One day the Knights of Labor called on him, told him that he must join
their society, pay the necessary fees, and allow himself to be guided in
future by their rules.

They told him that, if he refused, they would see that he was discharged,
and make it impossible for him to get further employment.

Curran did refuse, and the Knights of Labor went to his employers and
demanded that he be dismissed.

The Brewing Company had an agreement with the Knights of Labor to employ
only members of the association in its works. They dared not refuse the
request for fear of a strike being ordered, so they discharged Curran.

True to their threat, the Knights of Labor watched Curran, and prevented
him from getting work in the city of Rochester.

He finally was forced to go to another town, but he soon found that he was
a marked man. Word was sent from one branch of the Knights of Labor to
another to follow Curran, and prevent his getting work.

From being a prosperous, well-to-do man, he became very poor, and finally
suffered for food.

Then he went to the courts and asked for help.

His case has been before different judges for seven years, but at last it
has been decided in his favor.