\; 
 
 
 Do you know him ?' said Alfred, sharply."— Page 213. 
 
RED CARL 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN 
 
 J. J. MESSMER 
 
 BY 
 
 MARY E. IRELAND 
 
 NEW YORK 
 THOMAS Y. CROWELL & CO. 
 
 46 East Fourteenth Street 
 
'RESERVATION 
 :OPY ADDED 
 
 Copyright, 1888, by 
 Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. 
 

 TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 This story, which was originally written in 
 German, and published by Messrs. Walden & 
 Stowe, of Cincinnati, under the title Im Stfvm 
 der Zeit^ or " The Tide of Time," contains so 
 much sound teaching in regard to the Labor 
 Question, Socialism, and Temperance, that it 
 seemed well worth putting into English, in 
 order that it might reach a still wider circle of 
 readers. 
 
 The author has so clearly set forth some of 
 the evils connected with these questions ; he 
 has related his story — which by the way is 
 founded upon fact — so dramatically and at the 
 same time, in such a wholesome, simple style, 
 the thoughts conveyed are so sound and noble, 
 sweet and religious, that it cannot fail to have a 
 deep influence for good. 
 
 The description of the fortunes of the Neu- 
 mann family illustrates anew the importance of 
 right training for the young : it is a type of 
 hosts of noble men, women, and children, who 
 have come from the German Fatherland, to 
 3 
 
 ivi528458 
 
4 
 
 TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 enrich and benefit the land of their adoption. 
 Each character is alive, and the respect that is 
 aroused by the sterling qualities of Herr Neu- 
 mann is equalled by the love inspired by his 
 daughter, the beautiful Trina, v^ho is one of the 
 sweetest creations of recent fiction. Not less 
 admirable is the genuinely religious spirit of the 
 good nurse, Frau Schlegel. 
 
 The description of the strike, and the keen 
 analysis of men's motives, as displayed in meet- 
 ing and council, rank the author, who is pastor 
 of a German church in Baltimore, as a worthy 
 descendant of Jeremias Gotthelf, the Swiss 
 classic. 
 
 The more exciting scenes of the story are 
 well balanced by the views of the charming 
 domestic life of these German colonists. 
 
 The scenes are laid, for the most part, in a 
 New England manufacturing town, but here 
 again variety is afforded by the migration of 
 part of the family to the far West. 
 
 It would be difficult to find a healthier, more 
 stimulating, and more suggestive story, to put 
 into the hands of the young. 
 
 MARY E. IRELAND, 
 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. PAGE 
 
 I. Happy Home-Life 7 
 
 II. The Excursion 27 
 
 III. Red Carl 45 
 
 IV. A Secret Leader 63 
 
 V. Jealousy 80 
 
 VI. Aunt Schlegel's Advice 100 
 
 VII. A Pleasant Surprise 116 
 
 VIII. Proposing a Strike 138 
 
 IX. The Strike Begun 158 
 
 X. Holding Out on Principle 183 
 
 XI. The Explosion 204 
 
 XII. The Confession 223 
 
 XIII. The Tragedy 244 
 
 XIV. Prairie Life 264 
 
 XV. A Charming Outlook 286 
 
RED CARL 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 " Hurry, Trina, hurry ! The whistle has 
 sounded ; father and the boys will soon be 
 here ; is supper nearly ready ? " 
 
 These words, spoken in a clear, cheerful voice, 
 proceeded from a thick cluster of bean vines in 
 a corner of the garden near the dwelling. 
 
 They were scarcely uttered when the neat 
 form of a young girl appeared in the doorway, 
 her flushed cheeks showing that she had been 
 in close proximity to the stove. 
 
 " Supper is nearly ready, mother ; the pota- 
 toes are almost done, the salad is made, I am 
 setting the table, and by the time father comes, 
 the ham will be ready to carve. You had better 
 come in now, for we can eat as soon as they 
 come." 
 
 ** I will, child, as soon as I finish picking the 
 few beans that remain on this vine." 
 
 Trina went back to her work, and, a mo- 
 7 
 
8 RED CARL. 
 
 ment after, the mother walked briskly up the 
 clean gravel path, bearing a large platter of 
 beans. She was a healthy, fine-looking woman, 
 her ruddy complexion giving evidence of plenty 
 of exercise in the open air. Her rich, light- 
 brown hair was braided and coiled in a thick 
 mass at the back of her head, and her clear blue 
 eyes betokened a cheerful outlook upon the 
 world and all it contained. The sleeve of her 
 print dress was rolled above her elbow, disclos- 
 ing the firm, round arm ; and upon her feet were 
 substantial wooden shoes. 
 
 Although her countenance was that of one at 
 peace with herself and with her fellow-crea- 
 tures, there was a shade of pensiveness upon it 
 which did not render it less attractive. 
 
 She placed the platter upon the bench by the 
 door, and having carefully wiped the earth from 
 her shoes, went into a shed back of the house 
 where she removed them and put on a pair made 
 of leather, then went to the kitchen — also used 
 as a dining-room — and threw a searching glance 
 around. 
 
 She apparently found all to her liking, for she 
 smiled approvingly at her daughter who was 
 busily engaged placing the supper upon the 
 table. She gave some directions with which 
 Trina quickly complied, then put the finishing 
 touches to the meal while the young girl sat 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. g 
 
 down in a low rocking-chair, and cast a satisfied 
 glance about her. 
 
 Although there was a strong resemblance 
 between them, Trina was far prettier than her 
 mother could have been, even when as young as 
 she. Tall and beautifully formed, with clear, 
 deep blue eyes, which had a roguish twinkle and 
 a keen appreciation for all beautiful things in 
 life, Trina was one upon whom it was a pleasure 
 to look. Her golden hair formed a coronet up- 
 on her shapely head, and her simple home attire 
 showed to advantage the perfect symmetry of 
 her form. Her hands, though not strangers to 
 work, were small and well-formed, and her man- 
 ner had the easy grace and vivacity of one un- 
 conscious of her beauty. 
 
 " It is so nice that we have had the kitchen 
 fixed, mother," said she ; ** it looks so much 
 better, and it is really a pleasure to keep it in 
 order." 
 
 The mother responded with a nod and a satis- 
 fied smile. 
 
 Without much pretension, the room was in- 
 deed pretty and comfortable. The walls and 
 ceiling were newly painted, the floor was cov- 
 ered with a new oilcloth, pictures adorned the 
 spaces between doors and windows, and upon 
 the brightly polished stove was the new tin cof- 
 fee pot, and the smoking viands for the evening 
 
lO RED CARL. 
 
 meal. The table, with its coarse but snow-white 
 cloth, was a picture of neatness and order. 
 
 It was evident that Frau Neumann was well 
 acquainted with the manner of living among the 
 better classes of Germany, as in truth she was, 
 having lived at service for a long time in a cul- 
 tivated family. 
 
 In the streets could be seen groups of work- 
 men, men and boys with tin pails, and young 
 girls with baskets, all returning to their homes. 
 
 A clear whistle called Trina quickly to the 
 door, for she knew it was the signal used by her 
 brother Johannes, to announce his arrival, to- 
 gether with that of the others, who were not far 
 behind him. 
 
 Soon all made their appearance from around 
 the corner. The father, a tall, robust man, 
 with beard and hair already tinged with gray, 
 gave his daughter a pleasant smile ; the brothers 
 had a jesting word for her, and the sisters 
 greeted her with a kiss. 
 
 " Hurrah ! " cried Johannes, ** I smell some- 
 thing good, and I am glad of it, for I am as 
 hungry as a wolf. Is supper ready } " 
 
 " Ready } Oh you greedy boy ! well go and 
 wash, and fix up as you always do, and you can 
 sit right down to the table." 
 
 Johannes would have preferred omitting the 
 time-honored custom, but Trina was firm, so 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 II 
 
 while his sisters passed into the sleeping-room 
 to arrange their hair, he went with the men to 
 the shed back of the kitchen, where he washed 
 his face and hands in pure cold water, and a 
 few moments after, clean and refreshed, they 
 sat down to the plentiful and well-prepared 
 viands. % 
 
 A workingman's meal at the conclusion of his 
 day's labor, is naturally divided into two periods. 
 He is not hurried, he can enjoy it at his leisure, 
 which is not the case with the meals which 
 preceded it. At supper, his day's work being 
 done, he can concentrate his thoughts upon the 
 food before him, and the first period is one of 
 comparative silence, being restricted mainly to 
 monosyllables and questions. When the keen- 
 ness of his appetite is somewhat appeased, he 
 begins to take interest in the topics of the day, 
 discussions upon family matters and interests 
 are entered into, and the laugh and jest is, or 
 should be, circulated freely. Thus it was with 
 the Neumann family, who were healthy, happy, 
 and cheerful, much attached to each other and 
 to their home. 
 
 They were from Westphalia, where Father 
 Neumann had a good position in a cloth cap 
 manufactory. But sickness in the family, a rise 
 in the price of provisions, and many other ex- 
 penses caused him anxiety for the welfare of his 
 
12 RED CARL. 
 
 large family of growing children, and he eagerly 
 looked about him for ways and means to better 
 his fortunes. 
 
 Just at that time he received a letter from a 
 friend who had settled in America, and was 
 doing so well, that he advised Herr Neumann 
 to#leave Westphalia, and come to a country 
 where he would, without doubt, receive better 
 wages for his work, and have the opportunity of 
 getting his sons into business. 
 
 The subject was agitated in the family, and 
 all the arguments for and against the movement 
 discussed. They considered that by the sale of 
 such household articles and other things as they 
 could spare, they would have means to enable 
 them to make the journey, and have something 
 left to commence housekeeping in their new 
 home. 
 
 So with cheerful hearts, they took leave of 
 friends and acquaintances, and set sail upon the 
 broad ocean ; and after a safe voyage reached 
 New York, and again took passage on the 
 waters of Long Island Sound for Bridethorp, 
 where their friend resided. 
 
 As he had told them, they found that a com- 
 petent workman like Father Neumann had no 
 difficulty in obtaining employment. 
 
 Five years had now passed away since their 
 arrival, and they had become so identified with 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 n 
 
 their new home, that it almost seemed to them 
 that they had always lived there. 
 
 It was true, that like most immigrants, the 
 first years were full of hardships, and they found 
 they could save nothing. They found also that 
 their friend was not to be depended upon, being 
 under the dominion of strong drink. Had it 
 not been thus, Herr Neumann would have pre- 
 ferred his society to that of any other, but he 
 was temperate himself, and could not associate 
 with those who were not. Nothing could have 
 tempted him to lead the miserable life of poor 
 Bernau, and finding his words had no influence 
 over him, considered it best, much to his regret, 
 to hold himself aloof from him. 
 
 With skilled knowledge of his business and 
 diligent hands, it was not long before Herr 
 Neumann had an assured position in the manu- 
 factory, and had also the opportunity of getting 
 lucrative employment for his sons and daugh- 
 ters. While Trina remained at home to help 
 her mother, the others went to the factory, and 
 in happy and united family life the time passed 
 on. 
 
 At length an association was formed among 
 the workmen with the object of bringing it 
 within the reach of all to possess a home, and 
 the Neumann family joined heartily in the 
 scheme. 
 
H 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 A considerable portion of land was purchased 
 by the society and divided into different sized 
 lots, and each man was provided with capital to 
 build a simple but comfortable dwelling. 
 
 The workmen were expected to pay a propor- 
 tional sum as first payment, and the rest of the 
 purchase money to lay upon longer time. After 
 a certain sum of the purchase money was paid, 
 the title for the property was given. 
 
 In order to lighten the burden of this last 
 payment, the workmen formed among themselves 
 building societies ; which, through monthly pay- 
 ments, enabled each member to raise the desired 
 sum when due, and then the property was his 
 own. 
 
 The Neumann family had a claim upon a very 
 desirable property, in a section which, from 
 year to year, would increase in value. 
 
 Their dwelling, built for two families, was 
 of two stories ; roomy and convenient, and had 
 a large garden. It was now two years since 
 they had taken possession ; they held receipts 
 for the payments which they had promptly 
 made, and the time was not far distant when 
 they would have a title which would give them 
 undisputed right to the property. 
 
 Every member of the family took pride and 
 pleasure in their home, and considered plans for 
 beautifying it. The father and sons kept the 
 
HAPPV kOME LIFE. 
 
 is 
 
 building in perfect condition, and the mother 
 and her daughters kept the garden in order, ex- 
 cept when the work required was beyond their 
 strength ; then the father or sons assisted. 
 
 They were well repaid for the attention be- 
 stowed upon it, for, beside an abundance of the 
 best of vegetables, their eyes were feasted upon 
 flowers of every hue, and their garden was a 
 spot where every member of the family delighted 
 to spend leisure moments. 
 
 Yet, with all their zeal to secure a home, the 
 family were too wise to let it overshadow all 
 pleasure in their daily life. 
 
 Their manner of living was plain, but sub- 
 stantial and comfortable ; their clothing respect- 
 able, and they had all the conveniences which 
 were necessary, enjoyed healthful recreations, 
 and never deprived themselves of the literature 
 of the day. 
 
 The religious belief of the family was that of 
 the average German ; the children, as is cus- 
 tomary, had received religious instruction, and 
 had been confirmed. 
 
 They attended the different services of the 
 church ; sometimes partook of the holy com- 
 munion, but that it was a duty incumbent upon 
 them was a thought to which they had given 
 little heed. 
 
 The Lord's day was frequently spent in pleas- 
 
1 6 ^^D CARL. 
 
 ure ; their aims were for earthly good, and they 
 scarcely realized the need of laying up treasures 
 in Heaven. 
 
 Though trusting to their rectitude and moral- 
 ity, they yet had many calls to a more spiritual 
 life. The strict observance of the Sabbath 
 among their American neighbors was a surprise, 
 and the unremitting attention to the means of 
 grace was a subject for reflection. 
 
 But while they noticed and thought of these 
 things, they considered that every country had 
 its own manners and customs, therefore attri- 
 buted much of the devotion to this cause. 
 
 But there was one German neighbor whose 
 godly life they could not attribute merely to ad- 
 herence to the customs of the land of her adop- 
 tion. Mother Schlegel was one of the widows 
 of whom Paul wrote to Timothy, — " Now that 
 she is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in 
 God, and continueth in supplications and prayers 
 night and day." 
 
 Mother Schlegel's occupation was that of a 
 nurse for invalids, and she was therefore much 
 from home. Her goodness and usefulness had, 
 in spite of her unobtrusive ways, made her well 
 known in the neighborhood ; and, after the Neu- 
 manns had moved into their new home, she had 
 rendered them many services which had en- 
 deared her to them. Her knowledge of reme- 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 17 
 
 dies for little ailments had given them confi- 
 dence in her judgment, and she was at all times 
 a welcome guest. 
 
 While she let her light shine and by her good 
 works glorified her Father in Heaven, she also 
 praised him in words when opportunity was 
 given her. Her admonitions to young people 
 were given with such hearty interest in their 
 well-being, and her advice to elderly ones with 
 such humility and discretion, that neither young 
 nor old could take offence, and Herr Neumann 
 often declared that she was doctor and pastor, 
 both in one. 
 
 The father had finished his supper, had pushed 
 his plate aside, leaned comfortably back in his 
 chair, and glanced at his wife, who appeared lost 
 in thought. 
 
 "What is the trouble, mother.-*" inquired he, 
 "you look as though you had something upon 
 your mind." 
 
 " Oh," replied she, rousing from her abstrac- 
 tion, "nothing that really concerns us, but I 
 cannot help thinking of the Bernau's ; they are 
 in trouble. Frau Bernau was here to-day, and 
 wept bitterly. She says there is every danger 
 that they will lose their property, for they have 
 not been able to make the last two payments, 
 and the agent said that if it were not paid soon 
 the association would have to take back the 
 
Ig RED CARL. 
 
 property, because it could not give such long 
 credit. He advised her to allow the place to 
 be sold, that she might at least save what had 
 been paid upon it." 
 
 *' I am truly sorry for that, " replied Herr 
 Neumann. ** That man really worries me. If 
 it were not for his miserable habit of indulging 
 in strong drink, all would be well. His family 
 do the best they can, and if he would do right 
 they could pay for their place as well as we are 
 doing ; but his money goes into the hands of 
 the saloon-keeper who will take it and not thank 
 him." 
 
 ** It is a shame for the saloon-keeper to take 
 all his money," said Trina, indignantly. 
 
 " You are right, my child," replied her father, 
 " but people must look out for themselves. 
 The innkeeper does not consider it his business 
 to teach the people morals. The more they 
 buy, the better he is pleased. They who are 
 wise will remain away." 
 
 "But that is what Bernau cannot do, it 
 seems," remarked Johannes. *'When he sees 
 through the window the bloated Gambrinas, with 
 his red nose, raise a glass to his lips, he cannot 
 withstand the temptation to go in. I think our 
 temperance societies, while they require total 
 abstinence, should also require that one should 
 keep out of the way of temptations." 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 19 
 
 " You belong to a society of this kind, my 
 son," replied Herr Neumann, "and it is right 
 you should, and also right that you endeavor to 
 get others to join it. For my part I never was 
 a drinker, and never shall be one. I feel myself 
 too old and settled to require the binding of 
 myself to a pledge. Every man should have 
 power over himself, and not be a slave to his 
 appetite." 
 
 *' But not everybody has that power," said 
 his son, " therefore it is good that they should 
 have help from others, and their good intentions 
 be strengthened." 
 
 " It would be a great joy to me if you could 
 win Bernau to join your society," continued 
 Herr Neumann, " but I have little hope of it. 
 An old stick is difficult to bend. Remember, 
 children, that if Satan gets but a finger he will 
 soon have the whole body. Keep from cards 
 and drink, and in order to do so, remain entirely 
 away from taverns." 
 
 " There is no place like home," said Heinrich 
 Neumann, as be slyly pinched Trina's cheek as 
 she sat near him. 
 
 " Was Mother Schlegel here to-day } " in- 
 quired Herr Neumann. " She is a Christian, if 
 ever there was one. I heard to-day at the fac- 
 tory, that she had nursed Griinholtz back to 
 life, had taken care of the Hauflein children. 
 
20 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 and had spoken to that miserable Schlemmer so 
 plainly that he has faithfully promised to do 
 better. Perhaps were she to see Bernau she 
 might do him some good." 
 
 " Oh," exclaimed Susie, "she has already tried 
 it, I was there when Louisa burned her hand ; 
 and Mother Schlegel came and dressed it. 
 Bernau had been drinking, and wanted to joke 
 with her, but she rebuked him so kindly yet 
 severely, that he was very shy of her afterward. 
 When she left there he said that she was a good 
 woman, and what she said to him was true, but 
 his nature was such that he could not stop 
 drinking." 
 
 " Yes, people always make this excuse when 
 slaves of their appetite ; " said Herr Neumann 
 reflectively. ** If he would only try in earnest 
 he could soon break himself of the habit, but 
 the trouble is that he will not try ; strong drink 
 destroys all energy and will-power." 
 
 "To change the subject," remarked Conrad, 
 the second son, " have you heard that on Sun- 
 day two weeks, there is to be an excursion upon 
 the Sound." 
 
 " Where is it to start from } Where is it to 
 go t What is the price of the tickets } " said 
 the young people eagerly. 
 
 " Now be quiet, will you, and I will tell you. 
 I heard from Schilds, that the Bismarck Singing 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 21 
 
 Society had engaged the steamer Atlanta^ to 
 take them to Brooklyn. They have engaged a 
 full band of music to accompany them, and 
 everything promises for a first-rate time. The 
 tickets are only fifty cents, and we can take bas- 
 kets with our dinner and supper in them, or buy 
 both meals on the boat." 
 
 ** We must all go," said Johannes, looking 
 with an inquiring glance at his father. ** We 
 have not had any recreation this summer, and 
 this is a good opportunity. We have taken so 
 much dust into our lungs in the factory that a 
 sail upon the water will do us all good." 
 
 The others eagerly looked at their father to 
 see the effect of these words, and what prospect 
 there was for gaining his consent. 
 
 " I will not hinder you from going," said 
 Herr Neumann, after a few moments' reflection, 
 "but I would rather remain under my own roof, 
 or what is more likely, in the quietude of the 
 garden ; and I think your mother will think as 
 I do. We old folks have had enough of sailing 
 upon the water, and it will be a great necessity 
 that induces us to try it again." 
 
 The young people were not satisfied with this, 
 they thought the whole family ought to enjoy 
 the excursion. They insisted that a short voy- 
 age upon a beautiful steamer like the Atlanta, 
 upon the fair Long Island Sound, was a very 
 
22 RED CARL. 
 
 different thing from a long, tedious voyage as 
 steerage passengers upon an emigrant ship. 
 
 While these affectionate little arguments 
 were in progress, there came a knock at the 
 door and an elderly woman clad in a simple 
 print dress entered, who was warmly wel- 
 comed. 
 
 "Ah, good evening, Mother Schlegel," said 
 they, as they shook hands with her, and Trina 
 quickly ran for a chair, and bade her be seated. 
 
 " Come and have some supper," said Frau 
 Neumann, with earnest hospitality. 
 
 "I have just finished supper," replied she, 
 **but thank you for your kindness." 
 
 " You come at a good time, Mother Schlegel," 
 said Herr Neumann, "the young people were 
 just telling of an excursion which the Bismarck 
 Singing Society are to take upon the Sound 
 two weeks from next Sunday, and are trying to 
 persuade us to go with them, but we would 
 rather remain at home. What do you say to it, 
 Mother Schlegel } " 
 
 The visitor made no reply, but putting her 
 spectacles upon her nose, she took the family 
 Bible from the table at her side and opening to 
 the twentieth chapter of the book of Exodus, 
 she read in reverential tones the words : " Re- 
 member the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six 
 days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 23 
 
 the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, 
 thy God, in it thou shalt not do any work," 
 then she closed the book, and looked inquir- 
 ingly at them. 
 
 The reading of the commandment was unex- 
 pected, and the most of her listeners reddened 
 with confusion. They had every respect for 
 Frau Schlegel, and did not wish to make a reply 
 that would vex or wound her. 
 
 At length the silence was broken by Johannes, 
 though in a diffident and respectful tone. 
 
 "But, dear Frau Schlegel," said he, ''it is 
 also written in the Bible, that the Sabbath 
 was made for man, and not man for the Sab- 
 bath." 
 
 " Yes, it was made for man in which to wor- 
 ship the Giver of every good and perfect gift, 
 not to be spent in the excitement and confusion 
 of travelling for what is called pleasure. No, 
 it is a day free from labor, a day free from 
 the cares and toils of life, given us and set 
 apart that we may employ our thoughts on 
 that eternal change which day by day draws 
 nearer." 
 
 "That is all true," replied Johannes, " but the 
 body must also have rest and recreation. We 
 who work hard all the week need something 
 different from spending the day in the church or 
 sitting in the house," 
 
24 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 "Are you under the impression that Christians 
 who keep the Sabbath holy, do without consist- 
 ent pleasures ? And would you call it consist- 
 ent or even rational for a Christian to spend the 
 holy Sabbath in a noisy, crowded boat, and per- 
 haps in danger, instead of the restfulness and 
 soothing influence of the hours spent in the 
 house of God ? Our Heavenly Parent allows 
 us to take time for healthful recreation, but 
 he expressly forbids us to desecrate His holy 
 day.'; 
 
 " You are right," here interposed Herr Neu- 
 mann, "but you must not take it amiss if we 
 differ somewhat from you. We have come from 
 a country wheref the people as you know, hold 
 more liberal views in regard to the Sabbath. 
 In the Fatherland the people, as a rule, go to 
 church in the morning, but the afternoon is 
 given up to recreation in the parks and public 
 gardens." 
 
 " Yes, God pity them ! " said Frau Schlegel 
 sadly, " but the custom does not make the 
 action right. The Bible expressly says that 
 neither son, nor daughter, nor man-servant, nor 
 maid-servant shall work. When persons are 
 seeking pleasure, some persons must work, in 
 order that they shall have these pleasures. 
 This cannot be right." 
 
 Herr Neumann would have continued the 
 
HAPPY HOME LIFE. 
 
 25 
 
 conversation in order to bring out further argu- 
 ments, but Frau Schlegel interrupted it by 
 rising to go. 
 
 " Oh, Herr Neumann," she said, '* it is not 
 my place to bring charges against you, nor 
 yours to make excuses to me. I only pray God 
 to open your eyes, that you may see the matter 
 jn a different and true light ; " and bidding them 
 adieu in her usual kind and friendly manner, 
 she went home. 
 
 Conrad was angry and disappointed that 
 Mother Schlegel had thus cast a cloud upon the 
 prospect, and sat with lowering brow by the 
 table. 
 
 " Let the good woman have her opinion," 
 said Herr Neumann, ** she means well ; were all 
 Christians like her, the world would be the bet- 
 ter of it. But what says the clock.? This is 
 the evening the building society meets, and it 
 is time to go." 
 
 Thus saying Herr Neumann set out, his boys 
 accompanying him part of the way. 
 
 After the evening work was done, Frau Neu- 
 mann and her daughters sat down in the porch, 
 and prepared the beans for the next day's din- 
 ner, enjoying in the meantime the perfume of 
 the flowers. 
 
 "The society is getting along nicely," re- 
 marked the father upon his return. "In a few 
 
26 Rl^D CARL. 
 
 weeks there will be some shares sold, and we 
 can take one or two." 
 
 In less than an hour afterward, the whole 
 Neumann family were wrapped in slumber, 
 nothing disturbing the stillness, but the chirp- 
 ing of crickets, and the croaking of frogs in a 
 neighboring pond. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE EXCURSION. 
 
 Very stately and graceful appeared the beau- 
 tiful steamer Atlanta, that balmy Sunday morn- 
 ing in June, in which the Bismarck Singing 
 Society and their friends took 'passage for a 
 short voyage upon Long Island Sound. Vol- 
 umes of smoke arose from its stack, and curled 
 lazily into the blue ether; flags were flying 
 gayly, and little white-capped waves were dan- 
 cing merrily upon the bright waters. 
 
 The wharf at Bridethorp presented a lively 
 appearance ; people were hurrying to and fro ; 
 whole families — mostly German — were at the 
 landing with baskets well stocked with eatables, 
 children carrying their dolls and other toys, all 
 waiting the arrival of the Singing Society. 
 Presently the clash and clang of the band, ac- 
 companied by the beating of a drum was heard, 
 and with gay banners, and in uniform, the Soci- 
 ety came in view, were marshalled on the 
 steamer, and the other excursionists followed. 
 
 There was a scrambling, and pushing, and 
 laughing and talking, as they scattered about 
 27 
 
28 RED CARL. 
 
 the boat. Then the band took the quarters 
 assigned them, and struck up a lively air, the 
 whistle gave a prolonged shriek, the plank was 
 taken up, the ropes cast off from the wharf, and 
 the Atlanta moved off, followed by the cheering 
 and waving of handkerchiefs, by friends on shore. 
 
 When she had proceeded a short distance on 
 her way, the bystanders left the wharf, and 
 scattered in different directions, and soon the 
 streets wore their customary Sunday air of 
 quietude. 
 
 Yet it could be gathered from the remarks of 
 some of the spectators, that not every one 
 looked upon the excursion favorably. 
 
 " What has become of our Sunday laws } " 
 asked an elderly gentleman of another, as they 
 were about entering a church. " Either they 
 have lost their efficacy, or the authorities do 
 not take any trouble to enforce them. The 
 desecration of the Lord's day seems to be car- 
 ried on without any effort to prevent it." 
 
 " Those people are Germans, and have 
 brought the customs of their country with 
 them," replied his companion. '* They take 
 much upon themselves thus to openly set at 
 defiance the laws of a country which has re- 
 ceived them with such friendly kindness. Our 
 steamboat companies do themselves no credit 
 in thus lending themselves to Sabbath breaking. 
 
THE EXCURSION. 
 
 29 
 
 It appears to me that the love of money makes 
 them indifferent to the injury they are doing." 
 
 " Yes, our church services are neglected," re- 
 plied the other gentleman; **and the worst 
 feature in the case is, that our young people 
 are enticed away, and grow to lose all interest 
 in religious things. A law that insures rest to 
 all, as far as is strictly possible, is one that 
 should be rigidly enforced, and should be ob- 
 served with pleasure by all good citizens." 
 
 By this time they reached the basement of 
 the church where the Sunday School was held, 
 and were soon engaged with their respective 
 classes. 
 
 In the meantime two men, plainly clothed and 
 having the appearance of seafaring men, were 
 discussing the same subject but in a different 
 light. 
 
 " That steamer Atlanta does not suit my 
 ideas of safety," remarked one of them ; *' did 
 you notice how she trembled with the burden 
 she had } I hope they will have a safe trip, but 
 I fear it." 
 
 "I have no fear of that," said the other, "for 
 I believe the Atlanta to be seaworthy. My 
 fears run in another channel. These people are 
 well supplied with beer and other liquors, and 
 when they get under the influence of it them- 
 selves, they will treat the crew. A boat with 
 
30 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 the mass of human beings which the Atlanta 
 carries this morning, needs a clear head and 
 steady hands to guide it. It would be a fright- 
 ful thing if fire should break out, for the boat 
 would burn like a piece of tinder." 
 
 The speakers disappeared down a small street, 
 and an hour later the bells pealed out from dif- 
 ferent places of worship, and people were wend- 
 ing their way to their accustomed places to listen 
 to God's word. 
 
 It was a few hours after noon, when a mes- 
 senger might have been seen rushing from the 
 telegraph office in Bridethorp and saying a few 
 hurried words to some bystanders, who quickly 
 entered. Before they could emerge, others had 
 heard that there was something wrong, and were 
 hurrying toward the office. 
 
 The word was conveyed from mouth to mouth 
 that something had happened to the steamer 
 Atlanta. 
 
 " What is it } What could have happened, 
 there was no storm. Where did it happen 1 " 
 came from pale lips and anxious hearts. Soon a 
 bulletin was issued, — 
 
 " The steamer Atlanta on Long Island Sound, near Brook- 
 lyn, is on fire." 
 
 The reading of this caused exclamations of 
 horror from several present, who had relatives 
 
THE EXCURSION. 
 
 31 
 
 on the ill-fated steamer. The telegraph office 
 was stormed to obtain more information. 
 
 Many persons openly condemned the Sunday 
 desecration, and said no good could follow ; but 
 to the most of the anxious men, the anxiety for 
 the fate of the excursionists swallowed up every 
 other feeling. 
 
 Indescribable anguish was in the homes of 
 those who had loved ones upon the steamer. 
 Parents were in agony for the fate of their chil- 
 dren ; husbands, for their wives ; and wives, for 
 their husbands. Minutes seemed like hours 
 while they were between hope and despair. 
 
 At length there came another telegram which 
 gave comfort to the anxious hearts. 
 
 " The steamer Atlanta has been burned, and is lost. The 
 steamer Polk came to the rescue, and all the passengers are 
 saved and will reach Bridethorp this evening," 
 
 Tears of joy streamed from the eyes of many 
 of the bystanders, and although their fears were 
 not altogether allayed, they could wait with a 
 reasonable degree of patience for the arrival of 
 the Polk. Long before it could possibly arrive, 
 crowds of people were assembled upon the 
 wharf ; some speaking in subdued tones for the 
 sake of those who had relatives on board ; others 
 walking about in nervous anxiety, and others 
 making arrangements to have everything in 
 
32 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 readiness to convey their friends to their homes. 
 Coaches and ambulances for those who were 
 badly burned were in waiting, and every other 
 needful preparation that could be made. 
 
 It was twilight before the steamer came in 
 sight. How different the scene from that of the 
 morning. Friends were then waiting to see the 
 excursionists off upon a day's pleasure ; now 
 they were watching the deck with eager longing, 
 hoping their dear ones were among those con- 
 gregated there. Tears of joy would rush to 
 their eyes when they happened to catch sight 
 of a dear familiar face, and that anxiety lulled, 
 they would scan the boat narrowly for others. 
 
 At length the Polk reached the wharf, and 
 the passengers were all safe upon the land. It 
 was a subject for heartfelt congratulation, that 
 most of them were unhurt, and there were but 
 few who required ambulances. But oh, through 
 what a scene had they passed. Some had their 
 heads bandaged, others had their arms in slings 
 made of handkerchiefs and strips torn from 
 wearing apparel, and all in a state of nervous 
 excitement which culminated in convulsive 
 weeping upon meeting their friends. 
 
 Groups of people were gathered about, listen- 
 ing eagerly to accounts of the catastrophe from 
 those able to tell it, for many were so over- 
 come with fright that they could not make the 
 
THE EXCURSION. 
 
 33 
 
 account intelligible to those who remained at 
 home. 
 
 The young Neumanns were among the excur- 
 sionists, and their parents had not heard of the 
 catastrophe until near evening. 
 
 The mother was completely prostrated, and 
 could do nothing but lie upon the sofa and 
 weep. Mother Schlegel came immediately to 
 the house, and with loving words sought to com- 
 fort the distressed woman, while the father hur- 
 ried away to try to gather more information. 
 
 As soon as the second telegram had been re- 
 ceived, he sent the message directly to his wife, 
 while he hurried to the wharf to receive the 
 young people when they landed. 
 
 It was almost dark when Johannes appeared 
 at his home. His mother fell into his arms 
 weeping convulsively, and unable to speak. 
 
 " Be comforted, mother," said he, " father sent 
 me to tell you they are all alive, and none badly 
 hurt. Trina has some insignificant burns, but 
 she does not think of them, we have escaped 
 such a dreadful death. But there is one young 
 man named Braun who is badly wounded, and 
 they are bringing him here. Father would 
 have him brought to our home, for had it not 
 been for him our Trina would not to-night be 
 among the living." 
 
 This news brought back the natural energy 
 
34 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 of Frau Neumann. With the help of Frau 
 Schlegel, a room and a bed was prepared for the 
 wounded man, who was a stranger there and had 
 no relatives in Bridethorp. 
 
 In a few moments the others came, and were 
 received with tears of joy. Trina's arm and 
 shoulder were blistered, and Conrad's clothing 
 was so burned and torn that it was a mystery- 
 how he escaped serious injury. 
 
 Mother Schlegel was now in her element, and 
 knew exactly what to prescribe for the wounded 
 ones. At length came the ambulance in which 
 was young Braun, and with him a physician. 
 He was placed immediately in bed, and his 
 wounds examined. His right side was quite 
 badly burned, but the worst injury was the 
 breaking of one of his legs below the knee. 
 
 Through suffering much he was patient and 
 brave ; and after the limb was set and his burns 
 dressed, the physician took his leave, saying 
 that with youth and health on his side, he would 
 soon, if careful, be as well as ever. 
 
 After the confusion incident to their arrival 
 had in a measure subsided, the family gathered 
 with thankfulness and gratitude about the sup- 
 per table, and each one had ejcperiences of the 
 day to relate, but Johannes was the only one 
 capable of making a clear statement of the 
 affair. 
 
THE EXCURSION. 35 
 
 "The firemen had been treated by the pas- 
 sengers, and were not altogether sober," said 
 he. " How the fire originated I cannot say, it 
 broke out in the vicinity of the engine-room. 
 I saw the smoke, then the flames, and heard the 
 cry of fire ! A scene of indescribable confusion 
 followed. The passengers rushed frantically 
 from one end of the boat to the other. Some 
 jumped into the Sound, others were knocked 
 down and trampled under foot. The captain 
 was cool and collected, and had command over 
 his men, but not over the frantic passengers. 
 He ordered the course of the steamer turned so 
 that the smoke would not blow directly into the 
 boat, and the hose was used with such good 
 effect that the flames were shortly under control. 
 In the meantime, the Polk came to our relief, 
 and although the fire was nearly subdued, none 
 of us were willing to remain on the Atlanta a 
 second longer than we could help, and the 
 moment the Polk came alongside, we rushed on 
 board. The wind blew the smoke directly over 
 it, but we managed to crowd into it in safety. 
 Conrad and Trina were among the last to leave. 
 Trina had been knocked down by the terror- 
 stricken people, and would have been trampled 
 to death, had not young Braun, by main force, 
 pushed the throng back, lifted her up, and 
 helped her over the balustrade into the steamer 
 
36 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 Polk. We were already there and received her 
 from his hands. Then poor Braun was pushed 
 back, stumbled over a life-preserver, fell, and 
 could not rise without assistance. We sprang 
 over the edge of both boats and helped him to 
 a place of safety, until the crowd had thinned 
 enough to allow us to carry him on board the 
 Polk. We were just in time. The flames burst 
 forth anew ; the Atlanta was a sheet of flame, 
 and the Polk had to push off to keep from tak- 
 ing fire. We steamed away, while the captain 
 and his men rowed about in boats to pick up 
 any who might have thrown themselves into the 
 water.'* 
 
 ** Were any lives lost.'*" inquired Mother 
 Schlegel. 
 
 ** That I do not know. Several sprang into 
 the Sound, who I suppose could swim, and 
 might have been picked up by boats which were 
 sent out from Flushing. We shall know by to- 
 morrow's papers if any were lost." 
 
 " It was a bitter Sunday's pleasure," remarked 
 she, sadly. 
 
 ** Oh, Mother Schlegel," said Frau Neumann, 
 ** I know well what you would say. Had we 
 hearkened to your counsel, all this danger and 
 anxiety would have been spared us. Believe 
 me, I will never again give my consent for an- 
 other such excursion on the Sabbath ; we are 
 
THE EXCURSION. 
 
 37 
 
 sufficiently punished, and it is a lesson which I 
 hope we shall never forget." 
 
 Frau Schlegel was too sensible to add any 
 censure of her own, now that the Master whom 
 she served had taken the matter in hand ; she 
 merely contented herself by congratulating them 
 heartily upon their narrow escape. 
 
 " It is indeed a mercy of God that you are all 
 spared," said she. " What a fearful thing it 
 would have been had not the Polk come to the 
 rescue. Had it not been in time, it is not prob- 
 able we should have seen any of you again. 
 We should indeed be grateful to God for his 
 goodness to us." 
 
 Mother Schlegel was to remain to take care 
 of young Braun, and after a little while the 
 whole family sought their needed rest, and 
 silence reigned in the dwelling. 
 
 In the meantime, Frau Schlegel prepared 
 nourishment for the wounded man, anointed 
 his burns with a cooling salve, and arranged 
 everything which would be needed through the 
 night. Then she drew her chair to the table, 
 placed the lamp where the shade would keep 
 the light from the sleeper's face, took the family 
 Bible upon her lap, and was soon deeply ab- 
 sorbed in reading. 
 
 After a time she placed the holy book aside, 
 and quietly listened to the deep breathing of 
 
38 
 
 RED CARL, 
 
 young Braun. She tried to keep awake, but she 
 was very weary, a'nd again and again her eyelids 
 drooped, and she dropped into a refreshing- 
 slumber. She might have slept two hours when 
 young Braun became restless. 
 
 " Water ! " he whispered. " I wish a glass of 
 cool, cool water." 
 
 Frau Schlegel was awake instantly, and imme- 
 diately brought the water, fresh and cool, from 
 which he eagerly drank. 
 
 ** My burns sting and smart," said he, 
 wearily. 
 
 " I am sorry for you," replied she, tenderly ; 
 " I will anoint them again with the salve." 
 
 She took some fresh bandages from a roll of 
 old linen, spread the salve upon it, removed the 
 others from the painful burns, and put the fresh 
 ones in their places. 
 
 **0h, I feel so much more comfortable," said 
 he, gratefully ; " now I can go to sleep." 
 
 In a few moments he was again in deep 
 slumber, and Frau Schlegel took the oppor- 
 tunity to take a long look at her patient. He 
 was tall and slender, and very handsome. His 
 hair and eyes were black, and his well-formed 
 mouth was shaded by a full moustache. His 
 countenance was open, and his expression fine. 
 Although Frau Schlegel had never met with 
 him, there was something in his face that ap- 
 
THE EXCURSION. 30 
 
 peared familiar. She placed her chair nearer, 
 and scanned every lineament of his sleeping 
 face. 
 
 "Mother! mother! " whispered he. 
 
 He was evidently feverish, and the sweet 
 mother face was before him as when in the dear 
 old home. 
 
 Frau Schlegel was, by the hearing of these 
 words, lost in retrospection. " Mother ! " oh 
 yes, sweet childish voices had once called her 
 by that tender name. But that was in the long 
 ago. She saw herself again a bride in the vil- 
 lage church, leaning upon the arm of the dear 
 husband to whom she had given herself for life. 
 She thought of her happy home — bright with 
 the dear faces of her little ones — in the Father- 
 land. Then came the journey to America, and 
 the sickness and death of her husband. Then 
 followed years of hard work for the support of 
 herself and the ones dependent upon her, when 
 the scarlet fever visited her humble home and 
 took her sweet daughter and her noble boy from 
 her loving care. 
 
 But the bitter night of sorrow was the sun- 
 rise of her trust in her Lord and Master, and in 
 him she found comfort. "They cannot come 
 to me, but I will go to them," said she, in her 
 great grief ; " behold, I am a handmaid of the 
 Lord ; let His will be done." 
 
40 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 The wounded man again grew restless, and 
 Frau'Schlegel arose and gave him medicine and 
 a cooling mixture ; then again gave herself up 
 to retrospection. She called to mind her sister 
 who had married and had remained in the 
 Fatherland, with whom a correspondence had 
 been regularly kept up until a few years ago, 
 when Frau Schlegel heard that she had died, 
 leaving a son. Her brother-in-law had married 
 again, and since then she had never heard from 
 him. It was within the limit of possibility 
 that this young man who bore the same name, 
 and strongly resembled her sister, might be her 
 son, and if so, was Frau Schlegel's nephew. 
 She knew that Braun was a v^ry common name 
 in Germany, and the young man was, it was 
 most probable, an entire stranger to her ; yet 
 his accent proved that he had come from the 
 same section as herself. But how did it happen 
 that he had come to the place where she had 
 located.'* Was it intentional or mere chance, if 
 anything under God's ruling could be chance. 
 Perhaps he knew that he had an aunt who 
 would be glad to receive him, and so had come 
 to find her. She smiled to herself over the air- 
 castles she had builded, yet could not keep her 
 mind from the subject. 
 
 She resolved to question him when he was 
 better, and seeing that he was sleeping com- 
 
I am no hypocrite,' replied young Braun." — Page 41. 
 
THE EXCURSION. 4 1 
 
 fortably, she strove to drive all thoughts of it 
 from her mind, that she might have some needed 
 sleep. 
 
 In the morning she again dressed his wounds, 
 and then left him in the care of the Neumann 
 family, promising to return in the evening. 
 
 She was busily and happily employed all 
 day in her little domicile, and when her simple 
 supper was over, she went back to Herr Neu- 
 mann's. 
 
 She found Trina and her mother busily em- 
 ployed unpacking the boxes of young Braun, 
 and placing his possessions in the places he des- 
 ignated. Herr Neumann had told him he was 
 entirely welcome to make his home with them 
 until he was well. 
 
 Very gratefully the young man accepted the 
 kind invitation, for he felt much at home with 
 these true and kind-hearted people. 
 
 Among the articles laid upon the table, was 
 a beautifully bound Bible, on the corner of which 
 in gilt letters was the name of *' Alfred Braun." 
 
 ** Your mother, I am sure gave you this," said 
 Frau Schlegel, as she took it up to examine it. 
 
 " Yes," said the young man, coloring slightly, 
 *'and as a memento of her, I value it highly." 
 
 **And on that account only.?" questioned 
 Frau Schlegel. 
 
 ** I am no hypocrite," replied young Braun, 
 
42 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 " and perhaps I entertain as much respect for it, 
 as some who read it more." 
 
 ** Did your mother belong to the list of those 
 who read it ? " 
 
 "Yes, but my mother was really a pious 
 woman, and carried her religion not only in her 
 words, but into her daily life." 
 
 **Then your mother was also no hypocrite, 
 but must have had great reverence for the 
 Bible." 
 
 "Yes, indeed," replied he eagerly, "she said 
 often that it was her great comfort, and her 
 support in life and death." 
 
 "I rejoice that you honor the book for your 
 mother's sake, and will pray earnestly to God 
 that you will love it for its own sake. And 
 now I would like to ask you what was your 
 mother's name before she was married, and 
 where was she born } " 
 
 " Her name was Katherine Reinbach, and 
 she was born in Zwickau. Were you acquainted 
 with her } " said he, noticing the deep emotion 
 of Frau Schlegel. 
 
 " Did she ever mention a sister who had come 
 to America } " questioned she. 
 
 " Yes ; when I was about sixteen years of 
 age, my mother died. She knew that I designed 
 coming to America, and requested me to search 
 for her sister. But I had lost the address. I 
 
THE EXCURSION. 43 
 
 wandered to Bridethorp to obtain employment, 
 always intending to find my aunt, if possible. 
 Perhaps I have found her," concluded he, 
 glancing eagerly at Frau Schlegel. 
 
 " My name was Maria Reinbach, my sister's 
 name was Katherine , and we were born in 
 Zwickau," replied she, with tears in her eyes. 
 ** No doubt I am your aunt, and will try to be a 
 good one to you, if you will accept of me." 
 
 " And why should I not t " replied young 
 Braun, taking her hand in both of his. " Have 
 you not been as kind as a mother to me, 
 although you thought me a stranger ? Now I 
 am no longer a stranger in a strange land, I 
 have found a dear and near relative." 
 
 ** Nor am I alone, now that I have found a 
 nephew," said Frau Schlegel. *' I will try to 
 take your mother's place, and shall correct you 
 when I think you deserve it," added she, 
 smilingly. 
 
 "I shall be very grateful," replied he, return- 
 ing the smile, " it will keep me straight and do 
 me good to know some one is watching over me." 
 
 They were mutually pleased with each other, 
 and a long time they conversed on the subject 
 so dear to both. Frau Schlegel saw that he 
 was of cheerful and pleasant disposition, and 
 she believed that with patient trying and 
 prayer, she could win him to the godly life in 
 
44 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 which she and his departed mother had found 
 their earthly happiness. 
 
 The Neumanns were full of wonder over this 
 discovery of relationship ; and Herr Neumann 
 assured Frau Schlegel that her nephew should 
 in his house hear nothing which would influence 
 him in a different course in life from that in 
 which she desired him to go. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 Several weeks had passed since the excur- 
 sion upon the Sound, and the burning of the 
 steamer Atlanta had been the prevailing topic 
 of conversation. The catastrophe had caused 
 the death of three men, and many who were 
 wounded languished for longer or shorter time 
 upon their beds of pain. 
 
 The examination into the cause of the confla- 
 gration had developed no certain evidence. One 
 thing was certain, that where such a large crowd 
 was upon a boat, and liquor circulated so freely, 
 any little mistake or mishap was liable, in the 
 confusion of the moment, to develop into a 
 serious affair, of which this calamity was proof ; 
 the really guilty ones escaping detection. 
 
 Although many people were of the opinion 
 that it was an accident liable to occur upon any 
 day of the week, and upon any journey upon 
 the water ; yet there were others who spoke 
 openly of the desecration of the Sabbath by 
 excursions, the opening of places of amuse- 
 45 
 
46 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 ment and drinking saloons, and many other 
 ways which were getting into use. 
 
 A meeting was called in which the Sunday 
 laws were to be discussed, and a large number 
 of people congregated in the largest hall in 
 Bridethorp. Eloquent speeches were made, in 
 which was pointed out the injury done to a 
 nation and community by lack of regard for 
 the Sabbath. Resolutions were made, that 
 stringent observance of the Sunday laws should 
 be established, and a committee composed of 
 the law-abiding citizens were appointed to wait 
 upon the mayor and lay their wishes before him. 
 
 This was done very soon after the meeting, 
 and although the movement promised great 
 things, the result was small. The mayor re- 
 plied in a neat speech, complimenting the citi- 
 zens upon their zeal, and said the matter should 
 certainly receive his serious attention, express- 
 ing at the same time, his wish that the laws 
 should, in all cases, be faithfully observed. No 
 doubt he really meant what he expressed, but 
 political considerations, the interests of differ- 
 ent organizations, and other influences hindered 
 any energetic handling of the matter, and after 
 a time the affair died out without any change 
 for the better. 
 
 At Neumann's there had been some changes. 
 The family who had rented the other part of the 
 
RED CARL. 
 
 A1 
 
 house had moved out, and the foreman of the 
 factory took the opportunity to make a proposi- 
 tion to Herr Neumann to take some of the un- 
 married workmen to board. 
 
 He assured him that only those whom he 
 could heartily recommend should be sent, and 
 explained so forcibly the advantage which it 
 would be to Herr Neumann in a pecuniary point 
 of view, that the latter became quite anxious to 
 make a trial of it. 
 
 For several days the plan was eagerly dis- 
 cussed in the Neumann family, the father argu- 
 ing that with the advent of young Braun a 
 beginning had really been raade. Susie, he said, 
 could remain at home and assist in the extra 
 housework entailed by the boarders, and if 
 necessary, Marie could remain also. In fact he 
 came to the conclusion that he would rather 
 they would be out of the factory, and this was 
 an excellent chance for them to leave it. The 
 board money would be almost clear gain, for 
 they raised so many vegetables that they had 
 very little to buy for the table. 
 
 In the meantime, Frau Neumann had her 
 thoughts upon the subject, and Mother Schlegel 
 whose advice she had asked, agreed with her. 
 
 " I would gladly have the girls at home with 
 me," said the mother, '* but not at that price. 
 It is not the work that boarders will make that 
 
48 KED CARL, 
 
 I object to, but I do object to having strange 
 people in our family. We have always lived as 
 we wished, and could have a cheerful, pleasant 
 home for ourselves and children where we could 
 all feel free and at ease, not having the restraint 
 of strange people about us. Besides, they might 
 have a different influence over our young people 
 from what we would wish." 
 
 To these objections Herr Neumann made no 
 reply, but they had their weight. 
 
 " Our house will be more public," continued 
 she, " for between a boarding-house and a public- 
 house there is not much difference. The 
 boarders themselves may be all we would wish, 
 but they may have friends whom we would not 
 wish to welcome into our home, and yet could 
 not, without giving offence, refuse them admit- 
 tance. We may get people who will pay 
 promptly, but we have heard instances of people 
 having boarders who stayed with them as long 
 as they could without paying board, then left 
 for parts unknown." 
 
 These objections Frau Neumann gave to her 
 family at large, but to her husband when alone, 
 she brought forth another and weightier objec- 
 tion. She reminded him that they had three 
 growing daughters, and she felt a great reluc- 
 tance to bringing people of whom they knew 
 nothing into the family. 
 
RED CARL. 
 
 49 
 
 Herr Neumann could see for himself that 
 there was some foundation for this anxiety, and 
 was the more open to conviction from the fact 
 that none of his children viewed the matter in 
 a favorable light, so almost made up his mind 
 to give up the idea. 
 
 But the foreman had employed several young 
 and skilful workmen, and had entered into obliga- 
 tions to furnish a boarding-place for them. He 
 assured Herr Neumann that he would only send 
 those in whom he had every confidence, and also 
 reminded him that he was master in his own 
 house, and if any of them did not suit him, all he 
 had to do was to send them away. He advised 
 him from the first to exercise judicious control, 
 and there could never be any difficulty. As to 
 the risk of losing board money, he would say 
 that the employers were very particular what 
 class of men they engaged, and if by any 
 chance he lost by them they would see that the 
 loss was made up to him. 
 
 The objections of Frau Neumann still re- 
 mained in force, but in addition to the persua- 
 sions and assurances of the foreman, the men 
 themselves pressed Herr Neumann to accommo- 
 date them, and at length he complied ; consol- 
 ing himself with the thought that their home 
 would be the sooner paid for by this addition to 
 their income. 
 
50 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 Herr Neumann's family, in this instance, 
 showed a marked contrast to many others in 
 the same position, who, once in the way to pros- 
 perity, rush into speculation or any other means 
 to increase their stock at the risk of sacrificing 
 comfort, rest, and contented family life. 
 
 It was not long after the decision was given, 
 until every room they could spare was filled, and 
 Frau Neumann found that she had enough work 
 to make it necessary to keep both daughters at 
 home to assist Trina and herself. Even with 
 their combined help, she felt many times that 
 she scarcely knew what to do first ; so many 
 things were demanding her immediate attention. 
 Had she not been the most efficient of house- 
 wives, and understood managing to save labor, 
 they would all have lost spirit in the enterprise. 
 But she was not only capable, but was strong 
 and expeditious ; everything was done in time, 
 and the boarders were highly pleased with their 
 home. 
 
 They always found their sleeping-rooms well 
 aired and comfortable, the table well-supplied, 
 and the viands well-cooked ; on their side they 
 were expected to be clean and respectable when 
 they took their places at the board. Herr 
 Neumann and his sons set the example, and 
 soon the strangers would have been ashamed 
 to take place among them until they had done 
 
RED CARL. CI 
 
 the best they could to make themselves pre- 
 sentable. 
 
 Frau Neumann's motherly heart went out to 
 these young men under her roof, and many a 
 word in season she spoke, hoping that at some 
 time it would bear fruit. If any of them were 
 indisposed, she considered it no trouble to pro- 
 vide some little dainty for them, and any little 
 repairing which their clothing required was un- 
 grudgingly done. 
 
 Young Alfred Braun, owing to the good care 
 of the family and his Aunt Schlegel, had fully 
 recovered, and the long weeks in which he had 
 been confined to his room, had left their im- 
 pression upon his mind and heart. His thoughts 
 frequently recurred to his dead mother ; and as 
 his unbelief was to be attributed more to the 
 persons with whom he had for the past few 
 years mingled, than to any convictions or reas- 
 onings of his own, he became deeply conscious of 
 the hollowness of it, and remembrances of her 
 words and her counsels came to mind. He 
 turned to his long-neglected Bible, believing he 
 would, like her, find help and comfort. 
 
 Mother Schlegel supplied him with other 
 books which she thought would aid him ; and 
 young Braun grew day by day more attached to 
 his aunt who was the living image of his de- 
 ceased mother. 
 
5^ 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 Alfred was a zealous searcher after the truth, 
 and his Aunt Schlegel's knowledge of the Bible 
 and its teachings enabled her to meet and van- 
 quish any arguments which modern skepticism 
 had planted in the young man's mind, and in- 
 teresting hours were passed in his room during 
 his enforced absence from his business. 
 
 In the quietude of his sick room, Alfred re- 
 flected much upon another subject. He noticed 
 the affectionate and obedient manner of Trina 
 toward her parents, her interest in the welfare 
 and happiness of her brothers and sisters ; took 
 heed of her useful and contented life, of her un- 
 tiring industry, her neat and orderly ways, and 
 he loved the gentle girl, and resolved when in a 
 position to marry, to win her for his wife if he 
 could. 
 
 Trina was also naturally attracted to the one 
 who had saved her life ; he was a nephew of 
 dear Frau Schlegel, whom they all loved, and 
 honored ; he was handsome, and agreeable, and 
 she loved him. 
 
 Frau Schlegel, whom Alfred had -made his 
 confidant, promised that she would acquaint 
 Herr Neumann with the young people's wishes ; 
 but to the mother it was no surprise, for she 
 had read Trina's heart, and was well satisfied 
 with her choice. So although not formally be- 
 trothed, the parents gave consent to their mar- 
 
RED CARL. 
 
 53 
 
 riage as soon as Alfred was well established in 
 business. 
 
 Time passed : the glowing summer had de- 
 parted, and the beautiful autumn had taken its 
 place. The woods were glowing in the rich 
 tint of their dying leaves ; an abundant harvest 
 was promised, and the prospect for the winter 
 was full of hope. 
 
 Yet there was something scarcely understood, 
 which was disturbing the minds of many of the 
 working classes, and which rendered them un- 
 settled and dissatisfied. 
 
 It was a time when the relations between 
 Capital and Labor were beginning to claim at- 
 tention. In the coal regions, and in the manu- 
 facturing districts of neighboring states, as also 
 in the industrial districts of New England, the 
 working class had united into societies osten- 
 sibly for the support of members in case of need. 
 They also planned a union of the societies into 
 a mighty organization, in the interests of the 
 working man. But the people's minds were not 
 quite clear upon the subject, and many diverse 
 opinions as to the value of the movement were 
 in circulation. 
 
 It was difficult to tell exactly where the agi- 
 tation arose ; but it is reasonable to suppose 
 that it had its origin in those districts where 
 the workmen had decidedly fortunate situa- 
 
54 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 tions, and gave free expression to their satis- 
 faction, thus planting seeds of discontent in the 
 minds of those not so well situated. At any 
 rate, the agitation was general ; and it appeared 
 that a secret power kept it on the increase. 
 
 The movement also made itself felt in Bride- 
 thorp. Pamphlets discussing the labor problem 
 were circulated, and in many families socialistic 
 newspapers found entrance, and were eagerly 
 read. In public houses, clubs, and other places, 
 hours of leisure were employed in talking over 
 the new question. 
 
 In every company there was generally some 
 uneasy spirit, who, although well situated him- 
 self in regard to occupation, was dissatisfied 
 with the prevailing state of things, and was 
 anxious for any expedient to change it. Such 
 were the spirits in Bridethorp, which as in other 
 places, spread the new ideas, and soon a call 
 for organizing a trades union was formed. 
 
 The larger portion of the working classes 
 were not eager for a change. The most of 
 them were in friendly relations with their em- 
 ployers, who had in many instances not only 
 advanced them money, but had assisted them in 
 making advantageous purchases for their house- 
 hold. The majority of them felt themselves in 
 much better condition than when in the old 
 country. Their wages were given in accordance 
 
RED CARL. 
 
 55 
 
 with the state of the market for the wares man- 
 ufactured, and were also governed by the cost 
 of living at the time ; so, take it all in all, the 
 most of them desired no change. 
 
 Contented laborers are not easily won over to 
 revolutionary measures. They are apt to be 
 conservative, and look upon any new movement 
 with distrust. Neither was the new question 
 received with much favor among the families of 
 the working men in Bridethorp, being generally 
 among the idle or contentious only, that the dis- 
 turbance received favor. 
 
 Just such a contentious, though not idle, char- 
 acter was among Neumann's boarders, by name 
 of Carl Holt. He was a strong, burly, young fel- 
 low, with a not altogether disagreeable counten- 
 ance ; had red hair, and a pair of piercing eyes ; 
 he was quick in his movements, and of nervous 
 temperament. As a good workman and prompt 
 payer, he had been recommended to Herr Neu- 
 mann who had a vacancy in his house at the 
 time ; and with his determined spirit, it was not 
 long before he had complete influence over the 
 young people. 
 
 From the first moment that he had seen 
 Trina he had admired her, and a smile always 
 illumined his rather sullen visage when his eyes 
 rested upon her. 
 
 He tried at different times to enter into con- 
 
56 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 versation with her, but without result ; and 
 when, after silent observation, he became con- 
 vinced that she and Alfred were betrothed, dark 
 looks and sarcastic remarks were given by him 
 whenever opportunity offered. 
 
 " I am afraid we have taken a black sheep in- 
 to the family," remarked Herr Neumann to his 
 wife one evening when they were alone. 
 
 "I fear it also," was the reply of Frau Neu- 
 mann. •' Do you notice how his glances follow 
 Trina, and he takes every opportunity to have a 
 word with her. He cannot help knowing that 
 she is the same as betrothed to Alfred." 
 
 " Yes, but he is one of the kind that prefers 
 forbidden fruit, but Trina is clever enough to 
 settle him if he encroaches, and annoys her," 
 replied the father. 
 
 " But such a man has it in his power, when 
 his enmity is raised, to do a person much in- 
 jury. That he hates Alfred is very evident. I 
 wish the insolent fellow were well out of the 
 house." 
 
 "But yet," said Herr Neuman, reflectively, 
 " he has not given us any particular reason to 
 find fault with him ; had he done so we could 
 make short process with him ; and until he does 
 so we cannot dislodge him. I wish, however, 
 that he would take a notion to go ; he is a rest- 
 less disagreeable kind of a fellow. The social- 
 
RED CARL. 
 
 57 
 
 ists have an active helper in him ; he is quick 
 and smart, and has a tongue like a two-edged 
 sword." 
 
 ** I always notice when the young people are 
 together, that he has the most to say. I think 
 you had better give the boys a word of caution." 
 
 *' They would not pay much attention to 
 that," said the father. "The young people in 
 these days are so wise that we older people can- 
 not advise." 
 
 The following day gave proof of the need of 
 the warning of which Frau Neumann had 
 spoken. It was at supper, and " Red Carl " as 
 they all called him when he was not present, 
 made the remark that the workmen in the fac- 
 tory in Flushing had formed a mutual aid 
 society, and they were doing the same in other 
 cities ; and he considered it time that they were 
 also making: a move in that direction. 
 
 " What do we want of anything of that 
 kind 1 " inquired Herr Neumann, in surprise ; 
 "we have a society for the benefit of such of 
 our members as get sick or disabled, and it is 
 all we could desire, and I as a member have a 
 right to know. They may not have this among 
 the Flushing workmen, but I know several fac- 
 tories that have them, and we certainly do not 
 need another society." 
 
 " That is so," said Johannes, giving a sharp 
 
58 RED CARL. 
 
 look at Red Carl, who only replied by a mock- 
 ing smile. " With us the society has been an 
 established fact, and has been a great blessing 
 to many. When my arm was broken I drew 
 my weekly allowance, and I tell you that at such 
 a time, it does double good, and I would advise 
 every one to become a member." 
 . " No, I for one am not such a weak fool," 
 said Carl, angrily ; then controlling himself, he 
 continued in a more moderate tone, **yes, you 
 have your beneficial society, and your invalid's 
 fund, but how } The employers are the leaders 
 in the society ; they manage the funds, and put 
 the money into their business where it pays 
 them ten times as much as they pay out in 
 interest. Therefore it is good policy in them 
 not to allow a dollar to go to any other object 
 than the support of the sick in their own em- 
 ploy. Don't you see that the whole scheme is 
 for their own advantage, and the workmen have 
 to pay the costs } " 
 
 "That is too strong," said Herr Neumann, 
 excitedly ; " and I will do you the credit to think 
 that you are only repeating the things you have 
 heard ; you certainly have no knowledge of 
 what you are saying. The employer is right in 
 thus being responsible for the care of his ailing 
 workmen. I think they do well to establish the 
 society, and so strongly support it, and make it 
 
RED CARL. 5Q 
 
 a rule that all fines be paid into the treasury. 
 In this way every industrious workman has a 
 fund to call upon iii time of need. Our em- 
 ployers have so far done everything that is 
 right by us, and no one has cause to complain." 
 
 "Yes, yes," was the sneering reply, "they 
 are pretty shrewd, these employers of ours ; 
 they give us the crumbs and fragments, and ex- 
 pect us to be satisfied ; they keep the half of 
 the profits, and can be very comfortable over 
 the thought that they are our benefactors. A 
 slavish soul may content itself with this state of 
 things, but not I ; " and he struck the 
 table a resounding blow with his fist, " I hate 
 all slave chains, though they be made of gold." 
 
 " I cannot see where we are slaves," said 
 Alfred Braun, coldly, "we have at least the 
 freedom to go where we please if we are not 
 satisfied here." 
 
 "We should not better ourselves," replied 
 Red Carl, casting a side glance full of malig- 
 nity upon him, " for the slavery is everywhere. 
 But even among the slaves there is growing to 
 be a freer spirit — ; we are determined not to 
 bend to the will of the moneyed aristrocrats, 
 but take the place in the world for which we 
 are suited." 
 
 " In my opinion," said Herr Neumann, at the 
 close of this tirade, " the workman and his work 
 
6o ^ED CARL. 
 
 in this country fills a worthy and important 
 place. The laws protect all alike, and are 
 made to promote the welfare of all. The vote 
 of a poor man is of as much account at the 
 polls, as that of the richest manufacturer, and 
 if we are good citizens we shall command re- 
 spect, and win all the consideration that is due 
 us. Nothing good can come of these unions, 
 which sow discord between the employers and 
 their employees. What kind of a society is 
 this you would have .'* " 
 
 Red Carl had appeared to take but little in- 
 terest in the remarks of Herr Neumann, now 
 when he heard a question that pleased him, he 
 made haste to reply. 
 
 " First of all," said he, eagerly, " I would 
 have a union that is not under the control of 
 the employers. I think we workmen are per- 
 fectly competent to look after our own interests, 
 and have no need to have them as guardians 
 over us. They have the workmen under their 
 thumbs, and are very complaisant ; but when 
 they have made all the use of them they can, 
 they throw them away as they would squeezed 
 lemons. The new movement will put an end 
 to all of this. What has made this country 
 what it is if not labor } And the working man 
 shall no longer be the Cinderella of the nation, 
 but shall be as worthy of consideration as 
 
RED CARL. 5 1 
 
 the Capitalist, and his rights be as freely estab- 
 lished." 
 
 "And all this shall tend to trades unions, 
 strikes, insurrections, and other disturbances 
 like that prevailing in the coal regions," said 
 Herr Neumann. " I have never seen anything 
 but wretchedness, poverty, and unhappiness 
 come from it." 
 
 " And where does the fault lie except in the 
 subjection and abject submissiveness of the 
 working men themselves," said Red Carl, his 
 eyes blazing with anger, " if they would be true 
 and faithful and stand by each other, the lords 
 of the money-bags would be brought to reason, 
 and we could dictate our own terms. But as 
 long as each man only cares for himself, and is 
 satisfied with the pitiful living allowed him, and 
 willing to kiss the feet of his oppressors, there 
 will be no end to this slavery." 
 
 " Listen," said Conrad, angrily interrupting 
 the speaker, " we have heard enough of your 
 abuse, and will tolerate it no longer. Every 
 man in this country is his own master, and you 
 can cease to be a slave if you wish. If the 
 work in the factory does not suit you, the world 
 is wide, and you can go elsewhere. The gov- 
 ernment provides every man with one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land to cultivate, and if not 
 satisfied here, why do you not take advantage 
 
62 RED CARL. 
 
 of it, and go to farming in the great West, upon 
 your own property. You will find more use for 
 your hands, and less for your tongue." 
 
 The others laughed at the summing up of the 
 matter, while Red Carl rose with an angry coun- 
 tenance from the table, and went muttering up 
 to his room, and a few moments after, left the 
 house, to seek more congenial companions. 
 
 Among those he had left, commenced an 
 eager and excited debate, some of them being 
 of the opinion that Red Carl was not so far 
 wrong. They believed that the employers had 
 too much influence over the workmen, who on 
 their part were too easily led. This was all 
 right, providing the employers were just and lib- 
 eral-minded men ; when they were not, factory 
 life was in their opinion almost a slavery. 
 
 " Well, at all events," said Herr Neumann, 
 " we have as yet no reason to find fault with our 
 employers ; v/hen the time comes we will then 
 consider what is best to be done." 
 
 With this conclusion, the conference ended, 
 and all sought their needed rest. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 Among the laboring classes of Bridethorp, 
 there originated a movement which was not 
 only the expression of a new thought among 
 themselves, but the agitation was accompanied 
 by a plan for organizing a Socialist club. 
 
 The aims of this new departure were set 
 forth in high-sounding words as designed "to 
 protect by all lawful means the interests of the 
 working people." 
 
 The officers and ruling spirits of the club 
 were exclusively men of decided free-thinking 
 views, who with considerable ostentation made 
 known their opposition to the church and the 
 views of its adherents. 
 
 It did not seek to do away with the beneficial 
 societies already established, but professed to 
 have a more extended aim. Weekly meetings 
 were held to which everybody was invited, and 
 in which the social question and kindred topics 
 were discussed. The club also purposed dis- 
 tributing Socialistic pamphlets and newspapers. 
 63 
 
64 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 After several of these weekly meetings, they 
 considered that the time had come when a bold 
 stroke should be made to bring the matter to 
 the attention of the public. 
 
 Large placards announced a great mass meet- 
 ing which was to be held in the interests of 
 the working people. The co-operation of 
 neighboring societies was promised, and the 
 opportunity of hearing prominent speakers was 
 offered. 
 
 The club evinced a feverish anxiety to make 
 the gathering an immense affair. The largest 
 hall in the town was engaged, and all the clubs 
 were to form and march in procession to it, on 
 the evening of the meeting. Bands of music 
 were to enliven the scene, and banners and 
 regalia add to its attractions. 
 
 It was evident that the design was not only 
 to put new ideas into the minds of the people, 
 but also by a great demonstration to show the 
 strength and numbers of the laboring class. 
 Invitations were sown broadcast, and every 
 means adopted to excite the curiosity of the 
 people. 
 
 At length came the long looked for evening. 
 The clash and clang of brass bands brought 
 people to their doors and windows, to see the 
 imposing procession on its way to Lincoln Hall. 
 On all sides the number was increased, and 
 
A SECRET LEADER, 65 
 
 soon after reaching it the hall was filled to its 
 utmost capacity. The great demonstration did 
 not fail to have its effect upon the public at 
 large. The projectors of it were right in their 
 surmises that although the gathering might not 
 be followed by immediate results, it would set 
 people to thinking ; and they resolved to have 
 the best talent they could obtain, to explain the 
 views of the Socialists. Although curiosity was 
 the motive that had brought many of the peo- 
 ple, there were not a few who wished to take 
 for themselves a look into the much-talked-of 
 labor question as given by them. 
 
 In the usual expeditious manner, the meet- 
 ing was organized by the choosing of a presi- 
 dent, vice-presidents and a secretary ; and the 
 attention of the audience was then attracted to 
 the speakers of the evening. 
 
 The first of these was an ex-deputy council- 
 lor of the German Imperial Diet ; who, be- 
 cause of his Socialistic proclivities, had fled to 
 America for protection, and appeared at the 
 meeting as a martyr in the cause of liberty for 
 the working classes. He was greeted with hearty 
 applause. 
 
 He began his speech with an ingratiating 
 compliment to the American people, who he 
 said could attribute their prosperity to their 
 freedom from the dynasties of the old world, 
 
ee RED CARL. 
 
 and also to other advantages which secured to 
 them the prospect of a happy future. " It was 
 true," he said, " that here also were class dis- 
 tinctions ; there were the moneyed men, and in 
 close proximity to them the miserably paid 
 working class, who had hard work to support 
 their families. But the mighty breath of free- 
 dom could the more easily remove those differ- 
 ences than in the old countries ; and America 
 would be the first nation in the world where the 
 social question would be a success." 
 
 Then he proceeded to explain in language 
 above the comprehension of the majority of his 
 audience, the whole system of Socialism, and to 
 paint in glowing colors the great good which 
 would result from the movement. Yet it was 
 very evident that the learned gentleman, in spite 
 of the newness of his ideas, could not hold the 
 the attention of his hearers. His fine figure, 
 his well-cared-for hands, and his faultless toi- 
 let, formed a marked contrast to the rough 
 appearance and toil-hardened hands of those 
 for whose welfare he was making this brilliant 
 effort. He had the fault of many learned 
 speakers, of entering into tedious and intricate 
 examinations of the subject ; and indulged in 
 dry statistics, only intelligible to those who like 
 himself understood the subject and the language 
 in which he clothed his remarks. It was not 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 67 
 
 necessary to the leaders that he should make 
 the subject plain to them ; what they desired 
 was to have it made plain and popular with the 
 masses; and for this purpose it should have -a 
 practical air, and show the benefits to be de- 
 rived from the movement as near at hand. 
 These things his speech failed in, it was not 
 popular ; consequently, they were restless and 
 ill at ease, and it was a great relief to them 
 when the learned gentleman sat down, followed 
 by the good-natured applause of the assembly. 
 
 The next speaker was better fitted for the 
 task before him ; being a well-known journalist, 
 and a member of the Socialist Propaganda, 
 which had its headquarters in New York, and 
 had come to Bridethorp energetically to for- 
 ward the new movement. His profession enabled 
 him to feel the pulse of the people ; and his 
 aim was to discuss the subject in a manner 
 which would more -closely concern their inter- 
 ests, and work upon their sympathies. 
 
 His appearance, without being elegant, was 
 respectable, and suitable to the audience whom 
 he addressed ; his voice and manner had their 
 effect, and he possessed to a great degree that 
 magnetism which carries the listener with the 
 speaker, and, more than all, he used words 
 which they could comprehend without effort ; 
 therefore, he was appreciated. He placed him- 
 
68 KED CARL. 
 
 self among them as a laborer like themselves ; 
 therefore, knew the dignity and value of labor. 
 
 " What," said he, ** has made this country 
 what it is ? Labor. What has changed it in 
 less than a hundred years from a howling wil- 
 derness to a fruitful garden } Labor." 
 
 Then the speaker described the different steps 
 by which the development of the resources of 
 the country had been brought about. He 
 showed them that through the labor of the 
 colonists the woods were thinned away, and 
 where they once stood were now waving fields 
 of grain. The great inventions of modern 
 times, with the mighty improvements they had 
 brought about, had paved the way for the pros- 
 perity which was the ruling characteristic of 
 this country. 
 
 " Now," said he, " I put the question before 
 you, *Who should enjoy the fruit of all this 
 labor } ' The reply is, * The workman who per- 
 formed and yet performs the labor.' Does he 
 enjoy it } Many say * Yes,' but the clear facts 
 say, ' No ! ' " 
 
 Then the speaker alluded to the Middle 
 Ages, when rapacious noblemen stayed in the 
 stronghold of their castles and rioted upon the 
 proceeds of peasant labor ; even appropriating 
 the merchandize belonging to others. The 
 same element in these times was known by the 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 69 
 
 name of " Capital." He described the palatial 
 residences, the country seats, the many luxu- 
 ries of the rich capitalist, while the workingman 
 was only allowed the crumbs that fell from his 
 table. He tried to make plain to them that the 
 capitalists were leagued together, and that the 
 country at large was impoverished to fill their 
 coffers. Capital and monopoly were one and 
 the same thing ; they were beasts of prey, and 
 lived by robbery. They raised the price of 
 provisions, and all the necessaries of life, and 
 the whole thing was a conspiracy against the 
 working people. The only hope for the people 
 lay in exterminating them. The aim of the 
 Social Reform was not merely the restriction 
 but the abolishment of capital and monopoly. 
 Property should belong to all in common, each 
 man taking what he needs ; no more, no less. 
 The time might be distant, and it might be 
 brought about only after much tribulation, but 
 it would come ; of that he could assure them. 
 The battle must have a beginning, and the task 
 before them was to place labor in the place in 
 the world to which it was entitled. " If by the 
 present social order of things capital is neces- 
 sary," said he, " so is labor also necessary, and 
 stands side by side with it. The working peo- 
 ple are not slaves, therefore should have a law- 
 ful share of the produce ; not as alms, and 
 
70 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 depending upon the will of their employers, but 
 as their right." For this aim he called upon 
 the working people to free themselves from this 
 servitude, and thus secure their rights for all 
 future time. To do this it was necessary to 
 band together in the interest of the common 
 cause. Union was strength, and their care for 
 the welfare of future generations required that 
 they throw off the yoke of tyranny, of capi- 
 tal and capitalists, and be free. He finished his 
 remarks with a powerful appeal to the working 
 people of Bridethorp to throw their influence 
 into the contest for labor and its rights. 
 
 The speaker had been frequently interrupted 
 by marks of approbation, and when he concluded 
 there was such a storm of applause that it was 
 several minutes before the business of the 
 meeting could be continued. The speech was 
 in the opinion of all a masterpiece of eloquence ; 
 although there were many in the audience who 
 were strongly impressed with the evils of such 
 reasoning, and the false representations and 
 exao:o:erations did not advance his theme in 
 their opinions ; but their dissatisfaction was not 
 noticed in the hearty approval. 
 
 One would have supposed that a general de- 
 bate would have arisen upon a subject so new to 
 many ; but no one appeared anxious to com. 
 mence it ; the audience contenting themselves 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 71 
 
 with some leading questions which were 
 promptly answered by the president. 
 
 Some resolutions were laid before the crowd, 
 and some conclusions about to be made, when 
 Herr Graham, a plain-looking old man, asked, 
 although with considerable hesitation, to make 
 a few remarks. This was rather ungraciously 
 granted, and he began by saying that " the last 
 speaker had made some very beautiful remarks, 
 but had forgotten the corner-stone upon which 
 the whole structure rested. God had said that 
 *in the sweat of a man's brow should he eat 
 bread.' Labor is not a curse but a blessing, 
 the proof of the assertion being the civilization 
 of the present time. The working people are 
 the most advanced, the most independent, and 
 the happiest. As to the argument of the last 
 speaker that the social movement would bring 
 about a change in which all persons should be 
 required to work, and all equally enjoy the re- 
 sults of the work, it would only tend to the 
 degradation of labor. A person has but little 
 knowledge of human nature not to know that by 
 such a system the work would of necessity be 
 so limited that it would be impossible to obtain 
 enough to keep from starvation ; there would 
 soon be a state of barbarism, followed by anarchy. 
 This system would entirely ignore a man's indi- 
 viduality and opinions ; there would be no stim- 
 
72 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 ulus for any one to try to advance in life. It was 
 true that the present system of the workings of 
 capital and labor had its shady side, owing to 
 selfishness ; but that could be improved, and 
 instead of trying to overthrow the system, it 
 would be far better to turn the public attention 
 to rectifying it. Such a plan would soon show 
 practical results, for both sides would be fulfil- 
 ling the command of the Master who said ' Thou 
 shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Without a 
 regard for this rule, all efforts to better the con- 
 dition of mankind will be of no avail." 
 
 Before the speaker was half through his 
 remarks there was a rustle of dissatisfaction 
 among the Socialists ; and before he had become 
 seated, the speaker who had preceded him sprang 
 up with a very red face and with a voice trem- 
 bling with excitement. 
 
 " He must," he said, " beg the audience not 
 to be influenced by such old woman's cackle. 
 Were not all monopolists and bloodsuckers, 
 professing Christians } Did not their profession 
 of religion incite them to oppress the masses } 
 With Christianity and other priestcraft, this 
 movement had nothing to do. The people had 
 too long suffered injustice and oppression, but 
 the blow for freedom had now been struck, and 
 they would follow up the advantage until labor 
 had found its rightful place in the world." 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 73 
 
 The excitement of the speaker and his abuse 
 of religion so increased, that the president found 
 it wise to give him a look to restrain him. The 
 speaker had also recalled to mind that it was 
 not good policy to bring forth thus openly his 
 opposition to religion, which was one of the 
 features of the movement, so stopping suddenly, 
 he remarked that time was passing, and he had 
 some resolutions he wished to place before 
 them, and he was sure that they would see the 
 necessity of organizing. 
 
 The adherents of the new movement took 
 around the paper, but the greater part of the 
 audience held themselves aloof, and the meet- 
 ings soon after adjourned. 
 
 "The Capitalists heard for once some strong 
 opinions," remarked one of Neumann's boarders 
 to another, when they returned from the meet- 
 ing and were congregated in the sitting-room, 
 "the morning papers which contain that speech 
 will not be stuck behind the looking-glasses, I'll 
 warrant." 
 
 " The man was right," was the reply, " the 
 working men must league together, and not 
 longer do without the well-earned proceeds of 
 their labor. What we should demand is fewer 
 hours for work, and a fair return for it." 
 
 "Yes, and Mondays and perhaps Tuesdays 
 for holidays," remarked Alfred Braun sarcasti- 
 
74 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 cally, which excited a peal of laughter from the 
 others, for it was well known among them, that 
 the last speaker at the meeting generally made 
 a blue Monday for himself, followed by several 
 days spent in recuperating. 
 
 "I think," said Red Carl, angrily, "that any- 
 body that is not a coward or a traitor will place 
 himself on the side of the working men. The 
 sycophant may keep himself aloof, but at the 
 right time he will find him." 
 
 " Ho, ho ! that sounds dangerous, " said 
 Alfred rising and drawing himself up to his 
 full height, "you would go at it with knife and 
 revolver, but would find your attack finished in 
 a shorter time than you think for; it is not 
 every one who will run from babbling fools." 
 
 " I command you both to be silent, " said 
 Father Neumann as Red Carl was about to 
 retort ; " I will have no quarrelling in my house." 
 
 Carl muttered something about oppression, 
 but remained otherwise silent. 
 
 " What did you think of the speeches, Herr 
 Neumann } " inquired one of the men. 
 
 " I am not learned enough to follow the ideas 
 of the speakers," was the reply. " Many things 
 they said I could not understand, and many 
 others were so visionary that no sensible man 
 could attach any weight to them. The social 
 question is a beautiful thing in theory, but in 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 7S 
 
 order to make it a reality the world and the 
 people in it must be different from what they 
 now are. These plans belong to the kingdom 
 of air-castles and other brain sick fancies. 
 These talks of the oppressions of the capital- 
 ists are one-sided, and in many cases, untrue. 
 Take for example our factory, with its immense 
 buildings and mighty machinery, which has cost 
 thousands of dollars. Such a business requires 
 capital. Every two weeks, our employers have 
 to pay the workmen their wages, they have to 
 buy all the materials to keep the work going, 
 have to take all the risks, and bear all the 
 losses of competition and shrinkage in value, 
 and have the trouble of selling their wares 
 when ready for the market. They may not 
 always have money on hand to buy material, 
 and have to buy on credit at a high rate of 
 interest, all of which discouragements we have 
 nothing to do with, and in their anxieties 
 have no concern. I do not see what we would 
 do without capital and capitalists, for if capital 
 were exhausted, our work would soon be at an 
 end. Moreover, many of the capitalists were 
 working men like ourselves, who through dili- 
 gence and frugality have risen to the place they 
 now occupy. Even now they work as hard as 
 we ; and instead of finding fault with them we 
 should be deeply thankful and grateful that 
 
76 KED CARL. 
 
 they are able to give us steady employment. 
 It is a great thing for us that they are willing 
 to put their money into business that gives 
 others employment, instead of putting it out on 
 interest and following their own pleasure." 
 
 " Yes, but our labor brings them in far 
 more " ; cried Carl excitedly, " are you really 
 so simple as to suppose that our employers go 
 into business for the sake of giving people 
 employment } You would see how long they 
 would do so if it did not bring them from fifty 
 to one hundred per cent more than if out upon 
 interest. No ! our employers are not so disin- 
 terested and liberal minded. Let there once 
 be an over supply of skilled workmen, and you 
 would soon see the wages cut down to the starva- 
 tion prices of the old country ; and as is really 
 done now in some of our mining districts." 
 
 "We will have to wait for the proof of that," 
 said Herr Neuman earnestly ; " and if so I can- 
 not see how your incitings and agitations will 
 help the matter." 
 
 " We wish to gather together and organize 
 so as to be ready for the time of need, and 
 assist our brothers in misfortune. Do you not 
 see that capital will fetter us more and more 
 until it will be a real slavery } Look at the 
 railroad companies, and what power they pos- 
 sess ! It is their boast that judge and jury can 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 77 
 
 be bought over to suit their convenience. Look 
 how money rules the market ; and while the 
 Western farmer gets scarcely enough for his 
 products to keep body and soul together, the 
 working man of the East has to pay enormous 
 prices for the necessaries of life. Should we, 
 under these circumstances sit with folded hands, 
 and allow ourselves to be trodden under foot "i " 
 
 " It is true that there might be some improve- 
 ment," said Herr Neumann, reflectively, " but 
 there will in time be a remedy. Legislation is 
 in the hands of the people, and these matters 
 will all come right. As for revolution, that may 
 do for people who have nothing to lose, but we 
 who have families and a heart for the real wel- 
 fare of the people can lend a hand to no such 
 plans." 
 
 **The movement will not stand still, and he 
 who refuses to join us will find himself in a 
 worse condition than ever," said Red Carl, mali- 
 ciously, as Herr Neumann arose to retire. 
 
 " But your speaker said that all property 
 should be a common fund," said Alfred Braun, 
 who had an instinctive dislike to Red Carl ; 
 " but you appear to wish to make of the world 
 a big cheese and rule over it yourself." 
 
 " Yes, yes ! " said one of the men, while the 
 others joined in the laugh against Red Carl, 
 " he betrays himself too early in the battle." 
 
^8 KED CARL. 
 
 "Who says we demand such things ?" cried 
 Carl, excitedly. " The future will explain the 
 meaning of his speech, and no one has a right 
 to say we are working for power. Our sole aim 
 is to give labor the place in the world that it 
 merits." 
 
 " Until now, everybody was satisfied with 
 their position," said Alfred, sharply; ''but 
 croakers and contentious ones have unsettled 
 them, and, through their disturbances, we run 
 the risk of losing our comfortable places. If 
 matters did not suit them here, they should have 
 gone elsewhere." 
 
 "That depends on the continuance of traitors 
 and cowards handling the oars," said Carl, cast- 
 ing a malicious glance at Alfred, as he left the 
 room. The others remained talking for some 
 time, the all-absorbing theme being the Socialist 
 meeting. Frau Schlegel had come in, and 
 Mother Neumann and the girls took part in the 
 conversation, and expressed their anxiety over 
 the unsettled feeling prevailing around them. 
 
 " We have obtained our comfortable home by 
 the work of our hands," said Mother Neumann. 
 " and anybody who is industrious and saving 
 can do the same. But strife and disturbances 
 bring nothing but trouble. My husband has 
 read out of the papers to me about these terrible 
 strikes ; and the whole purpose of this restless, 
 
A SECRET LEADER. 
 
 79 
 
 dissatisfied fellow appears to be the desire to 
 stir up something of the kind here." 
 
 Frau Schlegel also warned the young people 
 to have nothing to do with his schemes. 
 
 " People," she said, " who indulged in slan- 
 derous attacks against religion were not safe 
 guides for any one ; and those who did not live 
 in the fear of God were not fit to rule others. 
 The way in which they had treated the remarks 
 of the venerable and respected Herr Graham at 
 the meeting, showed what style of people they 
 were." 
 
 Soon after, the little conference broke up and 
 Frau Schlegel went home. 
 
 " If we could only get Red Carl out of our 
 house," said Frau Neumann, anxiously, when 
 she was alone with her husband, " I should 
 feel less anxious. He is a real revolutionist, 
 and if you don't get rid of him the others will 
 be of the same mind." 
 
 " I will take the very first opportunity to ask 
 him to change his place, for we cannot accom- 
 modate him any longer," replied he, and Frau 
 Neumann felt her spirits lighten at his earnest- 
 ness. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 JEALOUSY. 
 
 A FEW days after the Socialist meeting in 
 Bridethorp, a small, but very earnest company 
 of men, — mostly journalists — were congre- 
 gated in a large room in the third story of a 
 public house in the city of New York. 
 
 These men constituted the elite corps of the 
 Socialist Propaganda. 
 
 A robust elderly man of intelligent counte- 
 nance, heavy eyebrows, and a thick gray mous- 
 tache, occupied the president's chair ; while the 
 others — about a dozen in number — were seated 
 upon lounges and settees listening to a report 
 of the meeting at Bridethorp, as given by the 
 popular speaker. 
 
 After a full statement of all the proceedings 
 of that evening had been laid before the as- 
 sembly, he summed up in a few words his own 
 opinion. 
 
 "Although," said he, "we did not find that 
 our ideas were received implicitly, yet I think 
 by proceeding with caution we shall succeed. 
 80 
 
JEALOUSY. gl 
 
 The employers are shrewd, and seek to bind in 
 every possible way, the interests of their em- 
 ployees. They have their aid society for the 
 benefit of the sick and disabled among their 
 workmen, and a society for the securing of 
 homes for the working men ; over both of which 
 the employers have control. Many of them are 
 already benefited by it, and the most of them 
 appear foolishly partial to their employers. The 
 main desire appears to be the possession of a 
 home of their own, and they look with distrust 
 upon any measure that might hinder it. The 
 wages appear to be enough for their simple 
 tastes, therefore it is not surprising that the 
 agitation has not had much effect. At the same 
 time we found quite a number who could under- 
 stand our aims, and if there should happen to 
 come a dull time, a good many others would 
 follow." 
 
 "At any rate," remarked the president, 
 "there appears to have been a beginning made 
 there. Our ideas have been sown among the 
 people, and after a time will bear fruit. We 
 have only to keep moving, and people will flock 
 to our standard." 
 
 " It is true that we have made a beginning," 
 said one of the members, ** but we should make 
 great efforts to get the movement in full tide. 
 The club there was expecting energetic support 
 
82 Rlil^ CARL, 
 
 from us. Our young friend, Carl Holt, whom 
 we have to thank for originating a Socialist 
 club, and also for our invitation to go there, 
 said to me that in some of the manufactories 
 the workmen were in a state of agitation, and 
 that we should make good use of the disturbed 
 state by some decisive measures." 
 
 " He is right," responded another, " we should 
 muster our forces, so that at an appointed time 
 we may do some effective work. We must not 
 waste our time in useless skirmishing, which, 
 proving unfavorable, causes our followers to lose 
 heart and become discouraged." 
 
 "I think," rejoined the first speaker, "that 
 our first effort in Bridethorp has been of no dis- 
 advantage, in fact, will prove of benefit. We 
 have widened our circle by impressing our opin- 
 ions on those who did not before know our aims. 
 Besides it has confirmed the opinions of those 
 already in our ranks, and when the time comes 
 to act, we will be sure of victory, while in the 
 ranks of our opponents will be confusion and 
 dismay." 
 
 " I would also say," remarked the president, 
 "that we need to use caution if we would not 
 do our cause injury ; at the same time, we need 
 not in every case try to avoid conflict. What 
 do you think we had better do next in Bride- 
 thorp ? " 
 
Jealousy. 33 
 
 "We must have a union in connection with 
 our organization," replied the popular speaker. 
 " The aid society, already established there will 
 be a foundation for it, and we can make them 
 of use, if we take them in the right way. The 
 union of the different unions is also necessary, 
 because more powerful to resist the influence of 
 the different firms." 
 
 "Yes we know by experience the value of 
 that plan," remarked the president. " With the 
 gathering of our colleagues, the doubting ones, 
 and those who are weak and irresolute, are made 
 more steadfast, and new spirit infused through- 
 out our ranks. Corporations are doing their 
 share to help on with the work, for never have 
 their oppressions been more openly shown to 
 the people than now. The rise in the price of 
 provisions has opened their eyes, as has also 
 the insolence of the railroad companies, and in 
 fact, the whole gang of monopolists, who have 
 impoverished them, will make working-people 
 realize the necessity of this movement, which 
 has no aim but to secure the good of the masses. 
 We will break the millennial fetters with which 
 they have been bound, and under the powerful 
 march of our laboring battalions will crush the 
 oppressor, and institute a new reign for the 
 working men." 
 
 A consultation upon ways and means most 
 
84 KED CARL. 
 
 favorable for advancing the cause followed his 
 remarks, and it was finally decided that two 
 of their colleagues, Bar and Lorimer, should 
 visit Bridethorp, and by making the details of 
 the movement plain to the people, keep up the 
 interest already excited. Then the conference 
 adjourned, and they repaired to the restaurant 
 below, where they took dinner. 
 
 In the meantime, " our young friend, Carl 
 Holt," since the Socialist meeting in Bridethorp, 
 was carrying a very high head indeed. In a 
 very condescending manner he sought to en- 
 lighten others as to the origin and intentions of 
 the new movement and always found willing 
 listeners. 
 
 It was true that he sometimes met with vio- 
 lent opposition, and Conrad's ready wit often 
 caused his air-castles to tumble down. Experi- 
 ence after a time taught him a new method of 
 procedure, and it was not long before he had 
 influenced Johannes and also a fellow-boarder to 
 accept of his views. 
 
 The dislike between Alfred and himself ap- 
 peared to increase with each day. Envy on the 
 part of Red Carl had much to do with this. 
 Alfred was intelligent, well educated, and not 
 only a skilful machinest, but possessed talent 
 in other directions. He had a natural aptitude 
 for invention, and had made many improve- 
 
JEALOUSY. 3^ 
 
 ments in the machinery, which had drawn at- 
 tention to him, and it was looked upon as an 
 assured thing that he would in time be made 
 foreman. 
 
 By one class of the working men he was 
 esteemed for his friendly and genial manner, 
 while there were others who thought him dis- 
 tant and supercilious ; and Red Carl tried to in- 
 crease the number by saying things to injure 
 him in their opinion. Alfred caught many un- 
 friendly looks, and knew he had an enemy in 
 Red Carl. He was convinced of this when one 
 morning he found that his work had been tam- 
 pered with, and suspected Carl to be the guilty 
 one. He resolved to keep silent, hoping by so 
 doing to be more certain that it was he who had 
 done him the evil. 
 
 It was natural that he should suspect him be- 
 cause of the dislike existing between them ; in- 
 creased on the part of Alfred from the fact that 
 Trina had seemed to forget the dislike she had 
 for Red Carl when he first came to her father's 
 house, and was more friendly toward him, 
 and Alfred, in consequence, was jealous and 
 miserable. 
 
 One day he could restrain his anxiety no 
 longer, and spoke to Trina about it, but in such 
 an abrupt, and as she considered dictatorial 
 way, that she resented it. It was the first mis- 
 
86 RE^ CARL. 
 
 understanding that had come between them ; 
 both thought themselves in the right, and sev- 
 eral days went by while they remained cold and 
 reserved with each other. Red Carl was re- 
 joiced at this break in their friendship, and 
 resolved to do all he could to keep them at 
 variance. 
 
 On the following day, after making this reso- 
 lution, Alfred had some repairs to make upon 
 the machinery, and could not leave the factory 
 for some time after the others had reached 
 Neumann's. 
 
 The moment he came, and entered the sit- 
 ting-room, a smile went round the circle of his 
 fellow-workmen gathered there. 
 
 " What is it } " said Alfred, somewhat dis- 
 turbed, " what are you laughing at } " 
 
 "Oh, nothing worth speaking of," said one 
 of them in reply. 
 
 " But I wish to know," said he, glancing from 
 one to another. 
 
 " I would advise you," whispered one of them 
 who was very friendly toward Alfred, " to keep 
 an eye on the Red Carl. Not every one has 
 the dislike to a red head that you have." 
 
 A look directed Alfred's attention to the 
 garden, where Carl and Trina were engaged in 
 an apparently friendly conversation. 
 
 After a time Trina entered the house, and 
 
JEALOUSY. Sy 
 
 Alfred stepped immediately into the garden 
 and addressed Red Carl. 
 
 " What have you been saying to Trina ? " said 
 he, in a commanding way. 
 
 " I do not know that I am obliged to give an 
 account to you," was the reply, in a mocking 
 tone. 
 
 "Yes, you are ; and I demand it of you. He 
 is a mean, abject wretch that tries to win the 
 affections of a girl who is betrothed to another." 
 
 "You can keep that pet name for yourself," 
 replied Carl, coolly. " It does hot look much 
 like a betrothal, therefore I took the liberty of 
 having some pleasant chat with Fraulein Trina, 
 and she seemed quite well satisfied, and asked 
 me to carry a basket for her." 
 
 Alfred turned and went swiftly to the house, 
 followed by a sardonic smile from Red Carl. 
 
 " Why did you ask a favor of Red Carl ? " 
 said he abruptly, "you know how impudent and 
 presuming he is." 
 
 " Listen, Alfred," said Trina, while tears of 
 wounded feeling rushed to her clear blue eyes, 
 and her color rose ; " Carl came into the garden 
 just as I was about to leave it with a basket of 
 fruit, and I asked him to carry it, just as I 
 would have asked one of my brothers had he 
 been there. I consider you unreasonable, if not 
 unjust." 
 
SS RED CARL. 
 
 " Yes, I suppose so ; but I do not wish you 
 to accept service from him, and I request you 
 to have nothing to say to him." 
 
 The commanding tone aroused the womanly 
 pride of Trina. 
 
 " Your commands shall be nothing to me, for 
 we are not yet married," said she, with flashing 
 eyes, " nor shall we ever be, while you speak to 
 me in that manner ; " saying which she left 
 the room, and Alfred returned to the sitting- 
 room, where he was greeted with a satirical 
 laugh from Red Carl. 
 
 Alfred passed on to the table and ate his sup- 
 per, but saw nothing of Trina; and after he had 
 finished, and the family met in the sitting-room, 
 they never so much as glanced at each other, a 
 proceeding which, after a time, attracted the at- 
 tention of Herr Neumann. 
 
 The next day Trina kept up the same reserve 
 with Alfred, while of the artful and obsequious 
 Carl, she took no more notice than usual, but 
 did not avoid him. 
 
 Carl, however, after that evening, had no 
 opportunity to give Alfred cause for jealousy, 
 for he was too busily engaged in business of 
 his own that suited him exactly ; and as soon 
 as his supper was over at Neumann's he spent 
 his evenings where he could meet workmen of 
 other trades, and zealously worked to dissemi- 
 
JEALOUSY. 89 
 
 nate his socialist ideas. Quite often Johannes 
 accompanied him, and as they always returned 
 in suitable time and in an orderly manner, Herr 
 Neumann did not consider that he had any right 
 to interfere with the freedom of his eldest son. 
 
 Carl was always receiving books and pam- 
 phlets which he faithfully distributed, and 
 which were read by the family as well as by 
 others. 
 
 In the meantime, the leaders of the move- 
 ment worked with all diligence to establish the 
 union, and as the employers had so much influ- 
 ence in the aid society, they felt they must go 
 about it with much caution. 
 
 In many of the manufactories the subject of 
 founding unions had been already discussed, 
 and many of the working men were so anxious 
 to have a society organized that it was no diffi- 
 culty to get them to consent to extending its 
 aims beyond the mere aid and support in case of 
 need, which was all that the few existing socie- 
 ties agreed to do. 
 
 In every community there are people who 
 though not ranking with many others in intelli- 
 gence and observation, yet by their domineer- 
 ing and passionate manner of advancing any 
 views they think best, draw the more intelligent 
 and better element into following their lead. 
 
 There were some of this disposition in the 
 
go 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 Socialist movement, and in their leisure time 
 they met other workmen, in their boarding- 
 houses, at the meetings, saloons, and other pub- 
 lic places, and zealously spread their ideas. 
 
 At length the time came to organize the 
 unions, and the leaders took good care that the 
 constitution of each should contain a paragraph 
 which would designate them as branches of the 
 main society, and as such, subject to its control. 
 
 It was rather flattering to a majority of them 
 to be united to the large assembly of working 
 men, and the advantage of it appeared so plain 
 that they were highly pleased. A few voices 
 were, however, raised in protest ; desiring that 
 their respective unions should be solely for the 
 benefit of their own members, and that no self- 
 seeking, politics, or outside influence should 
 interfere with its management. 
 
 These malcontents were informed, in sneering 
 manner, that if they were not satisfied to do 
 as others had done, they could forego the bene- 
 fits of the union, and their company be easily 
 dispensed with ; and the president of the meet- 
 ing in his closing speech clinched the matter 
 for them. 
 
 "The constitution," he said, *'had been 
 drafted with an aim to the best interests of 
 the working people ; a strong majority had 
 accepted it, and he hoped they would see the 
 
JEALOUSY. QI 
 
 necessity of standing by it and by each other, 
 and through no indifference or treachery be a 
 traitor to the cause. Success and victory could 
 only be possible through a united interest ; and 
 the members must look upon any one as an 
 enemy who made an effort to loosen the bond 
 that united them into a society. People said 
 many beautiful things about neutrality, but in a 
 battle, and with the enemy advancing, one can- 
 not be patient with the class of people who 
 hold back." 
 
 These fundamental points were of practical 
 and immediate use ; new spirit was infused into 
 the halting and dilatory ones, who realized that 
 it was the best policy to unite with the strong- 
 est party if they wished to live in any credit with 
 their fellow-workmen. 
 
 After that point was gained, the leaders pro- 
 ceeded to the second part of the programme ; 
 and that was to prevail upon the already estab- 
 lished unions to unite with them. This, they 
 knew, would be a difficult task, because those 
 unions included the most intelligent and pro- 
 gressive part of the working men. Diligent and 
 skilful artisans in places that suit them, do not 
 long for changes, and some of them made their 
 objections known. 
 
 *'In our union," said one, "we plan our own 
 affairs after our own wishes, and if we unite with 
 
92 
 
 RED CARL, 
 
 this union we shall have to be governed by it, 
 and shall not be our own masters." 
 
 This and other objections were made by the 
 older members, but the young and ardent were 
 eager for the alliance, and the discussion, which 
 lasted several weeks, brought up a stir and ex- 
 citement which was very agreeable to them. 
 
 "What is all this fuss and contention about?" 
 inquired Frau Schlegel, one evening, as she 
 entered the house of Herr Neumann, and sank 
 weariedly into a chair that Trina had brought 
 for her ; " I can't see what has come over the 
 people. Everything is strife, and everybody 
 unsettled. They talk about the interests of the 
 working people, and I really don't know what 
 they mean. Why can't they tell us in good, 
 honest German what they are trying to do .•* I 
 thought, till now, everybody was satisfied, and 
 had reason to be. Everybody has employ- 
 ment, so far as I know, and a little laid up 
 for a rainy day. What is it the people want } 
 Have they fared so well that they have grown 
 arrogant } " 
 
 " You say you don't understand it, Frau 
 Schlegel," said Carl Holt, hastily, " well, I will 
 explain it to you. Until now the employers have 
 piped for us, and we had to dance ; now we in- 
 tend to pipe for ourselves." 
 
 " And you expect the employers to dance to 
 
JEALOUSY. 9J 
 
 your music, do you?" questioned Frau Schlegel, 
 defiantly, at which the others laughed. 
 
 " Not exactly that," replied he, reddening ; 
 *' but we working men must have our rights ; 
 we are not slaves or machines ; we are pro- 
 ducers, and the employers could not do without 
 us." 
 
 "And what could you do without the em- 
 ployers } " said Frau Schlegel. " I am an old 
 woman," continued she, " and do not under- 
 stand these new changes ; but I do know that 
 no good will come of them, nor of this restless, 
 dissatisfied spirit that has come over you all. 
 God's command is * servants, obey your mas- 
 ters,' and in several places in God's word, we 
 are commanded to obey those in authority over 
 us." 
 
 " Masters ! " said Red Carl, contemptuously, 
 knowing well that it would not do to give fur- 
 ther expression to his disregard for religion in 
 the presence of Frau Schlegel. " Do you con- 
 sider it right for the employers to take the fruit 
 of our labor and live in every luxury, while the 
 working man, with the pitiful wages doled 
 out to him, can scarcely get the necessaries of 
 life.?" 
 
 "Yes, yes, my young friend," said Frau 
 Schlegel, " but where is your proof of this } 
 Look -at this home which Herr Neumann has 
 
94 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 bought with the wages you look down upon ; 
 could you not do the same if you would try ? " 
 
 "Yes, but we could advance faster if we 
 should receive the wages that we really earn," 
 said Carl, whi'e the others nodded approval. 
 
 " What do you consider suitable wages ? Do 
 you wish the employers to give you all their 
 profits? Do you suppose they never have 
 losses ? Are you willing to assume them also ? 
 Have not many firms become bankrupt ? With 
 all the expenses they have to meet, their profits 
 are many times very small ; and I doubt if any 
 of you would be as well satisfied to share with 
 them instead of being regularly paid wages as 
 you are now, and when losses came, I know you 
 would be dissatisfied. Really, the men who 
 have stirred up this trouble have done you all 
 a great injury, by making you dissatisfied and 
 unfaithful to your employers." 
 
 "You are right, Frau Schlegel," remarked 
 Herr Neumann, " the young people deserve all 
 the scolding you can give them. If they had 
 families depending upon them they would not 
 be so eager to risk losing their situations." 
 
 " I cannot see the use of making a disturb- 
 ance," said Alfred, casting a look of dislike at 
 Red Carl ; " we are not oppressed, and our 
 employers do not meddle with us. These self- 
 appointed reformers should wait until called 
 
JEALOUSY. Q5 
 
 upon for their help, we have not as yet had 
 need of them. They would soon make an end 
 of our society funds if they got a chance to put 
 their hands in it." 
 
 '* Yes," replied Red Carl, hotly, " I am glad 
 to say we don't belong to the class of syco- 
 phants who are so good before their employers, 
 in order to advance their own interests, and 
 those who don't agree with them are sneered at 
 and condemned. It is a mean sneak who tries 
 to undermine us in the opinion of others." 
 
 "I think you should apologize for your 
 remarks," said Johannes, looking angrily at 
 Alfred. 
 
 " I have not mentioned any names," said 
 Alfred, ''why do you think I alluded to any 
 one here .'* " 
 
 "You meant our club," said Red Carl, spite- 
 fully. 
 
 ** He would not have spoken so earnestly, 
 had he not intended hitting some of us," re- 
 marked Conrad. 
 
 " Have not your speakers and writers openly 
 declared that property is unequally divided } " 
 said Alfred, defiantly. " If a new division were 
 to be considered, would our society fund be 
 passed by } " 
 
 Both combatants became so furiously angry 
 that it bade fair to come to blows, when Herr 
 
96 KED CARL. 
 
 Neumann exerted his authority and commanded 
 silence. 
 
 The company soon after separated with bitter 
 feelings, and Herr Neumann saw that what he 
 had so often intended must now be done. So 
 the following morning he told Red Carl that he 
 must seek another boarding-place, for he could 
 accommodate him no longer. He was too sin- 
 cere to keep from him the cause of his dismis- 
 sal, but told him sharply, that in his own house 
 he would have peace at any price, and as he 
 could not have it under existing circumstances, 
 Carl must leave. 
 
 " And do you really flatter yourself that you 
 are getting rid of me.-*" said Red Carl, jeer- 
 ingly. " If you do not want me here, of course 
 I can leave; but I will not give way to that 
 malicious sneak whom you have taken into your 
 heart, and when the right time comes I will 
 teach him something he will not forget." 
 
 With these words he left the room, slamming 
 the door behind him. 
 
 That evening the Neumanns found that he 
 had taken board at the house of their nearest 
 neighbor, and they knew that he had remained 
 in the neighborhood in order to keep his in- 
 fluence over the younger members of Neu- 
 mann's family. 
 
 Although the Socialist agitation was followed 
 
JEALOUSY. 97 
 
 by many just such evil results, the mischief- 
 makers were not mistaken in their calculations, 
 that all would result as they had planned. In a 
 few weeks the greater number of the Unions 
 were won over to their way of thinking, extra 
 meetings were called, and although not without 
 some difficulty, they were all united, and the 
 constitution was such as the Socialists desired. 
 Not a few of the older members wondered that 
 the leaders considered it necessary to establish 
 a separate bureau, and appoint a secretary who 
 was also to act as agent. 
 
 " What is the use of it } " was questioned by 
 many of the older members, when the year was 
 passing away, and the appointment appeared to 
 be of no practical use. 
 
 But it was signified to them that a secretary 
 was something that could not be dispensed 
 with ; for the regulating of the affairs of the 
 union, and for the correspondence with distant 
 unions, it was necessary to have some one who 
 understood all the workings of the system. 
 They had, they said, taken care to select one in 
 whom they had confidence ; so the working men 
 of Bridethorp had a mutual bureau, and a sec- 
 retary whose salary was a very important item ; 
 a fact occasionally commented upon. 
 
 "The work is well worth what I demand for 
 my services," said he, when questioned, " the 
 
98 RE^ CARL. 
 
 writing and correspondence involves a great 
 outlay, which is increasing all the time." 
 
 A new proclamation was given out before the 
 congregated working people, and that was, that 
 every member should use his influence in zeal 
 for the union. Those who were active workers 
 in this cause should be gainers by it, and when 
 one was found who was negligent in promoting 
 and forwarding its interests, his fellow-workmen 
 must do their utmost to influence him, and 
 make it impossible for him to resist the pressure. 
 It was the open wish of the secretary that 
 every working man in Bridethorp should belong 
 to the union. 
 
 Many were dissatisfied with these changes ; 
 and many of the older members were chagrined 
 that by the founding of this union of unions, 
 strangers had authority over them, and were 
 allowed to associate with the principals and 
 leaders, in place of themselves, who in their own 
 union had been influential. The agitation had 
 unceasingly pretended to secure the rights of 
 the working men, and so far as they could see, 
 nothing was being done for them ; while large 
 sums were going out for the support of strange 
 strikers. 
 
 There was another subject which was a great 
 anxiety to them. One of the first steps of the 
 ofiftcers of the new organization was the taking 
 
JEALOUSY. 99 
 
 of the funds of the Society under their own 
 management. Heretofore the employers in the 
 different manufactories where there were un- 
 ions, had managed the funds for them ; but 
 under the new state of affairs, a committee was 
 selected to wait upon the employers, and re- 
 quest them to surrender the funds. 
 
 But the employers were unanimous in their 
 declarations that they did not own the unions, 
 and had no right to say what should be done 
 with the funds. They informed the committee 
 that the workmen themselves were the only 
 ones who had a right to say where the money 
 should be placed ; if they wished it removed, 
 the employers would have nothing to say 
 against it. 
 
 In accordance with this, the local unions 
 were all called, and as the majority in each de- 
 cided to go against the employers, the money 
 was placed in the hands of the new organization, 
 and another tie which had bound employer and 
 employee was broken. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 AUNT SCHLEGEL's ADVICE. 
 
 "You don't understand women's hearts," 
 said Frau Schlegel one evening to her nephew, 
 when he sought her humble home to tell her of 
 his anxieties, and to seek advice and sympathy ; 
 "you should have had confidence in Trina, and 
 not allowed your jealousy of Carl to influence 
 you, and make you unjust to her." 
 
 " But do you advise me to stand aside while 
 that conceited, insolent fellow is encouraged by 
 her notice to insult me, and then boast of it to 
 others ? " 
 
 " You must be proof against his boasting ; 
 and as for Trina, I think I know her well, and 
 have every respect for her. I am sure she 
 cares nothing for Red Carl, but he was a 
 boarder in her father's house, and so long as he 
 treated her respectfully, she had no right to 
 slight him. I believe her to be entirely indif- 
 ferent to him, but she is of self-reliant nature, 
 and your harsh treatment will drive her away 
 from you." 
 
 100 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEVS ADVICE. iqi 
 
 " I think now that I was too hasty ; but I 
 was so provoked by Carl's presumption. What 
 had I better do about it ? I have tried several 
 times to be friendly with her, but she is so dis- 
 tant and reserved, that I cannot get the oppor- 
 tunity. Yesterday, I tried to have some conver- 
 sation with her, but she told me coldly, to leave 
 her in peace; and when I would have said some- 
 thing more, she arose and left the room." 
 
 " Then the best course for you to take," said 
 his aunt, as she adjusted her spectacles, to re- 
 sume her knitting ; " is to take her at her word, 
 and go about your usual employments as though 
 nothing had occurred to mar the peace which 
 existed between you. Red Carl is out of the 
 house now, and will be no more in your way." 
 
 "That is exactly what troubles me the most," 
 replied Alfred, anxiously; "he has quartered 
 himself in the nearest house, and watches every 
 opportunity to see Trina, and I believe Johannes 
 helps him. Johannes is completely wrapped up 
 in Red Carl, and would do anything he was 
 bidden. He goes to all the Socialist meetings 
 with him." 
 
 Frau Schlegel shook her head reflectively at 
 this. 
 
 " These Socialists are a turbulent set, and I 
 hope you will never get mixed up with them," 
 said she. " The Neumanns, I know, are anxious 
 
I02 RED CARL. 
 
 because Johannes is in with them. He is a good 
 boy, but his character is not decided ; he is easily 
 influenced and, I fear, will be led astray." 
 
 " You need give yourself no anxiety about 
 me," replied the young man, somewhat petu- 
 lantly; " I have no affinity for them in any way ; 
 but I am anxious about Trina ; can you not give 
 her a word of warning } You could, at least, 
 advise her not to have anything to say to Red 
 Carl." 
 
 " I do not think that would be a very dignified 
 manner in which to proceed, neither do I think 
 it would be any advantage to you. It seldom 
 does good to meddle with other peoples* affairs. 
 It is evident that the Neumanns do not like to 
 have him there, or they would not have sent 
 him away. Trina is always very confidential 
 with me, and it may be she will speak of her 
 own free will to me about it ; but unless she 
 does, it would in my opinion be very unwise to 
 say anything to them about it." 
 
 Alfred said nothing, but his aunt saw that he 
 was far from satisfied. 
 
 *' Believe me, Alfred," said she, " urging will 
 do no good in this case. The best plan is to go 
 serenely about your work, and all will come 
 right. I know it is trying to young people to 
 be thus patient, and put a curb upon their feel- 
 ings, but have trust in God ; if He has ap- 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEVS ADVICE. 
 
 103 
 
 pointed that Trina shall be yours, then is her 
 affection for you not extinguished. You must 
 have your share of vexations, disappointments, 
 and trials in this life ; and, believe me, they are 
 much easier to bear if you take all your care to 
 God. You have said that your mother trusted 
 in God ; she prayed much for you, and I trust 
 her prayers will be answered. The way of 
 trouble often leads to Him. Take it not to 
 heart that I do not strive to make an effort 
 to help you ; if I could see my way clear to be 
 really a help, I should rejoice ; for there is 
 no one I would rather see your wife than 
 Trina." 
 
 Frau Schlegel could not tell what impression 
 her words had made upon him ; but his manner 
 was friendly as usual when he bade her good- 
 night. She could only hope that her advice was 
 not illy received. 
 
 Alfred had in the happy careless days of 
 childhood received much good advice from his 
 mother, and, in those happy circumstances, it 
 had made much impression. As long as his 
 mother lived, he had remained true to these 
 teachings ; but she was gone, and until he met 
 his aunt, he had been alone in the world. Be- 
 tween those two periods, he had been with 
 skeptical and free-thinking young men; had 
 read the irreligious literature which they read, 
 
I04 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 and the sweet influences which had surrounded 
 his youth were dimmed. Yet amid all, he 
 respected the religion which had been a com- 
 fort to his mother, and did not let it slip wholly 
 out of his life. Now he had met the first real 
 trouble of his manhood. He feared he was 
 about to lose the maiden to whom he had given 
 his best affections. He felt that he could do 
 battle with the whole world to win her, yet 
 could only be silent and wait ; which he felt was 
 the greatest trial that he could be called upon 
 to endure. 
 
 He went home and sought his room, but not 
 to rest. His mind was troubled, and the words 
 of his dead mother and his aunt arose to his 
 mind and excluded all thoughts of sleep. He 
 had been taught at his mother's knee to commit 
 to memory the words, " Cast all your care upon 
 God, for he careth for you." 
 
 " All your care," thought he ; " happy is he 
 who can cast all care upon God. But if care 
 were cast upon Him, dare a person have his own 
 will } No, he must put with the care, his hopes 
 and wishes into the hands of the Almighty, and 
 have faith that what he wills is for the best. 
 Yes, a religion which gives one confidence that 
 one's wishes shall be gratified is very pleasant, 
 but to lay upon the altar the dearest wish of 
 one's heart, and say, — ' Lord, not my will but 
 
AUNT SCIILEGELS ADVICE. 105 
 
 thine be done ; ' ah ! that would indeed be a 
 cross to the natural heart." 
 
 All through the long night, these thoughts 
 were holding conflict in the mind of Alfred ; 
 and he arose weary and unrefreshed, with the 
 consciousness that only by the full offering of 
 his will to God would he find peace. 
 
 While he had thus battled in sleepless anxiety, 
 he had heard words which did not tend to 
 relieve his feelings or calm his troubled heart. 
 It was after midnight when a noise outside the 
 house, and then the sound of a latch-key in the 
 outer door attracted his attention. This was 
 followed by the voice of Johannes, in somewhat 
 unsteady tones bidding some one good-night. 
 
 ** Good-night ! " was the answer, in the voice 
 of Red Carl ; "■ and don't forget what I told 
 you." 
 
 *' Don't worry, Carl ; you shall be my brother- 
 in-law, and we will yet be even with that sneak, 
 Alfred Braun ; " and with these words Johannes 
 ascended the steps to his room, and sank upon 
 his bed without removing his clothing. 
 
 " What noise was that I heard last night } " 
 inquired his father the next morning at break- 
 fast. " It must have been two o'clock, and who- 
 ever it was seemed unsteady upon his feet; I 
 don't like this coming in so late ; " and he threw 
 a searching look around the table. 
 
I06 RED CARL, 
 
 Johannes turned very red, which did not es- 
 cape his father's notice. 
 
 " What is the matter with you ? " he said, 
 "are you sick ?" 
 
 " I don't feel very well," said he. " I think I 
 must have taken cold." 
 
 Conrad came to his assistance, and saved a 
 scene by introducing another subject in which 
 all took part, and when the meal was finished, 
 the men went back to their work. 
 
 It was not the first time that Johannes had 
 come home in that condition, nor was it the 
 last. Red Carl had much influence over him, 
 and took him not only to the Socialist Clubs, 
 but when their meetings were over, they ad- 
 journed to the saloons, and other public houses, 
 where the agitators of the movement went to 
 discuss the situation of affairs. 
 
 Sometimes Johannes brought Red Carl home 
 with him, who as his friend was received in a 
 friendly manner ; and as he was on his best be- 
 havior while there, and could be, when he chose, 
 witty and agreeable, his society was not un- 
 welcome to Trina, particularly as she saw that 
 it gratified Johannes to see her friendly with 
 him. 
 
 Trina was willing to be in his society in the 
 company of others ; but if by chance she caught 
 his glance resting upon her, she was filled with 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEL'S ADVICE. 
 
 107 
 
 unaccountable aversion, and contrasted him in 
 her mind with Alfred, in whose society she 
 always felt happy and contented. 
 
 Then she reflected, and questioned her heart 
 in regard to Alfred. " Was it not foolish that 
 such a small offence should break their friend- 
 ship .^ What had she against him, that this 
 coolness should be kept up } It was true that 
 he was harsh and unjust, but was it not his 
 love for her that had driven him to it .-* She 
 had heard her brothers speak of the respect 
 shown his ability and industry, and had known 
 that it was whispered among the employees that 
 he would be chosen foreman. Alfred was not 
 so demonstrative toward her as Carl was ; 
 never showed her the little attentions which 
 Carl was always waiting to give her. Did she 
 then love Red Carl } His manner pleased her ; 
 but was that love } " 
 
 The girl sighed deeply, as she thought of 
 Johannes, aujJ of his anxiety that she should dis- 
 card Alfred for his friend Carl. He was using 
 every effort to advance that friend in her good 
 opinion, and his importunities worried her. 
 
 The Socialist Club of which Carl was a mem- 
 ber was to give a ball, and he had set his heart 
 upon taking Trina, and one evening accom- 
 panied Johannes home in order to invite her. 
 
 "I never have gone to balls," replied she, 
 
I08 KED CARL. 
 
 decidedly, ** and can Inake no exception in your 
 favor." 
 
 ** But this is not a public affair," said he, in 
 an angrily disappointed tone, "it is given by 
 the members of our Club, and none but those 
 whom they invite will be there." 
 
 " My father and mother would object to my 
 going to balls ; and even if I were willing to go, 
 they would not give their consent." 
 
 So Carl went away deeply chagrined, and the 
 same evening Johannes took his sister to task 
 for her refusal. 
 
 " Why did you not accept Carl's invitation } " 
 said he, angrily, "it was very unkind in you to 
 treat a friend of mine in that way." 
 
 " I do not go to balls, as you know, and father 
 and mother have never been willing to have us 
 go. More than that, I do not think I should be 
 treating Alfred right." 
 
 " Why so .? " said he, in apparent surprise, " I 
 thought you did not care for him. Carl deserves 
 some attention for the friendliness he has 
 always shown us." 
 
 " I do not consider that the friendship be- 
 tween myself and Alfred is broken," said Trina, 
 sharply, "at any rate, I shall remain at home." 
 
 " Why will you be so silly } " said Johannes, 
 angrily. " You have had one fuss with Alfred, 
 why will you make up with him again } I 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEVS ADVICE. 
 
 109 
 
 would not be so anxious to be friends with a 
 sneak who currys favor with his employers, and 
 thus puts the other workmen to a disadvantage. 
 Now, there is Carl, an entirely different man. 
 He is full of courage and energy, and all the 
 time ready to fight in defence of the working 
 man. There is no comparison between them." 
 
 " You are right," said Trina, decidedly. " Al- 
 fred, it is true, does not join in this hue and cry 
 against his employers, neither does he spend 
 his leisure time in drinking saloons, nor come 
 home late and stagger upstairs to his room. 
 I know somebody who had better follow his 
 example." 
 
 *' My spare time is my own," replied Johannes, 
 " and I shall spend it as I please, and you 
 need not trouble yourself about me. And be- 
 sides," said he, striking his clenched fist upon 
 the table, "you may oppose or not, but you 
 shall be Carl's wife ; I have promised him." 
 
 The young girl gave a surprised look into her 
 brother's face, then broke into a merry peal of 
 laughter. 
 
 " What are you laughing at } " inquired he, his 
 voice trembling with mortification. 
 
 " In order to marry me, he must have my 
 consent, and that he will never get," she re- 
 plied, as she turned to leave the room just as 
 her father entered. 
 
no 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 "What is it?" questioned he, "you look as 
 though you had been quarrelling." 
 
 With burning blushes and tear-dimmed eyes, 
 Trina told him the conversation, and concluded 
 by saying that she did not wish her brother to 
 speak to her in that manner. 
 
 " Well," replied her father, " I did not know 
 that you had such an aversion to Red Carl. I 
 thought you were well pleased to have him 
 come here, and have not wondered that Alfred 
 was jealous and unhappy." 
 
 " I have never invited Carl to come here," re- 
 plied Trina, resolutely, " neither have I any 
 right to forbid his coming. When he paid me 
 any attentions I took them for what they were 
 worth ; but never thought of marrying him. 
 This is your house, and you have a right to 
 receive whom you choose." 
 
 Herr Neumann could not restrain a smile at 
 her earnestness, for it was so agreeable to him 
 to hear of her lack of interest in Red Carl. 
 
 "I am glad of it," said he, "and I wish 
 Johannes would stay away from him ; he is a 
 mutinous fellow, and will come to no good 
 end." 
 
 " I see no harm in him," remarked Johannes, 
 doggedly ; " he is true to his friends — the work- 
 ing men." 
 
 ** I am sure he is of no advantage to you," re- 
 
A UNT SCHLEGEVS AD VICE. 1 1 1 
 
 plied Herr Neumann, sharply; "you are in a 
 fair way of becoming like them, by following the 
 lead of these mischief-makers." 
 
 " These people are not mischief-makers," 
 cried the young man, with eyes flashing with 
 anger and excitement ; " at least not more than 
 were the great reformers of all times. They 
 merely point out our rights, and shall we always 
 be in subjection to the rich ? Have we not a 
 right to provide for our own interests ? He is 
 true to his comrades ; he is no hypocrite and 
 sycophant, but stands true and faithful to his 
 fellow-workmen." 
 
 " Well, if their teachings have no better re- 
 sults to show than what I see in you, I hope 
 they will stay away from us. You are not the 
 same boy you were a short time ago ; I fear it 
 will end in your being a vagabond." 
 
 ** That to me t " cried the young man spring- 
 ing to his feet. " Have I not worked as you and 
 Conrad have done .'* Have I not brought home 
 the wages which I have received every two 
 weeks "i And yet, with the little pocket money 
 which you have allowed me to keep, you are not 
 willing that I should have a little pleasure ; and 
 now say I am a vagabond." 
 
 " Be quiet ! " commanded his father. " I do 
 not wish to be unjust to you, neither did I say 
 you were a vagabond ; I said the way you are in, 
 
112 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 and the company you keep leads to it. Just 
 think ; would it not be better for you to use 
 your pocket money in the cultivation of your 
 mind than to spend it in dissipation and in run- 
 ning after those brain-sick mischief-makers who 
 will lead you into trouble ? Take Alfred for 
 example ; he has made for himself a good posi- 
 tion in the manufactory, which he could not 
 have done had he followed these agitators. I 
 heard yesterday that the bosses were certainly 
 going to make him foreman." 
 
 " I would rather stay back, than to receive 
 favors for treachery to fellow-workmen, and 
 for humbling myself for the sake of receiving 
 them," said Johannes, defiantly. 
 
 "You shall not thus defame Alfred," said 
 Herr Neumann; "it is only the meanness of 
 his enemies that brings these charges against 
 him, because he will not go with them against 
 our employers. It is his good actions alone 
 that have brought him into favor ; that I have 
 been witness of myself." 
 
 " At any rate I shall not take him for an ex- 
 ample," replied Johannes. " He is against the 
 workmen, and I might as well say now as at 
 any time, that I am tired being in leading 
 strings. I think I am old enough to act for my- 
 self, and if my friends are not welcome to your 
 house, I can seek some other boarding-place." 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEVS ADVICE. 
 
 113 
 
 ** But you will not leave us, Johannes ? " cried 
 his mother, who had come into the room in time 
 to hear his last sentence ; " Surely, you will not 
 leave us ? " 
 
 " Oh, Johannes, how can you say these 
 things ? " said Trina, bursting into tears. 
 
 " What have we done ? " said the mother, also 
 weeping. " Are you not to us, just as our other 
 children } Have we not shared everything with 
 you, and always welcomed your friends to the 
 house } Oh, this comes of associating with 
 those miserable people ; they have changed you 
 so, that you are willing to turn your back on 
 those who love you best." 
 
 *' Now you see yourself that I cannot stay 
 here," said Johannes, bitterly. ** I am a mu- 
 tineer, and bid fair to be a vagabond ; and 
 Alfred, * the good, diligent Alfred,' can take my 
 place here. To be sure, he will not have to help 
 care for the whole family ; he has only himself 
 to provide for, and that he does. So you can 
 take him in, and I can shift for myself." 
 
 **Oh, how unjust you are," said Trina, wiping 
 the tears from her eyes ; *' you are, and will 
 always be the dear brother, do as you will. 
 You should be ashamed to speak as you do. 
 If you are not satisfied, why not tell us what 
 you wish, and we will all do the best we can. 
 You remind me of the prodigal son in the New 
 
114 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 Testament ; take care that you do not fare as 
 he did." 
 
 " Oh, Trina," said her brother, sneeringly. " I 
 did not know you were such a Bible scholar. 
 You will be a preacher after a while, and can 
 preach to us poor sinners." 
 
 " Cease your mocking, Johannes," said Herr 
 Neumann, severely ; *' would that we could hear 
 more of religion and less of that wretched busi- 
 ness which these new people are stirring up." 
 
 " It is enough," added the mother, in a trou- 
 bled voice. " I see how it stands ; these people 
 have completely weaned you from us, whom you 
 consider dull and unlearned. It is a great trial, 
 which, I suppose, we must bear as best we can." 
 
 Johannes made no reply, and there was silence 
 for a time in the little room. 
 
 "You are right," at length said his father; 
 you are old enough to care for yourself, and we 
 have no right to have control over you. But I 
 cannot stand by and see the injury it would be 
 to you to remain from under the home roof. 
 Remain here, if you will, and pay me the board 
 you think right ; and all that remains of your 
 wages use as you think best. Only, I pray you, 
 bring not Red Carl again to my house. He shall 
 at least do us no more harm than he has already 
 done, if we can prevent it ; and I will pray that 
 you may never have cause to regret this step." 
 
AUNT SCHLEGEVS ADVICE. 
 
 IIS 
 
 With these words Herr Neumann left the 
 room, and Johannes, the house ; and although 
 he remained out as late as usual, there was no 
 sign of drunkenness in his step or manner when 
 he returned. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 The opinion of Herr Neumann in regard to 
 the promotion of Alfred was not without foun- 
 dation, although it was some time before the 
 change was made. 
 
 The pause which generally comes between 
 the ending of the manufacture of the winter 
 wares, and the beginning of those for summer, 
 had been longer that year than it had ever been 
 in that factory. This stagnation was due in 
 part to the unsettled condition of the operatives, 
 but as the time went on, the season gradually 
 took on its usual activity. 
 
 One day Alfred was called into the office of 
 Mr. Amherst — the senior member of the firm 
 — who opened the conversation by saying that' 
 in acknowledgment of his skill, business qualifi- 
 cations, and general trustworthiness, they had 
 decided to offer him the position of foreman. 
 
 " Your diligence and uniform good conduct 
 deserves this," said Mr. Amherst ; " and we are 
 confident that you will be faithful to the in- 
 ii6 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE.. \\>j 
 
 terests of the firm, and I must also say that we 
 have another reason for advancing you to this 
 position. We believe you to be self-reliant, and 
 that you have a firm and well-balanced char- 
 acter. At this time we need some one who is 
 not only a skilful workman, but we require a 
 sensible and reliable man. Will you take the 
 place } Your salary will be the same that we 
 give other foremen." 
 
 Alfred thanked Herr Amherst for the confi- 
 dence expressed, and accepted the post. He 
 then waited to receive instructions in regard to 
 his new duties. 
 
 " You know in a good measure what is expected 
 of you ; and we will communicate to the workmen 
 what we wish them to know in regard to it." 
 Then after a pause of reflection he continued, 
 " perhaps it is better to mention to you what 
 we have already said to our other foremen. 
 You are aware that our employees are in a dis- 
 turbed state, owing to the Socialist agitation 
 which is prevailing among them. We have 
 paid them such wages as have heretofore satis- 
 fied them ; but, through the self-seeking aims of 
 these men, they have become discontented. 
 We wish to treat all our employees well, and 
 give them the best wages we can afford. But 
 as you know, the market value of our wares 
 o:overns the wajres ; and it is the foundation of 
 
Il8 RED CARL. 
 
 our existence as a firm, that we hold the con- 
 trol of that matter ourselves. We have nothing 
 against the workmen taking interest in their 
 own affairs, and taking counsel with each other, 
 but we will not tolerate strangers meddling be- 
 tween our workmen and ourselves. We wish 
 nothing of those people at this time ; we only 
 wish to make plain to them the standpoint be- 
 tween ourselves and our employees." 
 
 The following day a posted placard announced 
 in the usual manner to the employees, that Al- 
 fred Braun had been chosen as foreman ; and 
 with the announcement was a request to the 
 workmen in his department of the business, to 
 respect his orders as a representative of the 
 firm. 
 
 Although the announcement was not wholly 
 unexpected, yet it created some excitement. 
 In the pauses of the work the subject was 
 eagerly discussed, and the opinions were by no 
 means always favorable. Although they knew 
 his fitness and capability for the position, yet 
 many of them, particularly the older workmen, 
 felt themselves neglected and aggrieved that a 
 young man was placed over them, and malicious 
 feelings which they had harbored against him 
 were by this opportunity freely expressed. 
 
 " That is a quick promotion," remarked one 
 of these on his way home, to a group of men 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. j jq 
 
 who were on their way to Neumanns. " If he 
 gets along that way he will make his mark in 
 the world." 
 
 "This promotion is not unexpected," re- 
 marked Conrad Neumann. "The firm really 
 owed it to him in acknowledgment of his in- 
 ventions and improvements ; and no one will 
 say that he has not deserved his place. He has 
 never shown any perverseness toward us, and I 
 believe as foreman, he will do the best he can 
 for us all." 
 
 " I have my own thoughts about that," re- 
 marked Red Carl. " I have barely tolerated the 
 * pet.* I know this kind of people ; while they 
 are seeking for some favor they cannot show 
 enough respect to their fellows ; but let them 
 once gain their object, and you find to your sor- 
 row that they are perfect tyrants." 
 
 "We all know that you have no love for 
 Alfred," said Conrad, " and I for one know the 
 cause. It was in the natural order of things 
 that he was made foreman, and your prejudice 
 will not hinder others from thinking as I do." 
 
 "And I find the course anything but natural," 
 said Red Carl venomously. " You may be sim- 
 ple enough to ascribe his promotion to his ser- 
 vices, I think otherwise ; and we will see who 
 is right. The inventions which we are asked to 
 believe have advanced him so much, are not his 
 
120 I^ED CARL. 
 
 own ideas, and that the bosses well know. He 
 has used the ideas of others, and older and more 
 experienced workmen are made to stand back, 
 while he is placed in command over them. The 
 employers think by this to bind him to their in- 
 terests. Just say ; how has Alfred Braun acted 
 in regard to our union } Has he ever said one 
 word for the rights of the working man .? Has 
 he not always been opposed to our best men } 
 I say to you that you have not only a traitor in 
 him, but also a slave-driver, who had better not 
 meddle with me, or I will tear the hypocritical 
 mask from his face." 
 
 " Of course," said Conrad, sarcastically, " any- 
 body who does not agree with you agitators and 
 quarrellers, is a traitor and slave-driver. You 
 are in your own opinion, the only true friends 
 to the people. If we will only follow your lead 
 our fortunes will be made ; but let me tell you, 
 Carl, that, notwithstanding the great number of 
 people which you and your compatriots have 
 fooled, there are plenty of working men who do 
 not look through your spectacles, but can think 
 for themselves. And in the case of our new 
 foreman, if you were to call upon those whom 
 you think opposed to him you would find it a 
 very small number." 
 
 ** Bah ! " sneered Carl, contemptuously, " you 
 speak as you understand, Alfred and yourself 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE, 121 
 
 are great friends, as everybody knows. Per- 
 haps with the help of your friend, you can also 
 be raised to the position of a small tyrant. I 
 congratulate you in advance." 
 
 **If I did get such a place," said Conrad 
 warmly, " it would be quite as honorable in my 
 eyes and those of other honest people, as that 
 of a well-paid agent of a set of men who humbug 
 misguided working people." 
 
 This home thrust was too much for Red Carl, 
 and in a towering passion he tried to gain time 
 for an explanation of Conrad's sally. But the 
 workmen were dropping off in different direc- 
 tions to their boarding-houses and homes, and 
 did not appear inclined to listen. 
 
 ** Now see here, Carl," said Conrad, before 
 disappearing inside his own door, " it doesn't 
 look well for you to get so angry if my charges 
 against you are not just, and all your exertions 
 are out of pure love for us working people." 
 
 Muttering some not very complimentary 
 things, his adversary passed on to his own 
 boarding-house, while Conrad laughingly related 
 the little episode to the others gathered around 
 the table. 
 
 Alfred, who had remained at the factory for 
 some time after the others, in order to gain 
 some information in regard to his duties, now 
 came in, and was heartily congratulated by the 
 Neumanns. 
 
122 R^D CARL. 
 
 Frau Neumann had heard early in the day, of 
 Alfred's promotion, and celebrated it by a rich 
 supper. Upon the snow-white cloth appeared 
 all the silver, which only upon rare occasions 
 like the present was brought forth. 
 
 Johannes made several malicious observa- 
 tions over this evidence of rejoicing, which were 
 received by Alfred in silence, and by a look 
 from his father, which put a stop to more com- 
 ments of the kind. 
 
 Frau Schlegel and some of the foremen were 
 invited to supper, and in cheerful conversation 
 the evening passed away. 
 
 " I hope the new Herr foreman will not for- 
 get that he also has been a workman," remarked 
 Johannes, in the course of the evening, anxious 
 to bring the working question into the con- 
 versation. 
 
 " In my opinion there is only one way to act 
 in regard to that," replied Alfred calmly. " It 
 would be impossible to separate my interests 
 from that of the other workmen. As foreman, 
 I yet remain a workman ; the position to which 
 my employers have called me, has not changed 
 it. I think the differences between the work- 
 men and their employers are wholly unnecessary 
 and unnatural. The foremen, the clerks, the 
 bookkeepers, the treasurer, and so far as I can 
 see the employers themselves are workmen ; 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 123 
 
 and if the workmen are dependent upon the 
 employers, so are the employers dependent 
 upon the workmen." 
 
 " The main difference is that the employers 
 have the profits, and we must be satisfied with 
 what they choose to give us," said Johannes, 
 who could not forbear making one of his favor- 
 ite observations. 
 
 " Yes, and the employers have the losses 
 also," remarked one of the foremen ; " I remem- 
 ber that the bookkeeper told me that for several 
 years the firm had many losses, and if it had 
 continued another year they would have been 
 bankrupt." 
 
 "The employers have all the anxieties," said 
 Frau Schlegel, who had been a silent listener 
 to the conversation, "and if people would 
 only be contented, and follow the teachings of 
 God's word, and stay away from public houses, 
 many families who are now in restricted circum- 
 stances would have an abundance. And you 
 young people could save your earnings if you 
 would stay away from those agitators and dis- 
 turbers of the peace." 
 
 From this the conversation drifted into more 
 peaceful channels, and after a social time, the 
 company separated. 
 
 Alfred was in the best possible spirits. Not 
 only had he reached a creditable place in the 
 
124 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 factory, but Trina had appeared unusually 
 friendly with him that evening ; and more than 
 that, Conrad had assured him that his jeal- 
 ousy of Red Carl was unfounded. Had the 
 opportunity offered, he would have asked Trina 
 the question which was trembling upon his lips, 
 but he was forced to profit by the advice given 
 by his Aunt Schlegel, and upon reflection knew 
 it was the best. 
 
 If Alfred had imagined that his promotion 
 would give him a pleasant place among his fel- 
 low-workmen, he found himself much mis- 
 taken. It gave him a glance into human 
 nature ; and he found that his advancement 
 raised vindictive envy in the minds of some 
 whom he had considered friends. Most of the 
 uncultured ones looked with anything but pleas- 
 ure upon his advancement, and in secret berated 
 him for what they called his pride and arro- 
 gance. People whom he had thought had every 
 confidence in him, now he felt looked upon him 
 in open distrust. He frequently caught glances 
 of enmity, and more than once heard remarks 
 that he felt were undeserved. 
 
 Like many others raised to higher positions, 
 he in his zeal for the right would occasionally 
 make mistakes, and had it not been for the 
 other foreman his management and discipline 
 would at times have been at fault. 
 
A PLEASANT St/liPRISE. t2^ 
 
 But also in another way he brought some 
 trouble and anxiety upon himself. The hint 
 which his employers had given him as to the 
 restless and unsettled spirit among the work- 
 men, had excited a wish in him to try to 
 smooth matters among the malcontents, and 
 in all sincerity of heart to try to make peace. 
 The workmen believed this to be an effort 
 which he had undertaken in the interests of 
 the employers ; and he was brought into dis- 
 credit by it. 
 
 The agitation which had united the unions 
 into the main society had not only kept its 
 strength but was expanding. By means of per- 
 suasion, and if that failed, through artifice and 
 cunning, the whole body of working men had 
 been brought into the union ; and the leaders 
 sought to build upon the foundation they had 
 won. 
 
 Meetings for the advancement of the cause 
 were frequently held, generally upon the Sab- 
 bath day, and were well attended ; the members 
 arguing that it was quite as good as attendance 
 at church. 
 
 These meetings took more and more an athe- 
 istic and revolutionary tendency ; and at length 
 the leaders threw off the mask and stepped 
 forth in open atheism, and threw all Christian 
 regulations aside. The church was designated 
 
126 J^ED CARL. 
 
 as a stupid place ; the preachers as tools of 
 tyrants ; and religion a cunningly devised fable 
 which kept the masses of the people in subjec- 
 tion, so that the rich and prosperous might 
 make gain off them. 
 
 This immoderate and unprovoked attack upon 
 all that should have been sacred, met with 
 opposition among thinking, earnest minds ; but 
 any effort to protect their belief was met with 
 sneers from the leaders, and cried down by 
 their followers with groans of derision. 
 
 It was at one of these meetings that a social- 
 ist speaker from the city of New York gave 
 uncalled-for expression to his hatred to all reli- 
 gion, and Alfred Braun, after great restraint 
 upon his feelings, felt that he could be silent 
 no longer. 
 
 He called the attention of the meeting to the 
 matter, and asked if it were necessary to intro- 
 duce insults to religion in order to forward the 
 aims of the society. Upon joining the union, no 
 one had been questioned in regard to his reli- 
 gious beliefs, the platform did not include any 
 restrictions relative to the matter ; many of the 
 members belonged to Christian churches of 
 various denominations, and did not consider it 
 required of them to sit quietly by and listen to 
 invectives against religion. He made a motion 
 that all speeches should in future omit all allu- 
 sions to it. 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 127 
 
 This proposition met with such hearty ap- 
 proval, that the leaders instantly saw that it 
 would have to be adopted if they wished to 
 retain the hold they had already gained upon 
 their followers. 
 
 The officers had called for the motion to be 
 seconded, and were about to pass it when Red 
 Carl sprang up and poured a perfect torrent of 
 abuse and slander upon Alfred. 
 
 The composure with which young Braun 
 tried to endure his taunts was at length cast 
 to the winds ; and with eyes blazing with indig- 
 nation he rushed upon his tormentor ; and had 
 it not been for the friends of both who sepa- 
 rated them, it might have been a serious affair 
 to one or both of them. 
 
 As it was, a scene of indescribable confusion 
 ensued ; and it was some time before the offi- 
 cers could restore order. 
 
 Carl had left the hall, and Alfred insisted 
 with quiet determination that the attacks upon 
 religion should cease at the meetings of the 
 union, and his resolution passed unanimously. 
 
 Being warned by this experience, the agita- 
 tors adopted other tactics. The wages of the 
 workmen in proportion to the gains of the busi- 
 ness were now brought before the meeting. 
 
 They produced price lists showing the cost 
 of the raw material ; the cost of the manufac- 
 
128 ^^"^ CARL. 
 
 ture of the same, and the market value of these 
 wares ; after which the probable receipts for 
 these products were reckoned. Such a reckon- 
 ing, even if made in sincerity, is always doubt- 
 ful of being anywhere near correct. 
 
 There are so many little expenses which in 
 the course of time count, so many little deficits 
 remain unconsidered, so many supposed receipts 
 and gains which are only imaginary with the 
 reckoners. 
 
 It was the secret wish that when the reckon- 
 ing was footed up, the balance sheet should 
 show returns which would make the workmen 
 dissatisfied. 
 
 The result, as was to be expected, was greatly 
 in favor of the firm, against which the wages of 
 the workmen were in pitiable contrast. 
 
 Then the question was put to them if it would 
 not be better to abolish the whole system of 
 wages, and let the union — through deputies — 
 unite with the employers in arranging matters 
 that would be more to the workmen's interest. 
 
 This conclusion appeared so rational and 
 loyal and just, that nearly all agreed to it ; but 
 a few of the members recognized the difficulty 
 of this undertaking, and the underhand appear- 
 ance which the move would have, prevented 
 them from agreeing with it. 
 
 Among these few was Alfred Braun, and, 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 129 
 
 faithful to his convictions of right, he com- 
 bated the resolution. 
 
 " What guarantee have we that the reckon- 
 ing we have just heard is correct ? " inquired 
 he. " I think we should be doing a very sense- 
 less thing to base our demands upon such an 
 uncertain footing. In order to come to a really- 
 correct and just calculation, we would have to 
 look into the condition of the business, and that 
 no firm would, or, ought to grant. I am quite 
 certain that Amherst & Co., for one, would not, 
 for the fraction of a second, allow the union to 
 meddle with their affairs." 
 
 These remarks were not at all cordially re- 
 ceived. It was exceedingly unpleasant in a 
 cause which was supposed to benefit all, and 
 which gave the appearance of being of great ad- 
 vantage, that opposition should arise. 
 
 It was discussed in low murmurs among the 
 leaders, questions were asked and answered 
 among the workmen, and at length it was signi- 
 fied to young Braun that since his promotion he 
 took but little interest in the rights of the work- 
 men. 
 
 " I have their interests much more at heart, 
 than have the mischief-makers who, through 
 senseless and aggravating means cause dissen- 
 sions between the workmen and their em- 
 ployers," responded Alfred, indignantly. 
 
130 ^^^ CARL, 
 
 This charge brought Carl — who had returned 
 to his place in the meeting — to his feet ; and, 
 with eyes sparkling with anger, he attacked his 
 adversary with a proposition which was as artful 
 as it was unexpected. 
 
 " The Herr foreman has assured the union of 
 his undivided interest in the working-men," said 
 he, in sarcastic tones ; ** and no doubt he means 
 exactly what he says. He has now the very 
 opportunity to give us proof of his sincerity by 
 deeds. He has said that Herr Amherst & Co. 
 would never allow the union to meddle between 
 them and their workmen. Of course they 
 would not refuse to listen to their foreman 
 should he speak in behalf of the workmen. I 
 therefore move that Herr Alfred Braun should 
 inform Amherst & Co. of the wishes of their 
 employees, that a more considerate system of 
 wages be adopted." 
 
 This proposition met with prolonged applause, 
 and Red Carl sat down with the blissful con- 
 sciousness that he had at last his adversary in a 
 net from which it would be difficult to extricate 
 himself. 
 
 But Alfred preserved his composure, and re- 
 plied that no sensible person, knowing his opin- 
 ions upon the subject, would expect or wish him 
 to lay such a proposition before them. He con- 
 cluded by warning his fellow-workmen against 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 131 
 
 the disturbers of their peace, who with their 
 fluent speeches would bring them into trouble 
 with their employers, and then disappear from 
 the scene ; saying which, he left the meeting 
 before Red Carl could get time to reply. 
 
 Alfred's example had the effect of preventing 
 any of the foremen from being persuaded into 
 laying the resolution before their employers, 
 and the subject was laid aside as unfinished 
 business. 
 
 In the meantime, there was another matter 
 which was taken up and discussed by the union. 
 The firm of Drew & Son had made some 
 changes in their manufactory, and the book- 
 keeper — Herr Sieber — was blamed for these 
 removals. He was known for his strict disci- 
 pline, and disliked in consequence, and every 
 disagreeable change was attributed to him. One 
 of the workmen laid the case before the union, 
 and Herr Sieber was voted a despot who took 
 delight in showing his authority over the work- 
 men. 
 
 The question was put before the meeting 
 whether the workmen were willing to bear with 
 such oppression ; and the conclusion was drawn 
 that in the interest of all, and to uphold their 
 manly self-respect, the matter required ener- 
 getic action, and it was resolved that a commit- 
 tee be sent to the firm of Drew & Son, to 
 
132 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 request the dismissal of the obnoxious book- 
 keeper. 
 
 At that moment Alfred returned to the hall. 
 He was well acquainted with Herr Sieber, and 
 knew him to be a conscientious and faithful 
 man, true to the interests of his employers, 
 and at the same time a good friend to the 
 workmen. 
 
 " I am sure the union will have no hearing 
 with Drew & Son," said he, earnestly, " and if 
 you are determined to make complaints of Herr 
 Sieber it would be better for the workmen em- 
 ployed by the firm, and who are opposed to him, 
 to make the complaint in person." 
 
 But this was not at all what the union desired. 
 It wanted the employers to feel the power of 
 the union, and after a tumultuous time they 
 carried the motion through. A committee was 
 appointed to visit Drew & Son, and the result 
 was exactly as Alfred had predicted. The em- 
 ployers declined emphatically to have anything 
 to do with the union. If the workmen objected 
 to Herr Sieber, why not come themselves and 
 make their objections known, without asking 
 the union to meddle in the matter t 
 
 A special meeting of the union was called, 
 and the men were instructed to say that if the 
 offending bookkeeper were retained they would 
 leave the factory. 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 133 
 
 No attention was paid to this threat by the 
 firm, and the matter ended. But this failure 
 did not add to the good-humor of the secret 
 leaders of the movement, and they put all the 
 blame upon Alfred Braun, and resolved to break 
 up his influence over the workmen. The many- 
 sided tongue of calumny was set in motion 
 against him, all his movements were watched, 
 and the worst construction put upon his actions. 
 Coldness and disrespect met him in business 
 and in the meetings, and frequently open en- 
 mity. Any resolutions offered by him were 
 overruled or scarcely noticed, even if they did 
 not meet with ridicule or insult. 
 
 He came more and more to the knowledge 
 that his enemies were trying to break down his 
 influence with the workmen ; so he resolved to 
 leave the union, and his example was shortly 
 followed by the other foremen of the Amherst 
 manufactory. 
 
 This was precisely what his enemies desired. 
 They considered that it proved Alfred always to 
 have been unfaithful to the cause of the work- 
 men, and that he was wholly in the interest of 
 the employers. 
 
 Red Carl had now plenty of interesting work 
 for his leisure hours. He hastened from saloon 
 to saloon with his news of Alfred's treachery ; 
 and his false representations raised a storm of 
 
134 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 distrust and anger against Alfred Braun, as a 
 traitor to his fellow-workmen. 
 
 His real friends scarcely dared open their 
 mouths in his defence, under such a fire of 
 indignation. Only Conrad Neumann had the 
 courage to complain openly in the union of the 
 shameful treatment which had driven him away, 
 and to prophesy that more of such management 
 would make an end of the organization ; a piece 
 of advice which brought upon his luckless head 
 a storm of sneers and reproaches, and he did 
 not advance in the least the cause of his 
 friend. 
 
 At Neumann's the resignation of Alfred from 
 the union was considered the very wisest course 
 he could have taken. " Our reformers," said 
 Herr Neumann, "wish to deliver us from the 
 yoke of the capitalist, and it appears that they 
 are preparing their own yoke for us." 
 
 Alfred had, some time before, left Herr Neu- 
 mann's boarding-house, and had with his aunt 
 rented a small, neat dwelling, near enough for 
 the two families to see each other every day. 
 
 As yet he had come to no understanding with 
 Trina. Her manner to him was at all times 
 friendly, and she treated him with every re- 
 spect ; but she encouraged no allusions to a 
 nearer relationship. This gave young Braun 
 much anxiety, and he sometimes thought he 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 135 
 
 would try another plan and insist upon an 
 explanation from her. 
 
 One evening he had been detained at the 
 factory somewhat later than usual, and he took 
 a shorter way home. In passing a shaded spot 
 on the bank of the canal, which supplied the 
 factory with water power, he heard a voice 
 which he recognized as that of Trina, who 
 was striving to free her hand from the grasp 
 of Red Carl. 
 
 She was returning from a visit to Frau Schle- 
 gel when met by him. 
 
 ** Let me go," were the first words Alfred 
 heard, in a trembling voice. '* I am late now, 
 and mother will be anxious about me. How 
 dare you stop me .-* " 
 
 " I dare to stop you, because I wish to have 
 some conversation with you," said he, in a 
 mocking tone. " I have watched long to have 
 an opportunity to speak to you alone, and now 
 I shall have my say. Do you still care for that 
 sneak, that traitor, Alfred Braun .? I ask you to 
 discard him, and listen to me." 
 
 "I command you to let me go," said Trina, 
 "what is it to you what my opinion is of Al- 
 fred } " 
 
 ** It is this," said Red Carl, resolutely. " You 
 know well that you were favorable to me until 
 Braun was promoted to be foreman, and now 
 
13^ 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 you scarcely notice me. Now, matters must be 
 made clear before we part ; you must promise 
 now, and here, to give him up." 
 
 " That I will never do," said the girl, drawing 
 herself up to her full height ; "go your way and 
 I shall go mine. I have nothing to do with you, 
 and you have no right to dictate to me." 
 
 She had loosed her hand from his grasp, and 
 was hastening away when he stepped into the 
 path before her, his eyes blazing with fury. 
 
 "You shall not let him triumph over me," he 
 cried, "promise to give him up or I will throw 
 you and myself into the canal." 
 
 Trina saw that he was in earnest, and a cry 
 of terror arose to her lips, when a blow from 
 Alfred felled him to the earth. But only for a 
 moment. Carl recognized his antagonist, and 
 like a tiger sprang upon him. 
 
 "So!" he cried, livid with rage, "you have 
 crossed my path again ; now shall you be paid 
 for your treachery." 
 
 A knife glittered in the hand of the enraged 
 man, but Alfred was upon the alert, and with 
 a quick stroke knocked the knife into the 
 canal. 
 
 The two men now engaged in a hand-to-hand 
 scuffle, while the frightened Trina had flown to 
 her father's house for help. 
 
 Alfred was the strono^er of the two and it was 
 
I will throw you and myself into the canal.' "—Page 136. 
 
A PLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 137 
 
 but a few seconds' work to throw Red Carl upon 
 the ground. 
 
 ** Go, now," said he, as Carl rose to his feet, 
 " and never molest Fraulein Trina again, or you 
 will know what to expect." 
 
 Carl went sullenly away, muttering threats of 
 vengeance to which Alfred paid no attention, 
 but hastened to Herr Neumann's and before 
 reaching there, met Conrad and his father who 
 were coming to his relief, and who were rejoiced 
 that Red Carl had at length found his master. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 The meeting between Red Carl and Trina 
 had convinced Alfred, who had witnessed it, 
 that Trina entertained more abhorrence than 
 affection toward Red Carl, whose boundless 
 presumption had encouraged him to believe that 
 she was not indifferent to him. 
 
 Yet his jealousy prompted a new cause for 
 anxiety in the remembrance that Trina could 
 have given a reason to Red Carl for not return- 
 ing his affection, by explaining to him that it 
 was already given to Alfred. 
 
 Frau Schlegel, to whom he went with this 
 new trouble, soon set his mind at rest upon that 
 subject. 
 
 " I am surprised at you, Alfred," said she, in 
 her cheerful, resolute manner, " do you suppose 
 she would tell any man, much less one so brutal 
 as Red Carl, that she loved you, or any one.-* " 
 
 Alfred raised his head and his heart grew 
 suddenly lighter. 
 
 '- Do you imagine for one instant that she 
 would make a confidant of Red Carl even to re- 
 138 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 139 
 
 venge herself upon him ? What would you have 
 her do next ? " continued she laughingly. " Per- 
 haps you expect her to throw herself in your 
 arms, and tell you how much she loves you. If 
 you expect this you will wait a long time, and I 
 should think less of her if she acted one particle 
 differently from what she does." 
 
 Alfred agreed with her, but expressed his 
 fears that an explanation with Trina might re- 
 sult in grief to him. 
 
 Frau Schlegel smiled. In this case her vision 
 was much clearer than that of her nephew. 
 She had gazed into the pure mirror of the young 
 girl's heart, and in it had seen the image of 
 Alfred. She often sought the society of Trina, 
 and was charmed more and more with every 
 meeting ; and this last experience had raised 
 the girl's character even higher in her estima- 
 tion. 
 
 The religious feelings of Trina were not 
 lightly expressed ; but Frau Schlegel saw with 
 reverent joy, that the spirit of God ruled the 
 young girl's heart, and her hope was, that she 
 might be Alfred's wife, knowing that through 
 her influence he would be won to a truly Chris- 
 tian life. 
 
 " You are the most unpractical lover that it 
 has ever been my lot to meet," laughed his 
 aunt. " Do you not see that you have just now 
 
140 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 the very best opportunity that you can have, 
 for bringing forward your suit ? Trina will, I 
 think, expect you to say something after what 
 has passed, yet I am quite confident, will not 
 put herself in your way. But as aunt to you, I 
 see that I must help you ; if you wish, I will 
 see the Neumanns this afternoon and mention 
 the matter, and then this evening you can pres- 
 ent your case in due form." 
 
 Alfred was greatly encouraged by this prop- 
 osition of Frau Schlegel. Like many other 
 worthy young men, he feared to ask his life's 
 destiny at the hand of the woman of his choice. 
 
 True to her promise, Frau Schlegel called at 
 Neumann's and circumstances favored the object 
 of her visit. Trina had been somewhat nervous 
 from her fright of the evening before ; yet was of 
 such sound and healthy organization that she had 
 quickly recovered her usual calm, sweet manner. 
 
 Frau Schlegel told her errand, and was met 
 with like frankness. Any affection which Trina 
 might have entertained for Red Carl was ban- 
 ished by his shameful conduct ; and Frau Neu- 
 mann assured Frau Schlegel that she and Herr 
 Neumann would give their daughter with per- 
 fect confidence into Alfred's care. 
 
 In the evening, Alfred found them expecting 
 him, and the time was happily passed in ar- 
 rangements for their marriage at an early day. 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 141 
 
 The only drawback to the general congratula- 
 tions was Johannes, who could not conceal his 
 displeasure ; and although he gave no expression 
 to his feelings, yet his abrupt departure from 
 the room and the house, convinced them that 
 he wished to take no part in the general rejoic- 
 ing. 
 
 On the following morning, he returned early 
 to the house, and informed his family that he 
 had found another boarding-place and would 
 henceforth remain there. The Neumanns, 
 though deeply wounded, made no effort to 
 change his mind ; but knew through whose 
 influence this step had been taken. 
 
 The family agreed with Alfred that as he 
 was well established in business, a longer en- 
 gagement was useless ; so in a few weeks they 
 were married. 
 
 Frau Neumann had quietly prepared a hand- 
 some outfit of housekeeping articles for her 
 daughter, and they began housekeeping in a 
 very comfortable manner. 
 
 Frau Schlegel was not mistaken in the influ- 
 ence which she prophesied that Trina would 
 have over her husband. Always cheerful and 
 pleasant, she was ever earnest in her efforts to 
 make circumstances tend to advancement in 
 spiritual life. 
 
 She held fast to the advice of Frau Schlegel 
 
142 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 that they should have a family altar ; and on 
 Sundays they were faithful in their attendance 
 upon service in God's house. 
 
 Alfred was attracted and his interest engaged 
 in the Gospel as proclaimed by an earnest evan- 
 gelical minister. The doubts which he had 
 allowed to enter his mind with the reading of 
 the free-thinking literature of the day, and 
 which had been fostered by the society in which 
 he moved before his marriage, were all driven 
 away by this faithful messenger of Christ. 
 
 Alfred and his wife sought also to interest 
 their young companions ; and thus an ever- 
 increasing circle was formed, the Christian 
 influence of which was beyond price. 
 
 In this manner of living they almost lost 
 sight of the enmity which the revolutionary 
 part of the workmen entertained for Alfred. 
 The malicious glances cast toward him were 
 not noticed, and the abusive names not heeded. 
 He would scarcely have been aware of the feel- 
 ing against him had it not been for his brother- 
 in-law Johannes, who had refused to come to 
 his sister's wedding, and who was eager to tell 
 him of the feeling prevailing against him. 
 
 In the meantime, Alfred attended faithfully 
 to his duties, to the full satisfaction of his 
 employers ; and so far the enmity had done him 
 no harm. 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 143 
 
 During the summer months, the secret agita- 
 tion had somewhat subsided ; but with the 
 coming of autumn it revived with vigor, and 
 took a form and circumference which were sig- 
 nificant ; and set the employers to thinking 
 seriously on the state of affairs. Larger and 
 larger grew the gulf between them and their 
 employees, and it seemed that nothing could 
 interpose to lessen it. 
 
 In several manufactories where the employ- 
 ers had the management of the funds of the 
 former aid societies, they had at the request of 
 the workmen simply kept back from their 
 wages their monthly contributions. But when 
 the union took charge of the money, the em- 
 ployers said nothing in regard to holding back 
 the contributions, although many of the work- 
 men would for their own satisfaction have pre- 
 ferred it. But the employers were not willing 
 thus to act as agents for a strange company. 
 
 Fewer hours of labor was one of the subjects 
 which was eagerly discussed in the meetings, 
 and the leaders made proposals in accordance 
 with it. 
 
 The Socialists also, through the press, gave 
 their proceedings to the public ; whereby it 
 could not fail to reach the different firms, who 
 were at length aroused to consider opposing 
 measures ; and through a confidential circular 
 
144 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 the members of the manufacturing firms were 
 asked to meet to discuss the labor question and 
 the agitation which had grown out of it. 
 
 The meeting, so far as numbers was con- 
 cerned, was a success, as all the manufacturing 
 firms of any note were represented. 
 
 The senior member of one of the oldest firms 
 was unanimously chosen president ; who in a 
 few words gave their reason for assembling, 
 and then Mr, Amherst, of the firm of Amherst 
 & Co., was called to the floor. 
 
 He was introduced by the president, with the 
 remark that Mr. Amherst had experienced in 
 his own factory a specimen of the prevailing 
 state of affairs, and could enlighten them as to 
 the best manner of proceeding. 
 
 Mr. Amherst responded by saying that he 
 would give a glance into the rise and develop- 
 ment of the industries in that region. 
 
 "Where fifty years ago," said he, ** there 
 were but few farms, and the inhabitants earned 
 with hardship their daily bread, now there are 
 thousands of people who have not only the ne- 
 cessaries of life, but are proportionally in good 
 position. They have built this city, which, ow- 
 ing to the diligence and energy of the people, 
 has in the commonwealth of the state a promi- 
 nent place. It is not necessary to state that the 
 prosperity of our commonwealth hangs upon 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 145 
 
 the further development of our industries. 
 There is one element, however, that bids fair to 
 hinder this development. I mean the labor 
 question. It is a singular thing that we should 
 have a labor question. The world will bear 
 witness that we employers have been as liberal 
 as we could afford with our employees, and 
 gave them sufficient for a good living, and also 
 allowed something over to help them on their 
 way to competence. Many who in the old 
 country but a few years ago, barely subsisted 
 upon the meagre wages they received, now find 
 themselves in a prosperous condition of which 
 they never dreamed. But since these foreign 
 mischief-makers have sneaked in among them, 
 and with their misleading arguments have un- 
 settled them, nothing seems to satisfy them. 
 
 " We have, in accordance with the ground- 
 work of our constitution, — which grants the 
 right of personal freedom to all — not interfered 
 with the founding of unions among our work- 
 men ; but now they have placed their interests 
 in the hands of foreign interlopers, who are the 
 tools of Revolutionary agitators, and we see the 
 fruits of it, which is but the foretaste of what is 
 to come. 
 
 "This Socialist union has made itself an 
 authority which, if we wish to be masters of our 
 business, we cannot acknowledge. It is doubt- 
 
146 ^ED CARL. 
 
 ful if there is a firm here represented, which 
 has not already felt their insolence, and it will 
 soon come to pass that they will expect us to 
 comply with their dictates implicitly, under pen- 
 alty of heavy damage to our interests. It is an 
 actual necessity that we contrive some plan to 
 insure our mutual security, and above all, as 
 work-givers, hold fast together, and set against 
 the union of workmen, a union of employers." 
 
 This speech, particularly the last proposition, 
 met with unanimous assent ; all were ready to 
 combine, and through the choosing of officers, 
 the organization was established, and a consti- 
 tution adopted. 
 
 The next question was the consideration of 
 what line of action to adopt. Some of the 
 younger and more impulsive of the employers 
 were of the opinion that the workmen should be 
 compelled to withdraw from the union, or be 
 dismissed from service. But Mr. Amherst, who 
 was a leading spirit in the assembly, disap- 
 proved of this method. He said that such a 
 course would have the appearance of arbitrary 
 oppression, and would bring about a crisis, for 
 which they were not prepared. " Not all the 
 workmen," said he, " have joined with the leaders 
 of the union in these proceedings ; most of them 
 simply followed. Therefore, it would be better 
 to adopt a course that will show them clearly 
 
Proposing a strike. i^j 
 
 that we wish to deal fairly and justly with them. 
 Every workman is needed in the union, whether 
 he wishes to be there or not, and if we can in- 
 fluence even one of the more intelligent ones to 
 leave it, its power is broken, and we have noth- 
 ing more to fear. This we can easily do by as- 
 suring them that we will protect them from the 
 enmity of the union. The foremen of our fac- 
 tory have already left it, and you can persuade 
 yours to do the same. We will then establish 
 an anti-union beneficial society, and when the 
 other workmen see that they can live without 
 the union, they will abandon it also." 
 
 This plan was met with universal favor, and 
 was adopted, and the meeting adjourned. 
 
 Although they had tried to keep their meeting 
 a secret, it was not possible that it should re- 
 main unknown ; the public became aware of it. 
 and the next number of the Socialist paper con- 
 tained articles headed : ** Conspiracy of the 
 Capitalists ; Monopoly seeks the overthrow of 
 the Union," and other sensational expressions 
 of their opinion of the affair. 
 
 The employers denounced in the daily papers, 
 each report as a tissue of falsehoods ; but this 
 did not tend in the least to diminish the agita- 
 tion, and the leaders of the union did everything 
 in their power to increase it. Extra meetings 
 of the union were held ; flaming speeches upon 
 
148 ^ED CARL. 
 
 the necessity of maintaining freedom against 
 the tyranny of the Capitalists were given, and 
 menacing denunciations of the new beneficial 
 societies which the employers were about to 
 establish, were rife. 
 
 As weeks passed away, and nothing more 
 was heard of the measures which it was said the 
 employers were about to adopt, many of the 
 workmen began to be ashamed of their vehe- 
 mence, but were comforted by the Socialist 
 leaders with the assurance that their decided 
 protests had silenced the employers, and they 
 had abandoned their plans. 
 
 It worked like a cold plunge bath upon these 
 boasters when, again and again, a foreman would 
 withdraw from the union, and his exit would be 
 followed by some of the older and more intelli- 
 gent of the members. 
 
 In some of the manufactories, new force was 
 added, and it was impossible to get them imme- 
 diately into the union, neither could they get 
 opportunity to make impression upon them 
 through their fellow-workmen. 
 
 Suddenly it was rumored that a new aid soci- 
 ety, with an apparently innocent name, had been 
 established, of which Alfred Braun was one of 
 the main managers, and that most of the fore- 
 men and all the new employees were members. 
 
 The executive committee of the union held 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 149 
 
 extra sessions, and Red Carl ran with fiery zeal 
 from one local to another. " Traitors," " a 
 secret conspiracy," were his watchwords, and, 
 with the hottest indignation, he denounced 
 Alfred Braun as head conspirator, and the tool 
 of the capitalists. 
 
 The spirit of this agitation showed itself in 
 saloons, in groups upon the streets ; and in all 
 public places was the affair discussed. The 
 Socialists appeared at a loss to know exactly 
 what course to follow, and looked to the leaders 
 for counsel. 
 
 At this crisis the Socialist Propaganda in 
 New York again had a secret deliberation, the 
 news from Bridethorp having made a great stir 
 among them. The colleagues, Bar and Lorimer, 
 had been sent to call their followers together, 
 and the reports they had given upon their re- 
 turn had called forth earnest thought. 
 
 " It is not my desire that we shall thus early 
 come to a battle," said the president. " The 
 people are not yet ready for that ; are not as yet 
 well grounded with our intentions. Many of 
 them are doubtful and timid, not to mention dif- 
 ferent opponents whom Carl Holt has stirred 
 up, who, it appears, has his own interests to 
 serve. The outlook is certainly not promising ; 
 and if we suffer a defeat we lose our support in 
 Bridethorp." 
 
ISO 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 " I think," remarked Bar, " that there is really 
 little choice for us. The employers have at- 
 tacked us at the weakest point, and we must 
 overcome them or go under. The question is, 
 shall we go under without a struggle ? If we 
 allow this newly-baked aid society, which the 
 employers have established, to develop further, 
 soon all the sycophants, cowards, and undecided 
 ones will go over to them, and the power of our 
 union is broken. There appears to be but one 
 way, and that is to try to win over to the union 
 all the new employees in the different manufac- 
 tories, and then call a strike." 
 
 ** But will the people agree to a strike } " 
 questioned Lorimer, " from what I have seen, I 
 doubt it." 
 
 "We must work for that aim in Bridethorp," 
 said the president ; " and throw all our energies 
 into that resolve. In the meantime, it would 
 be better to abstain from all open demonstra- 
 tions. We must call meetings of their branch 
 unions, and make it obligatory upon us to visit 
 them, and present the matter in proper form to 
 them." 
 
 These resolutions were adopted unanimously, 
 and it was decided that two of the most capable 
 of the agitators should visit Bridethorp. 
 
 The members of the local unions wondered 
 over the official calling of extra meetings, and 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 151 
 
 were curious to know the meaning of it. They 
 were soon given to understand that the meeting 
 was merely to receive some visiting colleagues, 
 who had come out of New York to see how 
 the different unions were succeeding ; and the 
 members were soon in unison with the elo- 
 quent strangers who quickly understood the 
 situation. 
 
 With consummate tact, the visitors avoided 
 all mention of any aggressive measures. They 
 merely spoke of the rights of the workmen, and 
 counselled the necessity of banding together to 
 resist the attacks of the employers. 
 
 "The need for this," said one of the speakers, 
 " is evident, when here in Bridethorp the anxi- 
 ety of the employers to break up the union 
 shows their fear and their weakness. The 
 union has now its first trial to withstand. The 
 employers know well the truth of the old say- 
 ing, * United, we stand ; divided, we fall.' They 
 would like to divide the union against itself, 
 knowing that its power would be gone. But the 
 workmen are too wise to put their necks under 
 the yoke again, and the audience present haa 
 too much insight and intelligence to be indif 
 ferent to their own interests and those of theii 
 fellow-workmen." 
 
 This speech was, by the greater part of the 
 audience received with applause ; but there were 
 
IC2 ^ED CARL. 
 
 a few whom the misrepresentations and flattery 
 did not quite satisfy. 
 
 " What can we, or ought we to do ? " ques- 
 tioned they. " If it is so necessary to keep the 
 union together, and all right means to bring the 
 new workmen in should fail, what then should 
 be done } " 
 
 " I have a plan to propose," cried one of the 
 younger workmen, springing up. " Suppose we 
 get a list of the names of the new workmen, and 
 call upon them separately, requesting them to 
 join the union or leave the city and seek work 
 elsewhere." 
 
 This plan raised much discussion, and was 
 followed by a vote, proposed by the visiting 
 members, as to their opinion ; and being favor- 
 able, a committee was formed of two members 
 from each local union who were to wait upon 
 them, and present the affair. 
 
 The committee went about the task with great 
 zeal, and in a few days all the anti-union people 
 had received the challenge of the union. 
 
 This came to the knowledge of their employ- 
 ers, and after a long deliberation with each 
 other, they concluded not to interfere, but to 
 let the workmen give their own reason for their 
 refusal to join them. Some of the workmen 
 tried to evade the question, but were so 
 earnestly pressed by the committee, that they 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 153 
 
 made the avowal, that under the express stipu- 
 lations imposed by their work, they could not 
 join the union. 
 
 A strong wave of agitation was the result of 
 this discovery. The leaders while appearing 
 outwardly deeply indignant at this, were at 
 heart rejoiced. They expressed it as their 
 candid opinion that it was a clear case of con- 
 spiracy among the employers to break up the 
 union. They asserted that again and again the 
 employers would request their employees to 
 leave the union under penalty of dismissal from 
 their service. 
 
 Nothing was neglected that would give the 
 affair the widest circulation, and the work was 
 well done. The restless, revolutionary spirits, 
 and the timid and ignorant ones fully believed 
 that a conspiracy was on foot, which was 
 against their best interests ; and that manly 
 honor and courage demanded that they should 
 stand fast and resist the oppressor. 
 
 This was exactly what the leaders desired ; 
 and the next evening a general gathering of the 
 local unions was called to discuss the affair, and 
 to adopt some line of action. Delegations were 
 sent from each union, and an imposing number 
 were present. 
 
 The mischief-making speeches of the leaders 
 did not tend to lessen the fury of the rougher 
 
154 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 element. The easy, gay lives of the money- 
 making capitalist was compared with the hard- 
 ships of the dependent workmen, who felt that 
 the time for talking was past, and now they 
 must act. 
 
 " The employers," cried one of the speakers, 
 "are armed for battle, and it remains for the 
 workmen to resist, or, like cowards be over- 
 thrown. Who among you will be such a 
 coward } If there be one treacherous enough, 
 he has lost all worth of manhood. The blood- 
 sucking capitalist has his weapons, but so also 
 has the oppressed workman. If the employers 
 believe that labor cannot exist without capital, 
 so cannot capital exist without labor. The 
 whole world knows the justice of our demands, 
 but we will act fairly, and give the employers 
 one more opportunity to come to terms. We 
 will send a committee to the different firms 
 with the request that all anti-union workmen 
 be dismissed from their service, and after hearing 
 their answer, a report will be made and we will 
 consult upon what further arrangements to 
 make." 
 
 This proposition was received with well- 
 pleased murmurs of assent, and there was but 
 little opposition. 
 
 "What shall we do if the employers refuse?" 
 asked a voice. 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 155 
 
 " Strike ! " 
 
 It was but a word ; but it sent a thrill through 
 the hearts of all, for to most it meant the loss 
 of subsistence. 
 
 " To every good cause intended for the benefit 
 of the masses, some offerings must be brought," 
 continued the speaker ; " therefore, sacrifices 
 must be made to give the working man the 
 place in the world to which he is entitled. Who 
 is not willing to make this sacrifice ? If there 
 be one, he is not worthy, and should remain a 
 slave." 
 
 With this remark all opposition ceased, and a 
 committee for the expedition was appointed. 
 
 These worthies found the work not at all 
 easy or pleasant. Many of the employers re- 
 fused to see the committee ; others said that 
 only through their own workmen should their 
 wishes be received ; while others promised to 
 consider the matter, and let them know their 
 decision. The next morning the committee re- 
 ceived a collective answer from the firms. In 
 it they specified that they would allow no 
 strange organization to meddle between them 
 and their workmen. Further, that it was the 
 right of every workman to enter, or not to 
 enter any organization. They had also resolved 
 to protect their employees in their right of self- 
 determination, and they considered the demands 
 
156 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 of the so-called union as unjust, and they of 
 necessity refused. 
 
 When the committee read this report the 
 next evening to the assembled union, it made a 
 profound impression. They had placed them- 
 selves in a difficult position, from which it re- 
 quired diplomacy to extricate themselves with- 
 out detriment to their dignity. 
 
 The controversy was settled by Red Carl, 
 who with fiery energy advocated a strike, and 
 many agreed with him as to its being a neces- 
 sity, while they thought of the privations and 
 anxieties which would follow the step. 
 
 The leaders of the movement hastened to 
 improve upon the suggestion of Red Carl. In 
 a burning speech he declared that the battle 
 had been forced upon them. He depended 
 upon the sense of right and justice which was 
 inherent in the heart of every good man. On 
 their faith and consistency depended their wel- 
 fare and the welfare of their children. He as- 
 sured them that they would not enter the battle 
 unprepared and empty handed. The union, 
 thanks to its frugality, had quite a considerable 
 sum which should be used for the support of 
 their families, so they could hold out for a long 
 time. He assured them that they were not in 
 the power of the employers, any more than the 
 employers were in theirs. Every day that the 
 
PROPOSING A STRIKE. 
 
 157 
 
 factories stood idle brought losses to them. 
 They had contracts to fulfil ; if they could not 
 meet them, of course there would be losses. If 
 the workmen held fast and true together, and 
 showed true courage and perseverance, victory 
 would be theirs. 
 
 He suggested that the same committee should 
 give notice to the firms, that if by Saturday 
 evening, the wishes of the workmen were not 
 granted, they would quit work. 
 
 It was also suggested that on Sunday after- 
 noon the members should meet, to consider 
 future measures in case of the strike ; among 
 these being a large meeting on Monday after- 
 noon. 
 
 All these resolutions met the approval of a 
 majority of the workmen, and the meeting ad- 
 journed. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 On Sunday the news ran through the union, 
 that the exployers had emphatically refused to 
 have anything to do with the matter. 
 
 In regard to the notice given by them of re- 
 fusing to work if their demands were not com- 
 plied with, they would only repeat that they 
 would not be dictated to by the union. On 
 Monday they would expect to see their em- 
 ployees in their places as usual ; if they were 
 not there they must take the blame of any fu- 
 ture anxiety upon their own heads. 
 
 ** We will strike ! " was passed from mouth to 
 mouth, " he who goes to work on Monday is a 
 traitor to his comrades." 
 
 Before evening, the city was teeming with re- 
 ports of the coming strike ; and as rumors 
 never lose anything in their travels, there was 
 great excitement over the violence which would 
 accompany it. 
 
 The appearance of the factories and their 
 surroundings the next morning, was about as 
 usual. Columns of smoke rolled from the tall 
 158 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 159 
 
 chimneys and mingled lazily with the clear 
 morning air. Steam issued from the engine 
 rooms, and at the accustomed hour the bells 
 were rung, shortly followed by the shrill 
 whistles, which summoned thousands of men to 
 their work. But this time they whistled in 
 vain. Instead of crowds of people passing 
 through the streets to the factories to be at 
 their places at the appointed time, groups of ex- 
 cited workmen were collected about, throwing 
 derisive glances at the factories, and greeting 
 the foremen with jeering remarks. The few 
 new hands who were on their way to the facto- 
 ries were kept back by force. 
 
 Here and there an older workman would 
 appear with his tin kettle in his hand, but at 
 the sight of the determined men watching the 
 entrance, would quietly disappear from the scene. 
 They deplored this strike, and wished to go as 
 usual to their accustomed duty but numbers 
 were against them, and for good or for evil they 
 were compelled to join them. 
 
 This watching of the avenues to the factories 
 continued all day ; and when a man left his 
 post another took his place, and it was thus 
 seen to be an organized plan. 
 
 Some of the foremen tried to convince these 
 men of the evil and folly of this move ; but were 
 told that the union would not allow them to re- 
 
l6o ^ED CARL. 
 
 sume work until their demands were complied 
 with, and they intended to stand by the union. 
 Upon the request that they would at least go 
 to their homes if unwilling to work, and leave 
 the way clear for others, they replied that the 
 street was public property, and they should re- 
 main there as long as they wished. From time 
 to time groups of strikers would appear, and 
 hold consultation with the watchers. 
 
 At the appointed hour in the afternoon, the 
 extra session of the general gathering convened, 
 and further measures were taken in regard to 
 the strike. 
 
 During the forenoon, many of the strikers 
 had freely indulged in drink; the meeting was 
 in consequence stormy. Loud applause greeted 
 the president of the union as he arose to open 
 the meeting. 
 
 "The die ft cast," said he in a pathetic 
 tone, " and war is declared. With unparalleled 
 patience, with unexampled moderation have the 
 workmen borne the arrogance of the employers, 
 who with no regard for the well-being of the 
 working man have interposed a barrier to his 
 prosperity, and ruled absolutely over the masses. 
 
 " As free-born men we have resolved to be 
 slaves no longer. We will no longer submit 
 with patience nor consent to be robbed without 
 offering resistance. The capitalists desired bat- 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. i5i 
 
 tie ; now they have it. The oppressed masses 
 are now convinced of the justice of their cause; 
 we have taken the case in our own hands, nor 
 shall we cease to battle until labor has its 
 proper place in the world. Stand fast, com- 
 rades ; be true to your cause." 
 
 Thunders of applause rewarded the speaker 
 for this masterpiece, and he continued. 
 
 "We have not met this afternoon to make 
 speeches, but to discuss the question of dis- 
 charged and needy workmen. Now that the 
 crisis has come, it behooves us, through a firm 
 organization and through right distribution, to 
 use our means in a right and just manner. 
 The main advantage lies in standing by each 
 other. Let no flattering promises or threaten- 
 ing menaces of the capitalists make you traitors 
 to the cause. When some become wavering 
 and irresolute, then must you take these weak 
 ones under your care. 
 
 "Your self-denial and faith will also have 
 a searching trial," continued the speaker. 
 " Every contest requires sacrifices, and we can- 
 not bring this great gain to the working people 
 without great personal sacrifices. Our regular 
 revenues, trifling as they are, must be numbered 
 among these sacrifices. It is true that we have 
 collected considerable means for the time of 
 need, but we must be very economical if we 
 
1 62 RED CARL. 
 
 wish it to hold out. We must only use of these 
 funds what is absolutely necessary. You will, 
 I know try to put up with this inconvenience, 
 knowing that it secures future good. And now 
 let us consider the practical part of the busi- 
 ness." 
 
 The latter part of this speech was not re- 
 ceived with so much applause as that which 
 had preceded it. In different parts of the hall 
 murmurs arose, and dissatisfied inquiries, to 
 which no attention was paid. 
 
 The intelligent observer could not fail to see 
 that the whole arrangement and leadership was 
 in skilful hands ; and the large assembly had 
 nothing to do except to follow in the track 
 marked out for them, and which had been 
 already planned. 
 
 The first thing to be considered was the 
 establishment of headquarters where all the 
 threads of the movement could run together. 
 Besides the president, secretary, and treasurer, 
 some of the most prominent of the agitators 
 were chosen as an executive committee, and it 
 was decided that a session should be held each 
 day. All the members of the union were bound 
 by an oath to obey all the orders which came 
 from headquarters, and to give any help required 
 of them. 
 
 At length the subject of the amount for the 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 163 
 
 support of each workman was brought before 
 the union. The suggestion was that for fami- 
 lies five dollars per week, and for unmarried 
 men three dollars, should be drawn from the 
 general fund. This met with much dissatisfac- 
 tion, both parties declaring that they could not 
 live upon such a meagre sum ; but the treasurer 
 assured them that if more were given the funds 
 would not hold out. 
 
 At length it was arranged that if a family 
 consisted of more than five members, a dollar 
 for each additional member would be granted. 
 It was agreed that the distribution of funds 
 should begin in two weeks, and upon each Sat- 
 urday afternoon the local societies should dis- 
 tribute it to its members. After selecting a 
 man in each society to act as treasurer, they 
 separated. 
 
 The employers also had a meeting to discuss 
 this new aspect of affairs. Although they had 
 considered the probability of a strike, yet the 
 suddenness of it had been a surprise. 
 
 They had not thought that the leaders of it 
 would bring the matter to such a pass, neither 
 did they suppose that the more intelligent part 
 of the workmen could be induced to stake their 
 whole living upon such a venture when there 
 was no real necessity for it. 
 
 Yet, unexpected as the movement was, not 
 
164 J^^D CARL. 
 
 nearly so many of the firms were embarrassed 
 by the strike as the Socialists had hoped and 
 counted upon. The work for the season was so 
 far advanced that they could fill most of their 
 orders, and could help each other. The few 
 employees who stood by them could finish th^ 
 most pressing work, and they could hold out fo^ 
 at least two months without loss. 
 
 The meeting therefore, in the main, was calm 
 and serene. One of the younger of them sug- 
 gested that the workmen be requested to return 
 to work, or to consider themselves as dismissed 
 from any future service. 
 
 Mr. Amherst was of the opinion that such a 
 course would fail of its object ; and his opinion 
 was held by the majority. He said that they 
 must take it into consideration that many of the 
 workmen were opposed to the strike, but dared 
 not act according to their own wishes. He con- 
 sidered the best plan would be to let the strike 
 take its course. " When," said he, ** the money 
 in their treasury is exhausted, and want stares 
 them in the face, and their unprincipled leaders 
 abandon them, we will unite to take care of 
 those who remained faithful to us." 
 
 This plan was unanimously adopted, for all 
 recognized the wisdom and good sense of the 
 measure. 
 
 Two weeks passed away, and the effect of 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 165 
 
 the strike was plainly visible in Bridethorp. A 
 number of the manufactories kept open for a few- 
 days, and kept some work going with the help 
 of the new employees ; and still hoped that the 
 workmen would come to their senses and return 
 to their old places. But, as time passed on, and 
 they saw no prospect of their yielding, one 
 manufactory after another closed, and the new 
 workmen were kept for a few days in the week 
 at repairing and other trifling work. 
 
 The chimneys looked sad and desolate, as 
 they towered above the silent factories. There 
 was no whir and clatter of work, no sound of 
 bell or whistle, no cheerful hum of voices ; a 
 gloom seemed to have settled down over every- 
 thing. The workmen who at the beginning of 
 the strike were standing about in groups dis- 
 cussing the situation had disappeared ; and 
 those who passed by the huge silent factories 
 glanced curiously at them and went on. 
 
 The streets, however, presented a lively ap- 
 pearance. People were to be seen at all times 
 discussing the aspect of affairs. Conversation 
 often grew into angry debate, and at times there 
 was trifling jesting over the foolish action of the 
 workmen. 
 
 The public houses which formerly were not 
 frequented by the workmen during the day, 
 were now generally filled, and it was not seldom 
 
1 66 KED CARL. 
 
 that disturbances arose among the workmen 
 congregated there. Men under the influence of 
 liquor were frequently met upon the streets, and 
 it was plain to be seen that a gloomy state of 
 affairs existed in the city. 
 
 In all manufacturing places the cessation of 
 business affects not only the men directly em- 
 ployed, but all that are connected with them. 
 The strike, therefore, had its effect upon those 
 outside its direct limits ; and people in other 
 occupations were embarrassed by it. 
 
 The frugal and provident part of the working- 
 men had paid cash for all their household needs, 
 while there were many others who had bought 
 upon credit. Some of those from whom they 
 bought had sufficient capital to allow this to 
 continue ; but the greater part of the store- 
 keepers bought also upon credit, and could not 
 afford to lay out of the money. Who could say 
 when the strike would end .'' Who knew what 
 course it would take } It might be possible 
 that many of the workmen would be compelled 
 to go elsewhere to seek work, and thus favoring 
 them could be of no present or future advantage 
 to the storekeeper. The boarding-houses also 
 had their difficulties. 
 
 The money which the unmarried men drew 
 from the union for their support would have 
 been nearly sufficient had it been used directly 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 167 
 
 for that purpose. But the idle life led by the 
 men increased their personal expenses instead 
 of diminishing them, the money went, they 
 scarcely knew how, and the board, in many 
 cases, remained for the greater part unpaid. 
 
 Some of the energetic boarding-house keepers 
 went to headquarters to try to arrange matters 
 whereby they could receive the board money 
 direct ; but this raised such a storm of indigna- 
 tion among the men that many of them returned 
 to the old plan of taking part of their weekly 
 allowance, and trusting for the balance. 
 
 Every family who had joined the society for 
 the securing of homes, also found themselves 
 much embarrassed by the change in their cir- 
 cumstances occasioned by the strike. Accord- 
 ing to the rules of the society, great loss would 
 be incurred if the monthly contributions were 
 not paid. How could the money now be raised } 
 Some were forced to borrow at high rates of 
 interest, while others, who had not sufficient 
 credit to do so, could tiot make their payments ; 
 and upon all sides was trouble and anxiety. 
 Many were dissatisfied with the strike, but did 
 not dare to make it known, fearing it would 
 affect their interests at headquarters. 
 
 Thus several weeks passed away. Labor held 
 out against capital and capital against labor, and 
 affairs had not changed for the better. In 
 
1 58 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 most families there was anxiety, and in many 
 real need and want. 
 
 In Neumann's family, with the others, the 
 prospect was gloomy. One Saturday evening 
 the boarders had gone out, and the family found 
 themselves alone, and could talk over their 
 troubles undisturbed. 
 
 " Everything looks gloomy," remarked Herr 
 Neuman, sadly ; " the agitators to all appear- 
 ances will have the upper hand for some time, 
 and there is but little prospect that work will 
 be resumed for many days to come. How it 
 will be with us I cannot see. I wish I had not 
 taken so many shares in the building society. 
 I shall have to raise more money to pay my 
 contribution, and soon, if things go on in this 
 way, we shall not own a board in our house." 
 
 *' And I scarcely know what to do in regard 
 to our housekeeping expenses," said Frau Neu- 
 mann. " Our grocery and provision accounts 
 are in arrears, and cannot go much longer un- 
 paid. I think it would* be better to give up 
 keeping boarders." 
 
 "We cannot do that at this time," replied 
 Herr Neumann; "it would not only be a dis- 
 credit to us, but unjust to the boarders. They 
 have acted honorably by us, and so far as they 
 could, have paid us regularly. Where could 
 they find a place to board in these times, if we 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 169 
 
 dismissed them ? No one would begin to take 
 boarders under such circumstances. We had 
 better try to curtail expenses by giving plainer 
 board; they will themselves see the necessity 
 of it, and will not complain." 
 
 " But they must have something to eat," re- 
 plied Frau Neumann, who for the sake of her 
 own reputation as a housekeeper, as well as from 
 her naturally generous spirit, wished to set a 
 good table. 
 
 ** Alfred hinted that Amherst & Co. had some 
 intention of opening the factory, and sending for 
 some new workmen," remarked Conrad. " If 
 that is the case, I think it would be better for 
 us to leave the union and apply for employment 
 again. I for one was never favorable to stak- 
 ing our all upon this strike, to suit these mis- 
 chief-makers, who had their own ends in view." 
 
 " But it would be dangerous to attempt such 
 a thing," said the others in a breath. 
 
 "Yes," replied Herr Neumann, sadly ; "these 
 wretched disturbers of the peace have the upper- 
 hand of us, and Red Carl is the most vicious of 
 all. If we made a move in that direction we 
 should have the whole horde down upon us, and 
 they are in the position to destroy us root and 
 branch. We heard the threat at the last meet- 
 ing against those who acted in that manner." 
 
 What Alfred said in regard to Mr. Amherst, 
 
170 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 will not of course take place for some time," re- 
 marked Conrad. ** But if they do make a trial 
 of it we might make the venture, and see what 
 we can do." 
 
 "We must keep a sharp eye on Red Carl," 
 said Hen- Neumann ; " I have my thoughts 
 about him. I see him sometimes loitering 
 about, and I hope Alfred and Trina will be care- 
 ful to avoid him. I believe him to be capable of 
 any evil deed. He has misled our boy Johannes, 
 and will do anything he can to injure Alfred." 
 
 At that moment Trina came in looking fresh 
 and sweet as a wild rose. 
 
 "Ah," said she, joyfully, "here you are all 
 together and by yourselves ; how glad I am. 
 Now if Alfred were only here, we could have a 
 good talk, as in the old times. I do wish the 
 boarders were always away." 
 
 Her sisters took her wraps and laid them 
 aside, and Trina took out her knitting and sat 
 down among them. 
 
 " What is the news } " asked Herr Neumann, 
 as he gazed with pride upon her sweet face ; 
 "how is Alfred getting along } " 
 
 " Oh," replied Trina, "all is right with us ; only 
 I have much anxiety in regard to Alfred. He 
 runs many risks among the strikers. But what 
 I came to tell you is that I have seen Johannes, 
 and had a talk with him," 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 71 
 
 "You have seen him, and had a talk with 
 him," echoed her mother, eagerly. " Where is 
 he ? what did he say ? Oh the poor boy ! why 
 did he ever let himself be led away by such 
 people ? " 
 
 *' He tried to avoid me," replied Trina, "but 
 I stepped up to him and held him fast, and he 
 was ashamed to resist. He was not entirely 
 sober, but could speak and reply intelligibly. 
 First, he called me to account for treating his 
 friend so badly by marrying Alfred. I replied 
 that I had treated his friend much better than 
 he deserved. I also told him that it was I that 
 had to live with Alfred and not he, and I would 
 thank him not to meddle in my affairs, as I cer- 
 tainly would never think of meddling with the 
 woman he should select for a wife." 
 
 This sally, given in Trina's piquant and 
 earnest manner, caused a smile in the home 
 circle. 
 
 "He went on to say," continued Trina, "that 
 I had driven him from his home ; but I asked 
 him how it was that he could not live with us 
 as well after he knew Red Carl as before. He 
 could not answer that, and I told him that Carl 
 was an enemy who would only use him as a 
 tool to further his own ends. I begged him to 
 leave such company and come home to us." 
 
 " What did he say } " said Frau Neumann 
 
172 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 eagerly, '* certainly he knows he will be more 
 than welcome." 
 
 " I assured him of that, but he said nobody 
 felt welcome who did not deserve it. I told 
 him you would all receive him with open arms, 
 but he only said that he was not going to play 
 the role of the prodigal son. He said that Carl 
 was not bad company, and that we would see 
 for ourselves that he had more sense than all 
 the others put together. Then he began with 
 his usual boasting, and as I could not do any 
 good by talking longer, I came home." 
 
 " Then he said no more about Red Carl," said 
 the father anxiously. 
 
 " Yes, he called after me that Alfred and I 
 had better make friends with Red Carl, or he 
 would have his revenge, and I noticed that he 
 never lost sight of me until I reached home. I 
 am not afraid, but his manner had something 
 very mysterious about it, and I have felt con- 
 cerned for Alfred." 
 
 " How does Johannes look } " asked the par- 
 ents in a breath. 
 
 " Not well," replied Trina ; " that restless, 
 unsatisfied life is telling upon his health. He 
 seems excited and nervous." 
 
 "My poor boy," said Frau Neumann, "oh, 
 that he was safe at home with us ! " 
 
 *' I never thought that the time would come 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 173 
 
 that one of our children would turn his back 
 upon us," said Herr Neumann sadly, '*we can 
 only pray and hope he will come back." 
 
 At that moment they heard some one in the 
 street in front of their door, asking for Herr 
 Neumann's house, and a neighbor was pointing 
 it out. 
 
 Father Neumann arose and went to the door, 
 while the others who were waiting and listening 
 heard a joyful exclamation. 
 
 "Is it possible this is you. Neighbor Wag- 
 ner.-^" cried he, "and this is your daughter; 
 how she has grown ! Come right in ; you have 
 come at an excellent time, we were all sitting to- 
 gether and talking when we heard your voice. 
 How did you happen to come.-* " 
 
 Thus talking, Herr Neumann led the way to 
 the sitting-room, and Herr Wagner and Anna 
 were greeted with joy by the others. 
 
 Gottlieb Wagner had in the Fatherland been 
 next neighbor to the Neumanns, and was more- 
 over a distant relative, and the families were 
 upon terms of the closest intimacy. He had 
 left Germany several years before the Neu- 
 manns, and had settled in the far West. News 
 had come occasionally from him, but it was not 
 very favorable as to his prosperity. Then for 
 a long time they had heard nothing of him. 
 Then the Neumanns left Germany, and from 
 
174 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 that time had heard nothing of their old friends, 
 the Wagners ; so it was no wonder that they 
 were surprised and deHghted to see them. 
 
 They were well clothed, and looked prosper- 
 ous, and gave the impression by their appear- 
 ance, that the world had dealt kindly with them. 
 
 Frau Neumann, upon hospitable thoughts 
 intent, arose with her daughters to prepare sup- 
 per for them, but Herr Wagner told her that 
 they had taken supper at the hotel where they 
 were stopping 
 
 " Certainly you have not taken rooms at a 
 hotel, and we in Bridethorp," said Herr Neu- 
 mann deprecatingly. 
 
 " We did not know exactly where to find you, 
 and did not know whether it would suit you to 
 have us, so went there until we were certain." 
 
 " Not suit us indeed," replied Herr Neumann, 
 "a dear friend and neighbor whom we have not 
 seen for ten years. Of course it will suit us. 
 Go to the hotel, Conrad, and fetch Neighbor 
 Wagner's baggage. We want you to stay with' 
 us as long as you can." 
 
 "We cannot remain but two days," replied 
 his guest, " for we have been away so long, and 
 are anxious to get home." 
 
 The surprise of the Neumanns was great 
 to hear that Herr Wagner and Anna had just 
 returned from a visit to Germany, and while 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 175 
 
 there had obtained the address of the Neumanns, 
 and had stopped on the way to their Western 
 home to visit them. 
 
 Many greetings and messages had they 
 brought from old friends beyond the sea, and 
 happily and cheerily the evening passed away 
 in listening to accounts of their journey. 
 
 " You have certainly prospered in this new 
 country," remarked Herr Neumann reflectively, 
 " when you could have not only means to go 
 yourself to the old home, but take your 
 daughter." 
 
 " With God's help, and through his blessing, 
 we are in good circumstances," replied his old 
 neighbor, " therefore I thought I would again 
 see my sisters and my old home, and take Anna 
 to see where her parents were born. Our voy- 
 age home was speedy, and as we did not expect 
 to arrive for two days, we concluded before 
 going home, to come and see you ; so here 
 we are." 
 
 "And there could be no greater pleasure 
 than to see you," replied the Neumanns heartily. 
 
 At that moment Alfred came in to accompany 
 Trina home, and was glad to remain and talk 
 with the guests. Frau Schlegel, who had been 
 out among the sick, also called, and was charmed 
 to see her old friend Wagner, and Anna. 
 
 Their visitors knew what would be of most 
 
176 
 
 RED CARL, 
 
 interest to their entertainers, so related their 
 own experience in the new world. 
 
 " When I came with my family to America,'* 
 said Herr Wagner, " I went directly to Chicago, 
 because I had heard there was a demand for 
 workmen in my trade of stonemason, and good 
 wages were given. I found this to be correct; 
 there was plenty of work and the wages were 
 better than I had ever dreamed of, but in a few 
 weeks after I got settled, there was a strike. I 
 did not join it, but was compelled to remain idle 
 like the others for weeks, without any idea when 
 the strike would end. I had a few hundred dol- 
 lars, but knew if I could not work it would soon 
 disappear. 
 
 " You know, neighbor, that owning land was 
 always my hobby. Just at that time some rail- 
 road land was to be sold in Kansas under very 
 favorable conditions to a poor man. With a 
 small payment down, a very good-sized farm 
 could be bought. For three or four years no 
 interest was demanded on the balance remain- 
 ing unpaid, which was allowed to run ten years 
 in yearly payments. We had enough money 
 to make the first payment, so resolved to ven- 
 ture. 
 
 ** It was our good fortune to have our land in 
 a neighborhood where there were several families 
 who were Germans. About a mile from us was 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 177 
 
 a schoolhouse, and every two weeks an evangel- 
 ical preacher came there. The people were re- 
 ligiously inclined, and in many houses divine 
 worship was held, and Sundays were kept free 
 from work. 
 
 "We had, however, hard times at first. When 
 we took possession, and had bought our horses 
 to cultivate our land, we had very little money 
 left. We managed to build a cabin with two 
 rooms, and put one coat of plaster on it. The 
 next purchase was a cow and some chickens. 
 By this time our money was at an end, and if 
 it had not been for a neighbor, times would have 
 gone very hard with us. Fortunately, the winter 
 was mild, and spring came early that year. We 
 cultivated a good-sized piece of land and planted 
 it in corn. My boys found work here and there ; 
 but it was altogether hard work to get a start in 
 farming. 
 
 " Scarcely had we gotten over our most press- 
 ing difficulties when there came a drought, and 
 our crops were all parched and destroyed. The 
 next year came the grasshoppers, and made 
 havoc of everything that was growing. The 
 next year a good harvest put us in better posi- 
 tion and we made another payment and had 
 something over. We were glad then that we 
 had not, like some of our neighboring settlers, 
 become discouraged and left the country. Since 
 
i;8 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 then I have purchased another farm, and have 
 plenty of means to cultivate it. 
 
 **This last four years God's blessing has 
 rested upon us, and v/e have been able to lay by 
 something. We are not rich, but we have a 
 good living ; and I say to you, neighbor, that I 
 would not change places with a king. Another 
 thing I must rejoice over, and that is when one 
 is poor and alone upon the wide prairie then 
 indeed is the Bible dear to him. Until we were 
 thus in solitude, as it were, we were a careless 
 God-forgetting family ; but, praise to His gra- 
 cious name, we are changed. My whole family 
 are in the church and Sunday school, and have 
 induced others to go with them. Service is 
 held in my house, and we are truly living a 
 new life." 
 
 The eyes of Herr Wagner had filled with joy 
 as he told of the great blessing which had fol- 
 lowed his disappointments and discourage- 
 ments ; and he saw the same joy reflected in 
 the faces of his listeners, particularly of Frau 
 Schlegel, Alfred, and Trina. At his request to 
 be directed to some church for the following 
 day, they told him they would call for him, and 
 would be glad to have him accompany them. 
 
 Soon after this little matter was settled, the 
 Brauns and Frau Schlegel went home, and in an 
 hour afterward the Neumanns and their unex- 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. 
 
 179 
 
 pected, but truly welcome guests were wrapped 
 in profound slumber. 
 
 The next morning, according to promise, 
 Alfred and Trina called to take the Wagners to 
 church, and the family noticed that Alfred was 
 far from cheerful, and Trina's usually rosy 
 cheeks were very pale. 
 
 " Oh, my children, what is it ? " cried Frau 
 Neumann, taking an alarmed glance at her be- 
 loved daughter, " is Aunt Schlegel ill ? " 
 
 " Oh, no ; she is as well as one could expect 
 after the great fright we have had," whispered 
 Alfred. " Tell father to come out, please." 
 
 Frau Neumann went immediately, and was 
 on the instant followed out by Herr Neumann, 
 who was full of wonder. Scarcely had he 
 closed the door when Trina broke into nervous 
 weeping. 
 
 "Just think, father," said she, " we came near 
 being murdered. Had not God interposed we 
 should have been torn to pieces." 
 
 ** Who did it } how was it done 1 " cried both 
 horrified parents, as Trina between sobs spoke 
 of the wickedness of trying to murder them, 
 who had never harmed any one. 
 
 With anxious hearts the parents gazed from 
 one to the other, waiting for them to speak. 
 
 " When we reached home last evening," said 
 Alfred, " there was a package leaning against 
 
I So ^i^D CARL. 
 
 our door, and upon the paper in which it was 
 wrapped was our address. We took it in and 
 when the lamp was lighted proceeded to open 
 it. When we removed the paper, we found a 
 wooden box with a sliding lid. We were won- 
 dering what it was, and who could have sent it, 
 and I was about to pull the lid when Trina, who 
 had been examining the wrapper caught my arm, 
 and hindered me. 
 
 " That package came neither by mail nor ex- 
 press," said she, "who knows what is in it V 
 
 " I did not touch the lid, but examined the 
 box carefully, and found that the under part of 
 it was screwed in fast. I drew the screws care- 
 fully out, and found the box to be a dynamite 
 * infernal machine.' The lid was so fixed that 
 by drawing it out, it would have scraped some 
 explosive stuff which would have blown up the 
 machine and killed us all. This morning I took 
 the box to the police headquarters ; they ad- 
 vised me to keep the matter quiet, and they 
 would have a better chance to find the villain 
 who did it. I think I know him." 
 
 ** It was Red Carl," said the mother, with 
 anguish in her face ; " oh, I hope they will de- 
 tect him and punish him for it." 
 
 *' He is very sly," said Herr Neumann, " and 
 will be hard to entrap. We must keep silent 
 and give the police all the chance possible." 
 
THE STRIKE BEGUN. i8l 
 
 The visit of their old Neighbor Wagner did 
 the Neumanns much good at that time ; it 
 helped keep their thoughts from dwelling too 
 much upon the wicked attempt upon the lives 
 of their dear ones. In the evening he led family 
 devotions, and the boarders were invited to re- 
 main, and his earnest simple prayers made a 
 deep impression upon the young people. 
 
 From Frau Schlegel he learned of the evil 
 results of the strike in the community, and 
 deeply sympathized with his old friends in their 
 enforced idleness. 
 
 Before his departure, he earnestly besought 
 Herr Neumann to come to the West with his 
 family, assuring him that he could do better. 
 
 " But I am no farmer," said Herr Neumann. 
 
 "Neither was I," replied his friend, "but I 
 learned, and so can you. The young people 
 could do well there ; they are all of help to you, 
 and it would not be long until you would have a 
 farm and a good home of your own. Of course 
 all beginnings are difficult, I have found that 
 out for myself ; but, with diligence and economy, 
 and above all with God's blessing we shall suc- 
 ceed." 
 
 The Neumanns were set to thinking over this 
 plan, and, when Herr Wagner proceeded to his 
 Western home, he felt that he had given hints 
 that would at some future time bear fruit. 
 
1 32 I^E,D CARL. 
 
 None of the family had taken more interest in 
 these accounts of a farmer's life in the far West 
 than had Conrad. He could think of nothing 
 else, and begged his father to let him go as soon 
 as spring opened, and learn farming from Herr 
 Wagner. 
 
 Herr Neumann glanced toward his wife with 
 a smile, for they both knew that this earnest 
 wish to learn farming was to be attributed more 
 to the pretty brown eyes of Anna Wagner than 
 to any other cause. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 The police had hoped, by imposing silence 
 upon Alfred Braun and his wife, and by going 
 cautiously about the matter, to throw the would- 
 be murderer off his guard, and thus convict him. 
 But the ubiquitous newspaper reporter got a hint 
 of it, and their plans were frustrated. One of 
 these energetic youths was so determined to 
 learn the particulars, that he at length succeeded 
 in getting a few facts to enlarge upon ; and the 
 next morning a detailed account, with not a few 
 embellishments, appeared in the daily paper. 
 
 The affair created a profound sensation. The 
 young couple were besieged upon all sides, and 
 scarcely knew how to escape the importunity. 
 At length it was suggested to them to send all 
 inquirers to police headquarters. 
 
 The Socialist papers declared with insolent 
 boldness, that the whole thing was a malicious 
 fabrication. But when it was impressed upon 
 them that the machine of destruction could be 
 seen at headquarters, they thought it advisable 
 not to pursue the subject farther in that direc- 
 183 
 
i84 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 tion, but shifted the responsibility of it upon 
 some one who had a personal enmity against 
 Alfred Braun and his wife, and tried to avenge 
 himself in that way. 
 
 The press was not so easily satisfied with 
 that explanation. They knew of the incendiary 
 doctrines which were promulgated in the Social- 
 ist gatherings ; they knew that such outrages 
 were the certain results of such teachings, and 
 decided that if such an element ruled in the 
 banding together of the workmen, the sympathy 
 of the public for the cause was at an end. 
 
 Through all the discussion, however, no 
 knowledge of the perpetrator came to light. 
 Alfred Braun, his wife, and her family were 
 convinced that Red Carl was the enemy, but he 
 had laid his plans so skilfully that there was 
 no proof. They met him one evening on the 
 street, in company with Johannes, and gave him 
 a searching look which he returned with a de- 
 risive smile, which convinced them, had they 
 required any other evidence, that he was the 
 guilty one. 
 
 " Rest satisfied, and do or say nothing in re- 
 gard to it," said Frau Schlegel that evening, 
 when they told her of it. " Leave the matter 
 entirely in God's hands. He has said, 'Ven- 
 geance is mine, I will repay.' " 
 
 " We will do nothing further than to keep an 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 185 
 
 eye upon Red Carl," replied Alfred ; " he may 
 try it again, and the next time be more suc- 
 cessful." 
 
 " When the Lord does not watch the city, 
 then is the watching of the watchers vain," said 
 Frau Schlegel softly. 
 
 " But I cannot understand how one can feel 
 such perfect rest and security, without also 
 using our own vigilance and reason." 
 
 "Very true," replied his aunt, "but you must 
 not think that God is dependent upon your 
 help in order to protect you." 
 
 The strike in the meantime took its course. 
 If among the workmen there was a strong ele- 
 ment which prevented them from yielding, and 
 going back to their work, so also did the em- 
 ployers exercise the right of determination, and 
 would» not allow themselves to be guided by 
 outside influence. 
 
 The union managed its members, and in the 
 headquarters, the rein was held very tight. 
 The dissatisfied were kept down, and new 
 means used to encourage the faltering ones to 
 persevere. All were assured that a decided vic- 
 tory would be won if they would struggle for it. 
 
 A part of the new workmen which had been 
 employed in the factories, had not at first joined 
 the strikers, but after a time they also yielded 
 and joined the majority. The employers them- 
 
1 86 RED CARL. 
 
 selves were the cause of this move. It did not 
 pay them to keep work going under such cir- 
 cumstances ; so the wages for the men for the 
 few days they could work in each week, were 
 small, and as the union offered them support 
 from the treasury, they could not resist the 
 temptation, so joined the strikers. 
 
 This victory raised the spirits of the leaders 
 at headquarters, to such an extent that they 
 concluded that they could be satisfied with noth- 
 ing less than the discharging from employment 
 all the anti-union men, particularly the foremen. 
 
 The employers held themselves quite cool 
 over this new demand. It had become clear to 
 them that until the need and poverty among the 
 workmen had reached its utmost limit, there 
 would be no return of the misguided ones to their 
 posts of duty. For the Spring trade they had 
 already marked out a line of action ; and it was 
 yet several weeks before they need feel any an- 
 xiety for the summer trade. 
 
 They were not mistaken in supposing that 
 extreme want was near at hand with many of 
 the workmen. It was a sad Christmas and 
 New Year holiday with many of them, that 
 year in Bridethorp. The winter had set in 
 early, and with unusual severity. But few fam- 
 ilies were in position to lay in their supply of 
 winter necessities, and the support given by the 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 187 
 
 union allowed but a meagre subsistence. The 
 men looked pale and dejected, as did also the 
 wives and daughters, who sewed early and late, 
 to earn a pittance to eke out their scanty living, 
 while the children had not sufficient clothing to 
 keep them comfortable. In many homes some 
 of the furniture had gone into the pawnbroker's 
 hands, for the sake of obtaining food. 
 
 While the women were exerting their feeble 
 strength to earn bread, the men lounged idly 
 about or went to the Socialist meetings and the 
 saloons, from whence they returned excited, 
 and at times in ill-humor. 
 
 The exposure from insufficient clothing, and 
 want of necessary food brought much sickness ; 
 and scarlet fever and diphtheria had a long list 
 of victims among the children. 
 
 The only gleam of brightness for the little 
 ones was the coming Christmas festival in the 
 Sunday schools, to which they had always looked 
 forward for weeks. That year the teachers and 
 superintendents decided to do more than usual 
 to make it a happy time for them, by having a 
 substantial meal ; knowing it would be a great 
 treat to those who had for months been stinted. 
 Besides this, they provided, with the help of 
 benevolent friends, warm clothes, strong shoes, 
 gloves, and other necessary articles. 
 
 Tears of thankfulness were wept in secret 
 
l8g RED CARL. 
 
 over this thoughtful act of kindness ; and 
 hearts which had grown distrustful through 
 the deceitful teachings of the Socialists were 
 surprised into repentant emotion at this unex- 
 pected token of Christian love and sympathy. 
 
 The endeavors of benevolent people to search 
 out the needs of the little ones led them to dis- 
 cover the depths of poverty which many of the 
 families had reached. The newspapers brought 
 some heartrending cases of destitution before 
 the public, and a committee of ladies resolved 
 to see into the matter, and found it was all and 
 more than was represented ; and exertions were 
 made to lessen the distress. 
 
 Many voices were raised in opposition ; the 
 main reason being that the workmen themselves 
 were to blame for all the trouble that had come 
 upon themselves and their families, and that an 
 end of it would soon be reached if they would 
 turn their backs upon the Socialists and return 
 to their work. 
 
 It was mainly the employers who refused 
 help, and were reminded that if they had no 
 sympathy for the erring men, they ought to 
 consider that the women and innocent children 
 should not be allowed to suffer for the fault of 
 their breadwinners. 
 
 Many who shook their heads and declared 
 that the strikers deserved no pity, would not 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 189 
 
 give help openly ; but could not steel their 
 hearts against the misery, and so gave liberally 
 in secret. 
 
 The committee arranged matters so that 
 through reliable persons, needy families could, 
 by applying, obtain help. 
 
 Frau Schlegel and Trina Braun were among 
 the most active in this labor of love, and never 
 failed to speak a word for the Master whom 
 they served, when bestowing these gifts. 
 
 From such an errand they were one evening 
 returning, when they called at Herr Neumann's. 
 Trina had been weeping and Frau Schlegel's 
 face was very sad. 
 
 ** What is it } What has happened } " said her 
 parents, the moment they saw her. 
 
 *' O father," said Trina, **we have just come 
 from Bernau's. I have seen much want and 
 sorrow in this work, but such misery I have 
 never seen before. Bernau is sick, and sighs 
 and groans terribly. Frau Bernau is worn to a 
 shadow, and is scarcely able to do anything. 
 Louisa, from sewing so steadily, has weakened 
 her eyes and can no longer sew. There is no 
 food in the house, scarcely any fire, and they 
 are out of coal. They have no furniture except 
 an old table and a few rickety stools. They 
 have no beds, but are lying upon sacks filled 
 with straw, and have scarcely any bedclothes. 
 
IQO RED CARL. 
 
 If people do not help them, and very soon, they 
 will perish from want. We must do something 
 for them. The committee will help them as 
 quickly as they can, but they must have it now." 
 
 ** What is the matter with Bernau .-* " inquired 
 her father. 
 
 " I don't know, but think his illness is caused 
 by drink." 
 
 **But we should not slight him on that 
 account," said Frau Neumann, " they were very 
 kind and helped us in every way they could 
 when we first came here." 
 
 ** Certainly we must help them," said Herr 
 Neumann. *' I will go now and see what I can 
 do for them. O that miserable drink ! the 
 need is great enough in these times without 
 adding to it by indulging in this vice." 
 
 As soon as Frau Schlegel and Trina left, 
 Herr Neumann went to Bernau's, accompanied 
 by his wife, whose practical knowledge and 
 helping hand were needed. She took with her 
 some nourishing soup and other prepared food. 
 
 Bernau looked on in dull indifference while 
 Frau Neumann was arranging it for them, but 
 after he had partaken of some of it, and his bed 
 was made more comfortable, he reached his 
 hand out to them with tears in his eyes. 
 
 "This is indeed true charity," said he. 
 *' Without help I should certainly have died ; 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. igi 
 
 and it would have been no more than I 
 deserved." 
 
 Herr Neumann was about to reply, but Ber- 
 nau desired him to hear him out. 
 
 " I know exactly how it stands with me," said 
 he. " In spite of the strike, we need not have 
 been so miserably poor had it not been for my 
 habit of intemperance. But I promise you that 
 if God spares me this time to regain strength, 
 I will do better, and I ask you to help me in 
 this, neighbor. Frau Schlegel has taught me to 
 ask help from above. Neighbor Neumann, you 
 shall never again have occasion to be ashamed 
 of my company." 
 
 He would have continued, but Herr Neumann 
 did not put much confidence in his protestations 
 having heard them frequently before ; so took 
 his departure, accompanied by Frau Neumann. 
 
 In the evening, the committee sent wood, 
 coal, and many other things, and, for the time 
 being at least, the poor creatures were more 
 comfortable. This case of extreme destitution 
 was only one of many which the strike devel- 
 oped ; and, in this instance, as well as many 
 others, was shown how vice and thoughtlessness 
 helped to increase the poverty and misery. 
 While the diligent, sober, and frugal of the 
 workmen were kept from extreme want, those 
 who were dependent upon the union and were 
 
IQ2 ^^^ CARL, 
 
 not careful to economize in every way soon 
 reached their last penny, in many cases the 
 greater part of it going into the drinking saloons ; 
 for the power which this deadly enemy has over 
 its victims, is something fearful. Neither honor, 
 nor conscience, nor love of family, nor health, 
 nor even life itself is considered. All is brought 
 as an offering to that Moloch, which yearly slays 
 its tens of thousands. 
 
 Notwithstanding the help given by the com- 
 mittee during the first few weeks of the new 
 year, the need among the workmen steadily in- 
 creased 
 
 The provision dealers found it necessary to 
 refuse credit ; the boarding-houses had been 
 given up, and the boarders had disappeared ; it 
 seemed that everything had come to a stand- 
 still, and the powers of darkness still had the 
 advantage. One earnest effort was made to ad- 
 just the differences between labor and capital, 
 but was met by labor with a scornful repulse. 
 
 The labor question was sometimes introduced 
 in sermons from pulpits in Evangelical churches, 
 and the preachers — to their credit be it said — 
 kept the subject within the limits of the pure, 
 clear gospel. Combatants on both sides were 
 admonished that the solving of the whole prob- 
 lem lay in the fulfilling of the command "Thou 
 shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 193 
 
 and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, 
 and thy neighbor as thyself." 
 
 The effect which these good counsels had up- 
 on the working people, encouraged the help 
 committees to solicit the assistance of the min- 
 isters to act as mediators between them and 
 their employers. In response to this there was 
 a meeting of the ministers, and a committee 
 was appointed to visit the employers and the 
 strikers, and try to effect a reconciliation. 
 
 The committee entered with zeal into this — 
 the blessed office of peacemaking — and were 
 received very favorably by the employers. These 
 promised to refrain from all unjust demands, 
 and would try to find places for all the work- 
 men ; but the needy ones were not to importune 
 them to discharge those who had been faithful, 
 and particularly the capable foremen. 
 
 The conversation which the committee had 
 with the workmen was also favorable, so far as 
 they were concerned ; yet one and all declared 
 that they could do nothing ; that only the union 
 had the power to listen to any proposals or 
 second any resolutions ; and advised them to go 
 to headquarters. By the help of some of the 
 more intelligent of the workmen some useful 
 hints were received, and, armed with these, the 
 committee proceeded to the headquarters of the 
 strikers. 
 
IQ4 ^'^^ CARL. 
 
 They were received with studied coldness, 
 and hastened to make known the object of their 
 visit. 
 
 " We have made the most moderate demands 
 upon the employers," was the reply ; " upon the 
 fulfilment of those demands we must uncondi- 
 tionally stand ; we should be traitors to our 
 cause should we compromise." 
 
 "But you should be willing for something to 
 be done for the sake of the workmen them- 
 selves, who are in great want and suffering 
 because out of employment," said the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 *' The employers are responsible for the want 
 and suffering ; no doubt it must be agreeable to 
 them or they would not allow it. Who gave you 
 the right to meddle between the employers and 
 ourselves } have you no business of your own to 
 occupy your time .? " 
 
 The committee found that it was no use to 
 argue longer, as no good could be done, so long 
 as these people ruled the workmen. 
 
 But, also, among the employers there was in- 
 creasing anxiety. The manufacture of their 
 goods for the market was of much pecuniary 
 interest to them, and if the strike was not 
 ended in time for the manufacture of summer 
 goods, the aspect of affairs for firms with small 
 capital was serious indeed. Many of these 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 195 
 
 smaller firms were anxious to favor the demands 
 of the workmen in order to relieve their own 
 embarrassments, which were steadily growing 
 greater. 
 
 The allied employers again convened to con- 
 sider what steps should be taken, and with so 
 much secrecy that the strikers got no hint of it. 
 
 Some of the smaller firms were eager to 
 comply with the demands of the workmen, and 
 take them again into their employ, that business 
 might be resumed. 
 
 But every proposition, though made direct to 
 the workmen, must go to headquarters. There 
 the opinion was, that the strikers were on the 
 eve of victory ; they proclaimed that when the 
 employers were brought to terms every man 
 would have employment, and until then, no 
 individual should accept of a place. 
 
 Then a new proposition was made. Some of 
 the firms made their workmen the offer of em- 
 ployment, providing they would be at their 
 posts the beginning of the following week. If 
 this 'offer were not accepted, they were then to 
 to consider themselves discharged from their 
 service. 
 
 A violent agitation was the result of this 
 knowledge at headquarters. To the needy men 
 the case looked really desperate. Even the most 
 frugal of them had reached the end of their 
 
196 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 means. Some change must come, and very 
 quickly, if they did not wish to go to destruc- 
 tion. 
 
 On the other hand there were their opposers, 
 fast and unbroken, and requiring submission 
 under a penalty which they were not willing to 
 incur. 
 
 Many of them wished the strike ended at any 
 price, and considered it right that they should 
 endeavor to hasten it. They insisted upon a 
 call for a general meeting to consider plans for 
 ending the strike, and the time appointed was 
 the following afternoon. 
 
 Long before the appointed time, the great 
 hall was filled to overflowing. After calling the 
 meeting to order the president asked if there 
 was any one present who wished to make a 
 proposal. 
 
 One of the older workmen arose and requested 
 the privilege of saying a few words, which was 
 unwillingly granted by the president, for he was 
 expecting some one whom he wished to lead 
 the meeting with a speech. 
 
 The workman gave first a brief history of the 
 strike. He said that from the beginning he had 
 gone with the majority, and had with them suf- 
 fered hunger and distress. The crisis had now 
 come ; there must be a change. Their families 
 had endured every privation, and had been com- 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE, 
 
 197 
 
 pelled to accept aid from strangers. He had 
 heard that the treasury of the union was ex- 
 hausted, what was now to be done ? It was a 
 beautiful thing to battle for the sake of prin- 
 ciple, but they could do that no longer; the 
 first principle with them should be to care for 
 themselves and those dependent upon them. 
 He proposed that the strike should be declared 
 ended, and every man be allowed to go back to 
 his work. 
 
 A formidable tumult followed his remarks. 
 
 *' Traitor ! Coward ! Who pays you for this } 
 For how much did you sell yourself } " were 
 some of the execrations heaped upon him. 
 
 "He is right," cried others ; "we can bear it 
 no longer." "How is it with the treasury.? is 
 it empty t " shouted others. " Where did the 
 money go } " 
 
 It was nearly a quarter of an hour before the 
 tumult subsided sufficiently for the president to 
 introduce the speaker of the evening, who was 
 a secret agent of the Socialists. He began by 
 praising their courage, their faithfulness, their 
 perseverance and consistency which had com- 
 pletely won his admiration. 
 
 "It is true," said he, "that you have borne 
 much, and I do not wonder that you wish to 
 see the end of it. But I do not agree with the 
 former speaker that you would be willing to see 
 
198 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 your troubles ended at any price. But would 
 they end by depending upon the favor of the 
 enemy ? It is true you have borne much, and 
 should your trials be in vain ? Would you lay 
 down your arms now and cry for quarter when 
 victory is close at hand ? You tremble at the 
 conclusions of your employers ; you do not 
 know that their haughty words are only to hide 
 their weakness. They think to have you in 
 their power ; but you have them in your power. 
 I tell you that the employers cannot hold out 
 much longer. They must have help or they 
 will go under. Hold on a little while longer. 
 You have borne much ; bear a little longer and 
 not lose the result of your struggle. It is true 
 that the treasury is exhausted, but your broth- 
 ers will not let you suffer. The battle is not 
 merely for your rights but for the rights of your 
 children." 
 
 But the specious arguments failed this time 
 to satisfy the masses. Their need was too 
 great to allow them to be put off by words. 
 The speaker was frequently interrupted by 
 questions and exclamations. 
 
 "That does not give bread!" cried one. 
 "How shall we live in the meantime?" shouted 
 another. "You have had none of the priva- 
 tions and can afford to make a good speech in 
 favor of holding out," cried a third. 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. iqq 
 
 "The question is this," said the workman 
 who had first spoken, rising to his feet, "is it 
 any use for the sake of ruling in such a cause, 
 to bring our families and ourselves to ruin ? I 
 am convinced that the whole thing is a failure, 
 and it would be madness to continue it any 
 longer." 
 
 This speech was greeted with hearty ap- 
 plause, and the effect it had might have 
 changed the whole result of the meeting had 
 it not been for a few determined leaders who 
 exercised great control over the workmen, for 
 it often happens that a very small minority can 
 rule a large assembly if they set about it in an 
 energetic and skilful manner. 
 
 Just then another speaker stepped forward, 
 and all recognized Red Carl. 
 
 "The question," said he, "is simply this : Are 
 we united workmen going to lose the fruit of 
 our long and bitter struggle, and let ourselves 
 be robbed at the bidding of a coward and a 
 traitor } We have battled and struggled and 
 will have something to say against giving up, 
 now when the victory is nearly won, and by so 
 doing shall we betray our brothers } That shall 
 never happen. The battle will not last much 
 longer, and in the meantime no one need go 
 hungry. And if it should come to that, then 
 the workmen should have energy enough to 
 
200 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 simply take that which a corrupt society is 
 keeping from them." 
 
 This last sentence caused a rustle to pass 
 through the audience. Some accepted it with 
 satisfaction and asked him to proceed ; others 
 arose and protested against the remark. 
 
 At length the treasurer arose and said that 
 he had from different sides received the promise 
 of large sums of money to end the strike. 
 There was also one proposal to continue it. 
 It was put to vote and the majority decided to 
 accept the latter proposition. 
 
 After the meeting was adjourned, the Neu- 
 manns were talking the matter over in their 
 home when Alfred Braun came in. The ques- 
 tion was anxiously discussed, and Alfred told 
 them in confidence that Amherst & Co. had 
 concluded to begin business again and had 
 engaged a number of workmen from a distance, 
 and were going to instruct them in the business. 
 Also, that fearing they would be molested by 
 the strikers they had petitioned the governor of 
 the State to send military protection. 
 
 **It is a really terrible state of things," 
 remarked Herr Neumann, "that a person can- 
 not open his own factory and commence busi- 
 ness without danger." 
 
 The Neumanns had resolved that if the strike 
 was not over in the course of a week they 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 2OI 
 
 would give up their boarding-house. There 
 was no prospect of its being over, so this con- 
 clusion was imparted to the boarders and 
 excited very gloomy feelings. 
 
 Herr Neumann assured them that it was 
 impossible under the circumstances to keep 
 them any longer ; for he was considerably in 
 debt to the provision dealers, and could not 
 increase his indebtedness. 
 
 The young men declared that they were sick 
 of being idle, and would try to find employment, 
 and asked him to keep them a little longer, for 
 there would certainly be a change, and then 
 they would pay him for his losses during the 
 strike. 
 
 Herr Neumann was deeply touched at this, 
 yet could not keep from them that all depended 
 upon the ending of the strike ; and also con- 
 vinced them that it was not his own wishes, 
 but stern necessity that made him give up his 
 boarding-house. 
 
 It was not at Neumann's house alone, where 
 these gloomy prospects were discussed, but 
 in the streets and in public places, could be 
 heard words of censure against the managers at 
 headquarters, and upon all sides they were 
 blamed for the trouble and misery. But 
 although aware of it, this did not deter them 
 from adhering to their line of action ; nor did 
 
202 RED CARL. 
 
 they let any power escape from their hands. 
 Their own prudent watchfulness, and the assis- 
 tance they received from friends, furnished 
 them with means to give out the usual allow- 
 ance on the following Saturday afternoon, and 
 the newspapers stated that large contributions 
 from outside were promised. 
 
 In order to hinder a rebellion in their own 
 ranks, it was arranged that on Monday, the 
 entrance to the different manufactories should 
 be guarded by their best men ; and to strengthen 
 the weak ones, and give their opponents a 
 knowledge of their power, a grand procession 
 was to march through the streets in the after- 
 noon. 
 
 All went on as was planned ; the procession 
 of strikers as it marched through the streets 
 with banners held aloft, and bands of music, 
 was an imposing affair. 
 
 The inscriptions upon these banners pro- 
 claimed the nature of the demonstration. " Per- 
 severance wins the day ; " ** Victory or Death ; " 
 "The Social Reform;" "Death to the Fleec- 
 ing System," and other devices of the kind. 
 
 In the meantime, the enthusiasm which once 
 animated the union had disappeared. The 
 burning eloquence of the speakers had lost 
 much of its effect upon the masses. A gleam 
 of the old-time enthusiasm came to the surface 
 
HOLDING OUT ON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 203 
 
 when the working-men's hymn was sung by the 
 procession — 
 
 There sounds a cry from land to land, 
 We poor reach out to you the hand ; 
 We call a halt for tyranny, 
 We'll break the yoke of slavery. 
 Chorus — We give a call for freedom here, 
 The banner red, aloft we rear, 
 We'll live by work, or battle to the death. 
 
 We have been long enough oppressed. 
 Our wrongs henceforth shall be redressed. 
 We battle only for the right, 
 We conquer by the power of might. 
 Chorus — We give a call for freedom here, etc. 
 
 We ask for freedom, justice, peace ; 
 We ask that tyranny shall cease ; 
 We ask for right to labor on ; 
 We ask just pay for work well done. 
 Chorus — We give a call for freedom here, etc. 
 
 The next day the Socialist paper gave a glow- 
 ing account of the great demonstration, and 
 said that the success of the movement was 
 assured. But those for whom the report was 
 especially intended were not blinded by this, 
 but followed with energy their plans for bringing 
 yhf^. ■^Xi*^'t to an end. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE EXPLOSION. 
 
 The employers had not been mistaken in 
 their opinions in regard to the strike. They 
 knew that as soon as the crisis was past, every 
 one of the workmen would be glad to return to 
 his place, and the outlook for this grew from 
 day to day more favorable. 
 
 In spite of the boasting of the union, the em- 
 ployers knew that only a partial support could 
 be given by it, and that want and discourage- 
 ment would be rife among the workmen. 
 
 The immigration that year was also greater 
 than usual, had commenced earlier in the sea- 
 son, and was from the industrial parts of Ger- 
 many ; and those unacquainted with the busi- 
 ness could learn it in a short time. At any 
 rate, the arrival of these men served to break 
 the pride of the strikers. 
 
 Through the secret agents in New York, it 
 was soon known at the striker's headquarters in 
 Bridethorp, that in the next few days a strong 
 force of German immigrants would arrive, and 
 find employment in the factories. 
 204 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 
 
 205 
 
 This must be met with all energy ; and it was 
 arranged that the railway depot and the landing 
 were to be watched by the determined strikers, 
 and when the unsuspecting strangers arrived, 
 they were to be met with shouts and other 
 evidences of displeasure, and if possible be dis- 
 heartened from dispersing through the city. 
 
 Representatives of the firms were also pres- 
 ent, but were immediately surrounded by the 
 strikers and could neither summon the police, 
 nor work their way to the frightened immi- 
 grants. 
 
 In the meantime the leaders of the strikers 
 had met the strangers and explained the situa- 
 tion. They said that strange men had no right 
 to come there to take the bread from the mouths 
 of workmen already there ; that through the 
 oppression of the employers they were out of 
 work, and threatened the new arrivals with 
 bodily harm if they remained. Finally, the 
 offer was made to send them back free of cost. 
 Confused, alarmed, worried, the poor immi- 
 grants scarcely knew what to do. Several of 
 them were courageous enough to fight their 
 way through and reached in safety the quarters 
 prepared for them, but most of them returned 
 to New York. 
 
 The employers in the meantime had obtained 
 authority to post a strong force of police at the 
 
2o6 ^^D CARL, 
 
 depot, to keep the strikers in check, and by this 
 means several immigrant families were safely 
 established in Bridethorp. 
 
 The increasing poverty of the workmen em- 
 bittered them the more against this energetic 
 move of the employers. The police force was 
 strengthened, yet acts of violence were of fre- 
 quent recurrence in different parts of the city. 
 Some of the new employees were knocked 
 down, and one elderly man whom the strikers 
 had seen working in a factory, was so severely 
 beaten near his own home that his life was 
 despaired of. A provision dealer's store in a 
 retired street was robbed, and fears of an insur- 
 rection grew so great that the governor was 
 petitioned to grant military protection. 
 
 The next morning a proclamation from the 
 governor calling upon the state militia to be on 
 duty at a moment's notice, was a great comfort 
 to all ; it suppressed in some measure the revo- 
 lutionary spirit, thus giving the order-loving 
 element new courage, for it was not only pres. 
 ent help, but would give them a chance to 
 throw off the Socialist yoke. 
 
 A few days after, Red Carl made his appear- 
 ance at headquarters filled with excitement, 
 and with a report of what he called fiendish 
 treachery, and it was gathered from his hurried 
 narrative, that a heavy blow had been aimed at 
 
THE explosion: 
 
 207 
 
 the strikers. Amherst & Co. had, by the aid 
 of the night boat, brought up a large number of 
 workmen from New York who were unac- 
 quainted with the business, and some of the 
 old workmen had been employed to instruct 
 them. Among these were Neumann, Bernau, 
 and others who had been in Neumann's family, 
 which made it plain to Red Carl that Alfred 
 Braun had arranged the whole matter. 
 
 This news spread consternation at headquar- 
 ters. They believed that without doubt other 
 firms would follow the lead of Amherst & Co., 
 and with like results. 
 
 There was no time to lose. This plan must 
 be frustrated, or in a short time the victory 
 would be on the other side. It was not advisa- 
 ble, they were well aware, to come out openly 
 in this matter, but they had other means at 
 hand. They selected a committee of their 
 reliable men to visit these apostates and bid 
 them return to their allegiance. But they 
 found that these men had well-considered the 
 subject, and could defend their course. 
 
 Neumann had not only his son but his board- 
 ers on his side ; and met the spokesman of the 
 committee with his opinion of the strike and 
 the injury it had been in every way. He said 
 also that the most of the blame for the misery 
 which had come upon the workmen might be 
 laid at the door of the leaders. 
 
2o8 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 There was a scene upon hearing these words ; 
 but Neumann and his friends were a set of 
 determined men, who would not be stopped by 
 violence, and the committee felt that it might 
 lead to a bad end. Frau Schlegel came in soon 
 after this visit, with the news that Bernau had 
 been struck in his own house and badly injured ; 
 and from other quarters came reports of similar 
 acts of violence. 
 
 The following day the consternation increased 
 when it was found that not only Amherst & 
 Co. had commenced work with a good supply 
 of hands, but other firms were following their 
 example. A greater part of the workmen 
 showed an earnest disposition to break away 
 from their leaders, and go back to their old 
 employment. 
 
 ** Traitor ! Judas ! Coward ! " were some of 
 the epithets heaped upon the deserters when 
 met upon the streets. Several were struck 
 down, and the police had trouble to prevent a 
 general outbreak. Crowds of excited men 
 thronged the streets, and the deserters dared 
 not leave their dwellings. Wild threats and 
 menaces were heard on all sides, and the men 
 who were set to watch found dynamite and 
 other explosives. It became evident that they 
 were on the eve of a momentous catastrophe. 
 Some time, during the night the authorities sent 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 209 
 
 a telegram to the governor, who ordered the 
 militia to be on the scene. 
 
 The next morning the signal whistle for the 
 men to come to work at the Amherst factory had 
 just blown when there came a terrible crash, 
 which shook the city like an earthquake. Win- 
 dow glass was shattered, fire alarms were rung, 
 and in a few moments the engines went tearing 
 through the streets. 
 
 Terrified people gathered in crowds near the 
 factory, while others called to them to stand 
 back. Like wild fire the news ran through the 
 city that the Amherst factory had been blown up 
 by the strikers ; while others said that it was 
 only the engine-house, and that the factory was 
 in flames. It was also said that the strikers 
 who had returned to work had been buried in 
 the ruins. Everybody rushed to the scene of 
 the disaster. 
 
 Trina had finished preparing breakfast for 
 her husband, and was about to send it to the 
 factory. At the request of his employers, he 
 had provided another foreman to remain with 
 him at night to guard the property in case of an 
 attack from the strikers. Trina knew it to be a 
 dangerous post, and thought often with trem- 
 bling, of the terrible risks to which he was 
 exposed. 
 
 Shouts in the street attracted her to the win- 
 
2IO ^^Z> CARL. 
 
 dow, and she saw people running in an excited 
 manner. 
 
 "The Amherst factory is blown up!" she 
 heard some one call to a neighbor. 
 
 In fright and anguish she clasped her hands 
 together. 
 
 " Oh, for God's dear sake," she cried, ** tell 
 me this is not true." 
 
 The people recognized her, and full of pity 
 for Alfred's young wife, hastened to her. 
 
 '* Something has happened," said one, " we 
 don't know exactly what it is, we have heard 
 nothing of your husband." 
 
 Trina could not remain at home, she threw a 
 shawl about her, ran down the steps, and with 
 trembling haste sped through the streets to the 
 factory. How long appeared the time until she 
 could reach it ! A great concourse of people 
 had gathered, and a frightful sight met her 
 gaze. Where the engine-house had stood, was 
 only now a heap of ruins. Part of the mighty 
 fly-wheel lay broken, several hundred feet from 
 the JDlace ; the huge boiler lay in pieces, and 
 the tall chimney was now a pile of brick and 
 mortar. One wall of the factory was partly 
 blown in, while the others had immense cracks, 
 and flames were pouring from it. It was a 
 scene of wild confusion. 
 
 Many a sorrowing glance was cast at a num- 
 
The explosion. 211 
 
 ber of still forms, which lay deadly pale, and 
 with garments stained with blood, two of them 
 too terribly disfigured for the people to see. 
 
 By the first glance which Trina gave to them, 
 she recognized her brother Johannes. He was 
 lying upon a board, and the physician had just 
 finished an examination, and had ordered him 
 to be taken home, as Trina with bitter tears, 
 threw her arms about the silent form. 
 
 "Where is Alfred.?" said she, starting up; 
 *' where is my husband t " 
 
 *'Be comforted, Trina," said her brother 
 Conrad, ''Alfred is safe ; there he is." 
 
 Trina's eyes followed the motion of Conrad's 
 arm, and in one of the windows of the second 
 story she saw him. His arm was bandaged, but 
 he was able to assist others. 
 
 The great change from intense anxiety to joy, 
 was too much for poor Trina, and she almost 
 fainted. Alfred had seen her, and came as 
 quickly as he could, and on his breast she shed 
 tears of joy. Trina was not of a nervous tem- 
 perament, and she must go and comfort her 
 mother. Her father had already made arrange- 
 ments for the removal of Johannes to his house. 
 
 Upon all sides people questioned Alfred of 
 the cause of the catastrophe. He was reserved 
 upon the subject, and said there would soon be 
 an examination which would explain the mys- 
 
213 ^ED CARL. 
 
 tery far better than he could. But the people 
 could not wait for that ; they wished to hear 
 his opinion of it, and all the details. 
 
 Some of the strikers insisted that it was a 
 boiler explosion, and said it was just what might 
 have been expected from the employing of new 
 and inexperienced hands. 
 
 These sneering comments reached the ear of 
 Alfred Braun. 
 
 " It was not a boiler explosion," said he 
 angrily. " I had examined the boiler but a few 
 moments before, and found all in order. Look 
 at the ruins of the boiler ; does it look as though 
 it had exploded } It was no boiler explosion, 
 but a fiendish conspiracy ; and the workers of 
 it will have to answer for it." 
 
 This bold declaration raised a tumult among 
 the bystanders. 
 
 ** Prove it ! prove it ! " was shouted on all 
 sides, and insults and threats were heaped upon 
 the accuser. 
 
 But Alfred had said it, and would not swerve 
 from what he had said. 
 
 " Do you wish proof } " cried he, " well, you 
 shall have it; "and going to one of the still 
 forms, he removed the covering. A frightful 
 object was exposed to view, which they recog- 
 nized as the mangled corpse of Red Carl. A 
 look of wild hatred and revenge was upon the 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 
 
 213 
 
 Still face, and in his right hand was a dynamite 
 cartridge. 
 
 "Do you know him?" said Alfred sharply. 
 *• Do you see the man who once before tried to 
 destroy my life .'* Do you see the instrument 
 of death in his hand ? Do you not see that an 
 avenging God has frustrated his plans } Would 
 you say that you have no share in his guilt } 
 That all this wickedness originated with him } 
 No, you may all keep silent, but the day will 
 come when all you villains will have to answer 
 for this day's work." 
 
 Alfred had in his agitation gone too far for 
 his own safety. A frightful storm of indigna- 
 tion swept over the crowd, and if Alfred's 
 friends had not surrounded him, the strikers 
 would have overpowered him, and much blood- 
 shed might have followed, had not a new event 
 turned attention to another quarter. 
 
 The sound of martial music, and the measured 
 step of armed men was heard, and the next mo- 
 ment their bayonets were seen gleaming in the 
 bright rays of the morning sun. At the head 
 rode the governor and his staff. 
 
 At the first call, the regiment from H. had 
 arrived and hastened to the scene of the catas- 
 trophe ; and the governor resolved to see for 
 himself, and by his authority seek to establish 
 peace and order. 
 
214 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 The appearance of the militia called the com- 
 batants to a halt ; for although they had not the 
 fear which prevails in monarchical countries in 
 regard to the standing army, yet it had its effect 
 in convincing them that they were more than 
 foolish in believing that they could resist them, 
 and with more cusiosity than fear they watched 
 the movements of the militia. 
 
 A cordon was drawn around the building 
 and then the governor signified that he wished 
 to speak to the people. Under existing cir- 
 cumstances it was not difficult to command 
 silence. 
 
 " Fellow-citizens," said he, '* by the authori- 
 ties of your city I have been requested to send 
 these men to protect it, and to uphold the laws 
 which you helped to make. These men who 
 upon my call have appeared, belong not to 
 those whose interests are separate from your 
 own. They are also fellow-citizens in like oc- 
 cupations with your own. They have left their 
 employments to execute the laws and secure 
 peace. These laws are the pillars of civil order, 
 without which there can be no prosperity in 
 the world. 
 
 ** Fellow-citizens, it is a serious thing when 
 part of the community refuse to work. With- 
 out labor the world would be a wilderness. We 
 are all laborers, and find our pleasure and hap- 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 
 
 215 
 
 piness in our work. Far be it from me to 
 meddle with the differences between the em- 
 ployers and the employees. As a servant of 
 the government, my task is only to execute the 
 laws of our state, and secure protection to every 
 citizen. If we find these laws not sufficient for 
 the protection and advantage of all, then we 
 have it in our hands to change them. It ap- 
 pears that violence has taken the place of order 
 here ; be assured that a thorough and impartial 
 investigation will be exercised, and the guilty 
 will be punished. I rely upon you as fellow- 
 citizens of a free country to unite for the up- 
 holding of these laws, and make it possible for 
 me to allow these faithful men whom I have 
 been compelled to call out, to return to their 
 families and their employments." 
 
 This speech of the governor made a good 
 impression upon the strikers. For months it 
 had been drilled into them that they were an 
 oppressed and unprotected class, debarred from 
 the privileges which they should enjoy, and 
 were entitled to battle to the knife for what 
 they considered their rights. 
 
 This short, clear speech dispelled the mists 
 of prejudice, and the sophistries of the revolu- 
 tionists. They saw themselves as citizens of a 
 free country, entitled equally with the richest to 
 all its protection and advantages, and as citizens 
 
2i6 ^ED CARL. 
 
 of the commonwealth could throw their influ- 
 ence into the scale. 
 
 The firemen had succeeded in extinguishing 
 the flames, the wounded had been carried to 
 their homes ; so the main part of the great 
 crowd of people had gradually dispersed. 
 
 Under the directions of the members of the 
 firm, the workmen began to remove the rubbish, 
 in which work many of the strikers joined ; 
 while the militia encamped about and took some 
 needed refreshments. 
 
 A thorough investigation as to the cause of 
 the catastrophe was now undertaken. Through 
 the explosion the fireman had been killed, the 
 engineer had just left his post, to which circum- 
 stance he owed his life, and Alfred Braun was 
 the main witness. 
 
 He said that since the factory opened he had 
 frequently seen Red Carl near it, but as he had 
 also frequently seen the other strikers, he 
 thought it not worthy of mention, except to 
 charge the workmen to keep watch over them. 
 
 That morning he had just been in the engine- 
 room, and had seen nothing out of the ordinary 
 appearance; and as he looked at the boiler he 
 saw that it had the usual pressure of steam. 
 He glanced at his watch and found that it was 
 five minutes faster than the clock in the engine- 
 room. He thought that he could rely upon his 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 21/ 
 
 watch, SO turned the hand of the clock forward 
 five minutes, and knew now that it was an error. 
 This error had deceived the fireman ; and he 
 blew the whistle five minutes too soon, and the 
 explosion followed immediately. He had by 
 that time walked out of the engine-room and 
 was passing through the yard to a wing of the 
 factory. The force of the explosion threw him 
 to the ground and a flying stone wounded his 
 arm. 
 
 He could not believe anything else than that 
 Red Carl was the guilty one, and that he had 
 intended the explosion to occur at the moment 
 when the workmen entered the factory, and only 
 the difference of five minutes in the time had 
 prevented a great loss of life. 
 
 Circumstances all pointed to Alfred's opinion 
 as being entirely correct. 
 
 An examination of the boiler showed that 
 it was not an explosion of steam that had 
 broken it to pieces, but some outside power. 
 Upon examining the premises they found a 
 trench which had been used for the laying of a 
 train, and which reached to the great hole 
 under where the engine-house had stood. 
 
 Had the affair been a sudden impulse, or was 
 it a conspiracy.? Of this there was but one per- 
 son who could give the true answer, and that 
 person was Johannes Neumann, dreadfully 
 
2l8 RED CARL, 
 
 wounded it was true ; therefore must have been 
 near at the time of the explosion, — but still 
 living. 
 
 It was known that he was so badly hurt that 
 it was doubtful if he would recover ; but con- 
 sciousness might return, in which case he could 
 tell what he knew, and it was necessary that it 
 should be known for the sake of the innocent 
 and the guilty. 
 
 " His own family are the ones to induce him 
 to tell what he knows," said Mr. Amherst. 
 " Everybody has confidence in Alfred Braun, 
 and although he is his brother-in-law, he will 
 give us the exact truth without sparing him." 
 
 So it was decided that Alfred should go to 
 his father-in-law's house immediately, and see 
 if Johannes had regained consciousness. 
 
 He found the family, with Trina and Frau 
 Schlegel, gathered about the bed of the wounded 
 man. Johannes was perfectly rational, but weak 
 and exhausted. Tears stood in his eyes as he 
 saw Alfred, and he stretched out his hand to him. 
 
 " Thank God you were saved ! " he whispered, 
 " Oh, it is frightful that I have thus let Satan 
 triumph over me, and tempt me to stain my 
 hands with this horrible crime. But God 
 knows that I did not plan to do harm ; oh, for- 
 give me that I have brought so much trouble 
 upon you all." 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 
 
 219 
 
 He would have continued his lamenting, but 
 Alfred told him he wished him to tell exactly 
 how the explosion occurred. 
 
 "Yes, that . is right," said Johannes, "the 
 truth shall be told ; I will ease my heart of this 
 burden. Tell them all to come close to me ; I 
 feel that my hours are numbered." 
 
 The necessary preparations were made to 
 take down his dying testimony, and Johannes 
 told the whole affair. 
 
 " Carl often said in great excitement, that 
 the work at Amherst & Co. should be stopped, 
 and the best means to do this was to blow up 
 the engine-house. He said it should never be 
 suspected that it was done by design, but 
 people would think that the boiler had exploded. 
 I do not know whether he got any one to help 
 him, but I do know that he was fully capable 
 of doing it himself. He said to me that I must 
 help him. I said at first that I could not ; but 
 he said there was no danger for anybody, for it 
 should be done before the workmen came in the 
 morning. I knew that he had a large quantity 
 of dynamite, and he said it was the easiest thing 
 to lay a train which would reach under the 
 engine-house. He said I must help him, and 
 last night he crept through the trench and laid 
 the mine. He was much vexed, for he feared 
 that some of the explosive stuff was not good. I 
 
220 RED CARL, 
 
 had to stand watch, and when it was finished 
 I went home. He said he would ignite the 
 mine at least an hour before the whistle sounded 
 for the men to come to work. I never closed 
 my eyes the whole night, but waited every mo- 
 ment to hear the explosion. As the appointed 
 time came and all remained quiet, my heart 
 beat with anguish. I knew his revengeful and 
 evil nature, but could not bear to think that he 
 would wait until the time for the men to assem- 
 ble. I knew that he hated Alfred, and had 
 sent the infernal machine to him, for he had 
 told me so. I could wait no longer ; I sprang 
 up and ran to the factory to try to prevent the 
 terrible deed, or to warn the men. But I came 
 too late, and just as I entered the yard, the 
 explosion came. I was thrown so high in the 
 air that I wonder I was not instantly killed. 
 But death is even now waiting for me ; I know 
 I must die, and I deserve my fate. Carl did 
 not set the train right, or he would have been 
 out of the way when the explosion came ; as 
 it was, he died by the means he had planned 
 for others. God have mercy upon him and 
 upon me." 
 
 Extras of the newspapers were out the next 
 morning, giving a full account of the catas- 
 trophe, together with the dying testimony of 
 Johannes Neumann. There was great excite- 
 
THE EXPLOSION. 221 
 
 ment over it, and the anger of the workmen 
 was turned against the leaders of the strike. 
 
 It was well that the militia was still in the 
 town, or the strikers would have destroyed their 
 own headquarters. They could not lend their 
 sanction to deeds of violence ; such atrocities as 
 murder and incendiarism were not in their line. 
 
 On the following afternoon at two o'clock, a 
 mass meeting was called, they knew not by 
 whom ; but, as was their custom, all assembled. 
 
 When the time came for opening the meet- 
 ing, it was found that none of the Socialist 
 leaders were present ; they had left for parts 
 unknown. No one was sorry for it ; all were 
 anxious to see again the return of law and 
 order. 
 
 The old workman who at the last meeting 
 4ad spoken in favor of ending the strike, was 
 called to the chair. In a few words he ex- 
 pressed his abhorrence of deeds of violence, and 
 designated them as outgrowths of the Socialist 
 gatherings ; and expressed his desire for the 
 return of order. 
 
 A committee was appointed to draft the fol- 
 lowing resolutions which were approved by the 
 meeting. 
 
 " We, the assembled workmen of Bridethorp, give ex- 
 pression to our abhorrence of the shameful atrocity of 
 yesterday morning at the Amherst factory ; and believing 
 
222 l^ED CARL. 
 
 that such things are injurious to the cause of the working 
 people ; therefore, resolved : 
 
 1. That we request the authorities to give a rigid ex- 
 amination into the affair, that the guilty ones may be 
 punished. 
 
 2. That the union of the mutual aid societies is only 
 a tool for strange agitators, and unconscionable mischief- 
 makers; so we each resolve to abandon the union. 
 
 3. That the strike now existing be declared ended; 
 and every workman be at full liberty to take employment 
 wherever he can obtain it. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE CONFESSION. 
 
 One has often seen upon a sultry summer 
 afternoon all the evidences of an approaching 
 storm. All nature seems silently waiting for 
 some event. The air is filled with electricity ; 
 vivid flashes of lightning are followed by the 
 low rumblings of thunder, the heavy bank of 
 clouds at the west gradually shuts out the rays 
 of the sun, the rising of the wind, all proclaim 
 that a war of the elements is at hand. 
 
 Then the storm bursts upon the earth in all 
 its fury ; trees are uprooted, fertile fields are 
 deluged, and the harvests are destroyed, dwell- 
 ings are burned by the lightning, and for the 
 time all nature seems changed. But presently 
 the winds are hushed, the thunder ceases to 
 roll, the sun breaks forth, and in the space of 
 a few hours God's beautiful earth seems to 
 have received new life. 
 
 So it was with th^ terrible catastrophe in 
 Bridethorp which had brought death and de- 
 struction in its train. Matters had reached a 
 crisis ; the poisonous vapors which had been 
 223 
 
224 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 accumulating so long were driven aside ; the 
 stagnant water had risen into a clear flowing 
 stream ; the mists of prejudice had rolled away, 
 and out of the storm and sorrow had come new 
 life. Valuable property had been destroyed, 
 the lives of men in the prime of life had been 
 sacrificed, and it took time for the people to 
 recover from the fright to which they had been 
 subjected. But the sun now shone on better 
 times, new hope sprang up in hearts so long 
 cast down ; the strike was at an end. 
 
 The tall chimneys of the factories jubilantly 
 sent forth clouds of smoke in the pure, air; at 
 morning and evening, crowds of men were seen 
 moving to and from their work ; the rumbling 
 and buzzing of the machinery sounded again in 
 response to the will of the workmen. 
 
 The look of hunger had disappeared from the 
 faces of the children, the sad despair in the 
 countenances of the women had given place to 
 joyful hope. The provision dealers were willing 
 again to give credit to the families of the work- 
 men, and the workmen themselves rejoiced that 
 the time of gloom was past. 
 
 In their first joy at the change in their pros- 
 pects they appeared to forget the losses they 
 had sustained ; all breathed freely, as though 
 relieved of a great burden which had oppressed 
 them. This great change was due in a great 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 225 
 
 measure to the wise counsels of the governor. 
 He had not only made a healthful impression 
 upon the minds of the people by his speech on 
 the morning of the explosion, but when con- 
 vinced that the disturbers of the peace had left 
 the city, he withdrew the militia, and allowed 
 them to return to their homes and occupations. 
 
 The employers had invited him to meet them 
 that evening as they wished to consider the 
 question of taking the workmen again into 
 their employ. 
 
 Some of the younger among the employers 
 moved that all those who had been advocates 
 of the strike should be denied work, and thus 
 force them to leave the city. But the governor 
 was decided in his disapproval of this. He 
 considered that the men had been deceived by 
 their leaders, and had been the worst sufferers 
 by it ; and more than that, it was dangerous for 
 them even to express a wish to return to their 
 work. Now by the miserable ending of their 
 control, all was changed. He did not consider 
 it right to triumph over a fallen foe ; but 
 instead, would advise a magnanimous ignoring 
 of the whole affair, and by kindness win them 
 back to confidence and peace. 
 
 The governor then proceeded to speak of the 
 so-called labor question. He showed how by 
 the flourishing of the industries, a revolution in 
 
226 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 political economy was brought about, and solu- 
 tions of the new questions of the day brought to 
 the surface for discussion. An inconsiderate 
 regard for advancing one's own interest was 
 injurious to both sides. It was wrong and 
 unjust in the employer to look upon his em- 
 ployees as merely *' hands," only to be appre- 
 ciated for their use in advancing business. 
 The workmen had minds that should be culti- 
 vated. One might say that the workman 
 should look out for these things himself, but 
 this would not do under all circumstances. 
 The state of society was such that all were 
 dependent upon each other, and the strong 
 should care for the weak, the educated should 
 help the ignorant, the prosperous do all they 
 could to advance those who were not. He 
 would not take it upon himself to offer sugges- 
 tions, but as friend to friend he would only say 
 that he considered it the duty of every man, in 
 every way consistent with individual circum- 
 stances, to try to elevate the poorer classes. 
 
 This opinion of the Governor was heartily 
 endorsed by most of the listeners, particularly 
 Amherst & Co. They resolved to lay aside all 
 stringent measures, and give a helping hand 
 towards again establishing aid societies, and in 
 every way try to help the men who had passed 
 through such a fiery trial. 
 
THE CONFESSION. 227 
 
 They also had increased respect for the Gov- 
 ernor, a wise and patriotic statesman who, cast- 
 ing a clear glance over existing circumstances, 
 and then with courage and energy could at the 
 proper moment throw the weight of his influ- 
 ence for the right into the scale. 
 
 Notwithstanding the commercial skies showed 
 some clouds, yet with the opening of the facto- 
 ries, the outlook for working people in Bride- 
 thorp, was quite favorable. Work was pressing, 
 and it not only allowed all hands to be employed, 
 but they worked beyond time to bring up neg- 
 lected work. This made good profits for the 
 employees, and they had a hope of regaining in 
 time what they had lost. 
 
 Amherst & Co. had set about immediate re- 
 pairs, and in a short time their factory was in 
 full operation. 
 
 The battle was ended, and those who had 
 lost their lives were mourned ; while the 
 wounded lay upon beds of pain, the leaders hav- 
 ing disappeared, leaving their followers to suf- 
 fer the fruits of their folly. 
 
 The bodies of the unfortunate men had been 
 committed to mother earth. Besides Carl 
 Holt, there were two others who were killed 
 by the explosion. One of them was a young 
 unmarried workman, and the other was the fire- 
 man, who had left a widow and a large family 
 
228 - J^^D CARL. 
 
 of small children, whose grief at their sudden 
 bereavement was heartrending. Where were 
 now those professional agitators who, by their 
 artful reasoning and abuse of the employers, 
 made these poor men dissatisfied with their 
 peaceful occupations in which they had hitherto 
 found contentment and happiness ? Gone from 
 the scene of the conflict, and even then speak- 
 ing carelessly of the lost cause, and turning 
 their attention to more mischief. 
 
 Johannes Neumann was still hovering between 
 life and death, faithfully watched by his mother, 
 his sisters, and Frau Schlegel. 
 
 Rejoiced as were all to be employed, 
 young and old worked early and late, yet they 
 knew it would be many months before they 
 could recover what they had lost, and be again 
 in the comfortable circumstances they enjoyed 
 before the strike. The most anxiety was felt 
 by those who by the help of the building socie- 
 ties had purchased homes. The monthly pay- 
 ments had not been made, and some of the 
 properties had been confiscated, some sold for 
 considerably less than the full value, and the 
 fruit of years of work, care, and anxiety was 
 lost. Some of the men had lain in bed for 
 weeks, owing to the injury received from the 
 strikers, and were disabled from work. Their 
 assailants were known, and could have been 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 229 
 
 arrested and imprisoned, but their victims did 
 not wish to bring sorrow upon the families. 
 
 One of these men was Bernau, who after suf- 
 fering a long time, died. His assailant had fled 
 from the city, leaving his family destitute. 
 
 Bernau had changed much during this season 
 of affliction. Frau Schlegel had great influence 
 over him ; and upon his sick bed he had found 
 time to seek the favor of his Maker ; and had 
 been taken like a brand from the burning. He 
 had come out of darkness into marvellous light, 
 and in peace and hope went to his rest. 
 
 His sons, who had left during the strike, to 
 seek work elsewhere, had returned to their 
 homes, and the sick and dying bed of their 
 father was not without its impression upon 
 them. 
 
 They commenced taking interest in God's 
 word, and had become workers in the Sunday 
 School. Through their exertions, the wretched 
 family were at least kept from extreme need. 
 
 The employers had done their best, to raise 
 the spirits of the workmen. In most factories 
 the aid societies had again been organized. 
 The employers had also, at the request of the 
 workmen, accepted the management of the 
 treasury, upon condition that the workmen 
 should select a committee to keep control of it. 
 
 The suo:o:estion of the Governor was not for- 
 
230 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 gotten. It was a support at the right time, for 
 a celebrated lecturer, well known for his philan- 
 thropic ideas, was announced for a series of lec- 
 tures in Bridethorp upon the Social question. 
 
 One of the most influential of the citizens, 
 considering that this should be known to the 
 public, made arrangements with such good 
 effect, that through the help of the press and 
 free admission, the largest hall in the city was 
 filled. 
 
 In his first lecture Dr. C. took for his theme 
 the existence of the Social question. He said it 
 was an historical fact that there always had been 
 and always would be a Social question. The 
 ever-continuing changes of human circumstances 
 leads to new forms of society within itself, and 
 in the guiding of these new forms for the well- 
 being of all, stands the solving of the Social 
 question. 
 
 "The present time — chiefly through the 
 great industries — had to do with the relations 
 between great money power, and a great army 
 of working people. The red Revolutionists 
 would simply by brute force, do away with these 
 proportions ; they would do away with all 
 private property, and propose a communism ; 
 or all property in common. This would be 
 against human nature, and simply impossible. 
 Should one such revolution succeed, the whole 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 23 
 
 system of government would be thrown into 
 chaos. 
 
 "A revolutionary speaker once declared that 
 communism would be the result of all evolution 
 and development of the social question. First 
 would be the modern political life of unlimited 
 kingdom ; this would be followed by constitu- 
 tional monarchy ; then the republic of citizens, 
 then red revolutionists, and as a crowning of 
 the whole, communism. One might continue 
 it by saying that this might be followed by 
 anarchy, and that by autocratic power. 
 
 ** It is a false theory on either side to suppose 
 that this question will soon be decided, or that 
 in any way an immediate solution of the ques- 
 tion is at hand. The solution of it is one in 
 which all capable people will take part, and will 
 extend over all demands of common life." 
 
 In his second lecture the doctor spoke of the 
 stipulations of the social question. 
 
 "These stipulations," he said, "were indis- 
 pensable, and could be solved only under one 
 condition. This condition has its foundation in 
 the Christian religion. 
 
 "That the relations between human beings 
 are guided by interest, is the law of the universe 
 or natural law. This law excites ambition, 
 inflames the passions, and stirs up fierce wars 
 against each other. But the law which Chris- 
 
232 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 tianity gives for the guidance of human beings, 
 is the law of love ; which unites hearts in sym- 
 pathy with each other, and prompts each one to 
 offer himself as a sacrifice for the well-being of 
 his fellow-men. This love prompts the rich to 
 pity and assist the poor ; it prompts the poor to 
 look upon the rich without envy or covetous- 
 ness. Where the law of love rules, the civil 
 relations between men are soon arranged. The 
 communists called themselves Christians ; there 
 is as much difference between them as between 
 light and darkness. Communism would take 
 all ; Christianity would give all." 
 
 In his third lecture Dr. C s theme was 
 
 practical means for the solution of the social 
 question. To reach practical ends we should 
 use practical means, keeping a line of action 
 sanctioned by the Christian religion. The first 
 of these is lawgiving. Through the law must 
 sound, healthy relations between capital and 
 labor be secured. This will protect labor from 
 the over-grasping of capital, it will keep capital 
 within limits, that it may not oppress labor, or 
 have destructive influence over it. 
 
 "The second is education ; the aim of which 
 should be the spiritual and social elevation of 
 the poorer classes. The third is philanthropy. 
 One must become acquainted with the material 
 and spiritual needs of the poorer classes in 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 233 
 
 order to seek to control their strength into 
 right channels." 
 
 At the conclusion of his lecture he spoke of 
 the pressing need of a sound understanding 
 between capital and labor, the limiting of 
 monopoly, the restraining of drunkenness, the 
 establishment of evening schools, and other 
 means for cultivating the mind, and benevolent 
 societies. 
 
 These lectures showed knowledge of the fun- 
 damental principles of the social question ; his 
 arguments were clear and practical. They 
 were so popular with the masses, that at the 
 request of some of the prominent citizens, he 
 spoke to an assembly of empjoyers and busi- 
 ness men ; giving a synopsis of the present 
 situation, and means for bettering it. In this 
 lecture he summed up all the main features of 
 the other lectures. He said that people should 
 not wait until all these plans could be success- 
 fully carried out ; that time and circumstance 
 would develop the things necessary to be 
 done, and good will and practical wisdom 
 would point out what was needed. 
 
 It was clear to every one that the first thing 
 to be done was to better the condition of, the 
 families who were impoverished by the strike, 
 and to give all employment as far as lay in their 
 power. 
 
234 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 In the meantime a heavy burden rested upon 
 the spirits of Herr Neumann. During the 
 strike he had been compelled to borrow money 
 at a high rate of interest in order to make his 
 payments into the building society; and his 
 indebtedness to the provision dealers had also 
 reached a considerable sum. 
 
 The rise in the price of provisions had not 
 been compensated by a proportional rise in the 
 price of board, but he had kept the boarders at 
 a disadvantage to himself, knowing that they 
 would be unable to obtain a boarding-place dur- 
 ing those troublous times. In addition to this, 
 Johannes had been upon his sick bed for many 
 weeks. 
 
 The gains of the family were not equal to all 
 these demands upon it, and there was every 
 reason to fear that the pleasant home in which 
 all had taken so much pleasure, and had used 
 every economy to purchase, would have to be 
 given up. 
 
 Herr Neumann had not the bartering spirit 
 which characterizes so many, who look upon every 
 new possession as a great acquisition, and when 
 the novelty wears off can turn from it to 
 another which for a time is equally as dear. 
 His heart was set upon his home. Every beam 
 and board in the house was dear to him. Every 
 blade of grass upon his land, he felt had been 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 235 
 
 purchased by some self-denial ; and it seemed 
 to him like giving up part of his life to give up 
 his property. He knew also that the price of 
 real estate had depreciated, and at either a 
 forced or voluntary sale, he would suffer great 
 loss, and the labor of years be swallowed up. 
 
 This trouble and the sickness of Johannes, 
 and other anxieties in regard to him, threw the 
 happiness of the once cheerful family in deep 
 shadow. 
 
 One evening they were all seated by their 
 fireside talking over their troubles, — for new 
 embarrassments had arisen that day, — when 
 Alfred, Frau Schlegel, and Trina came in. 
 
 Alfred had already heard of this new trouble 
 through Trina, but had not spoken of it to his 
 aunt. 
 
 "Now, what is the matter.?" inquired she, 
 noticing the tears in Frau Neumann's eyes, " is 
 Johannes worse .-* I heard he was better." 
 
 " It is not about Johannes that we are dis- 
 tressed at this time," was the reply of Frau 
 Neumann, as she burst into tears, "God be 
 praised, he is better ; but we are about to lose 
 our beautiful home. We always longed to have 
 a home of our own ; we all worked hard, and 
 saved every penny to have a certain resting- 
 place for our old age, and now all is useless ; 
 in a few short months everything is gone from 
 
236 
 
 RED CARL, 
 
 US. Oh that those terrible mischief-makers had 
 never come to Bridethorp." 
 
 Frau Schlegel listened to all this with real 
 sorrow. 
 
 ** Is it really so bad with you ."^ " she asked, 
 with true sympathy. " Perhaps it is not as bad 
 as you fear. It is true that the times are hard, 
 but now that the strike is over they will be 
 better; and God is over all. Do not be dis- 
 couraged, all will come out right." 
 
 " I do not see how we can save our home," 
 said Herr Neumann, as he gave her a summary 
 of the situation, " the only thing that I can do, is 
 to sell the place, and thus try to save something 
 out of the wreck." 
 
 " I would not do that," replied Frau Schlegel, 
 thoughtfully. " When need is greatest, there is 
 help often nearest. There is certainly some 
 other plan for getting out of the difficulty. 
 Let us consider it while we are all together. I 
 have a little money laid by, which I will will- 
 ingly lend you, for I know it will not be lost." 
 
 *' And I have also a considerable sum which I 
 inherited, and Trina and I are perfectly willing 
 to let you have it," said Alfred. ** No, you must 
 not sell the place ; instead, let us consider what 
 is best to be done." 
 
 " Thanks ! thanks," said Herr Neumann, 
 with tears in his eyes, "but I dare not take it 
 
THE CONFESSION. 237 
 
 from you ; it might be lost. If I could push 
 aside the present difficulties, I might not be 
 able to make further payments, and later the 
 break would come." 
 
 " I think I know of a plan," said Alfred, " in 
 which the place could be paid for, and the title 
 be placed safely into your hands. Let us con- 
 sider what is owing." 
 
 Together they computed the debt against it, 
 and found that the money loaned by Frau 
 Schlegel and Alfred would cover the whole in- 
 debtedness. The whole family rejoiced at this, 
 and expressed their thanko and gratitude. 
 
 '' You need not feel under so much obliga- 
 tion to us," said Frau Schlegel, ** the money is 
 safe with you : we know you will pay us the 
 interest, and many happy hours may we all pass 
 together in this house." 
 
 "Yes," replied Herr Neumann, **but I will 
 not accept the loan unless at least Alfred's 
 name appear upon the deed as part owner of 
 the place. You know this house was built for 
 two families ; we will give the boarders up, and 
 you and Alfred and Trina can come and take 
 the other part of it." 
 
 This was perfectly satisfactory to all parties, 
 and together they planned and made arrange- 
 ments for the coming change. 
 
 Johannes was not to die from his terrible 
 
238 RED CARL. 
 
 wounds. After hovering for weeks between 
 life and death, his youth and good constitution 
 triumphed, and he was in a fair way for recovery. 
 
 The family had passed through a season of 
 great weariness and distress, during his sickness, 
 for besides loss of sleep and anxiety, they had 
 heard from him during the ravings of fever, of 
 scenes and thoughts relative to the strike, which 
 had caused them to recoil from his sick bed 
 appalled. Only Frau Schlegel's calm voice, 
 and Trina's soft hand could soothe him. All 
 these thoughts left him with the fever that had 
 so parched him, and all his thoughts were fixed 
 upon the needs of his soul. Generally he lay 
 peacefully silent with closed eyes, but the mov- 
 ing of his lips, and his varying countenance 
 showed that his thoughts were busy. Several 
 times when his sister Trina did some little act 
 of kindness for him, his eyes became suffused 
 with tears. The appearance of Alfred Braun 
 also filled him with emotion, and he could never 
 respond to his good wishes except by a pressure 
 of the hand. • 
 
 Frau Schlegel appeared to be more comfort 
 to him than all. Several times he made the 
 effort to speak to her of his life, but his voice 
 failed him. But he was gratified when she read 
 the Bible to him, and listened attentively to her 
 encouraging conversation. 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 239 
 
 "Oh, Frau Schlegel," said he one day, at 
 length breaking his long silence, "you do not 
 know how wicked I have been. If my father 
 and mother knew all my wickedness, they 
 would not let me remain in the house. Oh that 
 I had never allowed myself to be misled by 
 those deceitful men, and agreed with them in 
 all their dreadful plans. It was my pride and 
 arrogance that brought about my ruin. But 
 God knows my heart ; if I arise from this sick- 
 bed I will lead another life, and my dear parents 
 shall yet be proud of me." 
 
 Frau Schlegel told him of the mercy of God 
 to those who were truly repentant, and showed 
 him that by his own strength he could do noth- 
 ing; but everything was possible with God. 
 
 One day she had read to him the parable of 
 the prodigal son, and he had listened very 
 attentively, " I am a prodigal son," said he, 
 after remaining silent for some time; "just 
 so have I done, but to my earthly and my 
 Heavenly Father. Please tell father to come 
 here." 
 
 Herr Neumann had heard the request, and 
 stepped to the bedside of his son. 
 
 " Father," said Johannes, in trembling tones, 
 " I have been very wicked, and have done evil 
 against you. Will you forgive me .-* " 
 
 Herr Neumann was deeply touched, and gave 
 
240 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 his full and free forgiveness, and Johannes was 
 comforted. 
 
 One evening Frau Schlegel read aloud to him 
 the fortieth Psalm, and in her simple way ex- 
 plained it to Johannes ; and out of a full heart 
 she spoke to him of the redeeming love of the 
 dear Saviour. 
 
 ** I have indeed been in the horrible pit, and 
 in the miry clay," said Johannes, "oh, my sins, 
 my sins!" and for the first time in his life, he 
 offered up a sincere, agonized prayer for a par- 
 don of his sins. 
 
 The sick room after that day was indeed a 
 Bethel. Frau Schlegel requested the minister 
 to visit Johannes. He was an earnest, pious 
 man, fully endowed with the power to lead a 
 seeking soul to the light of the grace of God 
 through the Saviour. After a time, peace came 
 into the heart of the erring man, he felt that he 
 was indeed forgiven ; his joy was a full stream 
 of blessedness, and he proclaimed it to all, that 
 they might too be blessed, as can all who are 
 willing to come to God. 
 
 The other members of the family viewed 
 with deep astonishment, the change in their 
 brother, and their hearts were deeply touched. 
 Conrad and his sisters were, through their sis- 
 ter Trina, led to the throne of grace ; the par- 
 ents recognized the inefficiency of depending 
 
THE CONFESSION. 
 
 241 
 
 upon the name of Christian alone, and through 
 the conversion of the children they were led to 
 a saving trust in Christ. 
 
 Their dwelling was vocal with the voice of 
 God, and Susie placed a motto over the door 
 which led into the room of Johannes : " As for 
 me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 
 
 The spring had come, and the strength of 
 Johannes was slowly returning. He could 
 again walk in the garden and breathe the balmy 
 air ; and with the return of his strength the 
 question arose as to what would be done with 
 him for his offence against the laws of his 
 country. 
 
 He was now a new creature, but he had 
 been also an accomplice of Carl Holt, who had 
 paid the penalty of his transgression with his 
 life. The family were deeply anxious, knowing 
 that the authorities would feel it their duty to 
 arrest him. Johannes had also thought much 
 of the matter, and believed it to be his duty to 
 offer himself up and receive the punishment 
 which the law inflicted, knowing it to be no 
 more than just. But his family would not lis- 
 ten to this ; they said that he had suffered 
 enough, and no one, under the circumstances, 
 would wish him to suffer more. 
 
 Some days after this, Alfred was called into 
 the private room of Herr Amherst. 
 
242 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 *' I hear," said he, "that your brother-in-law 
 
 has recovered. Rev. H also informed me 
 
 of the change in him, and I am glad to hear it. 
 But he was an accomplice of Carl Holt, and as 
 such, the law will have to take notice of the 
 affair. I do not wish to see the young man 
 given up to justice, for a long imprisonment 
 might be fatal to him. We wish to keep him 
 from this, not only for his own sake and that of 
 his family, who are good industrious people, but 
 also for your sake. I believe the best thing 
 would be for him to leave the city until the 
 affair is somewhat forgotten. Have you come 
 to any conclusion about it t " 
 
 Alfred told him of the intention of Johannes 
 of giving himself up to justice, but Herr 
 Amherst did not approve of it. 
 
 " Take my advice," said he, " we are the 
 main plaintiffs, and we advise him to go away. 
 He will save much trouble by so doing, and 
 he has not much time to lose." 
 
 Alfred hurried to Herr Neumann's to impart 
 this advice, and the whole family agreed with 
 him. But where should he go 1 Some of the 
 family spoke of Germany ; but the mother was 
 not willing to have him go so far. 
 
 " I received a letter from Anna Wagner," said 
 Conrad, reddening as he took it from his 
 pocket and gave it to his father to read. 
 
THE confession: 
 
 243 
 
 "They want us to come West and pay them a 
 visit." 
 
 The family were all pleased with the cordial 
 invitation. The letter stated that farmers were 
 in great demand, and if he wished, he could come 
 and learn the business. The hint was given that 
 if he came and liked it, perhaps the whole family 
 would be induced to come and settle upon the 
 fertile prairies of Kansas. 
 
 Conrad had thought of going, and said if 
 Johannes would accompany him, he would, he 
 was sure, regain his health in the pure air. 
 
 The whole family entered with spirit into 
 these plans, and if Johannes must go, it would 
 be better to be there than among strangers, so 
 they decided to go. 
 
 Johannes was filled with pleasure at the 
 prospect. He felt that among new circum- 
 stances he could commence a new life. Besides, 
 in the family of Herr Wagner he knew that he 
 should enjoy the blessing of Christian compan- 
 ionship; so the next day the brothers set off 
 for the far West. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 Threatening clouds upon the commercial 
 horizon are generally not without significance. 
 If not developing into a catastrophe or " crash," 
 yet they are not without injurious effects. 
 
 The wonderfully enterprising spirit which 
 distinguishes the people of this country is not 
 without its disadvantages. The immense means 
 which they have at command, especially through 
 the corporations, misleads them, and presses 
 with crushing weight upon every branch of 
 industry. 
 
 Over-productiveness, and as a sequence stop- 
 page of business, with all its results, presses 
 on to a financial crisis, so that increase or 
 depression of business follows in regular course; 
 and modern business life has become more and 
 more a species of gambling ; the stakes of 
 which are now great winnings and again heavy 
 losses. 
 
 Prudent business management, leading to a 
 steady accumulation of capital, is on the de- 
 244 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 245 
 
 crease. In place of the cautious methods of 
 former times, inconsiderate investing of means, 
 the employing of too much help, and reckless 
 speculations characterize much of the commer- 
 cial life of the present day. The results are a 
 significant factor in the solution of the so- 
 called social question. 
 
 The long strike in Bridethorp had given other 
 business communities in the land an increase 
 of workmen, and a widening of manufacturing 
 interests and opportunities. 
 
 The resuming of work, and the energy with 
 which it was for a time carried on, resulted in 
 an excess of goods on hand, injurious to the 
 manufacturers, and they had to put a check 
 upon production or suffer loss. Under such 
 circumstances, the workman's wages could not 
 be very large, and it was self-evident that there 
 would be pauses in the work for a longer or 
 shorter time ; and all had understanding enough 
 to comprehend the reason for it. 
 
 There were also other considerations which 
 made the situation of the workmen unpleasant. 
 The harvests in Europe, particularly in the 
 corn-growing regions, were very poor, and great 
 quantities of the rich products of America were 
 shipped to foreign countries. Speculators had 
 bought up the grain, which greatly raised the 
 price for home consumption. For the working 
 
246 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 people in Bridethorp this was a great privation, 
 for it was with great difficulty they were trying 
 to recover from the strike, and were living from 
 hand to mouth. 
 
 Spring and summer had passed away, and 
 with the beginning of autumn, and the near 
 prospect of the yearly election, began the agita- 
 tion which generally made its appearance about 
 that time. 
 
 It lay in the nature of the case that the social 
 question should be a principal factor. People 
 
 remembered the hints given by Dr. C in 
 
 his lectures, and the approbation with which 
 they had been received. It was resolved to 
 give his views a fair trial and prove them of 
 practical use. The press took up the cause 
 with zeal, and new rules for factories were sug- 
 gested and adopted. The differences between 
 the employers and the workmen were to be 
 settled by arbitration ; the employers were to 
 provide means for lessening the danger of acci- 
 dents in the factories. The regulating of the 
 hours of work, prohibiting the work of children 
 until a certain age, limiting the work of women 
 in the factories, and compulsory education were 
 some of the new rules adopted. 
 
 Private benevolence was to provide circulat- 
 ing libraries for the working people, establish 
 evening schools, have free lectures and other 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 247 
 
 entertainments for the advancement and higher 
 culture of the working classes. 
 
 Naturally, these innovations gave rise to 
 many useless theories and foolish and imprac- 
 ticable plans, and selfishness made itself here 
 and there visible. If personal interest brought 
 forward plans that were useless, so also, good 
 and sensible suggestions were slighted, because 
 they had not been backed by sufBcient influ- 
 ence. 
 
 But with all these mistakes, private benefac- 
 tions were a success. Not only had the help 
 committee plenty of funds on hand to meet the 
 needs of the coming winter, but the intellectual 
 needs of the poorer classes were well provided 
 for. A large hall was rented, to which every 
 one had free access, and interesting books, and 
 the latest papers and periodicals furnished. 
 
 From time to time, lectures were given upon 
 interesting subjects, and three evenings in the 
 week instruction in different departments of 
 practical knowledge. The whole undertaking, 
 as a new movement upon the surface of social 
 life grew in favor, and general interest was 
 taken in it. 
 
 From time to time, incidents would occur in 
 Bridethorp which would bring the social ques- 
 tion into discussion in order to compare it with 
 Other questions declared to be more momentous. 
 
248 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 "Last night," said one of these reports, "our 
 city was again the scene of one of those terri- 
 ble deeds which cause the hearts of all peaceable 
 and order-loving citizens to thrill with horror. 
 Alfred Braun, foreman of the Amherst & Co. 
 factory, in company with his brother-in-law, 
 Heinrich Neumann, were returning to their 
 
 home, and in passing a small dwelling on C 
 
 Street, heard frightful cries and loud calls for 
 help, and at the same moment, heavy blows. 
 Both men hastened to the spot, and upon open- 
 ing the door, a fearful sight met their gaze. 
 Upon a straw bed in the corner of the room lay 
 a woman dreadfully wounded from the blows of 
 an axe, inflicted by her husband, who was under 
 the influence of liquor. Upon another bed lay 
 two children of nine and twelve years of age, 
 also mortally wounded ; while two smaller chil- 
 dren had crept under a sack of straw in a 
 corner of the room. 
 
 " The murderer, uttering fearful curses, was 
 with difficulty prevented from making an end 
 of himself. By this time the neighbors had 
 hurried in, and the police had summoned an 
 ambulance, but by the time it arrived the 
 woman was dead. The miserable husband was 
 placed under arrest, apparently unconscious of 
 his dreadful act. 
 
 "The dwelling is wretched beyond descrip- 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 249 
 
 tion. No furniture except a few broken articles, 
 their clothing mere rags, the stove without fire, 
 and there was nothing eatable in the house. 
 The children said they had tasted nothing since 
 morning. The mother had waited for the 
 father's return with his wages, but when he 
 came home he was beside himself with drink, 
 and when his wife had asked him for the money 
 to buy food for them, he had, with terrible 
 imprecations, killed her." 
 
 In commenting upon this account, the news- 
 papers summed the matter up by saying that 
 " much is said of the social question ; and we 
 have nothing to say against it, but in view of 
 such deeds of horror, would it not be more 
 important to draw the attention of the public 
 to the subject of intemperance, the social 
 misery and social destroyer of our homes } " 
 
 Toward evening the news spread through the 
 city that both children had died of their wounds, 
 and on the following morning the newspapers 
 gave the information that the miserable father 
 had committed suicide in his cell. 
 
 Such dreadful deeds are not uncommon in 
 the great cities of the world ; but Bridethorp is 
 not a great city, it had been long since such a 
 crime had been perpetrated there ; and the 
 funeral of the innocent sufferers of the terrible 
 crime of intemperance excited heartfelt sympa- 
 
250 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 thy, while the sermon preached made a great 
 impression. ^ 
 
 ** What has slain these people ? " said the 
 minister. " What has instigated the miserable 
 husband and father to raise the hand of a mur- 
 derer against the wife of his youth, the children 
 of his love ! Do you know the enemy } Do you 
 know the fiend that stalks through the length 
 and breadth of this beautiful land, destroying 
 the happiness of thousands of families. This 
 husband and father has given himself to the 
 service of this fiend, and a hard, cruel master 
 he has found him. But allow me, dear friends, 
 by the opportunity which this scene affords, 
 and in the presence of this terrible tragedy, to 
 suggest a question for your consideration. 
 Shall we let this demon spread his nets in all 
 the streets of our city to draw unwary feet into 
 his terrible pitfalls ? Will we allow our sons to 
 follow him, step by step, until they become vic- 
 tims of his terrible power } Will you allow him 
 to stretch out his treacherous arms and draw 
 our most promising youth down to destruction } 
 Can you wash your hands clear of this responsi- 
 bility by saying that every one must look out 
 for himself.-* " 
 
 The earnest words and denunciations of the 
 preacher raised a storm of indignation from 
 the liquor-sellers, and through the press they 
 
THE TRAGEDY, 
 
 25 
 
 uttered their protests. But the greater part of 
 the people gave it 'their hearty support. The 
 ladies of the help committee who had for 
 months been visiting these homes of poverty, 
 raised their voices in commendation of what he 
 had said. They gave many instances of heart- 
 rending destitution which had come under their 
 observation, and one of the ladies declared it to 
 be her firm conviction that nine out of ten of 
 the cases of extreme poverty was due to strong 
 drink. 
 
 Again, others placed the question before the 
 people, whether it would not be better to 
 turn attention to the sufferings of innocent 
 families from the curse of intemperance rather 
 than to the solution of the social question. 
 They argued that no social or intellectual im- 
 provement could be made among the lower 
 classes while this terrible enemy to all good, 
 had power. 
 
 " If we wish to do any good," they said, " we 
 must remove temptation. There are many per- 
 sons so weak that they cannot resist tempta- 
 tion, and growing youth are enticed into these 
 dens by those who will make drunkards of 
 them. Of the injury done, there can be but 
 one opinion. The whiskey business cannot be 
 classed among the industries ; it is of no bene- 
 fit, and should be forbidden by a wise legisla- 
 
252 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 tion. The personal freedom of but few would 
 be interfered with by this line of action. If it 
 could not prevent people themselves from drink- 
 ing it would not give license to offer it to 
 others." 
 
 It was decided that a great mass meeting 
 should be held, that the matter be given wide 
 circulation, and the proper steps taken to peti- 
 tion the legislature to have it made a law. 
 With great circumspection was the affair ar- 
 ranged. The largest hall in the city was hired, 
 and the best temperance speakers engaged for 
 the evening. At the appointed time the build- 
 ing was filled with people, and hundreds were 
 unable to gain admittance. The subject was 
 handled in a lucid and convincing manner, and 
 with much enthusiasm the conclusion was 
 reached that the legislature should be impor- 
 tuned to add to the State constitution a law 
 forbidding the sale of liquor except as a medi- 
 cine. 
 
 The committee to prepare this petition was 
 about to be chosen when a well-known advocate 
 of the temperance cause arose and requested 
 the president of the meeting to allow him to 
 say a few words. 
 
 " My place," said he, " in the temperance 
 movement is so well known that I can add 
 nothing further in defence of the cause. I 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 253 
 
 vote with my whole heart for this resolution. 
 To forbid the manufacture and sale of spirituous 
 liquors is the only way to put a rein upon that 
 great enemy of mankind, the curse of intem- 
 perance, and all friends of the cause are work- 
 ing or will work for that end. But I cannot 
 think that this aim will be reached at once. 
 It is a noble aim, and through powerful storm- 
 ing must be the fortress of the enemy be taken. 
 But we must not become discouraged, but use 
 wise strategy to make the effort successful. I 
 fear our line of action requires something more 
 to bring it through than legislation. We need 
 the support of a majority of the voters of the 
 state and the enthusiasm which prompts us, 
 must prompt them. And how long will our en- 
 thusiasm last } A frightful tragedy has stirred 
 our feelings to the depths, but the influence 
 will in time be weakened ; other happenings 
 will occupy our attention, and the whole thing 
 will in time cease to absorb our thoughts. 
 This deadly enemy cannot be vanquished by 
 one wave of enthusiasm ; it will require a well- 
 planned determined war, and untiring work. 
 This line of action can only be efficacious in 
 two or three years. Two successive legisla- 
 tions must take it up, and the vote of the peo- 
 ple must be favorable. What will happen in 
 the meantime } Shall the monster be allowed 
 
254 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 to go his destructive way ? Shall it be allowed 
 to gain strength and expansion, and its extirpa- 
 tion thus be rendered more difficult ? That 
 cannot be the wish of this gathering. While 
 that aim is kept before us, we must also see 
 that the already existing license law should be 
 so amended that the prevailing mischief is sup- 
 pressed. We must not only keep watch over 
 the already existing law, but must make prepa- 
 rations to secure the means to enable the 
 workers to carry out needful plans, and collect 
 useful evidence before turning the weapons 
 upon the liquor-dealers. A great work is 
 before us, and there cannot much be accom- 
 plished by a committee appointed by one meet- 
 ing ; it needs a great organized body of right- 
 minded men and women, who will go into the 
 battle with determination, and through con- 
 stancy to the object, totally rout the enemy 
 from the field." 
 
 Although at the beginning of this speech 
 some of the members were dissatisfied, yet they 
 were convinced by its arguments, and at the con- 
 clusion it received the approval of the meeting. 
 
 Various measures were proposed, and finally 
 it was resolved that an organization should be 
 formed under the name of " The Society for the 
 General Welfare ; " and a contribution was taken 
 up to forward the aims of the society. 
 
V THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 255 
 
 A great number of prominent names, with 
 their contributions, were received, and it was 
 resolved to hold another meeting on the follow- 
 ing evening, in which a committee was to be 
 chosen to frame a constitution. This embraced 
 in clear, plain words a practical plan for com- 
 bating the social question of intemperance, 
 and the list of members included the names of 
 men and women known for their patriotism, 
 energy, and benevolence ; and all had confi- 
 dence that the leadership was in competent 
 hands. 
 
 The Neumanns and Brauns had taken lively 
 interest in this movement, although their opin- 
 ions differed somewhat from those of the speak- 
 ers, and after the meeting, all gathered in the 
 sitting-room at Herr Neumann's. 
 
 " Now," remarked Heinrich, " the business of 
 the liquor-dealers stands upon a different foot- 
 ing from this evening, if all their plans are 
 carried out." 
 
 " I fear," said Alfred, thoughtfully, " that it 
 will not be brought about so quickly. They 
 prop themselves upon their license, and think 
 their business as lawful and honorable as any. 
 Therefore they have a better foothold than 
 at first sight appears." 
 
 "That is what I think," remarked Herr Neu- 
 mann. " I cannot agree with all the speakers 
 
256 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 said this evening. That the moderate drinking 
 of good new wine, or pure beer must of neces- 
 sity lead to drunkenness, I think is going too 
 far. In the wine-growing regions of Germany, 
 wine is the daily beverage ; and there are fewer 
 drunkards than there are here. I think such 
 rash conclusions injure the cause." 
 
 *' You must not forget that the fiery drinks 
 of this country are much more harmful than 
 those of the Fatherland ; and yet in the past 
 few years we have heard of more drunkenness 
 even there, than formerly. The German news- 
 papers give more frequent accounts of intem- 
 perance there ; and they will find that, like our- 
 selves, they will have to adopt measures to bat- 
 tle with the destroyer." 
 
 " That may be," replied Herr Neumann, " and 
 far be it from me to say a word except against 
 strong drink. The drinking-houses everywhere 
 are the fountain-head of all the misery and pov- 
 erty, and our working people would be different 
 persons, were it not for them. Were it not for 
 the vice of intemperance, thousands of people 
 might have a home of their own. The liquor- 
 sellers flourish, and wretchedness is on the 
 increase." 
 
 "Therefore it is our duty to help all we can 
 in this undertaking," said Alfred. " What a 
 change for the better would soon appear if the 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 257 
 
 drinking saloons could be all closed. Poor 
 Bernau ; his account chalked upon the door of 
 
 the fat Z in S street has at length 
 
 vanished; I have often noticed when pay day 
 comes that Z -stands in his door watch- 
 ing for his customers. The debt must be paid ; 
 and he takes good care that another account be 
 opened before he lets them go. He has a 
 good number on his list, and his new large 
 brick house was built with their money. 
 If the workmen — sane on every other sub- 
 ject — could only be made to see that the 
 liquor-sellers are their worst enemies, they 
 would not allow their money to go into the 
 hands of these blood-suckers. Something must 
 be done. Liquor saloons are springing up like 
 mushrooms ; every disappointed politician, every 
 fellow too lazy to work hires a corner, has a 
 sign painted, buys a counter and some stools, 
 gets a few barrels of beer and some schnapps, 
 and is ready for business. They are complete 
 soiil-destroyers, but I hope their hour has 
 come." 
 
 Alfred had spoken in excitement, but they 
 were not empty words. The " Society for the 
 General Welfare " had made the establishment 
 of a temperance union among the workmen, 
 and the organizing of lodges, part of their work ; 
 and Alfred joined with eager interest in the 
 
258 KED CARL. 
 
 bringing in of members ; and together with the 
 Neumanns, had much influence with the Ger- 
 man element, very many of whom joined the 
 society. 
 
 A great change had come oVer the Neumanns* 
 home Hfe. Morning and evening all joined in 
 family worship,* led sometimes by Herr Neu- 
 mann, and sometimes by Alfred. All had 
 united with the church ; and the younger mem- 
 bers had become faithful workers in the Sunday 
 school. Many of their German friends were 
 encouraged by their example to a better life. 
 They came to Neumanns for advice and com- 
 fort. Frau Schlegel, with her rich experience, 
 administered to their bodily and spiritual needs, 
 and was indeed an honored mother in Israel, — 
 a blessing to a wide circle who loved her for 
 her goodness and usefulness. 
 
 The minister often spoke of her as his "fel- 
 low-laborer " ; and in cases where he needed 
 assistance, he was always sure to find it in Frau 
 Schlegel. 
 
 Trina had been compelled to give up her 
 missionary work into capable hands, for since 
 midsummer a new care was added to her happy 
 home life, — a sweet, fair babe, the delight of 
 the whole family. 
 
 The brothers had sent from the West — 
 which they had reached safely — letters from 
 
THE TRAGEDY, 
 
 259 
 
 time to time, telling of their well-being and 
 occupations ; always with the promise of a more 
 circumstantial account when they had become 
 more accustomed to the place, and could give a 
 more just opinion. 
 
 In the meantime, the Neumann family, while 
 quite as contented as people usually are, did 
 not consider their circumstances particularly 
 favorable. Both sisters had again obtained 
 work in the factory, but the wages they received 
 v/ere barely sufficient for the mere necessaries of 
 life. They longed for the fresh air outside the 
 factory walls, and the parents longed for it for 
 them. They took no pleasure in the work, yet 
 were not able to live at home. 
 
 Life in the factory was not so pleasant ta 
 Herr Neumann as it had once been. Ever 
 since the strike, he had never felt the security 
 he had once felt in it as a certain employment- 
 He thou2;ht sometimes that he had made a mis 
 take in leaving the Fatherland. 
 
 The enthusiasm of Herr Wagner in regard to 
 a farmer's life had also left seeds of discontent 
 in his heart. He often wondered if it would 
 not be better if they were all to go West and 
 commence a new life upon a farm, and he 
 waited for a letter from his sons with secret 
 eagerness, to learn of their success. 
 
 He had not long to wait ; harvest was scarcely 
 
26o RED CARL. 
 
 over when there came a long letter from both, 
 written by Conrad, which had a great influence 
 over the family. ^ 
 
 H Kansas, October 25, 18 — . 
 
 Dear Home People, — As we have promised, we at last 
 undertake to tell 3'ou all the particulars of our life in this new 
 country, with the hope that you will think well enough, of it to 
 all come here and make it your home. As we have before in- 
 formed you, our journey was made speedily and without acci- 
 dent, and were met in L , a railway station, by Neighbor 
 
 Wagner and taken to his home, six miles away. The long 
 journey through a long stretch of prairie land, was a great 
 change to us after our northern scenery, and made a great im- 
 pression upon us. This was strengthened when after a night's 
 sleep at Herr Wagner's, our waking eyes looked upon long 
 stretches of land not altogether empty, for here and there were 
 small farmhouses, surrounded by trees, and with thriving fruit- 
 orchards. The country was in its beautiful spring attire, and 
 we looked upon flowers more beautiful than any to be seen in 
 the greenhouses of our gardeners. But the sight of all this 
 bloom and beauty could not keep our thoughts from wander- 
 ing to our own dear home, and the hum and buzz of the factory, 
 and if we had been furnished with wings we should certainly 
 have flown home to you. 
 
 In the meantime, the hearty reception given us by Herr 
 Wagner and his family relieved somewliat our home-sickness, 
 and the work which was waiting for us drove it finally away, 
 and we have become entirely accustomed to the change. 
 
 Truly the work was new and strange to us. The idea that 
 a farmer has nothing to do but sit upon the mowing machine 
 and let the horses do all the work, and while he is sleeping his 
 crops are growing is a pretty fancy, but one will find it requires 
 more than that, particularly in harvest time, when the sweat 
 pours from us, and at night we are too tired to sleep. But 
 people can get accustomed to anything, and it will not be such 
 hard work when we get hardened to it. Neighbor Wagner says 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 26 1 
 
 we shall make good farmers ; and other people say, that for 
 green hands we do pretty well, so altogether we might say we 
 are well satisfied. 
 
 Neighbor Wagner has indeed a beautiful home, and his ori- 
 ginal house, by several additions, has become of considerable 
 size. He has one hundred and twenty acres of land under 
 cultivation, and has a large fruit orchard. He has cattle in 
 abundance, and they are pastured upon the prairies. His land 
 is clear of debt, and they think this year of putting up stables, 
 and granaries for the haryest. 
 
 All the people whom we have seen, appear to be doing well, 
 now, although it has not always been favorable with them. 
 The first few years were very hard. Their means were very 
 small, and they had to contend with many disadvantages. 
 Sickness, the drought, and after that the grasshoppers, set 
 them back ; but their perseverance and diligence overcame all 
 hindrances. Several good harvests brought them up again, 
 and the last four years have been very prosperous. 
 
 About a mile from here is a schoolhouse, and every Sunday 
 afternoon we have a Sunday School conducted by Herr Wag- 
 ner. Every two weeks there is preaching at L , and we go 
 
 whenever the weather is fit. Herr Wagner is much esteemed 
 in all the country around, and possesses great influence in the 
 church. Johannes is frequently requested by him to speak in 
 the Sunday school, and once he has spoken in another assem- 
 bly. Many people say he should study for the ministry. The 
 minister and Herr Wagner have spoken to him about it, and 
 he also seems to be anxiously considering it. He says he 
 wishes to be guided entirely by God's will in the matter. T 
 must now tell you that I am betrothed to Anna Wagner. 
 Her father and mother have accepted me affectionately and 
 say I shall be welcome as a son. We are both young, so will 
 not be married for some time, and Herr Wagner is to let us 
 have a farm near his own, which he is to buy from a neighbor. 
 
 I have now told you exactly how we are situated. No one 
 can expect to secure a home without labor, but with that, and 
 confidence in God they will succeed. It would rejoice us if 
 
262 RED CARL. 
 
 you would all make up your minds to come, Herr Wagner 
 strongly advises it, and there are good opportunities to obtain 
 partly cultivated land now. One man who has a good-sized farm 
 here, was seized with the gold fever and has gone to Colorado. 
 This farm is railroad land and can be paid for in long instal- 
 ments. Something like three or four hundred dollars would 
 secure you the ownership of a farm of new land. Herr Wag- 
 ner is willing to give you all possible help and advice. 
 
 I believe that you all, particularly Heinrich, Susie, and 
 Marie, would like farm life, and if you will come in the spring 
 we will in the meantime take it, cultivate all we can of it, and 
 have it in readiness for you. 
 
 May the Lord guide us all in what is best. 
 
 Your son, 
 Conrad Neumann. 
 
 This letter was read with deep interest by 
 every member of the family, and with different 
 emotions. Trina was deeply sad at the "thought 
 of all going so far from her ; yet saw her 
 father's heart was set upon going, so said noth- 
 ing to discourage them. Heinrich grasped the 
 prospect eagerly, and the girls, who were heart- 
 ily tired of factory life, were also eager for a 
 change ; though sorry to leave Trina. The 
 mother said that where her husband and chil- 
 dren were happy, there she would gladly go. 
 
 The only question was for means to make 
 the journey ; and Alfred, seeing that they were 
 anxious to go, told them he had not the least 
 objection to selling his part of the dwelling and 
 would willingly lend them the money obtained 
 from the sale of it. Herr Neumann would not 
 
THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 263 
 
 accept of the loan but was gratified by Alfred's 
 willingness to oblige him. 
 
 It seemed that everything favored the plan. 
 It was scarcely known that Neumann wished to 
 sell the house, before a purchaser was on hand, 
 who would not only give a fair price, but would 
 give cash for a large share of the purchase 
 money, and would pay the balance in a very 
 short time. 
 
 So the Neumanns were thus able to secure 
 the farm near Herr Wagner, and made all their 
 arrangements to go to Kansas in the spring. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 It was a beautiful day in early spring, when 
 a heavily-laden immigrant train steamed into the 
 
 depot of L , a station on the Atchison and 
 
 Topeka and Santa Fe railway. 
 
 The passengers alighted from the cars, heav- 
 ily burdened with packages and baskets ; some 
 met and welcomed by friends, others standing 
 about singly and in groups, looking around 
 them in a rather forlorn manner, as though 
 wondering what they should do. 
 
 Amoflg those who had acquaintances to meet 
 them and make them welcome, were the Neu- 
 manns, who were received with delight by Herr 
 Wagner and Conrad, and taken to their new 
 home. Johannes was also there, and was the 
 first to see the weary travellers as they de- 
 scended from the car. 
 
 " Here you are," cried he, with tears in his 
 eyes at the sight of the dear familiar faces ; 
 and the next moment they were all warmly 
 embracing, delighted to meet again, while Herr 
 Wagner stood smilingly by, awaiting his turn. 
 264 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 265 
 
 "Now, boys," said he, when the first joy at 
 seeing each other had somewhat subsided, "let 
 us get this baggage all together, and on our 
 way home we shall have time to talk to our 
 hearts' content." 
 
 He received from Herr Neumann the checks, 
 went to the baggage-master and collected the 
 many articles, while the boys brought the large 
 farm wagon to the entrance and stowed them 
 all in safely, and Herr Wagner and Johannes 
 drove away with it. 
 
 "See how well prepared we are to receive 
 you," said Conrad with a smile, as he drove 
 two fine horses, attached to a new farm wagon, 
 up to the waiting-room for the family. 
 
 They all were seated comfortably, and in the 
 beautiful mellow twilight, drove over the fra- 
 grant prairie to their new home. The evening 
 was mild and the ground moist, yet not wet, 
 and they made good progress ; but the Neu- 
 manns were weary from their long journey, and 
 took but little notice of the country, except 
 that Susie and Marie could not help expressing 
 their astonishment at the quietude and loneli- 
 ness. 
 
 " But you will soon get accustomed to it," 
 said Conrad, "then it will appear entirely differ- 
 ent to you. To be sure, it is not a manufactur- 
 ing city, but it is really well settled." 
 
266 RED CARL. 
 
 The conversation then drifted to other sub- 
 jects, for Conrad was eager to hear of all the 
 people in the home he had left, and every little 
 incident was of interest to him. 
 
 "There is our new house," said he, pointing 
 with his whip to a building which did not show 
 to much advantage in contrast to the broad 
 prairie. 
 
 " Oh how small, how very small it is ; " cried 
 his mother and sisters. " How can we ever 
 find room in it .? " 
 
 "Truly, it is not our house in Bridethorp," 
 said Conrad, dryly, "but here on the prairie, 
 wood is scarce and dear. Wait until we get 
 fairly started into farming, and get our land 
 paid for, and have a good harvest, and then you 
 will see what a house we will build. There is 
 more room in that little house than you im- 
 agine, although it looks so small from here; 
 and people learn to do without many things 
 here which they once thought impossible." 
 
 It was night when they reached the dwelling. 
 It was lighted up, and when the wagon came 
 to the door, Frau Wagner and Anna came out 
 with beaming eyes to receive them, and con- 
 ducted them in ; and the Neumanns were sur- 
 prised to see how much larger it appeared 
 when close at hand. 
 
 " May the Lord bless you in your new 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 26/ 
 
 home," said Frau Wagner, reverently, as they 
 entered ; and she helped them remove their 
 wrappings and provided means for them to 
 refresh themselves by bathing face and hands 
 in cool, fresh water. 
 
 By this time, Anna had the supper upon the 
 table. 
 
 " Leave all the baggage outside," said Herr 
 Wagner, "and after supper we will arrange it all 
 in order." 
 
 The room was of good size, and in one corner 
 was a large stove, in which was a bright fire, 
 which not only had served to cook the sup- 
 per, but was a welcome sight to the travellers, 
 who had driven a long distance in the chilly 
 night air. 
 
 A large table with a snow-white cloth was in 
 the middle of the room, and upon it was a vari- 
 ety of well-prepared viands. 
 
 After offering thanks to the Giver of all good, 
 they enjoyed the bountiful repast, and acknowl- 
 edged that even in that solitude, there was as 
 rich and nourishing food as was to be found in 
 the home they had left. 
 
 The good opportunity for purchasing a farm, 
 mentioned in Conrad's letter, had been seized 
 by Herr Wagner, and it had been bought at 
 a very moderate sum. It would be three years 
 before the next payment would have to be 
 
268 ^^^ CARL. 
 
 made. Now that the first instalment was paid, 
 only the interest would have to be met, and 
 this they had already on hand ; and Herr Wag- 
 ner had in all things planned well for them. 
 From the former owner, who had gone to 
 Colorado, he had purchased two good cows, and 
 some farming tools, a span of strong horses, 
 and a new wagon. He had bought ploughs at a 
 town thirty miles distant, and from it had also 
 hauled boards to build a new fence. Twenty 
 acres of the land had been sown in wheat by the 
 former owner, and Johannes and Conrad, acting 
 upon the advice of Herr Wagner, had, the fall 
 before, broken up more land, and it was now 
 ready for use. 
 
 After supper all these things were imparted 
 to the Neumanns, who expressed their satisfac- 
 tion with all that had been done. 
 
 But Herr Wagner did not wish for thanks ; 
 he felt that he had done no more than the Neu- 
 manns would have done for him under like cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 " Here upon the prairie," said he, " we all 
 help each other ; and it is a great pleasure to 
 have our old neighbors here, with whom we 
 have always lived in peace and friendship, and 
 at all times you will find willing hearts and 
 ready hands when needed. And now I know 
 you are weary, and long to get to rest ; so we 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE, 
 
 269 
 
 will bring in the big chest, which you say con- 
 tains the bedclothes, and my wife and daughter 
 will help your women to fix up places to sleep, 
 and then we will leave you." 
 
 The chest was taken out and unpacked, and 
 the other things left in the wagon. 
 
 " There is no risk in leaving them here on the 
 prairie," said Herr Wagner, *' but we will leave 
 Carlo to watch them. Conrad will put our 
 horses to your wagon to take us home, and to- 
 morrow we will come again to see you." 
 
 The things were removed from the table, and 
 all put in order and placed away by the careful 
 hands of Frau Wagner and Anna ; then the 
 table was pushed to one side, and a bed made 
 for the boys upon the floor ; Herr and Frau 
 Neumann found a comfortable resting-place in 
 a little room curtained off from the main room, 
 while the girls went to the low room overhead. 
 
 As soon as the Wagners left, the Neumanns 
 held family service in their new home ; then 
 sought their humble couches, and were soon in 
 a deep, sweet sleep. 
 
 When they arose the next morning, they 
 saw how carefully the Wagners had prepared 
 for their comfort. In a great box they found 
 meal, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, and many other 
 things, besides enough of cooked food to last for 
 a couple of days at least. A lot of coal and 
 
2/0 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 wood was in the tiny cellar, also potatoes and 
 some salt meat. 
 
 The breakfast was just ready, and Frau Neu- 
 mann had stepped to the door to take a look over 
 the beautiful prairie, when she saw Frau Wagner 
 coming toward the house, and in a few moments 
 she stepped briskly in. 
 
 " We came to bring you some cream for your 
 coffee, which I see bubbling upon the stove," 
 said she cheerily, " have you eggs .<*" 
 
 At that moment Conrad came in with a dish 
 full of fine fresh eggs. 
 
 ** Now," said his mother delightedly, " where 
 did you get the beauties } " 
 
 **We have two nests in the barn, and be- 
 sides that we have two hens setting on nests 
 full of eggs." 
 
 At that moment Herr Wagner came in with 
 a pitcher of fresh water, and all sat down to the 
 table, to which places had been set for Herr 
 and Frau Wagner. 
 
 • After morning service the men went about 
 the farm, while Conrad drove the two cows — 
 each with a fine calf at its side — out on the 
 prairie, where they were received by a young 
 man on horseback, who took them in his charge 
 with many others. 
 
 The stable was the subject which was occu- 
 pying the thoughts of Herr Neumann at that 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 271 
 
 time, and they visited there first. They were 
 prairie sheds simply constructed, merely a 
 scaffolding of branches of trees, covered with 
 straw for a roof. 
 
 "These sheds are cheaper than anything else 
 we can have, and answer every purpose," said 
 Herr Wagner. 
 
 In two corners of one of them were the nests 
 and hens of which Conrad had spoken. 
 
 " Your chickens are the contributions of our 
 neighbors," remarked Herr Wagner, " they all 
 wished to have a share in welcoming you." 
 
 " Our neighbors ! " said Susie, who had also 
 been upon a tour of inspection, " where in the 
 world are they .? " 
 
 " All around and about us," smiled Johannes. 
 
 "I looked all over the prairie when I first 
 arose this morning, and could not see a house 
 except Herr Wagner's." 
 
 "Now," said Johannes, "you are much mis- 
 taken. Don't you see that little brown house } " 
 pointing to a small speck in the distance, "and 
 that one } and that one } They are some dis- 
 tance away, that is true ; but we are surrounded 
 by settlers, and you will find them always near 
 if you need help. They will come soon to 
 make your acquaintance. 
 
 Frau Neumann and her daughters were much 
 pleased that a piece of land had been fenced in 
 
272 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 and cultivated for a garden. Certainly, it was 
 not a handsome fence, but was a protection 
 against the encroachments of the poultry, 
 
 ** Many farmers," remarked Herr Wagner, 
 "think they have no land to spare, nor time 
 to cultivate a garden ; but in my opinion, there 
 is nothing more important upon the farm than 
 a good vegetable garden, and no family can be 
 healthy and comfortable without plenty of good 
 fresh vegetables." 
 
 "We agree with you there," replied Frau 
 Neumann, cheerfully ; " even in Bridethorp, 
 where land was not so plenty, we had an 
 excellent garden, and many, many happy hours 
 we all passed in it. I consider a garden one of 
 the necessities." 
 
 "The potatoes are already in the ground," 
 said Johannes, "and there are enough for the 
 family for the year, and some to sell." 
 
 "The next thing to be done," said Neighbor 
 Wagner, " is to prepare the land for corn. The 
 wheat has come up beautifully, and there is 
 every promise of a good harvest, the next crop 
 in value is the corn." 
 
 " Do you plant much on your farm V asked 
 Herr Neumann. 
 
 "Yes, we raise a great deal, and when the 
 price is down we feed it liberally to the swine 
 and turn it into pork. I have a nice young pig 
 for you." 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 VZ 
 
 While Neighbor Wagner was thus giving 
 little hints from his experience, Frau Wagner 
 was telling the women of her manner of living, 
 far from the conveniences to which all had been 
 accustomed, and happily the time passed away. 
 
 It was considered best for Conrad to remain 
 with his parents, and help with the farm work, 
 while Johannes would return to the Wagner's, 
 who needed a man on their farm. He was to 
 help his father when needed, and the two fami- 
 lies assisted in this way each other, as indeed 
 did all who called to see them offer all the 
 assistance in their power. 
 
 It was not long before Herr Neumann called 
 upon them in response to this kind offer ; for 
 his house was too small for his large family, 
 and by the help of Herr Wagner and other 
 neighbors, he put up a summer kitchen. The 
 large cook-stove was moved out there, and the 
 heat thus kept from the sitting-room. By this 
 arrangement and other changes, room was 
 made for many little articles which the family 
 had brought from the East. 
 
 After they were fairly settled, and the visits 
 of the neighbors had become less frequent as 
 the busy season drew on, the family felt that 
 they were indeed in a new world. They had 
 entirely new surroundings, new society, new, 
 unaccustomed, and, at many times, hard work ; 
 
274 ^^^ CARL, 
 
 but they were not discouraged, indeed, at most 
 times, were cheerful and happy. 
 
 They were all together, were in good health, 
 had an object in view; and, more than all, they 
 knew where to find comfort in every trouble 
 and affliction of this life. 
 
 The hour of family worship, morning and 
 evening, was a refreshment to their spirits ; in 
 it they found courage for the battle of daily life, 
 and their hearts were bound more closely in 
 the bonds of Christian love. Sunday was to 
 them indeed a festival. The Germans in their 
 neighborhood were God-fearing people, and they 
 all met at the little schoolhouse, to hear the 
 preached word from a servant of Christ whose 
 heart was set upon the saving of souls. 
 
 In the first week of their settling there, he 
 
 had come from L to visit them, and was 
 
 rejoiced to find that they were followers of 
 the blessed Master, and active workers in the 
 church and Sunday school. 
 
 There were a few persons in the region who 
 were not guided by religious impulses ; but the 
 influence of their Christian neighbors was such 
 that they seldom gave expression to their views. 
 
 Conrad was often a guest at Herr Wagner's, 
 and was always received in a friendly manner, 
 and where his experience was not sufficient in 
 regard to his father's farm, the advice of Herr 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 275 
 
 Wagner was asked, who made it a point to visit 
 the Neumanns at least once a week to see that 
 all was going on right. 
 
 The difference between farm work in Amer- 
 ica and that of Germany, of which alone the 
 Neumanns had any knowledge, caused them to 
 make many laughable mistakes, and placed them 
 in many comical situations. But the most of 
 these worked no injury, and they laughed as 
 heartily as any one over them, especially when 
 they found that some others in their early pio- 
 neer life had been no wiser than they. 
 
 Havino^ so much workinfc strenoth anion": 
 themselves was a great advantage to the Neu- 
 manns. Their farming was quickly done, and 
 in good season, therefore they had time in the 
 middle of summer to break up more prairie land 
 to cultivate, and the more they prepared for use, 
 the more eager were the young people to claim 
 more. 
 
 When a little money by chance came into 
 their hands, they would have liked to spend it 
 in embellishing their house or garden, but felt 
 that it should be used in the cultivation of the 
 land ; so farming utensils were bought, they 
 added to the number of their cattle, and their 
 grain was among the best in the State. 
 
 The scarcity of money was indeed a great 
 inconvenience. They had been accustomed 
 
2/6 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 every two weeks to receive their wages for their 
 work, and with it purchase such things as they 
 needed ; now it would be months at a time that 
 they would not have any money in their hands ; 
 and Susie laughingly feared that they would for- 
 get what it was. Groceries had to be paid for 
 with butter and eggs ; the hired help had to 
 wait until after harvest for their wages, and in 
 all circumstances they were compelled to do 
 without money. All this was inconvenient to 
 people accustomed to it, economical although 
 they were, and had always been ; but they saw 
 that others were in the same condition, and as 
 harvest would bring things right, they grew 
 accustomed to this privation also. 
 
 Great hopes were therefore centred in their 
 first crop. If this should prove good, they felt 
 that they would have courage and assurance for 
 all succeeding harvests. Many gentle rains had 
 freshened the moist earth, the golden wheat 
 waved in the soft summer breeze, the corn was 
 filling out well, and all things gave promise of 
 a bountiful harvest. 
 
 ** It is really beautiful upon the prairie," re- 
 marked Marie to her sister, one evening as they 
 were looking from their door " That field of 
 wheat looks like a sunny sea, only that it is not 
 water that is rising and swelling in the gentle 
 wind, but the fruit of our diligence. And the 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 277 
 
 best of it is that it all belongs to us. Mother 
 says that the richest landholder that she knows 
 in the Fatherland does not own so much as we. 
 Ought we not to be proud "i " 
 
 " We have a right to be pleased with it," 
 answered Susie, " and we do live a happy life 
 here, even if we do have to work hard. But 
 work has not done us any harm ; we certainly 
 have all grown stronger. Yet I cannot say that 
 I do not miss anything out of our life here. In 
 these immense tracts of land I feel lonely. If 
 there were only some trees or something to rest 
 one's eyes upon. How many pleasant hours we 
 spent in our garden with its apple-trees ; and 
 here there is not a single fruit tree, and on all 
 this wide prairie not a bush ; it is to me like a 
 week without Sunday." 
 
 " But you must remember that the country 
 is new," said Marie, "just look how Neighbor 
 Wagner has improved his farm. He has a 
 beautiful grove of trees, and fruit-orchards, and 
 in a year or so they expect to have peaches. They 
 tell us that all the people who take up land here, 
 plant orchards, but the man who owned this 
 place went away before he had time to plant 
 fruit-trees." 
 
 " I know that," said Susie, "but a place with- 
 out trees is far from pretty. I do love shade, 
 and trees of any and all kinds, and hope we 
 
2^8 RED CARL. 
 
 shall soon have them. Father and the boys 
 were speaking of them yesterday, for Heinrich 
 loves to talk of nothing so well. He has 
 selected a place for the orchard, and Neighbor 
 Wagner says his idea is very good. He also 
 says that he will see that we have a good kind 
 of fruit and shade trees, and in the spring will 
 help to set them out. But it takes trees so 
 long to grow." 
 
 " Yes, but I have heard that they grow very 
 fast here ; but," continued she, laughingly, 
 "you need not have to wait so long to see trees 
 growing. Albert Wenzel's farm has a fine 
 orchard, I have been told, and his grove of trees 
 is almost a woods." 
 
 " What is Albert Wenzel's farm to me ? " 
 said Susie, blushing and laughing, " he cares 
 nothing for me." 
 
 " Who does he come to see, if not you } " said 
 Marie teasingly, " it is not father and the boys ; 
 he can learn nothing of them ; and he knows 
 that Neighbor Wagner gives them all the ad- 
 vice they require. I have watched him, and 
 when talking to me, his eyes wander to 
 you ; when I make a remark he gives a reply 
 that shows that his thoughts are wandering; 
 but if you speak, he seems to hear nothing 
 else." 
 
 " Well, what do you make out of all that ? " 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 
 
 279 
 
 questioned Susie smilingly, " but come, it is 
 time to get supper." 
 
 The sisters went cheerily into the kitchen, 
 and prepared a dish of potatoes and other 
 things for supper, and just then the mother 
 came in with a foaming bucket of milk ; Marie 
 went to assist her in putting it away, and the 
 conversation was not resumed. 
 
 Albert Wenzel was the only son of a German 
 farmer who lived some miles away, upon the 
 oldest farm in that region. He had seen Susie 
 in church and Sunday School, and was charmed 
 with her gentle, modest manner ; so had fre- 
 quently visited at Neumanns, and all were 
 pleased with the intelligent and handsome 
 young man. 
 
 A week passed away, and the Neumann fam- 
 ily had occasion to realize that catastrophes 
 could happen on the broad waste of prairie, as 
 well as among the hills and valleys, in the 
 crowdel cities, or upon the deep sea. 
 
 The harvest was being gathered, and the 
 strong horses were drawing the great reaping- 
 machines, and wagons piled high with heavy- 
 headed wheat were being drawn to huge stacks, 
 while the women were kept busy preparing food 
 for the harvesters. 
 
 The Neumanns had helped Herr Wagner 
 bring in his harvest, and now the Wagners' 
 
28o ^^^ CARL. 
 
 force were helping the Neumanns. The day 
 had been exceedingly warm, and about noon 
 grew so oppressively sultry and still that the 
 men looked toward the west, where heavy 
 clouds were banking, hoping that a refreshing 
 breeze would spring up. The clouds grew 
 heavier, and they saw that a storm was brew- 
 ing, and hastened to get the last load in safety 
 before it broke upon them. 
 
 "What is that.'*" cried Conrad, as he saw a 
 huge black cloud of singular appearance, which 
 was moving with great rapidity, and with a 
 roaring sound. 
 
 " God protect us ! " said Herr Wagner, " it is 
 a cyclone. Woe be to everything that is in its 
 path." 
 
 " What is a cyclone } " 
 
 "That you would have had a chance to see 
 for yourself, but, thank God, it has passed us 
 by. Let us hasten to reach the house, for the 
 women, I know, are frightened, and your father 
 and Johannes have not yet reached it." 
 
 The terrible black mass of cloud was funnel- 
 shaped, reaching nearly to the earth ; in the 
 centre it seemed to be whirling with fearful 
 rapidity, and vivid flashes of lightning and peals 
 of thunder came from it. It made a frightful 
 roaring sound as it swept by, tearing everything 
 to pieces in its track. 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE, 28 1 
 
 " The danger of the cyclone is past for us ; " 
 said Herr Wagner, as he reached Neumann's 
 house quickly followed by the others, " and I am 
 thankful for that and also for shelter, for the 
 rain will come in torrents in a few moments." 
 
 He was right in his conjecture, for it poured 
 down violently for more than an hour ; and 
 they discussed the probable danger which the 
 cyclone would work on its path. Herr Wagner 
 was very silent, and all knew that his fears for 
 the fate of his neighbors whose farms lay in the 
 way of the cyclone were very great. 
 
 It was not long after the storm was over, 
 before a lad came by and confirmed their worst 
 fears. Wenzel's house was blown away, and it 
 was a mercy that the lives of himself and his 
 wife were preserved. 
 
 " Had we not better go, and see if we can 
 help them } " said Susie, who had turned deadly 
 pale upon hearing the news. 
 
 ** Certainly," said her father, "we will go 
 immediately." 
 
 The horses were quickly put to the wagon, 
 and Herr Wagner and Conrad accompanied 
 him to the Wenzel farm. Their way was 
 directly in the path traversed by the cyclone, 
 and everything was destroyed. Animals were 
 killed, and their carcasses covered with mud. 
 Poultry were robbed of their feathers and torn 
 
282 RED CARL. 
 
 to pieces, some dwellings were blown entirely 
 away, others had only the roofs taken off, sev- 
 eral persons were killed, and many wounded. 
 
 One instance of the terrible power of the 
 whirlwind was seen in a farmyard through 
 which it had passed. It had taken up a large 
 farm wagon and splintered it into firewood, and 
 the tire off one of the heavy wheels was twisted 
 about the trunk of a tree which had been 
 broken off by the force of the storm. 
 
 Wenzel's house was entirely destroyed, and 
 most of his cattle killed. When they saw the 
 storm coming they rushed from their house, 
 knowing it to be safer outside. Herr Wenzel 
 was dragged a considerable distance away, and 
 his wife was taken up by the whirlwind and 
 fell into a trench. It was fortunate for them 
 that they did not catch the full force of it, or 
 their lives would have been lost. The son had 
 found them, and with the assistance of the 
 neighbors, revived them. 
 
 It was by a miracle also that Albert's life 
 was spared. He was in the field when he saw 
 the cyclone coming. He threw himself down 
 by a hedge, and grasped the strong roots with 
 both hands. 
 
 ** It was entirely dark at one time," said he, 
 " and the howling of the storm was terrific. I 
 was thrown about here and there against the 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 283 
 
 hedge, and so torn and bruised that I cried out 
 with pain ; but I knew it would be certain death 
 to let go. It went as quickly as it came, and 
 I found myself plastered with mud, and my 
 clothes torn to pieces." 
 
 The hedge looked as though it had been 
 raked with a huge iron comb, all the leaves 
 were gone and the branches twisted and broken. 
 Had the whirlwind passed over a thickly settled 
 country, the loss of life would have been terrible. 
 
 Everybody lent a helping hand, and the next 
 day all set to work to put Wenzel's farm in 
 order. The scattered grain was gathered as 
 much as possible, cattle and horses were col- 
 lected, a temporary dwelling built, and sheds 
 for the cattle. They were in good circum- 
 stances, so it was not long before they could 
 recover what they had lost. Others who had 
 suffered by the storm were not so able to bear 
 the loss, and help came to them from far and 
 near. 
 
 At the Neumanns, this unexpected visitor 
 gave much food for reflection. They knew 
 nothing of cyclones, and had no idea that they 
 were to be so much dreaded in that peaceful- 
 looking place, and especially among the women 
 it created a feeling of discouragement. 
 
 The neighbors solaced them by telling them 
 that such an event was of rare occurrence, and in 
 
284 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 all their experience this was the first cyclone they 
 had ever seen. Moreover, they felt themselves 
 in God's hands, and this was more comfort to 
 them than aught else ; for they knew that noth- 
 ing could hurt them if he so willed. Were they 
 not then foolish to indulge in such misgivings ? 
 
 It was a great blessing for the Neumanns 
 that the harvest was so good that year, and 
 their corn crop was uncommonly fine. The 
 price, it was true, was moderate but firm ; and 
 so they not only had a good supply for them- 
 selves, but enough to sell to pay the interest 
 for the next year ; and to purchase some neces- 
 sary articles for the family, and to carry on the 
 farming. 
 
 The first need was a pair of good horses, so 
 that Heinrich could help work the farm, and 
 also cultivate the land they had broken up. 
 
 After harvest they could put a larger tract 
 under cultivation for wheat, and were san- 
 guine that, with the sale of what they could 
 raise, the debt upon the land could be paid. 
 
 The winter brought several snowstorms, and 
 at times the communication between the neigh- 
 bors was cut off, but the blockade did not last 
 long, and the friendship among the families was 
 very pleasant to all. 
 
 Church and Sunday school were the main 
 places of meeting, and they were not only glad 
 
PRAIRIE LIFE. 285 
 
 to see each others' faces, but their hearts 
 received new refreshment from above ; the most 
 beautiful of consecrations ; the foundation of all 
 earthly happiness. 
 
 In the early part of May, Albert Wenzel took 
 Susie to his home. His father's house had 
 been rebuilt, and since the cyclone, his mother 
 had been ailing, and Susie was much needed 
 there. Her parents, while sorry to part with 
 her, had every confidence in the husband of her 
 choice, for he was a sincere Christian. 
 
 Their home well merited the opinion of a 
 friend who knew and esteemed them. 
 
 Where there is f?ith, there is love ; 
 Where love, there is peace ; 
 Where peace, there is blessing ; 
 Where blessing, there is God ; 
 Where God, there is no need. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A CHARMING OUTLOOK. 
 
 With the settling of the Neumanns in their 
 new home, their interest in those left in Bride- 
 thorp, though for a time crowded aside by the 
 exigencies of their daily life, was as keen as 
 when they resided among them. 
 
 Letters from Trina and Alfred were eagerly 
 looked for, and perused by the family over and 
 over again. One letter from Alfred to Conrad 
 gave them food for pleasant reflection. 
 
 Bridethorp, May i8, i8 — . 
 
 Dear Brother, — With great pleasure we have read 
 your welcome letters, telling us of your interest in farming, 
 and success in your new life. Every letter brings a festival 
 to us. It is hard that we are so far apart ; and were it not 
 for our little ouqs, Trina would often be homesick. Some- 
 times we consider how pleasant it would be for us to be 
 there also ; but I can make a good living here, and in my 
 way can do good, and think it would not be right to leave ; 
 and, upon reflection, Trina thinks the same. 
 
 It pleases us that Susie is so happily married ; may 
 
 God bless her in her new home. We also have much to 
 
 be grateful for. Our dear children are healthy and good ; 
 
 we have our happy little home ; the house is new, and the 
 
 286 
 
A CHARMING OUTLOOK. 
 
 287 
 
 greater part of it paid for, and Trina is charmed to have 
 a home of our own. She says we will never part with it. 
 
 "Not even to go to Kansas.?" said I once ; but the 
 tears came into her eyes, and she said, " Don't offer that 
 inducement, it grieves my heart. You know how I long 
 to be near my dear ones." Aunt Schlegel is of course 
 with us in our new home. She is still the much-serving 
 Martha, combined with the meek and loving Mary ; and 
 the greatest earthly comfort to my Trina since parted 
 from her mother ; and truly no mother and daughter 
 could live more happily together. 
 
 You ask me in your last letter about the doings in 
 Bridethorp, and particularly in regard to the labor 
 question ; and as I know you take a keen interest in all your 
 old comrades, I will tell you the present state of the case. 
 
 The remedy which it was expected the Legislature 
 would offer in the strife between capital and labor, will 
 not, judging by the last session, soon be given. The 
 design of our deputies to have the new factory regula- 
 tions made a law by the legislature, was the theme when 
 you left. Efforts were being made to induce the ruling 
 political party to introduce this law into the constitution. 
 But from the promises of a political party, to the execu- 
 tion of them, if not to their interest, is sometimes a long 
 step. At any rate, the petition was placed before them, 
 but so many beautiful theories appeared, that the com- 
 mittee were drawn into earnest discussions of them. 
 After much talk on both sides, it was decided that the 
 petition had so many absurd, unjust, and impracticable 
 points about it, that part of it was stricken out. Addi- 
 tions were made to it, and they in turn were stricken out 
 to give place to others ; and finally the conclusion was 
 reached that the petition had so little in it that could be 
 considered of advantage to the labor question, and gave 
 
288 RE^ CARL. 
 
 evidence of so much haste in its preparation, that it was 
 wholly unsuited as a foundation for a factory law. So 
 the project was abandoned: but later a committee was 
 named, who were to negotiate with the interested parties, 
 between now and the next meeting of the Legislature, and 
 upon this foundation build up a just law for the protec- 
 tion of labor. This committee is made up of responsible 
 people, and it is hoped that good work will be done. 
 
 "The Society for the General Welfare," which as you 
 know had for its main object the enactment of a prohibition 
 law, has proved to be a great blessing to the State. The 
 men who were sent to the capital entrusted with this mat- 
 ter, found very soon that they need not expect much help 
 in the passing of that law by the legislators then in ses- 
 sion. Yet they worked untiringly to bring through a law 
 that would at least limit the sale of the poison. 
 
 After much balloting to determine how many drinking 
 places should be allowed to a specified district, it was de- 
 cided that in no case should more than one be allowed to 
 a population of one thousand. The carrying on of drink- 
 ing places was also to be done under many restrictions : 
 first a high license was placed upon them ; they must be 
 closed on Sunday ; no spirituous liquors be sold to minors ; 
 the prosecution of landlords upon whose premises an 
 intoxicated person was found, and the inability to collect 
 a debt for liquor. * 
 
 The adoption of these rules made a great agitation 
 among the hquor-sellers, and were combated with all 
 energy, but the law had passed by a considerable major- 
 ity ; and had received the signature of the governor. 
 The results were almost immediate. A large number of 
 the most disreputable of the liquor-sellers are gone ; we 
 have now peaceful, quiet Sundays ; churches and Sunday 
 schools are better attended, and the material and moral 
 
A CHARMING OUTLOOtC. 289 
 
 condition of the people much improved. We have very 
 few of those drunken scenes which formerly were fre- 
 quent. The number of people who are buying homes 
 has largely increased, and the savings-banks show a great 
 increase of deposits. Not that this good result has been 
 easily accomplished ; it has cost much labor and trouble. 
 The society had to watch closely to prevent the violation 
 of this law, and to bring the transgressors to justice. In 
 the business parts of the city they have established eating 
 houses, where for a trifle, a good substantial meal can be 
 obtained instead of spirituous liquors. In short, the influ- 
 ence of the liquor-dealers is broken. 
 
 The circulating libraries are flourishing, the evening 
 schools well attended, lectures are given and are well 
 patronized, instruction in singing is added to the list of 
 means for general improvement, and the moral, religious, 
 and material condition of the people is much improved. 
 All this has much influence upon the home life, and peace 
 is in homes where once was strife and misery. Our aid 
 society is in a position to offer support in case of need, 
 which gives a sense of content and security to those con- 
 nected with it. 
 
 Dr. C gave another of his grand lectures to a very 
 
 large audience, and if his ideas were carried out in other 
 sections of our beloved country as they have been here, 
 the agitation would soon subside. 
 
 "The only solution of the social question," said he, 
 ''must come either through legislation, or through philan- 
 thropical endeavor, if this can be so expanded as to reach 
 it, but it lies much more in individual heart and endeavor. 
 When the heart, by the grace of God, is freed from its 
 indwelling selfishness, and in its place is the love of God, 
 then does it realize the real worthlessness of earthly 
 riches and the unsearchable riches of Christ's kingdom ; 
 
290 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 and trusts for all time his earthly pilgrimage into the 
 guidance of a wise Providence. Then .is to him person- 
 ally the social question, so far as concerns the right of 
 property, solved; and as the renewed heart loves his 
 neighbor as himself, so also has he in right of his godly 
 calling found a worthy place for his neighbor. This love 
 for our neighbor will enable us all to take concern for the 
 welfare of our fellow-men, and the more this love is in- 
 creased within us, the greater offerings shall we be in con- 
 dition to bring." 
 
 The speaker also alluded to the discouragement in 
 some sections owing to the great tide of immigration, 
 which was filling the manufacturing places, and causing a 
 feeling of anxiety that the competition would reduce 
 wages. But for this he had also a remedy, and that was 
 that working peoples' colonies should be formed to settle 
 upon western lands, and thus reduce the number in the 
 thickly settled East. You will know, better than I, how 
 this plan will work. 
 
 So I take great pleasure in telling you of the friendly 
 relations between the employers and workmen at this 
 time in Bridethorp, The employers have become more 
 interested in the advancement of their workmen, and the 
 workmen have a better knowledge of the losses and other 
 trials of their employers. The Socialist mischief-makers 
 have no foothold, and when any come up from New York 
 they find no followers. With us the labor question is 
 solved. 
 
 And now I will close my long letter with best love from 
 Trina to you all. Your brother, 
 
 Alfred Braun. 
 
 This letter was a great pleasure to the Neu- 
 mann family ; they almost forgot while reading 
 
A CHARMING OUTLOOK. 29 1 
 
 it that they were hundreds of miles from the 
 writer, in the heart of a vast prairie, and the 
 news of the health and prosperity of the dear 
 ones was a great delight. 
 
 It was speedily answered, and the reply gave 
 as much pleasure to the little family in Bride- 
 thorp, as theirs had given the large family in 
 Kansas. 
 
 Conrad Neumann to Alfred Braun. 
 
 Dear Brother, — Your welcome letter of the i8th, 
 with its interesting items of the blessed change which 
 has taken place in Bridethorp, was received and eagerly 
 read. Our wish and prayer is that it may continue, and 
 that spiritual and material prosperity may remain for all 
 time with the dear people there. 
 
 We are all in good health; father works diligently 
 upon the farm, without finding it particularly hard, and 
 mother works in her accustomed manner about the house. 
 
 We only wish it were larger : so few rooms ; and so 
 small ; but hope this fall to build an addition to it. We 
 intended to have done so last fall, but " man proposes and 
 God disposes." We hoped to have a good harvest last year, 
 but it turned out otherwise, and we find that farming has 
 its drawbacks as well as other occupations. It was very 
 dry during the spring ; week after week we looked for 
 rain. There would be heavy clouds in the west, but they 
 would pass away without the needed showers. This land 
 is naturally moist, and can do without rain a long time, 
 but at length the plants hung their heads ; the corn 
 shrivelled away, and new seed had to be planted : ver- 
 min attacked it, and at length when a big rain came, it 
 was too late to do much good. . 
 
292 
 
 kED CARL. 
 
 The wheat was only half a crop, and out of our large 
 cornfields we had only enough for our own use. It was 
 a great blessing that our cattle kept in good condition, 
 and in fact the whole aifair might have been much worse. 
 Our neighbors say that some years it has been so dry 
 that the harvest was entirely destroyed ; and for two years 
 the grasshoppers destroyed everything. Such things 
 cause discouragement, but it is hoped that with the culti- 
 vation of the land, and plenty of forests, such visitations 
 will cease. Many have become discouraged, and have 
 abandoned their land ; but those who have remained, 
 have not regretted staying. They have, like ourselves, 
 received new encouragement, and look for good harvests 
 in the future. 
 
 Our fruit and shade trees are doing well, and we hope 
 in a few years to sit under our own shade and eat fruit 
 from our own trees. We are full of hope for the future, 
 and put all our destiny in God's hands. We have learned 
 by the last few years' experience, that all the restless 
 following ot outside influence does not lead to peace ; but 
 it rests alouQ upon God's blessing. So we just journey 
 along, taking pleasures and crosses alike from God's 
 hand, satisfied that whatever is, is right. 
 
 You ask my opinion in regard to the establishment of 
 working people's colonies in the West. A person will 
 have some idea of the room there is, by casting his eyes 
 over the vast stretch of country, and noticing how thinly 
 settled it is. Often when I think of the thousands of 
 acres of fertile land which are all around us, and then of 
 the many families, who in a few years have from a poor 
 living, become owners of fine farms, the thought comes 
 to me of the many families in the East struggling for a 
 mere subsistence, who could, if here, by dihgence and 
 frugality soon be possessors of homes of their own, and 
 secure a good prospect for their children. 
 
A CHARMING OUTLOOK. 293 
 
 At the same time, upon reflection it is a serious thing 
 to advise people to leave their homes and come here. 
 Prosperity or adversity depends so much upon the char- 
 acter of the persons themselves, that one does not like, — 
 unless thoroughly acquainted with them — to advise peo- 
 ple to come West. 
 
 A person to succeed, should have some means when 
 they come here, for much depends upon a good begin- 
 ning. Also those who come should have good health, 
 and be young enough to stand privations and hard work. 
 He who thinks the land so fertile that it requires no culti- 
 vation, and is not willing to exert himself, had better 
 remain where he is. 
 
 In regard to the workingmen's colonies, we have talked 
 the matter over among ourselves, and also asked advice 
 of our neighbors, and all agree that such a plan has a 
 very poor prospect of favorable results. In such under- 
 takings there are many people wholly unsuited for settling 
 in a new country. When any trials come they are dis- 
 couraged, and then there is dissatisfaction and perhaps 
 strife, and it ends by many of them leaving the country. 
 Those who remain are for a time in a depressed condi- 
 tion, but at length begin to prosper. The best way is for 
 each family to come in their own strength, and settle 
 where they prefer. Our example is about as favorable as 
 any to illustrate this. We had enough means to make a 
 good beginning ; were all in good health ; were willing to 
 work ; had courage to bear losses and privations ; and 
 had the energetic support of good friends here. 
 
 I know you will feel interested in hearing of our home 
 life. Next month my Anna will accompany me to our 
 new home. My good father-in-law has built a nice house 
 upon the new land he has bought, and has fenced in a 
 garden. He intends giving this farm to us. He will help 
 
294 
 
 RED CARL. 
 
 me cultivate it, and I shall also help him and father in 
 their work. 
 
 Susie is very happy in her new home ; she thinks her 
 husband perfection, and has found a good friend in her 
 mother-in-law. How it is with Marie I do not quite 
 know. She has, in this pure air, grown healthy and 
 beautiful. A neighbor's son appears to be much pleased 
 with her, and spares no trouble to try to win her affec- 
 tions. I wish she could remain near our mother. Heinrich 
 will work the farm on shares. Farm life suits him, and 
 you would scarcely know the strong, robust fellow. He 
 declares that he does not intend marrying soon, but we 
 see that these assertions are not likely to prove correct, 
 judging by the impression that the younger sister of 
 Anna has made upon him ; and she is not indifferent to 
 him. But patience ; the best comes last. Johannes it is, 
 of whom I will now speak. Since the beginning of his 
 Christian life, he has thought of the ministry ; and after 
 much reflection and prayer, he believes that he is called 
 to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, and is now 
 in college, preparing for a life of usefulness in preaching 
 the Gospel. He saved much of his wages which my good 
 Father Wagner gave him ; and after his studies are com- 
 pleted he is to be in the study of our good pastor in 
 
 R . Johannes is beloved by all in this region, and 
 
 we are resolved as far as we can, to assist him. He will 
 spend his vacation with us and with Father Wagner, who 
 has taken him into his heart. 
 
 The Sunday before he left home, he spoke in the 
 Sunday school, and related his experience. He 
 described his evil doings and the trouble which they had 
 brought upon him, and how near he came to losing his 
 life through his error. But his life was spared, his heart 
 was changed, and he had become a child of God. The 
 
A CHARMING OUTLOOK. 
 
 295 
 
 whole assembly was deeply touched, and tears filled many 
 eyes. 
 
 And now I must tell you that we have built a little 
 church upon the prairie. It was often inconvenient to 
 use the schoolhouse, and all were willing to contribute 
 what they could, and in the name of the Lord we made 
 the undertaking. We united in contributing materials, 
 and did the work ourselves, for we have people among us 
 who understand this kind of work. It is a simple building ; 
 and yet upon the great prairie it is a pretty sight, and a 
 great joy to us, for we have now a certain place for church 
 services and our Sunday school. It's spire seems to us a 
 finger pointing heavenward, which in all our toils and cares 
 of daily life, bids us look above, where there is comfort for 
 every affliction, and an everlasting Home for us all. 
 
 We hope to see you and dear Trina again ; but if it be 
 God's will that we should not meet in this life, may we 
 be a united family on the other shore. 
 
 Your brother, 
 
 Conrad Neumann. 
 
 Thus life passed peacefully on with this 
 happy and united family, and their prairie farm 
 became even dearer to them than their first 
 home in the New World, or their native place 
 in far away Westphalia. 
 
 They had their trials and perplexities, but 
 rich in faith in God's goodness, and in love for 
 each other, they journeyed on, fulfilling the 
 duties which day by day came to them, and 
 looking forward to the Home beyond the river, 
 where all hoped to meet, never more to part. 
 
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 SCOTCH CAPS. 
 
 By J A K, autlior of «' Birchwood," " Fitch Club," « Who Saved the 
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 character, enlivened with interesting incidents, abounding in sensible sugges- 
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 an efleclive manner the lesson of true manliness. i2mo, ^1.25. 
 
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 A beautiful story, written with exquisite style and charmingly illustrated, 
 with 18 illustrations. i2mo, ^i.oo. 
 
 FAMOUS AMERICAN STATESMEN. 
 
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 success is still the genius of labor." They teach patriotism, a deej^er love 
 for and devotion to America. They teach that life, with some detinitc and 
 noble purpose, is worth living. 
 
 LIFE OF LAFAYETTE, the Knight of Liberty. 
 
 By Eydia Hoyt Farmer. A glowing narrative of the life of this re- 
 nowned general, with 58 illustrations. i2mo, J?i.5o. 
 
 As a large portion of the material presented in this volume has been 
 gathered from French works never before translated and which are now out of 
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