FOLKS FROM DIXIE
took his homeward way. As he reached the open road on the rise that led to his cabin, he heard the report of a pistol, and a shot clipped a rock three or four paces in front of him.
"With the compliments of Red Cleary," said Jason, with a hard laugh. "The coward!"
All next day, an ominous calm brooded over the little mining settlement. The black workmen went to their labours unmolested, and the hope that their hardships were over sprang up in the hearts of some. But there were two men who, without being informed, knew better. These were Jason Andrews and big Sam, and chance threw the two together. It was as the black was returning alone from the mine after the day's work was over.
"The strikers did n't bother you any to-day, I noticed," said Andrews.
Sam Bowles looked at him with suspicion, and then, being reassured by the honest face and friendly manner, he replied: "No, not to-day, but there ain't no tellin' what they 'll do to-night. I don't like no sich sudden change."
"You think something is brewing, eh?"
"It looks mighty like it, I tell you."
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