bonds, and at least a hundred stood ready to defend him.

At this juncture Mr. Wright came from the store, and the mob were in the
proper frame of mind to listen.

He explained the true condition of affairs, told exactly why the works
had been shut down, and finished by promising to let the matter be
forgotten, regardless of the amount of property destroyed, in case the
mob should disperse.

"And if we go home, what then?" Billings asked, sneeringly. "We'll
starve to please you, eh?"

"Those who attempted to flood the mine will not starve at Farley's, for
all in the plot must leave. Not one of that party can work here; but the
others shall be treated as before."

"So we're to be driven out?"

"Certainly. It isn't probable any honest miner would care to work with
those who may succeed in drowning their fellows simply to gratify a
spite against the officers of the company."

"It will take more than you to drive us away."

"I can at least prevent you from entering the mine, and that I shall do
even if it is necessary to station guards entirely around the property.
Are you willing to go home now, men, with the assurance that work shall
be resumed in the morning."

"Ay, that we are, an' glad of the chance. It was out of the fryin'-pan
into the fire when we left one set of bosses to take up with Cale
Billings an' his cronies," a miner shouted and immediately the mob
dispersed, leaving the leaders standing in the lot, evidently consulting
as to how their lost power might be regained.

When Brace was at liberty he joined Sam and Fred, and the three walked
to the latter's home, neither speaking until they were inside.

"Do you think the strike is really over?" Mrs. Byram asked, after Fred
told her of what had occurred.

"It is so far as the majority of the miners are concerned," Brace
replied; "but there's no telling what Billings may contrive to do
between now and morning."

"I suppose those men are still in the mine trying to overpower Donovan's
party."

"Most likely; but now that Wright has got the upper hand there's little
chance they'll be allowed to stay very long."

Despite the excitement on every hand the occupants of Mrs. Byram's
cottage were glad to retire at the first opportunity, and before the
tumult in the street had died away they sought the needed repose. It had
been decided that Brace should remain for a while, since it might be
dangerous to meet Billings and his friends while they were smar