Hugh King Harris

SILAS WILSON realizes that his business is being run to the ground, and that he cannot longer compete with the newer foundries unless he makes radical changes in his methods and employees. His workmen have grown old and antiquated in his employ. Through the influence of his daughter, the general managership is passed over to her fiance,—one Jack Berry —a young man, well trained in the school of modern methods.

Old Silas Barton has lived many years in a cottage owned by the Central and Southern Railroad. Having had no use for the property the company has paid no attention to it, but when a new spur is contemplated Barton is ordered to vacate. He refuses, and the legal department of the road threatens to eject him. Frank Denning, assistant to the superintendent, is sent as the company's representative. He meets Barton's niece, and tells her of his mission.