“Hell is too good for a man like Purdy,” another declares.

In all of Wilkes-Barre not a man or a woman except those who live under the Coal King’s roof has a word of pity to express.

Sister Martha is silent; she feels shocked at the news; yet even in her heart there is no room for sympathy for the Magnate.  The thought comes to her that Ethel will need comforting.  Ethel Purdy is the woman who eclipsed Sister Martha in Harvey’s mind.  It is not to be supposed that Martha has forgotten this; yet it does not deter her from hastening to the place.  She finds Ethel on the verge of hysteria.

Under the soothing influence of the Sister of Charity, Ethel’s composure is restored.

“What is to become of me?” she asks, despairingly.  “How am I to face the world?  I have wealth; but will it restore my father?”

“Have faith, my dear, and you will find your troubles lightened.”

Martha prays with the late Magnate’s daughter.  They are on their knees in the sumptuous bed-room of Ethel’s suite when a servant abruptly enters.

“O, Miss Purdy, run for your life,” cries the maid.  “The miners are coming to burn the house.”

Ethel utters a cry of terror.

“Leave the room!” sister Martha orders.  And the frightened servant retires.

“Do not feel alarmed.  I shall stay here and the miners will do you no injury.  They love me and will obey me.”

Ethel clasps the hand of her defender and crouches at her feet.  A knock at the door startles the two women.  Sister Martha remains in possession of her faculties; Ethel swoons.

“Come in,” calls Sister Martha.

The butler enters.

“I have come to inform you that the miners are on their way to the house.  They have sworn to sack it.  What shall we do?”

“Who told you that the miners intend to come here?”

“I have just received the warning from the office; one of the clerks telephoned.  He says the Superintendent is on his way here, but will probably be cut off.”

Fear has anticipated the actual trend which events are to take.  The miners are parading the streets but have not formulated any definite plan to attack the Purdy palace.

Superintendent Judson arrives and assumes charge of the house.  He brings definite news of the intention of the miners.  They are bent on claiming the body of Carl Metz to give it a public funeral.  “We shall never be able to prevent violence,” he declares.

“The police and the militia have been summoned; but it will be hours before they arrive.”

“If there was some one here who could pacify the mob until the troops come; there is no one they will heed.”

“Perhaps I can pacify them,” suggests Sister Martha.

“You can try,” says the Superintendent, scrutinizing her closely.  “You are known as the friend of the miners; they may respect your wishes.”

Inwardly he doubts her ability to check the mob; he feels, even, that she may meet with physical violence at their hands.  Yet his nature is so small that he is eager to sacrifice her if it will keep the miners at bay for an hour.