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CHAPTER XII. Tho long < xpccted Christmas bnll was in full swing, but tho lato comers enur ed Buow covered and buffeted, for a howling blizzard was sweeping down froni tlio gorges of 111?* Hoolcira and whirling deep tho drifts uboul the wails of old Fort Frayno. Lcalo had como in i about tattoo, grnvo and taciturn, I is fine face shadowed by a sorrow wh o traces nil could soe. II"1 had conto fi>r ] no festive purposo, was still in undress uniform, and, after a brief low toned conferenco wi111 his colonel, bad turned at onco in search of Helen Duunton, who, ever sinco tho dance bi gan, had hoveied near tho windows that looked out. toward tho guardhouse, barely 100 yards away, yet now, evin with its bril liant light, only dimly visible through tho lashing storm. Twic e had Mrs. Far rat essayed to draw her friend into tho little circle by which she was surround ed, but Helen had speedily shown she was uunblo to givo hor attention to what was boitig said or to take any part In tho conversation. It was at the win dow Lealo found her and gently but firmly drew her to one sido and closed tho shade. "I have felt in every fiber," paid ho, "how yon wero waiting, watching and agonizing hero for news from?from him. There is no news, Holou, except ?you know tho man ho stabbed?who gave his lifo for me?is dead?" "I know,'" was tho shuddering an swer. "Has bo heard? Does ho realize?" "Possibly not. Ho seems to bo sleep ing. But ho will know it. soon enough. Helen, do you know this?that tomor row wo must givo him up?" "Givo him up?" sho asked, unablo to comprehend his meaning and looking with new dread into bis compassionate face. "Yes, to tho civil authorities. Ho has?I cannot chooso words now?ho has committed murder and must bo tried by a civil, not a military, court." "You must givo him up/' aho moaned. "Oh, what can we do?what can wo do?" and fearfully she glanced to where Mrs. Farrarwas seated, chatting blithe ly, even joyously, now with her garrison friends. "Yes," ho answered, "and well I know now why you gazo at her. I know nil tho mificrablo truth. Otmsby told mo when be enmo to nsk my counsel and my help. Ho has only left mo a short time Biuoo. I was pledged to help your husband, Helen, and I nm dot I ily pledged to help that dear, <!? ar wc man's sou. I must proteot Roylo Kar rar to the utmost of my power; but, Holen, in this last half hour, by tho bedside of tho brave fellow who gl v. his life forme, 1 hnvo b nked life 1 my own conl in tho face. I know what I must <'o and what. I cannot do. I am not strong enough to play al friendship with the woman 1 lovo with nil my soul, I can only be your friend by > rvii I yon from far away. When what is coming to Roylo Farrar has <? no, I Khali take have of 0 and fl over the sea. It is gooi by between us now. Tonight I look my lust upon tho faco of Roylo Farrnr's wife. What! You want me, Will?" ho suddenly turned and asked, for at, this moment, throwing back tho snow minted hood of his overcoat, Farrar ( ntorod and came quickly to them, unseen by bis mother. "Yes, sir. The news of Crow Knife's death is all over the garrison, and the men nro fairly mad over it. They won't try lynching, but tho sentries at the guardhouse aro double, front and rear, Graico is sleoping yet or else sham ming. I don't think he's too drunk not to realizo what would happen if Crow Knife's people got at him." "Then your duty is doubled, lad," was Lealo's low toned answer?"to hold the prisoner and to protect him too." "I understand," said Will firmly. "Tho man who gets at him tonight, sir, will have to go through hell first." And then ho turned to find Kitty standing, smiling in saucy triumph, at his elbow, leaning on tho colonel's arm. UnBlln'ihi'i the heavy weapon, he handed U ttibmlssivcly to his Imperious queen, Still angered against her and deeply impressed with tho importnuoo of the duties dovolviug upon him, Farrar would have lutstom d by th< in with only brief and cor< i; onions salutation, when Fenton stopped him. "Where did I understand that yon were going, sir?" said he, witli mock Severity of manner. "I gave jou per mission to remain here, eir, and you'd belter jump at the chance. Here's my rjje.ee teilin;.' me that von uro en erased to dance with her, and at this moment it seems you aro about to leavo tho room. Off With that overcoat, or it's your (labor that will como off, sir, in arrest. What, Blight a member of your colonel's house hold I lord bless mo, sir, it's tanta mount to mutiny]" "But, colonel," responded Farrar im petuously, "tho officer of tho day"? "Not another word, sir. Hero is your officer of the day," said he, indicating Kitty, "and you will roport for duty instantly." Irresolute, rejoicing, disappointed and perturbed all in one, Farrar stood one moment hardly knowing what to do, whon Kitty soizod him by one arm, and Lealo, noting his embarrassment, )pcd to his aid. *"1 am going to tlio gnnrdhouBO, Will, and I will look after your duties there. Have your dnnco and return at your convenience. Tho colonel will let you go nftor awhile," And tlion Kitty resumed lior sway. "1 shan't dance one step w itli you until you take that drcadfid thing off," said plin, indioating his dangling saber and utterly ignoring his prob il that, officer of tho guard, it was Uli < SSOllti .'? part of his uniform and cquipim lit. li . only respouso was that ho was to i" member thnt ho was then on duty ;n lier. "Tnko off that BWOrd, eh*, and Inn - ry about it, for thero goes tho band." And so, unsliuging the heavy weapon, ho handed it BUhniiSKivcly to his im] ? rious queen, who promptly stowed it away under the woodon Bottco against tho wall and then, courtesy ing to her partner, indicated to him that at last ho was at liberty to lead her to the dance. And now, smiling, joyous and once moro thrilling with misohiovous do light as slai boro her sulky pri/.0 across tho room. Kitty canto suddenly upon tho major, standing mooning and preoc cupied, gazing apparently at tho por trait of Colonel Farrar, yet, ns was equally apparent to tho littlo knot of laughing lookers on, seeing it not at all. Kitty was on tho point of accosting and bringing him to himself; but, with eager whisper and gesticulations, An ory, Mar tin and others called her to them. "Don't wake him," thoj' murmured. "Do let Aunt Lou have that comfort. See, sho's coming to him now." And, as what Kitty most wanted at that mo ment was ati Opportunity to restore her interrupted dominion ovi r h r angered lover, and as ho was blind and douf to anything but the consideration of Ida own grievances, personal and official, Wayno was loft to become tho central ol)j< et of interest, while Kitty drew her deposed officer of tho guard to a distant corner. Wayno was a study. That ho was Struggling to recall somo important matter was evid( nt to all who had long known him, and for tho timo being he wan lost to all consoiousm of sur rounding sights und Hounds and had floated off into that dreamland of rem iniscence in which only ho was thorough ly i\t homo. Ono or two of tho ladies wdio w< ro at the moment resting from the dnnco stood leaning on th-i arms of thoir attendant lavalicrs and watching with them tho result ol Tau rctia'fl tim id yot determined approach, Almost tiptoeing, iifl though afraid that her noiseless footfall might rudely awaken him. sho was stealing to his side, and pr? soutly they saw her lay her hand up i !i his arm and peer trustingly up in:o hi.; face. Thinking only ( l" him and lor him, 8;ie, too, then, was almost uncon scious t?f any observation, kindly and good n at med though it was. Unwilling to interrupt too suddenly tho ourr nt of his med?;:1 ions, sho hosi t;? ed beforo speaking. h n, half tin. iuly, sho suggested, "Ycu iiko the pic ture, major?" Slowly his gaste came do\ from t!;i flag draped portrait, and * h his ojeglns <s Wayno bcnigiiot tl h i-. Finally his waudcring w ed, and ho arotlSi d hiiust i! to a fall answer to her repeated question. "Ii makes him look too old," ho said. "I can't bear anything thai, looks old, don'1 you know." Thou, dimly conscious ol something ho might hnvo put in ftn happier form, he quick.',/ strovo to ro call his words. "J?I don't mean wo men, of course?I like old woiw n. You know I liked you ~'? years ::, >. " "You left mo toguossit, llion," mur mured she, vagnoly gratoful for t ven this admission and desirous of encourag ing avowals even thus late and luke wami. "Yes,"ho went on, "you know, it BeeniS to me?wasn't it that lust night wo danced together at Jefferson bar racks'/ That was every day of ?? years ago." "Ah, well," answeredLueretia, "yon know it is bo very difficult to reckon from, hecauso that was tho 20thOf Feb ruary, and that coming only onco in four years, you"? "Hal" Wayno laughingly interrupt ed and then suddenly fell back again into his old mooning way. "And yet, you know, thero was something I want ed to ask you that night, and I was so confoundedly absontmiudod"? "Oh, very," said sho, "for you men tioned that thero was something you Wanted to ask UIO, and I've boon wonder ing what l could ho for 20 years." "Do you know," said ho del ghtedly, "bo have I, so havo I." And here ho leaned beamingly over her. and hin ovo giasscs tell Oil and dangled fit tlio end of their cord. "It was only tonight," ho went on, "it rnmo to mo that it was something connected with this ring? my class ring, you know. It's odd 1 can't think what it was. Why, your hand is trembling!" Coyly sho upraised it to meet tho coming ring, and then agnin ho faltered. "I remember, 1 was holding tho ring just like this when Somebody called to mo that I'd belter hurry"? "Yes," she said breathlessly. "In deed you'd better hurry. " ihxt ho was nt ill wandering in tho past. "It seems to me?oh, they'd sounded officers' call, find that meant tho I to pay somewhere, don't you know. Hut Luotetia was wilting now, despo id cut ngain, for still ho went on: "Yoi know, I fancied until tho very next doj that I'd left tho ring lu re. " And, Sil > ing the action to tho word, he slippi tl ll on her linger. "And yet tho very u< day, when I was on 5cout, I found found it here." And with that he nga replaced it en his own linger. Laer' faeo was a sight to see. There w;, instant of Bilence, and then, failing note tho expression of her fac ti, look. . rnto um dim rcoossos or tho pa* agnin wandored off. "Of courso I might have known I couldn't hnvo left it on yrur finger yithouteven POOiUR?without even s ? ing if it would fit?without"? And here ho lost tho throud of his louguuge J entirely, and, groping for his glasses, j i finding thorn, distractedly ho tried to fit | their spring uii Luoretin's finger. Fen ton, who had joined tho group of on lookers, could staud it no longer. Burst ing into a roar of laughter, ho came to ward them, and, thus interrupted, poor Wuyno dm] ped both hand and eyeglass, madly trying to lit his own rin:; in'.o his i own cyo mid look through that under . tho impression that it was a monocle, "What ou earth are you pcoplo laugh ing at?" he inquired, 1'Laughing at? At j'our trying to ' make a spectaolo hook of Lucretiu's ! hand, you Inspired old lunatic," was Fen ton's unfeeling answer, and poor Ln oretia, unable to stntid tho raillery ut the moment, turned and fled to tho dress ing room, leaving Wayne to confront 1 his tormentors as best he might. But while uiusio aud laughter reigned i within the wooden walls of the nssom ! b!y room and many young hearts wcro ablo to east osido for tho time being thi? oppression that hod settled upon the garrison earlier in tho evening, and Whilo in somo of tho barracks there WOro sounds of merrymaking and Christ mas ohcor, thero was raging in many a breast a storm as wild as that that whirled tlio snowdrifts in blinding clouds all around and about th'> guard* house, where u scoro of seasoned troop ers, silent, grim und by no moans in hivo with their task, wcro keeping watch and ward over their litt!o batch of prisoners, especially of tho cowering wretch who had been Mowed away iu the upper room, an utterly friendless man. Uvcr aorosti tho wind swept parado, among tlio rows of wooden barracks, was ono building whero no laughter rang and about which, wary and vigi i laut, tlirco or four noncommissioned oilleers hovorod incessantly. Hero were quartered Crow Knife's fow remaining comrades of tho Indian troop. Here were gathered already a dozen of his kindred from, Big Road's transplanted village, forbidden by tlio fury of tho storm to ro turn to their tepees up the valley, bau? ished by tho surgeon from tho confines of tho hospital, whero they would fain havo set up their mournful death BOUg to tho distraction of the patients and ru fmod by tho colonel tho oreaturo com forts thoy had promptly and thriftily demanded, except on condition that they consnmo them in quiet Olid derornm at tho Indian barracks and deny them selves tho luxury of their woe. Tomtom und howl were stilled, therefore, whilo tho funeral baked meals went from hand to mouth and disappeared with marvel ous rapidity, and indeed but for its ex citing effect upon the warriors tho colo nel might ns well i.avo accorded them tho right to lament after their own fashion, since tlio howling of tho tem pests would havo drowned all human wail from within the wooden walls. But whilo they had promised to hold no aboriginal ceremony over Crow Knife's death aud meant to keep their word they had refused to pledge themselves to attempt no vengeance ou his slayer. Well they knew that throughout tho garrison nine out of ten of tlio troopers would have cared not a sou had some ouo taken Gr nice from tho guardhouse aud strung him up to tho old flagstaff without benefit of clergy, but this would not havo satisfied Indian ideas, hin g ing Recording to their creed being for too good for him. Two of (ho bi -i and most trustworthy L?llaus were pi iced by Lealo, with tho surgeon's con-:eut, as watch rs by tho bier of the soldior see.ut, but the others, to n man, v > ro horded within the bar racks Rud forbidden to attempt to.set foot outside. ( lose; at hand in tho ad joining quarters tho men e.f two troops were held iu readiness, under orders neit io take- < Of llu ir belts, ngninst any sutl don outbreak, but the few who first had talked of lynching e^r othor summary vengeuiiCO had soon been bushed to nib nee. What was feared among tho Oillcors was that Graico had been told by Homo of tho guard that tho Indians wcro determined to have his soalp, and that the soldiery so despised him.that be could not rely upon them to (.elend him. Sergeant Grnfton was confident that Graico hoped i;? somo wny, by con nivanco perhaps td' members of tho guard, to slip out of tho building and tako refuge among tho outlaws at tho groggery across tho stream. Having killed an Indian ho had at least 6omo litt lo claim, Recording to their theory, to u frontiersman's rospeot. Returning to the guurdhouse, as he had promised Will, Malcolm Lealo was In nowiso surprised at Graf ton's anxiety und even less to learn t hut Ural *o hail pegged to no allowed to havo speech with his captain. ? It was a ghastly faeo that peered out from tho dim interior of tho little pris on in answer to tho olllcor's summons. At sound of footsteps on the crooking stairway Graico had apparently hidden in the depths of t lie room and only slow ly came forward at tho sound of tho commanding voico ho know. Hangdog and drink sodden as was his look, thero was some lingering, BOmo rovival per haps of tho old defiant, disdainful man ner he had shown to almost ( very man at Frayno. Respect his captain as evt a such as ho was forced to do, look up to him now as possibly hi? only hopo and salvation, there was yet to his clouded intellect Bl me warrant lor a vaguo son timent of superiority. Outcast, ingrato, drunkard, murderer though ho was, ho, Private Tom Graico, born Royle Fnrrur, was legal OWUOr of all that his captain held fairost, dear est, most precious iu nil tho world. Lenlo's lovo for Helen Uaunton was something tho wholo garrison had seen and ROOD with hearty sympathy. It would bo something to toach this proud and honored officer that ho, tho despised and criminal tough, was, after nil, n man to bo envied ns tho husband of tho woman Iiis captain eonld now only Vainly and hopelessly love. It wns his plan to bargain with him, to invoke his aid, to tempt tho honor of a soldier and a gentleman, but for a moment, ntsight of that stern, sad face, ho stood abashed. "Yon wished to SCO mo," snid Lealo, "and I will hCRT you now." "I've got that to say I want no other man to know," wns tho reply after an 1 Intt rvnl of n few seconds, "nnd I want \ r Word of honor that you will hold It snored." "I decline any promiso whatever. 1 What do you wish to say?" "Well, what I have to tell you intor ( ? 1 j. ti moro than any man on earth, Gap tain Lealo. I'm In hell here? I'm at your mercy perhaps. My lifo is threatened by those hounds, bocanso by accident that knife went into that blind fool's vi this. It was only self defense. 1 didn't mean to hurt him," 1 "?b. A was thu object, I clearly uu derstand," said Leale. "Go on. " "Well, it's as man to man J want to speak. You know I never meant to barm i him. You can givo me u chance for jus- j tico, for life, and I?I can make it worth your whilo." "That will do," was tho stern re sponse.. "No more on that head. What else havo you to ask or say?" "Listen one minute," pleaded the prifli nor. "They'd kill mo here if they could get me, quick enough?Indians or troopers either. I must ho helped away. I know your Beeret. You love my wife. Help mo out of this?here?this night and neither she nor you will ever"? "Silence, you hound! Slink buck to your blanket whero you belong. 1 thank God my friend, your fathet, "hover lived to know tho depths of your dis gracel Not a word!" ho forbade, with uplilted hand, as tho miserable fellow strove ouco moro to moko himself heard. "For tho sake of the namo to which you havo brought only shame you shall bo protected against Indian vengennco, but who ?hall defend you against your self? I will hear no more from you. Tomorrow yci .'nay sco your colonel, if that will do you any good, but if you havo one atom of decency left, tell no man living that you are Boyle Farrar," and with that, raging at heart, yet cold and stern, theofflcor, heedless of further frantic pleas, turned and left the spot. But at tho porch tho captain turned again. Wind nud snow were driving across his path. The sentries at the front and flank of the guardhouse, muf fled to their very eyes, Btaggorodagainst the force of the gale. It seemed cruelty '. keep honest men on pest a night SO Wild as that for no ether reason than to protect tho life c<t a man so criminal. The members of the guard, who had re sumed their lonngn around the red bot stove the moment the captain disappear ed, oneo moro sprang to attention as ho re-entered and called tho sergeant lo him. "lam tempted to ask thooflleerof tho day to relieve those sentries and Jet No. 1 come up into the hallway," said he. "I believe that, with tho watch we have on tho Indians, there is Lo possi bility of an outbreak on their part." "Thero isn't, sir," was 'the sergeant's prompt reply. "Hut every man in the garrison knows by this time tlvfc it was tho captain that blackguard . 'med to kill, and it Is not tho Indians alone that would do him if they conld. I find that whenever I havo had tu leave thogn ni honso sonio of the men have talked loud for him to hear, swearing that ho would bo taken out and hanged at, day break. Others want to tempt him to fry to escape, so that they can pursue him over to town and hammer him into a jelly thero. Tho tower is the only place whero ho can be unmolested, eir. I couldn't gunrontcohis safety from some kind of assault, even if I had him right hero in the guardroom. " And ju^t then a corporal came from the little office. "Sergeant, it's 10:26. Shall I form my relief?" Tho sergeant nodded osHont. "I'll in spect it in tho guardroom," said he, and as Loalo turned shortly away, in tending to go in search of t! 0 officer of the day and tho sergeant opened the door to let him out, Graico could ho heard on the* upper lleior, savagely kick ing again at Iiis bars. "That man has more gall than any mau I ever mot, sir," Bnid Grnfton. "He's kicking because wo refused to send to tho barracks for his shore of the Christmas cigars." "Did you search him before he was sent up there?" asked Leale. "Has he mutches or tobacco?" "Nothing I could find, sir, bnt other and sharper men havo been confined there, and I'm tolel that souk whero uu tl r the floor or in iele the walls they've .i .Ideu things, and he's band in glove with all tho tOUffhs of tbo r...?~U~.. '? teiy wen. xn notify Captain Har well," said Loalo briefly, "and ho will attend to it," and ho left tho building on this quest just as tho second relief came tramping out into tho storm, leav ing the guardliouse, its few mint>r pris oners on tho lower floor and that one exeoratod criminal,his old colonel's first born and oneo beloved son, cursing at his captors in tho tower, all to the care of the members of a single relief, and tho sentry on No. 1 Bet up his watch cry against tho howl of the wind, ami no ono a dozen yards away could havo hoard, ne>r did it pass mound the ohain of sentries, nor was thorc other attempt to call olf tho hour that memorable night. For long days after men recalled the faot that tho last hour r???lied from under tho old gnardhcu t . >rch was half past 10 o'clock. Meantime, having had tv. o donees with his now pleading and repentant ?weetheart and having boon cajoled into ftt least partial forgiveness, WillFarrar had sought his colonel to say that ho renlly ought now to return to his guard, at least for a little time, but FontOU, conscious of the shadow that had over spread tho garrison oar Her in tho overl ing, ecemed bent on being joviality itself. Ho bado tho boy return to his im mediate commanding officer and obtain hor consent beforo again coming to him, and Kitty flatly refused. Bho was danc ing with Martin at the moment, and that loft Will to his own devices, and, after a fonel word or two from his mother, ho had Stopped back of tho seat occupied by her littlo circle of chosen friends anel was standing watching tho animated scene before him. Closo nt hand, not a dozen f food Hel en Danuton, partially screene d from ob servation of tho dancers. It was at tblS moment that Leale again come striding In, glanced quickly around until he raught Will's eye, ami tho young e>fllcer promptly joined him. "Is Farwell hero?" ho nskeel. "Ho came in a moment ngo. Yonder ho is now, sir," answered Will, indicat ing by a nod tho figure of tho officer of tho day in conversation with some ono of tho guests at tho other end of the room. 1 "Then nsk him If ho will join mo in flvo minutes at tho guardhouse. I no* d to sen him," saiel Leal", and tho young ster sped promptly on his mission. Tho music had just sounded the sig nal feir the forming of the sets for th* lancers, and with seddicrlypromptitude tho offloorp, with thoir partners, began taking thoir positions. Floor managers have littlo labor at n garrison hop. Ellis Farrar, who had reappoorcd upon tho arm of Captain Vinton, mutely bowed her head and accepted Ormsby's hand us ho led her opposite Will and his now radiant Kitty, and Malcolm Loalo, halt - ing at tho scroen I threshold bet?re talc ing his departure, turned for one long < look at Helon Dann ton's fsoe. Borne Lifted hi* hand in acstxiro of fattWeU anil turtuul abi ULVlLu U.WUU. intense fascination had drawn her once xnoro to tho east window, and there, as tho daucera formed, alone, almost un noticed, sho slowly turned and her eyes met his, One last, long, intonso gaze and, in ono impulsivo movement, as though ho road in her glorious eyes tho kindling light of a lovo that matched his own, ho would havo sprung to her Bide, but, with sudden recollection of tho barrier between them, bo gathered himself, lifted his hand in gesture of farewell and turned abruptly away. Tho musio crashed into I ho opening bars of tho lancers and tho danco began. For a moment longer Helen stood there. Again that powerful fascination soc-mcd to Iura her to draw nsido tho curtuin and gnzo forth across tho white expanse of tho parade to where tho guarded prison stood, within whoso walls was caged tho savugo creaturo whoso lifo was linked so closely with those of many there besides her own. Thon (he thought of that other, tho man whoso lovo, all unwittingly, sho had won and tho fear that, glancing back, ho might boo her shadow as when he camo, caused her to draw hastily away. In all that gay and animated scene, as onco more sho faced the merry throng, Ileleu Daunton stood alono. Tho dance went blitholy on. Ohat and laughter and the gliding, rhythmic steps of many foot mingled with tho spirited musio of Fort Fruyno's capital orohestru. Even Mrs. Fnrrar's sweet face, so long shadowed by sorrow, beamed with tho reflected light of tho gladness that shone on many another. Longing to bo alono with her misery, Holon turned to seek tho seclusion of tho dressing room and had almost reached its threshold, when, over or through tho strainsof tho lanoors and the howl of tho wind without, thoro camo some Btrange sound that gave bor pause, Bomowhero out upon tho parade sho hoard tho distant, mufllcd crack of tho cavalry carbine. Another, another far ther away, nnd then, mingling wiih them, a bourse, low murmur as of many voices nnd of commands indistinguish able through the gale. Louder grew tho oinmor, nearer camo tho sounds; then tho added rush of many feet iu lh< adjoin ing barracks of K troop, t!,-' quick, Stir ling poal of trumpet, soun ing Borne unfamiliar call. Overstrained and ex cited as were her n rvis, f. nring for him against whom the wra hof the gar rison was roused, sho could only con nect tho sounds of alarm and confusion with him and his hapless fato. Sho started forward to call the colonel's at tention, for among (ho dancers tho sound was still unheard Again tho shots and shouts, tho ruth of hurrying foot on tho broad veranda without. Again and nearer, quick arid imperative, tho inrilling trumpetoull. Then, close at baud the loud bang of tho sentry's carbine and the stentorian shout of "Fin !" And then, just as the music abruptly ceased in k spouse to the colonel's signal, bursting in at the door, followed by a couple of troopers, camo Korke, rushing for a lad?'., r that had been iu use during thfl day. "It's that madman, Grain , sorrl" ho cried in answer to the look in his sommander's face, "lie's fired tho low ?r, and he's burnin to death." Springing to the window, Helen Daunton dashed aside the curtain, and, all one glare of fliimo, the guardhouse burst upon tho view. A black lander, silhouetted against the blaze, was being raised at the instant tho curtain fell from her ucrvolcsa hand. Will s< i>< d bis cap, made one leap to the door, despite Kitty's frantic effort to seize him ; then, missing hi* saber, whirled about and rushed from point to point in search of it. Divining his Object, the girl threw herself in front of tho settee, behind winch she had concealed it, and, when ho sought to reach around her, desper ately, determinedly fought him off. Seizing a cap, the colonel vanisl cd into the night. Throwing over his shoulders the firi?t mantle be could lay his hands on, which happened lo bo Luorelia's, Wayne followed his lender. Will, de layed and maddened, only succeeded in oaptnriug his saber by forcibly lifting Kitty out of the way; then be sprang lo the doorway to join the men hurrying from distant points to the Beetle, Orms by, foo, had rushed after tic coloi el, and only women were lift upon tho floor. These, horror stricken, yc I f ? ciliated, had gathered about the east ward window, where Helen Daunton crouched, unnblo to look again upon t! o frightful spectacle. It was Ellis who hurled aside tho curtain, just aa Old Rorko, re-entering, sprang to tho middle of the hall. "Como away, ma'am I For the lovo of God, miss, stand clear of that window I The poor divil's dim bed to tho top, and tho cannon powdher's in (ho tower." With a moan of despair, Helen burM through the group aud toward the open doorway, as though she herself would hio to tho rescue. Korke, with one leap, regained tho threshold and thrust her back. "My God, ciin ro ono save him?" she oricd. "Savo him, ma'am I It's sure death to the man that dares to try it. Any momout it may blow up. They're rush in clear of it now. The colonel's order ed them all back. Nol Godofhivin, some one's climbin tho ladder now! It's Captain Lonlo! Oh, don't let him, menl Dhrlve him hack! Oh, what use hi it? Did man over jive that could turn Malcolm I/enle from the duty he deem cd his own?" And away rushed poor Terry. Ellis fprang to her mother's side jnst as, to the accompaniment of a shriok from Kitty's lips, there camo a dull roar, followed by a sudden thud ODd crash of falling timbers and tho hoarse shouts of oxoitcd men. An in stant later, Onus by, nearly breathless, leanod Im at the rtcor. ?'They'll huve to bring him in hero. Ixulo would havo saved him if be had not jumped. Ellis, your mother must UOtseohis face. Take her into the dress ing room." "And why?" cried Ellis. "The lives of our best and bravest havo been risk ed to save that worthless life? Thin is no place for him. Ho shall not bo brought here. " "Jlusb," said Ormsby iu a low, in touso. tone. "In i; oil's name, Ellis, hush! Tho man on that litter is your Uiother'a SOU, your own brother, Hoy la Fnrrnr. That is tho scent I was guard ing for Hclon Daunton, your brother s wife." A moment later an tho women gather ed about Mrs. Tarrar, obedient to Urms by's murmured injunction to keep her from seeing tho faco of (be dying man lest it prove too severe a shook to her weakened heart, tho men canio solemn ly, bearing astretchor, ou which lay tho blanket covorcd form, followed by ? silent group of i fflccrs. The doctor sim ply touched Cho wriict, gave OUO glance, into Iho SCOrohcd and blistered face, shook his head and drew tho blanket. Kitty, sobbing, clung to Willy's arm, theii quarrel forgotten. Helen, who had thrown herself almost hysterically upou her knees lit the stretcher's side, turned in ud,;. d terror kt the words of tho colo nel, "Another patient, doctor," for at tho instant, supported by Wayne and others, Malcolm Lealo waa led within the tl( 01 way, a bundkorolhef pressed to Ids eyes. "He got tho full flash of that ex plosion in his faee," murmured the old soldier as the doctor met th< in. Then, in t!.'^ solemn preist nee of death, in tho hush and silence of the throng, Mrs. Fnrrar stepped forward and laid her white hand gently, reverently upon tho lifeless breast. rvcCKlt ss and hardened ho may barb been," she said, "but somewhere, somewhere, I know a mother's heart is yearning over him and a mother's lips tore praying for the Ley she luve?." And so it happened that only one or two could hear the single, whispered word with which tho doctor turned to his c< mmander after ono brief look ijito Maltolm's eves. "Eliml!"' _ [TO UK CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.] IKE STRANGE STORY OF HIS ANCESTRY. P. O. UK FONI'AINK'S FAMILY SK VllKV. His Father un Kxtlo from Vrance With Cliai'lcs the Tenth?Ho Never Itevealt'd (lie Secret of His Life Even t?> His Son. The death of Mr. F, 0. do Fontaine recalls a sTrarfge" story published iu the Ob aides ton World in 18i>0 concerning nis parentage. Tho article was Sent tilt VN orld ?>> its New York correspondent and the facts were given hini by Mr. Je Fontane: biuisoif, although hi> naiuo was not mentioned in the article ?-. :. It is a highly Interesting story ill ?! is hero reproduced : ai.u YOKK, May 28.-(Special cor respondence of tho World.)?kesid lug ;t- ore .en!, in Ne w York i.-a gentleman iow par-', middle age, whose life ap- ( j) ai^ to huvo boon identified with a mystery that, when solved, may one duj oruato uu littlo commotion in the poli .'ul circles of the Old World. The name ho bears is that of two brothers, distinguished Italians, whose aohiovt monts in science, art and liter aturo are. chronicled in all the encyclo paedias, and is likewise one. which ho ,.. I kin . i made more or loss familiar in the United Staus. Nevertheless, a curious chain of circumstances make It probable that for more than ha f a century this name has Ulitfckctl a pol ti oh s? crot connected with Buropoan affaire which Is not likely to bo reveal i : until fate takes the matter In hand and discovers what has been rofused hi tho ordinary recordset family dc bcent. While visiting the residence of this gentleman recently my attention was attracted by an enlarged copy of a po cuiiur coat ol srms so unlike others soon in A rue r lean families, its distinc tive features being a ducal coronet, a knight with olos< d orost and other armorial bearings of royal significance, that I made tho Inquiry whoVht r It was connected with any notable a-so olai 'ons or history, " Ves," was the reply, 14 but unfortu nately, they COnC< 1*11 a lifo of which I know' litt o or not hing - that of my own fathei*. Heretofore I havo raroty ro feri ed to the subject, even in the pros* cue ? of my own family; but as tho wife ! ju tl cblb ren are all here to day, und I i am getting along in years, perhaps! this is as good an opportunity as any to tell the wholo story. Light a olgar. | '?You will remombor," be continued, that when Charles X was compelled by the revolution of July, 18510, to abdi cate the French throne, be went into exile in Edinburgh, Scotland, and, tie- j compariicd by hu two Mins and other ir. : >?? prs who adhered to his fortunes, i math ids home In llolyroou Palace. Arno. this little court was my father. Some time during the winter of I8JH the latter came to this country, la d Ing, ! belb V?, in New York. A. 1 learned in later yeais from old Italians, who, i>y the way, regarded Ulm witu leueh deference, referring to him as the Chevalier Louis Antonio de-, I he waa possessed of ample means and , traveled extensively throughout the United siati s. I can easily recall the exquisite diamonds and 'bijouterie, ! which ho owned as late, as 1818, and the attention they attracted wtlOU dis played. His marriage took place in r :,:;, and la July, 1834, tho fourth an aivereary of the bloody month of the revolution, the. usual reioioliig cole* brated tho birth of the lirst child, be who happens to be te"ing you tie u facts. Tun e other eons and a duugh ti r were BUDUCOUently the result of the union. '? You probftbly wonder whet hi r Uly mother knew anything concerning the previous history of her husband. Only that his name was this one 1 - vo mentioned ; that ho was born In Paris, as he said, botwoon 1700 and 1708; that he had passed througii various start ling Vicissitudes in OOtll France and Italy which had caused 1)1 ni to become a political ? tcllo, and dually that for years ho was In frcouont communica tion either hy person or paquet with Bomo source of great interest tt> him 01) tho other side of the Atlantic. She knew him also to ho a man of brilliant intellectual acquirements, ?peakirig eight or ten languages and familiar I with every part of Europe, over which, | ho told her, he had traveled when u i youth under tho care of a tutor. Uo- ! feronco to his past, oven In a spirit of jest, seemed to glvo him pain. On* one occasion he went so far us to say tu her that if ho was not what ho seemed I 'she would know all In (tood time, and thon?good-byo to America. V" I I I "What was the personal appearance ; of your father V " 1 asked, j "This photograph of a daguerrco i typo taken in 184(1 will generally an j swer your question. In stature ho was j small, say about five feet live inches j in height, and bis average weight was i about 12U pounds. His head was mas Bive, forehead high and broad, hair j raven black, eyes dark and piercing, i noso long and straight aud lips flex ible? Tho only distinctive mark on his person was a bent, linger on his i right hand, which be said was caused by his grasping the blado of a Bword tbat had broken at tho hilt whilo he was in some kind of a fight?whether a battle or a personal atTair 1 do not remember. " Until I was In years of age he would frequently entertain mo with stories descriptive of scoues and asso ciations in bis early life, especially in Florence, Naples, Venice, Komo and in tho Austria capital, and it was the impressions thus made in my boyhood that deepened as the time rolled on and 1 became old enough to understand little circumstances that seemed to corroborate tho truth of his remark to my mother that if ho was not what he appeared she would know all in duo time." " Did ho never hint as to the events of the past or tho possibilities of the future in which he might become in terested ? " "Only that if it wero possible I should preserve the d! tmoud cluster you tec on his old fashioned satin scarf, which he said was an old family jewel of great value, and likewise his lamily seal, the copy of which bungs yonder. Tho seal 1 still retain, but the pin mysteriously disappeared long beforo his death. I remember, how ever, he never complained of its loss. "1 may mention another odd circum stance." continued tho narrator. " When the new.- reached tho coun try of the coup d'etut of 1848, when Louis Philippe was forced into exile, tho exoltement of my father was in tense. It can scarcely be described. On the receipt of a foreign letter shortly afterward ho guvo orders to prepare at once, for 8 trip to Europe, and wt?that is, ho und 1 ? wero to 6uil on the next Steamer. It wus at this time tbat ho mude a remark I have never forgotten: 'If. after start ing, anything should happen to mo or from any cause wo become separat od make your way to Vienna in Austria You will Und friends and be advised, hut on no account, us you value your welfare and that of your family, sign any paper or muke any concessions without snob advice.' Not another word on the subject could I elicit. By a Strange fatality he wus taken il1 two days afterward and confined to his bed for weeks. When ho recovered tho opportunity for which ho doubtless had awaited wus crone. "Speaking of sickness, it affords evidence that one or inoro persons in the United States were familiar with his secret, and, in my judgment, u Roman Catholic priest was among them. On one occasion, not excepting to live, my father received from him tho sac uiont of extreme unction. Happily, ho recovered, hut from that time until tho death of the priest tho latter treated him with a degree of respootful homage that is usually ac corded only to persons of exalted character or position. A son horn during this illness was named after the famous Antonolli, in memory of him us an old friend or classmate, 1 don't know which. 'In 1 Sti< > an event occurred which impressed mo more deeply than all others that preceded, perhaps because being more thoughtful 1 had begun to give the matter serious consideration. Finding him in a meditative mood one day I dotermlnod to reopen the sub ject, and did so with moro than usual earnestness. 1 urged that he was growing old, and 1 being of age and | reasonably competent had a son's right; to know tlio secret of his ancestry and birth which he had kept veiled so long, but he was more obdurate than evi i and oven became angry. "'Didn't you come to America in consequence of the abdication o Charles X ?1 " 4 Yes.' "'Then were you not like him s Bourbon of the. elder branch of th family ? ' ??'That is none of your business i> the pros, nt time. I don't wish to ta< about it.' "'IJ.il you wear the same name hof.o that time that you and I do now . ' " ' I shall not answer you.' " ' lint remember, father, that wo brothers and a sister will bo dopfld* etit upon me in the event of our death, and it is only just that you should reveal the facts which 1 BV0 a rlgh t to know.' ""The appeal touched him, f.' ho tnme.i abruptly and r aid : ?' ' My son, whatever name you.nd I boar is by authority, and whotit is changed It will bo by that saic au thority. If you knew all i migl toll, oUl as you uro, it would probabl unfit yen for the ordinary duties i life. You would become a drcamei hope against hope. w< ar out your e-rgies in fruitless endeavor and be jinus far from tho end as I am alter the> thirty yearn <>f waiting, l will sayaore in unter that it, may justify Unwisdom of my silence. Hy signing .-coi'tain document wo could becouo inch? enormously rieb, but it weld bo a blirroodor of that which rver can bo reolaliued. 1 shall not ut it In your power to make any suolBaerilioe. t When tbo prop, r tiino come sacrifice | will not bo necessary.' "' 15 it nro there no roc<ds, no pa- ' p r- > 'V i; iv-h 1 am entitled 1 " N in4! that are not abady in a secure p ,-.er. They will \ put in:o your hat < s <,r thoso whoollow you when fat-- .-?> o dams.' "'What is the. nature' the event that is to bring about sue a result? ' "1A revolution, a istoration, a orange of dynasty, and tin, with old families reunited and wn Confiscated property rot'.irnod to rljjtful owners, }ou will know who yo are and bo prepared i>> a lifetime '< patience to t njoy tho change ?if l ever comer. And this, oneo and for.U time,'con cluded the old gentiei*n, 'must end our conv< reatlon on th subject.' "Neither of us roallzl how literal1}' true was the remark, r a week later ho ruptured n blood tescl, was dead in half an hour, nndtho mystery of h.s name and birth is tried with him.'' '? i in must ad ml doctor," said a witty lady to b cclcatod doctor of divinity, with whom bo was arguing the question of tho equality of tho bcxcs," "you must unit that woman was created befor<man!" " Well, really, madam," sa tho astonished divine, " I must ask on to prove your case." " That can l easily done, sir. Wasn't Eve tho llrsfnald V" ?Tho food of tb swallow is com posed of insoots aloi, and tho number these birds dostroyi a single summer Is incalculable. Tly nro In tho sum mer on tho wing foiully 1(1 hours dur ing the day, and tbr groat part of the time making Uavocmoog the millions of insects which inst tho air. WAYSIDE GATHERINGS. Hits of Humor uud NuggotH of Truth lor the multitude. V ?If thero Is anyone who should bo "rapped iu slumber/' it is tho man who snoros. ?What a language we have! A man "sltsdowu" during tho daytime, ''1 but "sits up " at night. ? Fow women beliovo in putting off until tomorrow tho worry which oan j just as well bo done today. *? ? "Johnny,"Jasked the teacher, "what must we do before our sins will be for given ?" " Sin," replied Johnny. ?After a woman i* sho ceases to ' prevaricate about her age. and begins to tell how young her children are. ' Zi ?To havo the advantageof an enemy, and yet abstain from using it, Is to display true Christian magnanimity. ? Potassiuuiorthdinitroeroseolate is tho name applied to an antiseptic late ly discovered in Cerinany. It Bpeaks for itself. ? ?'?Pop, what Is promptness?" "Promptness? Well, It is a habit of always being on time and getting tired to death, waiting for pcoplo who are not." ? "Ifl .bought 1 was going to be come gray, I know 1 should dio !" ex claimed Miss Sprinkle. And whon she turned gray, iho did dyo, sure cuough. ?"I've bad so much brain work to do," said Mr. Funsmith, "that I havon't been able to Bleep for three night?? last night, tonight and tomorrow night." ?Whon the recording angol writes up the book of lifo, he doesn't consult the church register so frequently as he does the merchants'list of "dead beats." ? -Visitor Do your cows giro a groat deal of milk? Farmer?Dj they? Syy 1 It's a fact, stranger, wo get so ruuob milk that we diluto tho well water with it. ?'The authorities of the John Hopkins Hos>ital, of Baltimore, have built a cold-storage room in which dead bodios will be kept for tho use of medical col lege in winter. ?Custor county is ono of tho great estln its stock growing intorestin all Moitana. It has 110 cattle, 27 horses am' f>0 sheep for every man, woman am child in it. ? As a result of an election Dot in Kansas on Bryan, Farmer Doollttlo. ciV editor of the Wichita Beacon, will becompelled to count a bushel of bird sb>t, one by one. ?Uncle Sam is slow about paying ha debts. Hast wtok, Dr. Samuel Bill, of Beloit, Wis., got a check lor $2 duo him for debt, occurring in army strvioo 31 years ago. ?Tho street cars of - Buffalo have emimenced running by electric power firnisbed by Niagara Falls, 27 miles itvay. Tho transmission was very uooessfully accomplished. ?"What are you crying for, little ?irr.''' " Because my broth?r keeps ilnehing me." "And why do you pinch 'our Bister all tho time, little boy V" 1 Becauso she keeps crying." ?A big Yankee from Maine, on pay nghis bill in a London resturant, was old that tho sum put down didn't in t!ude tho waiter. " Wal," he roared, 'I didn't eat any waiter, did I ?" ?Thil'ty-flve sovereigns havo as ended tho throne since tho time of Villiam the Conqueror, every month dtoept May witnessing tho coronation .' ono or more : that month not ono. ?The ancient copper mines of Sinai iave ju.-.t been re-opened. Theso wore rorked by tho Egyptians or their laves, 7,000 years ago, and are be loved to have been abandoned about ,000 years ago. ?A young lady of Springlield, at a roman suffrage meeting, remarked : Mr. Foster said there wasn't a woman a the hall who hadn't as much right o bo called a man than ho had ; aud I hink bo, too !" ?A party of 80 persons can sit down omfortably in tho dining room of tho ?zar's yacht. There is also a library, music room and a billiard room, and II the kitchen arrangements aro most laborato and complete. ? Everybody is familiar with tlio lusioof the Katydid. It is the male hat has tho voice. At the base of ach wing cover is a thin membraneous late. Ho elevates tho wing covers nd rubs the platos together. ?With tho assistance of the latest inch iocs a pioco of leather can bo ransformed into a pair of boots in .'M linutes, in which time it passes tirough the hands of O'i pcoplo and 15 lachines. ? Among tho things of curious inter ?rest at tho University of Chicago is vaso containing the, remains of egg iclls. These bhells oneo contained ai'?-bolled eggs, which were preserv il by having bitumen poured over lom and wero placed in Egyptian UUbs for tho sustenance of tbe dead nring their journey to tho other wo *ld. he shells are several th msands years Id. A. IlKASONAULE ICXPLANATION'. ?A Washington man is accustomed tu ising what ho considers a very choice troductof the distiller'sart. His pref? :rence for the liquor in question has jeon approved by a Dumber of con lolsseurs in such matters, and ho be fan to suspect that a colored man in ds employ had added Iiis indorsement n a manner tacit, but sincere. Tho tompllmout was a high ono, for tho tolored man iiad long been employed n tho culinary department) and ho uul a senst> of smell and a keenness of ?ste which many a gourmet might mvy. The domijobn which contained he liquor emptied with KUOh siirpris ng rapidity that its proprietor con ti udod to adopt radical moasures, In he absence of direct proof he decided 0 try strategy. Ho allowed the domi Ohn to become empty, and, instead of Illing it again, put the liquor in bot ,les in his cupboard and labeled them 1 poison." The word was printed in leavy, black letters, and a skull and IfOSSDOnes were added, of a sizo cab ?elated to make an impression on tho noet stolid. He kept an eye on tho mpboard, too, and one night, as ho :amo home from the theater. llOCflupht ,ho colored ser vant in the act. Sola ng tho bottle; in mock terror, the om doyor exclaimed : "Hreat heavens! Do yon know what you aro doing? Don't you sco that what that bottle contains is marked >olson ?" " 'Taln't poison, sub. I'so dono been 'ooled ng'in." " How dared you tamper with it. whether you knew it was poison or lot?" " Doss, it was dls-a-way. F'uin de way yob acted 'bout dat domijohn in lo collar, 1 dono thought yoh s'plolons >b me, an' It mado mo melancholy, fo'i iho'. Ts boon tryln' tor mos' two weeks now tor commit tn^fc^Lou^"^.'^^^^