St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1904-01-20
FRANZ PETROskY.
a story of the Coal Fields.
rn-:A4.. g. ~. ~r1orr.r

A strange stiffness pervaded the atmos-
pierre about Smoky Ridge. The sound
of pick and machinery was hushed, for
this was the second week of the strike.
There was not even a coal train to be
seen winding it's sinuous way up the
mountain. In the village the quiet was
oppressive.
After little the miners came out from
their cabins and hurried down to an
unfinished building where they held their
daily consultations with their leader,
Bensiff Zimyi. He was standing by the
door to see that none entered save those
he had hidden. When the last had
answered to his name the door was fas-
tened. and mounting barrel Zimyi
called them to order.
1--WE must be united in this strike if we
expect to win. Every colliery in the val
ley must STOP"
Franz Petrosky, hidden from sight by
pile of lumber, heard the words low as
they were spoken. He listened intently
for others, but could only catch scraps of
the earnest discussion.
1.-The Whalen breaker-At shutdown
tonight.-The old man told the boss to
meet him then.-Union manage young
Whalen easy if old man out of way"
Their voices dropped lower and lower
as their plans grew more sinister. Each
was assigned some part of the fendish
work.
Francesca, you stand foot of stairs.
Give cold STEEL
The words seemed Kissed in Franzs
ears so intent was Zimyi upon emphasiz-
ing the command without raising his
voice. A low exclamation of horror
escaped from Franz.
The men looked around sharply, then
obeying sign from Zmyi, left the build
ing as silently as they had entered.
After the last footstep died away Franz
jumped from his hiding place to find him.
self in Zimyi's grasp.
II caught you," he exclaimed savagely.
tYou go tell? Not so fast :"
AS Franz started to speak Zimyi thrust
bit OF wood between bis teeth. pinioned
his arms behind him and marched him
off across the fields.
Franz had left the hospital only that
morning, and overhearing threats OF
vengeance against Mr.. Whalen and the
call for this meeting, had concealed him
self in the building, hoping to learn their
plans and warn his employer. Now it
was all in vain. He was too weak to
struggle and was helpless in Zirnyi's
hands. He was halfled, halfdragged to the
very top of Smoky Ridge.
A forest fire had swept over the Ridge
in the early spring, leaving only a few
blackened stumps. To the tallest of
these Zimyi fastened the lad, binding him
so securel y that there was no possibility
of escape.
"There, now you see ALL" he remarked
ironically as he finished his self-appointed
task. when dark comes you see good.
Fire bright. Come back in morning.
Zimyi love not tale tells.'
Franz looked about in despair as Zimyi
strobe down the hill after this implied
threat of further vengeance. Through
out the valley there was the same omi-
nous stiffness. Of the huge black break
ers rising in every direction all were silent
save the Whalen breaker where he had
expected to report for work in the morn
ing, and that was doomed. Worse still
the life of his employer was threatened.
Why did they wish to harm Mr.. Whalen?
A kinder employer never lived. He was
interested in his men. He had built
them comfortable cottages. He paid
them good wages and allowed them
share of all profits. The only condition
he imposed upon them was that they
should not join labor union.
Franz could not know that it was these
very things which made the men of the
union so wroth against him. If the y had
been sharing like privileges the strike
might not have been called.
It was already nearing sunset. Only
an hour or two longer and all chance
to help would be past. They were going
to burn the breaker. They had over
heard Mr.. Whalen making an appoint
ment to be there and had timed their
fendish deed so as to take his life under
cover of the confagration and he, Franz
Petrosky, who alone could have given
warning, was bound hand and foot up
here on Smoky Ridge, Again and again
he tried to free himself but without sue
cess. He was almost frantic.
Hello, lad, what's the matter?" called
out CHEEKY voice. Seeing he could not
answer, Farmer Staples quickly cut the
thongs and released the boy, then removed
the gag from his mouth. Ism this Franz
Petrosky? One of MIR. Whalen's breaker
boys?"
Yes, you friend of Mr.. Wha1en ?'' ask
ed Franz, grown suddenly suspicious.
Of course I am. Why do you ask
How came you here in this plight? Do
the men mean mischief 2" sudden
thought coming to his mind.
In as few words as possible Franz told
his story