haps all left town last night; they must be about forty miles
away; you see we explained matters to them; I don't think, if I was
you, I would feel bad about it; they believe they can get along better
at Carville than at Bardstown."

For the first time since the trouble began, Harvey Bradley lost his
temper. To be defied and taunted in this manner was more than he could
bear. He vowed over again that not one of the strikers should do
another day's work for him, even if he begged for it on his knees and
he was starving. He at once telegraphed to Vining, fully one hundred
miles away, where he knew there were many people idle, for one hundred
men who would not only come, but stay. He preferred those who knew
something about the business, but the first need was that the men would
remain at their posts, and if necessary fight for their positions. He
guaranteed larger wages than he had ever paid experienced hands, but he
wanted no man who would not help hold the fort against all comers. The
superintendent was on his mettle; he meant to win.

Having sent off this message, for which it cannot be denied, Harvey had
every legal and moral warrant, he set out on a long tramp through the
woods at the rear of Bardstown. It was a crisp autumn day, and the
long brisk walk did him much good. The glow came to his cheeks, his
blood was warmed, and his brain cleared by the invigorating exercise.
So much indeed did he enjoy it that he kept it up until, to his
surprise, he saw that it was growing dark, and he was several miles
from home.

It was snowing, though not heavily. He walked fast, but, when night
had fully come, paused with the uncomfortable discovery that he was
hopelessly lost in the woods.

"Well, this is pleasant!" he exclaimed, looking around in vain for some
landmark in the gloom. "I believe I shall have to spend the night out
doors, though I seem to be following some sort of path."

He struck a match, shading it with his hand from the chilly wind, and
stooped down. Yes; there was an unmistakable trail, and with renewed
hope he hurried on, taking care not to stray to either side. Within
the next ten minutes, to his delight, he caught the twinkle of a
star-like point of light among the trees, a short distance ahead.

While making his way hopefully forward, Harvey became aware of a
singular fact. The air around him was tainted with a peculiar odor,
such as he had never met before. It was of a rank nature, and