The Press., 1894-05-31
THE TEN FOOT DRIVE.
By CHARLES LoTIN H1LDRETH.
tCopyright. 1894, by American Press Associa- . .s-- t.N finn.
CHAPTER XVIII.

dE to OON
 The same afternoon, despite the hor rified protests of Mir. Joyce, Monckton rode out alone, for the first time since his recovery from the injuries received at the mines. On his return, when not far from home, a pathetic figure attract ed his attention. It was that of q small, elderly woman. clad in poor. old fash toned, but exquisitely neat attire, la boring slowly along with the aid of a stick. As Monckton approached she raised her faded eyes, and perceiving a horseman within few paces of her tot tered back and seemed about to fall. The young man sprang from his saddle and hurried to her assistance.
 "You are ill.," he said solicitously, ''too ill to be out alone. Observing a flat stone at the roadside, he supported her to it. ''So, rest your head against the tree. Now you feel better. don't you2'
 "Thank you kindly, young gentle man, ? sighed the woman. "1'm poor afflicted body, sir, and the walk from the village has been too much for me. It is weary half mile yet to the mas ter's house.
 "You are going to visit some one at MT. Monckton's 1 am riding that way myself, and if you will rest here mean while l will send the person to you. y
 ''Thank you truly, sir, but my er- rand is with the young master himself if he will receive me-"
 You wished to see me?' said the mine owner in surprise. ''l am MT. Monckton.
 The woman started violently and fee ply drew away from him. "The young masterl' she ejaculated in faint, cracked voice. ''l hulnbly beg you to excuse me, sir, but my nerves are that bad. My son, Matthew, sir" "--
 You are Mrs. North?'' he said, with 8 disagreeable impression. Did your son send you to me, madam?'
 Bless you, no," replied the woman, with startled air. "If Matthew knew of my coming to you, he would be angry with me for the first time in his life, for, though Matthew is masterful and has will of his own, he is the best of sons.'
 "No doubt," said Monckton curtly. But you had something to say to me, madam. Speak freely"
 II beg you to excuse me, sir,' she faltered, clasping and unclasping her heshless fingers in miserably agitated fashion. II had it all in my mind, clear and plain, but now, some way'-she paused, rocking her body to and fro, murmuring inarticulately. He used to be such a fine, bold, fresh colored lad, full of laugh and talk and projects. That was before you came, sir. Then, all on a sudden, he changed. He wouldn't eat, and he couldn't sleep. He's that wore away it would break your heart to see. And, ohl"-she burst into sudden fit of weeping-"l want him back, my big, strong. merry boy!"
 And you think the change in your son is in some way due to my presence here?" asked the proprietor mildly.
 Ut is just that she repl1ed, with a sort of keffrontery. "Oh, my good young gentleman, you are rich and handsome and consort with princes and the powers of earth-you have so much and he has nothing! Pray, pray be gen. erous and go away"
 ''Is that all?' said Monckton in amazement. ''Is there any other trife you would care to ask?'
 The woman hung her head, and faint color, like the hue of wintry sunset on cloudy day, tinged her ash en cheek. You are pleased to joke, sir." she quavered. "but it is life or death with us.
 But, my dear lady, expostulated Monckton, what you ask is unreason- able. Can't you see that it is? Do you really expect me to give up the control of my property and abandon my home simply because your son has taken it into his head to hate meI 1t is true there were wrongs and mistakes on my part, and up to certain point North was right. But have already granted all that was demanded, and the respect able portion of the men are at work again. Many of those honest fellows are in danger of their lives at this mo- ment because your son and his rabble refuse to allow me to provide for their safety. If anything happens to them, the blame will rest upon his shoulders. :" The woman had made feeble attempts to interrupt him several times while he was speaking, and she now said: But, my good gentleman, you don't under stand. It is not the mines; it is her. ' - MOnCktOn hit his lin sSDo von fhinE