Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1890-04-19
CHAPTER TX.

IcA6ltS. ne nOIlCS OF renC-ralSlNU,
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 ejectment. The whole neiehbor-
hood, formerly so peaceful, was in ex-
element.
Mlchaelmas day was very near, and
meeting was held one night at
Farmer Lees. 1t could not be called a
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 ye heard the fresh move
ment?" asked Farmer Watkins, when
he entered.
1--WE heard it," responded an eager
voice. 'sThoms is out"
Elbow did they get him out at lastp''
~ nrooffed him."
"Nor
They did. AS they did last week
by the huts on the common. Its shame
full"
THE next ejcctment will be me-"
said Farmer Lee "They won't have
to unroof this, though, for l shall 60
"You will?' echoed a neighbcr, in
surprise.
What's the good of holding outa 1t
would only draw down expenses and
trouble upon lis. They have got the
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 hardshipp' roared
farmer.
1.-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 them?'
"Well, let Dalrympie look to him.
SELF" significantly observed Farmer
Bumford. HELL get served out, may
be-"
How can hep We have no power
to serve him out"
1--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 row, as I 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 horsc-pond, the first time
they catch him abroad. that's my opin-
ion," answered jolly Mr.. Bumford.
us that allP' said Miss Judith, II
lawless lot, If provoked. A ducking
would do him good. Poor things"
she added, ''it's enough to 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"
ITO build up houses in their stead;
which is what he means to do by
Thoms' cottage. No danger that o.
car Dalrymple will 60 and unroof
houses unless they are to come down;
he won't cost himself a 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 mis- ht have been
thankful to escape with only a dueking,
for anger and revenge were at work
within them. The group were in harsh
COAFSAoOS " GOA AOOuSIcpS were ucArO
advancing, and they turned their sullen
faces toward the sound.
Who should it be but Mrs. palrymple
Of the Grange, Oscas's 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 moro 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! If 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 dread
To be continue