The Press., 1892-01-07

legs and Richard Green himself was hardly enough familiar with the men and the situation to easily decide what waa best for him From the watchfuI eye of Mrs Jppsten nothing could be hidden, and although she did not urge Joosten to any definite action she enconr- aged them all
 "A little frinness and energy willsettle 1t all when the time comes. she said to Richard
 asked her.
 ..Oh, l hardly know Nothing per haps: but no one can tell how theseernen will act. 'sCan anything be done in the mean time to make us saferg
 .sl dare say it is net necessary
 But Green was determined that they should not be caught altogether unpre pared. and he saw that such firearlns as there were about the house were in proper condition. Then he reInem bered the heavy shutters with which the ve randa could be closed in These he closed and locked himself every night, except those at one end He thought that that open end might be defended It was fortunate that these precautions were taken, for before many nights word came to them while they were at supper that the men demanded to see MT. Joo- sten.
 Promise me you will not yield any I. thing. Hans" Mrs. Joosten said to her husband. If you do we shall always live in fear No one can tell what they will ask next.
 1t shall be as you wish. he promised, l but plainly Mrs. Joosten was fearful that all would not be as she would have it, and Green and Hackett followed Mr. Joosten out upon the veranda- This, closed in upon all sides but one, was like a long narrow room dilnly lighted by a lantern hanging to the roof near the l open end Gathered at that end, with l out and about the steps. there were per haps dozen men, while one was stand ing by Mir. Joosten talking quickly to him and gestic.llating violently This man was one who had charge of one of the small gangs into which the men were divided Green had noticed him before for the sullen and vicious way in which he had looked, at them when he had been going about the plantation with MT. Joosten Now he held in his hand long handled spade, and he seemed. as nearly as Green and Hackett l could understand him, to be demanding that Richard should be dismissed and that his predecessor should be reinstated l ''The same thing they asked before. Hackett whispered
 | 'sYea: they do not seem to have grown 1 any fonder of me" Green answered smiling, careless of the danger. if there l was any. He and Hackett were stand l ing well back in the shadow, and it ii doubtful if the man with MT. Jooster l saw them. At all events, at this mo ment he. made SO threatening gesture 1 toward Mir. Joosten that Green. step ping quickly forward, lifted him from his feet and flung him bodily fortl l among his comrades There was mur mur among them. but Hackett had fol lowed, and he now bade them be off be fore worse should befall them. This I sudden and unexpected show of decision must have disconcerted them. for they seemed to melt into the night. so quick ly did they disappear
 Well, old man." said Hackett, as ht l put his hand familiarity on Richardi shoulder. .sthat was we'll done But, say, did not know you were so strong
 Oh. but h0 waa very little fellow, Richard answered That was a re bellion easil guelled.
 Green now cs fully closed and locked the shutters n ininY open. Mr. loo l sten looking be while almost in as tonishment. He was almost oyerW haaaRes at the quickness of the two young men Al He gasped once ortwice. and then, as h, recovered his breath they went in tx Mrs. Joosten. and he could only say: I "It is very troublesome all yer, troublesome.
 Come. Hans. she said do not b. worried Tell me all about it." sh added. turning to Richard.
 She was very angry and indignant 8 he told her of the early part of the inter view. but when Hackett broke in ani told her how Richard had treated tn spokesman. she laughed and enjoyed it. I ''That was good. she said. Urea them in that way and we will not hay any trouble; but when we are afraid o them. why. them
 As they separated for the night sin smiled approvingly at Green and he fel that he had won her good will at an, rate. That MT. Joosten was pleased h was not so sure.
 The next morning soon after break fast the gentle. slowgoing horse MT Joosten had set apart for Greens us was brought to the door, and he wa sI about to start on the round of the plan tation. which was now one of his dail, l duties
 "You are not going today?" Joostel asked him in surprise.
 Il meant to, of course Why not? Il "Why. 1t will not be safe to go amonl the men after last night. I Fl think you are mistaken Green re sponded. 'slt would not do now to fai to go. They would be sure to believ that was afraid really think ough I to go
 sYes." Mrs. JCosten interrupted. "Mr Green is surely right He must go. , Then she led Richard Green to on' side and she said to him:
 .Bnt you will be very careful. very quick You are armed, are you noty
 Yes
 That is right: but you must be yer. careful t s3... You are very kind. Richard replied But do not think there is any danger.
 Shall l not go with your Hacket asked. as Green mounted his horse. l No Then they would be certain o my fear And what should do afte T yon are goney'
 Just as you like. old fellow; but, O course. you are not in any danger Throw that chap over the fence if yo, get chance. 1t will be only good exer else for you
 I And while they were laughing Rich -1 ard rode away. but MT. .Joosten shool his head as though he thought they wer