Publisher's Synopsis
From the introductory chapter.
TOUCHING an electric push button, connected with the mahogany desk before which he was sitting, Lyman Roberts, General Manager of the Great Interurban Transportation Co., called into his presence, Jim Lytle, his Superintendent.
Pushing back from his desk, and leisurely puffing his cigar, he said, "Lytle, I've a rather disagreeable duty to perform, and it's one which I've concluded to delegate to you. It refers to Ned Campbell, foreman of the operating department. As a first step, by way of retrenchment and a reduction of operating expenses, the Board of Directors have concluded that we will have to dispense with Campbell's services, and the order is to go into effect Saturday night."
"I'm very sorry to hear this Mr. Roberts, said Lytle, not only because Campbell is the best foreman that we have ever had, but because he has been with us ever since the merger with the South Side Co., in '85, and is a most efficient and careful man. He is well liked by the men under him, and his every thought seems to be at all times for the interests 'of the Company."
"Yes, I know, Lytle, and it is for the reasons that you suggest, that the task is a hard one, and why I have placed its performance upon your shoulders. If I could have my way about it, Campbell 's name would never be dropped from our pay rolls. However, an order has issued from the President, to the effect that expense must be cut in that Department and as Ned is the highest priced man, the Board have concluded that he is the one to get the "blue envelope." That it will be a rather poor Christmas present to hand a man who has been so faithful to our interests for so many years, goes without saying. He is booked to go however, and I wish you to notify him.
Very well, Mr. Roberts. It is a very undesirable task which you have imposed, and I would gladly give a month's salary from my own pocket if Campbell might be retained. It is hard to be let out at this time of the year, and in this case it is doubly so, by reason of the fact that Ned's wife has not as yet fully recovered from her recent illness. His bank account has been badly depleted by the payment of Doctor's bills, and the suspension of his earning power at this time, and under these conditions, is a matter much to be regretted.
