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CHAPTER XL Ten o'clock und no ouo yet camo rid ing back from tbo column with lator news. Almost as koou as tho command had disappeared from view Mrs. Farrar bad gono homo, Helen, Ellis, Kitty und Will in closo attendance, and there tlioy woro presently joined by Aunt Luorotia, whose volubility ovon calamity scorned powerless to check, and then, to tho re lief of nil tho women, Captain Loalo knocked and was promptly admitted, "I am in sonrch of my right hand man," said ho, with his bright, cordial smile. "They toll mo ho is playing Aohilles and sulking in bis tont, hut I havo work for him to do, "and then once more did Kitty look remonstrance, for sho could form no idea of work for him that did not involve deprivation for her. "You are not going to send Mr. Far rar away aft or all," nho began, hut Loalo laughingly checked her. "Far from it," said he. "I need him at tho guardhouse and mean to put him in cliargo of tho prisoners when thoy come In. Tho chances aro that tho colonel will havo to arrest not a few of thoso fellows, mid he'll do it in tho in terest of peaco and good order, despito tho faofc that ho lias no warrant Aro yon ready, sir?" "I'm roady and willing to do any duty, Captain Leale," answered Will ruefully. "But I was tho first to volun tocr for that courier rido to Big ltoad, and I think tho colonol ought to havo given it to me. I'll bo ofliocr of tho guard tomoirow anyhow, and would just as lief begin now. Shall I coino at onco?" "Yes, tho second relief noes on in a fow minutes, and you would hotter in spect thom? Every tiling is started right. Yon havo a capital sergeant of tho guard. I want tho sentries on tho north and cast bluffs instructed to listou for all sounds from tho east and to keep a oloso watch on that plant of Bunko Jim's. Watch overy movement in that rowdy town over yonder, though I bo U?wo most of tho populaco has already ridden away nt tho bidding of tho go culled cowboy king." Will bout over and kissed his moth er's forehead. "I'll get my sword and go nt once," Raid he, "and I'll bo baok us fioon as I'vo mado tho ronnds of tho second relief. I suppose nobody hero means to turn in for an hour yet. Wo ought to havo news of some kind bofore midnight." With that ho quickly left tho littlo parlor and, vaulting the low fence, let himself in at his own door in the adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs. Daunton, who had boon occupying her Bolf olOSO to Mrs. Farrar, presently arose and stepped Into the hallway, took a heavy wrap and noiselessly quitted tho house, Surprised, Captain Leale looked about him for an explanation. Ellis had drawn asido tho curtain and with pale, sot faco was gazing fixedly out upon tho parade. Kitty looked bewildered. It was Mrs. Farrar who spoke. "This has been a trying day for Holen. Sho is not strong, I fear, and tonight she is so nervons and unstrung that sho soems to shrink from company or con versation. I havo nover known her so distracted. I fancy sho wants to ho alouo a few minutes and to take tho fresh air on the gallery." Ellis moved impatiently, hut said not a word. She could sco that, so far from having stopped on tho gallery, Helen Daunton had hastened through the gnto, and, turning to Will's quarters noxt door, was there nwaiting his reappearance. Tho hoy camo out in a moment, his sword nt his side and wrapping his cloak about him, and stopped short in evident surprise at sight of Mrs. Daunton. Ellis well understood tho purport of tho conversation that ensued, though sho could hear no word. Will searched one pnekot after another, then ran back less than a mlnuto, handed a square, whito envolopo to Mrs. Danntou, and, raising ids forngo cap in farewell, has tened away across tho parade. Ashamed of her espionage, yet fasoinated, Ellis liugored at tho window and saw Helen toar open tho envolopo and draw forth ? littlo paokot or roll, which sho closoly inspected and rapidly counted over. Monoyl Treasury notes beyond ques tion! Money, and paid her by Jnok Ormsbyl Ellis dropped the curtain und turned away. She cared to see no more. Over at tho guardhouse tho socond ro liof was being formod as Farrar reached tho spot?sevon soldiers In their fui oaps and gloves and heavy winter over coats and arotios. Tho corporal had Just reported them all present, and tho lieu tenant qniokly yet closely inspeoted thoir equipment, then stepped to tho front again. "In addition to tho usual orders," said ho, "Nos. 0 and 7 are cautioned to keep a sharp lookout and to listen at tentively for anything at the eastward. In tho event of nny unusual sight or souud, call for tho corporal at onco. Who Is No. 5?" "Graico, sir," said tho corporal. Tho young officer's faco darkened a bit Ho had no trust in tho man what ever and know woll his ovil reputation. "Qralco," said he, "yon havo douhlo funotions tonight. Yon havo not only tbo samo orders as Nog. 0 and 7, but tho commanding officer directs that yon keep a special watch over the settle ment across tho river, particularly or the plant of Bunko Jim. I belie vo you know it." "There aro plenty of others that know It as well," was tho surly and unexpect ed answer. "That will do, sir," was tho stern rejoinder. "Yon were asked no ques tions and will keop silent until you are. Do you ?nderst arid your instructions?" "I am not deaf, " was tho sullen re sponse. "Answer my question, Oraioe," said Will, tingling with indignation, but keeping his temper. There was a mo ment's silouoc, then? "I s'poso I do." "Thoro appears to bo somo doubt, feovyovex," said Fajrrav eooUr,- MHoi* into tho houso, camo forth CHAPTER XL Ten o'clock und no ouo yet camo rid ing back from tbo column with lator news. Almost as koou as tho command had disappeared from view Mrs. Farrar bad gono homo, Helen, Ellis, Kitty und Will in closo attendance, and there tlioy woro presently joined by Aunt Luorotia, whose volubility ovon calamity scorned powerless to check, and then, to tho re lief of nil tho women, Captain Loalo knocked and was promptly admitted, "I am in sonrch of my right hand man," said ho, with his bright, cordial smile. "They toll mo ho is playing Aohilles and sulking in bis tont, hut I havo work for him to do, "and then once more did Kitty look remonstrance, for sho could form no idea of work for him that did not involve deprivation for her. "You are not going to send Mr. Far rar away aft or all," nho began, hut Loalo laughingly checked her. "Far from it," said he. "I need him at tho guardhouse and mean to put him in cliargo of tho prisoners when thoy come In. Tho chances aro that tho colonel will havo to arrest not a few of thoso fellows, mid he'll do it in tho in terest of peaco and good order, despito tho faofc that ho lias no warrant Aro yon ready, sir?" "I'm roady and willing to do any duty, Captain Leale," answered Will ruefully. "But I was tho first to volun tocr for that courier rido to Big ltoad, and I think tho colonol ought to havo given it to me. I'll bo ofliocr of tho guard tomoirow anyhow, and would just as lief begin now. Shall I coino at onco?" "Yes, tho second relief noes on in a fow minutes, and you would hotter in spect thom? Every tiling is started right. Yon havo a capital sergeant of tho guard. I want tho sentries on tho north and cast bluffs instructed to listou for all sounds from tho east and to keep a oloso watch on that plant of Bunko Jim's. Watch overy movement in that rowdy town over yonder, though I bo U?wo most of tho populaco has already ridden away nt tho bidding of tho go culled cowboy king." Will bout over and kissed his moth er's forehead. "I'll get my sword and go nt once," Raid he, "and I'll bo baok us fioon as I'vo mado tho ronnds of tho second relief. I suppose nobody hero means to turn in for an hour yet. Wo ought to havo news of some kind bofore midnight." With that ho quickly left tho littlo parlor and, vaulting the low fence, let himself in at his own door in the adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs. Daunton, who had boon occupying her Bolf olOSO to Mrs. Farrar, presently arose and stepped Into the hallway, took a heavy wrap and noiselessly quitted tho house, Surprised, Captain Leale looked about him for an explanation. Ellis had drawn asido tho curtain and with pale, sot faco was gazing fixedly out upon tho parade. Kitty looked bewildered. It was Mrs. Farrar who spoke. "This has been a trying day for Holen. Sho is not strong, I fear, and tonight she is so nervons and unstrung that sho soems to shrink from company or con versation. I havo nover known her so distracted. I fancy sho wants to ho alouo a few minutes and to take tho fresh air on the gallery." Ellis moved impatiently, hut said not a word. She could sco that, so far from having stopped on tho gallery, Helen Daunton had hastened through the gnto, and, turning to Will's quarters noxt door, was there nwaiting his reappearance. Tho hoy camo out in a moment, his sword nt his side and wrapping his cloak about him, and stopped short in evident surprise at sight of Mrs. Daunton. Ellis well understood tho purport of tho conversation that ensued, though sho could hear no word. Will searched one pnekot after another, then ran back less than a mlnuto, handed a square, whito envolopo to Mrs. Danntou, and, raising ids forngo cap in farewell, has tened away across tho parade. Ashamed of her espionage, yet fasoinated, Ellis liugored at tho window and saw Helen toar open tho envolopo and draw forth ? littlo paokot or roll, which sho closoly inspected and rapidly counted over. Monoyl Treasury notes beyond ques tion! Money, and paid her by Jnok Ormsbyl Ellis dropped the curtain und turned away. She cared to see no more. Over at tho guardhouse tho socond ro liof was being formod as Farrar reached tho spot?sevon soldiers In their fui oaps and gloves and heavy winter over coats and arotios. Tho corporal had Just reported them all present, and tho lieu tenant qniokly yet closely inspeoted thoir equipment, then stepped to tho front again. "In addition to tho usual orders," said ho, "Nos. 0 and 7 are cautioned to keep a sharp lookout and to listen at tentively for anything at the eastward. In tho event of nny unusual sight or souud, call for tho corporal at onco. Who Is No. 5?" "Graico, sir," said tho corporal. Tho young officer's faco darkened a bit Ho had no trust in tho man what ever and know woll his ovil reputation. "Qralco," said he, "yon havo douhlo funotions tonight. Yon havo not only tbo samo orders as Nog. 0 and 7, but tho commanding officer directs that yon keep a special watch over the settle ment across tho river, particularly or the plant of Bunko Jim. I belie vo you know it." "There aro plenty of others that know It as well," was tho surly and unexpect ed answer. "That will do, sir," was tho stern rejoinder. "Yon were asked no ques tions and will keop silent until you are. Do you ?nderst arid your instructions?" "I am not deaf, " was tho sullen re sponse. "Answer my question, Oraioe," said Will, tingling with indignation, but keeping his temper. There was a mo ment's silouoc, then? "I s'poso I do." "Thoro appears to bo somo doubt, feovyovex," said Fajrrav eooUr,- MHoi* into tho houso, camo forth your roliof, corporal, and wo will look Handed a squaro, white envelope to Mrs. Daunton. fnrthor after No. 6. Uns that man been drinking again?" ho turned and asked tho silent sorgcant, as tlie roliof marched away. "It's hard to Bay, sir. Ho's one of those steady soakers. It would ho diffi cult to find him when ho hadn't boon drinking more or less. I think ho has beon drinking all day, but ho knows what he's doing and is as sober as he la at any other time." Farrar gazed doubtfully nt the rolief as it trudged away through tho misty moonlight, nhook Iiis head in some dis satisfaction, then turned in ut the door way of tho tower. "I will look over tho guardroom and cells," said he, "and visit Bcntrios later," and, taking up his lantern, the sergeant followed. A big stove burned brightly in tho confer of the guardroom, and tho men of tho third relief, sitting or sprawling about, Sprang np and stood to attention as tho officer looked in. Another Rtovo, tho mnto to it, was burning almost at rod boat in tho general prison room across tho hall. Hero were confined Bomo half dozen poor devils, tho scape graces of tho command; some drink sod don and Btnpid, others merely reckless and "no'or do weel." Following the spirit of holiday decoration and never expecting tho visit of on officer that night, one of tho number, with a lino seuso of humor, had induced a comrado to fetch him * parcel from the barracks, and now on tho baro wooden wall oppo site the eutranco there hung a chromo with a flowery border und tho pious sentiment, "God bless our happy homo." Will's cyo caught it at tho in stant. "Take that down!" snid ho, with manifest indignation. "There is to bo no burlesque business here tonight." Thoro was a faint odor of de ad tobacco about the grimy room. "You'll have to search those men and that room," said he to the sergeant us they turned away. "Thoro must bo neither pip s, matches nor anythiug with which they can start a fire. If this old rookery ever flames it will go like a flash. Do it at once. Any mon in tho cells?" "None, sir, und none in tho outer prison room." "Keep tho other empty, thou. Tho chances aro it'll bo filled tomorrow When tho column gets back. Kemomber tho orders about fire." "No man's liko to forgot that, lieu tenant, with the powder stored there on the second floor." "I know," answorod Will gravely. "How much powder is thoro thero?" "Only a dozen cartridge .5 for tho reveille gun, sir, but that's enough to blow tho place into flinders." '.'There's no 0110 in the light prison room on that floor?" "No one, sir. That floor is empty. There's no flro up thoro at all." Presently the tramp, tramp of mar tial feet was heard on tho crunching 6now, and officer and Sergeant both ?topped forth to receivo tho relief of (?entries just taken off post. One of them was Crow Knife. Ho gravely saluted as ho passed his officer and placed his car frirte in tho arm raok, then wont out on tdao cast side of the littlo building and Btood thero, silent, listening for Bounds from tho distant cast. "May I have tho Houtonnut's permis fiion to go on* on tho bluff awhile?" ho asked, as Farrar camo by him. "I can hoar tho call of tho corporal if wo are wanted for anything, and I am very anx ious. " And Will, who at first would havo flaid no, saw the anxiety in tho Indian's faco and consented. "Crow is strangely superstitions, "said the sergeant, after a moment's silenco "Ho has been liko that ever Hinco he camo on guard. He Bays tho ghost dogs woro howling tho death song last night and that somobody'e to grtt Iiis death blow tonight. Wo can't laugh him ont of it." Will turned away and watched tho rapidly retreating form, growing dim mer every second. "I supposo ho dreads trouble for his people, and this row makes him norvons," said ho. "I'mgo ing tho ronnds now, BOrgcant, and wtll loavo you hero in charge." "It is just 10:30 now, sir. Shall wo call off?" "Aye, ayo, let it go," was tho answer as the young follow stalked away in tho direction of tho stables. It was his pnr poso to tako the sentry posts in iuverso order, so as to visit first those on tho eastern flank. Without a break the watch ory went from man to man, Nr. 6 slum ting a gruff, stentorian, "All's well," that again diroctod tho attention of the offi cer of tho guard to hia probable condi tion. Tho last sentry had called off and No. 1 had given, loud and prolonged, tho final asBtiranco that all along the chain was peace andHOCurity beforo Will reached the bottom of the slope and be gan his examination of the stables and corrals. Tho last thing ho saw as ho oast a backward glance northward along tho snowy slopo that terminated tho plateau on its eastern aide was the soli tary figure of Crow Knife, standing ino o per CUU OX tue pose 01 sentry OH No. a IIo was delayed unexpectedly among tho stable*, for ono of tJ>o orderlies, in tho absence of his troop uftd ofllcors, had gono viaiting among his associates iu tho adjoining building, and ono or two sparo horses woro looso and rooming about tho gangway. Tho next thing ho heard of his sentries there wero excited shouti for tho corporal of tho gnard, and, hastening ont into tho night to as certain tho cause, ho nearly collided with little Mpinecko, the tiumpoter. "Liautonaut," cried tho boy breath lessly. "Crow Knifo's killed, sir. Stab bed to death!" "My God!" moanod Will, ns he has tened up tho slope. "Thero's a curse on Christsuostido at old Fort Frayno." When 10, 90 minutes had passed away and Helen Dauuton failod to re turn, Afra. Farrar had becoino anxious and i 1 at ease. Loale, too, bad boon listening oagorly for her step ou the porch without, and, unablo to control bis lotging to see and speak with hor, despite her pulpablo efforts to avoid him, h1 had early taken his loavo and gon) (orth in search. Ellis, slipping from tho parlor into the dining room, hud tltmco managed to go to her own little ijhi.ruber for a moment or two to hersol}. Whatever doubt remained as to tho jntticoof her suspicions up todinner time Mat oveuing, it was banished now, and htjr heart was hard against Ormsby that 1? should havo so braved and de coivodhor. Looking out from her win dow sfco could soo much of tho waLk in front of Officers' row, bnt not a sign of Holen Daun ton. Tho clouds hod thick ened, tho moonlight had grown dimmer all of a sudden. Onco more tho snow was lifting down. She could not dream whoro llelon had gono. It ^v^^s a desperate woman who stolo silently out of the littlo army home and intercepted Lieutenant Farrar nt tho gatr. In few words sho mode known her orrand and asked for the uoto Mr. Orrasbr had placed in his hand,, and Will for tho first timo romemberod it Ho had stowed it in the pocket of the overcout ho was wearing as ho returned with Ormsby from tho colonel's nud was compelled to run back indcors ngnin to find it Absorbed though ho was in his own tumble, "Will could not but remark how fltruuge it seemed that ids mother's companion shdtild be seeking and Orms by ?eiding thoso. ttrysterions notes at night IIo made such explanation and ?xcuso as he could, however, thou hur ried attay. Willi nervous fingers Helen counted over tiw money in tho envelope. Two hundred dollars! Ormsby was indeed generous. Theu, desperato, determined, thoughtless of tho military crimo sho was about to urge upon her husband, tbiukiug only of tho dreadful mennco his presence was to tho friends who had harbored and sheltered her, she sped away up the row and, turning through tho broad open spaco near the colonel's quarter?, camo out upou tho snow cov ered brow of the heights overhanging tho silent, iccbouud stream, and tlioro, barely 100 feet away, tho dim outlines of tho huge, hulking figure could bo scon. Sho know it only too well?know it nt a giauco. Graico was standing on {iost nt tho moment, listening npparcnt y to somo faint, distant sounds of maudlin rovolry ibat roso from tho un hallowed walls of Bunko Jim's, boyond the Platte. With ono briof mnttorod prayer to heaven for gnidanco and strength, sho sped across tho snowy ex panse and was at his sido boforo ho could either halt or challenge. Honovor had timo to speak before impotuously sho bogau: "Iloylo Farrar, I must speak to you hero and now. If your being here meant only danger and harm to mo, you might do your worst, and I would bear it. Yon aro under a false name. Your lifo has so ohanged you that as yet no one hat recognized you, but it cannot last, and then thorn will bo bitter shame and por hnps death that would lio at your door ?your mother's; your poor, gentlo mothor, Royle, who holds her lifo only through the belief that you aro no Jon f?r alive to bring further disgrace to your father's namo," But now ho had partially recovered himself and ongrily interrupted: "Is it my fault I'm here? Did I suppose of all cursed places they'd eond mo to it would bo here, to bo ordered about by my cub of a brother, to seo my noblo oaptain making love to my'4? "You dare not say it!" sho cried. "You'vo had somo exporienco of what I doro, my lady, and ono tiling I daro and mean to do is to stiok it ont right hero and tske my chances at Frayno. Thero's no other post where I'd find so many friends at court if things go wrong." "You shall not stay hero if I havo to buy you to go," sho cried, but sho shrank ovon as sho spoke, as though dreading a blow, for with uplifted hand lie sprang to her side, then rough ly, savagoly, soizod her slouder wrist "Who aro yon to poso as guardian angel of tho Farrars? Who aro yon to stiy'shall* to mo? Do you realize, my love, that your placo in the army is not in officers' quarters, but down yonder in laundresses' alleyt By tho Lord, I've a mind"? But hero a dark shadow foil botwocn ! him and tho slohdor wrfthing object of [ his brutal rago, an iron grasp was laid I in turn on the baud' that so cruelly crushed tho white wrist. A deep voice, eloquent with wrath, controlled, yet boiling, scorned to ring in his oars tho two words, "Lot go!" and then, releas ing perforce, his hold on tho shrinking,' star clod woman, Gralce writhed in fu rious effort to fr'co himself from the clinch of Malcolm Leale, and writhed in vain. savagoly hissodf through his grinding teeth.. "I've a grip, my man, that won't loosen till yea are past doing further misohlof horcv" wan the store, rolcnt loss answer. Then, uplifting his voice, Lealo shouted for the corporal of the guard, and at the Instant tha ory went echoing ov?r tho porfts of 0 and 7. The sentry still writhed in impotent rage. Finding bis struggles fntilo, ho onco morn lashod with his tongue. "Don't be too suro of that, oaptain. There aro soens kinds of a hold ovon your grip oan't loosen." "No Insolence. You go from hore to the guardhouse as it is." "D?n the guard.'louse, aud you, too," ragsd the soldier, hurliug down tho carbine. "If I'm to spend Ohrisr uias in limbo, I'm onraod if you shall spend it making love to my"? Aud hero, with a tigerliko bound, his froo hand brandishing a glistening knjio, ho own grip," ho lunged at tho officer'* throat "A xirno form had come leaping like a panther up tho path, and even before Helen's cry had diod away Grow Knife had hurled himself between tho men and the shin ing blade was bnrled out of sight There was a momou; of furious strag gle, and then the sentry lay, felled like an ox in his traoks, and Lealo's foot was at his throat Tho knife, blood stained, had dropped in the snow. Tho Indian, his hand pressed to his side, was sway ing slowly back as the sergeant of the guard, with a brace of men, came run* Bing to the spot "Take this man to the guardhouse," was the brief, stern order, as they lift ed Graice, stunned and sodden, to his feet Thon the captain turned to Grow Knife. "Did that crazy hrnto strike you? Are you hurt?" ho asked, in deep concern. "Captain," said the Indian Blowly. "I holicvo I'm killed." Lealo fmrang to support him. Other mm, ruuning to tho scene, linked their bauds and mado a chair and raised tho Soor follow from tho ground. ' 'Cany im Rontly to tho hospital, lads. I'll bo with you in a moment," said Lealo, nud then ho turned to whore, trembling, terrified, Helen Danntou still stood as though powerless to movo. "Holon?Mrs. Dauulonl First lot mo see you homo. I ask no confidouco, no explanation, but this is something in wnioh I must help you. I havo guessed tho truth, have I not? That man is your brother?" "My brother, Captain Lealo? God pity me, that man is my husband I" For n moment not another word was spoken. Lealo had recoiled?staggered ?as though strnck a mortal blow. Then, in hcarso whisper, so choked and broken seemed his voico: "Your busbaudl Your husband, Hel en? Oh, my GodI And I had thought you frco to bo loved,* as I havo learned ?BS you havo taught mo?to lovo you." "Gaptain Loalo," shocried, "in pity say you do not heiievo that Oh, hoar mol Do not turn fromme," ?ho implor ed, for in his misery ho had averted his face. ' 'You shall not think mo so vile," sho went on desperately. "I never know until today that you had learned to? oaro for mo. I thought nil that had gono with my youth?oh, so long ago! Ionly asked of life a place where I could be useful and safo and where, by and by, perhaps I could forget. I hnvo scorned to myself so old and dull and sad, so different from tho women men lovo that I never dreamed it my duty to say I was not free. Oh, I thought you woro my friond. My heart has been so heavy and so numbod I havo thought it dead siuoo that Ohristmas ovo font yoaraago. Ah, let me tell it to you, and you will under stand. Four years ago this night my lit tle sick baby woko and wailod with pain. That man, my husband, was in a druukon sleep on tho floor. Tho baby's cry woko him. Ho swore a dreadf nl oath at tho littlo woak, white thing in my arms and struck it hard aoross tho mouth. I don't know what wild words I said to my husband, but I told him I would never sco his faco again. Thon I caught my baby to my bronst, and I ran and ran through tho cold Christmas streets, and tho stars wont out, and the lights wont out in the houses, nnd the littlo baby on my breast grow honvior and heavier, and by and by it was dawn, and, oh, so cruelly cold, and I?I opon cd tho shuwl and saw"? Hero, ovor como by tho recollootiou, tho poor woman covered her face in her hands and burst into wild sobbing. And then tho captain. "Holon, Hel ?n, my poor, poor girl! Hush! I spoke liko a laute, but I was hit bald. I was your friend; I am your friend. It is late. You must go in. Tuko my cloak, you aro shivering." With that he turned and led her to win angle by tho colonel's qnnrtora, and there ?he looked up one Instant into his sorrow stricken faoo. "Do not come far ther with me," she implored. "You havo been so good to me," and, bowing to her will, ho lot her go, and stood, following her swiftly retreating form with his longing eyes. And then, soft and sweet and clear, as though rising ubovo all snrronndiugof crimo or sin or sorrow, thcro floated on tho night the prolonged notes of tho cavalry trumpet sounding tho soldier lullaby, "Lights out." "Lights ont," murmured Lealo. "Lights out Ah, God help mol For lifo and lovo it is indeed lights ont." Tho noxt day Crow Knifo diod. [TO UK CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.] AN ISLAND MADE OF PURE GOLD, IN TUB SOUTH PACIFIC OCH AN. Marvellous Story as How It AVns Ijosr to View?The Gold Holt is Guarded by Snakes. Tho biggest gold yarn over told is being whispered around ; and, strange to say, it has found so many believers that no less than six expeditions are being fitted out. Tho gold yarn is about an island of gold in tho South Paoitto Ocean. It lies in tho lif ?i/yOf gold islands, wobt of v>nnama. Sa? this one is so much larger than tho others, so much richer and so much more easily workod, that it is tho magnot that is drawing all tho gold parties toward it. When Cecil Rhodes said ho was go ing to corner tho diamond market of tho world by getting powff ion of tho entire South African mines, specula tors laughed at him, und investors wanted to imprison him and Barnuto and Beir as crazy knaves who wero trying io got rid of tho money Intrust ed to them. But Bolt, Barnato and Rhodes knew whore tho " corner " was locatod, and they found it. The hunters for the now gold field are talking about " corners." They Bay that gold lies so plentifully in this new rogion that to own It practically corners tho gold of tho world. From now bore olso can It bo mined sq cheap ly or plentifully, and that fact alono Insuros a cornor. Tho gold field toward which the six winter expeditions aro pointing is in tho warmost partjof tho Facitio. It con sists of an island with sandy beach and two mountains which rise like horns . at the opposite onds of tho island. Tho beach is rich with oro, even the peb bles bearing that dark rusty look that means gold. But tho richest layers are in the mountains, whoro there Is a whole ledgo of soft rock that Is more than half gold. Tho ledges reaches along ono end of tho Island, which Is a quartor of a mile In width and rises in groat height, rich In gold. Tho discovery ol this island dates back twonty years; and for that length pf timo expeditions have been getting (ready to sail for it. But all have met with some calamity before- starting. Meanwhile the seoret has been kept. The story is something like this: Twonty years ago a Maine carpenter started by ship fiom California back home, going by way of Panama. When nearly In port tho ship stopped at an island for repairs, and tho carpenter took a day to enjoy himsoif. At tho public house?for tho island was a small eentlement?ho mot two sailors who had with them a bag of ore. Hearing he had boon a minor they asked him to tost the metal. IIo did bo, finding it noarly puro gold. The Bailors said thoy had ootaincd it from an island one day's sailing north. The sailors proposed that all go back to the island and get a ship load of gold. They would Btart in a vessel purchased with tho carpenter's money. Tho carpenter agreed and back tboy "went. Near tho island a severe storm came up, wreokiug them. Tho car tientor and ono sailor were cast ashore, )ut tho crew perlshod. Next day they?tho carpenter and tho sailor?explored tho island and wore delighted to find it rieh in gold. They gathered such of tho mincrul as they''could and that day wero provi dentially picked up by a vessel hap pening along. They hailed her and wore taken abroad. Roturning to his home in Maine he married, intending noxt year to return to his island of gold. His wife object ed, howover, to tho voyage and bo the years passed. Last year the carpenter died, but on his deaih-bed he told his Bon how ho acd tho sailor had Bhovel led up pobblca that woro more than haif gold. But the 6on was less adventurous than his fathor. Liko his mother ho was inor; dulous and told tho story to friends as an ovening tale. The first friend who heard it after the old mail's death spiang to his feet. "If your father told that story," eaid lie, "it is true, acd I am going to lit out an"ex pedition to look up that island." A party was speedily formed and in a few days it will sail from Maine to look for tho gold island in tho South ern Pacific. Meanwhile, howover, the news spread, and parties in Boston took it up and began Utting out a ship of their own. Tho location of tho island is such? for tho bearings wero found in the ef fects of the old carpenter?that it might easily exist aud be laden with gold, for it is in tho richest gold belt known. Such an island might easily have been found before now by other ex plorers, for thousands start out every year, but for ono fact. There is a cer tain latitude of the South Pacific whoro the greatest quantity of poison ous reptiles livo. Tho islands aro alive with thorn and so venomous and lierce are they that mariners do not land at these islands nor does a living soul touch them from year to year. Mari ners' courses lie as far*away from them as possible, and this island lies in tho very midst of this "Snake Belt." Tho exploring party would ho obliged to rid the island<at once of rep tiles. They would first assure them selves that they had found the island so rich in gold and then tho snakes could be driven out by poisons and by planting certain herbs that aro repul sive to them. In six months a small island could be cleared of reptiles, the explorors taking tho utmost precau tions while at work. Gold expedition? arc starting all tho timo from places ulorg the coast. Southern California sonus out several every year ; and place? least suspected of harboring souls with tho gold fovor have ships lying in harbor, bound for some southern port, but currying in their passenger list enthusiastic pros pectors for gold. The probability of a gold Island in the Pacilic is readily considered by mariners. They say that bailors are very ready to lind a ship in need of re pairs near these islands, and for this reason the sea off Panama is markod " dangerous " on the mariner?' eha. ls, on account of tho numerous ships that lay in the port there for mending. But it is the fault of the sailors, who pur posely conceal defects until near these island in tho hope of landing. Or.ee landed and they hopo to find a spot where ore is rich enough to wai rj*nt carting away in bags. The old Maine carpenter brought homo with him twenty bags of ore, much of whloh passed for fruit and the remainder as curios picked up in his travels. One large, rich piece of ore; was preserved and his son has it today to show would-be hunters for the lost island. Pall and winter are the seasons when the gold hunt is most protitable iu the Southern Paeitlc. It is cooler now and tho crew and miners are now willing to exert themselves. In the spring, when tho fovorish weather comes on, all can sail homo. An island of puro gold is not an im possibility. By this is not meant the clear, pure oro of commerce*for this is impossible But tho rough, streaky, yellowish, darkish stuff that, being cleared, shows more gold than rock. There aro islands almost entirely of this, and it is not impossible that au all-gold island may bo found. If the Bixth expedition succeed, or any of them, there wlir-bo a " South Pacilic gold company " as powerful an organization as the Cecil Rhodes South African diamond corporation. Keep the boys on the Farm.?Wo will venturo to assort that if each hoy is given a flock of fowls, if only Ban* tanas, and ho alono havo tho manage ment, and tho rocoipts?a very impor tant adjunct -tho flock of fowls will cnuso tho boy to tako an interest In farming from the start. Let him bo como accustomed to tho brood and be will soon learn tho points of all breeds. And ho will not stop tliero. He will aim to know the broods of cattle, sheep, horsos and hogs. IIo will look forward to tho exhibitions of the country fairs, and strive to win prizes. Ho will havo a lovo for tho farm bred in him from tho start, and whon ho is a man he will yearn for tho happy days spent on the farm, and will get back to it if ho can, should ho bo induced away. When ono becomos interested in poultry on the farm, ho becomes educated to an inter est in everything olso. As soon as your boy can manago thorn, glvo him a few Bantams, and after ho is older start him with somo puro breed of standurd size. It is tho In st. plan for teaching the boy to ronviln on tho farm. ?A Svrocdlsh sorvant-niaid, flndiug that hor mistress was troubled with 8lcople8no88,told hor of a praotico of the fiooplo of her country who woro slml ary afflicted. It was to take a napkin, dip it in ice cold water, wring it slightly and lay it across her oyos. Tho plan was followed, and it worked liko a charm. Tho first night tho lady slept four hours without waking?something she had not dono for soveral months. At tho ond of that timo tho napkin had becomo dry. By wetting It aga'n sho at onco wont to sloop, and it required considerable, forco to Aroit80 her in the morning. ?Not to love the good is a proof that 1 you are bad. MR. BRYAN AS A DEER-SLAYER. A HUNTUU'S PARADISIC IN MIS SOURL Tho Kx-Prcsldeuttal Candidate Had an Hnjoyable Tiiuo?An Immense Qamo Park in the Ualtl Knob Region. Ex-Presidential Candidate William Jennings Bryan bad a series of enjoy able experiences out in tbo rich game preserves of Taney county, Missouri, in company with a uurnbor of distin guished Democrat') of that State re cently. Taney county is tho only county In the State that tho railroads have not entered. It is almost as wild as primoval wastes. Few people dwell thore. There are no towns of auy Im portance, no Industries. The soil is most barren and rocky. No crops can bo raised except in a kitchen garden sort of way. It is in tbo heart of the Bald Knob rogion. It boasts no slop ing, greenly wooded hills, no shoor defiant crags. Dull, gray knobs, bald of growth, rise in endless series all about. In tho low-lying lund interven ing, great trees rise up. At tboir bases grows thick underbrush. The streams in Taney county, both big and littlo, are clear as crystal. They meander around and about these knobs, more tortuous In their turnings than tbo rattlesnakes along their bunks, flowing always toward tho south. They aro alivo with fish, a godsond to the natives. A number of St. Louis gon tlomon own about 0,000 acres of land in tho southern part of Taney county. This land is fenced in and literally toems with game. There aro the in digenous rod deer, oik, autolopo, wild goat, boar, squirrel, coon, 'possum, eatumount, turkoy and quail in greater abundance than in any place in Am oriea. It is really a hunter's paradise. Bight through the centre of it runs tho beautiful Whito river. This stream is about the size of tho Mcramcc and is full of spotted trout, jack salmon and bass, so that he who does not care to hunt, but loves to sit and angle on tho river's hank is equally well cared for. When tho park was tlr&t inclosed there wero perhaps twenty of tho native deer within it-, and in tho fenc ing, under the superintendence of Mr. MeCann, "Old Coon," they cull hlra, a regular job was worked on the poor, confiding deer who happened to have been left on the outside. The bald knobs in the park aro very steep. Many of them riso up*at singles of 4;> degrees and the 21-foot wiro fence was built so as to lean sharply toward tho incline. This made it much higher on tbo one side than on tho other. Tho Whito River is the runway for tho doer coming north from Arkansas. As the deer come over tho knobs thoy can jump tho fence, but once in.-id" they cannot jump back. They thus become prisoners, and in this way tbo herd of deer has been materially increased over and above tho additions by birth. Tho whole park is thus a big deer trap, a good deal on the order of somo of the patent mousetraps and similar contrivances. But not only has tho game been increased in these two ways. 101 k, antelope and wild goat have been brought from other pans of tho coun try and placed within tho park. Two herds of elk were captured?one In tho north and the other from tho north west and turned loose in tho big in olosure. This was done in order to prevent inbreeding. About a year ago one of the big buck elks got so ugly thut they wero obliged to kill him. Ho was like a rogue elephant, the baue of circuses. No soorer had be been shut Up a month than ho showed buch a mean disposition that the rest of tho > herd drove him away, refusing to as sociate with him. Ho then herded with the domestic cuttle, of A-hich thero arc quite a number on the pre serve. Whenever the park keepers showed up the buck would charge them in the wildest anger. Ho became as sharp an a fox and laid for the keepers. They did not dare kill him for fear of in curring the displeasuro of the proprie tors, 80 they had to run for it every time they were attacked. More than once some of them wero forced to climb trees and stay above ground until tho furious beast below them grew tired and went away. Ho finally got so bad that be would creep uparound the men's quurters and lio in wait for them, and then the order was given that he bo shot. Tho keepers ate him with great relish. This buck was tho first of tho big game in the park to ba killed. Oae or two others have been shot for sport, but tho recent outiug is really the formal opening e>f the park. The pro prietors have boon hiding their time until the preserve should Be thorough ly well blocke el. Small game like turkey and squirrel an.l quail is so thick that one can almost kill them With a club. As far eoons and 'possums, they can bo picked off the fences?at least thut is what those who have bee n to the park Insist, and this is their ex planation 2 While the fence is built twenty feet high to keep in the deer, it is also built with the barbed wires very close together at the bottom. Mr. Coon and Mr. 'Possum and other such " varmits," coming along in the bey" day of their liberty, try to get in or out of the preserve us the case may be. They stick their pointed noses in be tween the wires und push. Then a barb catches them. They wriggle a bit and another barb catches them. Tho lirst thing thoy know they are stuck and all a fellow has te> elo for a 'possum supper or a coon skin cap is to go over to tho fence anil pick one olY. It was there that Mr. Bryan killed iiis lirst deer, a magnificent live-prong antlered buck, which weighed 150 pounds. He showed no excitement and gave no evidence whatever of suf fering from " buck ague." Of tho balanco of tho early party, Sam B. Cook took his favorite setter and went down in tho bottoms in search of? quail. Ho had but slim success, owing to tho drjness of the leaves and grass which rendered the scent so dillicult that his dog was nearly use less. However, ho bagged a few quail and ono squirrel. Colonol Wotmoro went In soarch of squirrel, but his avoirdupois rondcred mountain clim bing too much like work, therefore be was the lirot man to seek the coo' seat.; of tho veranda. Governor Stone, Major Towles and the Hon. Harvey Salmon, under tho guidance of Mr. Craddoek, an expert fisherman, sought tho cool shadows of tho river, where, with rod and line, they bogullod tho afternoon. The rivor was much too clear for angling, Governor Stone being tho only one to catch a bass. They could sec tho tantalizing bass darting among the boulders at tho river bed. Though tho water wau very deep, yet tho rlvor bottom was as distinct as though tho boat floated in air instead of water. After tho party had gathered in from their afternoon's sport and had exchanged reminiscences of tho day, Colonel MoCann. master of ccromonios, ushered tho disingulshed geullotnuu in to a royal dinner of vension, wild turkoy, gamo and Huh, together with all tho embellishments that go to make a royal feast. Outside tho park gate thore were camped hundreds of people', who, having heard William J. Bryan was to be a guest of Colonol Wetmore, had come for miles to do nim homage. There in the woods wore scores upon scores of covered wagons, while camp tires burned on every side. Men hau come from the mountains of Arkansas fur fifty miles, bringing their families to sue Mr. Bryan. Tho crying of chil dren, yolping of dogs und shouting and yelling could bo heard at night eveu to tho club house, nearly a mile away. Mr. Bryan was sociablo and friendly with ail that came. He shook the hands of the rough woodsmen cordi ally. It goos without saying that thoro are many men in Taney county and Northern Arkansas that will from this time forth date all events from tho day Bryan visited Tancy county. Among tho honorable gentlomon that composed this hunting party, Colpnel Wetmore was known us " Mark Han na." It came a baut this way. Govor nor Stone and Colonol Wetmore wore in the dressing room of their private car at Springfield. The oar was sur rounded by crowds of people clamoring for a speech from Mr. Bryan. An urchin climbed up to tho window of tho drcd8lng room and spying Colonel Wotmoro bathing yelled to bis cronies bolow: ' "Boys, here's old Hunna a washin' hisself 1" TIM,MAN BUCOMRS CONSIERVA T1VK Tho Significance of His Speech at (JalTney?Tho Revolution Ho Creat ed in CioiiiK Backward. Special to the News and Courier. There is a great deal more impor tance to bo attached to Senator Till man's GatYney speech than its bearing on tho county proposition. His posi tion is of decided importance for a variety of reasons, especially us there aro so many new county propositions, and in all of thorn thoro aro many who havo inexplicable faith in Tilhnan. Not only did Tillman discuss the pros and cons of tho new county matter, but he could not help branching out and talking about Stato politics, tho disponsary, and himself. It was somewhat significant to hear Tillman argue something like this : "Tho Reform party has kept things at a fever heat in South Carolina for six yearn ; it has kept the pot boiling and stirred it with a long spoon. Tho revolutionary reform may havo been moro radical than was really neces sary, but opposition led to, perhaps, radical reform. There is a reaction imminent. It may change existing re forms. This will involved continued agitation. Lets stop agitating and settlo down to something other than politics. It is time to call a truce." Now it is somewhat out of the usual to hear Senator Tillman talk about hav ing enough of political Agitation or ever recognizing the possibility of a reaction. This roaction seems to be moro in volved in tho disponsary matter than anything else, and Senator Tillman takes tho oosltion that ttio disponsary had bettor bo left alone and that it is bettor than any license system. But in his public speech ho charged that tho trouble was that the law was not being properly administered and that there scorned to be something in tho cliArge of " incipient rottenness," not only in tho dispensary, but in county affairs and for such conditions ho cen sured tho grand juries. This is the first speech, other than freo silver, that Senator Tillman has made in somo time and is all tho moro important. Strange to say in his speech yesterday he did not mention free . liver or* anything about it in any shape, form or fashion. So much for the speech. There has recently been considerable di.-eussion about the possibility of re ducing the Congressional representa tion from this State on account of tho light vote cast in tho last Presidential election, and tho restrictions to the franchise that exist and are operative in this Slate. Sotno outsido papers havo started the discussion, and seem to think that there is something in tho possibility. Senator Tillmun was talking about the matter while on his way to Wash ington, and ono thing is certain ho is not giving himself much concern about it, and is of tho impression that noth ing will come out of tho agitation and talk. He thinks that somo Republi cans may want to make capital out of such a proposition and would like to go for the South in a speech on such & subject, but ho has little idea that such a plan would or eould bo carried into operation, it would, hoisaid, take a regularly passed act of Congress to reduce the representation from this or any other Stato as is contemplated. The Housoof Representatives, he said, might pass all the. resolutions and do what it pleased about the. matter, but without tho consent of tho Senate, it would be without elTeet. it will take an act regularly passed by the House and Senate and approved by the Pre sident to reduce the representation in Congress from any of the States. Sena tor Tillman thinks that it would in any event be impossible for such a proposi tion, and he thinks that when it comes to such a question that Senators like Cannon, Duboso and Teller and that class would stand by the South in any such tight. In the opinion of Senator Tillman it is a free silvor alliance that will act on the defensive on all proposi tions that might hurt the prospects of free silver. Senator Tillman also talked about the Intorvlew of Senator Ohandlor, in which he favored a commission to 1 < into the possibilities of bimetall .n and the like, Senator Tillman B.tld that lie had no objection to such a plan, as tho soom r it was shown that this kind of physic would do no gjod the better it would bo. Ho has but little idea that anything will comoout of the proposed commission, but wants it ap pointed, so it can bo shown as quickly as possible that there is nothing to be hoped for in this direction. Senator Tiliman says that bo would not he iu the least surprised if the Re publican party did not provoke a light with Spain just for an excuse to got a largo standing army. Bo is of the opinion that whon tho army is onco in creased there is but small prospect of its being reduced, as tho Republican party wants to increase the army, not so much because of the fear of foreign war, but becauso of the possibility of local conflicts botween capital and labor, and It will bo, ho thinks, tho purpose of the Republicans to increase I the army and keep it increased 80 to put down riots that aro anticipated. The additional troops that ho looks for havo to bo kopt somowhoro and they might as well bo stationed at Charleston as anywhere in the coun try, and as thoro aro no troops ncaror hero than Atlanta thore is all tho more reason for such a disposition of tho troops. ?A woman in Mil pitas, Cal., is said to have invented a novel and effective cure for uospondouoy and kindred ovile. She made it a rule to laugh three times a day, with occasion or without, and Is now enjoying excellent health and spirits. ? way: si Di: (i.vthk kings. - Bits of Humor ami NuKKots of Truth Ibrtho A&ultltude. ?The iirst and worst of all faults is to cheat one's self. I ?The rloh aro rich becauso the poor arc industrious. ?There is a breed of dogs in Russia that cannot bark. .. ?There are thirty towns called Washington in America. ?An ounco ot encouragement is V worth a pound of faultfinding. ?Tho Japaneso, up to 1858 were < vaccinated on tho tip of tho nose. ?There is a growing demand in England for human skin leather. ?The biggost eoward in all the earth is the man who is afraid to do right. ?Tho roproaches of enemies should quicken us to duty, aud not koop us from it. ?If you want your life to bo a suo c083, never bo found opposing the truth. ?Tho pon is a mighty engine, and it sometimes runs away with tho en gineer. ?If thou desiro tho haoplnoss of the child, teach him obedience and self restraint. ?No man ever boliovod that a ory lug baby belonged as much to him as to its mother. ?Somo women look at a secret much as a man looks ut whiskey?as too good to keep. ?A woman readily pardons a minis ter's failings. To her, it's human to forgivo divines. ?Cats aro suid to ho musleial be cause their insldes are composed most ly of ilddlestring. ?Ho who does his best, howevor little, is always to bo distinguished from him who noes nothing. ?Suppose overybody should stay away from church as much as you do, what would be the result. ?Charcoal is very highly relished by fowls, both young and old. Always ?ceep a supply before them. ?Look ever on tho bright side, which is the heaven side of lifo. This is far better than medicine. ?Two states of the Union?Wyo ming and Nevada?have less than cfno inhabitant to the square mile. ?There are many more fools in tho world than there uro "'.mves, otherwise tho knaves could not ^xist. ? Every real nice old woman thinks that people like to hear about her mar ried children and tho grandchildren. ?The wise man does not tell all ho knows ; and does not always listen while others tell all they know either. ?Women comprise two-thirds of tho church members of tho United Stutcs, but only one*thirteenth of tho crimi nals. ?Wrhen we strive to do the best wo can, we are sure to lind that our best is beyond anything we hud dared to hope for. ?The reasons why some mou uro Buch inveterate wind-bags would seem to lie because their wives blow thorn up every duy. . ?Every man is tho architect of his own fortune. And its lucky for tho most of us that there is no building inspector uround. ?Tho man who is drawn into a scheme to invest 1 cent und draw out $1 may not be u fool, but he is in no danger from brain fever. ?In Paris thoro is u skating rink formed of roal lee on a circular basin of water artificially cooled by pipes containing ammonia gas. ?It has been said that it coats noth ing to say u good word for another bu when one must lie to do it tho word seems rather expensive ?Fogg is mean enough to say that, generally speaking, the women who remain single " from choice " aro not a particularly choice lot. ?When you havo a cold you do not know how to cure it. All your friends know how and they tell you; but that does not alTect tho cold. ?When a woman gots angry you can generally depend on her saying frankly what she thinks?or at least, what she thinks just then. ?" (Jno swallow does not make a summer;" but it may have occurred to you that one grasshopper makes more than u dozen springs. ?Tho war and navy departments are endavoring to arrange for tho uso of smokeless powder, such us has boon adopted by France and Germany. ?A machine that cuts match sticks makes 10,000,000 a day. They are ar ranged over a vat, und have the heads put on at the rule of 8,000,000 per day by one man. ?"Come in and gist your soul paved while you wait," is the notice that a Glasgow man relates he saw ut a Sal vation Army mooting during bis rc cont stuy in Chicago. ?A clergyman says it is not wrong to dunce if you dunce properly. .Judg ing from hi.-? subsequent remarks, tho way to dunce properly is l<> sit in tho corner und twirl your liugcr.-*. ?Many times wo are under tho divine intluenco when WO arunotcou scious of it. No man speaks a good word or performs a good deed without being influenced by the spirit. ?" Madam," shouted tho attorney, "do you know what tho punishment will lie if you do not toll the truth as you have Bworn to do?" ''Certainly I do; I wlll'boorossodquostionod again." ?"Seventy berths in the ladies' cubin I" exclaimed Fogg, after hearing u description of the. new stcumor. "Great Scott! but there must have boon a terrible squall about that time!" ?A Maine pastor offers Ins parish three alternatives : He will take what he can get in the contribution box and run things as he pleases' or they may pay him a fixed salary and run things as they please ; or. thirdly, he will re sign. What could bo fairer than thin good brother's offer. Length op a Horsb's Head, -it is probable that ut Iirst thought most persons would be inolim d to doubt the accuracy of the old s tying that a horse's bead is as long as a flour barrel. Flour barrels vary somewhat in length. Somo aro made stouter und shortor, somo slender and a little higher. An aver ago flour barrel is' about 20 inches in height. A man to whom the old say ing was familiar made up his mind to see for himself just how near right it was and he measured tho heads of threo horses. Ono of theso horses was said to have a rather lurgo head for Its sizo ; it wasn't a very big horso. Tho horse's head, exclusive of tho ears, measured 28 Inches In length. Tho heads of tho two other horses, whloh wore horsoB of fair average sizo, with average heads, measured, one 27 Inches, tho other 27U*chod. So that this investigator dijir -1 that, the old saying was suhj^ ??*"io.