Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-02-04
in a tremulous tone. "I never felt afraid Of

"You needn't be afraid of me now, Nita'
I'll still be good to you, if you'll only mind
what say. Now listen to me, reasonably.
I'm just going to talk coolly and quietly to
you, and set things in right light before
you. My dear child,'- tone was quite soft
again now, and he laid his hand persuasively
on her arm-"I want you to believe that I'm
just as anxious for your good, and your inter-
est, as for my own. I don't deny that it's to
my interest to keep you, because you are a
great credit to the company, and great ia
vorite with the public, always; and feel that
it's an advantage to me to have your name in
the bills. But at the same time, it's equally
to your interest to stay. You are kindly
treated here, and have great deal more lib
erty, and less hard work, than you would have
elsewhere there's no doubt about that. All
the people here like you. AS for old Woretti,
you are like her own child and Susy is your
bosom friend-and very nice girl she is, too,
and one you may count on, rain or shine
You'll never know what soft place you've
got here, till you try another"
"Im sure 1 don't want to 60, sir"
81 think it would be singular, all things
considered, if you did. And I'm very fond
of you, besides-very fond of you, Nita; I've
always proved it, haven't II"
eyes, sir"
II don't scruple to allow that you have been
nv favorite, since the first time set eyes on
you. And must say that you've quite sat-
isfied me by your conduct, heretofore. have
no cause of complaint against you, whatever.
Now it seems to me great pity that such
pleasant, satisfactory state of things as this
should be broken up and destroyed by a mere
fancy on your part"
Nita did not venture on reply; III fact,
she knew not how to answer.
"In fact" continued Mr.. Foley, 81 feel quite
convinced that little more reflection on your
part will bring matters to comfortable con-
clusion; for have too high an opinion of
your good sense to think that you will persist
in acting so greatly to your own disadvantage"
Still the young girl remained silent.
"Come," said Mr. Foley, with touch of re-
newed impatience, "haven't you got word
to say to me about it9'
"Im afraid, sir" faltered Nita, "that l
can't say anything farther than I've said al
ready"
"Do you mean that you won't change your
mind?"
"Mr Foley"
"Dont say anything-not word-but just
the answer 1 demand from you. Will you,
or won't you, do what wish you to? Yes
or no; no palavering."
Nita burst out crying.
"Confound it all, what's that for p sternly
queried the manager. 81 don't want any
such-nonsense, do you hear Crocodile
tears will have no effect on me, you'll soon
find. Listen, girl-Ill give you one more
chance to make or mar your fortune. Obey
me in this, and I'll pay you sum you never
dreamed of-as much as you'd earn in six
months at other work. Refuse to obey, and
I'll not only turn you of, but disgrace you
before the whole company, besides"
The threat aroused Nita's latent spirit, and
brought vivid, angry flush to her face.
"Mr. Foley" she said, raising her head and
Indignantly dashing away her tears, 81 don't
want your money, and I'll not sell my self.re-
spect at any price. And, as to disgrace, I'm
not afraid of it; it's not in your power to dis
grace me-"
"Ain't it? amt it?" shouted Foley, now
fairly beside himself, with rage. "We'll see
whether it is or not, my fine young lady
You defy me, do you? You impudent up
start of beggar brat! But you shall do my
bidding-yes, swear you shall, by -!
I'll make you act first and turn you away af
terward, and then you may get your living
how you please"
He was standing over her now, gesticulating
furiously with his clenched hand, as though
he would strike her; but Zanita, though she
grew white to the lips, with mingled fear and
wrath, did not quail.
"Mr. Foley, she said, in clear tones, looking
at him with glittering eyes, eff you were to
kill me you could not make me act I'm not
afraid of you, and I'll stand by my word"
This open defiance blew the last remaining
atom of the managers self:command to the
winds. With an imprecation needless to be
written, he cutched her shoulder with one
powerful hand, and brought the other down
with all his force upon her head, which she
bent just in time to avoid receiving the blow
upon her face.
At this instant the door was burst open,
and with cry like that of all enraged ami
NAL, young Leon bounded into the room,
and flung himself upon the manager.
Nita knew not what followed ; for, scream
ing with terror, she rushed from the apart
ment to summon help. Her cries Immediate
ly attracted Dan and some Of the other men,
who, learning what was the matter, hastened
to the scene of action. Here they found Mr..
Foley extended, PROSTATE, on the floor, and
Leon, kneeling on him, beating him furiously
about the head-for the young athlete, be-
sides having the advantage of the attack on
his side, was more than a match, in strength
for his superior, who had readily succumbed
to the violent and unexpected assault.
"Hallo, man come off" shouted Dan
dragging Leon forcibly away from his victim,
who lay perfectly still, with closed eyes, and
the blood trickling over his face "Good
Lord you've killed him, sure"
81 don't care if have" painted Leon, who