Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-06
Christian Stewardship.
BY CHARLES M. SHELDON
COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY ccNGREGArIoNAL
 AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PUBLISHING SOCIETY

The union had been for several weeks in 8 condition bordering on dis | solution. Eric had found that out some | time before he was confronted with | the fact of his own loss of power. He knew that the end was very near. The | entire effect of the evenings event so far tended to break down what remain ed of the union. Stuart could see the | end coming. He sat back against the 1 wall, forgotten by the leaders and their men as the talk went on. There were several fiery appeals for carrying out the original plans of destroying the mines. The crowd swayed all over the room as one and another from the floor as we'll as from the platform spoke. Fiji nally the end came in a rush. A great, shambling figure, DO less than our old friend Sanders, who had been charged by the doctor with getting cod liver oil ! from the diSpensary wherewith to grease his boots, rose and in q voice that in spite of its being perforated with spasmodic coughs was easily heard made a motion that the strike be declared off.
 A pandemonium started in with the debate on this motion. The crowd out side caught the news, and it maddened the mob. There was q great rush for the hall entrance. The chairman inal- ly put the motion as yells of "Ques- tion.' Question" rose on every side, and it carried by a two-thirds vote. Instantly the men in the hall started to rush into the street and were met at the hall entrance by the yelling crowd trying to get in. For several minutes there was q tremendous struggle, but gradually the crowd outside, as it learn ed of the action of the union leaders, gave way. and when ore of the most prominent men in the De Mott range put the question, standing on the steps of the courthouse at the corner, the ma jority of the voices yelled "Aye"' to the question declaring the strike off. There was no accounting for this to Stuart's mind except by the fact that all along the men had grown more and more tired of the strike and had really been waiting for some one to make the break. Then they followed like sheep, and in less than ten minutes the union was past history.
 A few of the disaffected men that night, infamed with drink and mad at the close of the strike, went up to the Queen mine, determined to pull up the pumps and destroy as much as possi- ble, but the troops had already antici- pated such an attempt and in skir- miSh with the miners drove them back, no one. however, being killed and only a few heads broken with clubs and ore missiles. Stuart did not know of this until the next day, and the doctor help ed mend the broken heads, grumbling as he did so and declaring with each new case that it was positively the very last he would attend.
 Stuart came out into the street feel ing that his part of the evenings work had been very Insignificant. He had, in fact, been almost ignored in the ex citement and had sat silent spectator of the affair. He was calm enough to realize that the doctors abrupt state ment. combined with the great love the miners had for him, had a great deal to do With the way the matters were being shaped. The crowd still remained in the, streets, but it was broken up in- to groups, discussing the situation and wondering what the owners would do now.
 Stuart was standing by the doctors cutter, waiting for him to return, when man touched him on the arm, He turned, and there stood Eric. He had run nearly all the way from Champion, but Stuart did not know that.
 ''Eric!' cried Stuart
 'I got here just in time to be of no use,'' said Eric gloomily Then he add p6 VCi hurt?"
 No. There has been no disturbance. You've heard that the strike Is declared off? How did you come over?'
 ''Hes, I heard the news quick enough I came on foot. I will never trust q crowd again. I thought I knew these men. l would have sworn nothing could prevent their pulling up the pumps tonight. That shows how little have really known them.''
 We thank the doctor for the way things have turned. You never heard such talk as he gave the men"
 NO, and you never will again." said the doctor as he came up and began to unite Ajax. Ut was my first and will be my last on the stage. I wouldn't have gone up this time only I wanted to tell the good for nothing lot of them what fools they are. I seldom have such chance to say so to as large a number of them at once. Come on. Going back to Champion with me, Stuart!"
 Wait q minute, doctorr cried Stuart. He drew Eric off one side. Erie, you came over on purpose to share the danger with me. I know what it means" Erie did not answer "You are not feeling the injustice of the men toward you. Don't let it make you bitter. The cause is the same!' Still Erie was silent. Wont you go back with us? The doctor can make room."
 s.No; I'll stay over here with some friends. I'll be back tomorrow" Eric replied as If with an effort
 Stuart laid a hand on his shoulder. Erie" he said simply. .''I love you.''
 Erie choked. In the darkness q tear rolled down over his cheek. He turned away and walked into the street, and :