mes Ingram, to whom Harris was so largely
indebted for the initial and practical knowledge of successfully
manufacturing steel rails was uppermost in Reuben Harris's mind as
the express hurried him back to Harrisville.

CHAPTER IX

CAPITAL AND LABOR IN CONFERENCE

Colonel Harris's awakened conscience was considering seriously the
question, "How can I right this wrong done to Ingram?" when the Express
stopped at a station thirty miles out of Harrisville, and into his car
came the son of James Ingram, George Ingram who was now superintendent of
the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co.'s plant. Somebody, perhaps Gertrude, had
telegraphed from Buffalo to the superintendent to tell him on which train
Colonel Harris expected to return.

George Ingram was visibly affected as he took the proffered hand of
Reuben Harris, and inquired about his health and the whereabouts and
welfare of his family. Harris implored young Ingram to tell him all about
the strike, its latest phases, and what the municipal authorities were
doing for the protection of his property. George Ingram gave him a brief
history of the troubles up to the time of his leaving Harrisville. He
told how the manager aided by the company's general counsel, Mr. Webster,
had used every possible argument with the workingmen's committee; that a
statement even had been submitted, showing that very small or practically
no profits had resulted from recent contracts, which were now being
completed by the company. The effort to arrive at a satisfactory
adjustment with the employees was thus far absolutely fruitless. Since
daylight the four thousand men had been parading the streets with music
and clubs, forcing employees of other establishments to quit work, and
threatening to destroy the steel plant.

The color in Colonel Harris's face came and went as he listened, showing
a white heat of indignation. Ingram sat facing his employer, watching the
emotions of a strong man, and not then daring to offer any suggestion,
for he felt strongly in behalf of the employees, who always looked upon
him as their friend.

Colonel Harris was a man of powerful build, wide forehead, overhanging
brows, broad chest and shoulders, short thick neck, and strong arms
developed at the anvil. His superintendent from boyhood had studied him,
but never before had he seen the lion in his employer so aroused.

Arriving at Harrisville the wealthy iron-master, accompanied by his
superintendent, stepp