Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-10-08
CHAPTER xvIl.-continued..
"Wny don't you buy abroad?"

WHY uOH L yOu Uuy dDTOdu
Our franchise forbids that; and
American foundries can't make it fast
enough. What we do buy is so long
getting here! Twenty thousand miles!
That's a sail for you. And the gales,
and wrecks! By George! I wish 1t
was quicker and safer"
AS they neared the camps their
conversation changed from railroad to
other subjects-the latest book; the
newest dance; the poem or picture
most in the public eye. From topic to
topic they fitted, up and down the
polite world of their day.
To Stella, striving to lose no word,
it was new, intoxicating. That's my
world, too" she thought. 81 could say
things like those. l know a little of
mythology and history" She won
dered why she had never used such
language with Alfred, why he had not
talked with her as he did now with
Miss Hamilton.
Stella lifted her head in a spirit of
rebellion quite new to her. She could
never acquire this subtle manner and
she should not stand in Alfred's way.
He would succeed. From serving he
would soon advance to ordering. He
would need a wife like Miss Hamilton.
Mr.. Croker called Alfred for some
questioning, and in his absence Miss
Hamilton turned to Stella. "I'm
afraid I'm monopolizing this oppor-
tunity, Miss Anthony. It's my first
visit, you know"
1T is my first visit here, also" Stel-
la replied.
your first?" Miss Hamilton's eyes
opened wide with not too civil ques.
ton. "Oh," she laughed, "if you live
here and don't care enough to come
and see these wonderful things /
shan't let my conscience sit up nights
over my monopoly of Mr.. Vincent
and the conversation" She turned to
smile at Alfred ~reappearing, and Stel
la was without opportunity to explain
that, despite enthusiasm and apprecia.
ton, the railroad grade was not a
proper promenade for a girl alone.
The young people Jagged, in spite Of
the call Of the leaders, and arrived al
the camps to find them already alive
with men and beasts.
ooh, l must see the Chinese camps
Miss Hamilton cried. I've heard Of
them"
They were in time to see the cooks
serving from great cauldrons to eacf
man his little keller full of boiling
water. There wal also an array of bis
black pots simmering over camp fires
yet white and savory messes were
within, announced by attractive odors
What do they do with those little
tubs?" Miss Hamilton asked, as she
saw the coolies disappear within tents
or brush shacks.
Each man takes a hot sponge batf
and dresses In clean clothes before
he eats"
is to-day any special occasion?'
she questioned. wonderingly.
They do that every night in the
year. They never sup In their work
ing clothes"
What an example to Americans
My respect for the disciples Of Con
fucius has risen to a hundred"
She wished to stay to see the vel
low men in dinner dress" squattint
with their little bowls and chop-sticks
c%hattering over their "licey;" but he.
uncle sent back a second hurryinI
summons that held a note of impa
~tience; and Stella pushed ahead will
sure steps, following her temporary es
cort. But Miss Hamilton, unused t,
rough going, and In spite of Alfredo
w~atchfulness, turned her ankle ant
arrived at the road pale and veal
with pain, leaning heavily on his arm
Yet her gay bravery deceived he.
uncle, though she clasped Stella's ex
tended hand sharply as the two mel
lifted her into the coach.
1t vas quite dark when they droy,