of current drama, through a carefully guarded secret arrangement with the critic of the “Evening News.”  About this time a famous star, opening a three days’ engagement, got into difficulties with the scene-shifters’ union over an unjust demand for extra payment, refused to be blackmailed, and canceled the second performance.  One paper only gave the facts, and that was the “Clarion,” generally regarded as the defender and mouthpiece of the laboring as against the capitalistic interests.  Great was the wrath of the unions.  Boycott was threatened; even a strike in the office.  In response, the editorial page announced briefly that its policy of giving the news accurately and commenting upon it freely exempted no man or organization.  The trouble soon died out, but, while making new enemies amongst the rabid organization men, strengthened the “Clarion’s” growing repute for independence.  One of the most violent objectors was Max Veltman, whose protest, delivered to Hal and McGuire Ellis, was so vehement that he was advised curtly and emphatically to confine his activities and opinions to his own department.

“Look out for that fellow,” advised Ellis, as the foreman went away fuming.  “He hates you.”

“Only his fanaticism,” said Hal.

“More than that.  It’s personal.  I think,” added the associate editor after some hesitancy, “it’s ‘Kitty the Cutie.’  He’s jealous, Hal.  And I think he’s right.  That girl’s getting too much interested in you.”

Hal flushed sharply.  “Nonsense!” he said, and the subject lapsed.

Meantime the manager of the Ralston Opera House, where the labor trouble had occurred, made tentative proffer of peace in the form of sending in the theater advertising again.  Hal promptly refused to accept it, by way of an object-lesson, despite the almost tearful protest of his own business office.  This blow almost killed Shearson.

In fact, the unfortunate advertising manager now lived in an atmosphere of Stygian gloom.  Two of the most extensive purchasers of newspaper space, the Boston Store and the Triangle Store, had canceled their contracts immediately after the attack on the Pierces, through a “joker” clause inserted to afford such an opportunity.  All the other department stores threatened to follow suit when the “Clarion” took up the cause of the Consumers’ League.

Mrs. Festus Willard was president of the organization, which had been practically moribund since its inception, for the sufficient reason that no mention of its activities, designs, or purposed reforms could gain admission to any newspaper in Worthington.  The Retail Union saw to that through its all-potent Publication Committee.  Perceiving the crescent emancipation of the “Clarion,” Mrs. Willard, after due consultation with her husband, appealed to Hal.  Would he help the League to obtain certain reforms?  Specifically, seats for shopgirls, and extra pay for extra work, as during Old Home Week,