The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-07-27

WltQ CueerIul& Cl6Cter. uuy mOuu ureN
Up with the rest, and for few minutes
no word spoken referred to the disas-
tor. @ FS E&
As the first man, we'll filled, pushed
back his chair Raymond called out:
"Boys, want to say a word before
any Of you 60 out. A council Of war
II necessary at this minute"
Those who had risen took seats again,
and all faced bis way. As he looked,
at them his throat filled with realiza-
ton OF their loyal service. and be could
not find voice for a. few moments, but
sat with bowed head. rolling a bit Of
bread between his fingers. At last he
resolutely cleared his throat and began
harshly: "Well, boys, the game halts
right here. You see where Kelly &
Raymond are-they're nat. We've got
a good mine If we could work it, but
we can't. Just about every dollar we
had to spare went into that machinery,
and our ore shipments were just begin
ming. I've been doing little figuring
and I find we can pretty near pay all
that's due you, but we can't do any
might get somebody to come in and
help us put up new power plant, but
as things shape up at this present time
we're up stump as they say back in
Ohio. So guess We'll have to let you
co." There was movement among
the men which he felt as protest, but
he continued: II hate to do this, espe-
cially now in the winter, but you can
see how it is. If I were in your
places would go to Reese and the 9TH
er Independents and stick by 'em; help
them fight this thing through on fair
play lines"
His slight pause brought no response.
When he began again his voice was
softened. "And, boys, ride up and tell
Matt a good word. He's hard hit"
His voice trembled dangerously. and
he was forced to stop.
The tension was eased away by
Nary, one Of the older men, who broke
out with deep lunged profanity in order
to conceal his good heart.
"Well, I don't know how the rest Of
you feel, but I want to turn right in
and put this mine into shape again and
lynch the dogs that blew US up"
Raymond lifted his hand. Hold on,
boys. Don't be too quick on the trig-
ger. Keep cool till ride up on the
hill and take look around and have
little talk with Munro. We must
rally all the Independents, which will
take time, and, besides, you must re-
member I have very sick boy on my
hands, and there is Baker, who needs
care. Don't rush. Let me 60 up and
see what the sheriff seems likely to do.
As I've. told you before, I've no theory
about the labor question. never was
up against 1t before, and I'm little
uncertain. I've always believed in the
best man winning. picked you fel-
lows because you were likely chaps.
I'm paying you the highest wages 60
ing because you earn it. You're salts
fed, you say, and don't see why we
are not privileged to go ahead IN our
own way. I haven't felt any need OF
going into this fight for the benefit of
| the crowd till now. 1t looks now as
though we should take a hand. Any,
how, We'll give Munro another chance
to do us justice, and If he don't, then
we'll, We'll try some other plan." He
shook off this disagreeable cloak of
doubt. But be that as it may, boys,
| I shall never forget the good work
you've done Cor me when you knew the
crowd was against you"
! AS they stepped out into the warm
| afternoon sun Kelly, with jocular
| note in his voice, remarked, "Well,
Robbie, we're gents at leisure. Nothing
to do now but play the nurse'-here
his voice swiftly changed-"or do bat
tie"
IF it were not for the women and
the sick I'd fight. We have nothing to
lose now, and the boys are hot for it.
Have you been up the street,"
mo, have not"
. II don't see what we can do with
these two wounded men and the boy
and the women on our hands. Matt,
the real heart Of this opposition is now
In one man. If he were taken away
these rowdy miners would scatter like
grouse"
Kelly turned quickly. "You mean
Munro?''
II do! I'm going up to have an inter-
view with him."
Kelly laid big hand on his arm.
you're takin' a big risk. Let me go
instead"
mo, you must stay here. I am going,
and I am going unarmed. I am safer
with empty hands, Matt. They will
not shoot an unarmed man. I'm going
to make one more appeal to Munro"
Mounting his horse, Raymond rode
rapidly out along the ridge toward the
hill on which the forti6cation stood.
He passed now and then group Of
men who knew him, and while one or
two greeted him pleasantly all the 9TH
ers met his glance with menace. He
felt the hot breath Of their hate, but
passed on without haste, regretting his
action in leaving his revolvers behind
him.
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