CHAPTER XLII 



THE RIOT 



Two days later the boys, returning from the 

 city, were met by Jane and Jessie in the big 

 carriage to be driven home. Halfway to Four 

 Oaks the carriage suddenly halted, and a con- 

 fused murmur of angry voices gave warning of 

 trouble. Jack opened the door and stood upon 

 the step. 



" Fifteen or twenty drunken miners block the 

 way, they are holding the horses," said he. 



" Let me out ; I'll soon clear the road," said 

 Jarvis, trying to force his way past Jack. 



" Sit still, Hercules ; I am slower to wrath 

 than you are. Let me talk to them," and Jack 

 took three or four steps forward, followed closely 

 by Jarvis. 



"Well, men, what do you want? There is 

 no good in stopping a carriage on the highroad." 



" We want work and money and bread," said 

 a great bearded Hun who was nearest to Jack. 



" This is no way to get either. We have no 

 work to offer, there is no bread in the carriage, 

 and not much money. You are dead wrong in 

 this business, and you are likely to get into 



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