The Darlington news. (Darlington, S.C.) 1875-1909, March 29, 1894, Image 3

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CHAPTER XII—Continued. *' Yea, the major often teiu me m> wishes he had him back, and me in the place he has instead of the one he had," answers the clerk whimsically. "Does be know you’re to command the escort in? Yon got him into such a scrape then that he’s never tired of telling of it” "Then he may feel gratified at the honor 1 am doing him now. Sure it's beneath the dignity of a first sergeant to command a squad like this except on an extraordinary occasion, an it’s to take the taste of the last timeout of his month I volunteered to escort the ma jor now. 'Twas a strong taste to last five years, though my reminder will go with me many a year longer. Here they come now." As the sergeant speaks a little group of officers issues from the battalion commander's tent. Foremost among them, in loose flapping raiment and broad brimmed hat and green goggles, is the rotund and portly shape of Major Plummer, the paymaster. "Well, old man,’’says tho cavalry leader, “you can hardly get into a scrape ’twixt here and Sidney. We’ve seen you through all right so far; now we’ll go on about our scorning. Your old friend Feeny asked permission to see you safely to the railway.” "What, Feeny, and a first sergeant too? I'm honored indeed! Well, sergeant,” he adds, catching sight of the grizzled red face under the old scouting hat, “I’ll promise to let you run the machine this time and not in terfere, no matter what stories come to us of beauty in distress. All ready?” “All ready, sir, if the major is.” “He wasn’t that civil to me in Ari zona,” laughs the paymaster as he turns to shake hands with the officers about him. "You see you were new to the busi ness then,” explains a tall captain. “Feeny considers you a war veteran now, after your experience at Moreno’s. We all had to serve our apprenticeship as suckling lieutenants before he would show us anything but a semblance of respect. Goodby, major; good luck to you. ’ “Goodby all. Goodby, Drummond. Goodby, Wing. Here I I must shake hands with you two again. ” And shake he does; then is slowly “boosted” into his wagon, where, as the whip cracks and the mules plunge at their collars and tilt him backward, the major's jol ly red face beams on all around, and he waves his broad brimmed hat in ex uberant cordiality as they rattle away. The group of officers presently dis perse, two tall lieutenants strolling off together and throwing themselves under the spreading branches of a big cotton wood. One of them, darker and some what heavier boilt now, but muscular, active, powerful, is Drummond; the other, a younger man by a brace of years, tall, blue eyed, blond bearded, wearing on bis scouting blouse the straps of a second lieutenant, is our old friend Wing, and Wing does not hesitate in presence of bis senior officer —such is the bond of friendship between them—to draw from his breast pocket a letter just received that day when the courier met them at the crossing of the Dry Fork, and to lose himself in its contents. “All well with the madam and the kid?” queries Drummond, after the manner of the frontier, when at last Wing folds and replaces his letter, a happy light in his brave blue eyes. “All well. Paquita says that Harvey has captured the entire household, and that Grandpa Harvey is his abject slave. There isn’t anything in Chicago too good for that 2-year-old. They’ve i had them photoed together—the kid on his grandfather’s shoulder. ” “Aren’t you afraid his Arizona uncle will be jealous for hit own boy’s sake?” i laughs Drummond. “I don’t believe Ned would begrudge Fanny anything the old man might feel for her or for hers. He is generosity itself toward his sisters, and surely I could never have found a warmer friend —out of the army. You know how he stood by me.” “I know, and it was most gratifying —not but that I feel sure you would have won without his aid. The old man simply couldn’t quite be reconciled to her marrying in the army and living in Arizona.” “A strange land for ahoneymoon cer tainly—yet where and when was there a happier ? Do you remember how the Apaches jumped the Verde buckboard the very week after we were married?” “And you spent half of the honey moon scouting the Ton to basin? 1 should say sot What with a courtship in a robbers’ cave, a marriage in a cav alry camp and a wedding tour in sad dle, you had a unique experience, Wing, but—you deserved her.” And Drum mond turns and grips his comrade's hand. Wing is silent a moment. His eyes are wistfully searching the elder’s half averted face. “Jim, you told me awhile agoof your sister’s approaching marriage. Are you not going on?” “Yes. It will be early in October, ghe’s blissfully happy, is Puss, and he's a very substantial, solid sort of a S llow. I’m well content, at last, that ir future is assuied.” "And you are a free agent practical ly. Isn’t it time we heard of your own happiness—your own vine and fig tree, old man?” "Time’s gone by, I reckon," laughs Drummond, yet not merrily. "I’ve had too much to think of—too much {responsibility—and probably have lost my chance.” Wing looks as though he wanted mightily to say something, bnt conquers , bis impulse. “October is a long way oil," be final ly remarks, “and I thought you might find earlier opportunity of going east. Now that Ned has entire charge of the business in Arizona the old gentleman L takes life easier. The winter in Cuba r did him a lot of good, and Fan writes that ha seems so happy now, having: hi 8 two girls ana ms unie granason imam the same roof with his sister and her children. What a reunion after all these years 1” “ Where are they living In Chicago?” "You would know better than I, for —think of itl—I have never been east of the Missouri since my babyhood, ” answers Wing. “Fan writes that her aunt has a lovely house on what they call the North Side—near the great waterworks at the lake front.” “1 know the neighborhood well,” says Drummond. “Chicago is as fa miliar to me as San Francisco was to you. Only—I have no roof to call my own anywhere, and as soon as Puss is married shall not have a relative or friend on earth who is not much more deeply interested in somebody else.” And the senior lieutenant is lying on his back now, blinking up at the rapid ly scudding clouds. Presently he pulls the broad brim of his campaign hat down over his eyes. “What do you hear from your mother, Wing?” “Nothing new. Bless the dear old lady I You should have seen her hap piness In Harvey. She could hardly bear to let the little fellow out of her arms, and how she cried and clung to him when we parted at the Oakland wharf I Poor little mother 1 She has never given up the hope of seeing that scapegrace of an uncle of mine again.” “Has she ever heard how he tried to mnrder his nephew?” queries Drum mond grimly. "Never. Nor have we the faintest trace of him since the break up of the old Morales gang at Frouteras. They went all to pieces after their encounter with you and C troop. What a chain of disasters! Lost their leaders and three of their best men, lost their ren dezvous at Moreno's, lost horses and mules—for what our men didn't get the Apaches did—and won absolutely nothing except the 24 hour possession of a safe they hadn’t time to open. Whereas I got my commission and my wife; Feeny, honorable wounds and mention and the chevrons of a first ser geant; Coetigan got his sergeant’s stripes and the medal of honor, Murphy his sergeantcy, Walsh and Latham med als and corporalshipe, and the only fel low who didn’t get a blessed thing but scars was the commanding lieutenant —your worthy self—thanks to wiseacres at Washington who say Indian fighting isn’t war.” "Didn’t I get a letter of thanks from the department commander?” grins Drummond. ‘' What else could I ex pect?” “What else?” is Wing’s impulsive rejoinder. Then, as though mindful of some admonition, quieting at once and speaking in tone leas suggestive, “Well, in your case I suppose you can be content with nothing, but bless me if I could.” Then, suddenly rising and respectfully touching his weather beat en hat, he salntes a stoutly built, sol dierly looking man in rough scouting dress, whose only bodge of rank is the tarnished shoulder strap with the sil ver leaf on the shabbiest old fatigue coat to be found in the battalion, most of whoso members, however, wear no coat at all. “ Hullo, Wing—didn’t mean to dis turb your siesta—Drummond here?” aays the commander in his offhand way, and at sound of the well known voice Drummond, too, is on bis feet in a twinkling. “Seen the papers that came in to day?” queries the colonel, obliterating from bis sentences all verbal superflui ties. “Not yet, sir; any news?” “H—1 to pay in Chicago, so far as beard from. The railway strike has taken firm hold there. Police and mi litia both seem nnable to do anything against tho mob, and the authorities are stampeded. . Your home, isn’t it?” “It was once, sir, but that was many a long year ago. ” “W-e-ell ” says the colonel reflect ively, stroking his grixzled beard,” it’s my belief there is worse to come. It isn't the striking railway handa that will do the mischief, but every time there’s a strike all the thieves and thuga and blackguards in the commu nity turn out. That’s what happened in Pittsburg—that’s what’s the matter in Chicago. It looks to me as thongh the plea for regular troops would have to be granted.” “Think we can get there, air?” asks Wing eagerly. “Can’tsay. We’re supposed to have our handa full covering this section of Nebrsska, though I haven't heard of a hostile Sioux this summer. Besides, they have full regiments of infantry at Omaha and along the lakes. Doesn’t Mrs. Wing say anything about the trouble?” “Her letter Is four days old, sir, and only says her father looks upon the ait- nation aa one of much gravity, but women rarely see troubles of this kind until they come to their doors.” “ Well, this is The Times of two days ago. It reached Sidney at breakfast time this morning, and Hatton brought two or three copies out when he came with the mail. I thought you two might be interested.” And with that the colonel goes strolling along down the hank of the stream, pausing here and there to chat with some officers or give some order relative to the grazing of the horses—one of his especial “fads.” And this evening, just as the sun dis appears over the low bluff lying to tne west and the horses are being picketed for the night, while from a score of cook fires the appetizing savor of antelope steak and the aroma of “soldier coffee” rise upon the air, a little dust cloud sweeps out from the ravine into which disappears the Sidney road and comee floating put across the prairie. Keep eyed troopers quickly pote the speed with which it travels toward them. Officers and men, who have just been looking to the security of their steeds, pause now on their way to supper and stand gazing through the gloaming at the coining cloud. In five minutes the cause la apparent—two swift riders, urging their horses to full speed, racing for the ford. Five minutes more and the frremoet tnrows mmsetr iro.a tne saddle In the midst of the group at the colonel’s tent and hands that officer a telegraphic dispatch, which is received, opened, read with imperturbable grav ity and pocketed. To the manifest chagrin of the courier and disappoist- raent of his officers, the colonel simply says: “W-e-ell, I’m going to supper. You ail’d better have yours too.” “Why, blame his old hide!” pants the courier later, “the quartermaster told me never to lose a second, hut git that to him before dark. The hull outfit’s ordered to Chicago by special train. ” And so, finding the eecret out. the colonel presently puts aside professional sang froid and condescends to be hu man again. “Get a hearty supper all round, gen tlemen, then—‘boots and saddles’ and away for Sidney 1” Two days later. A fierce July sun is pouring down a flood of humid, mois ture laden heat upon a densely packed, sweltering mass of turbulent men, many of them flushed with drink, all of them flushed with triumph, for the ill armed, ill disciplined militia of the sev enties—a pygmy force as compared with the expert “guardsmen” of today—has been scattered to the winds; the sturdy police have been swept from the streets and driven to the shelter of the sta tions. Mob law rules supreme. Dense clouds of smoke are rising from sacked and rained warehouses and from long trains of burning cars. Here and there little groups of striking employees have gathered, holding aloof from the reck less and infuriated mob, appalled at the sight of riot and devastation resulting from their ill advised action. Many of their number, conscious of their re sponsibility for the scenes of bloodshed and pillage and wanton destruction of property, publio and private, would now gladly undo their work and array themselves among the few defenders of the great corporations they have served for years and deserted at the call of leaders whom they never saw and in a cause they never understood, bnt there can be “no footsteps backward” now. The tide of riot has engulfed tha great city of the west, and the majesty of the law is but the laughing stock of the lowest of the masses. Huddled in their precinct stations, the police are bandag ing their bruised and broken heads. Rallied at their armories, the more de termined of the militia are preparing to defend them and their colors against the anticipated attack of SO times their force in “toughs”—Chicago’s vast accnmnlation of outlawed, vagabond or criminal men. The city fathers are well nigh hopeless. Merchants and business men gather on ’change with blanched faces and the oft repeated query: “What next? What next?” Every moment brings tidings of fresh dismay. New fires and a crippled and helpless department, for the rioters slash the hose and laugh all efforts to scorn. A gleam of hope shone in at 10 o’clock, and the boardroom rang with cheers at the president’s annonnee- ment that the regulars were coming.—a whole regiment of infantry from Oma ha was already more than half way. But the gleam died out at noon when, with white lips, an official read the tel egram saying the strikers bad “side tracked” the special trains bearing the soldiers, and they could not advance another mile. And so they had on one road, bnt there are others, better guarded, better run. The snn is well over to the west again, Chicago is resigning itself to another night of horror, when from the suburbs there comes gliding in to the heart of the city the oddest looking railway train that has been seen for years, a sight at which a host of riot ous men break away from the threat ening front, dragging with them those “pals” whom drink has either mad dened or stupefied; a sight at which skulking blackguards who have picked up paving stouee drop them into the gutters and think twice before they lay hand on their revolver bntts. No puff ing engine hauls the train; the motive power is at the rear. First and fore most is a platform car—open, uncover ed, but over Its buffer glisten the bar rels of the dreaded gatling gun, and around the gun—can these be soldiers? Covered with dost and cinders, hardly a vestige of uniform among them, in the shabbiest of old felt hats, in hunt ing shirts of flannel or buckskin, in scout worn trousers and Indian leg gings, bnt with their prairie belts crammed with copper cartridges, their brawny brown handa grasping the browner carbine, their keen eyes peer ing straight into the faces of the throng ing crowd, their bronze features set and stern, the whole car fairly bristles with men who have fought tribe after tribe of savage foes from the Yellowstone to the Sonora line, and who hold a savage mob in utter contempt. Here by the hnb of the gatling’a wheel stands old Feeny, close at the elbow of dark faced Drommond. C troop’s first platoon, “mans” the gatling gnn, and nnder its old leader of the Arizona campaigns "leads the procession” into the Garden City of the antebellum days. By Drummond's side is a railway official gazing ahead to see that every switch Is properly set and signaling hack to the engineer when to “slow,” when to come confidently ahead. Behind the platform oar come ordinary baggage and passenger coaches, black with men in the same rough, devil may care scouting rig. All, except their horses and horse equipments left with the quarter master at Sidney station, the battalion has been run to Chicago exactly aa it came from the plains, and Chicago’s "toughs,” who would have hooted and jeered perhaps at sight of polished brasses and natty uniforms, recoil be wildered before this gang of silent and disciplined "jayhawkers.” Steadily, silently, ominously, the train rolls along. As it is rounding a curve sev eral ugly looking fellows are seen run ning at speed toward the switch lever at tne next street crossing, eaciteuiy the railway man clutches Drummond’* elbow and points. Two troopers are kneeling close at hand. “Shoot if they touch that switch,’’ says Drummond, and instantly the locks click as the hammers are brought to full pock, The foremost lunnef is almost at the Iron stand; his hand is outstretched to grasp it when a gasping, warning cry reaches his ears. Glancing back, he sees his fellows scattering to either side, and one look at the smooth rolling car reveals tho cause; two car bine# are leveled at him, and flat he throws himself on hi- face and rolls to one sido amid derisive laughter from the striked tbemeelm A little JEjr- ther on a knot or surly rioters are garn ered on the track. No warning whis tle sonnds, and the clanging bell is too far to the rear to attract their attention. "Out of the way therel” is the blnnt, roughly spoken order. No time this for standing on ceremony. Vengeful and scowling the men spring aside, some stooping to pick up rocks, others reaching into their pockets for the ready pistol, hut rocks are dropped and pistols undrawn as the train whirls rapidly by, and wrath gives place to mystification. Who—what are these strange, silent, stubbly bearded, sun tanned fellows in alonch hats, flannel shirts and the worn old black belts over the shoulder? Even the engine has its guard, and half a dozen of them, perch ed upon the tender, have leveled their carbines to flank and rear, ready to let drive into the crowd the instant a brick ia heaved or a trigger pulled. Steadily, tUcnUv, ominously, the train tout alony. And so into tne great stone station they roll, and here they find the plat forms jammed with citizens—some drawn by curiosity, some active sym pathizers in the strike, and many of them prominent leaders of the mob surg ing in the crowded thoroughfare with out. The train has hardly come to a stand when from every direction the mass of outsiders is heaving np around it. “Now, Feeny, clear tho platform to the left. Take the other side, Wing," says Drummond quietly to tho offic*" at the front door of the next car. In tho very fraction of a second the first sergeant and a dozen men have leaped from the deck, and straight into the heart of the crowd they go. " Back with yel Out o’ this!” are the stern, determined orders, emphasized by vig orous prods with the heavy carbine butts. Astonished at methods so prompt and decided, there is only such resist ance as the weight and balk of those in rear can offer, and that is bnt moment ary. The sight of those gleaming gat ling barrels, the stem, brief orders and the rapid, confident advance combine to overcome all idea of resistance. On both sides, at the head of the train, the huge crowd, halt laughing, half suffo cating, is heaved back upon itself and sent like a great tinman wave rolling up to the iron lattice at the office end. Meantime, without an instant’s delay the battalion springs out from the cars, forms ranks on the north platform, counts fours, and then, anna at right shoulder, away it goes with swinging, steady tramp around the rear of the train, acrosa the parallel rows of rails, and in another moment, greeted by tre mendous cheers from the occupants of long lines and high tiers of stores, offices, business blocks, the grimy, dusty, war worn campaigners come striding down the crowded street. Heavens, how the people shout I Staid old burghers, portly business men, trot panting along side, waving their hats and cheering themselves hoarse. “Them fellers hasn’t no bonqnets in their guns, ” is the way a street gamin expresses it. “Whither are they going?” “What have they first to do?” is the cry. Po lice officials ride now with the captain temporarily in command; a carriage has whisked the colonel over to head quarters, hut haste 1 haste 1 is the word. On they go, silent, grim, with the al kali dost of the North Platte crossing still coating their rusty garb. A great swing bridge looms ahead; a dozen po lice deploy on either side and check the attending crowd. Over they go at route step, and then, turning to the right, tramp on down a roughly paved street, growing dim and dimmer every minnte with stifling smoke. Presently they are crossing snakelike lines of hose, gashed and useless; passing fire apparatus standing unhitched and neg lected; passing firemen exhausted and listless. Then occasional squads of scowling men give way before their steady tramp and are driven down alley ways and around street comers by re viving police. Then the head of col umn turns to the left and cornea fnll npon a scene of tumult—a great build ing in flames, a great mob surging about it defying police interference and bent apparently on gutting the strae- tnre from roof to cellar and pillaging the neighboring stores. Now, men of the —th, here’s work cut out for you I Drive that mob, bloodlessly if you can, blood letting if you must I The colonel is again at the head. All are on foot. "Lett front into line, doable time;’’ the first company throws its long double rank from curb to curb, Drummond, its commander, striding at Its front, Wing, his subaltern, anx iously watching him from among the file closers. Already they have reach ed the rearmost of the rioting groups, and with warning cries and impreca tions these aro scurrying to either side and falling into the hands of the ac companying police. Thicker, denser grows the smoke; thicker, denser the mob. “Clear this street! Out of the way I” are the orders, and for a half block or so clear it is. Then comee the first op position. On a pile of lumber a tall, stalwart man in grizzled heard and slouching hat—evidently a leader of mark among the mob—is shouting or ders and encouragement. What he says cannot be heard, but now, tightly wedged between the rows of buildings, the mob is at bay, and yelling mad re sponse to the frantic appeals and gestic ulations of their leader at least 2,000 reckless and infuriated men have faced the little battalion surging steadily up the narrow street, “ you may have to fire, Drummond, ’’ says the colonel coolly. "Get in rear of your company.” Obedient, the tall lientenant tarns and follows his chief along the front of his advancing line ao as to pass around the flank. Ho ia not 50 paces from the pile on which the mob leader, with half a dozen half dranktn satellites, ia shouting his ex hortations. Just as the lien ten ant’s arm is grazing grim Feepy‘fellow aa be passes tne rrrst serg- am a nutm_, a brick comes hurtling through tho air, strikes full upon the back of the offi cer’s unprotected head and sends him, face forward. Into the mnddy street In the yell of triumph that follows, Wing's voice for an instant is unheard. Obedient to its principle, “Never load until about to fire,” the battalion's car bines are still empty, bnt all on a sud den C troop halts. “With ball car tridges, load!" is Wing's hoarse, stern order. "Now aim low when I give the word. Fire by company. Company, ready I” and like one tho hammers click. But no command “Aim” fol lows. "Look oat! Look ontt For God’s sake don’t fire! Out of the way!” are the frantic yells from the throats of the mob. Away they go, scattering down side streets, alley jv*y*> behind lumber piles, everywhere—anywhere. Many even throw themselves flat on their faces to escape the expected tem pest'of lead. "Don’t fire,“says the colonel mercifully. “ Forward, double time, and give them the butt. We’ll support you. ” Down from the lumber piles come the erstwhile truculent lead ers. "Draw cartridge, men,” orders Wing in wrath and disappointment. "Now, butts to the front, and give them h—1. Forward 1” And ont he leape to take the lead, dashing straight into tho thick of tho scattering mob, his men after him. There is a minute of wild yelling, cursing, of resounding blows and trampling feet, and in the midst of it all a single shot, and when Wing, breathless, is finally halted two squares farther on only a dozen broken headed wretches remain along tho street to represent tho furious mob that con fronted them a few minutes before. Only these few and one writhing, bleed ing form, aronnd which half a dozen policemen aro curiously gathered, and at whoso side tho battalion surgeon has just knelt. “He’s shot through and through," is his verdict presently. "No power can save him. Who ia he ?’ “About the worst ami most danger ous ringleader of riot this town has known, sir, ” is tho answer of one of the police officials. “No ono know where he camo from either—or his real name. ” And then tn hie dying agony tho fall en demagoguo turns, and the other side of his twitching face cornea uppermost. Even through tho thin, grizzly beard there is plainly seen an ugly, jagged scar stretching from ear to chin. "This isn’t his first row by any man ner of means, if it is his last,” says a sergeant of police. “Look at that! Who shot him anyhow?” “1 did,” is the cool, prompt answer, and Sergeant Feeny raises his hand to his carried carbine and stands atten tion as be sees the snrgeon kneeling there. “1 did, and just in the nick of timo. He had drawn a bead on onr lieutenant, bnt even If ho hadn’t I’d have downed him, and so would any man in that company yonder.’’ And Feeny points to where C troop stands resting after tts charge. "You knew him then?” “Knew him instantly, as a deserter, thafe, highwayman and murderer— knew him as Private Bland in Arizona and wonld know him anywhere by that scar.” A policeman bends and wrenches a loaded revolver from the clutching, quivering fingers just as Wing cornea striding back and ahouldura his way into the group. “Ia he badly hurt, doctor? That was an awful whack.” “It is the lientenant, sir, ” aays Feeny respectfully, bnt with strange signifi cance in hia tone as he draws a police man aside. “Look!” And Wing, bending over, gives one glance into the dying face, then covers his eyes with hands and turns blindly, dizzily, away. That evening a host of citizens are gathered about the bivouac of the bat talion at the waterworks while the trumpets are sounding tattoo. A few sqnares away the familiar notes come floating in through the open windows of a room where Jim Drummond is ly ing on a most comfortable sofa, which has been rolled close to tho casement where every whiff of the cool lake breeze can fan his face, and where, glancing languidly around, he contrasts the luxury of these surroundings with the rude simplicity of the life he has lived and loved so many years. Gray haired George Harvey, kindly Mrs. Stone, his sister; blissful,heautifnl Fan ny Wing with burly baby Harvey in her arms and her proud, soldierly hus band by her aide, and a tall, lovely, si lent girl have all been there to minister to his needs and bid him thrice wel come and make him feel that here, if anywhere on earth, he is at home. And here the battalion surgeon and the fam ily physician unite in declaring he must remain until released by their order, and here for three days and nights he is nursed and petted and made so much of that he is unable to recognize himself, and here sister Puss comes to cry over and kiss and bless him and in her turn to be made much of and forbidden to leave, and then, after her big brother's return to duty with the battalion, now being fed and feted by all the North Side, he must needs come over every evening to see her, and, now that pre sentable uniforms have arrived and the rough beards have been shaved and tho men of the old regiment look less like “toughs," bnt no more like American soldiers as onr soldiers look in the field of their sternest service, her sisterly pride in her big brother is beautiful to see—so is her self abnegation, for, somehow or other, thongh he comee to see her, he stays to look at Rnth Har vey, ahy,silent and heautifnl, and soon, as thongh by common consent, that corner of the big parlor Is given up to those two, the tall, stalwart trooper and the slender, willowy girl. And one evening he comee earlier than usual in manifest discomposure, and soon it transpires that important orders have reached him. Fanny turns pale. “Are yon—all—ordered back?" she cries and is for an instant radiant at hia as surance that tbs order involve* only himself. He is called to department headquarters to report in person to the general commanding, who is about to make a tour througn the mountain* in northwestern Wyoming and wants Drummond with the escort She is radiant only until she catches sight of her sister's face. It is not go very warm an evening, yet she marshals the household out on tho steps, nut on the back veranda—anywhere ont of that parlor, where, just as the faint notes of the trumpets are beard sounding their martial tattoo, and jnst as Lieuten ant Wins, returning trap » tiptop} ■ rj visit to his sleeping hoy ana eecapea for the moment from the vigilance of his wife, now happens to go blundering in—there is heard from the dimly light ed corner n. nr the piano the sound of subdued subbing, the sound of a deep, manly voice, low, soothing, wondrously happy, the sound—a sound—iudescrih. ablo in appropriate English, yet never misunderstood -a sound at which Wing hulls short, pauses one instant irreso lute. then faces about and goes tipto- ing out into the brilliant sheen of the vestibule lam]is, into tho brilliant gleam of his fond wife's questioning, renroaohftil eves. H'lrnioiec* one alanre Into the dying face Amr tor all answer, it neing peruapx too public a spot for other demonstra tion, Wing simply hugs himself. That night, under tho arching roof of the great railway station, tho comrades, so long united by the ties of such re spect and affection as are engendered only by years of danger and hardship borne in common, and now so happily united by a closer tio, aro pacing the platform absorbed in parting words. “Jim, think what a load I’ve had to carry all these five years and forbidden by my good angel to hreatho a word of it to you.” “I can’t realize my own happiness, old man. I never dreamed that, after sho got ont into the world and saw for herself, that she would remember her girlish fancy or have another thought for mo.” “1 know you didn't Yet Fan says that over since the voyago In tho New born little Ruth has never had a thought for anybody clso.” There is a moment's silence, then Wing speaks again: * ’ There has not been timo for mother’s letter to reach me. I had to write, of course, and tell her of the fate that at last befell him. Do you know 1 feel as though after all it was my hand that did it.” “How so?" “Feeny says he knew him the instant that side of his face was turned toward him—tho side my knife laid open years ago. That was a fatal scar. ” THE END. A Family of Ciantn. “The best evidence of the truth of the theory of heredity I ever saw,” said T. E. Lucas to the corridor man at the Lin- dell, “is a family named Walker, living in Mitchell county, N. C. There are at present seven brothers and five sisters, the lowest stature of any of them being 6 feet, which is the height of one of the girls. Her sisters run in regular gradu ation as to height—6 feet 1 inch, 0 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 3 inches. The tallest brother is 7 'eet 9 inches, and the short est 6 feet 8 inches. “The mother is short, being but 5 feet 8 inches, while the father, from whom the children inherit their remarkable growth, is 7 feet 2 inches. He is of a family of nine brothers, the tallest of whom was 8 feet in height and the short est 7 feet, and all of thorn lived to a con siderable age, tiie only one surviving, however, being the father of the sons and daughters mentioned. If the pres ent family were arranged one above the other, they would reach 73 feet 8 inches in height. It is said that all of the an cestors back through several generations were of like proportions.”—St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Where fie llelnnged. An English nnper tells the following old story as of something having recent ly happened: The Dartford magistrate sent a boy named Mace to z truant school for two years, whereupon this colloquy ensued: Clerk—You arc bound to ask the father what is his religious persuasion. Chairman—Do you go to church? Defendant—No, sir. Chairman—Do yon go anywhere? Defendant—No, sir. Chairman—Does the hoy go anywhere? Defendant—No, sir. Clerk—Then we shall put him down as belonging to the Church of England. CHARLESTON, SUMTER AND ^ NORTHERN RAILROAD CHARLES E. KIMBALL Receiver In Effect Jan. 16, 1894 NORTH. HOV. .Ml 11. m, J.OV* SOUTH. 1 $ AM. P.M. Lv 7.30 Charleston 8.45 Ar 8.40 Pregnall’s 7.27 10.47 Sumter 5.27 12.05 Darlington 4.12 12 56 Bennettsville 8.21 1.20 Gibson 2.57 1.47 Hamlet 2.30 Ar 6.00 Raleigh 10.15 Lv P.M. P.M. No. 1 connnects with Seaboard Air Line at Hamlet for Raleigh Wilmington, Charlotte, Shel by, Routherfordton ; and at Charlotte with R. A D. Vestibule Limited for Washington and New York. Passen gers can take sleepers at Charlotte at 8 :39 p. in. No. 2 passengers by this train have through Sleepers. New York to Char lotte, connects with 8. A. L. at Ham let from Charlotte, Raleigh and Noriti, and from Wilmington, con nects with S.C. Ry. at Pregualls for liarleston, Columbia, Angugta and the West. Dinner at Hamlet. C. MILLARD, Superintendent ( NAD. and C. A 8. RAILROADS. J * In effect Dec 3, 1893. Through Passenger Train. Leave Wadesboro 4.30 a m Bennett's 4.51 a a- Morveu’s 5.04 a m McFarland 5 17 a ni Cheraw 6.90 a m Cash's 6.12 a in Society Hill 6.26 am Dove's 6.44 a m Floyd’s 6.49 a m Darlington 7.00 a m Palmetto 7.11 a m Arrive Florence 7.25 a m Leave Florence 7.10 p in Palmetto 7.28 p m Darlington 7.38 p in Floyd's 7.50 p m Dove's 7 55 p in Society Hill 8 13 p m Cash's 8.27 p m Cheraw 8.50 p in McFarland 9.13 p m Morven’s 9.39 p in Bennett’s 9.54 p m Arrive Wadesboro 10.15 p in Freight Train. Leave Florence 7.30 a m Darlington 8.40 a in Arrive t'heiaw.... 11.20a in Leave Cheraw 1.00 p in Darlington 4.00 p m Arrive Florence 5.00 p m A. F. RAVENEL, President. N ORTHEASTERN RAILROAD. In effect Jan. 11, 1894. SOUTH BOUND. No. 61 Leave Florence Kingstree Lanes Arrive Charleston .11.20 am No. 35. Leave Florence Laues . 4.52 a m Arrive Charleston 6.59 a m No. 28. Leave Florence Kingstree . 8.87 p m Lanes . 9.00 p m Arrive Charleston No. 53. Leave Lanes . 7.05 p m Arrive Charleston 8.45 p m Train on C. & D. R. R. connects at Florence with No. 61 Train. NORTH BOUND. No. 78. Leave Charleston Lanes . 6.80 am Kingstree . 5 52 a m Arrive Florence 7.10 a in No. 60 Leave Charleston Lanes Kingstree Arrive Florence No. 14. Leave Charleston 8.30 p m Lanes . 5.29 p m Kingstree . 5.45 p m Arrive Florence 6.45 p w No. 52. Leave Charleston . 7.00 a m Arrive Lanes No. 52 runs through to Columbia via Central K. R. of S. C. No. 78 runs solid to Wilming- tou, N. C., making close connection with W. & W. K. R. for all points North. Train No. 14 rnns via Wilson and Fayetteville—Short Line—and makes close connection for all points North. J. F. DIVINE, Gen. Supt. w ILMINGTON, COLUMBIA * AUGUSTA RALROAD. In effect Dec. 3, 1893. SOUTH BOUND. Had It In For Him. Poet—If I ever catch the compositor who mined my last poem, I’ll he tempt ed to murder him. Yon see I wrote a beautiful little gem about my prospec tive wife, and in it I referred to her aa “a comi>oeite of angels." Friend—Well? Poet—And the thick headed printer got it “a composite of angles.”—Boston Courier. The interest on the public debt of the United States approximates $100 per minute. EAGLE BRAND No. 55. Leave Wilmington 8.20 pm Marion 6.11 p in Arrive Florence 6.50 p in No. 60. Leave Florence 7.10 p m Sumter 8.28 p m Arrive Columbia 10.00 p m No. 68. Leave Florence 7.45 a m Arrive Sumter 9 20 a m No. 52. Leave Sumter 9.53 a m Arrive Colombia 11.05 a m No. 52 runs through from Charles ton via Central Railroad: leaving Lanes 8-40 a m, Manning 9 18 a m. NORTH BOUND. THE BEST ROOFING Is unequalled for house, barn, fact ory or out-buildings, and costs half the price of shingles, tin or iron. It is ready for use and easily applied by any one. RUBBER PAINT costs on ly 60 cents per gallon In ban el lots, or $1.50 for 5 gallon tubs. Color dark red. Will stop leaks in tin or iron roofs that will last for years. Try it. Send stamp for samples and particn- lars. Excelsior Paint and Roofing Co., 155 DUANE ST., NEW YORK, N. Y. Dec 38—2m. TTART8VILLE RAILROAD. ** In effect Deo 8,1898. DAILY MIXED TRAIN Leave HartsviUe 6.00 a m Jovann 6.20 a m Floyd’s 6.85 a m ArriveDarliugton 7.20 a in Leave Darliugton 6.80 p m Floyd’s 8.00 p m Jovann 8.20 p m Arrrive HartsviUe 8.40 p m J. F. DIVINE, Gen. Supt, No. 51. Leave Columbia 4.80 am Sumter 5.57 a m Arrive Florence — 7.15 a m No. 56. Leave Florence 7.40 a m Marion 8-23 a m Arrive Wilmington 11.10 am No. 58. Leave Colombia. 4.20 pm Arrive Sumter 5.36 p m No. 59. Leave Columbia ...... Sumter 5.45 p in Arrive Florence.... 6.55 p m No. 53 runs tlnougu to cuarleston via central Railroad, arriving Man ning 6.15 p m. Lanes 7.00 p m, charleston8.45 pm. Trains on Manchester and Augusta B. R-, leave Sumter dally except Sun day, 10.50 a. m., arrive Rimini 11:59 a. m. Returning leave Rimini 1.00 p. m.. arrive Snmter 9:10 p. in. Trains on Wilmington, Chadbonna and Conway Railroad leave Chad- bourn at 10.10 a in, arrive at Conway 12.80 p in, returning leave Conway at 2:00 p. m., arrive Chad bourn 4:50 p. m. Leave Ohadbonru 7.00 a m and 5.15 pm, arrive at Hub 7-45 a m and 6.00 p m. Returning leave Hah 8.15 a m and 8.80 p in, arrive at Chudbonrn 9.00 a m and 7.15 p m. Daily except | 8an joilN F. DIVINE. GenT Supt,