The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-03-25

- - ,he constitution. They could
80 - overthrow short of a p%olitical
oarthouake. and he knew II. bul ne
thought he heard in the depths q ~
aortb me low rumble OF its coming, ana
he began 10 prepare for it.
Three weeks before Christmas he De-
gan 10 dream OF the visit he was 70
make to independence to see same
Worth.
And then like a thunderbolt out OF q
clear sky came a fearful letter anhouho-
| ing another storm at home. Her ia'htF
had again forbidden her TO write. she
said at the last. that CASTOR Visit
must be POSTPONED indefinitely for the
present. He gazed at the letter with d
hardened look.
II will go. I'll face General Worth IN
his own home and demand his reasons
:yr ~. ) treatment. l am a man. l am
entitled 10 the respect of a man. lie
made this declaration with a quiet force
thar left no doubt about his doing II.
Ho wrote Sallie that he could not and
would not endure such a night III the
dark with the general, and that ne was
Going TO independence on the day before
christmas. as she had planned at hrst,
to have it out with him face to face.
She wrote in reply and begged him I'M
der no circumstances to come until con-
aitIons we're more favorable. He got this
letter the day before he was to start.
.TIl go and I'll see him if / have to
fight my way into his house, that's all
| there is to it," he exclaimed.
When he reached Independence, st.
Clare met him at the depot, and gave
him. an eager welcome.
I've been expecting you, you hard
headed fool" he said, impulsively.
We'll, your words are not equal to
your handshake. What's the matter?'
asked CASTOR.
You know what's the matter. Miss
Sallie has been to see me this afternoon,
and begged me to chain you at my house
if YOU came to town today"
Well. you'll need handouts, and help
to get them on" replied CASTOR, with
quiet decision.
Look here. old boy. you're not going
down to thai house tonight with the old
man threatening to kill you on sight,
and your girl bordering on collapsed"
Il am. I've been bordering on col
lapse for some time myself. I'm getting
used to it,
You're a fool"
Granted, but I'll risk it."
I'm going, Bob. 1t isn't any use for
you to waste your breath"
You know where my heart is, old
ehum,' said Bob, yielding reluctantly.
Il couldn't go down to that house to-
| night under the conditions you are going
for the world"
why not? It's the manly thing to
do"
Its a dangerous thing to do. Fathers
have killed men under such conditions
Uith less provocation."
well. Bob, III risk it. I'm going as
soon as l ear brush ND a little"
Bob walked with him to the outskirts
Of the city, begging in vain that he
should turn back, but he never Stacked
his pace.
When he turned to go home, Bob
pressed his hand and said, Good luck
And may your shadow never grow less.
You're a game chicken"
CASTOR pressed his hand and walked
r apidly on toward Oakwood.
AS he stepped briskly up to the door,
he started at a sudden thought. What if
the general had ordered the servants to
slam the door in his face, The posi-
billty of such an unforeseen insult made
the cold sweat break out over his face
as he rang the bell. No matter. he was
in for it now. he would face all hell if
need be,
He waited but an instant, and heard
the heavy tread of a man approach the
door. Instinctively he knew that the
general himself was on guard. and would
| open the door. Evidently he had expect
ed him.
The door opened about two feet and
the general glared at him with livid
rage. He held one hand on the door
and the other on its facing, and his tow
ering figure filled the space.
Good evening, general said CASTOR
with embarrassment.
What do you want, sir?" he ~growIed.
1 wish to see you for a few minutes
We'll, | don't want to see you"
"Whether you wish to or not. YOU must
do it sooner or later" answered CASTOR
with dignity.
Indeed. Your insolence is sublime
must saw
The sooner you and | have a plain
talk the better for both of US. 1t can't
&c put on any longer" CASTOR continued
with self control. He was looking the
general straight in the eyes now. with
head and broad shoulders erect and his
square-cut jaws were swapping his words
with a clean emphasis that was not Iost
on the older master of men before him
call at my office in the morning at
ten O'clock he said, at length.
I VIII not do it. | am going home on
ne nine O'Clock train. Tomorrow is
Christmas day. The issue between rs i
OF NE import to mo, and it may be of
equal Importance to you. l will not put
it off another hour"
The general glared at him. His band-
began to tremble, and raising his voice
he Numbered:
L am not accustomed to take orders
from young up-starts, How dare vo,,
attempt TO force yourself into nv house
when you were told again and again NOT
to attempt it, sir?'
Your former welcome to me on tbroo
occasions when the object of nv -
was as We'll known to you as IA NO
gives me- at least, the vested rights -