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lewis m. grist, proprietor.j a" Jmlcpeiulent Jfamiti) Jtacspapcr: <^or the promotion of the political, Social, Agricultural and Commercial (Interests of the Jsoitth. |terms?$2.00 a year in advance VOL. 35. YORKYILLE, S. C., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1889. dSTO. 49. ? ~ " i ? - ? . *-n 1 I Shn hlrmipd hpraplf Mint aim lmH nrtt Hia- I x. j% , 3 ~ - ft ate Mains. THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. The annual message of Governor John P. Richardson was read in both houses of the legislature on Tuesday of last week. The paper opens with an exhibit of the State debt, which is composed of stocks and bonds, and which he specifies in two classes. After enumerating each class of indebtedness, the total of which is $6,595,924.02, he recommends that fifty year 4 per cent, bonds be issued, to take up the Brown consols, which amount to about $000,000, and bear 6 per cent, interest. As an inducement to holders to make the exchange, he suggests that the difference in interest between the date of new issue, and the time the consols mature, which will be July, 1893, be paid in cash. If the new bonds cannot be exchanged at par, he suggests that they be exchanged at not less ^ -- -x than 97, the amerence uetweeu me selling price and par, also be paid in cash from a fund to be appropriated for that purpose. He also recommends, as a suggestion of the State treasurer, that as an additiohal guarantee of the bonds, that the State's phosphate royalty be set aside for that purpose. Considerable space is devoted to a discussion of the question of forfeited lands and the collection of taxes. After reciting the merits and defects of the Act of 1887, in relation to forfeited lands, delinquent lands and the collection of taxes, he says: "After erroneous forfeitures shall have been eliminated from these lists, there will still remain a debt of at least i:Wo hundred thousand dollars (200,000) due the State on account of unpaid back taxes, practically all of which can be gradually and inexpensively collected by the sinking fund commission through the secretary of State and the attorney general." He recommends for the earnest and favorable consideration of the legislature a bill carefully prepared under the direction of the sinking fund commission and published in their report, which charges that board with the collection of the levy of 1887 as well as levies subsequent and prior thereto now due on forfeited lands, and gives them at the same time two distinct remedies to enforce the collection, either or both of which may be cautiously applied by them as their experience and judgment may dictate. If this bill becomes law, I am satisfied that all taxes due on forfeited lands will be collected at comparatively little expense without recourse to legal pro x nnrl CeSS, except 1U rare lusiouwo, uuu generally by correspondence only. The sinking fund commission, the secretary of State and the attorney general receive neither fees nor commission for services rendered in this collection. Of abandoned lands he says: "I commend to your careful consideration the comprehensive report of the secretary of State, as agent of the sinking fund commission, (published in the commission's report,) upon the subject of abandoned lands. As this class of land is upon neither the tax duplicate nor the forfeited lists, it is contributing no revenue to the State, and, in most instances, cannot be acquired by individuals for improverv4An* **r\A riotrolrvnmfinf nc flip ftWTl lUClil ftUU UV Y Vivyxiiviivj WW V?.v W ?. -<ers are generally'unknown and inaccessible. This subject needs your attention." Of the public schools of the State, he says: "The elementary education of our people deserves and demands our most careful consideration. The public school is the principal training ground of the masses. It furnishes the only opportunity for the average child. The dictates of religion and philanthropy call for wise legislation in this field. To these high motives is added the safety of the Commonwealth. We should follow our legislation with the most scrupulous fidelity in the execution of all laws enacted. The citizen is benefitted not so much by the perfection of written constitutions and statutes as by their equitable administration. The State has upon paper a body of simple and compact laws for the training of our children, which can be strengthened annually by amendment, as experience demonstrates its defects. "One of the most salutary and progressive measures of the house of representatives at the last session was the appointment of a standing committee to guard and develop this supreme question. I am pleased to believe that the agents in the field, school officers and teachers, as a body, are more efficient and earnest in the discharge of duty than ever before. "The young people who are to-day instructed in the schools will very soon become the factors in our social and political life. It is our supreme dutv to give them every advantage within our means. The State undertakes to place the seal of its approval upon every teacher who receives pub lie money, it should tnen, 01 course, be inexorable in its requirements for fitness in character and training for this high work. The teacher is a mind and character builder, and teaching is the most exacting of all duties. Only those, therefore, should be endorsed by the State who are thoroughly prepared to lead and guide. "The length of our school term should be extended, as soon as practicable, to the minimum of six months required by the constitution. Our training schools should be fostered and their operations supervised by a committee appointed by the State. The superintendent of education well says "no mere ex-officio relation should satisfy the people." We should be liberal to these institutions, and should follow our appropriations with the most faithful and intelligent inspection of the work done. Your honorable bodies well understand that we endow these institutions to elevate the children and build up the State. The teacher receives individual benefit, but the basal idea is the safety of the Commonwealth. Institutes in county and State, and normal schools, are a vital part of any efficient system of common schools. I desire most earnestly to invoke your patient and liberal consideration of all measures that will extend the school term, elevate the teachers, and make more efficient and helpful the schools that are the principal agencies to train the children of South Carolina in the elements of knowledge. i.f u.. ? 'me repuri ui nit; succiiiiicuuciii of education shows that during the scholastic year ending August 31, 1889, there were enrolled in the public schools 89,701 white pupils, and 104,503 colored pupils, making a total enrolment of 194,204. During the same period the average attendance was : White, 59,.'157 ; colored, 09,892; not classified, 7,109; total, 136,358. Teachers employed : White, 2,528 ; colored, 1,022 ; total, 4,250, The average length of the public school term throughout the State was 3.4 months." The University of South Carolina and the Citadel academy are referred to at length in laudatory terms, both of which institutions are recommended to the fostering care and generous support of the legislature. The Winthrop Training school and Claflin college are also spoken of in complimentary terms, and the usefulness of each institution fully recognized. Of the Winthrop school he says it well deserves the continued support of the legislature, and he recommends that the appropriation ol $5,000 to Claflin college be continued. The institution for the deaf and dumb and the blind is in a satisfactory condition, and a small advance over the appropriation for last year is asked. Of the department of agriculture he says: "The annual report of the depart ment of agriculture will be laid be fore you by the board and com mis sioner. It contains a full review o the operations of the department foi the past year, and is commended t< the careful consideration of youi honorable bodies. "The inspection of commercial fer tilizers sold in the State appears, fron the department report, to be careful ly and properly conducted, so as t< afford the largest measure of protec tion to consumers and guarante< them against the sale of fraudulent o: worthless guanos. The value ant importance of a rigid inspection o fertilizers is realized when it is state< that the consumption in South Caro lina last year exceeded 132,000, ton j costing the farmers not less than tw< million dollars. The phosphate in terest of the State has had that care ful supervision by the departmen that so important an industry de mands. W ithin twenty years phos phate mining has grown from an ex periment to such proportions that i now yields an income of about one fifth of all the revenue necessary fo: the support of the State Government Every dollar due the State for th< ?_a Kno Kaon nFAmnt.lv noirl CUirein J C<U lias us,vuj/w...|,vv x the consumption of Carolina rock ir the United States has been greatly increased during the past year, anc the industry is on a safe, solid anc substantial basis. The phosphate lit igation has been ended in a mannei entirely satisfactory to the State. "The efforts of the department tc prevent the spread of contagious dis eases among the live stock of the State are valued and appreciated bj farmers and stock breeders, and this branch of the work is becoming more important as each year the stock in terest becomes greater. The State weather service, operated by the de partment and the United States sig nal service, is of much benefit to both our commercial and agricultural in terests. The collection and compi lation of climatic data, so long neglected, is now being effectively done and is more valuable as the record* become more perfect and complete The commissioner has endeavored tc have the fish laws properly observed and calls attention to the defects ir those laws that prevent their enforcement and observaance. "The statistical information furnished in the reports of the commissioners gives the estimated area and yield of the principal crops, and show* a gradual but steady increase in the value of our agricultural productions "The special agent sent by the de partment of agriculture to the Pari* Exposition prepared and printed ar attractive pamphlet setting forth oui resources and advantages, and much good is expected to grow out of his well-directed labor and efforts toward inducing foreign capital and immigration to seek the inviting field oi South Carolina. He has ably and satisfactorily discharged the delicate and onerous duties devolved upor him. "The museum of the department is now well filled with the natural and manufactured products of South Car olina, handsomely and attractively displayed, and furnishes an objecl lesson worthy of the careful study o: our people, and it is of great advantage to strangers desiring to become informed of the wealth of our fields fruits and mines, or our industria progress. "The work of this department is es pecially commendable in the im mense correspondence conducted anc in the great number (172,000) of use ful publications distributed, giving information, statistical and general upon every variety of subject calcu lated to encourage immigration anc capital and to foster and advance the agricultural interests of the State Its management has been able, faith ful and laborious." The work of the experiment sta tions in the State is commended foi its increased efficiency and its greai convenience to the public. Complete statistics of the peniten tiary are given and the financial con dition of the institution specially commended. On this point he says "The operations of the year just past and considered apart from those o any other year, show cash earning.' of over $15,000 more than the neces sary expenditures for the support o the prison. It is surely a source o gratification that so satisfactory ar exhibit has been the outcome of < year marked by unpropitious season for the successful conduct of its agri cultural contracts. "This very favorable condition ha induced the board of directors to en deavor to return to the Stat treasu ry a portion, at least, of the $25,00' advanced some three years ago fo the maintenance of the institution and they expect within the nex ninety days to replace $15,000 or mor of that amount. "The board again ask your honor able bodies that they be allowed t purchase solely from the earnings c the institution, such plantation, o tract of land? as may be adequate ii size, convenient in location and oth erwise adapted to the needs of th institution; and I cannot too heartil; recommend the adoption of this wis and prudential measure to your favor able consideration. The success c the farming operations undertake] heretofore on snare with the owner of the land has conclusively demon strated the wisdom of such a course which presents itself at this tim with additional force from the fac that all of the agricultural contract expire on 31st of December, 1891 with the exception only of that witl Mr. Seegers on his Green Hill place where about sixty hands are employ ed, and which has two years yet t run." The governor advocates th recommendation of the board, an< trusts the legislature will give th matter the grave and careful con sideration its importance demands The report of the regents of th lunatic asylum shows that the num berof patients increased during th fiscal year from 080 to 722; that ther were at one time 732, and that th population would have been no\ much larger had not the plan of re leasing on probation been carried t the utmost limit of prudence. Thi plan, suggested by the crowded con dition of the wards, seems to liav worked well, and has effected a con siderable saving of expense to th counties. Compared with last yeai 53 more were admitted, 41 more wer discharged, 83 more under treatmenl and 25 more discharged as cured. Th report of the superintendent contain statistics which show the remarkabl increase in the number of colore patients which has taken place dur ing the last eleven years. The gov ernor says he thinks it is concede by all that there is a necessity for separate institution for colored lunn tics, and at some length supports th measure. The workings of the railroad com mission during the year are given and in connection therewith the gov ernor says: "It is a matter of general informs x? f/\ oti nnran IIOII lUill III icopuilfv IU U11 u.8v>. public demand several of the rail roads entering Columbia provide* separate but equal accommodation for passengers of the two races du ring the recent State Fair, and tha the experiment proved notably sue cessful, caus."*g no friction or com plaint, but conducing instead, in ai i eminent degree, to the pleasure an* comfort of the excursionists. Ther is no reason why this temporary reg ulation should not be made perma nent, to the joint advantage of th ' railroads and the traveling public The intermixture of passengers c both races in the same railroad coach es or compartments is frequentl; attended by unpleasant incident.' which could be prevented by provis ion of separate accommodations, an* j to this, the accommodations bein made equal in character, there coul - be no objection by thoughtful person - of either race." Referring to the report of the ac f jutant and inspector general, he saj r it shows a slight falling off of tb > number of men in the force, attril r utable in part to more rigid inspe* tions. Amendment to the law regi - Iating the distribution of the annus 1 appropriation for the support of tl: - various companies is recommende ) with a view of securing more reguli - attendance at a given number of dril i during the year, and paying them i r proportion to the average attendance 1 instead of taking the annual inspe f tion, as at present, as the basis o 1 which the money is paid. He r - . commends that an appropriation 1 A- /trwvtrtnnincj f/ 7] maue to pay inuiiui cwmpumeo 3 certain special duty, in uplioldin - the arm of the civil law, during tl - past year. On other topics connect t with the military he says: "It appears that there is little chan< - of the Confederate rolls ever heir - completed, some fifty being sti t missing, no one having been four - able or willing to undertake this ver r difficult but patriotic duty. I woul . suggest the consideration of son; 3 means of publishing in permanei ; form those already secured with grei i trouble. r "To the various other matters coi 1 tained in this report I call your a 1 tention, and earnestly hope you wi - be able to adopt su"h measures j r will eventually render our volunte< force, composed of the best elemen > in the State, one of most efficient i - the Union. 3 "In connection with this subject r would also earnestly bring to yoi 3 attention the propriety of collectir 3 for preservation the battered batt - flags of the companies, battalions an 3 regiments of the State. "These ensigns represent the horn - and valor of our people, and the Stal i should take care that they are reve - ently preserved as honored memor - als of the gallant and self-sacrificin devotion of her sons. , "Let her request the veterans of tl 3 Confederale army and navy to sen . their battle-scarred flags to the adji > tant and inspector general's depar , ment to be carefully preserved in th t Capitol in appropriate cases, whei they will bear their silent testimon to the heroism with which the sor of Carolina vindicated her hono and the self-sacrifice with which the I laid down their lives in her defenci j "I recommend a small approprij 3 tion to carry out this suggestion an . secure the safety and preservation ( - the flags. 3 On the subject of State pensions h t says: "Under the Act of Aasembly of 188! i fifty thousand dollars were appropr 3 ated for the purpose of paying a per I sion to the disabled Confederate so - diers and sailors and the widows < f deceased soldiers. The Act of th I General Assembly recognized th ; pension board and created two cour i ty boards and a State board, and r? quired the list of pensioners to be r< 3 vised by these boards. I Under these boards the folio win persons have been placed upon -th r pension roll: t Soldiers, 5: f Widows, 1,4J [ Total 1,0 ' Disapproved : | Soldiers, 2* 1 Widows, 1 Total, 3: 1 Total passed upon 2,2" This is seventy-six less than were aj proved last year. \ The fifty thousand dollars has been dii , bursed as follows: May, 1889, paid pensions, 920,709 I [ June, 1889, paid ponsions, 2,895 I ? June and July, paid pensions,... 11,088 1 September, paid pensions, 10.921 ! Board county examiners 2,280 < Clerical services for 1888-89, 1,700 I Total, 949,000 "This leaves a balance in the trea k ury on this account of $339.80. "Some difficulty has been exper enced by the comptroller general i the disbursement of this fund. Th 1 Act requires the comptroller gen en : to mail his warrants to each pensiont ? for the amounts due each montl f This was found impracticable to carr 3 out because of the failure of th * general assembly to appropriate su ? flcient funds to pay the postage on th 1 same. The number of pensioners 1 1,949, and if a warrant were to I 1 issued to each pensioner each mont s and mailed as directed the postag alone would amount to $38.96 p< month. 3 "The comptroller general, not lur * ing sufficient amount of postage 1 " meet the requirements of the Ac 0 mailed the claims to the clerks < r court in the several counties, wh ? have taken great pleasure in distril t uting the warrants. a in 1,1 xi -?xv jl wuuiu iiiereiure suggest uuu 11 Act be so amended that in the futui the amount due in each county coul 0 be paid in two instalments*to tl * clerk for distribution, on the 1st < r April and July of each year. 1 "These clerks, as I am inforinei have been so kind in assisting tl e comptroller general in the distribi y tion of these warrants that I feel co: e fident that they would not considi the duty of disbursing these fun< a burden, but a pleasure. 1 "This benefaction is accomplishii: s so much good, and is in itself so jus l_ that I warmly urge again the appr '? priation of the usual amount for th e purpose, to wit: fifty thousand dc * lars." s The South Carolina Agricultur [? and Mechanical society is comment h ed, and he says: "In consideratic !> of the great work being accomplish " by this society, and to the er 0 that it may be enabled to do sti 6 more for the agricultural and niechai ? ical interests of South Carolina, e recommend that the appropriatit l* now being made by the State for i ' aid and assistance be increased to s e extent commensurate with its us - fulness. This recommendation e made in view of the immense magi) c tude to which these fairs have grow e in comparison with the moderate d v mensions of the first efforts of tl !* Agricultural and Mechanical sociei 0 upon its reorganization soon :ift s the war, and the consequent growir ' necessity for increased accommod 0 tions and facilities for exhibitions - every class and in every departmei e t\f inrltiiitrv onnrrmriotinti tli yji iiiumuj. "> is made by your honorable bodic e being devoted, as this is to the a t> vanceniemt of the most importai e interest in the State, is or could 1 s more productive of substantial ben e fit to the whole people." The report of the architect of tl State House is referred to, and he commended for the efficient mann d in which work on that building h: a been conducted during the year. I L* recommends that ample appropri e tions be made for the speedy conipl tion of the entire interior of the ca - itol, careful ana detailed estimates 'i which have been made by the arcli tect. In conclusion, the Governor say! l- "It becomes my duty before closir t this communication to officially ai - nounce to your honorable bodies tl i sudden and much lamented deat s during the past summer, of the Hoi i- 1. S. Bamberg, late State treasurer, t "I will not here enter upon any e logy of this greatly beloved and e i- teemed citizen, for his eminent vi n tues are too widely and universal! d recognized to need the words of pas e ing praise. "Beautiful in the simplicity of h i- character, grand in the faithful pe e formance of every duty, able in tl '. administration of the high functioi if that had been entrusted to him, ar i- with blessed Christian charity ten y pering and sweetening every ac s, thought and deed of his useful lif !- his memory rests safely and endi 1 ringly in the hearts of his lovir ? friends and grateful countrym d "I appointed to fill the vacar is thus created, the Hon. E. It. Mclv of Darlington ; but its under the 1 1- this appointment only holds ui rs the next ensuing session of the G< ie eral Assembly, it now becomes ne( > sary that you shall elect a permaw 2- successor to this important office, l- "May the guidance of infinite v d dom direct your deliberations to ie lasting honor, welfare and happin d of the people of our beloved Statir J. P. Richardson, Governor Is n v - JOGGING HIS MEMORY. ei A clergyman in Iowa relates c" following anecdote, which, as n says, ought to be a hint to all cou] ^ who are going to he married. A In )e called upon him and announced J >r name as Mrs. M . a widow liv ? in a distant part of the State. I husbaud had been killed in the ci war, and she had applied for a p sion. But it was necessary for he; -e prove her marriage. This she 1 not been able to do, as her marrii 11 certificate was lost, and all the v ld nesses except the minister him: y were dead. 1(1 She had come a long distance to the minister's evidence, insist upon it that he was the person v " had performed the ceremony. "But I do not remember anyth J" about it, madam," said the minisi J" after listening carefully to the 1 11 man's story. "T have married h 1S dreds of people in the last twei *r years, and cannot recall yonr c at all." n "Why, you must remember t evening. I wore a traveling si 1 and my husband was a tall n ir with black whiskers." [? "I have married a great many men with black whiskers." d "But don't you remember, we ca in when you were at supper, and j )r asked us to wait in the parlor a i [_e minutes ?" V" "I don't remember it." 1_ "Don't you recall how my husbj & was very much embarrassed, and ring the ceremony knocked a vase the table near where we were stai d ing ? And then he apologized rij J" in the middle of the service, and all laughed about it afterward." ie "I don't remember even tl "e Other things like it have happei y since. Can't you name someth 18 else?" r> Other little things were mention y and the clergyman hunted up all old letters and journals in hopes discovering something that would d call the ceremony and enable him )f truthfully identify the widow. ] all in vain. ie Finally the lady with some hes tion and confusion, said: "There one thing that I am sure you can 1_ have forgotten. My husband 1 I" driven over from the next town. his absent mindedness he had left )f ery cent of money at home. ie "Now,, don't you remember t ie after the ceremony he came up to j as if to hand you the regular fee, t &" then, instead of doing that, he sta ^ inered and blushed, and finally as! you to lend him five dollars w ? which to pay his hotel bill, pron 'e ing to return the money the next d Surely you must remember that! '5 "Ah, yes, indeed, I remember t _ very well!" exclaimed the minisl 19 And he could not help adding, haven't seen the money yet." 13 The widow received her pens J4 .. v\aI 1 An/r of simrtiy uuci wmu, <wm uuv <*J - that the minister received a ten c _ lar bill, with the words: "Paym 1Q for good memory." j- ? RICH AND RACY. A dispatch from Find'ay, 01 )0 says: There was great fun out in 1 w awareNtownship, this county, 1 :i? night. Merle Sours, G5 years < married a young girl of about summers, and the boys in the nei _ borhood determined to give th 20 something out of the ordinary in g. way of a charivari. These misch makers came to this city and p j. chased two pails full of blood, fr n from a slaughter house, and carrie ie out where the newly-married cou ^1, were to spend the night. As soor airorir + hincr inflipslfwl t.hflt, UfiOem >r v?vtjv..?.b 3 and May had retired, these hi y slipped into the yard surrounding ,Q house and poured a stream of bl< f. entirely around the premises. H ie ing accomplished this without del js tion, they drove half dozen cows i )e the yard and then concealed the h selves to await developments, rg The fun began at once. The co no sooner sniffed the blood than tl commenced bellowing frantical and could easily be heard a mile 0 two. Other cows "caught on," ? t there came a procession of bovi from nearly every farm in the to\ l0 ship, all bellowing in the most 3. hement manner. They fought ? stamped and pawed the ground 1 ie bellowed in cnorus until the bri re couple fairly went wild from the i(j noyance. ,e When the tumult was at its heig 0f the bridegroom, wearing nothing a red flannel undergarment, was si A to emerge from the door with a hi ie club in his hand, but his appeara: u_ in such a costume only adued fue 3. the flame and what followed can Br be faithfully described. Theoldn js made one run around the hoi which would have beaten the Worl sprinting record, and just manaj it, to get back within the door as 0I horns of the foremost animal in js procession tore a generous piece ,1_ of his red flannel shirt, the bride, the meantime screaming at the al of her voice. ([. .again una again uuring tne ni] )n did old December attempt to disp of his unique charivari party, Kl without avail; as often would tl 11 return to their bloody trail. All t n_ time the cows augumented in nt I ber until not less than 200 cattle s )n rounded the house, while from ev direction came the answering bell of new recruits hastening to the bri e_ demonstration which was so fre is being bestowed on old man So [j. and his youthful wife. li" "Vklly Bad Woman."?The ie dinary Irish servant, when she lea ty one mistress for another, proeun er paper "character" to take along w lg her; but Chinese servants, so a- seems, have an improvement on tl of A lady who has long resided in C ut fornia relates an anecdote, illustrat at of this strong clannish feeling wh is, prevails among the Chinese in t d- country: ut I had several Chinese cooks, < tie after another, and finally one of th e- went away very abruptly, so tin refused to pay him a full moni ie wages. is JUS .>|IU111 Ulll) it J cr hours in my house before he grav as announced, "Me go, inc no sta le The next two staid one day ea a- and then departed with the sa e- brief, emphatic declaration. Num p. four appeared quite satisfied for th of days, but at the end of that time ii- too, followed his predecessors. some concern, J called in my h <: band's office boy, a bright Chinese 1 ig "Clung Foo," J asked, "whatis 11- matter? Chinaman no stay here. ie "Ah," he said, "me"know maylx h, and he went into my kitchen, whi n. er I followed him, wholly perplex He looked carefully all about, p< u- ed into pots and kettles, upturi s- tubs and buckets, lifted lids, i r- turned over chairs, as if looking [y something. is- Finally he pushed the clock fr its place and uttered a quick cry is discovery. r- "Looke," he said, and pointed t ie row of Chinese hieroglyphics on is back of the clock, id Having had them translated, I < 11- covered that Sing Lee, my disaffi :t, ed eook, had left my condemnat e, behind him. a- "She velly bad woman," he 1 ig written; "she no payee." I TAKEN B aw _ itil en- xiie Story of a Young ent enees In ,'isthe Copyright by J. B. Lippincott Company, esg Special Arrangement through the e." > CHAPTER ! the ; he Hhofore John >les I ^urlstone's wed idy fitjiMlui Mding day, and |ier ?fijUljl where was the ing tiiijijlBll Hhappy brideTer MMffff JM groom? Wanderivil IHWflHMMI ing aimlessly en- a r on n d the rto "TIm|W |l| streets, expecting tad [I every moment to age U V|I^^, be seized by the \\ 'II police. They if/ 11 ^MTl were not on * ' track, but he thought they /ho " V , WC1W' 441,11. M1"Jf \/wn 80011 wou^ ^ ing ?ffi I "* *or ^18 connec* fcer ti?n with the (V0I J|H' fraudulent M uun. tual Dividend Mining company was nty known to them, and they were only : 1 ase waiting for certain proofs to clap the handcuffs on his wrists. John felt no hat temptation to run away. Mortimer had nit, tried to induce him to fly with him to ( ian Canada, but John seemed to be in a ( dazed condition, and positively refused toll to do anything. He knew that he had committed a state's prison offense, and ! me that it would not be long before he was 'r?u made to answer for his crimes; but he v did not intend to answer for them in a court of law. in(j He sat in his rooms all day and drank 1 brandy, and thought?not so much of the ( past or the future as of the present. He 11(j. thought of Leoni, whom he loved and to . *ht wh?m h0 was honestly married, and of we Amy, his expectant bride, eagerly waiting his coming in the little country town iat. not a hundred miles away. He had not led had the courage to tell Amy, and he had ing hoped that something would happen before the fatal day; but nothing did haped, pen that could help him in any way. His his troubles came thicker and faster, and he | of saw a felon's cell before him. ( re- "After all," he said to himself, "what | to i3 the use of fighting against fate? I can ^ut soon end the difficulty, and why not do .. it?" l " Before he put his thought into exe- ( ! cution he was seized with a wild desire ^ to see LeonL J "She is my wife, and I love her?God | ev_ knows how well?and sho loves me. I | must see her once more." He hurried off to West Tenth street, j .QU but only to find that she was not at ( ind home. Her mother thought she had im- gono to see a member of the corps de I ce(j ballet who was suffering from a sprained ith ankle, and had no idea when she would ' lis- return. Signora Cella would not have ay. told John even if 6he had known, for " she was indignant that he had neglected hat Leoni for so long after having paid such ter. serious court to her. John left the house "I in a very unhappy state of mind; but he could not bear to tear himself away from 10,1 a spot hallowed by its associations with [ter Leoni. He walked up and down on the '?i* opposite side of the street for an hour, en*' and Signora Cella, who watched him i from her window, was touched by the hopeless expression of his face. She was just going to raise the sash and call lio, him over to wait for Leoni, when he )el- turned suddenly and almost ran up the last 6treet. His thoughts were tearing so )I(1, wildly through his brain that he hardly 17 knew what he was doing. Pfh" , A few moments later he found himself e"1 at the stage door of the Academy of p"? Music. He stood there a while and ie*" watched the groups of chorus singers as 'u!j" they lounged against the iron railing and pl talked over their little troubles. He nip ?f Leoni in a confused sort of i way; and then he started off on a brisk ?11- I- ? A inn a Aiif ber WU1K lur Ilia IVUUiS. IIUH/uiu naa uuyovs gone to eat a dish of spaghetti with a tbe fellow countryman?and the place was )0d quiet as the grave, and as lonesome, av- John sat down in front of a large picture tec- of Leoni, and gazed longingly at it; then nto he walked over to it and kissed the cold ;m- glass that covered the bright young face. "Ah, my darling, if you only knew ws what a state of mind your husband is ley in you would be here by his side; but, Hy, dear girl, you don't know, and it's just > or aa wen that you don't." ind Then he got up and went to his bathnes room and took a bathe, and dressed himvn" self in fresh linen, and put on a suit of clothes that Leoni particularly liked. m j Walking up to the long mirror that hung dal between the front windows, ho looked at _n_ himself from head to heels. "Not a bad looking fellow, as fellows ht go," ho said softly to himself; "it's a pity bu{ to kill him. But why not? He's only a agn cumberer of the earth. You wouldn't jge think him such a bad fellow to look at nee him, but he's a rascal?a born rascal. 1 to Ah, there it is; it was born in Jfim. But not whero did it come from? His father was lan the most upright of men?his mother" ise, (his voice trembled)?"his mother a saint Id's on earth; yet their son is an outlaw, only *ed out of jail because ho hasn't been capthe tured. He is an unhappy wretch, and the lias made all his friends unhappy, and out ]10 jg going to put a final touch to their . m unhappiness. Yes, it's got to come, John 10P Hurlstone; thero's only ono way to cut . , this knot." ^ Saying this, he walked over to his luxbut ur*0U8 dressing table, deliberately opened an upper drawer, took out a silver and ^ js pearl mounted revolver, and, going over im- 10 wrhing table, laid it down beside (ur_ him. ' rv "Poor Leoni! I must write her a lino ' 0NV before I go." jaj He took up his pen and began to write. ly "Leoni mia, my own darling, my wife, urs forgive" But ho could not write another word, for his eyes were blinded with tears that [ or_ ran down his cheeks and fell in scalding ves drops upon the paper. js n "This is unmanly," he said, suddenly, ith springing to his feet. "Am I a woman, it that I should give way like this?" :iis. Then, crossing over to the window, ho ! ftli- gazed out upon the street. How strange ive it looked! It seemed almost like a new 1 ich place to him. But no; thero was his 1 his landlady's little daughter playing out on the sidewalk; she looked up and smiled 3ne and ho kissed his hand to her. The 1 clerk from the drug store on the corner j walked by, an ordinary, commonplace 1 ,s young man, but he filled John with a , strange interest, for ho was the last man ? ho should see in this world. Ho watched V, him out of 6ight; then ho took the re- 1 volver from the table and stood in front ,n(l of tho long mirror again. Ho smiled | ' l)er sadiv as ho caught sight of his own face. \ ???pi ii r>?_ I I J??Q A.IIUJ' CU11 lUlO ? WWttiUO UUU X CI' ju> haps it is; but it takes a little courage," ' 111 ho said, and, placing the muzzle of tho { us- revolver close against his heart, ho ad. pulled the trigger, the A sharp report, a puff of smoke, and tho body of John Hurlstone reeled back- 1 3;" ward and fell to tho floor. And there, til- with one arm thrown over his head, the j ' 0<1. other by his side, he lay when Antonio, 'er- who had spent the evening with his ! ie(l friends, came homo and found him. He I was cold and still, and the terrified ItaJ- 1 ^or Ian knew that he was dead. Antonio's first impulse when lie found on\ that his master was dead was to alarm ! ' the house; but he saw by the revolver at 0 his side that he had taken his own life, t ju, so he deemed it best to go for his brother, who he know was connected with The j Us. Dawn. Locking the door carefully be?et hind him, he ran with trembling limbs ; ion down into the street, and, calling a cab, bade the driver go as fast as his horse iad could run to the office of The Dawn. ' There he learned that Hush had left Y SIEGE. Journalist's Experiew York. Philadelphia, Pa., and Published by i American Press Association. the office at 0 o'clock, saying that Jio would not return until the next evening. Antonio knew nothing about tho wedding preparations at Farmsted, and John had not intended that he should, for the man knew too much about another wedding in which his young master had figured as principal. Almost beside himself with terror and grief, Antonio drove to the Cellas' to break tho news of the tragedy to LeonL In the dramatic manner of his countrymen he told his tale to the horror stricken household. Signora Cella wrung her hands and wept. Leoni seemed turned to stone. When she recovered speech she laid her hand on her mother's arm. "Mother," said she, in Italian, "that dead man is my husband, I must go to him. Will you go with me?" So the mother and daughter got into the cab, and Antonio, mounting the seat with the driver, could not help thinking of the last time he had sat on the box with Leoni inside. It was after midnight when they reached John Hurlstone's rooms. The house was still as the grave. The sleepers might have been roused by footsteps on the stairs, but that was nothing, for the second floor lodger was in the habit of coming in at all hours, sometimes iloneand sometimes with friends. When Signora Cella, Leoni and Antonio reached the ante-room of John's apartment, Leoni said in a low whisper, "Where is he?" Antonio pointed to the front room. Motioning to the others to stay where they were she advanced to the door, opened it and entering, closed it behind her. The gas was blazing as Antonio had left it, and there on the floor in front of the mirror she saw the strong, manly form of her husband, stretched cold and dead. She threw herself down beside it, and taking the dear dead face in her hands, kissed the unresponsive lips and laid her cheek chose to his. She ma not weep; sue oniy Kisseu tne coia face and the lifeless hands, and petted them and murmured words of passionate endearment. Signora C ...a and Antonio became alarmed by her long absence and the stillness, and, opening the door, found Leoni stretched by her dead husband's side, as lifeless and still as he. Terror rendered them speechless. They both thought she had killed herself on the body of her husband, but, hoping against hope, Signora Cella put her hand on the girl's heart and found that it was beating; she had only fainted. They laid her on tho sofa and brought her to by slow degrees: but she was still in a dazed condition. Signora Cella deemed it best to get her home before the officers of the law took possession of the place, 60 6he and Antonio led tho unresisting girl to the cab, in which she was driven home, while Antonio went to the nearest polico station and gave information of the tragedy. In a short time all was confusion in tho house where John Hurlstone's body lay. The police were perfectly satisfied that it was a case of suicide, and the coroner gave his verdict to that effect The address of tho dead man's family was found among his papers, and tho next morning a telegram informing them of what had occurred was dispatched to Farms ted. CHAPTER XX. Iljj 1 j ^reeci P| that which I dawned on the 3d of September, 1875. The sun shone with the brilliant light of Juno, and the loaves of the t trees looked as green as though they were just budding. The birds seemed to know that it was j gala day, and sang their merriest songs. Nowhere did they sing more merrily than among the branches of the black heart cherry tree that stood guard over the village rectory. They must havo known that this was the wedding day of their kind friend, the rector's daughter, who fed them every morning with crumbs of bread. Inside the rectory all was pleasurable excitement. The wedding was to take place at 10 o'clock, and the groom was ? Ua Alto- Tl,n IU LUCUV UIO UtlUU ab 111Q UlbUii * ??W bridesmaids spent the night at the house, that they might be with the bride as long as possible before their final separation. By half past 9 they were all dressed and ready to enter church. Amy never looked 6\veeter and prettier than in her pure white dress and orange blossoms. The bishop of the diocese and Dr. Rayliss wero in the vestry room, putting on their robes. The hands of the clock in the tower were fast moving around towards cho hour, and the picturesque little church was filled with eager friends. Tom Bayliss saw Rush Hurlstone hurrying around to the vestry room, which the clergymen were just quitting, and, believing that John was with him, ho gave the signal for the bridal party to move up the aisle. The organist played a lively waltz as the procession advanced, a buzz of admiration passed over the as-: sembled guests and the bride stood before the altar. At this moment Rush Hurlstone, wild of eye and white of cheek, appeared inside the chancel railing. He whispered a few words to Dr. Bayliss, and the old. rector's cheeks turned as white as his. Without a word ho stepped outside the, chancel. ; "Come homo with me, my daughter,", ho said, putting his arm around Amy and leading her down the aisle, while the others came after, followed by a murmur of surprise from the wedding guests. ! The frightened bride could not find. voice to speaa. one anew sometmng terrible had happened, but never for si moment dreamed of the truth. Her fsither led her back to the rectory, and. taking her into his study, said, with brokenvoice: "My child, ask God's help to hear a terrible blow. John Ilurlstone is dead." And the tears ran down his wrinkled cheeks and ffcll upon his gown. Amy seemed turned to stone. Her largo blue eyes gazed in speechless wonder into her father's face. He took her cold hand in his. "It is true, my dear child?awfully true. Would to God your mother had been spared to comfort you in this great trial!" Still she did not speak. Her lips seemed to move, but there was no sound. Dr. Baylies led her to a chair. She sat down and stared at vacancy. He would have given all he owned if he could luxve >een tears in her eyes; but they were dry as stones, and encircled by black lines that seemed to grow larger and darker as the moments went by. John Hurlstone's two sisters in the drawing room had to be told of what had happened, but lie was afraid to leave Amy alone; so he rang the bell and sent for them to come to him. They came, their poung faces as white as the dresses they wore, and the old man broke the news to them. Their grief was terrible to see. Amy looked at them with vacant eyes. Hiey threw themselves upon thp_floor at ner icei, anu ineir tears icii uucii uuu fast u[K>n her wedding dress; but she sat silent, stunned by her sorrow. Rush had told the news to the bishop, and lie in turn had broken it to the wedding guests, who left the church with sorrowing hearts, for John Hurlstone was a great favorite in Farms ted. All day long they stood around the streets in little groups, discussing the strange news, and wondering what on earth could have induced that handsome, gay young.man to take his own life. At the homestead the shutters were bowed, and the bereaved mother lay prostrate on her bed. surrounded by her children. At the rectory they succeeded in getting Amy to her room; but she would not take of her wedding dress. For hours she sat in awful silence, or paced the floor with monotonous tread, her white veil floating about her and the orange blossoms filling the air with perfume. Rush took the first train to New York, to make arrangements for bringing his brother's body home. It was a sad jour ney. He thought of tho last evening spent with John, and of his wild words, which his death explained. But what did it all mean? What reason had John Hurlstone, of all men, to take his own life? Arrived at his brother's rooms, the body was given over Jo him by the authorities. Then beganTliose heart breaking but necessary details that have to be attended to after a loved one's death; and then the dead man was ready to be removed. Antonio was left in charge of the rooms, and Rush went away with the body. He had not been gone long when Leoni, accompanied by her mother, came to the place. Her grief at finding her husband's body gone was terrible. In moving about the room she came upon the sheet of paper containing the few words John had written to her. As her eyes scanned the tear stained page she threw herself in her mother's arms and wept for the first time since John's death. Piteous as was her grief her mother rejoiced in it, for the stony silence of the hours before had filled her with alarm. It was a sad home coming to Farmsted. A few intimate friends met Rush at the railway station and accompanied him with his brother's body to the house. There it lay in a coffin in the little old fashioned parlor where many of John's ancestors had lain before, but none after such a death. Amy Bayliss seemed to have got control of her grief, for when she heard that the body of her betrothed was lying at his home, she took off her wedding dress, and, arraying herself in a suit of black that she had worn after her mother's death", walked out to the homestead. Rush saw her coming, and, taking her by the hand, led her tenderly into the darkened room where his brother's body lay, and left her alone with her dead. The good people of Farmsted, who had spent most of their time in the street during the past day or two discussing John Hurlstone's suicide, had their curiosity aroused to the highest pitch by the arrival of two foreign looking women by the noon train from New York. One was middle aged, the other young and very handsome. They were both dark and had large black eyes, and their dress was as foreign as their faces. They didn't seem to know they were being stared at, but walked along the main street slowly, evidently looking for something or somebody. A lounger in front of the tavern was 6truck by the beauty of the young woman; and, as they seemed to bo uncertain of their way, ho stepped up to them and asked if he could "set 'em on the right track, as they 'peared to be kinder lost" The older woman thanked him, and in her broken English asked for "Meester 'Urlstone." As Hurlstono was the one name on the lips of every one in the place, the man understood at once where they wanted to go and pointed out the way. "I never seen such eyes as that young 'un's in all my born days," said lie, rejoining his companions on the tavern veranda; "they jest burned like two live coals. I reckon there's a story behind them eyes;" a suggestion the others were quick to take up and discuss. Arrived at the Hurlstone homestead, Leoni bade her mother be seated on a rustic bench by the roadside while she went up the path to the house. When si a* reached the door she looked cautiously around to seo if she was discovered, for-she had a vague fear that if she were seen she would be driven away. She turned the knob of the front door and opening it softly entered the hall. Not a sound was heard. Instinct seemed to tell her which room it was that held the beloved dead. Cautiously pushing the door open and closing it behind her 6he entered. The room was only dimly lighted through the bowed shutters, but she saw the coffin in the center of the floor and threw herself down on her knees beside it, burying her face in her hands. In this position she remained for some moments. Then she arose and kissed the cold face, the lips, the forehead, the eyelids, all the time whispering passionate words in her native tongue. Ontheother side of the coffin sat Amy Bayliss, holdin^ one of the dead man's hands in hers ?o ~? ? and watching this strange woman with dull wonder. After Leoni's eyes had bocome accustomed to the light she saw the other woman, but supposed it was one of John's sisters, of whom she had heard him speak. She said nothing, but taking a packet of letters from her breast?the half dozen she had written to John, and which Antonio had just returned to her? she opened his coat and laid them upon his heart, then kissed his cold lips again. "How dare you! what are you doing?" exclaimed Amy, rising. "Excuse me, signorina; I am returning some letters that I know he will want to have buried with him," Leoni answered, in broken English. "He doesn't want your letters," cried Amy with indignation. "Take them away." "I know that he does," answered Leoni. "You are his sister; you cannot refuse me?" she went on, in a low, pleading voice. "I am not his sister, and I tell you to take your letters away." "Not his sister!" exclaimed Leoni, all the jealousy of her race rising in her heart. "Who are you, then, who dare to sit by his side, who dare to hold his hand?" "I was his fiance; he was my lover," said Amy, with dignity. "But who are you, that dares to profane my dead?" The light of pity filled Leoni's eyes; she hesitated for a moment, and then ? *^ **1- *?T l.u |tA mv btliu, BUlLIJr', J. UUI 1113 v> I1U, lie *? c*o Ui; husband." Amy stared at her as though she did not understand her words, though 6he knew something terrible had been said. There was silence for a few moments; then Leoni put out her hand to Amy, across the dead body of the man they both loved, and Amy took it. "Will you forgive him?" said Leoni. "Will you forgive me? I did not know anything of this. I only knew I loved him and ho loved me. We were married privately in the spring. I am very sorry for you, but I did not intend to hurt you." Amy listened to her words. "I see it all now!" she 6aid. "I was a silly fool that I did not see it before. I might havo known that he could not love me as I loved him. If ho had only told me ?oh, God! if he had only told me?he might still be alive. His death 13 on ray head! Oh, John, John! why didn't you tell me? I loved you so well that I would havo given you up rather than this." And, for the first time 6inco his death, Amy's tears flowed fast and freely. Leoni's heart bled for the girl, but her Italian nature did not understand the self sacrifice of tho words sho spoke. Rather havo him live and be tho husband of another? Never!?sho would rather see him dead twenty times. Amy, with exquisite unselfishness, had nothing but tho tenderest pity for John. covered his love for this beautiful foreign woman in time. Sho felt interested in her at once, and regarded her more in the light of a sister than of a successful rival. She asked her questions about herself, and was not shocked to learn that she was a ballet dancer. She knew little about this profession, and the little sho knew did not place its members in the category of saints; but she was certain that Leoni was a perfectly good woman, and sho believed too thoroughly in John to think for a moment that he could have married her had she been otherwise. A strange friendship was begun over the coffin of John Hurlstonc?a friendship that grew stronger with years?and, to tho scandal of Farmsted, "the ballet dancer John Hurlstone married," spent part of every summer at tho rectory, where she was loved and admired by the old rector as sincerely as by his daughter. Mrs. iiunstono could not quite free her ; mind from the idea that Leoni was in I some way responsible for John's death; but as time went on this feeling wore off, and she and her daughters called on her whenever she visited tho rectory, and always had her to spend a night at the homestead. Amy and Leoni drove in the Bamo carriage to John's funeral (which was a private one, much to the disappointment of the villagers), and stood hand in liand at his grave. While Amy was calm and silent, Leoni was beside herself with grief, and was finally carried fainting to her carriage. It was not long before the story of John Hurlstone's career in New York became known through tho newspapers. Columns were devoted to it. It was told how the dashing Col. Mortimer had organized a mining company that owned no mines, how he had swindled unsuspecting people by his false representations, and how tho clever young captain who had served so brilliantly under him in the civil war had been used as a decoy and finally induced to sign names other than his own to bogus certificates of 6tock. The flight of Mortimer to Canada and tho suicide of Hurlstone, who had been secretly married to one woman while another waited for him at 1 ha nltor n?nva tho ronnrfora n r?hon/-?o UilUJ I W VliV IV|^fl*vaw W VtlMUVV such as they seldom had It was an exciting story, and they made tlio most of it TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK. BUB. Twelve men sat upright in their saddles. Eleven of them formed a circle; the twelfth man was on the outside of it. Within the circle, lying on the ground, almost under his horse's feet, was another man. dead. The blood was oozincr out of a small bole in his forehead, running in tiny purple streams over each temple, and lost in the long black hair that reached almost down to his shoulders. The eleven men forming the circle had their eyes upon the dead man; the eyes of the twelfth were closely watching the eleven, while a half smile played around the corners of hia month, giving to hia face a rather dare devil appearance. There was perfect silence. Even the horses were standing as.if deeply absorbed in thought, forgetting for the time to swish their tails to keep away imaginary flies. But presently the silence was broken. A terrible oath was uttered by one of the eleven, and it was answered by his ten comrades in the circle with angry words and 8houts and curses. They jerked their horses' heads around and faced the one with the smile upon his lips. Each man had his hand on his revolver, but the half smilo on the face of him they seemed ready to destroy, instead of vanishing, grew broader and broader and more reck, less, and a taunting light shone in his eyes as he said, interrogatively: "Well?" The one who had first broken the silence replied by asking: "Why did you kill our comrade?" "Because I could, I suppose." "You killed him, then, becauso you wanted to kill some one?" "No. 1 killed him because he was my brother, and 1 had taken an oath to kill him." "Your brotherl" all exclaimed. "Yes. 1 am Bud. Did he never mention mo to his friends? Ha, ha, hal But Dick was always reticent. It was his way Well, gentlemen, I'll bid you good dav and move alone " foe lifted his hat and bowed to them, then ho turned his horse around and galloped away across the prairie. Tho coolness of the man was such a surpriso to tho party he left that it was several minutes before they fully realized that the murderer of their companion had made his escape. When they came to their senses, however, it was with one accord that each man turned his horse, and with one voice they all shouted. "Death to the murderer!" All were splendidly mounted, and all were good horsemen, men who spent the greater part of their time In the saddle. The chase was a hot one, for the murderer also was well mounted and he easily kept the distance he had gained at the start between himself and nis pursuers. And it was evident from his actions that he did not let his horse out to its full speed, for he frequently reached his hand I over the pommel of the saddle and patted the animal on the neck to soothe it into obedience of his wishes. In the distance was a line of timber. The trees became taller and taller as the riders went on, until at last they rushed into tho dim light under them. Bud, as he called himself, was a scant mile ahead j of his pursuers, but when he struck the woods lie gave his horse free rein, and it was surprising to see how the animal bounded away, almost with the swiftness of the wind. "That's the style, Satan!" cried the rider in exultant tones to his horse. "We will pass the river before they reach it." On and on they sped through what seemed an almost impassable tangle of palmetto and vines. The river was reached at last. The water was over the banks and running swiftly. About half a mile below where Bud had struck the river waa what is called a "raft," a place where logs and trees had lodged as they were carried down the river by freshets. They were fastened together in all sorts of wavs?some standing on end with their broken tops above water, others with their roots in the air, and against these was lodged drift of every description. Over and around this drift and the upended trees the water rushed in a thousand whirls and eddies, with a roar as of a cataract. Bud cast his eyes up and down the river. He had crossed it often, and knew the danger. "The river is ou a boom," he muttered; ! then turning to his horse he spoke cheer| By, "But we can cross it, can't we, satanr The animal uttered a short neigh, as if in response, and pawed the ground restlessly. Bud fastened his pistols high on the ; pommel of the saddle, then pulled his | boots of! and fastened them in the same manner. When all was ready he took | hold of the horse's tail and said: "Now, I Satan, over we go." The horse walked into the water with ; Bud following, holding on to his taiL j Man and beast were soon out of their ' depth, when the horse turned his head ! slightly against the stream and swam i swiftly for the other bank. The'shore was reached in safety. The | bank was low and clear of timber, exI cept for a tree standing here and there, i and in the distance, as far as the eye ; could see, stretched tho wide prairie i Bud was just ready to mount his horse, \ when he happened to cast his eyes up the river. They opened wide, and his attention was so closely drawn to what he saw that he did not notice his pursuers had reached the other bank, until a bullet from a Winchester rifle came whistling by, close to his head. He looked around quickly The sight that met his eyes would have caused most men to seek cover, for half a dozen rifles were pointed toward him. But Bud did not move except to raise his hand and notion it up the river. The weapons were lowered and all eyes glanced up tho river. A small skiff, with what looked like a little toddling jrirl baby in it, was floating down the swirling water. The "raft" was not far away, and tho skiff, if not caught and landed before reaching there, would go to certain destruction with its living freight, for a miracle only could save it among the tree tops and snags, with the water running I in such a mad rush. I _ Bud did . not hesitate % moment. _ He mouiueu ins norso anu roae up iuo river as fast as the animal could carry him. When a littlo way below, where the skiff was coming, he dismounted and hurriedly divested himself of all superfluous clothing, for he was fully aware that tho work he had determined to do required full freedom of limbs and all his strength to carry it out successfully. Ho knew, too. that it might cost him his life; for if there wero no oars In tho skiff ho would assuredly be swept upon the raft. The skiff was almost opposite to where Bud had stopped. He was ready, and in a moment plunged Into the river and swam with vigorous strokes toward the frail bark and its precious freight. He reached the skiff. He put his hand upon the stern and carefully raising his face over the edge, looked into it. There were no oars. There was yet time for him to save himself, but the thought did not seem to enter his mind. "Turn in. man, an' wide," -lisped the baby, smiling, reaching out her little dimpled hand toward him. "Sit still, baby, and I will pull you along," said Bud as he swam around the skiff to the bow and took tho rope dang, ling there between his teeth. The nearest bank was the one where his pursuers were standing watching him. With all a powerful swimmer s skill he struck out. The attempt was manfully made, but it was In vain. Bud saw it, and gavo over the struggle. He climbed Into the skiff as qalckly as he could without upsetting it. They were close to the "raft" and but a short distance from the shore. One moment Bud looked around,then a new hope Hashed into his mind. He pulled in the rope yet dangling over the bow of the skiff and fastened it around his waist; then ho braced his feet and stood ready. The little boat swept onward swifter and swifter. Right in its course, on the upper edge of tne raft, was a large tree with huge naked branches above water. The skiff was close to it. The right moment had come, and Bud made a leap and swung himself safely on top of the nearest limb. The skiff plunged hither and thither from side to side, but it was riding safo, held fast by the rope secured to the tree. The men on shore had watched the L-l. J! J J _ J wnoie proceeding, ana now roae aown along the river till they were nearly opposite tho place where the skiff was secured. They took in the situation, and at once set about to rescue the child and her preserver from their perilous position. They hastily tied their lariats together and fastened a piece of wood to one end; then tbey coiled tho ropes carefully. A large, sinewy man picked up tho end to which the piece of wood was fastened, and with great strength swung it around his head and cast it far out into tho river. The piece of wood floated down toward the skiff. Bud was ready, and as it came near he caught it and fastened it carefully to the stem of the boat. The men on shore pulled it tight and made motions that they were ready. Bud stooped down over the little girl, who was now crouching low in the bottom of the boat, and kissed her tenderly, telling her to lie down and not to move until she was given permission. When the child had obeyed, with a trusting smile, Bud cut the rope that held the skiff to the tree and with a lusty shout the men on the shore pulled in on the lariats. The skiff was clear of the raft and was nearing tho bank rapidly, entirely ont of danger, when Bud, with a wave of his hand to those on the bank, leaped overboard and was swallowed up by the angry x? i. UUUU III a UlUUlBUb. Several times his head was seen over the madly rushing water on the left. The last time it was far down and close to the opposite bank. Bud's horse, seeing hte master's leap, ran down along tbe'^^Mjfcp^Lo li i J Uiiu ~ was soon lost to eight "T>elow the raft.? John P. Sjolander in New Orleans TimesDemocrat. THE GAMBLER'S LAST STAKE. "Speaking of remarkable stakes," said a well-known sporting man to a number of friends gathered around a table in a popular club room in this city a few evenings ago, "recalls me to an incident that happened in Omaha some three years ago. It occurred in Jack Morrison's club house. Tom Biddison was dealing at a fero table and a man known thoughout the West as an all-round sport, and who was a passionate fancier of dogs, was playing. Beside him on the floor sat two thoroughbred bull pups, probably six months old. They were regular beauties and many a fancier had cast a covetous optic on the pair. The last deal had gone against Brown, as I shall call nim, an<jl when the last turn came he was four hundred dollars loser. It was a 'cat hmj,' there being a pair of sevens and a leuce in the box. Brown's last chip was gone and he leaned his head on his hand, his eiDow resting 011 the casekeeper, while his gaze was riveted upon the two bull pups, lying side by side at his feet. Suddenly an inspiration seemed to seize him and, stooping over, he grasped one of the pups by the nape of the neck, lifted him up and set him down on the layout 011 the seven spot; then his hand went down again and up came the other pup, and it was placed beside its mate. Everybody in the room commenced to laugh, but Brown's face wore a determined look, as he said: " 'I gave fifty dollars for those pups, and if they are game you will let me play them in for five dollars.' "Jack Morrison was in the lookout's chair and his face wore a comical look. Presently he said: " 'Well, Brown, I've been wanting one of those pups ever since you bought them and?me if I don't go you!" "Excitement was at the highest pitch around the tables?the party at the other tables had stopped entirely, and everyone in the room crowded around to see the turn made. The two pups lay quietly over the seven spot, unconscious of being the cause of so much stir. Brown nodded to the dealer and the turn was made, the two sevens being 011 top. Morrison reached over, taking one of the pups in his lap, began to stroke it, wlille the crowd cheered. "Brown said nothing. w nen me cards were shuffled and put in the box again Brown reached over, and, grabbing the remaining pup by the neck, set him down with a savage bang upon the deuce, and, taking a copper from the table, placed it upon the pup's back and said: " 'Now, ? you, if you get split all ? can't save you !" "It was several turns before the deuce showed, but it won, Morrison paid the bet with the other pup. Brown kept moving the pups about the table, playing cases until he had won seventy-five dollars. Then putting the pups at his feet he continued the game, winning nearly every bet until the end of the sixth deal he had won his four hundred dollars back and $S7<) additional. Whenever he won a bet he would stoop down and pat his dog and say: "Good boys! Good boys!" "It was the most remarkable stake I ever saw played, and there are at least twenty men in Omaha to-day who will testify to the truth of every word I have spoken." j?* "You had a most glaring typographical error in your paper this morning, Col. Shedgore." remarked the schoolteacher, as he dropped into the editorial sanctum and took a seat on a pile of exchanges. "Ha !" exclaimed the colonel, glaring at the cowering form of the proofreader and assistant at the table in the corner, "where was it?" "About halfway down the 'Religious Miscellany' column ?" "Shucks!" said the Texas editor, considerably relieved. "I'll l>et five hundred dollars I haven't a subscriber that'll see it!" B6T And when it is all over and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strengtn to murmur a last prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untillea many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master's eye were it not for the softening shadows of the cross.?[Edward Garret. t A