Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-08-04
ROCKVILLE. MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING. AUGUST A. 1899.
HIS FRIENDS CRIME.

Niiiabo III MISUNDERSTANDING.
The girl was known by young and old
In the colliery district as Our Milly"
and Our Lassle," and she was looked
upon almost as the property of the va
rious pits
That she had many suitors was not
to be wondered at, but only two out OF
them all received any encouragement
from her. One was the local preacher,
the other was the young man who
played the harmonium at the chapel,
and who was looked upon as musical
genius in the district.
1t was Millys 18th birthday, and 1t
happened to be a Monday day on
which most GOLFERS do not work Milly
had received numerous little presents
from her various admirers, which she
had strewn on the kitchen table, before
which she sat contemplating them with
a beaming face.
man was coming toward the cot
tage-it was the miner preacher.
Milly received him with signs of
pleasure. She showed him the various
articles on the table, expatlating on the
kindness OF those from whom she had
received them.
81, too have a present for you, MIL
ly," the young man said presently, as
he took out of his pocket little mo-
took Milly's hand and placed the ring
upon her engagement finger.
you and have loved each other a
long time now, Milly." he continued. II
should have asked you to allow me to
do this before. but 1t was only this
morning heard that was to be made
an overseer. So now we shall be able
to keep house."
Milly tried to stop him more than
once, but he paid no attention to her.
Morgan" she said at last, you are a
good fellow. and like you, and am
glad to hear you have got the rise at
the pit, hope we shall always be
friends; but | cannot marry you-Da-
vld Is to be my husband-that was set
tied last night between him and my
father"
For whole month Morgan kept
away from the pit. in consequence Of
which he lost his preferment.
One day, few hours after the pits
had commenced work, Morgan came to
Milly looking very pale.
DO not be frightened" he said, but
David has met with an accident-a
slight accident He had been exploring
a used-up pit where he thought there
was seam of coal that could be got
at. He had uncovered lot OF stun
and found the seam. He took me down
this morning to see 1t.
while stripping some OF the surplus
a lump of coal fell across his leg. He
has lost a little blood, and is resting.
He thought If you would bring down a
bandage or two we might set him right
between us. You see he does not want
any one to know OF his discovery Just
yet SO you must not hint to any one
of IT,"
Milly went with Morgan Immediate
ly. He led her to the pit, which was In
a very out OF the way place.
Milly entered. Morgan Immediately
followed and closed door behind him
"a door rudely made, but strong. Then
he told Milly that David was not hurt
at all, and that he had brought her to
this place in order to tell her that he
could not live without her, and that he
might make her promise to marry him.
He tried persuasion and threats in
vain, and at last left her. telling her
that he would call each day with food
and for her reply.
He went back to his work in the pit
at once, making excuses for his abb
sence He had hardly commenced to
ply his pick when tremendous explo-
sion took place. All the outlets from
the mine were completely blocked.
Morgan found himself in the dark, ly-
ing PROSTATE on his back, with a guam
tity OF coal upon him. Each hour
seemed as though II were day. What
would she do for food? Again and
again he shrieked, his mind overcome
with horror. At last a voice answered
his cries. 1t was the voice OF David.
II did not take him long to remove
some OF the fallen coal and extricate
Morgan.
And then for five dreary days they
remained prisoners In the darkness.
At last the time came when Morgan
was 80 faint that he could hardly move.
Dayld's strength, meanwhile, had kept
up wonderfully, and he did all he could
to cheer Morgan. The latter, who used
to pray and preach 30 much. had now
not one prayer TO offer. David could
not comprehend this.
why don't you pray, Morgan?" he
asked.
81 can't" came family from Morgan's
dying lips.
"Is there anything on your mlnd?"
There is-Milly."
In spasmodic tones, with long pauses,
constantly Interrupted by ordinations
OF horror from David. Morgan told how
he had inveigled Milly into the old pit
and had imprisoned her 30 that she
could not possibly escape, and left her
only food enough for one day.
II was a terrible story to hear In that
dark vault, without a CLEAN OF light or
a clear hope OF escape. The story was
hardly finished when, with a shout as
savage az that OF wild beast deprived
Of It's mate, David sprang up and seized
the dying man. He lifted him in his
arms with the intention OF dashing him
down again.
Suddenly a CLEAN OF light appeared
In a far corner. Milly herself entered
the cave. David became powerless and
dropped Morgan at his feet.
Mllly had not been long In her prison
when she escaped. She had heard OF
the explosion. and since then. by day
and by night, for many hours at time,
she had travelled through all the old
mines, searching for a passage to the
exploded one. She was Just In time to
save her lover from the crime OF muir
der. Morgan, however, did not live
many hours longer.