Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-09-12
THE MINERS DAUGHTER.
a Story of a Tragedy and a Romance
in Northeast Missouri.


in Northeast Missouri.
why, what is the matter?" AS he
spoke the young, rich and handsome
William Morris reined in his horse and
gazed at a group gathered under a
great elm tree not far from the road
where he was travelling among the
coal mines of Macon county, in the
state of Missouri.
But loud as was his tone, it was un-
heard by the terrOr-Stricken miners,
and nobody answered the question.
Il fear something terrible has hap
pened," he said half audibly.
The next moment piteous wall
smote his ear and he dashed forward.
In another instant he had again
stopped, and bending from the saddle,
he asked:
lis anybody hurt?'
YES" replied a sturdy miner, dOf-
fing his hat. Poor Bob Jones fell
through a place where your superin-
tendent was going to fix some kind of
new machine for raising coal. When
we took him up we thought he was
dead, but since we got him out of the
mine he's showed signs Of life
Il will go to him." exclaimed the
mine owner, and springing to the
ground he hurried through the crowd
of miners gathered about.
There, ON the green Sward, lay tall,
muscular man, but the athletic frame
was fearfully mangled, and the blood
was flowing from a wound on his fore
head over his sooty face, while the
dark, thick hair, which had been
swept from the cash, was stained with
gore His head was pilloWed in the
lap of little girl, who was weeping
as though her heart would break.
Jones, Jonesr' cried the mine
owner, as he knelt beside the faithful
collier. do you know me?'
The eyes of the dying man turned
toward the speaker with a gaze which
thrilled every heart.
'Mister-MiSter Norris" lie gasped
family.
STAND backr' he shouted. GIVE
the man fresh air.
Air" echoed the miner. ut will
be of no use In a few minutes | shall
be dead man. l know the extent of
my wounds, Mr. Norris"
mo, no-oh, no." shouted the little
girl who was supporting the poor
Golfers head, 1--WE won't let you die
father. They have sent for a doctor
He will help ycu-I know he will"
At this juncture the physician who
had been summoned appeared, but he
looked very grave as he bent over the
sufferer.
what do you think of him?'
queried Mr.. Morris anxiously.
There Is no hope. sir, He is dying
Then turning to the miner, hl
added:
If you have anything to say, my
good man, say it quick"
jones' exclaimed the mine owner
you saved my life once. l wish
could do something to save yours
Thank you! Thank you, sir.
don't think of myself-no, sir. For a
year have tried to live at peace with
STOu anu HAL, Dul L CduuOI ISIp lullih
ing of my dear little girl here"
He laid his feeble hand on bel
bowed head and continued:
shes all l have, sir. She Will II
very lonely when I am gone. IN N!
dea.a hour l commit her to you, Mr.
Morris. viii you take her?''
Yes" said Morris. Yes. l vii
protect her"
God bless YOU" said Jones. NOV
can die in peace"
He broke off suddenly and appeared
70 lose himself for time n the FAN
tastes of a wandering brain, but a
last he looked up and, meeting hi
child's gaze, whispered:
kiss me, kiss me, Jennie! 1t grow.
dark. Where are you? Strang
sounds ring in my ears. The angel
are waiting for the poor miner-sucl
angels as you and me read about il
the "Pilgrim's Progress"
The next moment he was dead: h
who had been so strong of arm and s
stout of heart; he, the Hercules of tn
mine-and his child lay sobbing on hi
pulseless breast.
Little girl" said the mine-owne
softly, your father has given you
me. Come and let me comfort you"
There was something in his vote
which fell gratefully on the ear of tn
little mourner, and, starting, sh
looked with deep earnestness at he
new protector. He was a fine spec
men of young and noble manhood
His figure was above the medium
height and characterized by mani
grace. The expression of his mout
had softened to a woman's tenderness