Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1886-07-08


Reuben made no reply. He did not
choose to assist the gossip of the neigh
borhood.
And to think that Master Charles
should have made away with himself
through bit of temporary embarrass-
ment. when if he had stood it out and
battIed with the storm. he would have
succeeded to Dalrvmplei'' uttered the
amazed farmer, as he said good-day to
Reuben.
CHAPTER *
Positive rebellion came; open war
fare between Oscar Dalrymple and his
tenants. The notice of rent-raising,
served upon several. had been with
drawn, and notice to quit substituted.
To Farmer Lee amongst others. The
farms were let over their heads. and it
was known that the next thing would
be ejeetment The whole neighbour
hood. formerly SO peaceful, was in ex-
element.
Michaelmas day was very near. and
Il meeting was held one night at
Farmer Lees. It could not be called
secret meeting, for the farmer would
have disdained the name, but several
stole to it with caution. conscious that
their hearts were ready to speak
treason against their landlord.
Have We heard the fresh move
ment?" asked Farmer Watkins. when
he entered.
I've heard it, responded an eager
voice. ''Thoms is out.
How did they get him out at lasta'
'.Unrooffed him.
NOT
s.They did. AS they did last week
by the huts on the common. Its shame
full.
The next ejectmcnt will be me. )"
said Farmer Lee. They won't have
to unroof this. though, for l shall 20
out quiet. when the time comes"
You will?' echoed a neighbcr, in
surprise.
whats the good of holding out? It
would only draw down expenses and
trouble upon us. They have got the
law upon their side. Well talk it
over presently when all have come in,
but [ think we must decide TO give up,
and what one does. all had better do
''Give in to hardship?' roared d
farmer
The thing is this" said Mr.. Lee,
who was the largest holder on the es-
tate, won't it make the hardship
worse to defy theme
We'll. let Dalrymple look to him.
self significantly observed Farmer
Bumford. He'll get served out, may
be"
How can hep We have no power
to serve him out"
I'VE haven't; and should be afraid
to use it, perhaps. if we had. But that
unfortunate lot he elected from the
common. they aren afraid. They are
all collecting there now, as [ came by,
and if there amt mischief brewing,
my names not Dick Bumford.
What do you think they will do?''
asked Miss Judith Lee, who had en-
tered to bring large silver tankard of
ale, and heard the last sentence with
awe.
Why, they'll duck Dalrymple in
the nearest horse-pond. the first time
they catch him abroad. that's my opin-
ion, answered jolly Mr.. Bumford.
lis that ALP said Miss Judith, Il
feared you meant worse, for they are
Il Iawless lot. if provoked. A ducking
would do him good. Poor things
she added. lit S enough to make them
lawless; the roofs torn off their heads
and they forced out. [ thought till
now that such practices were confined
to Ireland. What is he razing the cot
tages to the ground for?'
ITO build up houses in their stead;
which is what he means to do by
Thoms cottage. No danger that Os-
car DaIrymple will go and unroof
houses unless they are to come down;
he won t cost himself useless penny"
The unfortunate lot. spoken of by
Mr.. Bumford were collecting on the
outskirts of the common. in view of
their late homes, and had Mr.. Dalrvm-
pie appeared then. he might have been
thankful to escape with only ducking,
for anger and revenge were at work
within them. The group were in harsh
converse. when footsteps were heard
advancing, and they turned their sullen
faces toward the sound.
Who should it be but Mrs. Dalrymple
of the Grange, Oscars wife. She had
been spending the day with her mother,
and was now going home escorted by
Reuben. She affected to look another
way, perhaps afraid to look toward
them. One of the body advanced and
stood in her way.
GU d hurry by, would you? said
he. IN tone that spoke more of plant
than threat. Won't you turn your
eyes once to the ruin your husband has
wrought? Look at the mud and NOR
tart Il the walls warn't of brick or
costly stone. they was good enough for
us. Look at the spot! Them was our
homes"
Selma trembled visihly She was
aware of the awful feeling abroad
against her husband. and dread
rushed into her heart that they might
be going 90 visit it on her.
Reuben spoke up; but he was old
and weak, and powerless against so
many, and he knew it; therefore his
tone was more conciliating than il
would otherwise have been.
What do YOU mean by molestiue
Mrs. Dalrymple9 Stand away. DYKE.
and let her pass. You wouldn't hurt
her: If she is Mr.. Dalrymple's wife,
she was the squire daughter and 10
was always good to you.
TO BE CoNIgNUED.l