The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1897-04-08
THE TRAGEDY OF "R0CK
FASTER"


their scythes, and occasionally the
melodious staccato kept time. But
they did not look at each other.
When a distant whistle announced
that it was O'Clock, they shouldered
their scythes and went bone to sup
per.
John Sinclair's wife had prepared
the evening meal. The kitchen in
which they ate was large and airy.
The women cooked in the back room
When the men appeared at the kite b
en- door, Johns wife brought in from
the back room a dish OF smoking lot
beans and pot Of fragrant coffee.
The meal was silent one.
William Sinclair's wife appeared
nervous and her hands trembled i.
| There was blue pallor to her wrinkl
ed face and q staring expression about
her eyes, owing to the prominence of
their white iris. The faxen haired
child at the foot of the table now and
then made complaining request, but
his mother kept silencing him in an
undcrtOne The entire family seem
ed subdued by the undercurrent Of
| feeling between the two men.
Both men ate rapidly and voraci-
ously, as if they were seeking in ply
sical qualification solace for mental
disturbance When the meal was fin
Ished, the young man took milk
pail from side table and went across
the road to the barnyard, where a
group of patient cows were waiting,
at the bars opening into the COW lane.
While he was milking, his father
came out Of the house and sat on the
doorstep. There was a decision in his
eyes and his lips moved as If framing
a whispered sentence. When his son
returned with the milk pail, the elder
man crooked his forefinger and beck
oned to him. His son nodded.
Back in minute" he murmured.
Young Mrs Sinclair was clearing
away the supper dishes.
Where are You going, john" she
asked, as her husband set down his
milk pail upon the table and turned
to tie door
Ter hewitt ort with father, l s'pose,"
he replied.
She hastily set down the dish in her
hand and followed him as far as the
door.
BE calm, John. He's father" she
whispered, Her voice was mellow and
soothing, but he did not seem to hear
her.
"Well, father" said he, standing in
front of his parent with folded arms.
The old man looked up and their eyes
met The old man glared fiercely, but
the young mans gaze was stClid and
determined.
well, father" he repeated. The
Adams apple at the old mans throat
bnlged out in his efforts to speak calm
ly,
well, John. I've given you "a
hours ter think cut, Tn OF the same
mind as | hev bin. Ez | said ter you
las night, abide bynow. Rock pas
ter was willed ter you by your Granth
er Sinclair, n O course its legally
yourn, but eff you choose ter sell any
o the Sinclair prop'ty out O the FAM
ly ter help thet Soc Brittain's family,
why you can take yoX own family
N move long over ter Joe Britain 81
There was a slight movement OF the
curtain at the sitting room window.
John Sinclair caught a glimpse of a
pale, old face and he shifted uneasily
as he replied
Father, I'm goin' ter move my
family, eff you will hev it SO. You
know how feel bout Tommie Brit
tain. Five years ago he worked for
rs in hayin' time n we allowed him
to ride the horserake behind the bay
mare, although We knew no man was
safe near the creeter. Tommy was
thrown N injured, N now they say
thet the great doctors down ter Bos
ton can cure bim You know thet
Father Britain can't help him ter
money"
Father Brittainw Kissed the old
man. John Sinclair redeemed.
'Yis, Father Britain he continued.
He can't help him. nj feel it's my
duty ter do something for the boy. l
know how much you think + having
things in the family n how you hate
ter hev' prop'ty spent for those thet's
outside o your own flesh and blood.
You've bin good father ter me-or
at least think You hev' bin: but I've
| worked hard for you n l don't feel
thet I'm robbing you in the least in
selling piece o the Sinclair propty
fer good purpose"
Good purpose" sneered the old
man, jumping to his feet. i do not
call it a good purpose, John, ter help
| thet shif'less BrittaiR family. The
Brittains wair on the town when your
great granther wair selec-man here.
| tol'rated your marrying inter the
family on mothers account, but Iii
not give in a second time. The Sin
clair pocket book shell not open for
sech as they"
His voice had grown high and rau-
cous; but the young man replied in
the same slow, even tones. He spoke
tritie lower. that was ALL
Father, I'll nCt hear ny wife's fam
| ly talked bout. Dora's bin a good
daughter ter you. forbid you heap
ing any insults on her
Two fanged teeth cleaned IN the
ugly smile on the old mans face. DO
ra's a capable gal, John, I'll admit
thet: but you might hev picked from
better breed"
The slew tempered young mar
started suddenly and his fists Were
clencked The curtain at the window
huttered. Two women rushed out o.
, tho door aud Johns wife seized hin
by the arm.
John. Johnw she demonstrated
> If it's your wife thet your father ha:
. made you angry bout, don't mind
, III not hev' you insulted," he yell
2 ed, I'll take you n the boy away ter
: morrer."
r Ssh h h, John. Think o mother"
The big veins had swollen out ik,
| L 4 L II