Gilpin observer., 1901-02-14

The strike was In the same condition
as when 1t began. The different mine
owners at Cleveland had conferred to-
gether and were united in their deter
mination not to yield to the demand for
higher wages. Stuart had been asked
to come down to a conference to be
held in the city that week. He expect
ed to leave the next day. AS he stood
looking out at the stock covered hills
he knew that crisis we rapidly ap-
preaching and that within the next few
days events would be precipitated that
would leave their mark upon his whole
life. He was not a coward, and that
was the reason he could not run away
from the situation. The interests of
the mines at Champion were all in his
hands, but the other mines on the up
per and lower ranges were involved
with his in the general strike. He was
not at full liberty to act alone. Be-
sides, the men had within week form
ed a union and would not treat with
the separate mine owners. Insisting
that the companies must recognize the
union as n whole.
Meanwhile matters were coming to
crisis very fast Stuart clinched his
hands tightly and bit his lips nervously
as he turned again from the window
and paced the room. He was worth
more than $2.OOO0OO in his own right,
and yet the possession of the money
caused him little real pleasure. With
all the rest lie was having an inward
nf oJrnotiop tou-ot nd IN on.
tire problem. And he could not avoid
the feeling that before the week was
gone lie might come face to face with
the greatest fact Of his life.
! As lie stood there thinking 1t all over
| the bell rang. and one of the servants
came and said that Eric was at the
door. Stuart went himself out into the
hall.
Come in, Eric" he said quietly.
Eric came in, and the two men shook
hands silently. Since Ross Duncan's
! death these two had met several times.
and 1t seemed as If the old family re-
lation between them might be possible
again. There was, however, still q
serious barrier caused by the condi-
tions that surrounded the two men.
u came up this morning." began
Eric, with his usual d!rectness, 'to tell
you that the men want you to speak
to them at the park today at noon"
Stuart was surprised. Il thought
the men would not admit any one to
the speaking stand except those of
their own number"
] "They haven't so far. You are the
only one. or you will lie if you come to
the meeting today"
"What do the men want" Stuart
asked the question not feeling just sure
that he cared to 60.
Eric did not reply Immediately. He
seemed to be waiting for Stuart to say
something more.
! Stuart sat looking at Eric with that
quiet gaze peculiar to him. do the
men want me to make a speech on the
situation?"
II do not know just what they ex-
pect They simply voted to ask you
to come this noon. 1t may be an op-
portunity for a settlement
Eric spoke slowly. Stuart suddenly
rose and went over and put hand on
his old acquaintance's shoulder.
Eric" he said, while n sad smile
crossed his face and died out in its
usual thoughtful quiet, doesn't 1t seem
strange to you that we should be max
ing so much out of such an affair as
difference of few cents more for n
days work? Is life worth having If it
must be spent in serious quarrels over
such little matters"
do you call this a little matter?"
Eric spoke almost bitterly. And then
he added bluntly. "A few cents day
may be little to a man who has plen-
ty of money. but it may mean the diff
ference between comfort and suffering
to the man who has almost nothing"
Stuart colored. but answered quietly:
mo, Eric. you do not just understand
me. am ready to pay this difference
In the mems wages. l think their de-
mand is just"
Come to the park this noon and tell
them So"
well. will. am going to Cleve-
land tomorrow, Eric"
"lf all the owners were like you. the
strike would not hold out long" said
Eric as he rose to go. He had great
deal to do to prepare for the noon meet
ing. and in spite Of Stuart's urging him
to remain longer he went away. There
was still gap between the two. They
did not feel easy in each others pres.
cnce. Eric had not spoken of the first
meeting they had. and Stuart. while
feeling differently about 1t. had not ap-
preached the subject.
lie told Louise Of his invitation to
speak to the men Mt the park and went
out after Il little while. intending to go
up on one of the hills and think for
himself. But as he drove out into the
road he changed his mind and went
down into the town and up into DR..
SaXOn's Office. He thought he would