The Darlington news. (Darlington, S.C.) 1875-1909, February 06, 1890, Image 5

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■ ■"" : The Front Gate. An old anJeripi-lod gate am I, And twenty year* have Since I was hung tip hlglt and dry Betwixt these posts so fast; But now. I’ve grown so powerful weak, Despised by man and beast, I’m scarcely strong enough to squeak, Although I'm never greased. ’Twas twenty years ago, r. Enos Wmte I say. When Mr Came kind of hanging round my way Most every other night; He hung upon tuv star boar side, And she upon the other, Till Susan Smith became his bride. And in due time a mother. I groaned iiitenaely when I heard— Despite I am no churl— Mv doom breathed In a single word ; The bnhy was a girl! And as site gre w, and grew, and grew, | aud me S3, I loud bemoaned my f&U For she was very fair to view, And I—I am the gate! Then in due time a lover came, Betokening my ruin. A dapper follow, Brown by name, The grown-up baby wooln’. 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. My lot wpjs happy for a year, No courting night or day— I had uo 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 smile, A nurse with face serene, A bustle in the house the while, Great Scott! what can it mean ? My hinges ache; my back is weak, My picket's in a whirl; • I hear that awful doctor speak : It is another girl. —Denver TWbrre. — or m# uoquet may do carried up tlw river and bo it is judged safo, for all banks there are spots by Nature for the convo niant storage of valnsblo packages Not to speak of the thick hanging woods be side the banks, where enough Geneva and Hollands may be stored to supply London for a year, there is the Hermitage, whoso doable chamber I have myself seen packed full of silk In bales waiting for an opportunity, while Iq the castle itself there are vaults, dungeons, passages secret chambers, known only to the fugle man. Here, little suspected by my Lord of Northumberland, enough brandy might be stored to supply the county (which is a thirsty one) for a dozen years The Border is not, to be sure, so near os it Is higher up the coast; but, on the other hand, tho lookout and watch kept by the i gaugers cannot he by any means so vtgi i l&nt and close as where the county nar rows to the north; while more than half | the run takes place over the wild moors pathless slopes of tho Cheviots, a 7 Mr WAI.TXR BESANT. CHAPTER IX. TUB WISDOM OV THK BTKONQ MAN. When 1 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 I would appeal to my cousin, the doubt where ’the boy” might be—there was no reason, for Instance, why he 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 we 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—I mean not the faith of a Chrietian. such as 1 ought to have belt —but faith in my lover so far away. He would send me an answer. The answer, whatever it might be. would surely set all right. Mathew not only ceased to persecute us, but be ceased to desire the conversation and company of my father Re come no more even to church, as if conscious of his wickedness, end ashamed to face honest people. He was rarely seen even In town, and he left me quite alone; so that I be gan to think that repentance had perhaps seized upon his soul. Alas! Repentance knocks In vain at the heart of such as Mathew. Though, however, we saw him not, I j 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, as 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 houseT Let him get the money back. Was he mad to let Interest and all go? She let him-have no peace. - nigedtohave this money; perhaps she longed for our ruin as well. Then she constantly threw In her brother’s teeth the foot that if the boy was not dead and should return. If, in fact, my story Was true, he would fytd the books and ac counts in such confusion as might lead to fheirraln. 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 life, 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 safe. 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 couooo- tlon of a design even more wicked than that of the mortgage 1 suppose the plot wss 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 log 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 Godge, always called the Strong Man, be cause be wss like Hercules, the fabled Greek, for bodily strength, who lodged with Sailor Non. He professed to make a living out of his strong atjns and legs He went to fairs, and was seen on market days in all the towns of Northumberland, Durham and Carlisle, performing great feats for wagers, or for money laid down. He was a man standing over six feet,’with legs and arma of surprising stoutness, a square red face and a kindly eya Despite his strength he was peaceful and the soft est hearted of mankind. Now, though he pretended to lire by the exhibition of his strength, which I believe was the reason why the vicar sailed him Milo, It was very well known everywhere that hrfhad (mother and a more important source of profit This was In the running of “stuff" across the Border, a business which de mands, as everybody knows, much place in which the excise 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 the whole thirty-five miles from Warkworth to the 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 share In these risks and profits; one or two of them—of whom Mathew was one—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 value of the stuff There is so much sympathy with tills work, on both sides of the Border, and so many partners In the vMture, that Information Is never given (o the excise, and hiding places are found everywhere, with the help aud con nivance of the most innocent looking plowboy and the most demure country lass Now one morning—it was in November, when the days have already become short, and the nights are long and dark, Dan Gedgo got up from his sleeping bench, or cupboard in tho wall, about 8 or a little after, calling lustily for small boer, of which he drank a quart or so 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 stone, pipe In mouth, and throe cornered hat on her head. She had taken her 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 the road hod lit tho fire, and the cheerful breath of tho bellows made one feci warm. “Fngleman and me. ” said Dan, yawning, “fugleman and me, we was rowing up and down from Amble most all night.” “What Is the run?” asked Nan, who wn, W bin “ What is the runt” needed uo other explanation; "and who’s In It?” "Mathew Humble Is In it for one," said Dan. “Going with it himself, ho is, this Journey Ho, ho! Folks will talk of this run when they come to hear of It. Tho fugleman thinks he knows But ho don’t; no. he don't know He’s not to bo trusted. I’m the only one who knows Ay. a rare run It will be, too—out of the common this run will be. Folks will lift up their heads when they hear of this night’s work!” "What Is it, Dan? Lace belike.” He shook his stupid head and laughed. How could Mathew have been such a fool as to trust him? “Iklike there's lace In It, and silk In it, and brandy In it. There's always them things. But there’i more " “What more, Dvn?" “Fugleman, he’ll laugh when he hears the news He’s helping In the Job, and ho don't know nothing about It; only Mathew and me knows what that job is Mathew and me—and one other. ” “Who is tho other, Dan? And what Is the job?” He shook his head and burled It for safety In the pewter pot. “Mathew Humble,’’ ho masterful man.*' “What Is the Job?” asked Nan, feeling cariosity slowly awaken. •Ti Is a Job.” replied Dan, be told onto women." sue was saving up for ttaipb Kmbleton. But Mathew, he saye that’s nonsense. Weil—she all this time longing to marry hhn, and her mother won’t bear IV—no j chance till now So it'a Qxod for to-night. What a run I Lace, and brandy, and Geneva, and a girL" “Ob—well; 1 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 w_j ; message from the castle carried by a certain boy named Cuddy, pretending to come from the fugleman, who was to be kept oat of the way, employed at the Her milage, where the staff was bestowed; the boy was to soy that the fugleman was ill On receiving this message thegiri would make an excuse to run up to the castle where she would mount the pony, and ao ride off with Mathew and be monied over the Border To keep up appearances, he went on—this soft headed giant—it had been arranged that the young woman was to scream and straggle 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. “I’D get you some more beer. Den," 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 ca.o. “Drink that. Dan," she said; ‘it’s good old stingo—none of yonr email beer Drink it up; then you can pvt 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 caoght at the door post. “Go and put on your coat, Dan,” she said, looking at him with a little anxiety He disappeared. Nan heard one—two Heavy tailr and nodded her heed Then she followed Into the room and found the strong man lyL:? uno'. ii e floor, on his back, with his moutL t and his eyes shut- Sbo dragged a blanket over him, and went out again to alt sn her stone with as much patience as s '-aider 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?” he asked Non pointed to the door. “He’s within, fast asleep. He came home late last night I dare say ha’ll sleep on now, If yon let hime alone, till evening " “Have you—has he—talked with you this morning?” Mathew’s eyes were rest less, and his cheek twitched a 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 s pig? Let him bide. Master Mathew What do you want him for? Is there a run?" He nodded She held out her hand "111 drink luck to the venture," she said, taking the shil ling which he gave her for luck. “Thanh you; this is sure to bring you luck. You’ll say so to morrow morning Re member that you crossed old Nan’s palm with a shilling A lucky run! Such a ran as you never had before. A run that will surprise the people." “Hal ha!" said Mathew, plcassfi with the prophecy “It shall surprise them." “An! how do you get on with Miss Drusy? So she said nay. She will and she 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 you have me do. Nan?” “Do? A man »’ mettle shouldn’t ask. Capture the prise; pipe all hands sad alongside; then off with her; show a clean pair of heejs; clap all sail.” “I believe, Nan," Mathew said, “that you are a witch." "I believe," she replied, “that after yonr run 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 bis great fist, "ts like the church beU 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 oa your coat, and come out. We have work to do.” The 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 more, Nan—there’s | tlmo to lose. Dp, man." They left the house and walked up the street When they were gone, Nan took tho pipe out of her month, and considered the position of things with a cheerful smile. “As for M ithow," 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 he would take the thing dif ferently, and a fight between him and Dan, not to speak of Mathew as weU, could have only one termination. Aid she been twenty years younger, she would not have hesitated to engage the man her- the oarK the stones. Outside the gate, another wrapped In a greet Humble He had speech was thick. “Now." he said. man wa| w ■real clAk sad been d seemingly m nraatntess naste. "tnat be has fallen down and la like to have broken his back. He wants to see you at once. ” "Oh,” 1 cried, “what dreadful thing is this? Tell him I’ll come at once Run, boy, run. I will but put ou a hat and" The boy turned and ran clattering up the road and across the bridge. Then Nan came out from behind the door. “It’s true, then. The kidnaping vil lains! It’s tone But I never had a doubt. Go in doors, hinney. Stay at homo. Aa for the fugleman. I’ll warrant his back to be sound ss my own. Wait, wait. I say, till you see Mathew’s face to-morrow. A villain. Indeed!" i “But, Nan. what do you mean? My dear old fugleman a villain! What has he | to do with Mathew?*’ "No, child, not ho. There’s only one villlan In Warkworth, though many fools. The villlan is Mathew Humble. The big gest fool is Dan Gedge He Is such a fool that be ought to be keel hauled or flogged through the Fleet, at least Stay at home. This Is a plot. The fugleman ta at the Hermitage at work among the stuff. There’s to be a ran to-night And they think . Avast a bit, brother. Ay, ay, they shall have what they want There’s a hock of salt pork and a pease pudding for supper I looked forward to that hock. Never mind It The villain— he to ran this rig upon a girl! But old Nan knows s mast from a manger yet, and values not his anger a rope’s end." Here she became Incoherent, and one heard only an occasional phrase, such as “from the spritsail yard to the mlzzentopsail halyards:” “a mealy mouthed swab;" “a fresh water, wishy washy, fair weather sailor;" “thinks to get athwart my hawse," and so forth To all of which I listened In blank wonder Thus haring in this nautical manner collected her thoughts— whether we meet strange It is that a sailor can never Silence, I say, or”- 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 she 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 neck, leaving her three cornered sailor’s bat in my keeping. Lastly, she borrowed and put on 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 bead. “Now,” she asked, “who am I?" Of course, having my clothes upon her, and being about the 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, she once more bade me keep within doors all night. If I valued my life 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 the cock pit, and the chaplain with him, and, in short, that she was ready for action. 1 saw no more of her that night, which I spent in great anxiety, wondering what this thing might mean. Bat in the morn ing, fearing some mischief, I walked up the street to the castle. The fugleman was in his room; he had sent me, he said, no message at all; nor had he fallen; nor had he broken his back. The boy Cuddy, it appeared, had been helping him and run ning about backward and forward all day. When the ponies were loaded he kad re turned to the hermitage ta eet all snug and tidy. When be came back to the castle they were gone. But so 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. Bat 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 1 looked into Nan’s cottage. The door was open, but there was no one in 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. pmsong bis reel among castle. beyond tho great waiting for them. It was Mathew drinking, and his the prisoner by the arm, "you are In my power. Es- \ cape Is impossible. If you cry oat—bnt I : am your master now, and for the rest of : your life I mean to be. You have got to ; be on obedient wife. Do you hear? I’ve j had enough of your. contempt and your ' sneers. You'll write to the boy. will you, j mistress? Hal Fins opportunities you will have on tbs way to Scotland to-night 1 Hoi The boy will be pleased when he hears of this night’s job, won’t her “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. Lord!" said, "is a ‘which can’t tion, with knowledge of the country and of endurance. The "stuff" genandly of brandy, and Geneva. Salt Is also across, bat » better profit <»t of the former srtieU are less In bulk and more easily concealed. There are many reasons why Warkworth should b# b convenient spot for the Uiidt trade. First, It lies two mUos.ap the river, and has many safe hid- Undsdat “Why, ye lubber," she sprang to her self, as she had led many a gallant board- feet and shook her fist in the Strong Man's ing party against any odds. Bat her face, so that he started back; “lubber and fighting days were over What she at last resolved upon marked her as at once tho bravest and the 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 hor strange sea phrases, just as If nothing was on her mind. ft grows dark in the short November days soon after 4, which Is tho hoar when folks who can afford the luxury of candles 'ight 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 end, yet fearful of the wont, and being of feeble faith. Certainly, there was little to givo her cause for hope. It was 0:80 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 ; evening, bnt she had on nothing more than her usual jacket and hat A hard and tough old woman. “Child." she said earnestly, "do yon 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 dark.” "If messengers should come— Look! who is that?" She slipped behind the door as a boy came running to the door. I recognised him for a fed, half gypsy, who was wall known to all runners, and often took port fat driving the ponies. A bora handed boy with thick coarse hair and bright black eyes, who was afterward sentenoud to be hanged, hut reprieved, I know not for what reason, and I forgot now what he had dons to bring upon him this fancy for thing, come to But land lubber, you dare to call me a woman —captain of the foretop Now, let me hoar what this job is that I am not to be told. Out with It or"—I omit tho gar- nish of her discourse, which consisted of sea oaths. "Mathow Humble did say" the Strong Man began. But strong men are always like babies in the hands •of a woman. “'Vast there, Dan.” said Nan; “d'ye think 1 value your job nor want to know what ft 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 forenoon’s salmagundi?" This accusation of ingratitude cut poor Dan to the quick In the matter of sea pie, lobscouse and salmagundi (which is a mess of salt beef, onions, potatoes, pep per, oil and vinegar, the whole fried to make 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 tbs foretop, and from Cape Horn to the Narrow seas and Copenhagen, and to bo told by a land swab, who never so much as smelt blue water, that I’m a woman!" “O’ course," eaid Dan feebly, "l didn't really mean it.” “Didn’t mean It? Why—therel What Is it, then? Is it piracy or murder?” He shook his head. “Look yo, Nan. It wont signify, not a button, telling you. I saidWo myself, at the beginning, ‘N« and up her ears, she said care- an wont spoil sport]* CHAPTER X. BAILOR BAR’S BIDB. 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, aU the women and girls being seated at home 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 wearied, especially when beer or rum bo. with tobacco, accompanies the stories. Nan climbed up tho castle hiU, and, passing through the ruined gate, began to pick her way slowly among the stones and heaps of rubbish lying about in the castle yard. The light of the fire in tho fugle man’s chamber was her guide, and she knew very well that just beside the door of that room would be lurking Strong Dan, with intent to seize her by the waist and carry her off. Perhaps he 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 Man’s arms, and how tired he would be 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, caught her by the waist, and tossed her lightly over his shoulder, 'making no more account of her weight than if she had been a mere bag of meal. “Now. mistress." ho said, “straggle and kick as much as you like. It don’t hurt me." She cheerfully acceded to this request, and began so vigorous a dramming upon 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 hurt. He bad not thonght that a young girl like myself had each power In her heels. “Go on," he said; “you're a strong *un, and I like yon better for it. Kick ewey, but -don’t try screaming, because If you do I shall hare to tie your pretty head in a bag. Master Mathew’s orders, not my wish. Besides, what’s the use of pretend ing, when there’s nobody here but you and me, bless yonr pretty eyes I I know all about It, and here's a honor for you to bo carried off, nothing fees, by yonr own man. Why, tnere isn't another women in Warkworth that he’d take ao much trouble for. Think upon that! Now, then, miss, another kick, or a dozen. If you like. Ah, you ean kick, you can. You’re a wife worth haring. A happy man he’ll be. Lord, It would taka the breath oat o' most, that last kick would. Why, 111 swear there not a woman In all Northum berland with auoh a kick aa yours. Keep Tims talking, while she drummed with ha slowlyiCwsM bar through It was a kind and thoughtful Invitation, and It was foUowed by so vigorous, direct, and well planted a blow that be reeled. “Lordl” he cried again. "I believe she’a 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 conduct the expedition, the two fetter on foot, the first on pony back. There was also a pony with a saddle, designed, I suppose, for me. “Now, Drusilfe," said Mathew, "get up; there is a long journey before us and no time to spare. Remember—silence, friend or stranger. - He shook e pistol In her face. She 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,” he said. “May be you have come to yonr 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 shaU have 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 npon hers; and on tho other side of her Dan Gedge, still wondering at the on- expected strength displayed In those kicks and that clout. In addition to the advantages already spoken of possessed by Warkworth for the convenience of a run, should be men tioned 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 bridle paths, it is trae, bnt they are mere tracks, not to be distingnished from sheep runs, except by the people who ><se them, and these are few indeed. If yoa lose the track, even in broad daylight, you run the risk of deep quagmires, besides that of wandering about with nothing to guide the inexperienced eys, and perhaps perishing miserably among the wild and awful hills. As for the boy Cuddy, be possessed a gift which is sometimes granted even to blind men, of always knowing where ke was sad of keeping la the right path. It la with some an in stinct. He was In valuable oa these win ter runs, because, however dark tbe night, whether the moors were eevered with thick fog er tmponetrebfe blackness, or even if they were three feet deep la snow, he never failed te find his way direct te the point whither they desired to ge. In general, however, the wildest road, though the shortest, was avoided, and the 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 ram, 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 difficult to find. On a winter’s night it woold seem impossible. Yet Cuddy declared that he could find it blind fold. They were to cross the Border by way of Wlndgate fell and to carry their stuff to the little village of Yetholm, ou the Scottish side. It was pest midnight, and they had been in the saddle for Iva hours and more, when they reached the place, chose to tho village of Alnham, where they were to leave the guidance ef the winding burn and trust themselves to the knowledge of the boy upon the pathless moors Here, under tbe shelter of a llnney, Mathew called a halt. Dan produced 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. "Ton 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 ran away. Now yon guess what I am going to do. Once over the Scottish border you will be my wife by Scottish law, if I call you wife. So that now, you know, you had better make 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. “Falla sulking till you are tired. You may think, if you please, what your young devil of a sweetheart will say when he finds the nest empty! Alive and prospering, is he?” He proceeded to express his earnest hope that the boy would shortly be be yond the reach of hope. This done, he 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, made an excellent supper, being, in fact, already pretty well exhausted with fatigue aud 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 she had taken at one draught about half a pint of the spirit, so that be looked to seo her reel and fall off the pony. That she did not do so he attributed to tbe effect of tbe cold night air and tho long ride, being unsuspicions how strong and sea soned a head was hidden beneath that hood. Supper finished, Mathew examined tbe boy concerning the road. He woold tell nothing at aU about it, yet ho said be knew where to find it and bow to follow it, and. In short, undertook to guide the party without danger by as short a way ss could be found across the moor He wss certain that he could do this, but he would not explain how be knew tbe way nor In what direction It wound among the hills. In fact, how wss the boy to de scribe s road who knew not north from south, or asst from west, nor had any but the most simple English at his command In which to speak of valley or hiH, ascent or descent? The moor over which they crossed that dark night In as perfect safety aa If a bread highway had been laid down for and was lit with oil lanterns liks of the streets of London. Is the I suppose. In all England. Th* boy, as before, fed the way. taw without hesitation. thonxh<hP was so.darV What ho saw to indicate the road no one could tell. Nan, for her own part, could see nothing at all before her for the pitchy darkness of the night and tbe continual pattering of the rain. Here is the very head of tho Cheviots, tho middle of the moors and fells, across which so many parties of plunderers, cat tle lifters and smugglers hare made tbelr wdy 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. Tbe heath and ling have been trampled under tho foot of thousands of soldiers, for in tho old days there was no peace upon the border, and every man was a soldier all his 11 fo. But, sluco the Invasion of the Young Pretender, there has been no fight ing ou the Border. Smugglers have takon the place of the cattlellfters. and peaceful ponies la.! -n with forbidden goods go across ih< moor in place of horses ridden by men in Iron. For those who lovo to bo awed by tho wildness of Nature, a place admirable aud wonderful, but full of ter ror at all times to the heart of sensibility. I do not say, however, tl it tho moors were terrible to any of those who crossed thorn 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 < 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 the gloomy forebodings which always precede the punishment of wickedness, to regard the things around him, aud Nan, as insensible as tho boy, was wishing only that the journey was over, because sho was horribly cold and getting tired. The boy led them by that wonderful in stinct up the slope of tho hill to a high level, where tho wind was keener and tho rain colder. Uo kept as nearly as possible to the same level, leading them round the middle heights upon tho slopes of the great Fells and above tho dales. Tho di rect distance Is not more than eight miles, but by reason of the winding of tho way 1 suppose they must have 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 tho north side of Windgato. “Master,” said the boy at last, poiut&g at something Invisible, “youder’s Yetholm, and you are in Scotland.” Mathow started and sat upright in tho . addle, throwing back his cloak. He was in Scotland. Why, then, his work was done. Ho laughed and laid his hand upon his prisoner’s arm. “My wife!” ho cried. “Bear witness, Dan, my wife, 1 say." “Ay, ay, master. Givo 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 the vessel, handod It to the 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 Mathow had done five hoars ago, looked to soo the girl, unaccustomed to strong drink, fall from hor saddle. But she did not. And i honest Dan marveled, remembering, bo- sides, the rigor of hor heels aud tho un expected reality of that clout. A wife so gifted with manly strength of heel and hirnd, who could also drink so fair, seemed to this simple fellow a thing to bo envied, Indeed. Ax regards the rux, kt me say at ouco, so as to have done with it at onco, that it was quite successful, *id proved a profit able venture to all concerned, though Mathew, for his part, never showed any joy when tho work of tho night was Spoken of It was a bold thing to venture acroos the moors on so dork a night; no one In office looked for such a venture in the little village of Yetholm; and tho stuff, taken in tho farmers’ carts to Kelso, I was all sold off at onco, therefore Mathow might have been proud of his exploit. But he was not, aud when tho old woman, accompanied by tho boy, came homo two days later and brought tho nows of what had happened, tho success of tho venture lost ail its interest In presence of tho won derful tale they had to tell. They rode into Yetholm a, good while before daybreak, and tho people of tho inn—little more than a village &lo house— were still In their beds. It was now rain ing again, with a cold wind, while they waited for tho house to be 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 tho fatigue of the long tide. Her limbs were numbed, and when, at last, the door was opened and the Gro lit, Dan had to lift her off tho pony aai 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, Mathow thought him of his brtdo, and camo into the parlor, now bright with a cheerful firo and & candle. Ho threw off hat and cloak with a sigh of relief. "Come," ho said, “let us bo friends, Drusllla, since wo aro married. Yes, child, married. You would have mo uo other way Letushavo no more skulk- Ing." She answered nothing. ••Well, it matters not.” Hero tho land lord and his wife, with Dan and a servant wench, came in together. “Something to eat." Mathew ordered. "Anything that you have. My wife is tired with her rido over the moors.” “Over the moors?” This was tho land lady. ••You haven’t surely brought a leddy over the moors on sic a night as this?” “Indeed, but I have,” ho replied. “Come, madam.” Ho seized her by tho arm and dragged her off tho chair—oh, the gentle wooer!—so that she stood bo fore him. “Bear witness, all of you,” bo ■aid, her gloved hand. “This is my wife, my lawful wife, by Scottish law." Now whether such Is tho 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 tho whole of mar riage required by law, although, by way of adding some grace of ceremony, tho pair sometimes Jumped over a broom stick, or wrote their names in a book, or gave a blacksmith a guinea. “My lawful wife,” Mathew repeated. The bride, who hiacf been standing with bent shoulders and bowed head, straight ened herself and stood upright. Then tho witnesses observed a very curious and re markable thing Tho face of tho bride 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 Mathow had repeated his form of words he would have dropped his bride’s hand, but she now hold his, first with a gentle pressure, next with de termination, and finally with a viselike tenacity which amazed and filled him with strange fears. Presently, still holding his hand, she ■poke: “I acknowledge Mathew Humble as my trae and lawful husband.” The voice was hoarse and rough. Mathew with his loft hand tore eff the hood. Before him stood, her mouth open ing gradually to make room for the hoarse Uaxh which followed, no other .than Salvor Man nerself, tu tiar snort, pouicoeta and hor cloth jacket, with a woolen wrapper tied about her head. "My busbandl” sho repeated; “my lov ing husband! Would ye bellevo it”—«he addressed the company generally—“he’s so fond o' mo that ho couldn’t wait to have tho bans pat up, bat must nesas carry me off? Saw ye ever such a bmw lover?" They were alt ssto-ushod; and when she laughed, stL’l holding the astonished bridegroom hy the hand, some of them trembled, because they know not whether sho was man or woman, hor voice was so rough, hor hair wos so short, her jacket was so sailor like. "Ah, hinneysl” she laughed again hoarsely, because tho air had touched her throat. “The bonny, bonny brldo aud the happy groom! Kiss your wife, my hus band dear.” Sho throw herself upon his neck, and began to kiss his lips. “You? Yon?” Ho tore away his hand from her grasp, tried to push her from him with violoneo, but sho clung fast to him, and retreated, step by stop, to the corner of the room. "You?” “Yes, it's mo, dearie—it’s ma Did yo 1 over hear tho like? To fall in iovo with an old woman of 70, like me, and to run away with hcrl I never looked to get another husband. There’s a spirit for ycul There’s a bold spirit. Mathow dear, whoa shall wo go back? Oh, tho wedding featt that wo will have! Well! wo women lovo a lad of mettle. Is there a boy In Warkworth, except my man here, who would carry his wife all tho way across tho moors when he might have had mo asked in church?” Don, ono of those who aro naturally slow to understand things unless they fall out exactly as 1s expected, had by this tlmo succeeded hi comprehending tho whole. Ho had, ho now perceived, car ried off tho wrong woman, which fully accounted for tho vigor of tho kicks, tho 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 else.” Ho then began to laugh too. Ho laughed so loud and so long, being a man who seldom soes a joke, and then cannot make enough of It, that tho land lord, tho landlady ami tho servant girl caught tho infection, and they all laughed too. Mathow raged aud swore. This znado Dan laugh tho louder and tho 1 ngcr. Mathew ceased to swear: he threw himself into a chair, with ids hands in his pockets, and sat, cheeks red and eyes flashing, until tho storm of mirth subsided. Then his dainty and delicate brldo banged her great fist upon tho table. “No sheering off now,” sho cried. “You’ro my man, and a merry and a happy lifo you shall lend. 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 wlfo ho’s got! what a wifol Now then, rum for this Uonorablo com pany, and a fiddlo for tho wedding; and more rum nnd tobacco, and more rum. Ktir about, I say.” Sho produced abo’s’u’s whistle, aud blew a long shrill call. “Stir r.boul, or I'll rope's end tho wholo crow. Hum, I say; more rum for this honorable company!” Schedule of the Hartsville R. R. Hartsyillb. 8. O., Dee. 7 ’ 9. DAILY MIKED THAI Leaves Hartevllle, 7.1S A. M. Leaves Jovann, 7.40 “ Arrive at Floyd’s, 8.05 “ Making connection with the Bonth bound passenger train on the Cheraw & Darlington Railrcfed. RETURNING. Leave Floyd’s, 10.00 A. M. J^eave Jovann. * 10.20 “ Arrive at Hartsville, 10.50 “ This train waits two hoars, if nnnriw ry, for the North bound freight train on C. &. D. R. R. Leave Floyd's, lA'ave Jovann, Arrive at Hartsville, J. 0.00 P. M. 9.20 “ 0.45 COKER. President. FOU C. k 1>. AND C. & ff. RAILROADS PBEIIDBXT'sOrriCB l 0. A D. anuC. A 8. RAILROADS. 1 Charlestuo, 8, C., Msy 12,1889. j )o ami aftar Msy IX, the trslw os il.tvte roads will run ss follows (Sands «x- oepted) every dsy: DOWN TBAIN. L ivi- Wadesboro Dennetts Morvcn’s 5,85 McFarland 6-60 Leave Cheraw 7,80 Cash’s ;7.46 Society Hill 8 02 Dove’s 8.2‘d Darlington 8.42 Palmetto 8 55 Arrive at Florence • ••••• *••••• •••••• 0 16 CP TBAIN. Leave Florence 8.10 P M Palmetto 8 25 Darlington 8 86 Dove’s 8-62 Sooietyilill 0.12 Cash’s 9 17 LcaveChcraw 0.43 P M McFarlan 10.08 Morvcn’s 10 20 Bennett’s 10.35 Lake Wadesboro 11.00 Freight Train going up. Leave Florence 7.00 s m Arrive Darlington T.46sm Freight going down Arrive Darlington 2.00 pm Lvave Darlington 8 50 p m Arrive Florence 4.10 pm 0 11 A F. RAVEN EL, Pres Mailer Trim sport at ion. I<TEW SOHEIDXJ2-.E ORTHEASTEUN RAILROAD 4. & Charleston, 8. C., May 12, 1889. On nnd after this date the fol'owing schedule will be run : GOING SOUTH. No. 27, Daily. Leave F lorence Leave Kingstree .Arrive Lance Leave Lancs Arrive Charleston No. ”3, Daily. Leave Florence Leave Kingstree Arrive Lanes Leave Lanes Arrive Charleston No 63. Leave Lanes Arrive Charleston Train No. 63 lakes No. 58 South of Lanei Train on C & D R R conn *>j at Flor ence with No 23 Train GOING NORTH. No, 78, Daily. Leave Charleston *1 86 a m 2 29 a m 2 60 a m 2 50 a is b 00 a in *9 80 a m 10 65 s n 11 20 a i 1 i 30 a i 1 80 s is *7 60 P. JJ. 9 80 f. m. "Stir about, or I'll rope's end the whole crew!" With these words sho sprang Into tho middle of tho room, and began to danco a hornpipe with tho most surprising skill and ogility. (To bo continued.) Arrive Lanes Leave Lanes . Leave Kingstree A rrivo Florence No. 14. Sun Benito's Squirrel Ordinance. Tho board of supervisors of San Benito county have douo a wiso aud timely thing for their section in tho passage of anordinauco outlawing tho gophers and squirrels which infest the grain fields. Tho ordinance provides that any owner or occupant of lands whoso *12 25 a m 2 45 a m 2 60 a m 3 i0 a m 4 'JO a m *4 30 p m 6 28 p m 6 28 p m 0 40 p in 7 66 p m Leave Cnarleston Arrive Lanes l.eave Lanes Leave Kingstree Arrive Florence No. 62. Daily. Leave Charleston 7 '0 a m Ai rive Lanes 0 i0 a m * Daily. ■(■ Daily except Sun Trail No. 52 t ikes No. 62 North Lanes. Train No. 14 connect* at Flor with Train on C & D It It for Cheraw ,,aud Wadesboro. N. C. Nos 52 runs through to Columbia lauds aro freo trom squirrels or go- via Central R R of 8 C. phers, or who is endeavoring to destroy Nos. 78 and 14 run solid to Wilmington, lands, may givo N. C., making close connection with W. A tho sumo on his own notico to tho owners or occupants of adjoining lauds whoso lands are in fested with squirrels or gophers, aud 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 nut comply with tho demand within ten days thereof, then tho person giv ing tho notice, or his agent or em ploye, may enter upon tho lands so infested for tho purpose of destroying the said squirrels or gophers. And tho exponso thereof shall bo a claim against such owner or occupant and a lien upon such land in favor of said adjoining land owner or possessor giving said notice, which may bo enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction and a judg ment obtained therefor against said owner or possessor neglecting to comply with sai 1 demand. Aud tho lands of said person shall bo sold in satisfaction of said judgement.—San Jose Mercury. W R R for all points north. J R. KENLY, J. F. Dmss, Supt. Trans. , Gen’l Ssp’l. T. M. Emerson, Gen’l Pats. Agl. milNGTO* COLUMBIA AM AUGUSTA KA1UIAI May 12, 1889. GOING SOUTH No. 28. Leave Wilmington Leave Marion Arrive Florence No. 60. *6 25 p ■ 9 38 p in 10 39 s a 8.20 S M 4.40 s a 4 40 s m 6. 16 s m No. z7 Nc 52 Poor Security. A certain gentleman, who keeps a boarding house for the accommodation 1 of actors not far from Union square, has resolved that ho will never again accept tho manuscript of a play as se curity of an unpaid board bill. An au thor manager, whoso namo is quite well j known in theatrical circles, lived at this boarding house something over a year ago, and when ho was ready to depart lio was financially embarrassed. So ho stated his caso to tho landlord, and left with him as collateral a seal ed package, wliich ho said contained two manuscripts of a well known Leave Florence Arrive Sumter ; Leave 8umier Arrive Columbia 1 Leave Wilmington Leave Marion Arrive Florence Leave Sumter Arrive Columbia No 68 I Leave Florence ' Arrive Sumter No 62 runs through from ! Central R It. Leaving Lanes 9 16 A M„ Massing 8 58 A M. Train on C k D R R connects at Flcrenes with No 68. GOING NORTH. No 61 *16.10 ■ ns 12.40 p ■ 1 20 ■ m flfi 83 a u J1 66 p m f9 21 10 2! 28 a m CharltslsD via vaiuabio and that tho author would in timo nay tho bill Tho package re- council and they broke tho seals. The contents were 250 “property plots” of the play, but there was no manuscript in tho paskago. The “property plots" —list of tho properties required at a performance—are worth tho price of old paper.—New York Star. i.oave Columbia. *10 85 p n Arrive Sumter 11 68 p a Leave Sumter H 68 p ta Arrive Florence No. 78. 1 16 a s» Leave Florence, 4 85 a ■ Leave Marion 6 20 am j Arrive at Wilmington, No. 69 8 36 am Leave Sumter f6 37 p at i Arrive Florence No. 68, 7 60 p ■ ‘ Leave Columbia •6 20 pm . Arrive Sumter No 14 6 >2 pat I Leave Florence •8 16 p a ' Leave Marion 8 59 p m Arrive at Wilmington 11 60 p at uceM lauo roMeitsum us «• oireet vur. Tho occupants of a street car on the Walnut street lino had an unpleasant experience at Nineteenth and streets yesterday afternoon about 2 o’clock, when they encountered a swarm of bees. Tho insects first lit on tho mules, which evinced their displeasure by kicking and attempting to runaway with the car. Five or six people were in the car at the time, and they soon vacated it A servant at the residence of Dr. Cawein, on the corner, throw some dust into a tree and the bees set tled there. They were finally bited. —Louisville Cotlrier-Joumal •Daily. (Daily except Sunday. No 63 runs through to Charleston, vis Central R R, arriving Manning 7 04 P 1. Lanes 7 42 P M. Charleston 9 80 P M. No 69 connects at Florence with CAD train for Cheraw and Wadesboro’. Nee 78 and 14 make close eonneclton sf Wilmingtou with W 4 17 R R for all point! North. Train on Floronoe R. R, leave Pee Deo daily except Sunday 4.49 P. M., arrive Rowland 7.00 P. M Returning leave Rowland 6,30 A. M., arrive P#o Dee 9.00 A. ML Train o» Manchester leaves Sumter daily f A. M., arrlvrl turning 1 rjtt Swroter K Mm -M %-M An R. R re.,.* ■ 1 ' fp.DrvurR.aox’ t Trans. ,0m. Pm * • Jr • m