STRIKE AT GORDON'S MINE 245 



much. You can have good beer at three or 

 four cents a quart, if you will let whiskey alone. 



"I promised to tell you how to become capi- 

 talists, each and every one of you, and I'll keep 

 my word if you'll listen to me a little longer." 



While Jack had been speaking, some of the 

 men had shown considerable interest and had 

 gradually crowded their way nearer to the boy. 

 Thirty or forty Cornishrnen and perhaps as many 

 others of the better sort were close to the car, 

 and seemed anxious to hear what he had to say. 

 Back of these, however, were the large majority 

 of the miners and the hangers-on at the saloons, 

 who did not wish to hear, and did not mean that 

 others should hear, what the boy had to say. 

 Led by McGinnis and the saloon-keepers, they 

 had kept up such a row that it had been im- 

 possible for any one, except those quite near the 

 car, to hear at all. Now they determined to 

 stop the talk and to bounce the boy. They 

 made a vigorous rush for the car with shouts 

 and uplifted hands. 



A gigantic Cornishman mounted the car, and 

 said, in a voice that could easily be heard above 

 the shouting of the crowd : 



Wait wait a bit, men ! The lad is a brave 

 one, and ye maun own to that ! There be small 

 'urt in words, and mebbe 'e 'ave tole a bit truth. 

 Me and me mates 'ere are minded to give un a 

 chance. If ye men don't want to 'ear 'im, you 

 don't 'ave to stay ; but don't 'e dare touchen with 



