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 confused 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 trouble. I can make some allowance when I remember the bad whiskey that is in you, but you must get out of our way; the road is public and we have the right to use it."
"Not until you have paid toll," said the Hun.