Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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mm mm MZm i S&v = -= 'flip Front Gate. An old ancf oripi-lod gate uni I, And twenty years have pas'ied Hincel was hung up hi|fh and dry Betwixt these posts so fast: But now I’ve grown so powerful weak, Desp'sed by man and beast, I’m scarcely strong enough to squeak, Although I’m never greased. 1* *d( ‘ ‘ \ - ^ * ~ r> a ^ * me mourn or me i ■ ret may oe surciy i up the river ami tie la judged safe, for all banks there ars spots ’Twas twenty years ago, [r. Enos White I say, round my way When M Came kind of han Most every other ni _ He hung npon mv sturbonr elde, And she upon the other, Till Susan Smith became bis bride, And in dne time a mother. I groaned intensely when I o3n8ttifeHaMi i ' word: heard jbespite 1 am no churl Mv doom breathed in a single The baby was a girl! And as she grew, and grew, and grew, I loud bemoaned my fate; For she was very fair to view, And I—I am the gate! Then in due time a lover came, Betokening my rum. A dapper fellow, Brown by name, The grown-up baby w'ooin’. They sprang upon me in the gloam, And talked of moon and stars. They're married now and live at home Along with ma and pa. Mv lot wes happy for a year, No courting night or day— I had no thought, I had no fear Bad luck would come my way. But oh ! this morning, save the mr .k! There came a wild surprise A shadow flitted grim and dark, Across my sunny skies. A doctor, with a knowing smde, A nurse with face serene, A bustle in the house the while, Qreit Scott 1 what can it mean ? Mv hinges ache; my back is weak, My picket’s in a whirl; I hear that awful doctor speak : It is another girl. —Denver T^bcre. ON MR. By WALTER BESANT. CHAPTER IX TUB WISDOM OF THR BTltOKO MAN. When I went home 1 told my mother that for the present, at least, we need not fear anything from Mathew Of this I was quite certain. My assurance that 1 would appeal to my cousin, the doubt where "the boy' 1 might be—there was no reason, for instance, why ho should not be at Newcastle, or at Rothbury, or at Hexham, or at Carlisle—to say nothing of my charge of fraud, went home to his guilty conscience These things were sure, I thought, to deter a man not nat urally courageous, although his con science might be hardened, from tempt ing the vengeance of his injured cousin. So far was I right, that for the whole of the spring and summer wo had no fur ther molestation from him, but continued in our quiet course, spending as little money as we could, yet looking forward to the time, now growing very near, when there would be no more left to spend. As for myself, I may truly declare that my faith was strong—1 mean not the faith of a Christian, such as 1 ought to have belt —but faith in my lover so far away. Hb would send me an answer The answer, whatever it might be. would surely set all right. Mathew not only ceased to persecute us, but he ceased to desiro the conversation and company of my father Be came no more even to church, as if conscious of his wickedness, and ashamed to face honest people. He was rarely seen even In town, and ho left me quite alone; so that I be gan to think that repentance had perhaps seized npon his soul. Alas I Repentance knocks in vain at the heart of such as Mathew. Though, however, we saw him not, I beard, through my faithful fugleman, certain Intelligence about him. Thus, he drank harder; he neglected his business; he quarreled daily with his sister, who reproached him for his drunken ways, and the neglect of his worldly affairs; also, she continually urged him to recover the £200 owed him, os she thought, by my father. She hungered and thirsted after this money, which, it seemed, she did not know that her brother possessed. Why had he concealed from her, she asked him with anger, that he had so much as £200, en he would not give her even money buy things wanted for the house? Let him get the money back. Was he mad to let Interest and all go? She let him- have no peace. * >nged to have this money; perhaps she longed for our ruin as well. Then she constantly threw in her brother’s teeth the fact that if the boy was not dead and should return, if, in fact, my story Was true, he would fyid the books and ac re tints In such confusion as might lead to fcelr ruin. She wanted to know what truth there was in the reports, once so industri ously spread, about a second will. In fact, she led the wretched man a dog’s Mfe. having a tongue sharper than a sword and more dreadful than a fiery ser pent But, as concerning the things she said of Ralph. I could have desired noth ing better, because it kept alive in Mathew’s breast the wholesome fear of his cousin's return. So long as that lasted we were safa We should have continued In safety, because that fear did not die away, but rather Increased day by day, save for the instigation, as I cannot but . believe, of the evil one, and the coucoo- tlon of a design even more wicked than that of the mortgage. I suppose the plot was conceived In the spring or summer, but it was not until the late autumn that it was attempted The way of it was as follows (1 do uo barm. I trust, by speak Ing openly of a traffic which, as everybody knows, is conducted almost openly all over the northern counties of England and the southern counties of Scotland). I have mentioned one Daniel, or Dan Gedge, always called the Strong Man. be cause he was like Hercules, the fabled Greek, for bodily strength, who lodged with Sailor Nan. He professed to make a living out of his strong arms and legs Ho went to fairs, and was seen on market days In all the towns of Northumberland, Durham and Carlisle, performing great feata for wagers, or for money laid down He was a man standing over six feet.’with legs and arms of aurprising stoutness, a square red face and a kindly eve. Despite his strength he was peaceful and the soft est hearted of mankind. Now, though he pretended to live by the exhibition of his strength, which I believe was the reason why the vicar called him Milo. It was very well known everywhere that hJhad another and a more Important source of profit This was In the running of “stuff” across the Border, a business which de mands, aa everybody knows, much can tlon, with knowledge of the country and powers of endurance. The “atuiT slats generally of brandy, lace, and Geneva. Balt Is also scross, but a better profit Is made out of the former articles, which v* lees In bulk and more easily There are many reasons why should be a convenient spot for the illicit trade. First, It lies two miles up the river, and has many safe hid- and speedily carri stowed where It along the steep clearly designed by Nature for the convo aient storage of valuable packages Not to speak of tho thick hanging woods be side the banka, where enough Geneva and Hollands may be stored to supply London for a year, there is the Hermitage, whose double chamber I have myself seen packed fall of silk In bales walling for an opportunity, while lu the castlo itself there are vaults, dungeons, passages and ] secret chambers, known only to the fugle man. Here, little suspected by my terd of Northumberland, enough brandy might be stored to supply the county (which is a thirsty one) for a dozen years Tho Border Is not, to be sure, sc near as it is higher up tho coast, but, on the other hand, tho lookout and watch kept by the gaugers cannot bo by any means so vigi lant and close as where the county nar rows to the north; while more than half the run takes place over the wild moors aud pathless slopes of tho Choviots, a plat-o in wliich the cxcipo people find it difficult indeed to discover or to stop a run made by men who know the country They have a service of ponies for the work, little, hardy, sure footed creatures, who carry tho ankers, kegs and bales slung across their backs, and can be trusted to make tho whole thirty-fire miles from Warkworth to tho Border In a single night, that Is, In seven or eight hours, the drivers walking or riding be side them. Most of the farmers and craftsmen of Warkworth take a shore In these risks and profits; ono or two of thorn—of whom Mathew was ono—often accompany and lead the expedition. Everybody knows beforehand when a run is arranged; many in tho town know tho very night when it will take place, tho road chosen and the I value of the stuff Thor.' Is so much | sympathy with tills work, on aides of the Border, and so many part ners ,u tho vspture. that information Is neve.' given To tho excise, and biding places are I found everywhere, with the help aud con nivance of the most Innocent looking plowboy and the most demure country lass Now ono morning—it was in November, when the days have already become short, : and the nights are long and dark, Dan Gedge got up from his sleeping bench, or ; cupboard la tho wall, about 8 or a little after, calling lustily for small beer, of which he drank a quart or eo os a stay to his stomach before breakfast. ' Then ho dressed and came forth to tho door with the mug in his hand. Sailor Nan was already seated on her i stone, pipe In month, and throo cornered hat on her head. She had taken tier breakfast, and now sat, regardless of the raw. cold air—for all tho winds that blow were tho same to her—looking up and down tho street, In which nothing as yet was moving, though tho blacksmith’s apprentice across tho road had lit tho fire, and the cheerful breath of tho bellows made ono feel warm. “Fugleman and me. ” said Dan, yawning, “fugleman and me. we was rowing up and down from Amblo mo*! all night.” "What Is tho run?” asked Nan, who sue was saving up tor uaipb Embletou. But Mathew, be says ihat’s nonsense. Well—she all this time longing to marry him. and her mother won’t hear IV—no chance till bow So it’s fixed for to-night. What a runt Lace, and brandy, and Geneva, and a girl.” “Oh—well; ! don’t care. Go on, Dan. if you like” He then proceeded to explain that Mathew had arranged for • pony to bo saddled in readiness, that the signal agreed upon between the girl and Mathew in doors, hinney seemingly in Dreettuess naste “that he has fallen down and is like to havo broken his back. He wants to see you at once ” "Oh.” 1 cried, “what dreadful thing is this? Toll him 111 come at once Run. boy, run 1 will but put on a hat and"— The boy turned and ran clattering up the rood and across tho bridge Then Nan came ont from behind the door “It’s true then. The kidnaping vtl- lalnsl It’s true pujung tus reet among was s message from the castle carried by a certain boy named Cuddy, pretending to come from tho fugleman, who was to be kept out of the way. employed at the Her milage, where the stuff was bestowed; the boy was to say that the fugleman was 111 On receiving this message the girl would mako an excuse to run up to the castle UiUKU IU1 tJAL-UatJ rUU UU W vllO VOOllU e i « m t where she would mount the pony, and so In Warkworth. though many foola ride off with Mathew and be married over the Border To keep up appearances, lie went on—this soft beaded giant—it had been arranged that the young woman was to scream and struggle at first, and that Dan should lift her into the saddle, and. if necessary, hold her on Once across the Border they would be married without so much as a jump over the broomstick Nan slowly rose •Til get you some more beer. Dan,” she said. She went indoors and poured about three fourths of a pint of gin into a tankard which she filled up with strong ale. and brought out to her lodger with tender care. “Drink that. Dan.” she said; “it’s good old stingo—none of your small beer Drink it up. then you can pgt on your coat and go about your work. * He drank it off at a gulp, with every outward sign of satisfaction Then he suddenly reeled and caught at the door post. “Go and put on your coat, Dan.” she said, looking at him with a little anxiety He disappeared Nan heard ono—two heavy falls, and nodded her head Then 'he foBowod into the room and found the strong lying upon tho floor, on his back, with bis mouth open and his eyes shut. Sho dragged a blanket over him, and went out again to sit on her stone with as much patience aa a spider in Oc tober She sat there all the morning as quiet as if she was on watch. About 2:80 in the afternoon there came slowly down tho street uo other than Mathew Humble himself “Where is Daniel?" ho asked. Nan pointed to the door. “He’s within, fast asleep Ho came home late last night 1 dare say he’ll sleep on now, if you let hime alone, till evening ” “Have you—has he—talked with you this morning?’’ Mathew’s eyes were rest less, and his cheek twitched, s sign of prolonged anxiety or much drink "Nay. what should ho say to me, see ing that he came home In the middle of the night as drunk as a pig? Let him bide, Master Mathew What do you want him for? Is there a run?” He nodded Sho held out her hand “I’ll drink luck to the venture.’’ sho said taking the shil ling which ho gave her for luck "Thank you; this is sure to bring you luck You’ll say so to morrow morning Ro- the oara the stones. Outside the castle, beyond the great gate, another man wap waiting for them, wrapped in a great cldLk. It was Mathew Hum bio. He had been drinking, and his speech was thick “Now,” he said, seizing tho prisoner by the arm, “yon are in my power. Es cape is impossible. If yon cry out—bat I am your master now, and for the rest of But I never had a doubt y our 1 40 b® You have got to Stay at homo. Aa hoKI1 °l**Uent wife Do you hear? I’ve had enough of your contempt and your sneers. You’ll write to the boy, will you, mistress? Hal Flue opportunities you will have on the way to Scotland to-night Hoi The boy will be pleased when he hears of this night’s Job, won’t he?" “Come, mistress,” said Dan. setting her down gently, “here’s the place and here’s the ponies, and If you like, just for tho look of the thing and out of kindness, as a body may say, to rax me a cuff or a clout, why—don’t think 1 mind it Oh, Lordl- for the fugleman. I’ll warrant his back to be sonnd as my own. Wait, wait, I say, till you see Mathew’s face to-morrow A villain, iudeedi” “But, Nan. what do you mean? My dear old fugleman a villain! What has ho to do with Mathew?" No, child, not ho. There’s only ono i was so darV What bo saw to indicate tho road no one could tell Nan, for her own part, could see nothing at all before her for tho pitchy darkness of tho night and tho continual pattering of tho rain. Here is the very head of the Cheviots, the middle of the moors and fells, across which so many parties of plunderers, cat tle lifters and smugglers have mado their way There is not a valley among those wild hills which has not witnessed many a gallant fight. There is not a hillside which has not run with streams of blood There Is not a mountain among them all which has not its ghosts of slain men. The heath and ling havo been trampled under the feet of thousands of soidiera, for in tho old days there was no peace upon the border, and every man was a soldier all his life But, siuco tho invasion of the rtan nersclf, in her short pan her cloth jacket, with a woolen tied about her head “My husbandl” sho repeated, “my lov ing husband! Would ye bolievo It”—eQe addressed tho co.npany generally—“he’s so fond o' ruo that ho couldn’t wait to have tho bans put up. but must needs carry me off? Saw ye ever such a bmw lover?" They were all astonished; snJ when she laughed, sti 1 holding the astonished bridegroom by tho hand, some of them tremblod, because they know not whether sho wns man or woman, her voice was so rough, her hair was so short, her jacket was so sailor like. “Ah, hinneysl’’ she laughed again hoarsely, because tho air had touched her throat. "The bonny, bonny bride and the happy groom! Kiss your wife, my hus band dear. ” Sho throw herself upon his neck, and Tho villi an is Mathew Humble. The big gest fool Is Dan Gedge He is such a fool that ho ought to bo keel hauled or flogged through the Fleet, at least Stay at home. This Is a plot. Tho fugleman is at the Hermitage at work among tho stuff. There’s to be a run to-night And they think . Avast a bit, brother Ay, ay, , they shall have what they wont There’s a hock of salt pork aud a pease pudding for supper I looked forward to that hock Never mind It Tho villain— ho to run this rig upon a girl! But old Nan knows a mast from a manger yet, and values not his anger a rope's end." Here she became Incoherent, and one beard only an occasional phrase, such as “from the spritsall yard to the mlzzentopsail halyards,’’ “a mealy mouthed swab:” “a fresh water, wishy washy, fair weather sailor;” “thinks to get athwart my hawse,” , and eo forth To all of which I listened in blank wonder Thus having In this nautical manner collected her thoughts— strange It Is that a sailor can never mature his plans or resolve upon a plan of action without the use of strong words —she begged me to lend her my cardinal, which was provided with a thick warm hood, of which we women of Northum berland stand In need for winter days and cold spring winds She said that sho could keep her own cloth jacket, because the work she should do that night was cold work, but she borrowed a woolen wrapper which she tied over her head and round her nock, leaving her throo cornered sailor’s hat in my keeping Lastly, she borrowed and put ou a pair of warm leather gloves, remarking that all would be found out If once they saw or felt her hand. This, to be sure, was a great deal largpr than is commonly found among women When all these arrangements were complete, she put cn the cardinal and pulled the hood over her head. “Now,” sho asked, “who am I?” Of course, having my clothes upon her, and being about tho same height, with her face hidden beneath the hood, she seemed to be no other than myself. Then with a last reference to swabs, lubbers and land pirates, sho once more bade mo keep within doors all night, if I valued my lifo and my honor, and trudged away, telling me nothing but that a piratical craft should that night be laid on beam ends, that her own decks were cleared, her guns double shotted, the surgeon in tho cock- Young Pretender, there has boon no fight- ing ou the Bonier Smugglers havetakon bc S“ l t “ k '* 9 ^ Bps. the place of the cattleliftcrs. and peaceful 1 , ‘ Yo »- W away his hand ponies l.,l ■„ with forbidden goods go I her grasp, tried to push her from It was a kind and thoughtful Invitation, and it was followed by so vigorous, direct, and well planted a blow that be reeled. “Lordl" he cried again. "I believe she’s knocked half my teeth down my throat. Who the devil would ha' thought a slip of a girl— Why, even Nan herself" ■ * He asked for no more clouts, but kept at a respectful distance. There were half a dozen ponies, all loaded in readiness for the road. Mathew, Dan, and the boy they called Cuddy, were to condnct the expedition, the two latter on foot, the first on pony back There was also a pony with a saddle, designed, I suppose, for ma “Now, Drasills,” said Mathew, “get up; there is a long journey before as and no time to spare. Remember—silence, whether we meet friend or stranger. Silence, I say, or” He shook a pistol In her face. Sho drew the hood more closely down, and pretended to shrink In alarm. Then, without any more resistance, she climbed Into the saddle, and took the reins from Mathew’s hands. “That’s a good beginning," ho said. “May be you have come to your senses and know what Is best for yourself. And hark ye, my lass, If you behave pretty, well send Barbara to the devil If you don't you shall havo a mistress at the mill as well as a master. Think upon that, now." Then the procession started. First Cuddy; then the ponies, two by two, who followed the boy as the sheep follow their shepherd; lastly, Mathew, upon his pony; Nan upon hers; and on tho other side of her Dan Gedge, still wondering at the un expected strength displayed In those kicks and that clout In addition to the advantages already spoken of possessed by Warkworth for tho convenience of a run, should bo mcn- ; tioued the happy circumstance that it lies close to the wild lands, the waste moors and hills which occupy so large a part of Northumberland. These moors are crossed by bridlo paths, it Is true, but they are mere tracks, not to be distinguished from sheep runs, except by the people who use them, and these are few indeed. If yo* lose the track, even in broad daylight, you run the risk of deep quagmires, besides member that yon crossed old Nan’s palm P 1 *’ chaplain with him, and, in t j iat Q f wall dering about with nothing to - ... . — * _ nrna H tv Ast-t-is-vn ' with a shilling A Incky run! Such a run as you never had before. A ran that will surprise the peopla” “Ha! ha!” said Matksw, pleased with the prophecy “It shall surprise them.” “An3 how do you get on with Miss Drusy? So she said nay. She will and m ''What is the runf” needed no other explanation; "and who’s in it?” "Mathew Humble is in It for ono,” said Dan. “Going with it himself, ho is, this Fo journey Ilo, ho! Folks will talk of this run when they come to hear of it. Tho fugleman thinks he knows But he don’t; no. be don't know He’s not to bo trusted. I’m the only ono who knows Ay, a rare run it will be, too—out of tho common this ma will bo. Folks will lift up their beads when they hear of this night’s work I” “What Is it. Dan? l*ce bellko.” Ho shook his stupid head and laughed. How could Mathew have been such a fool as to trust him? “Belike there’s lace in it. and silk in it, and brandy In it. There's always them things. But there's more, Nan—there’s more ” “What more, Dan?” “Fugleman, he’ll laugh when ho hears the news. He's helping in tho job, and ho don't know nothing about it; only Mathew and me knows what that job is Mathew and me—and ono other.” “Who Is the other, Dan? And what Is the job?” He shook his head and buried it for safety in the pewter pot. “Mathew Humble,” ho said, "is a masterful man.” “What is tho Job?" asked Nan, feeling curiosity slowly awaken. sho won’t—ay, ay—I know their tricks. Yes, a fine girl, and spoiling, as one may say, for a husband. Take care, Master Mathew Bettei men than you have lost by shillyshally.” “Why, what would yon have me do, Naur* "Do? A man >’ mettle shouldn’t ask. Capture the prise; pipe all bauds and alongside; then off with her; show a clean pair of heels; clap all sail.” "1 believe, Nan,” Mathew said, “that you are a witch. ” "I believe,” she replied, “that after yonr nm you’ll be sure I am. Go in and wake Dan. ” The fellow, roused rudely, sat up and rubbed his heavy eyes. “You can’t be drunk still, man,” said Mathew, “seeing it’s half-past 2 In the afternoon." "My head,” said Dan, banging it with his great fist, “is like the church bell be fore the service—goeth ding-dong. And my tongue, it is as dry as a bona Last night—last night—where the devil was I last night?” "Get up, fool, and put ob your coat, and come ont We have wort to da” Tho fellow made no reply. He was stu pidly wondering why his head was so heavy and his legs like lead. “Come,” Mathew repeated, “there is no time to lose. Up, man.” They left the house and walked up the street When they were gone. Nan took the pipo out of her mouth, and considered the position of things with a cheerful smila “As for Mathew,” she said with a grin, | “he will get salt eel for his supper. Salt eel—nothing short” She doubted for awhile whether to Im- ; part the plot to the fugleman. But she remembered that though he was no older than herself ho would take the thing dif ferently, and a fight between him and Dan, not to speak of Mathew as well, ! could havo only one termination. Had short, that sho was ready for action. I saw no more of her that night, which I spent in great anxiety, wondering what this thing migiit mean. But in the morn ing, fearing some mischief, I walked up the street to tho castle The fugleman was - in his room; he had sent me, he said, no message at all; nor had be fallen; nor bad ho broken his back. The boy Cuddy, R appeared, had been helping him and run ning about backward and forward all day. When the ponies were loaded be kad re turned to the hermitage to set all snug and tidy. When he eame back to the castle they were gone. But ao breaking of backs and no sending of the boy. This was strange Indeed. “Then, fugleman,” I said, “Mathew Humble sent a lying message, meaning mischief.” What he designed I understood In two or three days. But for the time I could only think that he wished to open again the question of his suit. Yet, why had Nan borrowed my cardinal and my gloves? On the way back I looked into Nan’s cottaga The door was open, but there was no ono tn the house. I went home, little thinking what a narrow escape was mine. Had I known— bat had I known, ,1 should have been divided between gratitude to heaven and admiration of brave old Naa, and detesta tion of the greatest villain In England. “It is a job," replied Dan, “which can't j she been twenty years younger, she would be told unto women. ” not havo hesitated to engage the her- Why, ye lubber," she sprang to her self, as sho had led many a gallant board- feet and shook her fist in tho Strong Man’s face, so that he started back; “lubber and land lubber, you dare to call mo a woman —captain of tho foretop Now, let me hoar what this job is that I am not to be told Out with It or" 1 omit tho gar nish of her discourse, which consisted of sea oaths “Mathew Humble did say" the Strong Man began. But strong men are always liko babies In the hands .of a woman. “’Vast there, Dan." said Nan; “d'ye think 1 value your joe nor want to know what It is—a rope’s end? But that you should refuse to tell it to me, you ship met—that’s what galls And after yester forenoou’s salmagundi?" This accusation of Ingratitude cut poor Dan to tbe quick In the matter of sea pie, iobscouso and salmagundi (which Is a mess of salt beef, onions, potatoes, pep per, oil and vinegar, the whole fried to mako a toothsome compound) Sailor Nan was more than a mother to him. “Twenty years afloat. ” continued Nan, In deep disgust; “from boy to captain of ing party against any odds. Bui her fighting days were over What she at last resolved npon marked her as at once tho bravest and tho most sensible of women But her resolution took time for the working out. She sat on her stone seat and smoked her pipe as usual When any boys passed her door she shook her stick at them, and used her strange sea phrases, just as If nothing was on her mind. It grows dark In tho short November days soon after 4. which Is the hour when folks who can afford tho luxury of candles light them, sweep the hearth, and prepare the dish of cheerful tea There was no tea for us that year, but small ale of our own brewing or buttermilk. And my mother sat In great sadness for the most part, not knowing what would be the cud, yet fearful of the worst, and being of feeble faith. Certainly, there was little to givo her cause for hope. It was 6:30 or 7 that I heard footsteps outside, and presently a knock at the door I saw, to my amazement, no other than old Nan. It was a cold and rainy the foretop, and from Cape Horn to the evening, bat she had on nothing more bun >laad«Ut Narrow seas and Copenhagen, and to bo told by a land sw&b. who never so much as smelt blue water, that I'm a woman!” “O' course,” said Dan feebly, “1 didn’t really mean it.” “Didn't mean It? Why—there! What Is It, then? Is It piracy or murder?” He shook his head. “Look yo. Nan. It won't signify, not • button, telling you I saidWo myself, at the beginning, ‘Nan won’t spoil sport;' and it's only a > agirli i<£U pricked up her ears, i girls,” she said care- “Only all You sway with months, fancy for thing, come to think young. But women are —% Nan. I know. You see I always *. it’s MU* Drtisy—thai’s been longing to run and marry him, for has, having took a I Mathew, which Is a strange , of ft, and she ao Ay. V. | thouhft | than her usual jacket and hat A hard and tough old woman. “Child,” she said earnestly, “do you think that I would lead thee wrong, or tell thee a lie?” “Why, no. Nan.” “Then mark me, go not forth to-night” Why should I go forth? It is past 6 o'clock, and already dart.” “If messengers should oome Look! who Is that?” She slipped behind the door as a boy came running to the door. I recognised him for a lad. half gypsy, who was well known to all runners, and often took pert In driving the ponies. A here headed boy with thick coarse hair and bright black eyes, who was afterward sentaaesd to be hanged, bat reprieved, I know not tor what reason, and I forget now whet he hod don* to bring upon him this sen tence. '•The fuelomaa snrr. ” he honn stance. CHAPTER X BAILOR UAH’S RIDH. The night was cold and raw, with a northeast wind, which brought occasional showers of sleet. There was no moon. The street, as the old woman walked up to the castle, was quite deserted, all the women and girls being seated at homo about bright coal fires, knitting, sewing, and spinning, while all the men were at the ale house, telling stories or listening to them, an occupation of which the male sex Is never weariod, especially when beer or rumbo, with tobacco, accompanies the stories. Nan climbed up tho castle hill, and, passing through tho ruined gate, began to pick her way slowly among the stones and heaps of rubbish lying about in tbe castle yard. The light of tho fire in tho fugle man's chamber was her guide, and she knew very well that just besido the door of that room would bo lurking Strong Dan, with intent to seize her by the waist and carry her off. Perhaps ho designed to carry her in his arms all the way to the Border This thought pleased her very much. Dan was quite able to do It, and the distance is only thirty-five miles or so. It pleased her to think of such a ride In the Strong lion’s arms, and how tired ho would bo at the end. Accordingly, when she drew near the door she went very slowly, and was not in the least surprised when, as she stood in the fire light, the man stepped from some hiding place at hand, canght her by the waist, and tossed her lightly over his shoulder, making no more account of her weight than if she had boon a mere bag of meal. “Now. mistress,” ho said, “struggle and kick as much as yon Uke. It don’t hurt me.” She cheerfully acceded to this request, and began so vigorous a drumming npon his ribs that, had they not been tougher than the hoops of the stoutest cask, they must have been broken, every one. As it was, he was surprised, and perhaps braised a little, but not hart He had not thought that a young girl like myself had such power In her heels. “Go on,” he said; “yon’re a strong ’un, and I like you better for It Kick away, but -don’t try screaming, because If you do I shall hare to tie your pretty head in a hog. Master Mathew’s orders, not my wish. Besides, what’s the use of pretend ing, when there’s nobody here bat you and me, bless yonr pretty eyesl I know all about It, and hate’s a honor for you to be carried off, nothing less, by your own man. Why. there isn’t another woman In Warkworth that he’d taka ao mnch trouble for. Think upon that! Now, then, miss, another kick, or a dozen. If you like. Ah, you eon kick, you can. You're a wife worth having. A happy man he’ll be. Lord, It would take the breath out o' most, that last kick would. Why, I’ll swear there not a woman in all Northum berland with such a kick es yours. Keep It up.” Thus talking, while she drammed with her bad*, he slowly t cARJe4 her through guide the inexperienced eye, and perhaps perishing miserably among the wild and awful hills. As for the boy Cuddy, he possessed a gift which is sometimes granted even to blind mea, of always knowing whore ko was sod of keeping la the right path. It Is with some on In stinct. Ho was Invaiaable oe those wla ter runs, because, however dark tbe night, whether tho moors were covered with thick fog or Impenetrable blackness, or even if they were thine feet deep in snow, he never failed to find his way direct to the point whither they desired to ge. In general, however, the wildest road, though tho shortest, was avoided, and tbe ponies were driven through the country which lies north, or northeast, of tbe Cheviots. But on this occasion, so great was Mathew’s desire to Insure the safety of a run in which his ponies carried something more precious even than lace or rum, that he resolved upon trying the more difficult way across Chill moor, south of Cheviot. Even on a summer day the way across this moor is difflcnlt to find. On a winter's night It wonld seem Impossible Yet Ouddy declared that he could find it blind fold. They were to cross the Border by way of Windgate fell and to carry tboir stuff to the little village of Yetholm, on the Scottish side. It was poet midnight, and they had been tn the saddle for five hours and more, when they reached the plac*. chose to the village of Alnham, where they were to leave the guidance of the winding burn and trust themselves to the knowledge of the boy upon the pathless moors Here, under the shelter of a llnney, Mathew called a halt Dan prod need a lantern and a tinder box, and presently got a light. Then he found some provisions in one of the packs, and they ate and drank. “You are so far from your friends now,” said Mathew to his prisoner, “that you can talk and scream and do exactly what yon please, except run away Now yon guess what I am going to do. Once over tho Scottish border you will be my wife by Scottish law. If I call yoa wife. So that now, yon know, yon had better mako up your mind and be cheerful-” She made no reply. “Well, then, have you got nothing to say?” She had nothing. “Sulk, then,” he said roughly. “Fall a sulking till you are tired. You may think, if you please, what your yonng devil of a sweetheart will say when he finds the nest empty! Alive and prospering, is her He proceeded to express his earnest hope that the boy wonld shortly be be yond the reach of hope This done, be Informed Nan that the worst part of her journey had yet to be accomplished, and that she had better take some meat and drink, unless she wished to fall off her saddle with fatigue, in which case Dan would have to carry her She accepted without speaking, and, under cover of her hood, mode an excellent supper, being, in fact, already pretty well exhausted with fatigue and hunger. When she had fin ished, Mathew offered her a bottle which contained brandy He was amazed to find when she returned it to him that sbo had taken at one draught about half a pint of the spirit, so that bo looked to seo her reel and fall off tbe pony. That sbo did not do so he attributed to tbe effect of tbe cold night air and the long ride, being unsuspicious how strong and sea soned a head was hidden beneath that hood. Sapper finished, Mathew crxamtnod the boy concerning the road. He would tell nothing at all about it, yet bo said be knew where to find it and how to follow It, and. In short, undertook to guide the party without danger by as short a way os eonld be found across the moor He was certain that he could do this, but he wonld not explain how he knew tbe way nor in what direction It wound among the hills. In fact, bow was the boy to de scribe a rood who knew not north from south, or oast from west, nor bad any bat tbs moat simple English at his eoaanand tn which to speak of valley or hill, or descent? The moor over which they crossed that dork sight In os perfect safety ae If a broad highway been laid down for thsoi and was lit with oil lantern. Ilk. ■orae of tho streets of London, Is tho wttdsat. I suppose, in all England. The boy, as before, led the way. wxlk- hur without hesitation, though the across ilu uioor in place of horses ridden by men In Iron. For those who love to bo awed by iho wildness of Nature, a place admirable aud wonderful, but full of ter ror at all times to the heart of sensibility. 1 do not say. however, that tho moors were terrible to any of thoso who crossed them on this cold and dark night, save for tho darkness and tho rain, and tho fear that at any moment they might all go head i first into a quag The boy, to begin with, was quite insensible to any Impression which can be produced by natural objects: rocks, precipices, wild stretches of land, dark woods—all were alike to him. As for Dan, 1 suppose ho never thought of anything at all. Mathew was too full 'of tho gloomy forebodings which always precede the punishment of wickedness, to regard tho things around him, and Nan, as Insensible aa tho boy, was wishing only that tho journey was over, bceauso sho was horribly cold and getting tired. The boy led them by that wonderful in stinct up tho slope of tho hill to a high level, where tho wind was keener and tho rain colder. Ho kept as nearly as possible to the samo level, leading thorn round the mlddlo heights upon tho slopes of tho great Fells and above tho dales. Tho di rect distance is not more than eight miles, but by reason of tho winding of tho way I suppose they must havo doubled that distance. It was 1 o’clock when they loft Alnham behind them, and it was already 5 before they came down tho hill on the north side of Windgate. “Master,” said tho boy at last, pointffig at something invisible, “yonder’s Yetholm, and you are in Scotland.” Mathew started and sat upright in tho saddle, throwing back ids cloak. Ho was in Scotland. Why, then, his work was done. Uo laughed aud laid ids hand upon his prisoner’s arm. • My wifol” ho cried. “Bear witness, Dan, my wife, 1 say.” “Ay, ay, master. Give yo Joy, miss. Master, another dram to drink the leddy’s health.” Mathew gave him his bottle. Dan took a deep draught, and then, wiping tho month of tho vessel, handed it to tho lady. Take a drop,” ho said. "It’ll warm your blood after that long ride.” Then followed so prolonged a draught of the brandy that Dan, too, as Mathew had done five hours ago, looked to soo the girl, unaccustomed to strong drink, fall from her saddle. But she did not. And ! honest Dan marveled, remembering, be sides, the vigor of hor heels and tho un expected reality of that clout. A wife so gifted with manly strength of heel and hand, who could also drink so fair, seemed to this simple follow a thing to bo envied, indeed. As regards the ram, kt mo say at once, so as to have doae with it ut once, that it was quite successful, aud proved a profit- xble venture to all concerned, though Mathew, for his part, never showed any Joy when tho work of tho night wns Spoken of It was a bold thing to venture acroos tho moors on so dark a night; no one In office looked for such a veuturo in the little village of Yetholm; and tho stuff, tsken in tho farmers’ carts to Kelso, i was all sold off at onco, therefore Mathew might have boeu proud of his exploit. But he was not, and when tho old woman, accompanied by tho boy, camo homo two days later and brought tho news of what had happened, the success of tho venture lost all Us Interest in presence of tho won derful talo they had to tell. They rode Into Yetholm a, good wbilo before daybreak, and tho people of tho inn—little more than a village ale house— were still In their beds. It was now rain ing again, with a cold wind, while they I walled for the house to bo roused and tho fire to be laid. Nan began now, indeed, though she had bomo bravely tho rough journey of the night, to feel tho keen morning air and the fatigue of tho long ride. Her limbs were numbed, and when, St last, tbe door was opened and tho fire lit, Dan had to lift her off tho pony anl carry her in. They placed her in a chair before tho fire, where sho sat huddled up In her cardinal and hood, refusing to take them off. When all was safely bestowed, Mathew thought him of Ids bride, and eamo Into tho parlor, now bright with a cheerful fire and a candlo. Ho throw off hat and cloak with a sigh of relief. “Come,” he said, "let us bo friends, Drusilla, since wo are married. Yes, child, married. You would havo mo uo other way Let us havo no more skulk- ing ” She answered nothing. ••Well, it matters not.” Hero tho land lord and his wifo. with Dan and a servant wench, came In together. “Something to eat," Mathew ordered. "Anything that you have. My wife is tired with her ride over the moors." “Over tbe moors?” This was tho land lady. "You haven’t surely brought a leddy over tho moors on sic a night as this?” "Indeed, but I have,” ho replied. “Come, madam." Ho seized her by the arm and dragged her of? the chair—oh, the gentle wooer 1—so that she stood bo fore him. “Bear witness, all of you ■old. her gloved hand. “This my wife, my lawful wife, by Scottish law.” Now whether such is the Scottish law I know not at all, but In Northumberland it was always believed that, across tho Border, such a form of words, before wit nesses, constituted the whole of mar riage required by law, although, by way of adding some grace of ceremony, the pair sometimes Jumped over a stick, or wrote their names in a book, or gave a blacksmith a guinea. "My lawful wife.” Mathew repeated. The bride, who had been standing with bent a'lonlders and bowed bead, straight ened herself and stood upright. Then the witnesses observed a very curious and re markable thing The face of tho brido- groom, which should surely on such an occasion show a lively sense of happiness, expressed first astonishment, then uneasi ness, and finally terror. The cause of these successive emotions was simple. When Mathew had repeated his form of words he wonld have dropped his bride’s hand, but she now held his, first with a gentle pressure, next with de termination, and finally with * viselike tenacity which amazed and filled him with strange fears. Presently, still holding his hand, she spoke: “I acknowledge Mathew Humble as my true and lawful husband.” The voice was hoarse and rough. Mathew with his left hand tore off '-he hood. Before Urn stood, her mouth o] log him with violence, but sho clang fast to him, and retreated, step by stop, to the corner of the room. “You?” “Yes, it s mo, dearie—it’s mo. Did ye ever hear tho like? To fall in love with an eld woman of 70, liko mo, and to nm away with hor! I never looked to get another husband. There’s a spirit for youl There’s a bold spirit. Mathew door, whon shall wo go back? Oh, tho wedding feast that wo will have! Weill wo women lovo a lad of mettle. Is there a boy In Warkworth, except my man Seheduls i Leaves 1 Leave Arrive at ] Making bound & Darlf Leave FI Jieave Jova Arrive at This train ■ ry, for the ] on C. &. 1). Leave Floyd' Leave Jova Arrive at Ha FOR 0. & D. C. & D. Cbarlei )o and afl iliiMe roads copied) every wi here, who would carry his wifo all tho way across tho moors when he might have had mo asked in church?” Don, ono of thoso who aro naturally slow to understand things unless they fall out exactly as Is expected, had by tins time succeeded hi comprehending the whole. Ho had, ho now perceived, car ried of? tho wrong woman, which fully accounted for tho vigor of tho kicks, the amazing strength of tho clout and tho capacity for strong drink. “Nan!" ho cried. “It’s our Nani” "It is, yo lubber,” sho replied, “and no ono clso.” Ho then began to laugh too. Ho laughed so loud and so long, being a man who seldom sees a joke, and then cannot mako enough of It, that the laud- lord, tho landlady and tho servant girl caught tho infection, and they all laughed too. Mathew raged and swore. This made Dan laugh tho louder and tho longer. Mathew ceased to swear: ho throw himself into a chair, with Ids hands in ids pockets, and sat, cheeks red and eyes flashing, until tho storm of mirth subsided. Then his dainty and delieato brido bangod her great fist upon tho table. “No shoorir.g of? now,” sho cried. “You’re my man, and a merry and a happy iifo you shall lead. Mates and jolly sailors all, this Is my third husband. Tho first, ho was hanged; tho second, ho hanged himself; better luck to tho third. What a wifo ho’s got! what a wife I Now then, vum for this honorable com pany, and a fiddlo for tho wedding; and more rum and tobacco, and more rum. Btir about, Isay." Sho produced a bo’s’n’3 whistle, aud blow a long shrill call. “Stir about, or I’ll rope's end tho wholo crew, limn, 1 say; more rum for this honorable company 1” L* ire Wadest Beunell Morvcn VcFarli Leare Cherat Cash’s., Society Dove’s. Darling Palmed Arrive at Floi Leave Floren« Palmet Darling Dove’i Society Cash’s LcaveCheraw McFari Morvei Bennet Lake Wa< Frei Lc-ave Floren Arrive Darli Arrivs Darli) Leave Darlii; Arrive Fiore G I1J KTE' ORTIII N‘ 4. 3. "Stir about, or I'll rope's end the tchola crewf With tbeso words sho sprang Into tho middlo of tho room, and began to danco a hornpipe with tho most surprising skill and ogility. (To be continued.) Sail llcnUo'g Squirrel Ordinance. Tho board of supervisors of San Benito county havo done a wiso and timely thing for their section in tho passage of an ordinance outlawing the gophers mid squirrels which infest the gniin fields. Tho ordinance provides that any owner or occupant of lauds whoso lauds aro freo from squirrels or go phers, or who is endeavoring to destroy tho samo on his own lauds, may givo notice to the owners or occupants of adjoining lands whoso lands are in fested with squirrels or gophers, and who aro not using diligenco nor en deavoring to destroy said animals, to immediately commence tho destruc tion thereof. And if tho owner or oc cupant of said lands so infested does not comply with tho demand within , ten days thereof, then tho person giv ing tho notico, or his agent or em ploye, may enter upon tho lands so infested for tho purpose of destroying j tho said squirrels or gophers. And the ; expense thereof shuli bo a claim against such owner or occupant and a lien upon such land iu favor of said adjoining laud owner or possessor I giving said notice, whicn may bo enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction and a judg- i ment obtained therefor against said owner or possessor neglecting to comply with said demand. Aud tho lands of said person shall bo sold in satisfaction of said judgement—San Joso Mercury. Chari On and a, i schedule wil Leave 1 lore l.''rtvi! Kina Arrive Lrtl Leave Lancs Arrive Cha| Leave Flor«| Leave King Arrive Lang Leave Li Arrive Cbag Leave L;»ne Arrive Cliaf Train No] Train on | ence with Leave CkuS Arrive Lanj Leave Lant Leave Kit Arrive Fla Leave Cnai Arrive Luo i.eave Lan^ Leave King Arrive Flol Leave Clia Arrive Lad * Daily.! Train No.f Train 1 Train on 1 Wadesborj Nos via Cenird Nos. 71 N. C., mal W R R foi J R. KF> Supt.| ~ r. IHUNWl Leave Wi Leave Mi Arrive FR Leave Flo Arrive Sg Leave I Arrive Ct Leave Wi| Leave Ma Arrive Fll Leave Arrive Sul I Leave ! Arrive Poor Security. No 62 I A certain gentleman, who keeps a j . boarding house for tho accommodation LeaviH of actors not far from Union square, ' ‘ . has resolved that ho will never again - , ) 1 ..'f accept the manuscript of a play as se- j * l J j curity of an unpsiid board bill. An au- * * thor manager, whosouamoisquitewell: known in theatrical circles, lived at this boarding houso something over a year ago, and when ho was ready to dcpartlio was financially embarrassed. So ho stated his case to the landlord, and left with him as collateral a seal ed package, which ho said contained two manuscripts of a well known broom- I plar. Bonifaco was good natu red and ■■r Ic ncsveCq Arriv Leave t Arrive . Leave Let vs Arms I Leave Leave < Arrive! lenient. He thought tho play was , = valuable and that the author would in timo pay tho bilL Tho pack ago re mained for a year. Then tho landlord called a theatrical business agent into council and they broke the seals. Tho contents were 260 “property plots” of the play, but there was no manuscript iu tho paskago. Tho “property plots” —list of the properties required at a performance—aro worth tho prico of old paper.—New York Star. Geo Slim us ** c*t.rt*«'k «>ur* B stooa. ner muui.u -— r to room for the hoarse tied there. l whlahftfilowad.no other iseea lako Tho occupants of a street car on the Walnut street lino had an unpleasant experience at Nineteenth and Jefferson streets yesterday afternoon about 2 o’clock, when they encountered a swarm of bees. The insects first lit on which evinced their displeasure kicking and attempting t with the car. Five or six in the car at the time, some dust —Louisville m f I I Yj&j. Km: