Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-05-11

4
bringing on the strike, and III nave
nothing to do with STAYING 1t on.
as it, regular striker" asked Ann.
/ ut is. and it isSnot. The big mines
are all shut down. So far, 1t Is lock
out. But the men refuse to work shirts
Of nine hours for eight hours pay. lie
that extent it is a strike"
"The trouble all springs from smail
group Of reckless despcradoes, salu
RAYMOND. "The main body OF the men
are ready to submit to law, but men
like Smith and Denver Dan and brocR
must either fight or fee, and they pre-
fer to fight. But what they do doesn''
concern us. We are going right along
in our small way. Our men are all
outside the union"
Mrs. Kelly spoke in praise of Ann to
Raymond (she had OWNED his love-.
"You should "a seen her-working ev-
cry blessed minute this forenoon, Rob-
| ert'-
"You must not compliment me too
much,' interrupted Ann. maids are
sometimes spoiled by too much Kind
ness. Are there shops near? We need
a few things to make us comfortable
and my yaIises, when can l get them! =
Raymond replied: II will take you
down to Bozle tomorrow, If you care
to go. The shops are better there and
| the streets less turbulent"
"Id like to go very much" said Ann,
on a sudden impulse. I'D like to 60
this afternoon. Can we drive? How
far is it?'
1--WE will ride, II you are not afraid
Of our broncbos and steep trails. 1t
will be more comfortable than a wag-
on. After you've rested an hour or two
I'll bring round the horses"
"Good morrow, friends" A clear
voice made them all turn. Jack Munro,
booted and spurred, stood in the door.
"And how is the lady Of the silken
voicew
Kelly greeted him coldly. "Hello,
Jack. Come in and eat"
Much obliged, me lord, but I've al
ready eat. came round to see how
the lady stood her ride with me up the
hill"
Ann rose and faced him. "Are you
the horseman who met us?'
1.-THE very same, lady. don't often
near voices like yours, and wanted to
see II the face and voice were Of like
quality. They are" he added. with
glance of unabashed admiration. "In-
troduce me, Rob-"
Raymond reluctantly complied. "Miss
Rupert, this is Mr.. Jack Munro"
Munro stepped forward and held out
very handsome hand, and Ann could
not refuse to take it. He was smaller
than Raymond and seemed hardly out
of his teens, as he stood there smiling
brightly, his barred head lightly poised
on shapely shoulders. and some magic
in his smile made Raymond and Kelly
seem for the moment cold and reserv-
ed His assurance, his frankness,
amused her.
II came to tell the lady that no harm
befell Colonel Barnett, her escort. He
was driven back to Grand View early
this morning and is at home ere this
THANK you for your good cheer"
said Ann. II was not so sure of your
kindly intentions last night"
He smiled again, and his white teeth
shone. 81 must have seemed q bandit.
I'm very glad / went to meet Barnett.
Brock might have made you more trou-
BILE, and l would have missed the pleas
ure of being your guide and protector"
Kelly growIed out, 'Kape your MUIR
derin' scalawags as far from this cabin
as ye can"
Il will see that you are not dis
turbed."
You speak as one having authority"
remarked Ann.
81 am captain of the vedettes," he re-
piled.
"What are they?
"a company Of mounted police which
| have organized to keep order here in
the camp. The lockout leaves many
men idle, and the local authorities need
help to maintain peace and quiet. My
force represents the union and its de-
sire to prevent violence in the camp.
You are quite safe here under eur pro-
lection"
"You are very kind" replied Ann.
"But aren't you one of those for whom
the sheriff comes"
Munro laughed silent, boyish laugh.
81 believe / am included in his list of
notables, but assure you the honor is
quite undeserved."
otis true he kicked Mackay down
the hill and put the mouth of his gun
to his car" said Kelly, "but that's
trifle not worth mentioning"
Munro winked "a mere practical
joke"
With the punctflious grace Of dane
ing master he bowed himself out,
swung to his saddle and galloped away.
"When shall we start on our trip%
asked Ann, turning to Raymond.
81 will bring the horses round very
soon." AS they stepped outside he
turned to Kelly and asked in a low
voice, "Do you see any objection to
this trip to Bozle?"
"Divil a bit. The sheriff will find
Jack and his men waitin' for him on
the road. He'll get no farther than
Sage Hen fat this night. I'm goin' to
ride down the hill meself just to know
what's goin' on. Go ahead, lad; only