Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-04-24

A little 8fter noon the Btorm ciehreS
up, and Robert prepared to 60 down t.
the shops. Clara had not yet come out
| Of her stupor. The doctor had called
and done what he could. There was
nothing In particular that Mr.. Hardy
could do In the case, 80 he went out
about o'clock and entered bis office
at the shop. hoping as he went In tina,
be would have no trouble with the
men.
Mr.. Burns reported everything quiet,
and the manager. with sigh Of relief
proceeded with the routine duties OF
the business Nothing Of any special
interest occurred through the after
noon. The storm had ceased entirely,
and the sun had come out clear and
warm. People were clearing OF the
walks. and the ringing Of sleigh bells
was distinct IN the Office. even over the
incessant hum Of the big engine.
Toward 3 o'clock one OF Mr.. Hardy's
old friends. an officer Of the road, came
In and said there was a general move
msnt on foot through Barton to hold q
monster mass meeting In the town hall
for the benefit Of the sufferers, both In
the railroad accident and In the explo-
sion OF the Sunday before In the shops.
II was true the company would settle
for damages, but In many cases
through Barton the adjustment Of
claims would not be made until much
suffering and hardship had been en-
dured.
There was a common feeling on the
part Of the townspeople that n meet
Ing for public conference would result
In much good, and there was also, as
has been the case In other large hor-
rors. n craving TO relieve the strain Of
feeling by public gathering and con-
sultation.
"Can you come out to the meeting.
Hardy?" asked his friend.
Mr.. Hardy thought minute and re-
piled, "Yes; think can" Already
an idea had taken shape in his mind
which he could not help feeling was
Inspired by God.
might be a good thing II yol could
come prepared to make some remarks.
find there is disposition on the part
OF the public to charge the road with
carelessness and mismanagement."
"I'll say word or two" replied Mr..
Hardy. and after brief talk on busi-
ness matters his friend went out.
Robert Immediately sat down to his
desk. and for an hour. interrupted on
~ by an occasional item OF business
brought to him by his secretary, he jot-
ted down copious notes. The thought
which had come TO him when his
friend suggested the meeting was this:
He would go and utter message that
burned within him, a message which
the events Of the past few days made
imperative should be uttered. He went
home absorbed In the great idea. He
had once In his younger days been IA
nous for his skill In debate. He had
no fear OF his power TO deliver mes
sage OF life at the present crisis In his
own. He at once spoke OF the meet
Ing to his wife.
"Mary, what do you say? know ev-
cry minute Is precious. ! owe to you
and these dear ones at home a very
sacred duty, but no less, II seems to
me, Is my duty to the society where |
have lived all these years, doing literal
ly nothing for Its uplift toward God,
who gave US all life and power. ! feel
as II he would put message into my
mouth that would prove blessing TO
this community. II seems TO me this
special opportunity Is proyidential"
Robert" replied his wife, smiling at
him through happy tears, "it Is the will
Of God. Do your duty as he makes 1t
clear To you"