The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1886-05-12

said Farmer Lee. "They won't have
20 unroof this, though, for shall go
out quiet, when the time comes"
"You will?" echoed neighbcr, in
surprise.
"What's the good of holding outP II
would only draw down expenses and
trouble upon us. They have got the
law upon their side. Wen 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 .
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 themP'
"Well, 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"
"We haven't; and should be afraid
to use it, perhaps, if we had. But that
unfortunate lot he elected from the
common, they aren't 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 dop"
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 tiy
they catch him abroad, that's my oOr
ion," answered jolly Mr.. Bumfop
| .Is that alp" said Miss Judit q
feared you meant worse, for tb :.
lawless lot, If provoked. A ducking
would do him good. Poor things"
she added, sits enough W make them
lawless; the roofs torn off their heads
and they forced out. L thought till
now that such practices were confined
to Ireland. What is he razing the cot
tages to the ground forP"
"To build up houses in their stead;
which is what he means to do by
Thoms' cottage. No danger that Os-
car Dalrymple 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.. Dalrym-
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.
You'd hurry by, would youP" 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
tar! II 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 visibly. She was
aware of the awful feeling abroad
against her husband, and a dread
rushed into her heart that they might
be going to visit it on her.
Reuben spoke up; but he. was old
and weak, and powefless against SC
many, and he knew it; therefore his
tone was more conciliating than il
would otherwise have been.
"What do you mean by molesting
Mrs. Dalrymple? Stand away, Dyke
and let her pass. You wouldn't hurt
her; if she is Mr. Dalrymple's wife
she was the squire's daughter and h,
was always good to you.
TTn nj