The Ironmaster's Daughter.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8291, 20 November 1906, Page 2

The Ironmaster's Daughter.

Bv OWEM MASTERS. Author of " a//rf« ? « iove Dream," "Nina's Repentance," "Her Soldier Lover," "The Mystery of Woodcrojt," "For Love ofMarjorie," etc. {""The Ironmaster's Daughter " was commenced on October 17th.]

CHAPTER XXl.—Continued.

It never rains but it pours, and troubles never come singly. The old saw tells us many wonderful truths, and Dick was suddenly beset by many real worries that crowded one upon another in a way that was bewildering. A ruffian was arrested that very day in the act of throwing a missile at him. He refused to appear against the man, and the police were amazed. The police inspector warned him that his life wasn't safe, lie could afford to pay for protection, and he ought to have it. If he declined to empower the police, they were almost helpless. An example should be ~. ade of the ruffians, and their pluck, t nch as it was, would soon go:;;, from the tips of their fingers. Dick merely shook his head. "Look for the people who incite the poor devils," he said. " Publichouse orators and tub-thumping demagogues. You see, there will soon be a general election ! Send the man to me, and Jll give him half a sovereign." « If you intend paying half a sovereign for every brick burled at your head, your customers will be clamorous," the inspector answered shortly. "Gentlemen like you, sir, increase the labours and responsibilities of the police." The inspector withdrew, and an hour later Dick walked through the worst slum in Smethwick—straight to the house of the man who had attempted to "do" him. A crowd of men, women and ohildren followed him to the door, hooting and screaming. He knocked upon the open door, and was invited into the squalid room by his late assailant. " What do you want ? " he scowled. "Why didn't you make a charge ? My pals would have seen me through. "I've come to see why you are at enmity Avith me, and to help you if I can. " What wrong have I done you ? " "What wrong? Haven't you done every workin'man a wrong ? Hundreds we poor folks are standin' idle since you come here with that American machinery that goes by itself." "Nonsense! I am employing twelve hundred men. The old chain'" works never found employment for a third of the number. I am taking contracts from the Americans themselves—from the Canadians, and the Germans. I shall soon want another thousand men—workers, I meannot loafers, who drink beer and listen to every silly story poured into their ears by electioneering agents. If you want work you can have it; but I haven't room for lazy and incompetent men. Here is half a soverign to relieve present necessities, and'' if you like to see me in the morning, I will do something for you." The man looked at the money, and turned it over in the palm of his dirty hand. " I don't like takin' it," he said sullenly. " I see ; you were paid to do me an injury?" " You've hit it, governor." The man glanced at his mates surrounding the door. "And it was me what smashed your kerridge winder a week or two back," "Keep the 'arf-quid, Shorty," advised one. " I think I will; an' gaffer, you can have it out in advice. Don't you come up our court agen if you values your health. An' if I was you I should give back to the poor workin'man what you've took away, an' clear out o' the land o' the brave and free." A cheer went up, and Shorty smirked at his own wit and eloquence, Dick Tressidy was speechless for a few seconds. Then he turned to the crowd about the door, which was being steadily augmented by the waifs and strays ol the street, and said coolly: '" Does this man speak for all of you ? " " Aye, that he does ! " roared a ragged giant, with the mob at his back. "Then I've done. Behold the British unemployed!" He elbowed his way out of the court, followed by a few choice epithets, and decided that the police had better manage these affairs themselves. When he regained the public road he was confronted by a tall, dark man, of his own age. The man stood directly in his path, a bitter sneer playing about his handsome, though dissipated face. Dicks eyes were bent to the ground, but he/glanced up inquiringly, and a sharp exclamation passed his lips His amazement turned to disgust when the man held out his hand, saying: "Shake, Tressidy, for the sake of old times." "Duke Deverell!" "The same! You won't shake ? Still bare the same old grudge, and yet I might be a friend to you. Haven't you injured me enough? Curse you ! it was you who got me expelled from college—who caused me to bo sent adrift in the world." "You were misinformed, Deverell. Your profligacy disgraced the college, but I condemned you to your face—not behind your back, Your vicious tendencies were reprobated by public opinion." ' "And you're not interested in me a bit?"

'•Much of your subsequent career is known to me, Deverell," was the significent rejoiner. Then a look of ineffable disgust flashed over Tressidy's face. He remembered Bill Hebden's discription of the man who was poisoning the minds of the unemployed. Light suit, brown shoes, and big cigar. They were all there. During the conversation, the mob from the court had collected, and, obeying a signal from Duke Deverell the men began to hustle Tressidy about. In the twinkling of an eye several of his assailants were reeling to the ground before the scientific blows of Bill Hebden, who had been watching the scene from an entry. Dick singled out Duke Deverell, his right fist landing squarely between the eyes. Then two policemen rushed up, and the little crowd dispersed. "I kept my eye on you, sir," Bill said. "Seven of 'em went to grass ! Lord! it's like other times back again ! I'm [glad you marked the chief rascal." [to be continued.]