Corporal Manning made the motion, it was duly seconded, and the meeting was adjourned. But the controversy was not thereby ended, nor was Captain Murray’s task made easier. He debated the matter in his own mind for twenty-four hours, and on the second day following the company meeting he went to the office of Mr. Barriscale at the mills, and was at once admitted into the big man’s presence. But before he could make known his errand the mill-owner, apparently anticipating it, began:
“I have been expecting you, Captain. I think I know your errand. Perhaps you will now agree with me that the proper way would have been for you yourself to have accepted my gift on the start. It is very easy for one or two malcontents to make serious trouble when a matter like this is left to a popular vote.”
“I may have made a mistake, Mr. Barriscale,” replied the captain, “but I feel that it would have been just as serious a mistake for me to have decided the matter on the start. I feel that it will be an extremely serious and delicate task for any one to decide the matter in the present temper of the men of my company; and I have come to ask you to relieve me from this embarrassing situation.”
“How can I relieve you, Captain?”
“By withdrawing your offer, or permitting it to be held in abeyance until the storm blows over.”
Mr. Barriscale did not at once reply. Whether he was considering a course of action, or whether he had already made up his mind, could not be readily discovered. He knew of the incident at the company meeting. His son had told him of it in great detail. He knew also of the opposition that existed, both inside and outside the company, to the acceptance of the gift. He himself felt that, under the circumstances, it might be wise not to force the issue. To force it might easily result in his further humiliation. To permit the matter to be held up, as a favor to the company commander, could but redound to his credit. His course of action was therefore plain.
“Captain Murray,” he said at last, and he spoke with great impressiveness; “it is far from me to add to the problems which must constantly perplex you, and I do not see how, in justice to you, I can do otherwise than accede to your request. The matter may be held in abeyance for an indefinite period.”
The captain gave a sigh of relief, and held out his hand in gratitude.
“But,” added Mr. Barriscale, clinging to his visitor’s hand, “I must be permitted to express my surprise and dismay, that there should be in your company young men so ignorant, so prejudiced, so saturated with anti-government fallacies, as to oppose a gift like this from me because I chance to have some wealth and to be at the head of a prosperous corporation.”
The captain answered lightly: