Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

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They did not think best to enlighten him at that time. It was better for

him to think the girl unfeeling than to know the truth.

"I'm going to see Mr. Marshall," said Kenneth, "and discover what I can

do to assist you."

"Thank you, sir. It won't be much, but I'm grateful to find a friend.

I'm guilty, you know, and there's no one to blame but myself."

They left him then, for the jailer arrived to unlock the door, and

escort them to the office.

"Tom's a very decent lad," remarked the jailer, on the way. "He ain't a

natural criminal, you know; just one o' them that gives in to temptation

and is foolish enough to get caught. I've seen lots of that kind in my

day. You don't smoke, do you, Mr. Forbes?"

"No, Mr. Markham."

"Then don't begin it; or, if you do, never try to quit. It's--it's

_awful_, it is. And it ruins a man's disposition."

The mill was at the outskirts of the town. It was a busy place, perhaps

the busiest in the whole of the Eighth District, and in it were employed

a large number of men. The office was a small brick edifice, separated

from the main buildings, in which the noise of machinery was so great

that one speaking could scarcely be heard. The manager was in, Kenneth

and Beth learned, but could not see them until he had signed the letters

he had dictated for the noon mail.

So they sat on a bench until a summons came to admit them to Mr.

Marshall's private office.

He looked up rather ungraciously, but motioned them to be seated.

"Mr. Forbes, of Elmhurst?" he asked, glancing at the card Kenneth had

sent in.

"Yes, sir."

"I've been bothered already over your election campaign," resumed the

manager, arranging his papers in a bored manner. "Some girl has been

here twice to interview my men and I have refused to admit her. You may

as well understand, sir, that I stand for the Democratic candidate, and

have no sympathy with your side."

"That doesn't interest me, especially, sir," answered Kenneth, smiling.

"I'm not electioneering just now. I've come to talk with you about young

Gates.

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