stricken bareness of the place, the pathetic wish on the part of each to do something for the Master, gripped him strangely. "Come on, Warne," said the second officer profanely. "Don't be a fool! It's only a dashed Methodist meeting!" he's no business to drink rum. But it's no use. There's the result. Makin' a fool of himself! 66 "Now take a man like Breece," Owens went on. He ain't reckless about drink, like Sunderland Red is. Takes a glass o' beer or so reg'lar an' knows when he's got enough. Breece is quite a religious sort o' feller. He always went to the 'Piscopal church so long as they had services here. He's had all his kids baptised an' promised that they shall fight the devil an' all his works. He won't go to this here Salvation Army barracks here, 'cause he says they ain't reg'lar. But he always says his prayers every night 'fore he goes to bed, unless it might be some night when he was kind o' sleepy like from drink an' forgot 'em, or fell asleep in his chair an' never went to bed at all. I think the Lord oughtn't to blame him under the circumstances." But however interesting Sunderland Red's shortcomings or Mark Owens' temperance principles, it was not to be expected that either should continue to engross public attention when there were rumours afloat that the troops were to arrive that day. There had been some damage done by the strikers to the company's property on the day before and the sheriff and his deputies had been driven from the field. Violence had prevailed in other portions of the region and the troops were already gathered in their armories, so that it was no surprise to the group gathered in Owens' saloon when it was announced positively that the troops were coming that day. "There ain't no use to bring them toy soldiers up "It'll here to settle this strike," Owens proclaimed. only make trouble. If any soldiers has got to come, this is the time for the reg'lars. If the companies can organize themselves into big syndicates, they'll find that the men can 'malgamate theirselves into one big union. There's going to be trouble. You'll see!" No doubt Owens was right about the matter. The union was in complete control of the town of Coalton without striking a single blow. How wisely it would use its power was yet to be seen. But the first effect was to paralyze all business, except that of the saloons. The trouble would come when the company should attempt to start its works with imported men. In the meantime Sunderland Red continued towards the deserted timber road which led into the mountains. At the upper end of the town he passed an old building once used for a meat shop. In front there was a muslin sign, intended to be lighted up at night, bearing the words SALVATION ARMY COALTON BARRACKS "Seems to me I remember the Salvation Army back in Sunderland," he said to himself. "My sister used to want me to go with her and I wouldn't. Never cared much for religion then. Don't seem to care |