Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-06-22

There is one other consideration: Inc
marty which | represent-the free min
ers and prospcctors, like Kelly ana
bingham and Reese-have stood aside
from this quarrel. We have had no
share in it. We have kept our men
out of it, but if you march against the
hill many of our fellows will join
Munro And want to tell you, gen
tlemen. that one of these free miners
these rangers of the hills-is more dan
gerous than twenty little dagoes. A
hundred of them would stand off 500 OF
your men,"
His deep earnestness impressed them
all, and silence followed his last
words. At last Don said:
Gentlemen, Raymond is not merely
an acquaintance; he was in my employ
for some years, and he is my friend
/ am forced to give his words great
weight. l suggest that we try to ar
range q meeting between the miners
and ourselves and the governor and
reach some peaceful solution"
The sheriff leaped to his feet "That
would make us the laughingstock of
the whole country"
"Better be that than melancholy
example of foolish pride and obsti7
Macy" Raymond INTERCEPTED 8
At this point the argument stuck.
Mackay, the county attorney, and the
sheriff stood for war; the mayor and
Barnett, being for the moment under
the power of Raymond's earnest
glance, pleaded rather spiritlessly for
Mt least stay in proceedings.
'T think it all ruse to gain time"
said Mackay. II think we ought to
hold this man here and march at once.
lie is known to be friend Of Munro
If we allow him to go back he will in
form
Raymond smiled grimly. "My serv-
ices as spy are not needed. Every
movement you make will be watched
by hundred eyes, and back of the
eyes will be gun"
The mayor rose. "Well, gentlemen,
I don't see that we can decide any
thing here. We have Mr.. Raymond's
opinion that our attack on the hill will
result In disaster. The sheriff Is conf
dent he can win practically without
struggle. This is no place to take
vote on so momentous a subject"
Here he looked at his watch. "And it
is lunchtime. l suggest that we go to
lunch and meet at o'clock in the
committee ROOM"
After they were well out OF the
house Barnett said: "You see how it is.
They are memorable"
"May l come in?" asked Mrs. Bar
nett at the door, Luncheon is wait
ing"
Certainly" said Don. ''The council
is over
"You were all very quiet. l expected
to hear loud voices and the sound Of
blows" She came toward Raymond,
, her face sweet with kindly interest.
"How do you do, Robert? It's good to
see you. How well you look" AS
they moved toward the door she added
in low voice, Il want to talk with
you about-yOu know who"
She put him at her left hand and Ann
next him. an arrangement which pleas
ed him. The table was filled, as usual,
with people ION their way to Califor-
MIA" and Raymond felt himself to be
the object of comment both above and
below board, and it irritated him
little.
"This Is a long way from Sky" he
said to Ann as his eyes absorbed the
shining, flower decked table and its
tasteful service. You left just in
time. 1t is white with snow up there
today, and bleak and cold. Have you
had no word Of LOUISE"
"No news whatever. am sure he Is
on his way up to YOU"
81 am starting back at once, and
will take care of him. Trust him to
me-"
When at last the hostess rose, the
young miners heart contracted with
sudden realization that his hour OF
grace was over and that the time had
come for his return to the stern reall-
ties of life.
In the hall he extended his hand In
fixed resolution to Mrs. Barnett.
"Goodby. It's hard to leave you and
this glorious home
Must you 90 today"
ayes. / must hurry back. Kelly
needs me, and then there is Louis"
"Well, if you must But do come
again, Rob. Don't mind who IS here;
come to see us. 1t is always good to
have you here"
"As soon as this strike Is over 1 will
do so," be said very earnestly.
Don followed him to his room, and
while resuming his big boots Raymond
said: Don't let that sheriff head me
Off Keep him for couple Of hours,
and I'll be out of his reach
"Don't worry about the sheriff, old
man, and throw your whole weight
against MunrO's policy of resistance"
"I've done that from the first"
Ann was waiting to see him as he
came out into the upper hall. 1t was
her first deliberate motion toward him,
but her face gave him no hint Of her
0uickened pulses as she said: "Give |
Nora my love- and greet grand old
Matt for me. won't you? / feel as If
ought to 60 back
"YOu must not, much as we all need
you. This Is no time for you to be
there. I wish Nora would come
down.
81 wish she would; and please let me
know instantly that Louis is safe with
you"
"I will do SO. When do YOU GO eaStW