IT CHAPTER IV T was the Fourth of July in the year 1913. In accordance with the law of precedent and of patriotism every town and city in the United States should have had a public celebration of the day. But Fairweather was to have none. With the exception of a flag-raising on the plaza in front of the Barriscale mills the national anniversary was to go entirely unrecognized in the town so far as any public demonstration was concerned. But the flagraising in itself was to be no inconsiderable event. Through the liberality of certain public-spirited citizens, principally gentlemen belonging to the Barriscale Manufacturing Company, a tall and beautifully tapering staff had been erected, capped with a gilded ball, and a handsome American flag had been procured and was ready to be drawn aloft. It was a rare July day. The air was fresh and clear, the sky was cloudless, the heat was not oppressive. The exercises were to take place at three o'clock, and it now wanted twenty minutes of that hour, but people were already beginning to come. They were strolling lazily down the four streets that led into the plaza, standing expectantly at the corners, hug ging the shade of the big mill building on the west. On the southerly curb, talking with each other, stood Halpert McCormack and Ben Barriscale. They had both reached the age of eighteen years. The one straight, slender and fair-haired, was telling the other that he had obtained employment in the Citizens' Bank and was to begin work there the following day. The career thus to be begun was not the one that had been planned for him. He was to have gone to college and then into one of the learned professions. But the death of his father soon after his own graduation from a preparatory school made it necessary to change the plans for his future, and he was to go into business instead. "It's too bad," said Ben, " that you had to cut out your college course. You should have been a professor of something or other, you're so chock full of wisdom. What was it the boys used to call you? Socrates?" "I believe so." "And you were going to set the world right; weren't you?" 66 Well, I thought there were some things in the world that needed to be set right; I still think so." "For instance?" "For instance, the unequal distribution of wealth." 66 Oh, every one can't be rich. Who'd do the world's work?" "No, every one can't be rich, that's true. But if things were properly adjusted every one would have plenty, and there would be no poverty." "That's some of your socialistic nonsense, Hal. I've got a right to be rich if I can get the money honestly. And I'm going to be rich, too, if hard work will get me there." "Ah, but you're Benjamin Barriscale's son. And your father is a millionaire. And you've got a chance that no other fellow in this town has. That's what I'm finding fault with. Opportunity should be equal for all of us. And when things are set right it will be." How much longer this sociological discussion would have continued had it not been interrupted is uncertain. But it was interrupted. An automobile drew up to the curb, and in it was seated Miss Sarah Halpert, alone save for the driver of the car. Her appearance and manner indicated that she was a woman of some importance in the community. She was appropriately gowned, attractive in looks, and under the brim of her flower-bedecked hat her abundant hair showed becomingly gray. The fairhaired boy greeted her cordially as Aunt Sarah, the dark and stocky one with due courtesy, as Miss Halpert. "I suppose you boys are here to see the flag raising," she said. "I'm sorry I can't stay for it. I like the idea tremendously." She turned to face the dark-haired boy and continued: "I'm not a great admirer of your father, Ben, everybody knows that. But I certainly commend him for heading the movement to put this flag here. Parades and speeches are all right enough in their way; but when it comes to inspiring genuine patriotism, give me the sight of Old Glory' waving in the breeze every time.' "Yes," answered Ben, "there are so many persons of foreign birth working in the mills that father thought the sight of the flag every day would be a constant reminder to them of the duty they owe this government, and the necessity they are under of obeying its laws." Good idea!" exclaimed the lady. "Don't you think so, Hal?" turning to the fair-haired boy. "I suppose so,” replied Hal, " provided the government is so conducted as to command their obedience and respect.' 66 Well, isn't it?" she asked sharply. "Oh, I think there are some things that might be changed for the better." "What are they, I'd like to know? No, you needn't tell me. It's just some of your high-brow notions about the social order and that sort of thing, and I don't want to hear them. What business has a boy of your age, anyway, befogging his brains over economic problems? Studying baseball scores is a vastly better business for young fellows like you." The music of an approaching band had grown more distinct, and a procession could be seen coming down the main street toward the plaza. The procession consisted of town officials, speakers of the day, committeemen, prominent citizens, a group of young girls dressed in white, and the local company of state militia. Miss Sarah Halpert stood up in her automobile to watch the soldiers as they marched by. Dressed in khaki, arms at a rightshoulder, straight and sturdy, obeying commands with the precision of veterans, they certainly formed a pleasing and inspiring sight. The woman clapped her hands vigorously in approval, her eyes sparkled, and a flush came into her cheeks. Splendid!" she cried. "There's young manhood for you!" She turned toward the fair-haired youth. "Halpert McCormack," she exclaimed, " you ought to be in that company this minute. A boy whose father was captain of it for ten years has no right to be outside of it." "I've been thinking about joining," responded Hal. “I'm eighteen now, and I suppose I could get in. I think father would have liked me to be a member." "Of course he would. You must apply for ad |