p> + <p> + Edward, perceiving that the matter was getting desperate, sprang to one + side. It was a spring which should have carried him to safety; but to his + dismay the Slavish widow sprang also—her claws caught him under the + arm-pit, and fastening in his ribs, gave him a ferocious pinch. After + which the owner of the claws went down the street, not looking back, but + making strange gobbling noises, which might have been the weeping of a + bereaved widow in Slavish, or might have been almost anything else. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 25. + </h3> + <p> + The train up to North Valley left very soon, and Hal figured that there + would be just time to accomplish his errand and catch the last train back. + He took his seat in the car without attracting attention, and sat in his + place until they were approaching their destination, the last stop up the + canyon. There were several of the miners' women in the car, and Hal picked + out one who belonged to Mrs. Zamboni's nationality, and moved over beside + her. She made place, with some remark; but Hal merely sobbed softly, and + the woman felt for his hand to comfort him. As his hands were clasped + together under the veils, she patted him reassuringly on the knee. + </p> + <p> + At the boundary of the stockaded village the train stopped, and Bud Adams + came through the car, scrutinising every passenger. Seeing this, Hal began + to sob again, and murmured something indistinct to his companion—which + caused her to lean towards him, speaking volubly in her native language. + “Bud” passed by. + </p> + <p> + When Hal came to leave the train, he took his companion's arm; he sobbed + some more, and she talked some more, and so they went down the platform, + under the very eyes of Pete Hanun, the “breaker of teeth.” Another woman + joined them, and they walked down the street, the women conversing in + Slavish, apparently without a suspicion of Hal. + </p> + <p> + He had worked out his plan of action. He would not try to talk with the + men secretly—it would take too long, and he might be betrayed before + he had talked with a sufficient number. One bold stroke was the thing. In + half an hour it would be supper-time, and the feeders would gather in + Reminitsky's dining-room. He would give his message there! + </p> + <p> + Hal's two companions were puzzled that he passed the Zamboni cabin, where + presumably the Zamboni brood were being cared for by neighbours. But he + let them make what they could of this, and went on to the Minetti home. To + the astonished Rosa he revealed himself, and gave her husband's message—that + she should take herself and the children down to Pedro, and wait quietly + until she heard from him. She hurried out and brought in Jack David, to + whom Hal explained matters. “Big Jack's” part in the recent disturbance + had apparently not been suspected; he and his wife, with Rovetta, Wresmak, + and Klowoski, would remain as a nucleus through which the union could work + upon the men. + </p> + <p> + The supper-hour was at hand, and the pseudo-Mrs. Zamboni emerged and + toddled down the street. As she passed into the dining-room of the + boarding-house, men looked at her, but no one spoke. It was the stage of + the meal where everybody was grabbing and devouring, in the effort to get + the best of his grabbing and devouring neighbours. The black-clad figure + went to the far end of the room; there was a vacant chair, and the figure + pulled it back from the table and climbed upon it. Then a shout rang + through the room: “Boys! Boys!” + </p> + <p> + The feeders looked up, and saw the widow's weeds thrown back, and their + leader, Joe Smith, gazing out at them. “Boys! I've come with a message + from the union!” + </p> + <p> + There was a yell; men leaped to their feet, chairs were flung back, + falling with a crash to the floor. Then, almost instantly, came silence; + you could have heard the movement of any man's jaws, had any man continued + to move them. + </p> + <p> + “Boys! I've been down to Pedro and seen the union people. I knew the + bosses wouldn't let me come back, so I dressed up, and here I am!” + </p> + <p> + It dawned upon them, the meaning of this fantastic costume; there were + cheers, laughter, yells of delight. + </p> + <p> + But Hal stretched out his hands, and silence fell again. “Listen to me! + The bosses won't let me talk long, and I've something important to say. + The union leaders say we can't win a strike now.” + </p> + <p> + Consternation came into the faces before him. There were cries of dismay. + He went on: + </p> + <p> + “We are only one camp, and the bosses would turn us out, they'd get in + scabs and run the mines without us. What we must have is a strike of all + the camps at once. One big union and one big strike! If we walked out now, + it would please the bosses; but we'll fool them—we'll keep our jobs, + and keep our union too! You are members of the union, you'll go on working + for the union! Hooray for the North Valley union!” + </p> + <p> + For a moment there was no response. It was hard for men to cheer over such + a prospect! Hal saw that he must touch a different chord. + </p> + <p> + “We mustn't be cowards, boys! We've got to keep our nerve! I'm doing my + part—it took nerve to get in here! In Mrs. Zamboni's clothes, and + with two pillows stuffed in front of me!” + </p> + <p> + He thumped the pillows, and there was a burst of laughter. Many in the + crowd knew Mrs. Zamboni—it was what comedians call a “local gag.” + The laughter spread, and became a gale of merriment. Men began to cheer: + “Hurrah for Joe! You're the girl! Will you marry me, Joe?” And so, of + course, it was easy for Hal to get a response when he shouted, “Hurrah for + the North Valley union!” + </p> + <p> + Again he raised his hands for silence, and went on again. “Listen, men. + They'll turn me out, and you're not going to resist them. You're going to + work and keep your jobs, and get ready for the big strike. And you'll tell + the other men what I say. I can't talk to them all, but you tell them + about the union. Remember, there are people outside planning and fighting + for you. We're going to stand by the union, all of us, till we've brought + these coal-camps back into America!” There was a cheer that shook the + walls of the room. Yes, that was what they wanted—to live in + America! + </p> + <p> + A crowd of men had gathered in the doorway, attracted by the uproar; Hal + noticed confusion and pushing, and saw the head and burly shoulders of his + enemy, Pete Hanun, come into sight. + </p> + <p> + “Here come the gunmen, boys!” he cried; and there was a roar of anger from + the crowd. Men turned, clenching their fists, glaring at the guard. But + Hal rushed on, quickly: + </p> + <p> + “Boys, hear what I say! Keep your heads! I can't stay in North Valley, and + you know it! But I've done the thing I came to do, I've brought you the + message from the union. And you'll tell the other men—tell them to + stand by the union!” + </p> + <p> + Hal went on, repeating his message over and over. Looking from one to + another of these toil-worn faces, he remembered the pledge he had made + them, and he made it anew: “I'm going to stand by you! I'm going on with + the fight, boys!” + </p> + <p> + There came more disturbance at the door, and suddenly Jeff Cotton + appeared, with a couple of additional guards, shoving their way into the + room, breathless and red in the face from running. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there's the marshal!” cried Hal. “You needn't push, Cotton, there's + not going to be any trouble. We are union men here, we know how to control + ourselves. Now, boys, we're not giving up, we're not beaten, we're only + waiting for the men in the other camps! We have a union, and we mean to + keep it! Three cheers for the union!” + </p> + <p> + The cheers rang out with a will: cheers for the union, cheers for Joe + Smith, cheers for the widow and her weeds! + </p> + <p> + “You belong to the union! You stand by it, no matter what happens! If they + fire you, you take it on to the next place! You teach it to the new men, + you never let it die in your hearts! In union there is strength, in union + there is hope! Never forget it, men—<i>Union</i>!” + </p> + <p> + The voice of the camp-marshal rang out. “If you're coming, young woman, + come now!” + </p> + <p> + Hal dropped a shy curtsey. “Oh, Mr. Cotton! This is so sudden!” The crowd + howled; and Hal descended from his platform. With coquettish gesturing he + replaced the widow's veils about his face, and tripped mincingly across + the dining-room. When he reached the camp-marshal, he daintily took that + worthy's arm, and with the “breaker of teeth” on the other side, and Bud + Adams bringing up the rear, he toddled out of the dining-room and down the + street. + </p> + <p> + Hungry men gave up their suppers to behold that sight. They poured out of + the building, they followed, laughing, shouting, jeering. Others came from + every direction—by the time the party had reached the depot, a good + part of the population of the village was on hand; and everywhere went the + word, “It's Joe Smith! Come back with a message from the union!” Big, + coal-grimed miners laughed till the tears made streaks on their faces; + they fell on one another's necks for delight at this trick which had been + played upon their oppressors. + </p> + <p> + Even Jeff Cotton could not withhold his tribute. “By God, you're the + limit!” he muttered. He accepted the “tea-party” aspect of the affair, as + the easiest way to get rid of his recurrent guest, and avert the + possibilities of danger. He escorted the widow to the train and helped her + up the steps, posting escorts at the doors of her car; nor did the + attentions of these gallants cease until the train had moved down the + canyon and passed the limits of the North Valley stockade! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 26. + </h3> + <p> + Hal took off his widow's weeds; and with them he shed the merriment he had + worn for the benefit of the men. There came a sudden reaction; he realised + that he was tired. + </p> + <p> + For ten days he had lived in a whirl of excitement, scarcely stopping to + sleep. Now he lay back in the car-seat, pale, exhausted; his head ached, + and he realised that the sum-total of his North Valley experience was + failure. There was left in him no trace of that spirit of adventure with + which he had set out upon his “summer course in practical sociology.” He + had studied his lessons, tried to recite them, and been “flunked.” He + smiled a bitter smile, recollecting the careless jesting that had been on + his lips as he came up that same canyon: + </p> +<p class="pre"> + “He keeps them a-roll, that merry old soul—<br> + <span class="m2">The wheels of industree;</span><br> + A-roll and a-roll, for his pipe and his bowl<br> + <span class="m2">And his college facultee!”</span><br> + </p> + <p> + The train arrived in Pedro, and Hal took a hack at the station and drove + to the hotel. He still carried the widow's weeds rolled into a bundle. He + might have left them in the train, but the impulse to economy which he had + acquired during the last ten weeks had become a habit. He would return + them to Mrs. Zamboni. The money he had promised her might better be used + to feed her young ones. The two pillows he would leave in the car; the + hotel might endure the loss! + </p> + <p> + Entering the lobby, the first person Hal saw was his brother, and the + sight of that patrician face made human by disgust relieved Hal's headache + in part. Life was harsh, life was cruel; but here was weary, waiting + Edward, that boon of comic relief! + </p> + <p> + Edward demanded to know where the devil he had been; and Hal answered, + “I've been visiting the widows and orphans.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Edward. “And while I sit in this hole and stew! What's that + you've got under your arm?” + </p> + <p> + Hal looked at the bundle. “It's a souvenir of one of the widows,” he said, + and unrolled the garments and spread them out before his brother's puzzled + eyes. “A lady named Mrs. Swajka gave them to me. They belonged to another + lady, Mrs. Zamboni, but she doesn't need them any more.” + </p> + <p> + “What have <i>you</i> got to do with them?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that Mrs. Zamboni is going to get married again.” Hal lowered + his voice, confidentially. “It's a romance, Edward—it may interest + you as an illustration of the manners of these foreign races. She met a + man on the street, a fine, fine man, she says—and he gave her a lot + of money. So she went and bought herself some new clothes, and she wants + to give these widow's weeds to the new man. That's the custom in her + country, it seems—her sign that she accepts him as a suitor.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing the look of wonderment growing on his brother's face, Hal had to + stop for a moment to keep his own face straight. “If that man wasn't + serious in his intention, Edward, he'll have trouble, for I know Mrs. + Zamboni's emotional nature. She'll follow him about everywhere—” + </p> + <p> + “Hal, that creature is insane!” And Edward looked about him nervously, as + if he thought the Slavish widow might appear suddenly in the hotel lobby + to demonstrate her emotional nature. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Hal, “it's just one of those differences in national + customs.” And suddenly Hal's face gave way. He began to laugh; he laughed, + perhaps more loudly than good form permitted. + </p> + <p> + Edward was much annoyed. There were people in the lobby, and they were + staring at him. “Cut it out, Hal!” he exclaimed. “Your fool jokes bore + me!” But nevertheless, Hal could see uncertainty in his brother's face. + Edward recognised those widow's weeds. And how could he be sure about the + “national customs” of that grotesque creature who had pinched him in the + ribs on the street? + </p> + <p> + “Cut it out!” he cried again. + </p> + <p> + Hal, changing his voice suddenly to the Zamboni key, exclaimed: “Mister, I + got eight children I got to feed, and I don't got no more man, and I don't + find no new man for old woman like me!” + </p> + <p> + So at last the truth in its full enormity began to dawn upon Edward. His + consternation and disgust poured themselves out; and Hal listened, his + laughter dying. “Edward,” he said, “you don't take me seriously even yet!” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” cried the other. “I believe you're really insane!” + </p> + <p> + “You were up there, Edward! You heard what I said to those poor devils! + And you actually thought I'd go off with you and forget about them!” + </p> + <p> + Edward ignored this. “You're really insane!” he repeated. “You'll get + yourself killed, in spite of all I can do!” + </p> + <p> + But Hal only laughed. “Not a chance of it! You should have seen the + tea-party manners of the camp-marshal!” + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 27. + </h3> + <p> + Edward would have endeavoured to carry his brother away forthwith, but + there was no train until late at night; so Hal went upstairs, where he + found Moylan and Hartman with Mary Burke and Mrs. Zamboni, all eager to + hear his story. As the members of the committee, who had been out to + supper, came straggling in, the story was told again, and yet again. They + were almost as much delighted as the men in Reminitsky's. If only all + strikes that had to be called off could be called off as neatly as that! + </p> + <p> + Between these outbursts of satisfaction, they discussed their future. + Moylan was going back to Western City, Hartman to his office in Sheridan, + from which he would arrange to send new organisers into North Valley. No + doubt Cartwright would turn off many men—those who had made + themselves conspicuous during the strike, those who continued to talk + union out loud. But such men would have to be replaced, and the union knew + through what agencies the company got its hands. The North Valley miners + would find themselves mysteriously provided with union literature in their + various languages; it would be slipped under their pillows, or into their + dinner-pails, or the pockets of their coats while they were at work. + </p> + <p> + Also there was propaganda to be carried on among those who were turned + away; so that, wherever they went, they would take the message of + unionism. There had been a sympathetic outburst in Barela, Hal learned—starting + quite spontaneously that morning, when the men heard what had happened at + North Valley. A score of workers had been fired, and more would probably + follow in the morning. Here was a job for the members of the kidnapped + committee; Tim Rafferty, for example—would he care to stay in Pedro + for a week or two, to meet such men, and give them literature and + arguments? + </p> + <p> + This offer was welcome; for life looked desolate to the Irish boy at this + moment. He was out of a job, his father was a wreck, his family destitute + and helpless. They would have to leave their home, of course; there would + be no place for any Rafferty in North Valley. Where they would go, God + only knew; Tim would become a wanderer, living away from his people, + starving himself and sending home his pitiful savings. + </p> + <p> + Hal was watching the boy, and reading these thoughts. He, Hal Warner, + would play the god out of a machine in this case, and in several others + equally pitiful. He had the right to sign his father's name to checks, a + privilege which he believed he could retain, even while undertaking the + role of Haroun al Raschid in a mine-disaster. But what about the + mine-disasters and abortive strikes where there did not happen to be any + Haroun al Raschid at hand? What about those people, right in North Valley, + who did not happen to have told Hal of their affairs? He perceived that it + was only by turning his back and running that he would escape from his + adventure with any portion of his self-possession. Truly, this + fair-seeming and wonderful civilisation was like the floor of a + charnel-house or a field of battle; anywhere one drove a spade beneath its + surface, he uncovered horrors, sights for the eyes and stenches for the + nostrils that caused him to turn sick! + </p> + <p> + There was Rusick, for example; he had a wife and two children, and not a + dollar in the world. In the year and more that he had worked, faithfully + and persistently, to get out coal for Peter Harrigan, he had never once + been able to get ahead of his bill for the necessities of life at Old + Peter's store. All his belongings in the world could be carried in a + bundle on his back, and whether he ever saw these again would depend upon + the whim of old Peter's camp-marshal and guards. Rusick would take to the + road, with a ticket purchased by the union. Perhaps he would find a job + and perhaps not; in any case, the best he could hope for in life was to + work for some other Harrigan, and run into debt at some other + company-store. + </p> + <p> + There was Hobianish, a Serbian, and Hernandez, a Mexican, of whom the same + things were true, except that one had four children and the other six. + Bill Wauchope had only a wife—their babies had died, thank heaven, + he said. He did not seem to have been much moved by Jim Moylan's + pleadings; he was down and out; he would take to the road, and beat his + way to the East and back to England. They called this a free country! By + God, if he were to tell what had happened to him, he could not get an + English miner to believe it! + </p> + <p> + Hal gave these men his real name and address, and made them promise to let + him know how they got along. He would help a little, he said; in his mind + he was figuring how much he ought to do. How far shall a man go in + relieving the starvation about him, before he can enjoy his meals in a + well-appointed club? What casuist will work out this problem—telling + him the percentage he shall relieve of the starvation he happens + personally to know about, the percentage of that which he sees on the + streets, the percentage of that about which he reads in government reports + on the rise in the cost of living. To what extent is he permitted to close + his eyes, as he walks along the streets on his way to the club? To what + extent is he permitted to avoid reading government reports before going + out to dinner-dances with his fiancée? Problems such as these the masters + of the higher mathematics have neglected to solve; the wise men of the + academies and the holy men of the churches have likewise failed to work + out the formulas; and Hal, trying to obtain them by his crude mental + arithmetic, found no satisfaction in the results. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 28. + </h3> + <p> + Hal wanted a chance to talk to Mary Burke; they had had no intimate talk + since the meeting with Jessie Arthur, and now he was going away, for a + long time. He wanted to find out what plans Mary had for the future, and—more + important yet—what was her state of mind. If he had been able to + lift this girl from despair, his summer course in practical sociology had + not been all a failure! + </p> + <p> + He asked her to go with him to say good-bye to John Edstrom, whom he had + not seen since their unceremonious parting at MacKellar's, when Hal had + fled to Percy Harrigan's train. Downstairs in the lobby Hal explained his + errand to his waiting brother, who made no comment, but merely remarked + that he would follow, if Hal had no objection. He did not care to make the + acquaintance of the Hibernian Joan of Arc, and would not come close enough + to interfere with Hal's conversation with the lady; but he wished to do + what he could for his brother's protection. So there set out a moon-light + procession—first Hal and Mary, then Edward, and then Edward's + dinner-table companion, the “hardware-drummer!” + </p> + <p> + Hal was embarrassed in beginning his farewell talk with Mary. He had no + idea how she felt towards him, and he admitted with a guilty pang that he + was a little afraid to find out! He thought it best to be cheerful, so he + started to tell her how fine he thought her conduct during the strike. But + she did not respond to his remarks, and at last he realised that she was + labouring with some thoughts of her own. + </p> + <p> + “There's somethin' I got to say to ye!” she began, suddenly. “A couple of + days ago I knew how I meant to say it, but now I don't.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he laughed, “say it as you meant to.” + </p> + <p> + “No; 'twas bitter—and now I'm on my knees before ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I want you to be bitter,” said Hal, still laughing, “but it's I + that ought to be on my knees before you. I didn't accomplish anything, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye did all ye could—and more than the rest of us. I want ye to know + I'll never forget it. But I want ye to hear the other thing, too!” + </p> + <p> + She walked on, staring before her, doubling up her hands in agitation. + “Well?” said he, still trying to keep a cheerful tone. + </p> + <p> + “Ye remember that day just after the explosion? Ye remember what I said + about—about goin' away with ye? I take it back.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course!” said he, quickly. “You were distracted, Mary—you + didn't know what you were saying.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! That's not it! But I've changed my mind; I don't mean to throw + meself away.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you you'd see it that way,” he said. “No man is worth it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lad!” said she. “'Tis the fine soothin' tongue ye have—but I'd + rather ye knew the truth. 'Tis that I've seen the other girl; and I hate + her!” + </p> + <p> + They walked for a bit in silence. Hal had sense enough to realise that + here was a difficult subject. “I don't want to be a prig, Mary,” he said + gently; “but you'll change your mind about that, too. You'll not hate her; + you'll be sorry for her.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed—a raw, harsh laugh. “What kind of a joke is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I know—it may seem like one. But it'll come to you some day. You + have a wonderful thing to live and fight for; while she”—he + hesitated a moment, for he was not sure of his own ideas on this subject—“she + has so many things to learn; and she may never learn them. She'll miss + some fine things.” + </p> + <p> + “I know one of the fine things she does not mean to miss,” said Mary, + grimly; “that's Mr. Hal Warner.” Then, after they had walked again in + silence: “I want ye to understand me, Mr. Warner—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mary!” he pleaded. “Don't treat me that way! I'm Joe.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” she said, “Joe ye shall be. 'Twill remind ye of a pretty + adventure—bein' a workin' man for a few weeks. Well, that's a part + of what I have to tell ye. I've got my pride, even if I'm only a poor + miner's daughter; and the other day I found out me place.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't understand? Honest?” + </p> + <p> + “No, honest,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Ye're stupid with women, Joe. Ye didn't see what the girl did to me! + 'Twas some kind of a bug I was to her. She was not sure if I was the kind + that bites, but she took no chances—she threw me off, like that.” + And Mary snapped her hand, as one does when troubled with a bug. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now!” pleaded Hal. “You're not being fair!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm bein' just as fair as I've got it in me to be, Joe. I been off and + had it all out. I can see this much—'tis not her fault, maybe—'tis + her class; 'tis all of ye—the very best of ye, even yeself, Joe + Smith!” + </p> + <p> + “Yea,” he replied, “Tim Rafferty said that.” + </p> + <p> + “Tim said too much—but a part of it was true. Ye think ye've come + here and been one of us workin' people. But don't your own sense tell you + the difference, as if it was a canyon a million miles across—between + a poor ignorant creature in a minin' camp, and a rich man's daughter, a + lady? Ye'd tell me not to be ashamed of poverty; but would ye ever put me + by the side of her—for all your fine feelin's of friendship for them + that's beneath ye? Didn't ye show that at the Minettis'?” + </p> + <p> + “But don't you see, Mary—” He made an effort to laugh. “I got used + to obeying Jessie! I knew her a long time before I knew you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Joe! Ye've a kind heart, and a pleasant way of speakin'. But wouldn't + it interest ye to know the real truth? Ye said ye'd come out here to learn + the truth!” + </p> + <p> + And Hal answered, in a low voice, “Yes,” and did not interrupt again. + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 29. + </h3> + <p> + Mary's voice had dropped low, and Hal thought how rich and warm it was + when she was deeply moved. She went on: + </p> + <p> + “I lived all me life in minin' camps, Joe Smith, and I seen men robbed and + beaten, and women cryin' and childer hungry. I seen the company, like some + great wicked beast that eat them up. But I never knew why, or what it + meant—till that day, there at the Minettis'. I'd read about fine + ladies in books, ye see; but I'd never been spoke to by one, I'd never had + to swallow one, as ye might say. But there I did—and all at once I + seemed to know where the money goes that's wrung out of the miners. I saw + why people were robbin' us, grindin' the life out of us—for fine + ladies like that, to keep them so shinin' and soft! 'Twould not have been + so bad, if she'd not come just then, with all the men and boys dyin' down + in the pits—dyin' for that soft, white skin, and those soft, white + hands, and all those silky things she swished round in. My God, Joe—d'ye + know what she seemed to me like? Like a smooth, sleek cat that has just + eat up a whole nest full of baby mice, and has the blood of them all over + her cheeks!” + </p> + <p> + Mary paused, breathing hard. Hal kept silence, and she went on again: “I + had it out with meself, Joe! I don't want ye to think I'm any better than + I am, and I asked meself this question—Is it for the men in the pits + that ye hate her with such black murder? Or is it for the one man ye want, + and that she's got? And I knew the answer to that! But then I asked meself + another question, too—Would ye be like her if ye could? Would ye do + what she's doin' right now—would ye have it on your soul? And as God + hears me, Joe, 'tis the truth I speak—I'd not do it! No, not for the + love of any man that ever walked on this earth!” + </p> + <p> + She had lifted her clenched fist as she spoke. She let it fall again, and + strode on, not even glancing at him. “Ye might try a thousand years, Joe, + and ye'd not realise the feelin's that come to me there at the Minettis'. + The shame of it—not what she done to me, but what she made me in me + own eyes! Me, the daughter of a drunken old miner, and her—I don't + know what her father is, but she's some sort of princess, and she knows + it. And that's the thing that counts, Joe! 'Tis not that she has so much + money, and so many fine things; that she knows how to talk, and I don't, + and that her voice is sweet, and mine is ugly, when I'm ragin' as I am + now. No—'tis that she's so <i>sure!</i> That's the word I found to + say it; she's sure—sure—<i>sure!</i> She has the fine things, + she's always had them, she has a right to have them! And I have a right to + nothin' but trouble, I'm hunted all day by misery and fear, I've lost even + the roof over me head! Joe, ye know I've got some temper—I'm not + easy to beat down; but when I'd got through bein' taught me place, I went + off and hid meself, I ground me face in the dirt, for the black rage of + it! I said to meself, 'Tis true! There's somethin' in her better than me! + She's some kind of finer creature.—Look at these hands!” She held + them out in the moonlight, with a swift, passionate gesture. “So she's a + right to her man, and I'm a fool to have ever raised me eyes to him! I + have to see him go away, and crawl back into me leaky old shack! Yes, + that's the truth! And when I point it out to the man, what d'ye think he + says? Why, he tells me gently and kindly that I ought to be sorry for her! + Christ! did ye ever hear the like of that?” + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence. Hal could not have said anything now, if he had + wished to. He knew that this was what he had come to seek! This was the + naked soul of the class-war! + </p> + <p> + “Now,” concluded Mary, with clenched hands, and a voice that corresponded, + “now, I've had it out. I'm no slave; I've just as good a right to life as + any lady. I know I'll never have it, of course; I'll never wear good + clothes, nor live in a decent home, nor have the man I want; but I'll know + that I've done somethin' to help free the workin' people from the shame + that's put on them. That's what the strike done for me, Joe! The strike + showed me the way. We're beat this time, but somehow it hasn't made the + difference ye might think. I'm goin' to make more strikes before I quit, + and they won't all of them be beat!” + </p> + <p> + She stopped speaking; and Hal walked beside her, stirred by a conflict of + emotions. His vision of her was indeed true; she would make more strikes! + He was glad and proud of that; but then came the thought that while she, a + girl, was going on with the bitter war, he, a man, would be eating grilled + beefsteaks at the club! + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he said, “I'm ashamed of myself—” + </p> + <p> + “That's not it, Joe! Ye've no call to be ashamed. Ye can't help it where + ye were born—” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not, Mary. But when a man knows he's never paid for any of the + things he's enjoyed all his life, surely the least he can do is to be + ashamed. I hope you'll try not to hate me as you do the others.” + </p> + <p> + “I never hated ye, Joe! Not for one moment! I tell ye fair and true, I + love ye as much as ever. I can say it, because I'd not have ye now; I've + seen the other girl, and I know ye'd never be satisfied with me. I don't + know if I ought to say it, but I'm thinkin' ye'll not be altogether + satisfied with her, either. Ye'll be unhappy either way—God help + ye!” + </p> + <p> + The girl had read deeply into his soul in this last speech; so deeply that + Hal could not trust himself to answer. They were passing a street-lamp, + and she looked at him, for the first time since they had started on their + walk, and saw harassment in his face. A sudden tenderness came into her + voice. “Joe,” she said; “ye're lookin' bad. 'Tis good ye're goin' away + from this place!” + </p> + <p> + He tried to smile, but the effort was feeble. + </p> + <p> + “Joe,” she went on, “ye asked me to be your friend. Well, I'll be that!” + And she held out the big, rough hand. + </p> + <p> + He took it. “We'll not forget each other, Mary,” he said. There was a + catch in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, lad!” she exclaimed. “We'll make another strike some day, just like + we did at North Valley!” + </p> + <p> + Hal pressed the big hand; but then suddenly, remembering his brother + stalking solemnly in the rear, he relinquished the clasp, and failed to + say all the fine things he had in his mind. He called himself a rebel, but + not enough to be sentimental before Edward! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 30. + </h3> + <p> + They came to the house where John Edstrom was staying. The labouring man's + wife opened the door. In answer to Hal's question, she said, “The old + gentleman's pretty bad.” + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you know he was hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “No. How?” + </p> + <p> + “They beat him up, sir. Broke his arm, and nearly broke his head.” + </p> + <p> + Hal and Mary exclaimed in chorus, “Who did it? When?” + </p> + <p> + “We don't know who did it. It was four nights ago.” + </p> + <p> + Hal realised it must have happened while he was escaping from MacKellar's. + “Have you had a doctor for him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; but we can't do much, because my man is out of work, and I have + the children and the boarders to look after.” + </p> + <p> + Hal and Mary ran upstairs. Their old friend lay in darkness, but he + recognised their voices and greeted them with a feeble cry. The woman + brought a lamp, and they saw him lying on his back, his head done up in + bandages, and one arm bound in splints. He looked really desperately bad, + his kindly old eyes deep-sunken and haggard, and his face—Hal + remembered what Jeff Cotton had called him, “that dough-faced old + preacher!” + </p> + <p> + They got the story of what had happened at the time of Hal's flight to + Percy's train. Edstrom had shouted a warning to the fugitives, and set out + to run after them; when one of the mine-guards, running past him, had + fetched him a blow over the eye, knocking him down. He had struck his head + upon the pavement, and lain there unconscious for many hours. When finally + some one had come upon him, and summoned a policeman, they had gone + through his pockets, and found the address of this place where he was + staying written on a scrap of paper. That was all there was to the story—except + that Edstrom had refrained from sending to MacKellar for help, because he + had felt sure they were all working to get the mine open, and he did not + feel he had the right to put his troubles upon them. + </p> + <p> + Hal listened to the old man's feeble statements, and there came back to + him a surge of that fury which his North Valley experience had generated + in him. It was foolish, perhaps; for to knock down an old man who had been + making trouble was a comparatively slight exercise of the functions of a + mine-guard. But to Hal it seemed the most characteristic of all the + outrages he had seen; it was an expression of the company's utter + blindness to all that was best in life. This old man, who was so gentle, + so patient, who had suffered so much, and not learned to hate, who had + kept his faith so true! What did his faith mean to the thugs of the + General Fuel Company? What had his philosophy availed him, his + saintliness, his hopes for mankind? They had fetched him one swipe as they + passed him, and left him lying—alive or dead, it was all the same. + </p> + <p> + Hal had got some satisfaction out of his little adventure in widowhood, + and some out of Mary's self-victory; but there, listening to the old man's + whispered story, his satisfaction died. He realised again the grim truth + about his summer's experience—that the issue of it had been defeat. + Utter, unqualified defeat! He had caused the bosses a momentary chagrin; + but it would not take them many hours to realise that he had really done + them a service in calling off the strike for them. They would start the + wheels of industry again, and the workers would be just where they had + been before Joe Smith came to be stableman and buddy among them. What was + all the talk about solidarity, about hope for the future; what would it + amount to in the long run, the daily rolling of the wheels of industry? + The workers of North Valley would have exactly the right they had always + had—the right to be slaves, and if they did not care for that, the + right to be martyrs! + </p> + <p> + Mary sat holding the old man's hand and whispering words of passionate + sympathy, while Hal got up and paced the tiny attic, all ablaze with + anger. He resolved suddenly that he would not go back to Western City; he + would stay here, and get an honest lawyer to come, and set out to punish + the men who were guilty of this outrage. He would test out the law to the + limit; if necessary, he would begin a political fight, to put an end to + coal-company rule in this community. He would find some one to write up + these conditions, he would raise the money and publish a paper to make + them known! Before his surging wrath had spent itself, Hal Warner had + actually come out as a candidate for governor, and was overturning the + Republican machine—all because an unidentified coal-company + detective had knocked a dough-faced old miner into the gutter and broken + his arm! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 31. + </h3> + <p> + In the end, of course, Hal had to come down to practical matters. He sat + by the bed and told the old man tactfully that his brother had come to see + him and had given him some money. This brother had plenty of money, so + Edstrom could be taken to the hospital; or, if he preferred, Mary could + stay near here and take care of him. They turned to the landlady, who had + been standing in the doorway; she had three boarders in her little home, + it seemed, but if Mary could share a bed with the landlady's two children, + they might make out. In spite of Hal's protest, Mary accepted this offer; + he saw what was in her mind—she would take some of his money, + because of old Edstrom's need, but she would take just as little as she + possibly could. + </p> + <p> + John Edstrom of course knew nothing of events since his injury, so Hal + told him the story briefly—though without mentioning the + transformation which had taken place in the miner's buddy. He told about + the part Mary had played in the strike; trying to entertain the poor old + man, he told how he had seen her mounted upon a snow-white horse, and + wearing a robe of white, soft and lustrous, like Joan of Arc, or the + leader of a suffrage parade. + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said Mary, “he's forever callin' attention to this old dress!” + </p> + <p> + Hal looked; she was wearing the same blue calico. “There's something + mysterious about that dress,” said he. “It's one of those that you read + about in fairy-stories, that forever patch themselves, and keep themselves + new and starchy. A body only needs one dress like that!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, lad,” she answered. “There's no fairies in coal-camps—unless + 'tis meself, that washes it at night, and dries it over the stove, and + irons it next mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + She said this with unwavering cheerfulness; but even the old miner lying + in pain on the cot could realise the tragedy of a young girl's having only + one old dress in her love-hunting season. He looked at the young couple, + and saw their evident interest in each other; after the fashion of the + old, he was disposed to help along the romance. “She may need some orange + blossoms,” he ventured, feebly. + </p> + <p> + “Go along with ye!” laughed Mary, still unwavering. + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” put in Hal, with hasty gallantry, “'tis a blossom she is herself! + A rose in a mining-camp—and there's a dispute about her in the + poetry-books. One tells you to leave her on her stalk, and another says to + gather ye rosebuds while ye may, old time is still a-flying!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye're mixin' me up,” said Mary. “A while back I was ridin' on a white + horse.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” said Old Edstrom, “not so far back, you were an ant, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + Her face became grave. To jest about her personal tragedy was one thing, + to jest about the strike was another. “Yes, I remember. Ye said I'd stay + in the line! Ye were wiser than me, Mr. Edstrom.” + </p> + <p> + “That's one of the things that come with being old, Mary.” He moved his + gnarled old hand toward hers. “You're going on, now?” he asked. “You're a + unionist now, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “I am that!” she answered, promptly, her grey eyes shining. + </p> + <p> + “There's a saying,” said he—“once a striker, always a striker. Find + a way to get some education for yourself, Mary, and when the big strike + comes you'll be one of those the miners look to. I'll not be here, I know—the + young people must take my place.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do my part,” she answered. Her voice was low; it was a kind of + benediction the old man was giving her. + </p> + <p> + The woman had gone downstairs to attend to her children; she came back now + to say that there was a gentleman at the door, who wanted to know when his + brother was coming. Hal remembered suddenly—Edward had been pacing + up and down all this while, with no company but a “hardware drummer!” The + younger brother's resolve to stay in Pedro had already begun to weaken + somewhat, and now it weakened still further; he realised that life is + complex, that duties conflict! He assured the old miner again of his + ability to see that he did not suffer from want, and then he bade him + farewell for a while. + </p> + <p> + He started out, and Mary went as far as the head of the stairway with him. + He took the girl's big, rough hand in his—this time with no one to + see. “Mary,” he said, “I want you to know that nothing will make me forget + you; and nothing will make me forget the miners.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Joe!” she cried. “Don't let them win ye away from us! We need ye so + bad!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going back home for a while,” he answered, “but you can be sure that + no matter what happens in my life, I'm going to fight for the working + people. When the big strike comes, as we know it's coming in this + coal-country, I'll be here to do my share.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure lad,” she said, looking him bravely in the eye, “and good-bye to ye, + Joe Smith.” Her eyes did not waver; but Hal noted a catch in her voice, + and he found himself with an impulse to take her in his arms. It was very + puzzling. He knew he loved Jessie Arthur; he remembered the question Mary + had once asked him—could he be in love with two girls at the same + time? It was not in accord with any moral code that had been impressed + upon him, but apparently he could! + </p> + <h3> + SECTION 32. + </h3> + <p> + He went out to the street, where his brother was pacing up and down in a + ferment. The “hardware drummer” had made another effort to start a + conversation, and had been told to go to hell—no less! + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you through now?” Edward demanded, taking out his irritation on + Hal. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the other. “I suppose so.” He realised that Edward would + not be concerned about Edstrom's broken arm. + </p> + <p> + “Then, for God's sake, get some clothes on and let's have some food.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Hal. But his answer was listless, and the other looked + at him sharply. Even by the moonlight Edward could see the lines in the + face of his younger brother, and the hollows around his eyes. For the + first time he realised how deeply these experiences were cutting into the + boy's soul. “You poor kid!” he exclaimed, with sudden feeling. But Hal did + not answer; he did not want sympathy, he did not want anything! + </p> + <p> + Edward made a gesture of despair. “God knows, I don't know what to do for + you!” + </p> + <p> + They started back to the hotel, and on the way Edward cast about in his + mind for a harmless subject of conversation. He mentioned that he had + foreseen the shutting up of the stores, and had purchased an outfit for + his brother. There was no need to thank him, he added grimly; he had no + intention of travelling to Western City in company with a hobo. + </p> + <p> + So the young miner had a bath, the first real one in a long time. (Never + again would it be possible for ladies to say in Hal Warner's presence that + the poor might at least keep clean!) He had a shave; he trimmed his + finger-nails, and brushed his hair, and dressed himself as a gentleman. In + spite of himself he found his cheerfulness partly restored. A strange and + wonderful sensation—to be dressed once more as a gentleman. He + thought of the saying of the old negro, who liked to stub his toe, because + it felt so good when it stopped hurting! + </p> + <p> + They went out to find a restaurant, and on the way one last misadventure + befell Edward. Hal saw an old miner walking past, and stopped with a cry: + “Mike!” He forgot all at once that he was a gentleman; the old miner + forgot it also. He stared for one bewildered moment, then he rushed at Hal + and seized him in the hug of a mountain grizzly. + </p> + <p> + “My buddy! My buddy!” he cried, and gave Hal a prodigious thump on the + back. “By Judas!” And he gave him a thump with the other hand. “Hey! you + old son-of-a-gun!” And he gave him a hairy kiss! + </p> + <p> + But in the very midst of these raptures it dawned over him that there was + something wrong about his buddy. He drew back, staring. “You got good + clothes! You got rich, hey?” + </p> + <p> + Evidently the old fellow had heard no rumour concerning Hal's secret. + “I've been doing pretty well,” Hal said. + </p> + <p> + “What you work at, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “I been working at a strike in North Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that? You make money working at strike?” + </p> + <p> + Hal laughed, but did not explain. “What you working at?” + </p> + <p> + “I work at strike too—all alone strike.” + </p> + <p> + “No job?” + </p> + <p> + “I work two days on railroad. Got busted track up there. Pay me + two-twenty-five a day. Then no more job.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you tried the mines?” + </p> + <p> + “What? Me? They got me all right! I go up to San José. Pit-boss say, 'Get + the hell out of here, you old groucher! You don't get no more jobs in this + district!'” + </p> + <p> + Hal looked Mike over, and saw that his dirty old face was drawn and white, + belying the feeble cheerfulness of his words. “We're going to have + something to eat,” he said. “Won't you come with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure thing!” said Mike, with alacrity. “I go easy on grub now.” + </p> + <p> + Hal introduced “Mr. Edward Warner,” who said “How do you do?” He accepted + gingerly the calloused paw which the old Slovak held out to him, but he + could not keep the look of irritation from his face. His patience was + utterly exhausted. He had hoped to find a decent restaurant and have some + real food; but now, of course, he could not enjoy anything, with this old + gobbler in front of him. + </p> + <p> + They entered an all-night lunch-room, where Hal and Mike ordered + cheese-sandwiches and milk, and Edward sat and wondered at his brother's + ability to eat such food. Meantime the two cronies told each other their + stories, and Old Mike slapped his knee and cried out with delight over + Hal's exploits. “Oh, you buddy!” he exclaimed; then, to Edward, “Ain't he + a daisy, hey?” And he gave Edward a thump on the shoulder. “By Judas, they + don't beat my buddy!” + </p> + <p> + Mike Sikoria had last been seen by Hal from the window of the North Valley + jail, when he had been distributing the copies of Hal's signature, and Bud + Adams had taken him in charge. The mine-guard had marched him into a shed + in back of the power-house, where he had found Kauser and Kalovac, two + other fellows who had been arrested while helping in the distribution. + </p> + <p> + Mike detailed the experience with his usual animation. “'Hey, Mister Bud,' + I say, 'if you going to send me down canyon, I want to get my things.' + 'You go to hell for your things,' says he. And then I say, 'Mister Bud, I + want to get my time.' And he says, 'I give you plenty time right here!' + And he punch me and throw me over. Then he grab me up' again and pull me + outside, and I see big automobile waiting, and I say, 'Holy Judas! I get + ride in automobile! Here I am, old fellow fifty-seven years old, never + been in automobile ride all my days. I think always I die and never get in + automobile ride!' We go down canyon, and I look round and see them + mountains, and feel nice cool wind in my face, and I say, 'Bully for you, + Mister Bud, I don't never forget this automobile. I don't have such good + time any day all my life.' And he say, 'Shut your face, you old wop!' Then + we come out on prairie, we go up in Black Hills, and they stop, and say, + 'Get out here, you sons o' guns.' And they leave us there all alone. They + say, 'You come back again, we catch you and we rip the guts out of you!' + They go away fast, and we got to walk seven hours, us fellers, before we + come to a house! But I don't mind that, I begged some grub, and then I got + job mending track; only I don't find out if you get out of jail, and I + think maybe I lose my buddy and never see him no more.” + </p> + <p> + Here the old man stopped, gazing affectionately at Hal. “I write you + letter to North Valley, but I don't hear nothing, and I got to walk all + the way on railroad track to look for you.” + </p> + <p> + How was it? Hal wondered. He had encountered naked horror in this + coal-country—yet here he was, not entirely glad at the thought of + leaving it! He would miss Old Mike Sikoria, his hairy kiss and his + grizzly-bear hug! + </p> + <p> + He struck the old man dumb by pressing a twenty-dollar bill into his hand. + Also he gave him the address of Edstrom and Mary, and a note to Johann + Hartman, who might use him to work among the Slovaks who came down into + the town. Hal explained that he had to go back to Western City that night, + but that he would never forget his old friend, and would see that he had a + good job. He was trying to figure out some occupation for the old man on + his father's country-place. A pet grizzly! + </p> + <p> + Train-time came, and the long line of dark sleepers rolled in by the + depot-platform. It was late—after midnight; but, nevertheless, there + was Old Mike. He was in awe of Hal now, with his fine clothes and his + twenty-dollar bills; but, nevertheless, under stress of his emotion, he + gave him one more hug, and one more hairy kiss. “Good-bye, my buddy!” he + cried. “You come back, my buddy! I don't forget my buddy!” And when the + train began to move, he waved his ragged cap, and ran along the platform + to get a last glimpse, to call a last farewell. When Hal turned into the + car, it was with more than a trace of moisture in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br><br><br><br> + </div> + <h2> + POSTSCRIPT + </h2> + <p> + From previous experiences the writer has learned that many people, reading + a novel such as “King Coal,” desire to be informed as to whether it is + true to fact. They write to ask if the book is meant to be so taken; they + ask for evidence to convince themselves and others. Having answered + thousands of such letters in the course of his life, it seems to the + author the part of common-sense to answer some of them in advance. + </p> + <p> + “King Coal” is a picture of the life of the workers in unorganised + labour-camps in many parts of America, The writer has avoided naming a + definite place, for the reason that such conditions are to be found as far + apart as West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado. Most + of the details of his picture were gathered in the last-named state, which + the writer visited on three occasions during and just after the great + coal-strike of 1913-14. The book gives a true picture of conditions and + events observed by him at this time. Practically all the characters are + real persons, and every incident which has social significance is not + merely a true incident, but a typical one. The life portrayed in “King + Coal” is the life that is lived to-day by hundreds of thousands of men, + women and children in this “land of the free.” + </p> + <p> + The reader who wishes evidence may be accommodated. There was never a + strike more investigated than the Colorado coal-strike. The material about + it in the writer's possession cannot be less than eight million words, the + greater part of it sworn testimony taken under government supervision. + There is, first, the report of the Congressional Committee, a government + document of three thousand closely printed pages, about two million words; + an equal amount of testimony given before the U. S. Commission on + Industrial Relations, also a government document; a special report on the + Colorado strike, prepared for the same commission, a book of 189 pages, + supporting every contention of this story; about four hundred thousand + words of testimony given before a committee appointed at the suggestion of + the Governor of Colorado; a report made by the Rev. Henry A. Atkinson, who + investigated the strike as representative of the Federal Council of the + Churches of Christ in America, and of the Social Service Commission of the + Congregational Churches; the report of an elaborate investigation by the + Colorado state militia; the bulletins issued by both sides during the + controversy; the testimony given at various coroners' inquests; and, + finally, articles by different writers to be found in the files of <i>Everybody's + Magazine</i>, the <i>Metropolitan Magazine</i>, the <i>Survey</i>, <i>Harper's + Weekly</i>, and <i>Collier's Weekly</i>, all during the year 1914. + </p> + <p> + The writer prepared a collection of extracts from these various sources, + meaning to publish them in this place; but while the manuscript was in the + hands of the publishers, there appeared one document, which, in the weight + of its authority, seemed to discount all others. A decision was rendered + by the Supreme Court of the State of Colorado, in a case which included + the most fundamental of the many issues raised in “King Coal.” It is not + often that the writer of a novel of contemporary life is so fortunate as + to have the truth of his work passed upon and established by the highest + judicial tribunal of the community! + </p> + <p> + In the elections of November, 1914, in Huerfano County, Colorado, J. B. + Farr, Republican candidate for re-election as sheriff, a person known + throughout the coal-country as “the King of Huerfano County,” was returned + as elected by a majority of 329 votes. His rival, the Democratic + candidate, contested the election, alleging “malconduct, fraud and + corruption.” The district court found in Farr's favour, and the case was + appealed on error to the Supreme Court of the State. On June 21st, 1916, + after Farr had served nearly the whole of his term of office, the Supreme + Court handed down a decision which unseated him and the entire ticket + elected with him, finding in favour of the opposition ticket in all cases + and upon all grounds charged. + </p> + <p> + The decision is long—about ten thousand words, and its legal + technicalities would not interest the reader. It will suffice to reprint + the essential paragraphs. The reader is asked to give these paragraphs + careful study, considering, not merely the specific offence denounced by + the court, but its wider implications. The offence was one so + unprecedented that the justices of the court, men chosen for their + learning in the history of offences, were moved to say: “We find no such + example of fraud within the books, and must seek the letter and spirit of + the law in a free government, as a scale in which to weigh such conduct.” + And let it be noted, this “crime without a name” was not a crime of + passion, but of policy; it was a crime deliberately planned and carried + out by profit-seeking corporations of enormous power. Let the reader + imagine the psychology of the men of great wealth who ordered this crime, + as a means of keeping and increasing their wealth; let him realise what + must be the attitude of such men to their helpless workers; and then let + him ask himself whether there is any act portrayed in “King Coal” which + men of such character would shrink from ordering. + </p> + <p> + The Court decision first gives an outline of the case, using for the most + part the statements of the counsel for the defendant, Farr; so that for + practical purposes the following may be taken as the coal companies' own + account of their domain: “Round the shaft of each mine are clustered the + tipple, the mine office, the shops, sheds and outbuildings; and huddled + close by, within a stone's throw, cottages of the miners built on the land + of, and owned by, the mining company. All the dwellers in the camp are + employés of the mine. There is no other industry. This is 'the camp.' Of + the eight 'closed camps' it appears that practically the same conditions + existed in all of them, and those conditions were in general that members + of the United Mine Workers of America, their organisers or agitators, were + prevented from coming into the camps, so far as it was possible to keep + them out, and to this end guards were stationed about them. Of the eight + 'closed camps' one of them, 'Walsen,' was, and at the time of the trial + still was, enclosed by a fence erected at the beginning of the strike in + October, 1913: Rouse and Cameron were partly, but never entirely, enclosed + by fences. It is admitted that all persons entering these camps and + precincts were required by the companies to have passes, and it is + contended that this was an 'industrial necessity.'” + </p> + <p> + The Court then goes on as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The Federal troops entered the district in May of 1914, and the testimony + is in agreement that no serious acts of violence occurred thereafter, and + that order was preserved up to and subsequent to the election, and to the + time of this trial. + </p> + <p> + “It was under this condition that in July, 1914, the Board of County + Commissioners changed certain of the election precincts so as to + constitute each of such camps an election precinct, and with but one + exception where a few ranches were included, these precincts were made to + conform to the fences and lines around each camp, protected by fences in + some instances and with armed guards in all cases. Thus each election + precinct by this unparalleled act of the commissioners was placed + exclusively within and upon the private grounds and under the private + control of a coal corporation, which autocratically declared who should + and who should not enter upon the territory of this political entity of + the state, so purposely bounded by the county commissioners. + </p> + <p> + “With but one exception all the lands and buildings within each of these + election precincts as so created, were owned or controlled by the coal + corporations; every person resident within such precincts was an employé + of these private corporations or their allied companies, with the single + exception: every judge, clerk or officer of election with the exception of + a saloon keeper, and partner of Farr, was an employé of the + coal-companies. + </p> + <p> + “The polling places were upon the grounds, and in the buildings of these + companies; the registration lists were kept within the private offices or + buildings of such companies, and used and treated as their private + property. + </p> + <p> + “Thus were the public election districts and the public election machinery + turned over to the absolute domination and imperial control of private + coal corporations, and used by them as absolutely and privately as were + their mines, to and for their own private purposes, and upon which public + territory no man might enter for either public or private purpose, save + and except by the express permission of these private corporations. + </p> + <p> + “This right to determine who should enter such so called election + precincts, appears from the record to have been exercised as against all + classes; merchants, tradesmen or what not, and whether the business of + such person was public or private. Indeed, it appears that in one instance + the governor and adjutant general of the state while on official business, + were denied admission to one of these closed camps. And that on the day of + election, the Democratic watchers and challengers for Walsen Mine + precinct, one of which was Neelley, the Democratic candidate for sheriff, + were forced to seek and secure a detail of Federal soldiers to escort them + into the precinct and to the polls, and that such soldiers remained as + such guard during the day and a part of the night.... + </p> + <p> + “But if there was any doubt concerning the condition of the closed camps + and precincts, and the exclusion of representatives of the Democratic + party from discussing the issues of the campaign within the precincts + comprising the closed camps, it is entirely removed by the testimony of + the witness Weitzel, for contestee (Farr). He testified that he was a + resident of Pueblo, and was manager of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company; + that Rouse, Lester, Ideal, Cameron, Walsen, Pictou and McNally are camps + under his jurisdiction. That he had general charge of the camps and that + there was no company official in Colorado superior to him in this respect + except the president; that the superintendent and other employés are under + his supervision; that the Federal troops came about the 1st of May, 1914, + and continued until January, 1915. That in all those camps he tried to + keep out the people who were antagonistic to the company's interests; that + it was private property and so treated by his company; that through him + the company and its officials assumed to exercise authority as to who + might or who might not enter; that if persons could assure or satisfy the + man at the gate, or the superintendent that they were not connected with + the United Mine Workers, or in their employ as agitators, they were let + into the camp. That 'no one we were fighting against got in for social + intercourse or any other'; that he and officials under him assumed to pass + upon the question of whether or not any person coming there came for the + purpose of agitation. That Mr. Mitchell, the chairman of the Democratic + committee, as he recalled it, was identified with the agitators, ran a + newspaper and was connected either directly or indirectly with the United + Mine Workers; that Mr. Neelley, Democratic candidate for sheriff, was + identified with the strikers, and that he would be considered as an + objectionable character. That when the Federal troops came, they restored + peace and normal conditions; there was no rioting after that, there was no + fear on the part of the company when the Federal soldiers were here, + except fear of agitation. Asked if he guarded the camp against discussion, + against the espousal of the cause of the company, he replied, 'We didn't + encourage it.' The company would not encourage organisers to come into the + camp, no matter how peacefully they conducted themselves; that the company + did not permit men to come into the camp to discuss with the employés + certain principles, or to carry on arguments with them or to appeal to + their reason, or to discuss with them things along reasonable lines, + because it was known from experience that if they were allowed to come in + they would resort to threats of violence. They might not resort to any + violence at the time, but it might result in the people becoming + frightened and leaving, and they were anxious to hold their employés. He + was asked whether or not one had business there depended upon the decision + of the official in charge; he replied that the superintendent probably + would inquire of him what his business was. That any one that Farr asked + for a permit to enter the camp would likely get it.... + </p> + <p> + “There was but one attempt to hold a political meeting in the closed + precincts. Joseph Patterson, who attempted to hold this meeting, testifies + concerning it as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Was at a political meeting at Oakview. Had been a warm, personal friend + of Mr. Jones, the assistant superintendent of the Oakview mine, and had + written him a letter asking the courtesy of holding a political meeting. + On Saturday evening received a letter that he could hold such meeting. On + the day previous to the meeting witness received a 'phone message from the + assistant superintendent, in which the latter inquired whether witness was + coming up there to cause any trouble, and witness replied, certainly not, + and if the superintendent felt that way they would not come. Had advised + the superintendent that he and others were going to hold a political + meeting for the Democratic party. Jones, the superintendent, stated that + witness should come to the office that night before he went to the school + house for the purpose of the meeting; when witness arrived at the meeting + there were about six or eight English speaking people and a dozen to + fourteen Mexicans. The superintendent, Mr. Morgan, and Mr. Price, were + outside of the door most of the time. Witness noticed that the first few + fellows that came toward the school house, the superintendent stopped and + talked with them and they turned back to the camp. This happened several + times: as soon as they talked with Morgan they turned back. After he saw + that, witness went into the school house and said that it was no use to + hold any meeting; that it seemed that nobody was allowed to come. This + meeting was supposed to be in a public school house on the company + property. Had to get permission from the superintendent of the Oakview + mining Company to hold said political meeting.”.... + </p> + <p> + “It appears that the number of registered voters in the closed precincts + was very largely in excess of the number of votes cast, and this of itself + was sufficient to demand an open and fair investigation as to the + qualifications of the alleged voters. + </p> + <p> + “It appears from the testimony that in these closed precincts many of + those who voted were unable to speak or read the English language, and + that in numerous instances, the election judges assisted such, by marking + the ballots for them in violation of the law. Again, it appears that the + ballots were printed so that.... (The decision here goes on to explain in + detail a device whereby the ballot was so printed that voting could be + controlled with the help of a card device.) Thus such voters were not + choosing candidates, but, under the direction of the companies, were + simply placing the cross where they found the particular letter R on the + ballot, so that the ballot was not an expression of opinion or judgment, + not an intelligent exercise of suffrage, but plainly a dictated coal + company vote, as much so as if the agents of these companies had marked + the ballots without the intervention of the voter. No more fraudulent and + infamous prostitution of the ballot is conceivable.... + </p> + <p> + “Counsel contend that the closed precincts were an 'industrial necessity,' + and for such reason the conduct of the coal companies during the campaign + was justified. However such conduct may be viewed when confined to the + private property of such corporations in their private operation, the fact + remains that there is no justification when they were dealing with such + territory after it had been dedicated to a public use, and particularly + involving the right of the people to exercise their duties and powers as + electors in a popular government. + </p> + <p> + “The fact appears that the members of the board of county commissioners + and all other county officers were Republicans, and as stated by counsel + for the contestees, the success of the Republican candidates was + considered by the coal companies, vital to their interests. The close + relationship of the coal companies and the Republican officials and + candidates appears to have been so marked both before and during the + campaign, as to justify the conclusion that such officers regarded their + duty to the coal companies as paramount to their duty to the public + service. To say that the closed precincts were not so created to suit the + convenience and interests of these corporations, or that they were not so + formed with the advice and consent of these corporations, is to discredit + human intelligence, and to deny human experience. The plain purpose of the + formation of the new precincts was that the coal companies might have + opportunity to conduct and control the elections therein, just as such + elections were conducted. The irresistible conclusion is that these close + precincts were so formed by the county commissioners with the connivance + of the representatives of the coal companies, if not by their express + command. + </p> + <p> + “There can be no free, open and fair election as contemplated by the + constitution, where private industrial corporations so throttle public + opinion, deny the free exercise of choice by sovereign electors, dictate + and control all election officers, prohibit public discussion of public + questions, and imperially command what citizens may and what citizens may + not, peacefully and for lawful purposes, enter upon election or public + territory.... + </p> + <p> + “We find no such example of fraud within the books, and must seek the + letter and spirit of the law in a free government, as a scale in which to + weigh such conduct.... + </p> + <p> + “The denial of the right of peaceful assemblage, can have been for no + other purpose than to influence the election. There was no disturbance in + any of these precincts after they were created, up to the time of the + election, and up to the time of this trial. The Federal troops were + present at all times to preserve the peace and to protect life and + property. There was no reason to anticipate any disturbance. Therefore + this bold denial was an inexcusable and corrupt violation of the natural + and inalienable rights of the citizens. + </p> + <p> + “The defence relies not upon conflicting evidence, but upon the contention + that the conduct of the election was justified as an 'industrial + necessity.' + </p> + <p> + “We have heard much in this state in recent years as to the denial of + inherent and constitutional rights of citizens being justified by + 'military necessity,' but this we believe is the first time in our + experience when the violation of the fundamental rights of freemen has + been attempted to be justified by the plea of 'industrial necessity.' + </p> + <p> + “Even if we were to concede that there may be some palliation in the plea + of military necessity on the theory that such acts purport to be acts of + the government itself, through its military arm and with the purpose of + preserving the public peace and safety: yet that a private corporation, + with its privately armed forces, may violate the most sacred right of the + citizenship of the state and find lawful excuse in the plea of private + 'industrial necessity' savours too much of anarchy to find approval by + courts of justice. + </p> + <p> + “This case clearly comes within another exception to the rule, in that it + is plain that the findings were influenced by the bias and prejudice of + the trial judge. + </p> + <p> + “A careful reading of the record discloses the rejection by the court of + so much palpably pertinent and competent testimony offered by the + contestors, as to force the conclusion that the trial judge was influenced + by bias and prejudice, to the extent at least, charged in the application + for a change of venue, and sufficient in itself to justify a reversal of + judgment.... + </p> + <p> + “For the foregoing reasons the judgment of the court in each case before + us, is reversed, and the entire poll in the said precincts of Niggerhead, + Ravenwood, Walsen Mine, Oakview, Pryor, Rouse and Cameron is annulled, and + held for naught, and the election in each of said precincts is hereby set + aside. This leaves a substantial and unquestioned majority for each of the + contestors in the county, and which entitles each contestor to be declared + elected to the office for which he was a candidate. + </p> + <p> + “We find further, that J. B. Farr, the defendant in error, was not and is + not the duly elected sheriff of Huerfano county, and that E. L. Neelley, + the plaintiff in error, was and is the duly elected sheriff of said + county. It is therefore ordered that the said county, and that the said E. + L. Neelley, immediately and upon qualification as required by law, enter + and discharge the duties of the said office of sheriff of Huerfano + county....” + </p> + <p> + So much for the court opinion upon coal-camp politics. In relation + thereto, the writer has only one comment to offer. Let the reader not drop + the matter with the idea that because one set of corrupt officials have + been turned out of office in one American county, therefore justice has + been vindicated, and there is no longer need to be concerned about the + conditions portrayed in “King Coal.” The defeat of the “King of Huerfano + County” is but one step in a long road which the miners of Colorado have + to travel if ever they are to be free men. The industrial power of the + great corporations remains untouched by this decision; and this power is + greater than any political power ever wielded by the government of + Huerfano County, or even of the state of Colorado. This industrial power + is a deep, far-spreading root; and so long as it is allowed to thrive, it + will send up again and again the poisonous plant of political “malconduct, + fraud and corruption.” The citizens and workers of such industrial + communities, whether in Colorado, in West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan or + Minnesota, in the Chicago stock-yards, the steel-mills of Pittsburg, the + woollen-mills of Lawrence or the silk-mills of Paterson, will find that + they have neither peace nor freedom, until they have abolished the system + of production for profit, and established in the field of industry what + they are supposed to have already in the field of politics—a + government of the people, by the people, for the people. + </p> + <p> + NOTE: On the day that the author finished the reading of the proofs of + “King Coal,” the following item appeared in his daily newspaper: + </p> + <h3> + COLORADO MINE WORKERS ASK LEAVE TO STRIKE + </h3> + <h3> + [BY A. P. NIGHT WIRE] + </h3> + <p> + DENVER (Colo.), June 14.—Officers of the United Mine Workers + representing members of that organisation employed by the Colorado Fuel + and Iron Company, have telegraphed their national officers asking + permission to strike. + </p> + <p> + At the morning session a resolution was adopted expressing disapprobation + of the action of J. F. Welborn, president of the fuel company, for failure + to attend the meeting, which was a part of the “peace programme” to + prevent industrial differences in the State during the war. + </p> + <p> + The grievances of the men, according to John McLennan, spokesman for them, + centre about the operation of the so-called “Rockefeller plan” at the + mines. McLennan said the failure of Mr. Welborn to attend the meeting and + discuss these grievances with the men precipitated the strike agitation. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br><br><br><br><br><br> + </div> + + + + + + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KING COAL ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +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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