The Bryan daily eagle. (Bryan, Tex.) 1895-1898, 1898-06-14
STRIKE AT CORDELIA.

The morning was one Of tie Cirest
that ever rose over the rocky head OF
Old Mount Ben: but 1a,Sas net the
beauty Of the morning Itch brought
Mark Matthews out SO irly. striding
over the rough stones 81 II he trOd on
velvet. ~
Ther. would be no wet in life for
him unless he found a way out Of that
days perplexitles. and where the way
lay perhaps heaven knew. Mark
didn't
How hard he had worked TO make
his venture in the Cordelia silver mine
success nobody knew but himself
and now to be so near success. aud yet
TO loose It through the obstinaey Of
few pig-headsd miners,
II was too bad. really Il was
Mark walked on with compressed lips
and flashing eyes. as near desperate al
eool-headed man ever gets TO be
bound not to give up. yet not knowing
how TO help II. Suddenly turning
craggy point. he saw. little ahead OF
him. a slight figure in a blue Bingham
dress and bic white hat. He did not
care 10 meet even her just then; but
she heard his step. and. looking round
with bright color and pleasant
smile. she waited for him.
why. Mark. good morning." she
cried. as he came up.
Good morning, Susie. You are out
early"
mo, earlier than you, II seems. What
is the matter, Mark?'
How do you know there is anything
the matter?"
1T isn't hard to see. Tell me-
mo. child. II would DO no good Il
worry you"
There! stop. Mark" her hand on
his arm. her bright eyes reading his
face. DO you see that little house
down ia the valley yonder?"
Mine? Yes. Susie"
DO you ever expect me to 80 there
as lis mistress7"
Mark wiped the drops from his brow
as he answered In tones Of pain:
God knows It has been my dearest
hope for months past, dear girl!'
We'll. Mark. II / were there. you
would tell me all your troubles. Can't
you do II now?'
She waited an instant. and as he did
not speak. she added:
Il know H. anyway. What are the
men doing now, Mark"
Nothing That's Il. Sue"
Have you sold out to the Denver
men?"
Sold? No! Think they will risk
II, unless | can show them the silver
Oh, Suel Sue! It Is hard TO be 80 near
making a fortune and then lose H.
when you know to a certainty that thir-
ty-siX hours more OF hard work would
show you were right" and Mark fairly
shook with suppressed excitement
Susie again laid her hand gently on
his arm and drew close TO his side as
she said:
Make me understand It all. dear
Mark; surely have a right. you
know
He caught her hand and wrung it
hard. as he groaned:
Would TO God you had never seen
me. ehildl"
Il am glad have seen you. Mark.
very quietly. Tell me what ask
please"
Il will tell you, Sue. But Il will dc
no good. You know that some OF the
experts say the Cordells will never
pay"
Eyes. I've heard &C"
But | say IL will know Il will
There Is a richer vein hidden there
than has ever been struck In this re-
gion. We only want 20 find IL. The Den
yer company think as do. and II can
only show them the proof they viii
buy at my own price. Then, Susie
then We might be happy. oh. Lord"
Hush, Mark! We viii be happy II
you can be brave and patient"
'oh. Sue, have beenl have beenl'
Il know II, poor boyl"
But, Sue. have had to pay my men
big wages for digging where they had
so little faith. and It has exhausted
my capital. Lately they have believed
in the mine. and have worked on my
promise 10 pay when they struck ore
All this is no news to you. But yes
terday they threw down the picks and
refuse 10 strike a lick more unless
pay them their back wages. cant get
more men. and the Denver company
will be here day after tomorrow.
know. know 70 the wretches would
work We should strike the lead belog,
that time. Great God, could almost
tear the mine open with my OEl