Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-04

all the men We're equally bad with the para
sites and hangers-on who infested the
vicinity. lived in a state of continual ter
Tor. especially when pay days came around.
Cognizant of all this, Barbara heard the
clamOr with alarm. vague preSentiment
of impending danger to some one near to
her possessed her, and her hand. resting on
the gate, trembied. The crowd appeared to
be forming into line with the object of
marching down the road past the Elwell
house and toward the canal.
From out of the shadow in the other di-
rectiOn two men appeared. talking volubiy
but low, and walking swiftly to the scene
of the uproar. A third followed in a run at
their heels. The latter was little Andy
Cusack. Kirby and Chaplin, who were the
first two. looked with what appeared to be
experimenting intentness at the mob ahead
Of them. Miss Elweil hailed the mannikin
as he approached. 'Mr. Cusack, what is
Cusack pulled up with a jerk. and gazed
questionably at the girl and her escort.
oh" he muttered, as he recognized her.
and turned again to follow the other two
"CUsack, stopr' said Barbara, in we'll
simulated tone of command.
He halted obediently.
what is the matter down there?' she
asked again.
Where? Down there? oh, faint any
thing. 'cept that McDonald's Pets is going
to celebrate the occasion with appropriate
GER monies"
What occasfon?" said Arson, as Cusack
stopped.
The little man blinked absently at the
stranger, and turning to Miss Elwell, said
''Theyr re settin' out to give reception or
somethin like that don't know what-to
Mr.. Imrie for the-whoaD.' He had put
his hand to steady himself against the open
gate, but missed it, and as he tipped over
his stiffened Outstretched arm brought up
against a tree. He struck an attitude, with
one leg crossed before the other, the toe of
one boot dug into the gravel and arm akin
DO. 'Xcuse me-" he said to no one in par
ticular.
The mention of Imrie's name caused the
girl new apprehension What about Mr.
Imrie'?" she asked anxiously
John L.? why. they're COINS to do by
John L. as he won't forget for many a
day." said Cusack. emphasizing his words
HI very often-'xcuse me-" covering his
mouth with his hand" Mess they got
mighty good reason cause they's quiet
men; but John l.. he"
A hiccough interrupted him.
What do you mean? Are they going
to harm him. asked Barbara.
Are they going down to the canal?"
asked Barbara.
"Who? The gang? Sure"
with what intention?"
81 dom know" Then, after a slight
pause. they got the key to the powder
house"
But Cusack, they would not harm Mr.
Imrie would they?"
"They got nothin' particular 'gainst John
l.. or Mac either, but they're desprit with
their wrongs an the llQuOT uOn you see.
He swung about Ike sapIing blown about
in the wind. From down the road the
growl of the assembled workers continued
unabated, its suggestive hideousness effec-
lively verifying the tenor of Cusacks re-
marks.
ooh, what do they intend to do to him?"
said Barbara.
II don't know. Throw dynamite sticks
at him Mess he sees EN- first"
She emitted a frightened little "Ohr' and
Cusack observed with satisfaction that his
efforts had been to some purpose.
"And you, Andy Cusack," she said, "are
of his danger? Oh, can't you do some
thing?"
law, lady, don talk that way" said
Cusack in grieved tone. "John L. knows
better'n anybody I wouldn't lay a hand
'gainst him or the company If it wasn't for
the good of the cause. But l run down an
got Kirby an Chapin-that's them that just
went up. Did You see nan me an
| Kirby an Chaplin is goin to try to persuade
'em different. It's no easy job, though,
| tell you. an II we can't persuade 'em we
all got 10 stick together an go with the
crowd"
DO you mean to say you are not going
| to warn him.
please, miss" said the little man plain
| lively, you can see how it is. I can't be a
traitor to the laborin' man. Well, III be
goin'. So long"
He gathered himself together and pushed
| Looking up the street they saw that the
mob had started, and the noise sounded
nearer. Barbara thought of Imrie alone in
their power. She knew he was always in
! the Office late on pay night, helping the
bookkeeper close the pay rolls. He would