davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Press., 1894-05-17
CHAPTER XIII.
DOWN WITH THE TYRANTl


 On the following morning as the young proprietor sat in his library, alone and in gloomy meditation, Joyce burst in upon him in tremendous state of agitation.
 Those fellows are at it again, he exclaimed breathlessly.
 The face which his employer lifted from his hand was pale and worn. He passed his hand across his eyes as if striving to brush away some anxious thought.
 "What did you say?' he asked.
 "There is more trouble among the men, was the reply. "That i'll con- ditioned demagogue is of course at the head of it.
 But we acceded to their demands without reservation. I gave them all they asked for. ''
 ''That is true, sir, - responded Joyce, ''but their appetite has groTn Nith eat ing A part of them, tho more respect able men, are willing to go to work, but it appears that North made a violent speech in the village last night, coun- selling new demands and continuance of the strike. The upshot of it is that about half of them, including all the roughs, idlers and turbulent rascals, are banded together under North s lead ership and bent on mischief.'
 Monckton' face darkened as he lis tened. II half expected it, he said thoughtfully. His object is not to benefit his followers. but to humiliate me-"
 "You were surprisingly patient with his insolence yesterday, sir,' observed Joyce. II wondered that you did not
The Press., 1894-05-17

"No kid.Jlovcd hdarsstocrGts for us" sisted in the management by a commit tee selected by the miners from among their number' He threw the paper on the table. Well, they cannot have their committed"
 "Nor my dismissal" threw in Joyce.
 "No, for 1 am alone responsible for your mistakes, and 1 need your help"
 "Thank you, sir, returned Joyce, ignoring the first part of the sentence.
 "Now," said Monckton, arising, i've will go down to the works and give them their answer in person" Joyce held up his hands in horror. What, right in the nest of them? | Good heavens, sir, they would tear us to pieces!'
 "Hardly that" replied Monckton grimly. We must show them we are not afraid of them. At the same time, he said, glancing at the overseer's face, which had grown pale with alarm, eff you do not wish to risk it, will go alone."
 But obstinacy supplied the deficiency in Joyce's courage. Besides he had suddenly acquired a wonderful respect for his young employer, and he would have followed him anywhere now.
 II will go with you," he returned stoutly, buttoning his coat across his plump person with an air of great reso- lution.
 Half an hour later Monckton and his overseer stood at the mouth of the main shaft, surrounded by crowd of miners. Some of these were of the we'll disposed party, but by far the larger proportion belonged to the malcontent faction, and as the young proprietor ran his eye over their frowning faces he drew a deep breath and nerved himself for the com, ing struggle.
 What is this l hear?" he said in a sharp, authoritative tone, strangely at variance with his slender figure and all most effeminately handsome features. II am told you refuse to resume work on your own terms. s.'
 Just so, mister,' replied one of the most ignorant and vicious of North's adherents, with an insolent grin. We reckons to run these here works on our own terms. Matthew knows. Where's Matthew? Let him speak up for us." NO k1u BIOVe ndrrlSCOcrdtS TOT us!
 "Down with millionaire tyrants! Down with coal barons and bondhold- ers!"
 "Matthewl Matthew Niorthl Where's Matthew North!'
 Amid the tumult of threatening cries, clinched fists and bludgeons shaken in the air, and the surging to and fro of the excited mob, ready primed for des- perate deeds and needing but hint to set them on, Monckton stood pale and composed, his brows drawn sternly to- gether and his lips compressed. Be- hind him lowered Joyce, his ruddy cheek blanched to a dirty ash color, num- bling sugared professions of peace and good will, mingled with dire menaces of the law . .-
 (Cantinued next week.
The Press., 1894-05-17
discharge him on the

discharge him on the him away"
 Easier said than done," replied Monckton, with slight smile. With his rabble at his heels we have no pow CT to enforce obedience. He is stronger than 1 am and can defy me with i'm punity.'
 'If you had permitted me to send for assistance" began the overseer.
 ''No, sharply interrupted the young proprietor, ''l will have no such assist ance. will face them single handed and stand or fall alone.
 You have had warning of what they are capable of, responded Joyce, glancing at the red mark upon his om- ployer's temple.
 Monckton shrugged his shoulders in differently What are their new de- mandsp' he asked. Joyce took from his pocket a folded paper covered with Matthew North s bold writing. Moncktan's lip curled as he glanced over it.
 "A transparent and clumsy device, ' he muttered He knew ltrfectly well that l could not grant single one of these conditions and retain an atom of self respect. You observe they demand my i'm mediate dismissal, sir" said Joyce, puffing with indignation. And" added Monckton, consulting the paper, "as have confessed myself | ignorant of the business, am to be as.
The Press., 1894-05-17
THE TEN FOOT DRIVE.
By CHARLES LoTIN HILDRETH.
[Copyright, 1894, by American Press Associa.
 tion.1
CHAPTER X.

THE STORY OF MISSPENT YOUTH.
 Rarely, I think, !" said Monckton at length, 'thas any man listened to such accusations as you have brought against me today. You certainly have not spared me, but meted out full judg ment on my slns. Yet, all unworthy as am, might rake together a poor de- fense from the ashes of lnisspent past. My father, as you know, began life as common laborer in the mines that afterward became his own. He worked his way upward by methods which, whether my moral sense approves of them or not, am too weak of fiber to initiate. Like many of his class, he did not comprehend the dignity of toll, but bowed down, poor soul, to the hol- low efigy which in this country goes by the name of aristocracy. He resolved that his son should be a gentleman that is, he should be college bred, dress we'll, spend money lavishly, drive fast horses, keep an expensive establishment in short, become genteel loafer. He rigidly excluded me from all knowledge of his business time enough for that, he said, when he should have passed away. My business was to be pleasure. His greatest delight was to see my name in the papers beside doubtful titles and still more doubtful regulations. Ithink had startled Paris with one of those scandals which furnish gossip for the jackals of society and dozen columns of American reprint he would have been perfectly happy. But somehow my innate American decency kept me from the worst degradation. l went to Paris, green boy, with the bank account of a inancier. 1 was surrounded by para sites who drained my purse and laughed at me. was fattered by women the touch of whose jeweled fingers sent a shudder through me. 1 plunged into dissipation and came out hating myself and all the world, tired, disillusion- ized, believing in nothing, despising men and distrusting women. Doubt less had I been stronger should have passed through the ordeal unscathed. Being only poor Ralph Monckton, l be- came"-he shrugged his shoulders "you have just told me what. -
 He began to pace up and down the SOOlu Wlt1 kll6 l11A and his head bent.
 '" My fathers death called me to the charge of the mines-a sorry farce in- deed! What could the idler of the Paris boulevards know of practical affairs? And why should I have cared to know? I was already too rich, and I had none of the strange ambition which leads men to pile fortune upon fortune. My inheritance was simply a burden winch I was neither willing nor fitted to bear. I employed an overseer to manage the mines, laying single injunction upon him-never upon any account to trou- ble me with business details. Vague rumors of discomfort among the miners came to my ears. paid no attention to them. The employer and employee are natural enemies, and there is al- ways war between them and always will be until the conditions Of life are equalized. That is not my discovery I read it somewhere. I have read a deal of rubbish for an idler. Anyway my overseer, Joyce, assured me that there was no ground for complaint. believed him-it was easier to take his
The Press., 1894-05-17
HIS gnzc met thot of Monckton.

HLS UttZC UtCG uUtt OI MOUCRLOU. motive you attach to my actions. It may, however, help you to comprehend me better if tell you that more than once today have thought of shutting down the mines permanently.
 . The men glanced at each other with startled looks. North laughed again, and now for the first time Monckton showed signs of irritation.
 Instead of which" he said, II have decided to offer you the opportunity of returning to your work that you may support your wives and children. Do not hatter yourself, he turned sharply upon North, that l feel anything but contempt for towards who fight their battles with clumsy, anonymous threats, arson and murder.
 North jumped to his feet excitedly. What do you mean?' he cried. No fine phrases! Put it in plain words. .
 MT. North, "replied the mine owner, with icy sarcasm. you are poor marksman.
 The miner glared at his employer as if he were about to spring upon him, while the remainder of the deputation sat aghast, with open mouths and eyes starting from their heads.
 "I-I"-gasped North in choking voice, 1T will know what you are hint ing at. Do yoa hear? Speak out or
 "Sit down!" The stern tones of the proprietor had an immediate effect up- on the miner in the midst of his wild rage. He dropped into his ch air. breath i1,g heavily. Some one," continued Monckton, "attempted to burn my sta bles last night. Had the attempt been successful two or three human beings, to say nothing of the animals, might have perished.
 And the effigy,' broke in the over seer, who throughout this scene had been performing sort of nervous dance behind his masters chair, don t forget the efigy, sir, with the knife through the breast and the promise to kill us both. and'--
 Monckton raised his hand, and the overseer instantly subsided.
 '"This afternoon, said Monckton, still keeping his gaze riveted upon North's face, as I was riding home ward through lonely part of the road, some one fired at me from ambush. A good shot could have snuffed candle at that distance. AS it was, fortunate ly for me, he was a novice with his weapon and only left the graze which you observe on my temple as a testi- monial of his murderous intent and his bad aim.'
 North raised himself erect in his chair with jerk. And you believe l am the guilty mani" he asked hoarsely. Monckton made no reply, but Joyce, behind his chair, nodded vigorous af- frmation.
 "On my word-on my soul, it is not sol" North cried out passionately. II knew nothing of it. Mates," he added, turning to the others, ''you know am not capable of such villainy."
 The deputation, elderly men for the most part, looked greatly disturbe at the turn the conference had taken. One of them replied to North s appeal.
 "None on us thinks you did it with your own hand, Matthew," he said gravely. "But you have talked rough agin the young master, and there s many a wild spirit among us that would need little urging to do the devil $ work"
 "Well, then," exclaimed North, rendered furious by these signs of de- lection among his own followers, Il did talk rough, as you call it.. did
The Press., 1894-05-17
CHAPTER XII.
A HEATED CONFERENCE.


 As North entered tine apartment with Monckton, and for a moment the two men regarded each other intently, North flushing and paling, with an evil sheer upon his lip, Monckton with that unmoved countenance and perfect self boise which the miner envied and yet hated in him.
 Hitherto, began the proprietor, addressing the men collectively, Il have taken no share in the management of the mines, partly, at least, for the reason that I knew myself to be wholly ignorant of their workings. Certain circumstances, which l need not enter into, have led me to take another view of my duty and responsibil as owner, and from today on shall assume active control, making myself thoroughly ac- quainted both with the interests of my property and the wants of my em- ployees.
 There was a mur1nur of approval among the, men. North, however, re- mained mute and drowning.
 First of all, ,' continued Monckton,
  me and have organized a strike. Here tofore I have given the matter no per- sonal attention, but it has been brought to my knowledge that many of your families are in great destitution, and my chief object in asking you to meet me is to see if we cannot come to some settlement. '' The men glanced at Matthew North, as at their recognized leader, and it was North who replied He spoke in a harsh, peremptory tone, without pretense of deference or conciliation. In com mon with his companions, he believed that the mine owner was simply treat ing for surrender on the best terms possible for himself, and his heart was swollen with bitter triumph. He saw his enemy beaten and humiliated, and he, Matthew North, had accomplished it.
 We have already made our condi- tions," he said. You know what they are. Take them or leave them, as you choose.''
 ,''That is hardly the tone should have expected you to adopt" replied Monckton calmly, considering the state of affairs in the village"
 "No," retorted North contemptu- ously; "you expected us to cringe and crawl like beaten CUTS. You see, mates,'' he added, addressing his com panions, we ought to have presented our petition kneeling. The proprietor may refuse us because we came like men who know our rights and hold the whip hand too. /"
 II do not understand you," said Monckton coldly.
 You do,'' returned North roughly. We have the best of the fight. and you have got to give in. ''
 If you mean that 1 have called you here today" said the mine owner steadily, because feared you or for any other reason than my own sense of right, you are mistaken.
The Press., 1894-05-17
young man turned upon him, frowning

young man turned upon him. frowning, and said:
 ''l am the owner of these mines, Mir. Joyce. If have forg otten the fact too long, do not remind me of it today. If you are prepared to obey my orders, shall be glad to retain your services otherwise -
 Of course. of course. interrupted the factotum hastily; your will must be mine. merely desired to express my views-ahem!-of the situation. .
 Very good, said Monckton quietly. You will send a message to the village and invite the men to conference through their delegates. will return in half an hour. .'
 Appalled, by the marvellous transfer nation in his young master and almost staggering on his legs with alnazement, the overseer departed to execute his or ders
 When the deputation of miners, head ed by Matthew North, was ushered in- to the owners presence by MT. Joyce, they found him seated composedly at the desk, the mark of the would be as- sassin's bullet showing in deep red line upon his white forehead. | The men had come to the conference in visibly defiant mood. They re- garded the summons to conference with their employer as sign of yield ing on his part and were prepared to make the most of their supposed vic tory. They were rather taken aback by the perfect courtesy with which the mine owner received them and deposit ed themselves in the chairs which he ordered placed for them with kind of surly bashfulness.
 Matthew North alone seemed unim- pressed by Monckton's demeanor. A few weeks had wrought direful havoc ] in Matthew's appearance. The ruddy bronze of his complexion had faded tc dull ashen hue, his face was painful | Iy emaciated, and his hollow eyes shone under their heavy brows with gloomy. portentous glow: It was plain that he had suffered as only a man of his violent nature can suffer and had vain | ly fought against the passions that con- sumed him with the whole strength ol his savage pride. His wild love fol Imogene Duke, which he knew to be hopeless, and his bitter hatred and con tempt for the weakling he regarded i both as his persecutor and his success full rival had absorbed all better i'm ! pulses into themselves.
The Press., 1894-05-17

say that the heartiess tyfants who own us workers, body and soul grind us down, degrade us. keep us poor and ignorant, drive our sons into crime and our daughters to shame, take the crust from the mouths of our babes to sup port them in their selfish and ihdolent luxury-I did say such men deserved death. 1 did say it is just before God to defend ourselves with the only power left to us-the strength of our right arms. And 1 say it again, but t'-he struggled to recover his co1nposure as he faced the mine owner-'l lifted no hand against you.
 "The distinction is fine one, re- sponded Monckton impurturbably. You preached murder, but you shrank from committing it yourself.
 North ground his teeth. Take care, he said in a low, menacing voice. Do not tempt me to do the thing am guilt less of now
 "Come, Matthew, lad," interposed one of the men in a soothing tone. We didn't come here to quarrel. We've had wrongs, but l think the master sees them now himself and means to do the fair thing
 North sank back in his chair as if exhausted by his own outbreak.
 II do,' said Monckton seriously. "As have told you, that was my pur- pose in calling this conference. am prepared to do you full justice. MT. Joyce'- to that worthy, who still maintained his post behind the | proprietors chair" these gentlemen | put into your hands, 1 believe, state ment of grievances at the beginning of the strike. Will you produce it?'' With a protesting face, but ready obedience, the overseer placed paper on the desk before the mine owner Monckton's cheek flushed, and he bit his lip as he read it.
 ''I regret that zeal for my interests, :" i he said, "should have led MT. Joyce to 1 reject conditions as Just as these. But ,he blame is wholly mine, and do not seek to excuse myself. Gentlemen" he added, rising, you may begin work to- morrow morning. on the terms here set forth. '
 Something like mufiied cheer broke ' from the deputation, drowning Joyce $ despairing groan and North muttered oath. With beam1ng faces the men tramped heavily out of the room. But North, who went last, turned at the door, and in the momentary glance of his bloodshot eye there were undiminished hatred and dark menace for the enemy whose humiliation he had come to en. joy, but whose calm strength had with. stood his bitterest attack.
 When the miners were gone, Joyce who was utterly overwhelmed and ap palled by the wonderful change in his employer, began a confused tumble ot protest and excuse. But the young man, laying his hand kindly on hiE shoulder, said:
 We have some lessons to learn, my friend We will learn them together. ,
The Press., 1894-05-17
A YOUNG GIRLS FORTUNE.
AN INTERESTING SKETCH.

Nothing appeals SO strongly to 9 mothers affection as her daughter just budding into womanhood. Following is an instance: our daughter, Blanche now 15 years of age haq been terribly afflicted with nervousness ana had lost the entire use of her right arm. She was in such condition that we had to keep her from school and abandon her music les, sons In fact. we feared St. Vitus dance ana are positive but for an invaluable remedy she would have had that terrible Atfiiction; We had employed physicians, butsh received no benefit from them. The first of last August she weighed but a pounds and although she has taken only three bottles of Nervinc she now weighs 1O6 pounds; her nervousness and symptoms of St. Titus dance are entirely gone, she attends school regularly, and studies with comfort and ease. She has recovered complete use of her arm, her appetite is splendid, ana no money could procure for our daughter the health Dr. Miles Nervine has brought her.
 When my brother recommended the rem, ,edy had no faith in patent medicines, ana would not listen to him, but as a last resort he sent us a bottle, we began giving 1t to Blanche, and the effect was almost immedt- ate"-Mrs. R. R. Bullock, Brighton, N. Y;
 ,Dr. Miles Restorative Neryine is sold by all druggists on 9 positive guarantee, or sent direct by the Dr. Miles Medical Co.,, Eikhart. Ind, on receipt of price, G per bottle. SIX bottles for s, express prepaid. It Is positively free from opiates or dangerous drugs.
 Sold by w. D. HEALD.
The Press., 1894-05-17

'ShoaU yo1trself, you coaUar1ly sco1t7tdreLr' gash in his temple, staining his collar and shirt front, he rode on at a gallop, with pale face and sternly compressed lips.
 Arriving at his dwelling, he threw himself from the saddle and rapidly made his way to the overseer's office, where he found that individual in the act of completing letter of portentous dimensions. He arose hastily as his eln- ployer entered and gazed at him with an expression of mortified amazement.
 What is the matter, sir?'' he gasped You are hurt There is blood on your face.''
 Never mind that, t,'' interrupted Monckton curtly. "What have you there?"
 "A letter to the governor, 7 respond ed Joyce, asking for military protec- tion.
 'Give it here." The young proprie- tor glanced through the document, then, to Joyce's unutterable dismay, deliber- ately tore it in two and threw the frag- ments into the wastebasket beneath the desk.
 "I will have no outside assistance in this matter, said his employer coldly. We will settle the trouble ourselves. Summon the committee-North." His pale face grew trifle darker as he spoke the name. That man Matthew North was their spokesman. Let him be sent for. !"
 Joyce stared at the young man aghast. ' But he is the worst of the lot, sir, '' he began, with an incredulous stare, "a regular demagogue and the head of the whole trouble.
 So much the better,,'' responded his employer. He is the man 1 wish to see. ''
 Joyce expostulated He was badly frightened himself, but with company of militia at his back he foresaw the pleasure of overawing the malcontents and repaying them for the threats, to his august person in double measure of humiliation. He therefore contest ed the sudden and unaccountable ex- hibition of will on the part of MT. Monckton with considerable acerbity.
 He was silenced, however. when the
The Press., 1894-05-17

Butcher-What can l send you up to- day, Mrs. Styles? Mrs. Styles--Send up leg of mutton, and be sure it is from black sheep. Butcher--A black sheep ? Mrs. Styles-Yes, we are in mourning, you know
The Press., 1894-05-17

Attached to the electric bells in the rooms of New England hotel: "Press the knob if you want the clerk five times"
The Press., 1894-05-17

Aznt Maria-'Are you sure that MT. Spooner loves you?" Carrie-"I guess you would think so to hear the silly things he says to me-" Aunt Maria-"How do you know you love him?" Carrie-'Be- cause they don't seem silly to me-"
The Press., 1894-05-17

Dr. $. F. Scott, Blue Ridge, Harrison Co.,, Mo-, says: "For whooping cough Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is excel lent" By using it freely the disease is deprived of all dangerous consequences. There is no danger in giving the Remedy to babies, as it contains nothing injurious. % and 50 cent bottles for sale by w. w. Lathrop, Stafford Springs; c. L.Phillips, South Coventry.
The Press., 1894-05-17

"The flowers that bloom in the spring. are not more vigorous than are those per sons who purify their blood with Ayers Sarsaparilla. The fabled Elixer Vitae could scarcely impart greater vivacity to the countenance than this wonderful med | icine.
The Press., 1894-05-17

Persons who sympathize with the ar- flicted will rejoice with D. E. Carr of t23h Harrison street, Kansas City. He is an old sufferer from infammatory rheuma- tism, but has not heretofore been troubled in this climate. Last winter he went up into Wisconsin, and in consequence has had another attack. "It came upon mo again very acute and severe," he said My joints swelled and became inflamed; sore to touch or almost to look at. Upon the urgent request of my mother-in-law tried Chamberlain's Pain Balm to reduce the swelling and ease the pain, and to my agreeable surprise, it did both. l have used three fifty-cent bottles and believe it to be the finest thing for rheumatism, pains and swelings extant." For sale by W. w. Lathrop, Stafford Springs; G.. l.. Phillips, South Coventry.