The Press., 1894-05-10
|THE TEN FOOT DRIVE.
By CHARLES LoTIN HILDRETH.
rCopy right, 1891, by American Press Associa-
CHAPTER V. "THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS. :"

AA1AAtO0s
 A day or two later Monckton called upon Miss Duke and invited her to ride with him. After moments hesita- ton she consented, and the two were soon speeding along the mountain road at swift gallop. A splendid horse- woman herself, the girl observed with admiration the firm, easy seat and grace full boise of her companion. Habitually indolent as he was or affected to be, Monckton rode like centaur. and Miss Duke noted with what perfect control and power the delicate, womanish hand lifted the fiery animal over the ruts and Instructions in the narrow, rugged high way.
 During the first portion of the ride neither referred to the subject of their previous conversation. Monckton spoke but little and always in his languid, drawling fashion, but Miss Duke was secretly surprised at the glimpses of originality and power thus partly re- vealed to her. Had she mistaken this man? Was he feally something more than the selfish idler, feeble of mind and effeminate of body, which at first
 
 As they neared the crossroad to the mines a tall figure in workman's s dress stepped out from the shrubbery, and catching sight of the riders paused abruptly and stood watching them as they rode up. Miss Duke recognized Matthew North and saw with feeling of uneasiness the fierce expression upon his dark features. She waved her hand to him, with smile, but he gave no an- swering salutation. His eyes were fixed upon the calm face of the mine owner, who had pulled up his horse sharply to avoid riding him down.
 "Who is our melodramatic friend ?'' queried Monckton, with slight accent of surprise, coolly surveying the men, acing figure through his eyeglass. ''Bless my soull Am 1 mistaken, or am I the object of his distinguished re- gards."
 Matthew" said the girl, control ling her agitation by an effort, "this is MT. Monckton, the new proprietor. Have you anything to ask of him?"
 There was fierce jealousy in the glance which North turned upon her. "No," he answered huskily, II have nothing to ask of him or any one. I have asked for justice and right for the last time. They have been denied. Let hin''-pointing at Monckton-''re- member that if he forces us to violence he and his overseer are but two against 5OO."
 ''1 am sorry to hear you talk in this way, Matthew" said the girl, with an anxiety she could not conceal. II have always believed you to be man of good feeling and good sense''--
 North interrupted her with harsh laugh. ''Fine words!'' he exclaimed. Do you take me for fool to suppose that I do not understand you? But have no fear. Though I am not gen. tleman"-he uttered the word with an indescribable accent-''1 am at least incapable of taking advantage of my strength to injure an unarmed man."
 Pardon me, my worthy soul, U in terposed the calm voice of the mine owner, "do me the favor to stand aside and let us pass. Any business connect ed with the mines may be transacted with my overseer at his office during business hours.'
 North's eyes emitted gleam of ha- tired, and his hands clinched tightly, but catching sight of the girls troubled face he stepped back, and after mo- ment's hesitation raised his hat The young proprietor gave no more heed to him than if he had been some inani-