Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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iPPPfPSJ ' V y V'\ : v EOYE RANGER RALPH; The Waif of the Western Prairies, *tm? maw t nrtftn CI WLLLlUr* J. tUBA CHAPTER XXVI?Continued. It was fully two hours before the bandit band reached the ravine. The rain was now falling In torrents; the situation was a most gloomy and uncomfortable one. Before them ran the river, bfoad and deep, and with a swift curtent "Ha! What Is this?" Danton's words announced that he bad found a canoe. It was quite large, and evidently belonged to the Indians. 'Where It lay there were marks on the ' bank as if a second canoe had recently been there. "The girl must have escaped by way Of the river," remarked Despard. "Yes, and she had help." "How do you know that?" "There are the footprints of two per? sons here." "Ha!" "Both small and apparently those of women." "Then she had a companion?" "Undoubtedly. One of them wore M/v>ffta(na * ^An Indian?" "The Modoo princess. * "Impossible!" It must be White Fawn. " " Despard turnod pale. He dreaded the Vengeance of Shadow Snake and his daughter. "Let us hasten," he said. And take the canoe?" "Yea." "It will not hold more than half cf Then let the others cross over and . fet away from the Indians as best they can." . This plan was consummated. A portion of the band were rowed across tho Mrer. Despard, Danton and the others wien directed the canoe to midstream fcnd allowed It to proceed down the stream. They passed the cliff and the ravine In safety and soon left it far behind. Apparently they were safe from pursuit, and would not be followed In time to be Overtaken. The Modocs, In the ravine (eyond their foo in the fort, had not witnessed their departure. Somewhere down the river, In advance of them, they theorized, was the canoe containfng the Modoc princess and their esTn?z Tracev. CHAPTER XX YIL TBS MODOC8. The plots and movements of Dyke Xtospard, the bandit leader, were fast, approaching a climax, as he was soon to learn In a tragic and unexpected manner. The Indians whom his Bpy had discovered In the ravine were Indeed mem* bens of Shadow Snake's tribe, and he bad avoided a deadly conflict by his timely escape. The savages had located fcls recent camp, had trailed him'to the ravine, and later explored the cliff, but found no traoe of him. Darrel Grey had remained faithfully At his post In the fort. When the rain and mist obscured the outlaws he did not retreat from the inirenchment, but endeavored to watch the cliff as best he could. Thu9 hidden t>y the glodm, the outlaws escaped with* out hi9 knowledge. He was amazed when at last the mists were dispersed c?.tn- Tin t.-apA of hiR snemies in 1 tho vicinity. Instead, a fcore of dusky warriors were ascending the winding mountain jiaths. "What did It mean? He wa9 perplexed and somewhat alarmed at the discovery. The savages seemed to be following a trail and were coming directly to the summit of the cliff. Sooner or later he must be discovcred, and resistance against such superior numbers would be folly. Besides. J by this time White Fawn and Inez must save effected their escape. Eo could not explain the mysterious disappearance ol tho bandits, but he observed that there was a possibility of leaving tne fort and retreating before the Indians reached the summit of the Cliff Darrel began to creep behind the rocks in the direction the Modoc princess and Inez had gone. He saw, some diMance way, a place where he might essay a ^ A * ? I- A nofana^ A ues>c?ui< iu mo ?muoj, >uu uo^v^uvu w. xoach It Suddenly he started in dismay. As If by magic, two stalwari savages tad darted acros9 his path. Before he toold retreat or advance they had seized him securely. They gave utterance to a triumphant leJL an? Jiflgau_tQ. lead him toward, the favfne"where" the!f~chief~waa Parrel laced his enemies boldly as they gathered aroand him. Shadow Snake listened to the rapid words of Carrel's captors, tin explanation of their researches. Then he turned io the prisoner. Ugh!" he ejaculated; "who is the palelace?" Shadow Snake did not evidently recogSize Darrel as the man ho had liberated It White Fawn's request at the outlaws' tronghold In Lone Canyon. In his new disguise, me moaoc eaiei aia not suppose his present prisoner and his daughter's friend to be the same person. "I am the friend of the "White Fawn," he said, simply. The chief started. Ughl Tne pale-face knows the prlncestt* "Yes.? "You have seen her of late?" "A few hoors since." "Where?" Briefly Darrel related how he had met the White" Fawn. Ho told the Snake that he had once saved his daughter's life. Be related how Jie had rescued Inez 7?b~m Despard, and detailed The" pursuit end the attack ou the mountain hut The- old chief's eyes blazed fiercely as jDarrel spoke Despard's name. "Ugh!" he uttered savagely. "The Slack Crow shall be trailed. Whither has he gone?" "I do not know." "And the Fawn?" "Esoaped by the ravine to the river. * Shadow Snake held a brief conference with bis braves, "The Eagle shall be the friend of the Snake," said the Modoc chief to Darrel. Togethor we will find and punish tho Crow." Darrel showed tho rattlesnake chain White Fawn had given him, and this ce. - i ? J w A# tnentea toe couoaeoco t?au lfiouuouiy w* the Modoc braves. Shadow Bnakw at onco went around the cliff, and reached the ravine on the other side. wlAe canoes are gone!" he uttered angrily, as they came to the spot where Bespard had reached the river. Indian sagacity soon formed a theory to their theft, which proved to be the correct one. The canoes they learned bad evidently teen t&ken at intervals. "~~~fcThe Fawn went first with the paleface maiden," explained Sha'low Snake. "Why do you think so?" Darrel ventured to inquire. "Because the boat was pushed Into the jrater an Indian vjtould eg it, ftud the paddles were used at the siaelcTaTcffts progress. The Crow has gone In pursuit. Some of his men wore taken across the river." ?fahy?? "Because there was not room enough for them in the canoe." Shadow Snake gave rapid orders as he arrived at tnese ^onclusiojjs. #10 ui vlded his band, and sent half of them in pursuit of the outlaws who had crossed the river. With the others and Darrel Grey he started down the banks of the stream. Meanwhile the objects of Darrein boficltude, White Fawn and Inez, had met with some exciting adventures. The In* dian maiden and her charge managed to reach the ravine in lafetv after leaving Darrel Grey. They had observed the canoes, and White Fawn selected one of them. She knew that the river led to some settlements, and for the present her only thought was to place Inez in a position of safety. The rain made tbelr situation extremely uncomfortable, but White Fawn resolutely plied the paddles, and they made swift progress. It waB not until after noon that any Incident occurred that in any way tended to alarm them. At a point where the river divided, as she looked back, the Fawn Baw a no-rrto nnmlnu rinwn t.hft st.rpam ftbout a mile distant This caused her to ha^en Jhe progress of their own hour later, in the dlstance^flflppard the sound of mined to &bSLVj0^0fKSw^ Then folio wjo^yeary tramp through the forests. At last, towards nightfall, they reached wLat looked like a mining settlement Then a small village came into view, and on its outskirts they came across a rather pretentious inn, designated by a large sign-board as the Fair PJay Tavern. * "We have reached a place of safety," said the Modoc princess, as she designated the tavern. "You are wearied and pale. See; yonder is a white squaw. Speak to her." A woman, apparently the landlord's wife, was visible at the rear door of the Inn. Inez approached and addressed her. She told her briefly that she and her companion had lost their way, met with bandits, and wished to remain at the inn all night The sight of money influenced the woman to agree to give them shelter. A sigh of relief escaped the Hps of Inez as she found herself with White Fawn In a comfortable room of the tavern. She, however, expressed a deep anxiety for her lover's safety. White Fawn stated that with the morning she would return to the scene of their recent adventures. ~~A mear wis served In their room, and Inez sat at the window gazlug out at the front of the tavern. She started and uttered a cry of dread as the lights from the bar-room showed two new arrivals. At a glance she recognized them as Danton and Dyke Dev pard. CHAPTER XXVIII. AT THH ZAVXBtf. The two men who had just entered the Fair Play tavern were indeed Dyke Despard and his evil accomplice, Danton. At the sight of them new terror and apprehension seized the timid Inez, and even White Fawn looked anxious "J BiiU WUV/OIUUU* Had they, however, known the true condition of affairs with the outlaw9 they would have been less fearful of their power to Injure them. For retribution, swift and terrible, seemed to have followed the bandits, and the arrival of their leaders at the tavern was In the nature of a flight from their enemies. The canoe containing the outlaws had nearly overtaken the fugitives. The Modocs had pursued the bandits. Despard and his men had been attacked by the Indians at a bend in the river. Shadow Snake was their leader and Darrel Grey was among them. Before the startled outlaws could prepare for a defense, a deadly hall of leaden bullets was poured into their midst. Instantly the river became the scene of the greatest confusion and excitement. The canoe, penetrated by the bullots, sank in midstream, and those not killed or wounded tried to swim to the opposite shore. Of their number only two esoaped? JL/Bspa-ra ?uu 1/a.uuuu?nuu mey woio both slightly wounded. Of the others not ono escaped the dread vengeance of the Modocs. The bandit leaders gained the shore, evaded pursuit, and, as has been seen, reached the Fair Play Tavern shortly after the arrival of the fugitives. They entered the bar-room, seeking to evade notice, and passed into the anteroom behind the bar. The landlord, who was tne banker, merchant and magistrate of the place, followed them with no filgu ofj*ecognitlon on_hls face. " "TTell, gentlemen " he began. "What! you don't know us?" said Danton. "DesDard!" he finally ejaculated, after Btaring at them for some moments. "Exactly, and in trouble. See here, Marvin, we're in a bad box, and we've fa laatro fVia nnnnfi?w W ? VS V UV tVWVV VUV WUUVl^* "How is that?" "CJoso the door and we will tell you. * The landlord did so, and Despard began speaking in a rapid, confidential tone. Bis words indicated that In the past the now presumably respectable landlord of the tavern bad been a man as unprincipled and criminal as himself. He narrated his recent adventures, and informed Marvin that he must shelter them for a day or two, and then provide them with horses to leave the country. "It's lucky you were disguised when you came in here," said Marvin, "for the community are terribly aroused about your helping the Modocs in the attack on the wagon train. * Despard scowlod and looked disturbed. "Well, well," ho said, impatiently; "can you stow us away in a place of gafety?" "Yes." Where?" There's a room yonder that no one can got to except through here." But if tne vigilantes knew we were hero and should search for us?" "There's a trap in the floor leading to the cellar and thence to the stables. How are the vigilantes going to know it?" "Because we have many enemies on our trail, and will undoubtedly be closely pursued. Bring us something to eat and drink, will you? We are nearly famished." Despard and Danton retired to the room beyond the one they were in. "We're 6afe enough here," remarked the latter with a complacent glance at their comfortable surroundings. Despard surveyed the apartment critically. "Not If Ranger Ralph and that young Ecout Grey trace us," replied Despard. "Where does this door lead to?" "To the outside hall, I suppose. But it's bolted heavily on this side. * "I'm going to see." Despard "was some time operating the bolt, which apparently had not boen used for years. Ho finally slid it back In its socket and opened it cautiously It led, as Danton had suggested, to a hall that ran from the upper to the rear portion of the house. Despard seemed determined to understand his surroundings, end to be prepared for an escape under all contingencies. Be stepped into the hall, which was In complete, darkness, and closed the door after"b!m. "Be saw tEat to attempt to leave by the rear of the house would be folly If the place was surrounded. He cautiously ascended the Btair a few steps. MU Jt. comes to tht worst WQ c&n retreat*" he muttered. "Ha!" What was that?" TWo+f?%skf1?r fV?n fthnvA hft JL/10V1UV/UIJ Alum vuv MMW wvw, caught the sound of voice?. He thrilled wildly as he recognized them, for they were those of Inez and White Fawn. "Return to the room," the latter was saying. "But every moment we delay Is fatal, with that man In the house. "The Black Crow can not know that we are here," responded the Indian matf.?ii. "'"He will soon learn of It. Let us fly." "And be pursued and overtaken by him? No, we are safer here. Return to the room, and I will And out our true peril." "Then fee the landlady," urged Inez. "If she will provide ub with horses we will leave at once." "Be It so. I will retnrn soon." The eyes of the outlaw chief gleamed triumphantly. The fugitives he had abandoned as effectually escaped were under the same roof. He must devise a plan to secure Inez and the diamonds at once. The Modoo princess was about to descend the stairs. She must not discover Mm yet Despard silently retreated ana cautiously re-entered the room whera Danton was. He started as he did so. Danton stood by a table pale and alarmed. Confronting him with drawn revolver were two men. Their backs were to Despard, and they had not noticed his entrance. The outlaw stood spellbound as he recognized one of them as Darrel Grey. The other revealed himself by speaking at that moment. "Jim Danton," he was saying, in t low, determined tone, "If you do not instantly tell us where Dyke Despard is 1 will kill you!" It was the outlaw's bitterest enemj who spoke?Banger Ralph. CHAFTJGB XXIA. A VILLAIN'S THITJMFH. The tolls were fast closing In upon the heartless persecutors of the beautlfill InnoMnt, Tn?7. Triu*Av. a,nd In fl flash Dyko Despard realized that s vital moment In all his plots had arrived. He knew that a word to the rough bnl honest throng In the bar-room of the tavern would lead to his arrest, and ? trial in which Judge Lynch would award him the fate of death by hanging. How these two men happened to meet at the tavern?how they had managed to penetrate to this room?he could not surmise. Even Danton, terrified at tnejr sudden appearance, did not notice Despard'i return to the apartment For a moment the outlaw chief seemed about to draw a weapon and sipring upon his unsuspecting foes. Thon his eye flashed fiercely, as a surer and more silent means of disposing of ^hem came to his mind. Marvin had told him of the trap-door leading to the cellar. As his eye fell upon the floor, he noted that both of the newcomers stood upon that portion of it which comprised the trap. Sunk lq the floor at the extreme edge wa9 a small bolt. To draw this back meant to release the trap-door, Despard doubted ' DOt. He determined to boldly risk all on operating It, to the disaster of his foes. He stepped forward cautiously. Hit hand j-eached Jbe bolt There was a creaking sound, Banger Ralph turned quickly, but too late to avert the disaster. The door fell with a crash. Both men were precipitated into the gloom and darkness of the cellar. A low cry of malignant triumph escaped Despard'a lips. "Baffled!" he cried. "Quick, Danton, the lamp!" His companion brought the light to the trap. Despaid peered eagerly into the dark void Fully fifteen feet below, upon a rocky, uneven floor, lay two forms. Apparently tb* fall had robbed their enemies of sensibility.' A ladder led from the trap downward. This Ifespard pulled up into the room. Then he closed and locked the trap-dooi Just as the landlord entered the room. The latter seemed somewhat excited. "I guess you were right about being pursued," he said. "Why so?" asked Despard. "Two men came into the bar-room a few minutes since who acted very suspiciously. " "Where are they now?" "I don't know. They disappeared very mysteriously." "They came here." "What?" ejaculated Marvin, Incred* ulously. "Yes, they came here." "You knew them?" "As our deadliest foes." "And they are gone?" "Into yonder trap." In graphic language Lespard detailed what had occurred. "Can they escape readily?" he asked' as he concluded his recital. "Not unless they know the way to a secret door to the stablest" "Then let us act. Marvin, do you wish to make a few thou-and dollars." "Of course I da " "Very well. In this house now there are two girls.n Marvin started. fHow did you know that?" he asked surprisedly. "I do know it One of them? thi white one?I love. The other, an Indian girl, has her fortune in diamonds in her possession." The landlord's eyes gleamed avariciously as Despard unfolded his plan. Marvin was tj act in immediate col* lusion with them"The men in the cellar will be insensible till we are away," said Despard, "You get your wife to pretend to befriend the girls." "I'll fix all that, only I must not appear as being in your plot. It would hurt me among my customers." "We'll manage all that." Thus it was when, half an hour later, Inez and White Fawn stole from the tavern. The landlady had pretended to aid them, but was only acting under orders from hor husband. She told them to go to an old hut a few rods from the house, where she would bring them horsfis a little latter. She had left a lantern with them, and the two girls stood silent and alone, watching its flickering rays and anxiously awaiting the woman's return. A wild cry of dismay arose from Inez Tracey's lips, as the doorway suddenly framed two forms. In a moment Despard and Danton came into view. The latter seized the Indian girl. Despite tier struggles, her arms were quickly bound behind her. "You have not escaped us yet," hissed Despard, as he grasped Inez' arm. "Make no outcry if you value your safety." Paralyzed with terror, poor Inez stood pale and mute, shrinking in horror from the triumphant face of her enemy. "Danton," spoke the outlaw chief, "you know your part. Search the Indian girl for the diamonds." White Fawn did not speak, but her dark eyes flashed fiercely on the man who had so wronged her. Danton uttered a cry of delight as he drew from the dress of the Indian girl a small box, which he examined hastily. "The jewels?" asked Despard, eagerly. "Yes." "Very welL Secure them safely and watch yqfir captive, * - - * There was aTnocking smile on the face of White Fawn, despite her perilous situation. "Now, then," spoke JDespard quickly to the shrinking Inez, I have only a few words to speak to you." "Miscreant! Will your evil plot3 and persecutions never cease?" "Not until you are my wife." "That will be never." "We shall see. I have your fortune, In the jewels and the deeds to the lands your father left you." "I care not" "But I covet your love. If you wed me and go with me, yonder girl shall live. Your lover Darrel Grey and your friend Banger Balph are lying Insensible in the rear of the tavern." Inez uttered a frantic cry of grief. "All shall die, unless you wed ma. Outside the hut is a magistrate. Agree?" Poor Inez sobbed bitterly. "Danton, kill the IndianI" Danton raised a gleaming knife. "No, no!" shrieked Inez, frantically. 1 agree!" Almost at the same moment Marvin entered the hut.' It was a strange scene?a dread mockery?a delirium of emotion?in which Inez only knew that she heard the words that made her Dyke Despard's wife to save her friends. Almost in a swoon, sne was led from the hut and placed on a horse. Despard held the bridle and mounted another steed. "You shall hear from us soon, Marvin, * he said. "Come, Danton." They had left the Indian girl bound in the hut. Ten minutes later utter silence reigned over the scene. And in the near distance, byke Despard was bearing away the beautiful Inez?nis wife?successful, apparently, at last In securing the fortune for which he had so long and deftly plotted. CHAPTER XXX. CONCLUSION. "Hold!" Like a shock the word, sounded upon the hearing of Danton. It was less than an hour after the departure from the hut, and he and his companion had gained 4 moonlit mountain p&th, and were rapidly making their way'from the vicinity of the tavern. Inez, weeping bitterly, allowed Despard to lead her horse as he would, and he did not annoy her by speaking to her, although he kept a close surveillance over her every movement Danton had lagged behind, his horse having loosened a shoe. He bad dismounted and was about to hasten to rejoin his companion, when he became *V?n+ +T0A won Kifl WUOWIUUO wav WTTV UIOU ViWBVM way. One of them flashed quickly by him, and he thrilled a3 he seemed to recognize In him his dreaded enemy, Ranger Ralph. The other had gained his side so quickly that they were face to face. "Draw a weapon and I fire," spoke the omlnoua voice of Darrel Grey. He held a gleaming revolver In hl9 hand, before which the craven Danton quailed in terror. "Fling your weapons in the roadquick!" There wa9 no mistaking the stern menace In the young scout's voice. Danton sullenly complied with his demand. "You are my prisoner," spoke Darrel. "In a few moments I shall take you back, a bound captive, to the settlement We escaped from the cellar?we saw your victim, White Fawn. Return at once the box pf Jewels you took fr<rn her." Danton drew tne dox irom nis coax* Then suddenly be flung It far over the edgo of the cliff. Barrel uttered a cry of dismay. "Kill me if you will. I have robbed you of half your triumph," crl&d Danton. "Ha! I am not beaten yet!" Taking advantage of Darrel's dismay at the loss of the jewels he had sprang towards him. It was a fatal movement, for It startled, the horse, and Danton's foot became entangled in the drooping reins. With a cry of terror, Darrel saw the horse drag him a few feet, and. then send him crashing over the edge of the precipice. Danton had met his doom In the rockchoked river below! A series of shots some distance ahead warned Darrel that his friend, Ranger Ralph, had probably met Despard. A few minutes later he came upon tnem. The ranger had indeed overtaken Despard, had torn his grasp from the bridlerein of Inez's horse, and then a deadly conflict had ensued. They had emptied their revolvers at short range. Neither had been seriously Injured. Just as Darrel reached the spot, the outlaw bad darted up a steep lncllna "We shall meet again!" he cried. 'You Lave triumphed this time?help!* The word gurgled Is his throat Aa he reached the summit of the eminence, a deafening detonation rang forth. Pierced by a hundred bullets, Dyka Despard fell dead. He bad run directly into an ambush of the very Indians who had accompanied Darrel to the vicinity of Fair Play. A moment later Shadow Stake appeared. His vengeance was complete?his foe was dead, and the outlaw band of Despard was swept from the face of the earth. Two hours later affairs had resumed a quiet aspect Inez, enraptured at again meeting Darrel, was conveyed by the Modocs to a settlement farther dowi the river. Here White Fawn met her father and here there was a tearful parting, for she started forth with her father's tribe to find some trace of the husband of whom she had been robbed by the villain DesparA One month later her gratoful frlend9 were happy to know that sho had found him?a prisoner In a hostile tribe. They were reunited, and returned with Shadow Snake to their old camping ground, peace being declared with the white Inhabitants of the district. Ranger Ralph related a long story of his search for Inez, and the next day a visit was made to the valley where Danton was killed, resulting in the finding of the box of jewels. Marvin was not punished for his share In Despard's plot, as nothing definite could bo proven against him. Walford, the hermit, was found and a month later was present at ihe marriage of Inez and Darrel. The happy pai:r removed to California, and both their old friends accompanied them. Often they see the brave Indian girl who so befriended them. Amiditheir happiness they never forgot these stanch friends of the past. And amoni? them all, they reckon none more highly than the intrepid scout who followed all their reverse fortune* in the days when they sought to secure the treasure of Lone Canyon?the King of border detectives, Ranger Ralph. tens exu-1 This Country Doesn't "Put on Frills." It is the custom of many foreign Governments near ttie beginning of the year to send to other countries a N?w Year's card, containing a greeting to the country and wishes for Tanother successful year. The United States, however, never acknowledges these irlendly missives or reciprocates them, because, as one of the officials expressed it, "We do not desire to put on frills." Cuba, this year, was the first country to send a New Year's greeting to this Government. HATS AND BONNETS. DESIGNS AND NOTIONS IN MlliLINERY FOB WINTER WEAR. Blending of Old and New Styles ?A Showy Hat ? Bows of Satin Match the Collar ? Home or Visiting Gown. BACK to I860 go the designers .of millinery in their search for "new" styles, and forward they come, with hate of the showy sort sketched below. Envious competitors assert that the arrangement of its plnmes is essentially of the year 1895, bntwhat of that? If the hat is becoming, it would make no difference if it oombined the fashions of to-day with those of two centuries ago. This blend of that which is new and that which is thirty-five years old consists of a suitable wire frame covered with gray cloth. Its broad brim is turned up on both sides and edged with a narrow jet galloon having little bead pendants. The crown is encircled by a wide bias fold of sapphire blue and old gold mirror velvet, which is draped and folded as in dicatecL Several ostrich plumes, shaded gray and blaok, form the remaining trimming. In conclusion it is hardly necessary to add that it is a youthful model. She is a wise woman who with each of her dress collarettes is haying made for wear on her head a bow of satin to match ithe collar. This bow has one pointed end and two loops, the end finished with a little frill of thread lace, the loops wide, with a soft bit of lace set on the other side to balance the end. The bow is set right Ob ' FROCK AN Here are one pretty frook and a and Express. The frock has a.'plaiu band, and a "lore" of a bodice, d: broidered lisse, what is known as b beautiful brooade is all that could 1 the most fastidious. It falls in mot joke aud most becoming collar. & ming this very difitinguished-looking on top of the head, the hair being done high, the end spreading back on one side of the hair knot, the lace on the other side, and the loops taking a straight line across the top of the head. The effeot is really charming, ut coarse, the bonnet is supposed to be there, and the bow can be put on a crescent-shaped foundation. Perhaps thus the bonnet can be a little more securely adjusted. Such a bonnet of black satin, "with white thread lace? the genuine thread a little yellow from A SHOWY HAT. age?worn with a plain black broadcloth gown, is charming. The bodice should fasten invisibly at one side, a big satin bow being set near the shoulder. A folded black satin collar fastens at the back under two rosettes of thread lace and a fall of lac? is in front. This is the sort of rig that men admire and women in colors envy helplessly. BA>T> OF FOR ABOUT THE NECK. ; The very narrow band of fur about the neck now appears upon all sorts of gown*. Sable only a half-inch wide is much used, or a single little ermine skin is backed with satin and bound about the throat, no matter how high the stock collar may be. The fur fastens invisibly with hook and eye. The finish thns given is always becoming; besides we all know that the highest collar will wilt down in front, and the fur provides against this. I Then, too, the habit is a much lees pernicious one than that of the feather or fur bo&. HOME OH VISITING GOWN. Here is something very pretty for a home or visiting gown. It has a fancy yoke of spotted surah, with velvet bows and tiny ruches of the material in four lines or seams, or a flat passementerie can be used instead. The very full sleeve in caught in plaits up the centre, and finished with little rosettes of velvet, and the slightly full yoke is arranged on the bodice lining, and the lo^er part put on in the stretched or seamless style, and shows a little fullness in the centre of the back and front. The back is a fac-similie of the . ' \ . . < 7 " : >> .* \;'i: . ' rV*si ? front, but straight and slightly higher, and there is no bow. The skirt ie cat in three pieces only?a narrow gored front and two cape-shaped 'BOMS OB ^ GOWN. pieces for the baok. This model is /ti i! _ vi t_ very enecuve m uiacK crepon, witn yoke of satin or moire, .satin ribbon bows, and narrow jet to outline the yoke and simulate seams on the skirt. SMALL PUBS AND OTHEB FANCIES. The novelty of the moment, says Harper's Bazar, is a little collar-bs.nd of fur to be worn as velvet stook col D CLOAK. handsome cloak, printed in the Mail i soft green satin skirt, velvet waistraped with pare white and pink emroderie Anglaise. The opera cloak oi )e desired in cat and make by even it graceful flutes from a new shaped Imoked fox has the honor of trimwrap. i . lars are. It is merely a straight band of for about throe inches wide, standing oat in projecting loops on the sides, then hooking in front, where it is adorned with two miniature heads of the animal that meet togethei there. This odd little toar do cou if made ol the glossiest black silken Persian lamb, or of the moire Persian, or else of sealskin, otter, or the shorter brown fare, especially mink or sable. The large fox boas, either white, gray, or brown, have been given as i Christmas presents to girls who skate, sleigh, or ride the bicycle, as they are very warm. They are made of the Bkin of the entire animal attached to a slightly smaller head, and retain the fnll ronnd brash, with good effect. Small collets of sealskin reaching just over the shoulder-tips are given an important look bj a large ruche around the neck made of velvet of the same color thickly lined and boxpleated. Another odd fashion is the collet of black velvet falling very full and also entirely double from a yoke I of velvet. Each of the velvet collets is lined with ermine, which meets face to face, and is out of 6ight except when blown aboat by the wind. A high collar, close aboat the neck, of black ostrich tips finishes the garment. EMBROIDERED CLOTHS. Embroidered cloths, which the French call drape deconpe, are decidedly popular. Flowers and other designs are worked upon the cloth, which is then cut out in very open patterns. Bright, contrasting colors are put beneath, and these cloths are used for trimmings or for entire ! gowns. Fashion Design For 1895. The wheel-costame for the female bioyclist.?Judge. The baldrick, 60 often mentioned in early dramas, was an ornamental belt passed diagonally across the body, '1 i religious reading; i THE PB08PEE0US CHDBCH. Upon the subject of true church prosperity,1 - there are undoubtedly mistaken notion*-*. .A There Is eternal prosperity. The house is . : J commodious, neat, and 1f you please, fashion* able in its construction. The pulpit, pews, steeple?In a word, the style of architecture throughout Is truly modern. The preacher Id talented, eloquent and polished to the core in all his sermons. The congregation is largd 1 and embraces not a few of the elite in comma- I nlty. The singing is scientific In a high de- 1 gree?indeed it Is so prominent in worship ' that it supplants the sermon as a topic of con- ? vereation. The Sabbath school is large, and conducted with strict 'order and decorum? But Is not all this as It should be? In most ' resDects undoubtedly. We have no fault to . find with the house." It is not the worse for v ; being modern. We also like strong houses and good singing. But to make any or all of these a test of true prosperity in a Christian. i church, is to commit an error most disas- v trous in its influence. In connection with all these things, there may be. morally, the cfailiness of death, the feebleness of infancy, the lukewarmness of ttip Laodecoan church. With all this external prosperity, the church may have no more influence upon the world than moonbeams have upon an iceberg. There are certain spiritual elements of power, without which a church is but littler . else than a reproach to religion, a stumbling ' f: block in the way of sinners, and a source OX > i strength to infidelity. When a body of men and women form an organization bearing the . ; v: name of a Christian church, they at once become the observed of many observers. Ex- .; pectation is excited in oomncunity, touching : certain developments of character in praotical everyday life. Wicked men have suffi- V; oient knowledge of religion to know that it, , , embraces something more than fine houses . 38 of worship, eloquent preaching and regular attendance upon the worship of Qod on the J Sabbath. ? tfraj Would you know as to the spiritual condl- . . A t'nn nt n nhnmh!) Whnt la tha / Viarnftftr of 1 the preaching sought, loved and enjoyed? I Is it scriptuai, plain, home thrust? ' I How are the weekly prayer meetings sir _J tended? Are they full, and characterized by B a heavenly zeal? What are the faits In re ?rd to family altars? Is there one in each. " nily of the church? How do the members ' . stand affected toward the impenitent in their midst? Do they constantly seek the enlargement of Zlon by the conversion of sinners to Christ? What relation does the church sustain to the worldly amusements of the day?? , Do they refuse to mingle with the world in pk their devotion to sin? These questions snlfl- .rl ciently indicate what we mean by true proa- " peri.y in a Christian church. It is spiritual, emoracing men and women who have been; >^i regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and a proof ?] of such change, by fervent love to God and ? man?strong faith in the promises?effectual and fervent prayer?a deep concern for sinners?a benevolence inspired bv the gospel,' and a life unspotted by the world. A people Sg'~< thus farnishea will make aggressions; upon the power of darkness. Whether theirhouse ' be plain or otherwise, or whatever may. be ; their worldly standing, they will grow, and , before their march moral darkness will flee , j away.?Bap. Register. * ?u*? ? !ftBBM THE BUrJTEB BELIEVING IX CH BIST. ' ,' y 'J t When a convinced, guilty sinner, who feels condemned by the Jaw of God and his own conscience, and fears the sentence of eternal , condemnation from the mouth of his Judge ~ hereafter, hears and believes the glad tiding* > .fj4 of salvation, they cause hope in the mercy of .. / God to spring up in his anxious, trouble? ,V breast.?He says to himself I am a miserable^-' guifty creature. I have rebelled against my Creator, broken his law, and thus exposed myself to its dreadful curse. How then, cafl ;. : : v I escape from this curse, which threat- *A ens to plunge me in eternal ruin? r^m Can I call back the idle words I hav&?H uttered, the sinful desires I have indulg?B H| the wicked actions I have committed, t^^^B time I have wasted, the precious priviiegHHB and opportunities I have misimproved? Can I wash away the puilt of these sins frojHR9 my troubled conscience, or blot out the blao^HB catalogue of them which is written in tl^BH book of God's remembrance? No. Can^^H make any satisfaction or atonement for thom^BI to appease my justly offended God? Even should I be perfectly obedient infuturq^^B still this will not blot out my past sins. Be^^H .13-. T -O ? J iL.A T .1-1!.. nAf? a{n? Biaes 1 U11U LiiUl 1 UHIIJ cuuiuioui; Hon so tb&t, instead o! diminishing, I increase^R my guilt. What, then can I do?^H Where can I turn? On what can build any hope of mercy? Why should God^H| pardon me and give me heaven, when I ha^^Hfl done, and still do nothing but provoke bin^HB What can I what mast I do to be saved? gospel, Indeed, says, Believe on the Lo^f^H Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. tells me that though my sins be of a crims^^^fl color and scarlet dye, yet, if I forsake the^HHj and tum unto the Lord, he will abnndanlHH| pardon. Why should not I believe in Cbri<^^H as well as others? His blood cleanseth frc^^H all sin. But perhaps I too am great a 3innS H to be saved. Yet the gospel assures me thHHS Christ came to save the chief of sinners. then should I doubt? Why should I not b^^^n lieve? I must, I will. I can, I do believ^^H^ Lord, help thou my utU^ilef.?Watchman. HHj WHY YET DM His life went out in despair?that miser^BH bleman! If you could bar? ?eei him, cesl^^H have heard him, tremliling m'ust.hnve seizeMIH your soul. Why yet delay io coming Christ? Do you intend to be ?n?ctor in juflQBE 6uch a scene? The death of an : impeniteiMH is an appeal to seek God _ J" fl Conscience Warns yoaagwnsr, oeiay. it fm has spoken to your heart with tfce entreaties ^ of love, and with the remoutMBeb of anger; I bnt you have lain still, eoontocfdting sleep, | and trying not to hear. Tbe ttaw|s coming, dear friend, when you will Bleep (in death, and will wake no more. Why jfc.delay ? Habit remonstrates against datey. Look back and see. Are you dotfwtlKt{from God than ever? What single po'nt In your religious prospects has improved by procrastination? On the' contrary, the firther yoa " have gone on in life, the farther you nave gone away from Christ. Delay towards God is progress to hell. Why yet delay? Sickness has testified against dels r. On a bed of pain, how solemn have bten your meditations! A writer obseras: >ur"frail bodies are tottering habitations; evflry beat I of the heart is a rap at the door to teS us our I danger." Before your sickness fe untp death 1 ponder well the question, "Wily this procrastination?" Al! things above you, behind yon, within you, before you, unite with k divine own bin a- t" tion to press religion upon your anxious ' thoughts. It is related of Itales, oaeof the j Grecian sages, that being urged by his pother 1 to a certain course, he rt,pnw,-'.%JV?iis too, 1 soon," and tbnt beinc urged ag?daTl?e:K, -'ied, m "It is too late." Take caw, oy naftnent friend, lest ,ltoo soon" shall end wfth, you^-^H soul in an eternal ''too late. * Wly do you V Hninv??Presb. Treasury. , . DISOBEYING THE i ' 1 Some years ago a ship was makiKlte' way 1 across the Atlantic. There w?e cut-} few I passengers on board, and the ctptaio aI-? i 15 lowed them to go wherever they pM#e4 on. I the ship. Sometimes he would 'et teem manage the wheel, keeping an eye 4 tflem, and they could steer as well a?3Jiybody else in fair weather. But when a at on oame up the captain would entrust tlie wlaj to ' none but experienced handa. fwwer, < there were passengers who thought tplnew more than the captain?actually tj ft they * had learned more in a few fekaTof ' fair sailing than the eaptalr id ; la forty years of all sort9 ( f*p4rl? ences. And s.-me wanted t< terfira with the captain's orders, i^dasd 11 hflvQ Interfered If the captain had ac jkdtc ^ leader in irons for mutiny. That* k gniaj captain who is guiding us, or ;wt IhenVo (ruide us across the rough sea: o 4 Bow many times we tinnK wp , moto \ then He. and we rebel and . in.% \ with J His directions. God has to inte wi|h I our liberty, and indeed at soma ma troDui 1 be'oro thty will learn obodienoi J Government 3Iaps for PubUcJkfWiK A scheme to make n general dilution JUg [ of Government maps among schoohrflugli-. J^BL | out the country Is provided for In jfeoinP mendatlon forwarded by DlrectortvjjgN flHB o! the Geological Survey, to Socreti?paWM nnd by him transmitted to Congrf\A* J | amondment to the Appropriate:, ff*H adopted, authorizes tho Director fj"*} H I 15,000 copies of a set of ton top^P^j? H atlas sheets for distribution to ttfj.w,? schools of the United States corre??,n*! ( H In grade to the grammar, normal a.0**1 , u schools, academies, colleges and jTI*1" . fl tl?s. There are between 13,000 H| these Institutions an I tho total tlon necessary for the distribution ^ i^H