Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

HHYS LEWIS. 119
The steam-engine whistled, loud and shrill, and tlie air -was
rent with, demoniac shouts. The disorderly rabble next mado a
rush for the town. When they came to the spot where Morris
Hughes and Bob were, they wanted, at any cost, to take my
brother upon their shoulders and exhibit him. as their hero.
But Morris's strong arm restrained them.
"My friend can't stand it," he declared. "But if you choose
to listen, it may be that he has a word to say to you."
The mob having signified its readiness, Bob ascended to the
top of a hedge, and, leaning upon Morris Hughes's broad back
for support, said : —
"My friends, ever since the beginning of this agitation for
the advancement of your wages and the better governance of
the Eed Fields pit, I have taken a public part iu it, and done
my best to bring about an improvement in your circumstances.
You know as well as I do that two or three of us, had we
chosen to truckle to the masters, might have made ourselves
a comfortable nest here. But then, you would not have been
an atom the better off. After what has just taken place, I
must tell you, even at the risk of being treated as you have
treated Mr. Strangle, that I am ashamed of ever having had
anytbiog to do with you."
Bob was too much overcome to say any more, and the
crowd separated, some swearing, others grumbling, others
silent and thoughtful. It is but fair to state that there were
amongst the unruly multitude who whisked Mr. Strangle off to
the station and bought a ticket for him, scores of workmen who
disapproved of the foolish act, but who were powerless to
prevent it. Before my brother and I could reach home, mother
had been informed of the whole affair, with additions, and we
found her waiting us in deep agitation. However, she was
mollified a good deal when Bob assured her that he had done his
best to prevent Mr. Strangle's compulsory departure. At the
same time, I could not fail to note signs of fear and uneasiness
on the faces of both. Bob, who did not leave the house that
night, was visited by three of the friends who had been paid off
like himself, who spent some hours in discussing with him the
probable consequence of the day's foolhardiness. Though
mother said nothing, 1 could see that she had a presentiment of