for honest money, John Sibley, you and I, and the hundreds of thousands of workmen throughout the country, are giving counterfeit labor. The union restricts our output, and we let them get away with it when we know it's all wrong."

"Where would we be today without the union?" Sibley demanded.

"Still under the heel of the employer," Richard acknowledged frankly. "Don't think for a minute that I'm talking against labor unionism. Without organization the working-man would never have secured what belongs to him. What I'm objecting to, is the use made by the leaders of the union today of the power which has come to them, . . assuming the same arrogant and unfair attitude toward the employers which they properly complained of when the boot was on the other leg. I'm working for fair play, John, on both sides. Most employers have learned their lesson, and realize that it is for their interest to play the game with their men; the union hasn't learned the lesson yet. The war gave labor unexpected power, and the leaders are still intoxicated by its fumes. It's for you and for me, John, and for the thousands of other ex-service men who have had their eyes opened and their vision broadened, to sober these topers up, to put aside our suspicions, to demand our rights but to acknowledge the rights of others, to meet the employers half-way, to stop bickering and work, work, work, so that America's production may keep pace with Germany's. In that way we can prevent the Huns from getting a commercial strangle-hold on the world and on us. We can't revo

lutionize the universe or even our own country; but we can make a start right here in Norcross if men like you will back me up. Will you do it, John?"

"I sure will!" Sibley declared, affected by Richard's magnetism; and from that moment the new movement had no stronger ally.

CHAPTER XXXIII

S

I

PRING came reluctantly to Norcross that year.

Even Nature seemed to feel the strain which the

town had endured, and dragged itself along with slow-functioning footsteps which denote fatigue. Nothing could settle down into a routine until the untoward events which had shocked the usual tranquility of the community had completed their circles and passed into history.

The strike was now only a memory, for the Norton plant was running smoothly, with Richard's innovations fully installed and under critical observation. Thus far, the new system of co-operation between the management and the men gave promise of success in spite of individual opposition on the part of the radicals, who still fought to retain their former prestige and power, now waning. The trial of William Treadway revived the excitement occasioned by the tragedy; but with his conviction this circle completed itself, and Spring and the town of Norcross were eager to forget the past, to enter into full enjoyment of the present, and to look with confidence into the future.

But when at last the snow-drops and the crocuses de

ness.

lighted Barry's heart by breaking through the dull earth, Nature seemed inclined to atone for her tardiThe hyacinths and the daffodils followed fast, and the early summer flowers were not far behind. The spirit in the air was contagious. Richard's doubts and apprehensions faded away, and were replaced by assured confidence that his vision was not illusive. William Stewart found tremendous satisfaction in the fruits of his new activities, discovering the greater joy of having his books the means rather than the end, of turning dreams into realities. The workmen came to speak of the Norton Manufacturing Company as "our" business, and took unlimited pride in their individual contributions to its success. Richard Norton, to be sure, was now General Manager, but there was no "boss," and the responsibility for success or failure was so broadly distributed that the workers were entitled to their self-conceit.

II

To Lola, the late coming of Spring was a relief, for she had not yet found herself. Her happiness in the accumulative success at the works should perhaps have been sufficient to enable her to join in the chorus of optimism; but with the gratification she felt in Richard's triumph was coupled an over-powering sense of his personal responsibility to this factory-girl, who by now had completely won her heart. Lola had accepted his judgment regarding their own marriage, but since her visit with Olga she had troublesome questionings as to whether he had assumed more than his

proper prerogative in deciding the situation for all three. Olga and she had rights as well as Richard.

Lola was more and more drawn to the girl as she learned to know her better. The fiery, unmanageable temper came under control as a result of chastening experiences, and the "Stewart lady" admitted frankly to herself, if to no one else, that if Richard really intended to devote his life to his announced project, what Olga lacked in education and social finish was at least offset by her personal attractiveness, her unwavering loyalty, and her knowledge of the class he wished to reach.

Olga had never accepted Richard's dictum that marriage would interfere in any way with the life-work he had laid out for himself; Lola accepted it blindly. Now she believed that Olga was right, and that Richard had exaggerated the necessity. She wondered if perhaps the thought of personal sacrifice had not overappealed to him. Seized by the idea, it would be natural for him to feel that complete consecration to the cause demanded the voluntary contribution of his entire personality. Greater men that Richard Norton had taken unlimited satisfaction in the mere fact of their martyrdom! She did not question his sincerity, but she began to form her own opinions, and these proved to be at variance with his.

III

At last Lola could keep her thoughts to herself no longer. Some one must bring Richard to an understanding, and it was on her that the duty obviously