not an unexpected diversion put a sudden end to the
combat.

This came from the side of the assailants, in the pleasing shape of a
pretty young woman, who, rushing forward, flung her arms about the neck
of one of the leaders of the mob, crying,--

"Patrick Maloney, didn't you stand before the altar with me this day,
and vow to God to be a true and faithful husband? And is this all the
respect you show me on my wedding-day?"

The appeal was not without its force, and Patrick, pausing to consider
of it, was surrounded by the more pacific of his own party, among whom
now appeared "Big Tommy" from the Refinery, who loudly vouched for the
character of the visitors, claiming them indeed as warm and dear friends
of his own.

During the stormy council of war ensuing among the attacking party, the
womankind of the attacked ventured to approach near enough to implore
their champions to withdraw, while yet there was time. This pacific
counsel they finally consented to follow, and were led away breathing
vengeance and discontent, when John suddenly paused, exclaiming,--

"Where's Belle? They've got her. Come on, Williams! we aren't going to
leave the girl among 'em, surely!"

At this Maggie and Mrs. Williams uplifted their voices in deprecation of
further hostilities, protesting that they should die at once, if their
protectors were to desert them, and using many other feminine and
magnanimous arguments in favor of a speedy retreat.

But while yet the question of her rescue was undecided, Belle appeared,
flushed, tearful, and voluble in reproach against the friends who had
deserted her. She attributed her final escape to a free use of her
tongue, and repeated certain pointed remarks which she had addressed to
her custodian, who finally shook her, boxed her ears, and bade her
begone.

On hearing this recital, John was for returning at once and avenging the
insult; but the rest of the party, remembering the golden maxim of
Hudibras,

"He who fights and runs away
May live to fight another day,"

prevailed on him to wait for retaliation until a more favorable
opportunity.

It may be satisfactory to the reader to hear, that, after Miselle had
left Oil Creek, she was informed that Mr. Williams, John, and a body of
men, equal in number to the colliers, paid them a visit, with authority
from the owner of the mine to pull down their house and eject them from
the premises. They also contemplated, it is supposed, a more