Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1888-01-06
SILAS VESTS SECRET.
BY WALLACE p. REED.

BY WALLACE p. REED.
It was nine o'clock in the morning,
and the yards and offices surrounding
the Morley mills presented a spectacle
Of almost turbulent activity
A thousand operatives were at work
inside the mills, and outside an orderly
mob Of clerks, truckmcn and laborers
surgod to and fro busily engaged in
their various tasks.
The private office of Mr.. John Morley,
the millionaire owner of this vast cstab
ishment was unocculicd. 1t was too
carly for Mr. Morley to make his ap-
pcarancc, but The janitor had carefully
busted the handsome desks and chairs,
aad arranged everything in perfect order
From time to time a clerk or an
crrand boy entered the office and de
posted letter or purcell on the great
mans desk, and then retired with bust
ness like celebrity
Taking advantage of a moment when
the Office was deserted, swarthy little
man with restless black eyes and a
stern, strongly markell face, slipped
into the room.
The visitor was Sllas West, ono Of the
operatives, but his movements would
have made it apparent if there had
been any one to watch him, that he was
not in search OF his employer.
"Ahaw chuckled SiIas, Il am just in
time, and had better not tarry."
He drew from his pocket q small
square parcel wrapped III white paper
and laid it on the desk by the ink
stand.
The parcel was addressed to "John
Morley, ESQ.," and was marked Per
sonal."
silas West quietly left the place, and
after furtive g.anco around to assure
himself that he was not observed, he
took a quick turn down a narrow street
where there was not living thing in
sight
"Old Morley didn't know that lie had
an anarchist among his men, he NUT
tered. "WelI, he will never know it
now. There IS enough dynamite in
that thing to kill dozen men,"
A troubled look came over his face as
he talked to himself
1T is bad thing to do, !" he said !;
"but curse him, why did he suspend
me2 An honest workman has a right to
take his little spree now and then with
out having the bread taken out of his
mouth. Morley treated me like dog,
and he deserves what he is going to
get"
The man walked along with his head
down, evidently struggling with I'M
pleasant thoughts.
"Con(ound it" he broke out, 4 am
forgetting the sublime principles of my
creed 1t has been held by wise and
good men that it is right to assassinate
tyrant These bIoatcd capitalists IRE
in the same box. Whenever one is
killed his wealth goes into different
hands and isdistributcd 1--we cal't have
communism VIC can at least kill off the
men with Lig fortunes, and their money
will be scattered iy their numerous
heirs Morlcy's death will be a benefit
to mankind -
Still, Silas West did not linger any
where in the neighborhood of the mills.
He knew that the expected explosion
might occur at any momcnt, but ner-
vous dread took possession Of him, and
he was seized with desire to reach his
cottage and shut himself up.
Good ncws~ exclaimed Mrs. West
when Sias entered the door
"Howl What IS itl l can't under
stand, stamm red her husband, turning
his careworn face upon her.
1T is almost toogood to be true re-
Piled Mrs. West, half laughing and half
crying. "Who would havo thought
that millionaire like your Mr.. Morley
would take the trouble to think of us2'
Woman! What do you meanl"
ooh, Silas, how can you look so? Mr..
Morley is our friend. He sent his secre-
tary here this morning to request you to
return to work, and, Silas, he says that
if you will let liquor alone he will pro
mote you, and that this suspension was
only for your own good. 1t was to give
you time to think. Now, my dear, don t
you agree with me that Mr. Morley is a
good man, and won't you promise 70
turn over a new leaf, aad quit that Sc
cret society which taxes up so much Of
your time2---for am sure that half of
your trouble comes from going with
those strange, repulsivo looking men. :"
silas West had turned as white as a
sheet, and he raised his hand to his
head with a groan.
Husband, are you siekp
where is little AIaryp he asked