Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 1 — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

COMRADE EASY-MARK, interest in the sheet, but that could scarcely be called an asset before the time Zenia Kauffmann began writing for it. After Zenia’s coming the fortunes of Comrades mended with a rapidity that was a notable tribute to her real genius. For undoubtedly Zenia could express her- self. Writing or talking, her words, each one, were loaded with either vitriol or dyna- mite. She was the very imcarnation of. madness, destruction, blood-lust; and she could turn stupid, peaceable men imto devils. She exhorted, ‘she prayed, she screamed for that millenium when the world would run red with blood and civilization disappear in one vast holocaust. Though the fortunes of Comrades had mended, in the year 1906, it was yet pub- lished in the East Eleventh Street basement. There one fall day came Zenia to jom Leon Minsch, awaiting her with ‘badly concealed Not a ‘tall woman, Zenia had gamed considerably in weight. But still the eb- liquely-set ‘black eyes sparkled with devil- try, and there was rich color in her cheeks and her red Hips. ‘She wore a new fur that gave her a certain dash and spirit, enough to justify reporters for the yellower news- papers and the Sunday supplements in re- ferring to her as ‘“ the beautiful Nihilist.” “Well?” Minsch growled as she favored him with a long, curious stare. - “Well, yourself? I see you didn’t clear up that correspondence. How do you ex- pect this office to handle a growing business if you—”’ “What have you done?” Minsch chal- Jenged, anxious for a diversion. “Talked to the garment workers. The strike will #ot be settled!” Zenia smiled triumphantly. “Ves, it was a close call. They were ready to take the terms. They were good terms, too, all the money they asked for— practically all the concessions. Qh, I had to work to beat them into line! I was afraid—for a time—but I gave them straight hell and damnation, called them slaves and cowards and dogs. I had them hghting-mad.? Zenia laughed reminiscent- ly. “ There was a little while I didn’t know 79 whether they’d kill me or the bosses. But I turned them. They won't go back yet, and the bosses will get sore and take back — the -offer, so they won’t be at work these many months—and, of -course, winter's here. Tf it’s a cold winter, and some of them starve—eh, Leon?” “Ves, so much the better,” Minsch nodded. “The cause will gain. Discon- tent, that’s what we must have to work with. By the way, we get word the anthra- cite miners won’t sign the new scale. That means another strike. 1 talked with some of the comrades. They think you showd go agains—and talk. You remember what we did in 4903?” “No.” Zenia was decided. “ Why waste time? JI must take that matter up with the Committee of Ten. I must make them see common sense. The present plan is wrong. We waste our ammunition preaching to men already converted by their wage slavery. What good is that? Leon, we must change our work. The con- tented workman must.be our objective from now on. Where there is trouble, bad con- ditions, low wages, dissatisfaction, there the cause will spring up and take hold like a weed, What we must gain is the great majority, the men who are paid enough, who déke to work—” ‘What foolishness is this?” “It is good sense—and good business. Some day the comrades will see it—and they will do as I say. We will send our teachers among the satisfied men, teach them to hate their work, to rebel, to de- mand. They are the majority. When they are out of work, angry, rebellious, hungry, then «can we hope for revolution!” “ Splendid!” gasped Minsch. truly, you are wonderful!” But his admiration seemed to romind Zenia of another matter. For some time she sat studying Minsch, tapping on her desk with a lead-pencil, reaching a de- cision. Finally: “ Leon, I bought the stack you sold to Veeder.” Minsch started guiltily. I sold?” ‘* Never mind it is mine now. You were a fool to sell, Leon—a fool!” | “You asked me for money—” “ Zenia, ‘“Who told you CoOmiclbool CO