Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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C2 IEX BEi Authorof" The Spoilers," "T "The Silver Horde,' CHAPTER XVII.-Continued. -17 A little la:' l'alota. Imle tn01 heavy ('yel, stole l inl the roont, an( )ave's cheerful greeting awoke Mrs. St range with a Jerk. "it! You're feeling bettter, aren't yoe u'' the latter womn1 t erlid,heartily. "Yes, Ilow did I get here?" Dave asked. "I inust have been right sick and troublt'some Io yu." P'ttlunni Ili :11,1 tnodded. "iick| Why, I lave, '" r1ri:'i eol nt nearly to death ! You were clear out of your head." Mirs. Strange broke into his frown ing neditatiot to ask, "1low long since you hod n night's sleep?" "I- Oh, the prosecutor at Browns vllie ain't let me alone a minute for a week." "Umph ! I thought so. You puzzled that pill-roller, but doctors don't know anything, anyhow. Why, he w:nted to wake you up to find out what ailed you ! I threatened to scald hint if he did." "I seem to ree'muber talking a good dei," I)ave ventured. "I reekoni I sai a lot fii' foolish Iliuigs." lie caught Iit' look thlt ipassetl between his nurses anti its sI::nilte;,nee dishteswdl Mirs. S ttrnge '''nliitat -d: "Thab t's how we iuesst d what your trooble was, and IhaIt 'hi I voiului't let Iltt foul ditr dti. istuorb yeui. N. tiot you've ll n sltep ith are aill riht agalin, I' going hottt' ;Intl lb:ainu.- tty clothes. I ttvent't hail theni ott ftr two nights." "'Two nights.'" laV, stared'i ini h, wlbliertuent. Then h,- Imr n,'l , ab glzetl ftt' Ii' riutble h)e hal a tisil. tnt tried to thank t h' wonen for their klariness. lie was shaky when, tin hour later, he :ane ditwttsttairs for breakfast ; but otherwise he felt better than for many days; and Ihizo"s open delight at see ing him dli hit as nmuch good as the food he ate. Dave spent part of the morning sun ning himself on the porch, reading the papers with their exciting news. Dur lng his absence I'alomta had done her best to spoil Montrosa, and among oth er marks of favor it allowed her free run of the yard, whero the shade was cool and the grass tine, and where de lelous tidhits were to he had from the kitchen for the mere asking. In con sequence, Dave did not remain there long until he was discovered. Mont rosa signaled, then trotted toward hitm with ears and tall ltfted. IHer delight was open atnd extratvagant ; her we! come wias tas enthusiastic as a horse could muake It. Gone were her coquetry and airs; sheo nosedl and ibb~iled D~avo; she rubbhed and rooted him withi the violence of a battering-ram, and per mitted imt to htug her tanid tturtnur words of love into her velvet ears. Sihe swaippeid contfidentce fotr confldentce, too ; anid then, when he finally wvalked back toward the house, site followed closely, as If fearful thtat he mtight iagain (desert hter. * Phil Strange tact the lovers as they turited the cotrner of the porch, andI wanrmily shoo)k D~ave's hand. "Teeny my wvife-told me you was better," he began, "so) I beat it outt here. I hung' - around ill (day yesterdaiy, waitittg to see you, hut you wans batty." "IJ was pretty siek," Dave acknowi. e'dgedl. "Mrs. Strainge was mighty kitnd t o mle."i "Sick people get hter goat. Shte's got a wiay with 'emit and with animals, too. Why. itajaht, the big pythotn with outr shoiw, totok sick one yetar, and1( he'd ha~ve dlied stire onily for her. Sante wvith ta lot of the ot her anliils. Shte knows It~ore'n anty vet I ever staw." "Perhatps I needled a veterInary in stead of a doctor," Dave smile~d. "I guess'~ Ii' got sotine horse b)10lood ime. See !" Mont rtsa had1( thtrust her htead under his armt and was waliting for him to scratch her ears. "Well, I brought you some mail," Strange futmbiled in his pocket for a stiali bunidle of letters, explailning: "Blaze gave mte thtese for you as I passed the post oifle." Dave took the letters with a word of thaniks, and thrust thtetm carelessly ini to his pocket. "What seems to be the trouble?" he ittquired. "You remember our last talk? Well, them Mexicans have got me rattled. I've beetn trying everywhere to locate you. If you hadnt't comle homei I'd have gone to the prosecuting attorney, or somebody." "Then you've learned something more ?" Phil nodded, and his sallow face puckered iith apprehension. "Rosa Morales has been to see me regular."t Dave passed an uncertain hand over his forehead. "I'm not in very good shape to tackle a new proposition, but - -what is it?" "We've got to get Mrs. Austin away fromt here." *"We? Why?" ~ If we tion't they'll steal her." U Steal her?" Dave's amazement was Pntent. "Are you crazy?" kLCfl, e Iron Trail," Etc. "Sometimes I think I aim, but I've pumlped that Morales girl dry, and I can't figure anything else out of what she tells me. I1cr and Jose expect to Inak" a lump of quick money, jump to Mexico, get married, and live happy ever after. Take it from me, it's Mrs. Austin they aim to cash in on." "Why-the idea's ridiculous I" "Maybe it Is and maybe it ain't," the fortune-tell (r persisted. "More than one rich Mexican has been grabbed and held for ransom along this river; yes, and Amerlians, too, if you can believe the stories. Anything goes in that country over there." "You think Jose is planning to kid nap her? Nonsense ! One man couldn't do such a thing." "I didn't say he could," Phil de fended himself, sulkily. "Remember, I told you there was somebody back of him.'' "Yes, I remember, but you didn't know exactly who." "Well, I don't exactly know yet. I thought maybe you might tell Inc." 'T'here was a brief silence, during which I)ave stood frowning. Then he al'iwared to shake himself free from 'hil's su1ggestions. "It's too utterly preposterous. Mrs. Austin has no enermies; she's a person "f ioi irtamce. If by any chlance she dl~iisa fpee-" "She's done that very little thing," St raage (leciare(. "What?" "Sie's (lisappear1'ed-anyhow, she's on('. Y esterday when I saw1 you Was laid iup aini couh1in't help me, I phoned her rn ch; somebody ansvet'ed in SpIanish, and fromi whlat I could make 'ut they don't know where she is.'' I Dave W)n(lered if he sad understood St ratg aright, or if this could be a t riek of' his own tired brain. Choosing his words carefully, he said: "Do you mean to tell me that she's missing and they haven't given an alarm? I reckon you didn't und'erstand the message, did you?" Strange shrugged. "Maybe I didn't. Suppose you try. You sabe the lingo." I)ave went to the telephone, leaving l'hil to wait. When he emerged from the house a few moments later, it was with a queer, set look upon his face. "I got 'ei," he said. "She's gone left three days ago." "Where did she go?" "They wouldn't tell me." "They wouldn't?" Strange looked up sharply. ".ouldn't or couldn't." The men eyedl each other silently ; then Phil in' quired: "Well, what do you make of it?" "I don't know. She wasn't kidnaped, that's a cinch, for Dolores went with her. I-thInk we're exciting ourselves undtuly." The little fortune-teller broke out excitedlly: "Yes wve nre I Why do you su1ppose I've been playing that Morales gIrl? I tell you there's something ('rookedl going on. Don't I knowv? I~idn't I wise you three weeks ago that somethiug like this wvas coming off?" It was Iplain that Phil put complete faith in his powvers of divination, and1( ait thlis momienit his eairniestness calrriedl a certain degree (of conyletihon. Dave maitde tan effort to ('lear his tir'ed brain. "VTery wvell," lhe said(. "If you're so sure, i'll go to Las P'almias. i'll findc out all ablout it, anid whiere sh~e wvent. if anybody hals diared to--" ie direw a deepi breathi and his listiessne'ss valn Ishied ; his ey('s gl'iee wvith a hint of t heir customarlIy fire. "I reckon I've got onie punch'l left ini m)e." 11(e turned and1( str'ode to his room. As Dave (chamnged into hIs servIce cltes lie was5 surpirised to feel a new vIgor in his limbths and1( a new strength of purpose In his mind. W~hen lie stood in hIs old booits and11( felt the familIar drag oif hIs cartridge-belt, wh'len he tested his fr'ee muscles, he reallized that lie was another man. Even yet he could nlot put umutch faIth In Phil Strange's words-neverthele,, there might be a danger threatening Alaire; and if so, It was time to act. Phil watched his friend saddle the bay mare, then as Day'e tied hIs rifle scabbard to its thong he laughed nerv. ously. "You're loaded for beni-." The horseman answered, grimly: "I'm loaded for Jose Sanchez. If!I lay hands on him I'll learn what he knowvs." "You can't get nothing out of a Mexi. can," "N~o? I've made Fi'lipinos talk. Be. hieve me, I can be some persuasive when I try." With that he swung a les over Montrosa's back and rode away. CHAPTER XVIII. A Surpri. Law found It good to feel a horst between his knees. He had not reallze( until now how long Moptrosa's saddh htad been empty. The sun was hot ani friendly, the breezeo was sweet in hit nostrils as he swept past the smiling fields and out into the mesquite coun try. Heat ,wwae danced .aov th patches of bare ground; insects sang noisily from every side; far ahead the road ran a wavering course through a deceitful mirage of rippling ponds. It was all familiar, pleasant; it was home. With every mile he covered his strength and courage increased. Such changes had Come into his life since his last visit to Las Palmas that it gave him a feeling of unreality to discover no alteration in the ranch. lie had somehow felt that the build ings would look older, that the trees would have grown taller, and so when he finally came in sight of his desti nation ho reined in to look. Behind him he heard the hum of an approaching motor, and he turned to behold a car racing along the road he had just traveled. The machine was running fast, as a long streamer of choking dust gave evidence, and Dave soon recognized it as belonging to Jonesville's prosecuting attorney. As it tore past him its owner shouted something, but the words were lost. In the automobile with the driver were several passengers., and one of these likewise called to Dave and seemed to motion hin to follow. When the ma chine slowed down a half-mile ahead and veered abruptly into the Las Pal mas gateway, Dave lifted Montrosa to a run, wondering what pressing neces sity could have induced the prosecut ing attorney to risk such a reckless burst of speed. Dave told himself that he was un duly apprehensive; that Strange's warnings had worked upon his nerves. Nevertheless, he continued to ride so hp4rd that almost before the (lust had settled he, too, turned into the shade of the palms. Yes, there was excitement here; something was evidently very much amiss, judging from the groups of ranch-hands assembled upon the porch. They were clustered about the doors and windows, peering in. Briefly they turned their faces toward Law; then they crowded closer, and he perceived that they were not talking. S'me of them had removed their hats and held them in their hands. Dave's knees shook under him as he dismounted ; for one sick, giddy instant the scene swam before his eyes ; then he ran toward the house and up the steps. He tried to frame a question, but his lips were stifr with fright. heedless of those in his path, he forced his way into the house, then down the hall toward an open door, through which he saw a room full of people. From somewhere came the shrill wall ing of a woman ; the house was full of hushed voices and whisperings. Dave had but one thought. From the depths of his being a voice called Alaire's name until his brain rang with it. A bed was in the room, and around it was gathered a group of white-faced people. With rough hands Law cleared a way for himself, and then stopped, frozen in his tracks. Ills arms relaxed, Dave Stood Staring at the Master of Las Paimas. his fingers unclenched, *a 'great sigh whistled from his lungs. Before him, hooted, spurred, and fully dressed, lay the (lead body of Ed Austin, D~ave was still staring at the master of Las Palmas when the prosecuting attorney spoke to him. "Glod I This is terrible, isn't it?" he said, "ie must have died instantly." "We dlon't know yet. Benito found him andl brought him in. He hasn't been (lend an hour." Laiv ran his eyes over the room, and then asked, sharply, "Where is Mrs Austin?2" lie was answered by Benito Gon zales, who had edged closer. "She't not here, senor," "Ihave you notified her?" Benito shrugged. "There has beer no time, it all happened so quickly--" Someone interrupted, and Dave saw that it was the local sheriff-evidenitl3 it was hc who had waved from th( speding machine a feW moments be fore. "I'm glad you're here, Dave, for yot can give me a hand. I'm going to rouif uIp these Mexicans right away and.fini out what they know. Whoever did i1 hasn't gone far ; so you act as m3 deputy and see Wvhat you can learn." When Dave had gained better con trol of himself he took Benito outdoori alnd (demanded full details of the trag edy. With many lamentations and in coherencies the range boss told wha he knew. Ed hatd met his death within a half mile of Las Palmas as he rode hom4 for dinner. Benito, himself on his was to the house,.had found the body, stil warm, near the edge of the pecam grove. He had retained enough sensi to telephone at once to Joneaville, ani then--Benito hardy gew what he had done since then, he was so badly shaken by the tragedy'. "What time did it happen?" "It was noon when I came in." Dave consulted his watch, and was surprised to discover that it was now only a few minutes past one. It was evident, therefore, that Benito had in deed lost no time, and that his alarm had met with instant response. "Now tell me, who did it?" Benito hung his brands high. "God knows! Some enemy of course; but Don Eduardo had many." "Not that sort of enemies. Thero was nobody who could wish to kill him." "That is as it is." "Iiven't you any suspicions?" "No, senor." "You say Mrs. Austin is gone?" "Yes." "11here?" "I don't know." Dave spoke brusquely: "Come, Ben, to ; you must know, for your wife went with her. Are you trying to keep something back?" "No, no! As God is my Judge!" Blenito declared. "I didn't know they were going until the very last, and even then Dolores would tell me noth Ing. We were having bad times here at Las Palmas; there were stormy scenes yonder in the house. Senor El was drinking again, you understand? 're senora had reason to go." "You think she ran away to escape hinm ?" "Exactly." - Dave breathed more easily, for this seemed to settle Strange's theory. The next instant, however, his apprehen sions were doubled, for Benito added: "No doubt she went to La Feria." Law uttered an incredulous exclama. tion. "Not there! Surely she wouldn't go to La Feria at such a time. Why, that country is ablaze. Americans are fleeing from Mexico." "I hadn't thought of that," Benito confessed. "But if she didn't go there. where did she go? Saints above! It is a fine condition of affairs when ti wife keeps secrets from her husband, eli? I suppose Dolores feared I would tell Don Eduardo, God rest his soul ! This much I do know, however: not long ago there came a letter fronm General Longorlo, offering settlement for those cattle he stole in his govern. ment's name. Dolores told me the senora was highly pleased and was go ing to Mexico for her money. It was a mark of Longorlo's favor, you under stand me? lie's a great-friend, an ardent admirer." Benito winked. "Do lores told inc all about that, too. No, I think they wvent to La Feria." Dave remembered his first conversa tion with Phil Strange and the fortune teller's insistence that some powerful person was behind Jose Sanchez. More than three weeks ago Strange had fore cast something very like this murder of Ed Austin. Dave felt as if he were the victim of an hysterical imagina tion. Nevertheless, he forced himself to ask, quietly: "Is Jose Sanchez anywhere about?" The range boss shrugged. "I sent him to the east pasture this morning." "Did he go?" "Eh? So ! You suspect Jose of this. God in heaven I Jose is a wild boy But wait I I'll ask Juan if he saw him ; yes, and Victoria, too. That is Victoria you hear squalling in the kitchen. Wait here." Benito hurried away, leaving Dave a prey to perplexity ; but he was back again in a few moments. His face was grave. "Jose did not go to the east pas ture," he said, "Where is he now?" "No one seems to know." Law walked to his horse, mounted, and galloped away. Bonito, who watched him, saw that lhe turned to ward the river road- which led to the Las Palmas pumping plant. The more Dave thought about DIld Austin's death, the more certain he be came that it was in sonic way con nected with Alaire's disappearance; and the loose end by which the tangle might be unraveled, it seemed to him, lay in the hands of Rosa Morales, Jose's sweetheart. That Sanchez wams the murderer Dave now had little doubt; but since the chance of appre heading him was small, he turned his attention to the girl. He would make Rosa speak, he told himself, if he had to use force-this wvas no time for gen tle methods. If she knew aught of Alaire's whereabouts or-the mystery of her departure from Las Palmas, he would find a way to wring the truth from her. Dave's face, a trifle too som ber at all times, took on a grimmer aspect nowv; he felt a slow fury kind ling in his breast. (TO BE CONTINUED.) in Danger, Friend (to professior, whose lecture "Ihow to Stop the War," has just been concluded) -Congratulate you, old man-went qplendidly. At one time during the afternoon I was re.ther anx ious for you. Professor-Thanks, But I don't know why you should have beeni so concerned on my behalf. Friend-Well, a rumor did go roud the room that the war would be over before your lecture.-London Punch. House Plants Must Breaths. Turn house plants half way about at least once each week, to keep all sides alike and exposed to the light. Keep dust from them by frequent spraying or sponging, so pores will not become clogged. They must breathe or they perish. Expert. "I don't see how y ou do it." "Why not?" responded the fortune teller. "W~e can flgur'e what goods the people come after just as well as any ENDEAVOR UNION AIDS YOUNG MEN PROGRAM FOR NEXT TWO YEARS INCLUDES EIGHT PHASES OF EFFORT. PLAN FOR TRAINING CAMPS Work Coes on in South Carolina--A "War Department" Has Already Been Formed. Columbia.-The Christian Endeavor organization throughout the country is doing a great deal for the young men in the training camps and for the bet terment of conditions generelly. The program before the Endeavorers of the nation for the next two years includes eight phases of effort for the men in the camps and the folks at home, and the aim of the Endeavorers is to enroll in this campaign a million persons, this enrollment to be known as the Christian Endeavor army of universal patriotic service. In South Carolina the Endeavorers are doing a bit for the men in the camps. A "war department" of the State Christian Endeavor Union has been formed and this committee is helping in a good many ways. Miss Cora Hardin of Chester is superintend ent and already the department has begun a campaign among the Endeav orers to raise money to aid in the sup port of Bert Corcoran, the president of the State union, who has offered his services as a secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association for war duty. Mr. Corcoran has al ready been accepted for this form of service. The week of August 19-26 has been set aside by the Eendeavor era as "Bert Corcoran Week," and dur ing these days a drive will be made for the fund necessary for this phase of the work. The Endeavorers of Greenville have begun a plan of getting in touch with the Endeavorers who are and will be in Camp Sevier, and their aim is to "meet ,entertain and encourage" every Endeavorer and every young man in terested in the affairs of the church who may be in the Greenville camp. This work the Endeavorers are trying to do for the soldiers is meeting with hearty support. Allan Nicholson of Union says it's fine work for the En deavorers and he has sent a check to apply on the fund. The Rev. J. P. Marion of Sumter is another backer of the movement. The Endeavorers of Greenville last Sunday night had a patriotic meeting, when testaments were distributed to the men of one of the units stationed at Camp Sevier. A large number of these men were in attendance upon this special meeting of the Endeavor. era. Nearly a dozen young men have gone from the Endeavor Society of the First Presbyterian Church of Colum bia alone, and almost every society in the South has one or more of its mem bers following the flag. To Be Acting Engineer. Columbia.-In the absence of J. Roy Pennell, State highway engineer, who is captain of Company A. Engineers Battalion, National Guard of South Carolina, the State highway commis sion appointed F. H. Murrey, now as. sistant to Captain Pennell, as acting State highway engineer, and R. T. Browne and Edward McCrady, acting assistant engineers. Mr. Murrey is an experienced engi neer and has been with the commnis sion since May. He has beon in charge of paving contracts in the District of Columbia, and recently in the city of Jacksonville. He was at one time a Imember of the. Virginia State Highway ICommission. He is a native of Marion county. Mr. Browne is a native of Lexington, N. C. He recently handled bond is sues In Davidsop and Orange Counties, N. C., and others previously in Ten nessee. Edward McCrady is a native of CharleSton, S. C., a graduate of the University of South Carolina, in the en gineering department, and is well known here. Mr. McCrady has recent ly managed bond issues in Avery couni ty, N. C., -and in Spartanburg county, S. C. Free Delivery at Easley. Easley.-The first free delivery of mail for this town has just been made and has already proved a source of convenience to the citizens. During the earlier part of the summer it was announced from Washington that frao delivery would be installed lhere when certain requirements were complied with. The postmaster and city council at once set to work to make the neces sary changes suggested by the depart. meat and the first delivery was made. Harry R. Higgins and Frank Traynum are carriers. Red Cress Tobacco. Florence.-The Dixie Warehouse has a novel and attractive plan to raise money for the Red Cross. Mr. Blerger, the tpanager, proposes to each custo mer that he set aside five pounds of tobacco for the Red Cross and get four other farmers ot do the same. He wants the 215 pounds from five men rather than all from one. This will be sold free of, all charges and given to the Red Cross for Its work among the soldiers. Mr. Berger is sure that the buyers and the manufacturers. will take an interest in this enterprise. -EAT IT1 BEST 4 M ACARONI oavaasam HL~MMMER'$ KO DAKS DI. All roll films developed JO. Prints 8 to 5 ets. Prompt attention tomailorders. K. .fERNAU, Greensboro, N. O. 1ALAR IA Chills and Fever, Biliousness, Constipation and ailments requiring a TONIC treatment; GUAR2ANTEED end made by BehrensDrug Co Waco, Tex. Sold by A SWAMP- Is not recommended for everything; but if you ROOT ha kdney, liver or badrtrouble it may be found just the medicine you need. At druggists in fifty-cent and dollar sizes. You may receive a sample size bottle of this reliable medicine by Parcel Post, al so pamphlet telling about it. Address Dr. Kilmer & Co., Binghamton, N. Y., and enclose ten cents, also men tion this paper. THE CROWELL SANATORIUM for MORPHINE and ALCOHOU.C ADDICTIONS Mlethods sate and oucoesaful. A hi b class plaee eombnn the facilities of a sanatoium with corn san f omof aprivate home. Individual treatment. Our method renders the treatment of Dr PHINISM as painless as an operation. 9 N. Caldwoll St. CHARLOTTE, N. ;. KODAKS & SUPPLIES We also do highest class of finishing. Prices and Catalogue upon request. o S. Galeski Optical Co., Richmond, Va. An Enterprise Abandoned. "I thought you were deterlined to turn thte swocrds into plowshares." "I reconsidered. A sword doesn't cut iuch of a tigure in iodern war fare, anyhoV." You never can know how superior to oth er preparations in promptness and efficien cy is Dr. Peery's "Dead Shot" until you have tried it once. A single dose cledas out Worms or Tapeworm. Adv. Took Him Literally. A elergynutit in a remote part of the Scottish liighlantlds was speaking at length to his congregation of the many things round us thftt are shroud ed in mystery and of which we know little. As he warmed to this thenie, he became eloquent, and frequently re peated the oft-quoted paying of Goethe : "More light ! Oh, for light 1" His surprise may be imagined, says the Scottish American, when, after one of these utternaces, the old beadle, who had been dozing since the com mencement of the sermon, Woke with a start, then got up, tiptoed softly into the vestry, seized two additional can dles and, ascendling the pulpit stairs, plaiced thema beside the two already thtere, and it it loud whisper, heard all over* the chureh, exclaimed: "Ye muaun do0 wi' thtese, for there's nae maiir !"-Youith's Complanionu. Making 'Em Bite. A Street carI passenger stoopied to Pick up somethig from the floor. "Who has lost a dimle?" lie asked. At once half a dlozen passengers be gan fumbling in their pockets, until one of thema hld (out his hland and a declared that lie had dropped thte coin. ''Does it hear' the dnte-1860?" in Iquiredl the flsh-r. "Yes, ('artalinly." "Is oneL side rather worni?"' . "Just so." "Ihere youI iire, Iten," said the findet andl handed hiin at trousers buittoni: After' the Iild is plowed come tU:4 harrowinug details. A Perfect Day should end-ag welt as begin -with a perfect food, say Grape-Nuts with cream. A crimp, delicious food, containing the entire nutrimentof whole wheat and barley, including the vital mineralt elements so richly provided by Nature In these grains, Every .table should have its daily ration of Grape-Nute, "There's a Kan*