Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-03-30
CHAPTER III.

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shirt and strobe rapidly away.
CHAPTER III.
THE PETITION.
Miss Im0cene Dukes curiosity as to
the new proprietor was not speedily
gratified. Ralph Monckton remained
secluded in his dwelling, and though,
as boy, before his long stay abroad,
be had known the few families of the
better class in the neighborhood, he
seemed to be in no hurry TO renew his
relations with them. Nor did he ex-
hibit more interest in the welfare Of his
mines. leaving all business TO be trans
acted by his agent and overseer, a burly,
square jawod. grim locking person Of
the name of Joyce. whom he had picked
! up somewhere on the other side and
4 brought home with him. Joyce ap-
peared to be invested with absolute au-
thority, and his narrow, tyrannical ma
I ture and overbearing manner soon Won
him the Ill will of every man connected
with the mines. He proved himself
merciless slave driver, and the discon-
Monckton had aroused among the en-
ployees grew daily in intensity, and
though for the time restrained smol-
dered beneath the surface, ready to
burst into devour1ng fame at any mo-
ment.
OF this state of affairs Ralph Monck-
ton was ignorant, or If he had any
knowledge Of it he was supremely in
different. He never once visited the
pits whence his vast wealth had been
drawn and knew none of his employees
by sight. Once he had passed a group
Of them on the road and in return to
their respectful salutation had stared at
them through his eyeglass without 9TH
er response, a circumstance which did
nothing toward softening the dislike he
shared with his overseer.
Que afternoon three weeks after
Monckton's arrival Miss Duke, return
Ing from her regular daily ride, OBJ
served group of workmen gathered
about the main gate of the Monckton
mansion. Among them she recognized
Matthew North, whose flushed face and
glittering eyes betokened ill restrained
anger. The girl pulled up her horse
at the outskirts Of the crowd and lis
tened. The overseer, Joyce. was speak
ing evidently in reply to some demand
on the part of the miners.
II tell you not" he said in q harsh,
peremptory tone. "The mine is safe
enough as it is, and We are not going to
spend money to humor your whims."
THE expense would be but trifiing,"
replied North, with slight tremor In
his voice, "and might be the means Of
saving many lives. The oldest hands
among us-and Reuben Wilkes, here,
who was in just such disaster himself
say they can hear the water behind
the head wall in Ten Foot Drive, and
that it will surely break through. A
stout bulkhead of heavy plank
Il tell you no, for the last time. in
terrupted Joyce, still more harshly,
1.-THE Ten Foot Drive is going to stay
as it isl
will you not at least lay our re-
quest before Mr.. Monckton2" asked
North, his broad chest heaving in his
effort to retain his self control.
Il will not, !" was the sharp answer.
my word is final"
| "Then the blood of those who will
be murdered by your inhuman neglect
be on your head" exclaimed North,
giving way to his passion. "You have
been warned in time, and you have re-
fused to heed the warming"
II have heard enough" retorted the
overseer roughly. And take notice,
you, Matthew North, I've my eye ON
you for a mischief maker. Mind what
you are about, or It will be the worse
for you"
North's lips parted to give vent to q
wrathful answer when he caught sight
Of Imogene Duke sitting upon her horse.
an attentive observer Of what was 60
ing forward. He checked himself in
stantly. and though the blood still
surged to his temples he addressed his
companions in voice that was almost
calm.
"Disperse. friends" he said. I'VE
have done our utmost to obtain our
rights, and we have failed. There IL
nothing more to do here"
Muttering among themselves, but
obedient, the men moved of, leaving
North to walk beside Miss Dukes horse.
Both were silent for some moments.
"You heard:" he said finally.
YES" she replied. bending her
bright eyes upon him approvingly, land