dvertising appeared in the
columns after the editorial announcement of independence. Press tickets
were cut off. The "Clarion's" dramatic reporter was turned back from the
gate of the various theaters, after paying for admittance. Nevertheless,
the "Clarion" continued to publish frank criticism of current drama,
through a carefully guarded secret arrangement with the critic of the
"Evening News." About this time a famous star, opening a three days'
engagement, got into difficulties with the scene-shifters' union over an
unjust demand for extra payment, refused to be blackmailed, and canceled
the second performance. One paper only gave the facts, and that was the
"Clarion," generally regarded as the defender and mouthpiece of the
laboring as against the capitalistic interests. Great was the wrath of
the unions. Boycott was threatened; even a strike in the office. In
response, the editorial page announced briefly that its policy of giving
the news accurately and commenting upon it freely exempted no man or
organization. The trouble soon died out, but, while making new enemies
amongst the rabid organization men, strengthened the "Clarion's" growing
repute for independence. One of the most violent objectors was Max
Veltman, whose protest, delivered to Hal and McGuire Ellis, was so
vehement that he was advised curtly and emphatically to confine his
activities and opinions to his own department.

"Look out for that fellow," advised Ellis, as the foreman went away
fuming. "He hates you."

"Only his fanaticism," said Hal.

"More than that. It's personal. I think," added the associate editor
after some hesitancy, "it's 'Kitty the Cutie.' He's jealous, Hal. And I
think he's right. That girl's getting too much interested in you."

Hal flushed sharply. "Nonsense!" he said, and the subject lapsed.

Meantime the manager of the Ralston Opera House, where the labor
trouble had occurred, made tentative proffer of peace in the form of
sending in the theater advertising again. Hal promptly refused to accept
it, by way of an object-lesson, despite the almost tearful protest of
his own business office. This blow almost killed Shearson.

In fact, the unfortunate advertising manager now lived in an atmosphere
of Stygian gloom. Two of the most extensive purchasers of newspaper
space, the Boston Store and the Triangle Store, had canceled their
contracts immediately after the attack on the Pierces, through a "joker"
clause inserted to affo