The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1900-02-27

was handler with the tongue than with
the pen. She heard from her parents
at rare intervals, but III their letters
there was naturally no reference TO jim.
as she had old them nothing Of that
incident in her life. So the weeks
passed until six months were over.
The expected payment did not begin
from that date, she must wait, Power
said until trade WAS better-six months
or nine had been his words. She should
think herself lurky for having clothes
and free keep and a friend like his part
uer TO show her the world. At the end
Of the nine months she asked again and
was pu off. But Maggie's idea Of Q con
tract was very simple, AMI h bad much
too strong 4 spirit 10 give IN tancly 20
a superior power. She pressed-lnslSted,
Power Sluffed, wheedlcd. and ragged by
turns. When she found that 10 adj
vantage was gained she determined to
appeal - Riordan.
One evening she had been to his moth
er'S house 10 eat; afterwards he o
Ter for L sail OF the Lougn. II was as
they walked back together that she
spoke.
Mister Rior1an," she said. may ast
y q question::
10 lie sure, Maggie.
Its nine months now sine | KEN
here an al the end OF six or nine | was
promised scma money.
Quite right-an' haven't sc got it,
Not a %pinny," she said.
y. say that" He stopped short fol-
Il moment; then walked on slowly with
bent brows.
i spoke 70 uncle. an he put me aft
agin. / thought maybe we'd see I'M
through Wild it. Mister I;iordan. Az
coorse. il I'm worth 10 pay, III lave an
welcome"
The ovid blagydrd," Riordan nut
tered under his breath.
:Yc see" she went on, 4 want to take
a look AT me own people. an I'll! w
money I'm tied here like 4 dog to F.;
gate
Maggie. ye.H have VERY penny y
were promised for the last three month
tomorrer. On me soul. | thought ye,'
had it"
Maggie did not grasp the full meanin!
Of this: she only though there had beer
some mistake. An. thank We, Nlste
Riordan,' She said. flushing with pleas
ire.
"Ay an if I've my way ye shall hay
more-all I've got, bedad, and We ca
live away from the ovid man
Am | worth more%' she asked.
"Ye're worth all Il man can give ye
Maggie. Sure. if yc1l have me yell neV
or go near the shop a@in- I'm yours fo
the takin, child. and that's Gods truth!
The meaning Of it rushed upon ne
Ike a black mist. Her heart sickenec
Och. not that she cried. There
q boy at home who's waltin az me. n
- - ~, r-,,~r,,,' 70 SaQ''
I,iordan took the blow like a mai
After a moments siIerce he lifted HI
head and laid a hand or her shoulder,
If that's So" he said. I'm done
and not another word III say
Maggie smiled 1t him through tears.
"Ye'rc a good man.. she said, a
God bless We
, That night Riordan returned with he
10 the shop, where Power WAS II h
usual work with the books. Nagg'
went to bed and slept more happil
) than she had done since the Worl
: had changed TO her. But all night II Il
. tile counting house Frank Power stoo
at bay. until at last. stripped bare Of !.
II ing and subterfuge, his partner saw III
r for what he was-a SWindlcr and q THE
but Riordan. in his anger. let Slip
D word ot his love for Maggie.
After breakfast, just before the day
business commenced, Riordan called h
9 aside and Slipped a packet into h
o hand.
o That's the money" be said: :,
h may 60 whin ye like"
+ "Tcday:"
I "Whin yc like he repeated.
And wliin must / be back, Mist
Il Riordan:"