University of South Carolina Libraries
"Oh, this is grand!" exclaimed corge Casey, as e paused for a few moments to enjoy 'the -mbracing air and scenery. All about him the mountains lay in tumbled heaps, farther away the foothills sloped gracefully downward, and still farther down in the valley and out over the mining camp he . could *see the old trail that stretched away to the westward. IHe was new. to these scenes, having recently come to Wyoming from his home In Boston, and he was drinking in the atmosphere of the new life to the fullest. "Y-a-s," drawled the girl as sheovertook her companion: "bnt I'm a thinkin' as how we better start fer home. It's a-gettin' purty late, an' we're some twelve miles froni town. We can't much more than git there by dark." "Two-bits," said George. tauntingly, "I believe you're a coward. Here you were born and raised in this country, and you're seared about being out In the hills after dark. Now. I'm a tenderfoot, and yet I would'nt be afraid to wander all over these hills from now until morning." George Casey was indeed a "tenderfoot," but this was not the worst of his failings. Raised in a wealthy family. he had been given everything he wished, and had ruled his father's house to suit himself. That he was the most important portion of the family, he did not for a moment doubt. and.it wabrhis greatest desie that others should share that opinion with regard to him. When he found that he was to spend the summer In Wyoming looking after some mining interests, he determined that of all other things he would show the people there that here was one +enderfoot that was not so tender after all. The few friends whom he_ had made or first arriving at Cold Springs, had soon tired of his lordly ways and thg only one who cared to accom pany him on his various journeys over the bills was Two-bits, who followed him around like a faithfnI dog. Nobody cogid tell where Two-bits got her name. ,he tas a rough, uncouth girl of fourteen years. born in the wilds and true to her birthplace. The high cheek bones and swart features told of Indian blood-a fa of which she was proud. No two cDracters could possibly have been more oppposite than those of George Caser and Two-bits. She had always been accustolhed o associating with roughly dressed, brown-featured, bow-legged cow boys, who treated her like one of their own kind, and sometlnes enjoyed teasing her for the amusement of the gang. An admir ation had been awakened in her for this smooth-shaven, well dressed, polite young gentleman who had come from the land of which she had heard such wonderful stories. She had dreamed of such individ uals but had never seen one before. .He appreciated the fact that she admired him. and since no' one else in that immediate vicinity seemed to share the feeling, he gladly allowed her the monopoly of it. So the two had formed a so't of solal system all their own, with just -two classes -master and vassal. "N-a-w," she drawled, "I ain't no coward. neither. But I tell you, we can't go back the way we Jtme, fr It's too long round. We got; to go' 3tight back . toward the Springs, an' it's a good four hours' walk. Mebbe yer don't know thet them there hills jest above the camp has got fire all under 'em They is great big cracks thar, thet is so warm ser can hardly bear yer hand in 'em. Mebbe yer wouldn't like ter fall down one of 'em Inter the fire." "Ho, ho, ho-" laughed the tenderfoot: Such a ghost story. Now Miss," he added. "do you see that big 'pile of rocks yonder? Well, that's the highest place there is around here, and I'm going to go there." "Huh!" muttered Two-bits. "Yer kent neither. " A while back yer thought this was the highest-her yer are. an' thet's the highest. It'll be the same way when yer git thar: the hlghest will be just beyond. I tell yer, it's time to go home." "Go home, then, if you want to, and are afrald. I'm going on. It isn't more than a mile farther." "It's all cif five miles!" she decfared; but the master started. along, and .the faithful slave followed obediently. If he were going, there was nothing for it but that she must accompany him. They trudged dlong In silence for half an hon" and still the peak seemed as far away as ever. "Confour.d 'Ct *said George, at last, "if we had not stopp'ed so long to t-alk about It, we could have been . there before this. I suppose it's too late to go any i'arther." Haed Two-bits been. more cultured and learned, It Is likely she would have said. "I told you so." Bt she only turned as 1. - ~ SHSCAME TO THE OTHl doggedly as before, aid foliowed him back toward the camp. The suni had gonejdon, and soon the long twilight was ,win~g to a close. Now and then the 1' of a cyote was heard far out over thihills, and in another direction the answerf note of its mate. Tfhe echo made the hole region take up the sound, until It .med that thc two lone travelers must in the midst of an entire pack of the cx tures. "Yer miay as 'til lt me take the lead." said Two-bits; and not waiting for hIs consent, she pushe'd he way ahead of him. He had called her a cG'ard, and she would show him that she wm not one. He willingly took Ils place behind the guide, for he felt safef when he knew that she had taken the reslensibility of leading. IHe secretly wished thi he had taken her advice and started hie sooner, but he would not admit it to je. "Yer'll hef ter hustlifaster'n thet," she ..emarked. "er it'll be all up with us when 'A:N ICKE L1 ,,f.R.WALTER.B1JRR. we come ter the Burnin' Hils. Peers as though I could feel the heat right now. There! Look vender!" They- were now on an eminence command ing a good view of the lower hills. and as they looked down into the darkuess they could see distinctly long lines of glowing red. streaking the earth like the trails of fiery serpents. Tbe redness pulsated like a thing of life. and as it did so the very ground about seened to heave up and down. Then suddenly all was darkness agai't "Yer See." she continued, "I may be a coward, an' allthet. MIebbe so. It may a bin all a ghost story, too. But there it is, an' we got ter cross thet place. The brave young man was getting really scared. Ie had never before been out in the mountains in the night time. and the awful stillness, broken now and then by unpleasant sounds peculiar to the mtountain country. awed and frightened him. ills teeth were fairly chattering. "I-I-wish we had started he: sooner." he managed to say. "I-I-had no Idea it was so bad." "Yer might a had a purtygood idea." she z-.nswered: "but it ain't a-goin' to do no good ter git scared now. Come along faster." By this time they were nearing the dreaded place. Suddenly. as she reached forward her foot to take a step, she realized Instinctively that it was not finding a solid footing as soon as it should. A sudden and uncommon warmth came upward, and in another instant the faint glow was seen. showIng her a chnsm, with the further brink some three feet away. Leapingacross she called to her companion. "MInd yer eye!" They had changed places-she was now the master and he the slave. "What is It'" he asked, as he neared the place. Just then he took the fatal step, and felt himself falling. But the girl was quick. Suidenly reaching out her arm. she grasped him by the hand and fairly drag ged him across the ehasm. , , "Well, I never:" he exclaimed in fright. "That's -something awful. don't you knov. I say are there many more like that?" -"Come on. an' quit yer talkin'," was the pre-emptory order. "But I say. 'I wo-bits, it Isn't safe, is it?" he called after her. "I aii't afeard." she answered; "if you are, why stay where-you are, or go back an' find the highest peak." "Blast the little imp," he muttered. "I nonder If she's going t go away and leave me out here all alone. Perhaps It would serve me right, for I suppose It's all my own fault. But really. I had no Idea there was -any truth in what she said." "Hello. Two-hits! Don't run away and leave me all alone'" And there came into hts throat Something very like a sob. "Look out there!" he heard her call: and in the darkness he saw her some five feet ahead of him. "Don't try to walk thar, or yer'll fall In. si're. It's wide. I tell yer, and it's hot. too.'' "Well, what will I do?" he asked, "I can't stay here all night." "Mebbe yer could jump across. I did but I'm only a coward." She was becomint sarcastic, but not without purpose. The child was begInning to see that the young man would need every incentive she could offer to get him to put forth his hest 'f forts. She had no doubt of her own ability to clear all the chasms. but she was quite sure that her companion was not accus tomed to such tricks. Now, he stood like a seared child on the opposite side of the ditch. If the situation had not been so serious, it would have been comical. "Well, yer comin'?" she asked, im patiently. He stepped back for a run, but when he came to the edge again he stopped short and looked ruefully at the red glow beneath him. He held out his hand and drew it back suddenly. as he felt the intense heat. Trhen what little courage he possessed for sook him, and he began to whimper. "I just can't make it, Two-bits. Whatever shall I do?" "W-a-ll," di'awled the matter-of-fact girl, "I s'pose I could go ahead an' glt some of the fellers from town ter come out an' help yer across. They'll make no end of fun of yer, though.". "Blast the fun!" he cried. "Hurry 1 p and get me Out of thIs, most anyway." "All right. Stay where you are, and I'll be back after a while:" and site hounded away like a deer, leaving George eas:ey sitting there in the night alone. Minutes dragged like hours. and the dark: ness seeme(d to grow thicker every momernt, except when it wvas penetrated by that uin canny glow from down below. Then, as he ER SIDE OF THE GULF'. strained hIs eyes to catch sight of the r-es 'cuing party, he thought with bitter anguish of the jokes that would be enjoyed at hIs ':cpense by the fellows in the c'amp. Hie knew that'he had tried to lord it over them. andi now they would have a chance to get e'ven. lHe could imagine Two-bits,, as she ran into the ''Last Chance,"' and in great hilarity told the boys how she had left ''ihet 'felller fromt Boston"' out on the edge of a ch.'ism on Burning Hills. He could al most hear their loud laughter as they pre pared to cotte in search of him. In the midst of these thoughts he spied a lIght in thie distance. It wauvered, was lost, and appeared narnin. Yes. it was a lantern. and it was heatring toward him. Should he shout and show them where he was? No. that would only add pleasure to their huge joke. lHe would remain quiet. even at the risk of having them miss him. "If 'Two-hiits ontly had sense enough to tell themt sonmc yarn ahout me getting hurt or something of that kind," he said. Then he remembered that she had not been in the best humor, and decided that she would probably eujoy the sport d' much as any of the others. "Hello!" called a voice, "Where are yer, Mr. Casey,' It was the voice of Two-bits, and It was sweet music in his ear. "Right this way, Two-bits," he answered. "Have you brought help" She came to the other srde of the gulf, and thrusting a stout plank ont toward him she drawled: "Y-a-s. Thet's er help. Iid yer think I was a-goin' ter give yer away ter the gang? Yer would never a-heard the last of it. I guess we ken make it all right with this here." Then, making. sure the plank was resting securely on either side, she ordered, "Now, git spry, and -don't waste no time. Hop across, I tell yer!" As they came to the. last crevice where the board was necessary. George paused. "W-a-ll," drawled Two-hits. as she waited, with arms akimbo, ''this is the last one. Yer goin' to give up now? If yer do, I'll leave yer fer good, dead sure." "Two-bits," said George, and there was considerable pathos in his voice; "Two bits," he repeated. "will you forgive me for calling you a coward? You are the bravest girl I ever knew, and you've been real kind to me to-night. Will you forgive me?' "Aw, come along with yer," said the girl. gre tly embarrassed. "It's. my .pinion yer fellers in the east jist talk ter hear yer heads roar half the time, and don't mean what yer say." They neared the town, walking side by side. The board had been thrown away. and from their appearance no one would have known that anything out. of the ordinary had occurred. As he left her at her own door he pressed her hand tlghtly, and said: "You are a brave girl-a regular little heroine." Next day she found a pony tied to the post in front of her mother's house, and on the beautiful saddle which it bore, was pinned a note which r'ead: "This is Nickel, a present to Two-bits, the brave little girl who was g6od to a coward." TO E*TENTAIN LONGWOR THS. Ambassadbo- Rei'd And Wife *iM Pre sent Young Couple to Eiejlhd'S Couit. The Longworths *ill b'e guents, while in London. of the American ---n bassador and his charming wife. Refreshed by her long vacation, 'MrS. Reid has ireturned to the Court of St. .ames with her hand(! full 'of nrepara tions for King Edward's fist drawing MRS. WHITLAW REID. room of the season, to be held May 25, at whieb she will present many Amer ican women, some of whom will be her guests. Naturally, the presentation most im portant to the American colony In Lon don this season will be that of Mrs. Nicholas Longworth, President Roose velt's daughter. During their stay in London, Mr. and Mrs Longworth will be the guests of the Reids at Dor chester House, where the suite oc eupied by the ambassador and his wife will be at the disposal of the Longworths. To add to the attract iveness of these rooms, some choice boudoir furniture has recen''y ar rived froin France to lend a inesher bridal beauty to thet.. Exiled Qa'een kanava~o. Among the members of the ruling amilies of the 'orld, most of whom have known many soi-rows, there are few figures so pathetic as that of Ranavalo, the ex-Queen of Madagas ear, who is now on a visit to Paris, and who since 1897 has been a queen without a turone, living in Algiers on the charity somew'hat grudgingly vouchsafed her by the French Govern ment. Ranavalo is now foi'ty-four, and, al though her compiexion Inclines to a dusky shade, she is by no means un attractive. She possesses a distinctly good figure, dresses with much taste, and wears her clothes with di-tinction. She ruled over Madagascar for four teen years. and, like the two queens who preceded her, became the wife of the Prime Minister. When she began her reign the country was at war with France. Chine1Iuas Becoksikg &&'e The chinchilla, the little rat-like ani mal which produces the populai fui', is in danger of extinction. The chinchlias wei~e foi'mer'ly found in great numbers in the high i-anges of te Andes, in Bolivia and Chili, but owing to the deinand for theii- skins hey have been ruthlessly huht'ed, in season and out of season, and the hilean Government finds it almost im )ossile to enforce a law 'vhich has (be passed foi- theii' protection. The expoi'ts from Coquimbo, the principal port for this trade, amounted last yeai' to twelve thousand dozen skins, and the prices paid wer'e almost double those of the previous year. Jokre on Time, A Pennsylvanian named Weeks. with a chronic hnhit of purloining watches. has been given the Time of hi life by the judge. who sent him ip for ten years.-New York Evening Mail. What is the difference? He is no friend of Hours.-Washingtonl Post. Wait a Minute. We Second the motion.-Chicago Tribune. Year! Year! What's all this about anwa?-WichitaI Eagle. This squib has been going the rounds so long, that it appears to us a little Decade. Most Blessed of Emotions. Oh, toiling hands of mortals! Soon, soon it seems to you, you must come forth on some conspicuous hilltop, and but a little way fur'ther, against the setting sun, descry the spires of El Dorado. Little do ye know your olwn blessedness, for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor.-Robert Louis Stevnon. The Newest Wearing Apparel. The Princess go)wn occupies the centre of fashion'%; stage for spring and summer, and will doubtless "go to mill aid to mpeeting' during the 'coming months. It appears in all sorts of gowns from the exquisite creations .for evening to the walking skirt and its accompanying bolero. but there are those who cannot and will not wear this style of garment, and for these there are very pretty skirts, cut circular, and flaring widely about the lower edge. These skirts are constructed from all sorts of ma terials. even to the thinnest of sum mer fabrics, and if properly made they will not necessarily give much trouble by sagging. However. for the skirt of washing stuff, the gored models are much more satisfactory and patterns for these can be .obtained with the modish flare about the bottom. The vogue of the circular skirt has led to the fashion -or flat skirt trim mings. These sorietimes take the form of stitched bands of the material or silk, while braid!: of one or several kinds are often interlaced in design about the bottom. Another mode of skirt trimming much used is con secutive rows of shaped flounces. one over-lapping the oth2r and often ending at each side of the front panel. One might Almost say tlat the front panel in unbroken length from waistband to hem prevails in the majority of gowns. When bands of tne same fabric as the skirt are put on as trimming they are usually piped w-ith a contrasting color; the tunic and Ilounce being often suggest'ed by the -manner in which these are applied. As for coats, the bolero is in high feather this year, and figures in all varieties of wear from the ornamental to the useful. As an ornament it ap pears in the negligee of the morning as well as upon the evening toilette. The little lace and embroidered boleros are to be much worn with soft silk and summer gown, and will prove very fetching adjuncts to the toilette. Every woman and girl will do well to provide herself with several lin gerie waists for nice wear. These little blouses are very finportant in the Wardrobe, no matter how meagre or sumptuous it be. They can be had in a great variety of styles and in all of the sheer summer fabrics. Those embroidered, or inset with lace. are very dainty and conSidered quite suit able for any occasior where one needs to look well. On cool days they can be worn over a slip of pink, blue or lavendar and be vei-y pretty tnd be coming. Many of these waists are made with elbow sleeves but they can be had with the long sleeve-and some of the nevest imported bl6uses are made with sleeves which end in a long point over the hand. In materials, no oie will go astray in purchasing voile .nd linen for her spring and summer gowns. There are linens of all kinds from the sheer handkerchief qualities to the fine un bleached linens. Than there are soft cashmeres., raw silks, mobairs and eoliennes as well ,s the Immortal serge. White is pro: ised much vogue for summer, and mised with biek it is very smart for the new suits. These suitings are mostly in small checks, or stripes. Was a "Xonymcus" Lette. A certain Congressman from Vir ginia has long retained in his employ a colored man by the name of Ezekiel. One morning the master started for the Capitol, leaving behind him a letter he had forgotten. Sometime in the afternoon lae rin~embered the 'com munication, and, as it was of some im portAnce, he hastened back home only to fi.ad that the letter was nowhere to be seen in his lb'ary,. Ee had a dis tinct i'ecollection that it had been left on the table. Iie su:nmon'ed Eiekiel and asked if he had soen it. "'Yassah, yo' lef' i' on yo' table." "Then where is it noiv?' "I mailed it, sah." "You mailed it! \Ehy. 2eke. I had not put the name and. addi-ess on the envelope" "Jes' so. sah! I thought it was one of dem nonymous coinmunicashuns." An apraeI dI Fot-w icso Aeia hn sm 6 cupsand sacers, fruit , bt magintwopes of Aheicunry.n (se 6Tcpsan saFE esend fruits.6bt an rieeivelo the( maganomunty here12try.scre Sample Copies anid Agents' Suppi Hundreds of ladies who have rei working for the second. OUR GREAT "GT ACQUAINTED" TRY IT AND BE CON1 THiE ff0USEKEEPER~ is the best mnag: contains serial and short. stories, verse, ilk eral interest and the best and most helpful ever put together' lf ev;ery woman knew would have all the subscribers we want.J We will bear the expense of the introduct and mail the coupon opposite. if you want an agent's outfit send Co Th fleusekeeper C Dent.M. -MINNl PALISADE Numbe' W66. PRICE tO CEltTS EACIL EMBRoER--CDTl We will send yon a handsom'e .1, 12 fnch 18 Inch or 24 inch in diameter, stamped on a fIn4 grade of white embrdlde line for 15 cents. 2 cents or50 centrespectie y.and enough ArslU to work It. Patterns either Wild Rose, Violet Daisy or Forget-me-nots. Artsilk is the new enbroidery cotton that! taking the place of silk floss for working tabl covers, cushion tops, and doilies. Costs lea looks as well and wears better. . To be sure of receiving one, of these do~ies write at once, enclosing amount specifed. Stan which pattern and size is desired. E.D .3IMR& Co ., M883 i *it. i SRNT O.N APPROVA] STRAIGHT E( Our stylish and easy For give the legs perfect sha The trousers hang strai and tri. l'ut on or off amoment impssibleto tect;inexpente. dura give style. finish andI co fort. We send them trial. Write for photc lustrated book and pro maied free and sealed. MISONg CO., Dept. A6, Buffalo, N. RECKLES REMOVED. we= xeAUJ7,tl remor x e oftHe wi Zbi a ston. M-* wewlref.ad your oney fa salksed. Ow'rmos se ~ mn sritte Creamn ls. REE TRIAI ot*le gernuine Edison? o Money Down. DQ C. Q. . To any RESPONIBIL naty we will ship a genuine idson phonograph outi direct. from us to your home on 48 hours FRIEE TRIAL no money down; no C. 0. ii.t no formnauty troti responsible people.od If you are not glad to kee) the outfit, return at our expense. Otherwise send th ash after FRJmE TRIAL or pay at lowest caal prce $2.00 A MON TH d50c aweek or mor accord Ing to priceof outfit.) Easlee ay nts at positivet jkwest cash prices estabishv byir.Edisonhimsel~ R&mmr-you payl us nothinzg unless' satisidat free trial.. .Write at once for tree Edisoncaou Gutavus Babeon. Mwer.hongraphDlst 19-150 1t'higa~n Ave., up : batest Eison record mae~.~e u ffer made by the Le ai II porcelain) given FREE for a snmall club of rs, a sugar bowl with lid, a cream pitchi best ware, decorated in five colors and a but just such ware as yxm vould boiy a~t L THE FREIGHT TO ANY POINT has been established nearly thirt3 30,000 copies a mouth. It is -~it makes an offer you can depenc yerly subscriptions to THE H-O0 >ottage Dinner Set, fi-eight p~aid, a ptions cannot be had. s sent on application FiniEE. Wr-it :eived one set ai-e - THlE HOUSEN Please send : CuBP u14 OFFE- of th~ cottnke I ICED. --- Name.. zne for the faily. ft stated articles of gen- - Ad household depa- -entsou HE HOUSEKEEPER we et us get acquaintd. jT HE R{OUSEB D ion % Please enter receiving three c scriptlon If I the )OD~f IO. 1 alSO. it worth,the c to make no ~rpoatIo11 ""' EAOLIS MIN. PATTERNS.: A DELIGHTFUL MORNI'N GOWN if a aihty mateial be tsWa, the doni3n gown is one instance where "sinpficity f5 grace." Thegown shown is dveiopedi apt tlf fio*ered dimity with trimmi Ud 'of plain color. These simulate ashillow foke aboit the neck and aad greatly to VU a't'raci'ven'ei. The elbow sleeve is finished with a irrow band and two bias ruffies. The back of the gown is fitted while the front hangs from the shoulder and is girdred it the waist by a broad crushed ribbot. The design is eazily carried out at home and suitable to any sjtronable fabric. In the medium size 8 yards c. 8.-'ach biaterial i're needed. B6S-Stles, 32 to 42 nches_bust measur-. MLASD'E PATTEIAN C.. 17 tattery Place. New York City. Por 10 c'en's enclosed pleaoe tend pattern 16. 616 to the followihg vdress: SIZE ....................................... NAME........................................... ADDRESS........................................ CITY and STATE............................... ........... ................................. Dofl't Be F1t. My N OBW ity Fdod Quickly Wred"E W* Wehoil. o tNbAW, freorrres ifo sruavhltho ro'd6M & is Absolutey Safe. My new Obesity FpoI, taken at ieal'ii% compels perfeet assimilatipn of the food al sends the fodd nutiiinent whe-e it beloins Is The Above Illodtmon Shows the Romarkabla Effects cI This Wonderful Obe.dtyFooi-What it His Dore dt For Others ;t Will Do'For You. &I recires no starvation process. You can eat Sall fou *ant. It makes mutscle, tone.. iU7C. quickly reduces..yourweiglit toiie'n'ral. It tak~e; off the bik stomach and relieves the comrres.a conditiobn and enables the heart to act freelv -and the lnngs to expand niaturally and the ki& -neys and livei- to erfoi-mn their Tenctions mUy nataral manner. You will feel bette'r the ?irs: day yon try this wondei-fol bomne food. ?ill on coupo erewith~d mail to-d.. .. This onef Foo for one trde i1:aof E Th1 c tno ooacd fwi testimonialsfra ht bn?swhobave been eretreduce4d*a)$i 1 nadress or Sotd fineseowAimaln F. . Ki.W~s3159 Eed-om Blat. B3attre Creek, 3Mich. Ho t elecftZaood furnaee. THIS MANICEN WI1TAGE WNNER SET FRE ,.Asihe df the West. ubsrp'tons. Six dinher plates, Gpie plates, , a steako plate, a vegetable dish and ld. This is not a cheap firtclass store. ASi' OF DENVERl. years. It has a circulation of over ne of the three leading woman'S on it. SEKEEPER at 60 cents each and a rtvaid fotr your trouble. There to-day. Tou will never regret it. E'Ent E-Coupon No. 1. asei~s Outit, Sample copies and aflthograph oner St, by mail, postpadd. -' ' a inafZ uAI coupon to-day. Do not detlay.^. EPER CORPORATION. -.Coupon Minneapolis, Minn. - No. 2. y subscription to THE..HotsEKEEPEit.. After ies I willisend you.60cents for the yeas sunb :temaigazine wdrth the price. If I do not think I ill write yon to stop sending it. You are then : for the copis sent me. i ,.......... ..n.... ...ee*me.