Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-03-14
CHAPTER III.
THE PETITION.

Miss Imogene Dukes curiosity as to the new proprietor was not speedily gratifed. Ralph Monckton remained secluded in his dwelling, and though, as boy, before his long stay abroad, he had known the few families of the better class ill 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, q burly. square jawed, grim looking person of the name of Joyce, whom he had picked up somewhere on hhe other side and brought home with him. Joyce ap- peared to be invested with absolute au- thority, and his narrow. tyrannical na- ture and ovcrbcaring manner soon won him the i'll will of every man connected with the mines. He proved himself a merciless slave driver, and tine discon- tent which the severe rule of the elder Monckton had aroused among the em- ployees grew daily in intensity, and though for the time restrained smol- dered beneath the surface. ready to burst into devourlng flame 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 group Cf them on the road and in return to their respectful salutatior had stared at them through his eyeglass without oth- CT response, q circumstance which did nothing toward sOftening the dislike he shared with his overseer.
 One afternoon three weeks after Monckton's arrival Miss Duke, return ing from her regular daily ride, ob- served a group of workrnen gathered about the main gate of the MOnckton mansion. Among them she recognized Matthew North. whose flushed face and glittering eyes betokened i'll restrained anger. The girl pulled up her horse at the outskirts of the crowd and lis tened. The overseer, Joyce. was speak ing evidently i'll reply to some demand on the part ot the miners.
 II tell you no!'' he said in a harsh, peremptory tone The mine is safe enough as 1t 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 a disaster himself say they can hear the water behind the head wall in Ten Foot Drive, and that it will surely break through. 4 stout bulkhead of heavy plank '--
 II tell you no, for the last time, = in terrupted Joyce, still more harshly, ''the Ten Foot Drive is going> to stay as it is"
 Twill you not at least lay our re- quest before Mir. Monckton?' asked North, his broad chest heaving in his effort to retain his self control.
 II 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 warning"
 II have heard enough" retorted the overseer roughly. And take notice, you, Matthew North, I've my eye on you for mischief maker. Mind what you are about, or it will be the worse for you.
 North's lips parted to give vent to a wrathful answer when he caught sight of Imogene Duke sitting upon her horse, an attentive observer of what was go- 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 is nothing more to do here"
 Muttering among themselves, but obedient, the men moved off, 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, "and