Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-12-17

IN the absence OF q regular under
ground engineer, James Kahn went
down every day, and 80 fAr.ss Pit No.
2 was concerned, Dick Finnan carried
out his orders. or modified them &C
cording to his liking.
For though Dick only saw Vic for
short moments and at long intervals,
Phil Calmont came to the Glebe End
Cottage every evening in his place.
And SO far as Dick and the other
overseers had any power. they still
did the will of Vic Morris. TIRE pity
was that their power was so limited.
Because it was with grim character
istic energy that Jacob Romer ruled,
when at last. weary of tolls, he set
his own hand to the plough, as in
the days of yore.
and going to Glebe Cottage. Every
thing was public property in Kirk
town Everything commented on. But
then Phil had no position. His engi-
neering ambitions were not known.
He had always been considered as a
worthless character, without ambition.
without future-just yin O. thae Cal
monts." II in his folly he added one
to Vida Bryan's suitors that was his
own lookout. He went to scorch his
wings, at his own risk and peril. Yet
so far as the workings were concern.
ed it was through him and Dick Fin
nan that Vic communicated with the
pitmen, the ng-foremen, and the
lessees Of SO many cubic feet Of ex-
tractable ore upon the working
faces.
Vic himself kept away, being GER
tain that his presence at Glebe End
would procure the speedy dismissal OF
Dick Finnan, the end Of his own use.
fulness in the pits, and the expulsion
Of Vida and Dick out Of the pretty
cottage at the wood side. Indeed. It
was difficult enough to obtain suitable
accommodation in town where all
more or less, we're dependent on In.
cubus, Romer & Co. for daily bread.
Mr.. Irongrey would gladly have
given him shelter. The Cameronian
minister was vic's firm friend, and
often the two discoursed together Of
the things above, upon. and under the
earth till three in the morning, and
| the summer sun peeped in reproach
fully from all around the study
| blinds.
But then, again, would such a
course be fair to the struggling little
Cameronian congregation OF Kirk
town. with the financial burden OF
whose upkeep it's most important
member charged himself: For Jacot
Romer provided more than half the
minister's stipend, sow to the repairs
on the church. and out of his own
pocket recompensed the precentor ant
beadle For himself. Benjamin Iron
gray was quite willing to give up al
these advantages But his session
pointed out to him that the congre
CATION was so scanty in numbers tina,
however willing they might be to pay
him living wage. and to carry or
the work of the congregation, the,
were not able-practically the whole
of them depending upon Jacob Romer
Therefore, in all probability the Kirl
of the Hill would be shut up. From
this decision only one dissented =
Richard Finnan. ruling elder-wht
was willing that he and his minister
alike should dare all things in tn,
cause which they accounted righteous
ness.
But at this juncture there cam,
another offer. Dreamy. detached
his fossy hair cast back In poetic
curve from his broad unwrinklc'
brow. the Reverend John Fowler, o
the Free Valley Kirk, strolled acros
to Vic's lodgings, where he was un
der a weeks notice to quit
II hear you are turned out h
said; so were we-so was my faith
er, mean--jp the year 4s. at the Dis
ruption feel for you. Mr. Morris
My friend and yours. Benz mean
Mr.. Irongray of the Kirk on the Hill
has told me of your position. II :