St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1904-01-20
like the wind not needing the. calls to

stop shouted by a dozen men.
Franz looked warily about the base of
the tall black building whose hours were
numbered. Yes, there was pile of
shavings saturated with kerosene and
not far distant his sharp eyes saw slow
burning fuse. He crushed it under his
foot, then a second and third. Then
he ran up, up the ladder to the Office.
Yes, he was in time. He could hear Mr..
Whalen's voice.
.sCali the men together in the morning
and tell them that their wages are raised
ten per cent from this day. I appreciate
their loyalty in refusing to join this
strike and will freely grant what Others
demand. 'sHe opened the door and was
about to descend the stairs when Franz
caught his arm. Already there was
confusion of angry voices below.
Why, Franz Petrosky, what's up 2"
exclaimed Mr.. Whalen. looking at the
boy whose face and hands were torn, his
clothing was in tatters.
II come to save you," Franz gasped.
STRIKERS kill. Fire breaker already.
Come down ladder quick. Francesca
down stairs with stiietto."
Mr.. Whalen wondered if the boy had
lost bis senses, but the tumult was grow
ing louder outside. Calling to the super
intendent to follow instantly, he caught
ladder.
"Come this way" said Franz, darling
around the corner of the breaker. Eyes,
fire started; hear crackle? Let breaker
burn. Francesca kill if stay. Franz
show quick way home"
I must stay" Mr.. Whalen put the
boy aside and Selling the bell rope rang
a wide alarm.
Instantly the workmen rushed from
L. L.. he SIZE
surrounded Mr.. Whalen.
AS in dream Franz saw Francesca
dart forward. A glitteiing blade flashed
in the air. The boy sprang between, then
fell senseless to the ground.
At that instant a squad OF mounted
police charged upon the strikers and FIRE
company close behind poured a streak
of water upon buildings and men alike.
There was a short, sharp conflict, but
the strikers were finally driven back and
the flames extInguished.
AS soon as the men were driven back
Mr.. Whalen went to look for Franz.
There was no trace of the lad anywhere.
What could have become of him!
"Mr. Whalen,'' timid hand touched
his arm. He looked down to see little
girl standing before him, her face half
concealed by shawl. 'tLook for Franz?
Come. Minna hide; Minna find"
''You hide? How? Where?" Mr.. Wha-
len looked at the child in astonishment.
"She was hardly bigger than minute"
he told his wife afterwards.
"Heard men say kill you, kill Franz,
Minna watch. Minna drag off out of
danger, little way at time. No. not dead
YETI
"Where is he now?" asked Mr.. Whalen,
anxiety for the boy who had saved his
life the uppermost thought. The child
led the way around the breaker, under
the roadway, into the very heart of the
culm pile.
'Minna's playhouse. Minna know
bad men no find here" The child threw
back the shawl and lighted the candle in
the miners cap she wore. The tiny flame
showed Franz unconscious but still
breathing.
Mr.. Wha1en took him up in his strong
arms and carried him home and sum-
| moned the doctor.
Eyes, the doctor says he will live" Mr..
Whalen said as he found the child wait
ing patiently by the gate when he came
out from the house. Now what can we
do for him when he gets well? What
does Franz want most, Minna?"
Home, friend, school. Minna, friend,
Minna no home"
HE shall have BOTH" replied Mr..
Whalen, much moved.
When Franz was again able to go out
he found that Mr.. Whalen had made his
word good. He and Minua had pleas
ant home in kind family and both were
sent to school instead of to work.
WILLAMETTE A. PRESTON.
Danville, VT.