"Celebrate what?"
Charlie answered with a fair imitation of a soapbox orator, "This, my
beloved sister, is the day of our emancipation from the iron rule of
that cruel capitalist, who has for so many years crushed the lives of
his toiling slaves in his Mill of hell, and coined our heart's blood
into dollars to fill his selfish coffers of princely luxury. Down
through the ringing ages of the future this day will be forever
celebrated as the day that signals the dawning of a new era in the
industrial world of--uh-wow! Stop it!"
Captain Charlie was ticklish and the toe of Mary's slippered foot had
found a vital spot among his ribs.
"You sound like that Jake Vodell," she said. "Stop your nonsense this
minute and tell me what you mean or--" Her foot advanced again
threateningly.
Captain Charlie rolled over to a safe distance and sat up to grin at
her with teasing impudence.
"What's the matter with him, father?" she demanded.
But Pete only laughed and answered, "I guess maybe he thinks he's going
to get promoted to some higher-up position in the Mill."
"No such luck for me!" said Charlie quickly. "John will need me too
much right where I am."
A bright color swept into Mary's cheeks and her eyes shone with glad
excitement.
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