Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

ii8 RHYS LEWIS.
along tlie road leading to tlie railway station like a straw before
the whirlwind. The two officers, with, incredible pluck,
endeavoured to protect and to rescue him from the clutches of
the infuriated colliers; and so did Bob and others. But no
sooner was he liberated from one swarm than another was down
upon him. One of the peace officers, thinking — honestly so,
no doubt — that Bob was the ringleader, drew his staff and
struck him over the temple, felling him to the ground. Bettei
had the blow never been given, for next moment both officers
were stretched senseless by the roadside and Mr. Strangle was
being hurried away with a speed which, must have been exceed-
ingly uncomfortable for so corpulent a man. I thought Bob had
been killed, for he lay, to all appearance, quite dead upon the
ground, with no one but Morris Hughes and myself to look
after him. I cannot describe either my grief on thinking him
dead, or my joy when, a few minutes later, he came to him-
self, and sprang to his feet.
"Morris!" he cried. "All our efforts have been in vain.
These madmen have ruined the cause. We must prevent this,
if it be not too late."
Both, followed by myself, hurried after the crowd. The
effects of the blow were such that it was with difficulty Bob
could keep up the pace, and when he took hold of Morris
Hughes's arm — the latter being a young, powerful fellow — I
saw his legs were giving way under him. Nearing the station
we found that the crowd had doubled in numbers.
" Thank Heaven," cried Bob, " the train has not yet come in,
and we may still be in time to stop the fools from sending Mr.
Strangle away."
We put a best foot foremost, but we were within barely three
hundred yards of the platform when we beard the workmen
give a loud cheer.
" Too late ! " said Morris Hughes, " if it's any odds."
" Odds ? " cried Bob, slackening his pace. " I should rather
think it was. We shall lose the sj-mpathy of the country, we
shall be looked apon as savages, some of these lunatics will be
sent to prison, and punished for their folly. Everything is now
spoiled, and I'm sorry from my hearb 1 ever meddled with the
business." And he burst out crying like a child.