talks of killing, or taking human life contrary to law!" exclaimed
Philip, coming up closer and placing his hand on Mr. Winter's arm. "Men,
what are you doing?"

For a moment the crowd fell back a little from the mill-owner, and one
of the men who had been foremost in the attack replied with some
respect, although in a sullen manner, "Mr. Strong, this is not a case
for your interference. This man has caused the death of one of his
employees and he deserves hanging."

"And hanging he will get!" yelled another. A great cry arose. In the
midst of it all Mr. Winter shrieked out his innocence. "It is all a
mistake! They do not know! Mr. Strong, tell them they do not know!"

The crowd closed around Mr. Winter again. Philip knew enough about men
to know that the mill-owner was in genuine danger. Most of his
assailants were the foreign element in the mills. Many of them were
under the influence of liquor. The situation was critical. Mr. Winter
clung to Philip with the frantic clutch of a man who sees only one way
of escape, and clings to that with mad eagerness. Philip turned around
and faced the mob. He raised his voice, hoping to gain a hearing and
reason with it. But he might as well have raised his voice against a
tornado. Some one threw a handful of mud and snow toward the prisoner.
In an instant every hand reached for the nearest missile, and a shower
of stones, muddy snow-balls and limbs torn from the trees on the lawn
was rained upon the house. Most of the windows in the lower story were
broken. All this time Philip was eagerly remonstrating with the few men
who had their hands on Mr. Winter. He thought if he could only plead
with them to let the man go he could slip with him around the end of the
veranda through a side door and take him through the house to a place of
safety. He also knew that every minute was precious, as the police might
arrive at any moment and change the situation.

But in spite of his pleas, the mill-owner was gradually pushed and
dragged down off the veranda toward the gate. The men tried to get
Philip out of the way.

"We don't want to harm you, sir. Better get out of danger," said the
same man who had spoken before.

Philip for answer threw one arm about Mr. Winter, saying: "If you kill
him, you will kill me with him. You shall never do this great sin
against an innocent man. In the name of God, I call on every soul here
to----"

But his words were drowned in the noise that followed. Th