dely spread and powerful
society. In course of time, whenever anybody was mysteriously killed in
Ireland, it came to be said that the Mollie Maguires had done it, and so
the name clung to them.

"At last the murderous order was introduced into this region by some
Irish miners who wished to get rid of an objectionable overseer, and
also to control the labor unions among the miners. It has so spread that
now its members are known to exist in every mining community of the
anthracite country. It is one of the most cowardly organizations ever
formed by men, and one of the most cruel. Its victims are given no
warning of the fate in store for them, but are struck down in the dark,
or from an ambush, by unseen hands.

"Often the murderer has no previous acquaintance with, or knowledge of,
the man whom he kills. He blindly obeys the command of his infernal
order, and is thus made a tool to avenge some petty grievance or fancied
injury.

"The Mollies have become a plague-spot that threatens the health and
life of this region. It is the duty of every honest man and boy who is
brought into any sort of contact with them to thwart their evil designs
in every possible way."

"Well," said Derrick, drawing a long breath, "I had no idea that there
were such wicked men in this country."

"No," he answered the mine boss, "you are but a boy, and have had but
little experience in the wickedness of this world; but I know you are
brave, and I believe you to be honest and loyal. I am therefore going to
trust you, and tell you something that I had no intention of mentioning
when I sent for you this evening. It is this:

"I have every reason to believe the Mollies are strong in this colliery,
and that they intend to make trouble here. I have lately received
several anonymous letters making demands that cannot possibly be
granted, and containing vague threats of what will happen in case they
are not satisfied. This morning I found this note pinned to my door."

Here Mr. Jones opened a drawer of his desk, and took from it a dirty
sheet of paper, which he handed to Derrick. On it was scrawled the
following:

"Bosses take Wornin'. New breakers can burn as well as old. Fires
cost munny. Better pay it in wage to

"MOLLIE."

As the boy finished reading this strange communication which was at the
same time an admission and a threat, he looked up in surprise and began,
"Then you think, sir--"

"Yes," interrupted the mine boss