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Ninety Per Cent. CHAPTER XII. NERVES AND HEARTS. UNCAN MACLANE was a man whose as pect should have been dij?nitied and Impres sive. It had been so — Indeed still was — when his nerves were under control, but chat was a rare condition in his latter days. On the occasion of his morning call at St. Winifred's, while he waited for Drenda's appearance. It was to him as his nervous system walked the iioor unclothed in flesh or garments. This is the state which New England old Sadies describe ns •'jumping out of your skin.” and the phrase tits It nicely. Be fore Dr. Kendall took him out of the reception room to a more private place ?ie was an object of sympathetic tn- tjerest to several poor persons waiting there, for they supposed that he must itave some near relative at the point of death in the institution. , His pockets and his hands were full of newspapers, and they were to a eon- jsiderable extent aeeountable for his condition. The marvelous delineative power of the modern press had been exerted upon the mystery of Elsie Mil- Jcr with a result which the young wo man herself had but dimly foreseen when she had spoken of it as so abso lutely horrible as to extinguish the vir tue of politeness altogether. The story was told from fifty points of view, and ever the stately and beautiful figure of 7'renda Maclane moved through it like i t* stage ghost, having a earefully j wrought effect of intangibleness and j transparency, yet steadfastly attended j <by the calcium light. { No one accused Brenda of the small- | cst wrong, no one ventured to Identify I her with the "mysterious woman” seen J>y Dr. Blair, yet with great clever ness the plot was so arranged that Jirenda’s figure In the ghostly light Htood best displayed upon the very spot where the mysterious one seemed to have sunk out of sight as if into a grave. “Brenda, my child, what shall we do?” exclaimed Mr. Maclane, and he extended toward his daughter two trembling hands that were full of newspapers. “Do?” said Brenda. “About what?” “The papers are crowded with it!” he groaned. “Look at this! Look at these pictures!” “Well, I think this one is rather good of me,” replied Brenda. *'I wonder where they got the photograph. Oh. but see Mr. Alden! They’ve made him look like the pirate Kidd.” “You seem to take no serious view of this!” he cried. “Father, why should we?” she re plied earnestly. “Here is a dear little girl that has escaped a dreadful peril, and I am so glad of It, so religiously, prayerfully glad of it, that tills public ity affects me not the least.” “I think you have lost your wits. Brenda,” said he. “Why. you’;e all mixed up In It. They practl.ally ac cuse you of going to that bouse"— “I did go there," replied Brenda. “I mean before the deed- at Hie very moment of It”— “Let me see,” said Brenda, who was Already scanning the reports. “I don't see anything here that isn't true. They are much fairer to Mr. Alden than 1 •”271.0 paper* are crowded irtth it!" he groaned. • would have fiupposed. Let us read the jneports calmly. Ah, so! This mention of my poor little romance might tie somewhat trying to a sensitive nature. Jlke my father's, which 1 fortunately tlld not Inherit.” “This linking of your name with tills 'woman’s,” he groaned, "is most unfor tunate. She Is continually referred to .as an actress.” “She Is one.” said Brenda, “and, be tween ourselves, I think she must lie exceptionally clever. 1 hope Clarence Mill not make her leave the stage yet until she has had a career of her own - •a. year or two before she effaces her- ••elf by marriage.” “It seems to me," said he, “that In trying to lie fair to this woman. In try ing to set aside all prejudice and unt- juial resentment.'you have gone to an absurd extreme upon the other side. You can never have anything In com mon with her. There can be no ques tion of friendly relations”— "But there can.” replied Brenda. “Forgive me for contradicting my dear old father, who is always so worried about me and.always so good to me. I shall make her my friend, if 1 can. and you will he glad when you know her.” Maclane raised his hands toward heaven, sprinkling the Hour with frag ments of newspapers us he did so. It was his usual gesture of defeat. "And now,” said Brenda, “to use your favorite expression, let’s get down to business. I am here to take care of Miss Miller, and you will not ask me to desert her when you learn that Dr. Kendall says I am a wonderful nurse. By the way. you see I am in the very best society, for there can't be any thing above the old Philadelphia Ken dalls. However, to return to business, 1 see clearly enough where all this Is tending. The papers speak only good of me this morning. Private gossip will scarcely know what to say for a day or two. but in the enc^ unless some thing is done to prevent It. I shall be come identical with this mysterious woman and the actual object of suspi cion. That, I admit, would be a mis fortune. for if the case remains a mys tery. as 1 think it may. 1 shall never be clear of the taint of it.” “But doesn't the girl know who did It?” demanded Maclane. "They hint that site is shielding some one. and you will tind some very unpleasant things about Alden.” "Lie is entirely innocent,” said Bren da. “Of course you know that as well sis 1 do. The best thing for all of us is to establish the fact immediately that the crime wtis the work of si thief.” "But suppose it wasn't?” “Then." said Brenda, “it must be made to appear so.” “1 see what you mean.” replied he. “and 1 will consult my lawyer about it. I have already discovered that ne un derstands tlie police thoroughly. Per haps something may be done by the use of plenty of money. Meanwhile 1 would like to be satistied about Mr. Al- den. It is not fair to you that he should conceal his defense, if he has one. The sooner the ease is thoroughly cleared of that mystery the better for us.” “Reduced to a theft.” said Brenda, "the papers will cease to print much about it.” “You are quite right,” replied Mr. Maclane. “But ray first move will be In Alden’s direction. I must know where he stands, or there will be no safety for you in any line of action. If he is guilty, we must not appear as his accomplices after the fact.” “That is monstrous," insisted Bren da. “Do not consider It.” They spoke for some minutes of mi nor matters, turning over the papers together, while Brenda selected such portions as she thought that Dr. Ken dall might permit Elsie to see. The sight of these stories with their abun dant illustrations set Mr. Maclaue'a nerves on edge again, and he was in a most wretched frame of mind when lie left the hospital. It chanced that as he emerged from tin* structure he encountered Alden, who had Just come from Kendall's room and was full of good will to all mankind as the result of the conversa tion with the doctor. He felt that Mac lane bad a just grievance against him. and lie began at once a most earnest at tempt to repair the Injury. Maclane was relieved to find Alden in a pliant mood—the rarest of all his moods, by the way—and the two walked toward the avenue together in an atmosphere of cordiality such as surrounds some times the unfriendly victims of a com mon misfortune. I'poo arriving at ids office Alden met Detective Eltnendorf. with the result already disclosed. Profiting by the ad vice received in the course of this in terview and by his memories of many stories of crimes, criminals and sleuth- hounds of the law. Alden succeeded In eluding both tin* shadow of "trouble" and the shadow of “business," and ids doings for an hour or two were wholly unknown to the police. At 3 o’clock he appeared at St. Winifred’s hospital, where lie was informed by Dr. Kendall that Elsie would receive him presently. At that moment Elsie was confiding to Brenda her opinion that Mr. Alden would suffer a grievous disappoint ment. “He won’t expert to see me like this.” she said. "I look like death’s head on a handspike, us my cousin Billy says. Billy was in the naval re serves during the war and prevented the Spaniards from capturing New York, hut that’s another story. Brenda. If I should put on Just a little hit of rouge— I don’t want to frighten him." "You don’t want to think of rouge for ten years." replied Brenda. "And beHld<*s. my dear, you haven't any. Moreover, he won't know how you look; he will he too glad to see you alive.” “Of eourse you think I am very trivial and absurd.” said Elsie, “but do you realize that he may not see me again? No one can know precisely how I am hurt. This wound may be nearer to a vital spot than Dr. Kendall suspects or will tell. A break of a wall as thin as paper, a little blood spilled here beneath my hand, and I am gone In a moment Perhaps tonight; per- naps even wnue ue sits nere beside me. And this last sight of me will be tbe memory be will carry as long as be lives. I want it to blot out the face of every other girl that he will ever see.” “Then don't blot out your own with the contents cf a rouge pot.” sqid Brenda. “Hark! They are coming along the corridor.” She stepped to the door and ushered In Alden and Kendall. Alden had the pale, set face of Nathan Hale going to execution. As often happens with a man too strenu- l ously prepared, his eyes failed to fo- j cus. and he stared for a moment n't | Elsie without really seeing her. Had j she been the wasted and pitiable ob ject that his Inexperience led him to expect lie would probably have borne the sight of her with great fortitude, hut when her face emerged from the ! mists of Imperfect vision precisely | Elsie’s, with every well remembered I attribute of beauty. It was an attack upon an unprotected spot In his de fenses. and every drop of blood In his body cried out with the voice of one great sob. “This is what I was afraid of,” mut tered Kendall. “Confound him! I knew he’d break down.” He glanced uneasily at Elsie, but she seemed quite calm. She extended her hand toward Alden. and he kissed it. falling on his knees beside the bed. “You must not feel sorry for me.” said she. “I am very comfortable, and I waste no time In pitying myself. It was very kind of you to send the vio lets.” “Dear little girl.” he said, still kneel ing, “every minute of my life shall be yours to make this right.” “You are not to speak that way.” re plied Elsie, with that manner which accompanies long considered words. “You have your own life to lead. You must not spoil it for me.” Alden’s face was gray with anxiety ns he look«*d Into Elsie’s. “Don’t say we have gone back; that it’s all like long ago.” he began. But | the warning eye of the vigilant Ken- I dull, who had softly stepped to the head of the bed, upon the other side, checked this plea. Alden writhed with the effect, but his will held him. “1 mustn't worry you." lie said; then, ; with half an eye on Kendall: “Elsie, j who did this? Tell me. little girl.” "I don’t kuov; really I don’t,” she answered. “Wlij do you think that l do?” Again the doctor silently protested, and Alden took heed. "1 had not heard it from you.” ho* said. "But let us put it out of our minds. What can I do for you? Is there anything you need? We will hold a conference on the subject.” “Brenda would get me anything in the world.” replied Elsie. “She has been as good ns two mothers to me. Brenda, what do I want?” “Rest and an easy mind and your real mother as soon as she can come,” replied Brenda. “As to Mr. Alden’s contribution. I would suggest a pretty picture or two to put on the walls. They would relieve the eye. Elsie has asked for Tantalus, but the art com mittee, consisting of Dr. Kendall and myself, refuses to hang him.” “The art committee Is all right,” said Alden. “I shall submit some pictures to It with confidence.” Thus the talk drifted from topics too exciting, and some minutes were spent pleasantly and conventionally enough. Then, as Alden was about to take his leave. Elsie suddenly began to weep very bitterly and without apparent cause, for It was a parting for a few bours. To Brenda afterward she said lu explanation, "To think that I might have died and never have seen him .again!” As the matter seemed to involve the health of the patient and certainly the regulation of Mr. Alden’s visits. Bren da considered herself bound to report the remark to Dr. Kendall. "It is all very mysterious to me,” said he. "She loves him with her soul and body, but she believes that it is all over.” “She will not always think so,” re plied Brenda. “That may be true,” he said, “but 1 think I know her, and. so thinking, I hope ray own wedding won’t have to wait for theirs.” "Your wedding!” exclaimed Brenda In surprise. "I did not know it was ar ranged.” “Of the three persons most Intimate ly concerned in it.” he replied, "two are already to be counted upon — myself and the clergyman. As to the other, there Is much doubt.” "Let us hope it will vanish.” "lIoi>e is a thin diet for the afTcc- tions,” said he, “but they live long on it sometimes.” This story will be continued in next Friday’s issue of The Ledger. The ConuecHou. An irate citizen, more or less under the influence of “Fuss X,” was ex postulating with Deacon Jones for keeping such men as Smith and Brown in tbe church, when the dea con asked him if he had ever read of Lazarus. “Yes,” was bis reply, “But what has that to do with Smith and Brown?” be continued. “A good deal” said the deacon. “I can't see any connection,” continued the knight of the wine cup. “That’s tbe trouble with you,” continued the dea con. “I suppose you have heard how Lazarus came out with the dogs?” ‘Oh yes; we are told the doge come out and licked his sores.” an swered the other. ‘ But what has that to do with Bmitb and Brawn’s cases? I’d like to know.” “A great deal” replied the deacon. “Lszarus we believe to be a pure Christian and the dogs were content to lick his sort s. Bo you are just like the dogs —content to lick th*. Christians’ sores, that’s the connection of the two cases ” So tbe colloquy 'ended. EXCURSION RATES. The Southern Kallwuy Offer* Cheap Kate* Ou it* Line* for Various Occasion* The following excursion rates are announced by the Southern Railway : On acccount of the Southern Bip 'i-t Cnnvertioo at Asheville, N. C, May 8 1A, 1002, the (southern Rail way announces a rateof one first-class fare for the round trip from all points on its lines to Asheville, N. C,, snd return. Dates of sale May O'h to 10 h inclusive, final limit May 21st, 1902, except that by deposit of ticket with j fint agent at Asheville on or before May 15th, and a payment of a fee of 50 cents, an extension to not later than June 2, 1902, may be obtained. On account of the annual meeting ot the General Assembly of the Pres byterian church at Jackson, Miss., May 14 27, 1902, the Southern Rail way announces a rate of one first- class fare for the round trip to Jack son, Miss., and return, from ail points. Tickets will be sold May 12, 13 and 14, with final limit May 30, 1902. Tbe Southern Railway, in con nection with the Q. & C. via Birming ham, is the most direct route to Jack- son. Miss. For detailed information, tickets, etc., call on nearest agent Southern Railway or connecting lines. On account of the annual meeting of the Southern Educational Associa tion at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 1-4 1902, the Southern Railway an nounces a rate of one first-class fare for the round trip, plus i|!2.00 mem bership fee, to Chattanooga and re turn from all points on account of this occasion. Dates of sale June 27- July 1st. inclusive, with final limit July G, 1902, except that by deposit of tickets with joint agent on or b> • fore July Gth and payment of fee of 50 cents, an extension of not later than September 10 1902 may be obtained. Petto s living at unimportant p( iuts should notify agent in a vance of the aate on which they wish to leave so that he can provide proper tickets for them. ()o account of the national conven- ti m of the. People’s Party at Louie ville. Ky., April 2, 1902 the Southern Railway announces a rate of one first- ciuss fare for ‘.fie round trip to Louis ville, Ky , and return from ail points Tickets will be March 30th and 31st and April 1st, with final limit April 4 1902 For detailed informa tion as <o rates, reservations, tickets, etc , applv to any agent of the South ern Railway or connecting lines. On account of the Confederate Vet erans reunion at Dallas, Texas, April 22 25, the Southern Railway an nounces a very low rate to Dallas Texas, for the Confederate Veterani* reunion. Tickets will be sold April 18“h. 19'h and 20:h, with final lim't May 2, 1902 By depositing i icket (la person) with joint agent at Dallas, on or before April 30th, and payment of fee of fifty cents at the time of de posit. an extension of the final limit to leave Dallas not later than May 15th may be st cured. The rates for this occasion are tbe lowest rates ever offered to Texas The Southern Rail way affords the quickest line and best service. For information apply to nearest ticket agent. Dr. D. P. THOMSON,! Foley's Kidney Cure makes kidneys and bladder right °tSSi’ Early Risers The famous little pills. Letters of Administration. Htatk ok Sooth cakouna, i Cor MTV OK CHKHOKKK. (' By .1. K. Webster, Esquire. Probate .I udge. Whereas. II. L. Spears lias made suit to me to it rant him Letters of Administration of the estate and effects £ f Mrs. L. Oracle Spears, deceased. These are therefore to cite and admonish all and sinKulm the kindred and creditors of the said L. Oracle Spears, deceased, that they ts* and appear before me, tn the Court of Probate, to-be held at Cherokee Court lion* e Oaffney, S. C.. on Saturday. March *!t'th. fiKtt. after publication thereof, at eleven o'clock In the forenoon, to show cause, if any they have, why the AdmlnStratlon should not be Krautcd. Clven under my bui.4 th's Mill day of March, Anno Domini. I'.xL J. E. Webhtek, IL. H.| Probate .1 udue. Published In L?(lKcr March :21st, 8St>i, P. Dentist. over National Bank. J. E. WEBSTER, A. t t oriie^r- iV t- tticeni Court House. (Prohate Judae s office Gaffney City, S. C. Practices in all the courts. CoPeo- loon s specialty Dr. C. T. LIPSCOMB. Dentist, Office over R. A. looet A Co.’s Stor*. Jan be found at office six days In the week DR. J. F. GARRETT, Dentist, Gaffney, - - . S. C. Office over J. R. Tolleson’s new store In office from 1st to 0 *ith of each month: William S. Hall, Jk. James A. Willis. HALL & WILLIS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. O A I-ckim frCY, <-*• Notary Public In office. Prompt attention <1ven to ali business. Office over K. A. Jones & Co.’s store. of all chronic headaches are due to eye strain. Go to Dr. Griffith at the Cherokee Druir Co’s, and have the de fect in vision corrected and thus be Quickly and Permanently Cured. Glasses fitted with scientific accuracy and aii diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat treated' according to the latest uid most approved methods. Beware of Traveling Frauds who Advertise Free Examinations. J. C. OTTS, Attorney and Counselor. Office upstairs, between K. A. Jones and Davenport. Office and Residence .Phone. G. W. SPEER, VTTTOFtrVEY-AT-IwAW. GAFFNEY, S. C. Jffice in Auditor's office at Court House. Building and Plastering Lime, Coal, and Piaster LiaSr. Plaster Paris. Koseuda*? Cement. Portland Cement, Dynamite. Blasting Powder. Lose I and Dynamite Caps, call ou Limestone Springs Lime Works CARROLL & CO., Lessees. relwphone 57. UDjj SHINGLES, BRICK, SASH, DOORS, BLINDS and all kinds of Building Ma terial, Paints, Oils, Etc. for sale at a small per cent, above _ cost for cash. Estimates made Rea.S0na.bl6/] without charge. Jones J. Darby. Insurance. I Write Life, Fire, Health, Liability, Accident, Plate Glass and Surety Bonds. L. BAKER Jones J. Darby. Alaska's Inlionpltable Interior. In the vast uud almost unknown In terior of Alaska the climate Is arctic. The winter Is of eight months’ dura tion. dry and. excepting certain re stricted localities, entirely free from wind. The temperature descends as low as 80 degrees, with a mean of per haps 40 degrees. Ice forms in the rivers and lakes to a thickness of eight feet and more. Summer extends over four months. During its earliest month high winds prevail. The bal ance of this short season Is mild and the temperature pleasant, rarely ex ceeding 80 degrees. The snow and rain annually precipitated Is about 12.9 Inches.—Era. * —Sure Cure Sarsaparilla is the best spring medicine at any price. —Now is the time to take Sure Cure Sarsaparilla. 50c. Commercial Printing Of every description executed with neatness and dispatch at The Ledger office, Gaffney, S. 0. New Type, New Presses, the finest quality of Ink and Paper, and Compe tent Workmen. Send us vour orders. Announcements: Cards under tins head will he inserted ancc a week until the primary for <Vi >. Cash must positively aceompauy all copy before any atuotion will he given the order. The friends lif IT. John G. Black announce him a candidate to represent Cherokeecoun- t * in the State Sena'e. One Minute Oough Cure For Coughs, Colds and Croup. Foley's Honey and Tar for children.sate,sura. /Vo opiates. SOUTHERN RAILWAY THE GREAT HIGHWAY OF TRADE AMD TRAVEL. Uniting tHe Principal Commercial Canters and Health and Pleasure Resorts of the South with the ^ 4P NORTH, EAST and WEST. HighoCl Vwstibul* Trains, ThrotiffH Sl««pintf*Cars b«tw««n N*w York and Now Orloassa, via Atlanta. Cincinnati and Florida Points via Atlanta and via Askavilla. Naw York and Florida, aither via LrncHburg, Dan villa and SavannaH, or via Richmond, dan villa and SavannaH. Suparior Dining-Car Sarvica on all Through Trains. Eaccallont Sarvica and Low Rates to Charlacton ac> count South Carolina Interstate and West Indian Exposition. Winter Tourist Tickets to all Resorts now on sala at reduced rates. For dwtall^d Information, literature, tlmo tablet, rates, ate., applv to noarest tlckot.agent, or address M. H. HARDWICK. Conoral Passenger Agent, Washington, D. C. K. W. HUNT, Die. Passenger Agent, Charlesten, S. C. kibwuakv •«, ism. W. H. TAYL.OE, Asst. Cen. Pass. Agent, Atlanta, Oa. J, C. BEAM, Dletrlet Pass. Agent, Atlanta, Oa. 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