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*Ibt Maiden and the Befell Gallant my LOUI? *. VANCE na, fe a a artow? rv R'CHA-RD DORRAKC*\ meditatlrery rolling a ciga? rette, cast sbeset htm an ap? pro-ring glaaoa, 'Tskfaet country," he drawled to m> body la pertJoular, though Tom Derby same at hand fie heat. "Orange emishloe am the yellow seaaa? magenta shadows* sjttmmarliM see* foxurlant roM-sge to bant aU tisation. This beats Urning raswand on board a yacht, anyway. T*aink ril marry a netrre and settle smsju to dream out my days to pence.'* Ha lit the elgarstte and flopped crrer -ssa nie beet, flourishing heavenward Mi anagthj and Immaealately white gmcfc clad legs. Tom Darby res anted fan resultant display of rtrtd htaiery emd growled. Darby waa in a noent igj sated. He bad been most comfy Dorrance*s prtrate yacht, the Gallant, and saw no earthly rw ?na why he should bare been dragged for a mile's row orer the shallows to the end that they saeght merely loaf on the edge otf the Moreover, he waa a thirst not a drink In sight," be >crosely, "nor a suggestion of a Ibis Is plainly the Jumping off And we'll be caught In the of a thnndet stutuj If T*m not nile %, "Disappointed, yon mean." ?J*Bea,Jeel" Darby went on defiantly, fgeaislin the correction, **wbo*d hare jssj, I*d Bke to know TT *Tbat*s Immaterial ril find some sum** Be raised hie eotee and chanted: ganilemsn, neb and of dlstln appearanoa, desires a wise. Ob matrimony. Ho tri Dare" Darby grsuited and resumed his <thv oeatampm?en of Dorrance's He waa a boot to mane an un rk when bom became of a third per one stst got there so quietly con Id oarer understand, bot ehe before thorn trim and neat and lesireble hi a chic maelln frock a canary colored bat of some sort ribbons, patched saucily atop her brown bah?. Brown eyes she too, and the eery devil of mle rarktng In men? depths, and rosy with the shadow of mirth in their Darby betteree that her nose tin tilted just the leant bit bet he ? rearer dare eat set It At any rate, wee entirely to be adored, with sun filtering down through the and dotting bar with little blurs on his feet in an in and yon may believe that Tom j was not far behind him. The stood bke Idiots, gaping at her as Sf etna bed dropped from haaren. And erne might bare that, bot the dancing eg as were agalust the theory. flaw glanced from the one to the oth aCj apparently enjoying the situation She fairly laughed when "Good evening, gentlemen.** stammered incoherent re and then the young lady calm |y pointed et Daeranee with the tip af rear dainty peresoL *TU marry yon,** said the. She might been snkfhg bim to tea. t Dorrance waa ever more ready Darby and tacky It Is but fair state that Tarn waa staggered, but i nee! ~l was convinced of that when I laid gen on you," be said, bowing. ?Just so," She laughed. And then Derby found his tongue. "Petliaps you're overlooked me*** he sjfcfl timidly. "Dorrance It ail very but 1 hare my points." He stuck his cheat touting low and with a 're weil eorered,'* said Dor nastily. ?"Which you hereby respectfully sub? set to my consideration?" she asked, so, but you're a trifle late, Mr,? Dorranco, 1 think you said? Mr. fjlarrance asked first" Darby protested. "But be nerer "Oh. bet I did," Dorrance interrupt? ed unbroahtngly. *T*r* expected tbrs aegnt along." **Of course he ban," she added eerere Tfty. "That waa vary ungallant of you.** Darby collapsed; be bed nerer l*arn wd to accept defeat gracefully. "Jost my rock," he moaned. ** 1 ner? er raised a little doe and learned to *asre Its soft brown eye but whet* **? "Oh, dry up," said Dorrance ungra cnestsly enough. "Dasidsa, you barn It Tom Darby sulked. The maiden ary?*l Dorrance somewhat approvingly. Iis returned her gase wtth admiring In? marsat but she kept her countenance? only those eyes would dance dlrinety. sYelther spoke till she extended a tiny Taand with a firm pink palm. "Come along." she said, "since we are to be married." "Brer at your serrtoe." And he took the hand. "Squire of demeer Tom Darby snap? ped "Bat you are disagreeable," the said wouderingly. "Don't mind htm." Dorrance said soothingly; "we cannot justly blame him " They moved off, hand In hand. Dar? by remained motionless In high dudg? eon. The affair was so distinctly pre? posterous, end the girl was so dis? tinctly pretty. He hesrd Dorrance laugh, and there was s familiar elan to bis tone which warned Darby that his friend was ripe for any absurd a<lven? ture Moreover. Darby confesses to me aln of curiosity. He relented auf flelently to permit s glance over his shoulder They were qnlte s distance away, dlaeppsaiiog an mud a bend In ne beach. He ran after them shouting They turned end waited. "Mayn't I come, toor ha pleaded humbly. If yeuTl be nice/' aba stipulated, "And ha can be beet man," eald Dor* ranee tentatively. "Oome?" creed Derby generously; ?feef* eoane oosMweetinnl Bot Dick, the Beau Gallant r ^Bother the Beeo," said Dorrmncs warmly. Be looked oot to tea. The race* woe beating steadily up against tee bseese, "Hendrleke can take cere of her all right Ttarl eeery day a fel low gets married. " "No, Indeed," Tom Darby assented heartily end followed them. At least he could eee Dorrence through even should he fall to keep htm from egre? gious folly. And he himself was falling into the mad humor of the proceeding. "Ruth," Dorrence began over his shoulder. "Woof* "My fiancee, sir!" "Ohr "Introduce me," she seid demurely. "Ruth, this Is my chum, Mr. Tom Derby" Tbomae Bdgorton Der"? Tom, my promised bride. Miss Ruth Wnartoo," Again Derby bowed, this time over e pink end white confection of ,a hand. *\I'U marry you,** Decidedly, If Dick did?which of course was mo astro ua?If he actually should win her, he was open to congratulation. "Both," said Dorrance, "is taking us to her ancestral home. We are to meet her paternal trade, Mr. Henry Whar? ton, this evening. At present he Is not st home." "Neturelly she wonts her family to inspect her choice. I promise to make no revelations se to your character; I'll maintain e moat discreet"? "And damning silence. I prefer that you talk." "It Is not fur now,- said Ruth. ?The walk has made me thirsty," Derby complained, "It has then accomplished the Inev? itable," Dorrence remarked loftily. They had struck Inland from the beach, tossing through e sparse belt of pmea, end now emerged upon a narrow strip of sandy road, Opposite them wee e IVchened stone well sur? mounted by broken glass and boasting a rickety, rusty gate of Iron. The three plowed across to this and entered fair? ly specious end well kept grounds. Magnolias end shrubbery grew here end there, end the orange trees were In blossom. There were prim little beds of old fashioned flowers; also a I cast iron stag, severely weather beaten. The tinkle of water from e hidden fountain wae very grateful to Tom Darby's ears. At the end of a glade be caught glimpses of white Corinthian columns, evidently the facade of a mission. Darby's misgivings vanished under the Ufluence of this peaceful scene. If Ruth were heir to such e stately property, then Dorrance?oh, Dorrance was plainly favored of the gods! Meanwhile tine remarkable young lady was sotting a pace that was quite uncomfortable for Derby, who was end to plump, 1st ne say, and firmly op? posed to exertion et any. time,, so that be fell somewhat in the rear and thought It mlghttry dleoourteoue that the two should converse in tones so low that he wae able to hear never e word, Nevertheless he persevered, though with much puffing, and was presently rewarded with an easy chatr upon a broad, coolly shaded veranda and left there, Dorrance and his pre? cious Ruth entering the house, engaged in the moot earneet of conversations. Darby felt horribly neglected and out of drawing till, to his huge delight, an aged negro appeared with a tray end glasses. He forgot his sorrows in the rattle of cracked Ice. From the open window came the murmur of voices, a steady monotone suggestive of anything but love's sweet silence. What on earth did It all mean anyway? Darby's glass was empty; he contemplated It mournfully and slowly stirred himself to refill It He realised that he was very hungry. Dorrance came out abruptly and seat? ed hlmeelf on the railing of the verau da. Darby ignored him; he was offend? ed to the last degree. Finally, how? ever, "Try e Julep, Dick," he bald; "they're excellent" "You were ever a carnal creature, Tom." Darby looked up sharply. Dorrance's tone was strange. He found him smil? ing rather grimly, an odd, truculent ex? pression which was at variance with his usual placid contentment. "Hellor Darby was alarmed. "What's up r "Got nerves. Tom?" "Kot a nerve. AU lost in adipose tkwn*." He promptly belled him ?elf by uia dieeompoeur? and repeated ajixkmsly, "Whafa up?" "I want your assistance. It*a Just Uxia, old fallow, the unele of this angeT? "Meaning your betrothed r Derby griaaea in hollow fashion. "?Just the ssme and seriously." Derby experienced a flash of cem preheoaloo; this might explain why Dorrance was so momentously solemn. "Man, yon don't actually intend to commit matrimony r "But I do, and I may before morn? ing." "Lordl" said Darby helplessly. "No joking matter, Tom. This undo. Henry Wbsrton, as near as I can make out, is a thorough paced scoundrel." "The rtll sin of this dr a romer? G*wanr "listen to me, you infernal Idiot 1 Ruth" Darby waggled his bead hopelessly. Dorrance fixed him with a stern glare. "Ruth," he repeated with determina? tion, "Is heiress to a peck of property? this and more. She's an orphan, and old Wbsrton is ner guardian. She comes into possession when she's eighteen, and she will be that tomor? row." "A woman's age"? "Be quiet If she marries before that nine-tenths of her inheritance re? verts to her guardian." Here Darby grew befuddled. "Then why In heaven's name does she want you 7" \ "I don't know that she does except as an alternativa This amiable uncle is addled about money; wants to get her married, even tried to force her Into a match with a?oh, a real day Vil? lah sort of fellow, Fetter by name. Now, Fetter won't do, according to Ruth. She doesn't want him, or any? body, 'or that matter." "Not eren you 7" "Not eren me," "How do you know?" ehe queried archly from the doorway, and Darby is positive that a prettier picture nerer was than she made framed In its rich, somber darkness. "Are we not en? gaged?" "I hope soP Dorrance cried fervent? ly. Til here you if you'll let me, though all the world"? "Oh, here," Derby exclaimed hastily, "I'm a modest man! Go on with the plot I begin to eee a light" "Well, then," Roth took up the thread of narrative, "as a last resort he per? suaded me to come down here from At? lanta, knowing that I could nerer es? cape. And I never thought It's twen? ty miles to the nearest village, eighteen to the nearest railroad. I could not walk it if I tried, and Caesius keeps close watch on me. The horses uncle took with him when he left this morn? ing, saying that he would return this evening. I am positive that he means to bring beck with him this odious Mr. Fetter end a clergyman." "Two end two," said Darby. "And?and 1 kn^w you thought me a bold creature this afternoon, but 1 was desperate, helpless. I could not think what to do. You will help me, dear Mr. Darby, won't you?" And, believe me, she plumped down on her knees before him. Darby was so embarrassed that he Jumped as though she had kissed him. He adopted a paternal tone, speaking with the matured judgment of twenty five years. ''Why, of course, my dear, you may rely on ma" He was in a fine conceit with himself for that speech. "Oh, thank you." "Not at all! Not at all!" Darby mar? vels that he restrained himself from saying, "Tut tot my dear!" He added, with"5 relievinglnBpiration, "ThenT?e beet thing we can do is to get right aboard the Beau Gallant." "Not In a thousand years," said Dor? rance firmly. "Wbyr Dorrance eyed him curiously. Tve a better plan," be said at length. "Welir "I'll tell you later. For the present you stay here, I'm going to trot down to the beach and signal Hendricks. We dine aboard tonight yon and L" S "That's a mercy. At what tlmeT" But Dorrance was gone. "He Is just splendid, isn't her said Ruth. "Dorranoe? Oh, yes, he's all right If yon marry him"? "I've promised." She hung her bead In such sweet confusion that Tom Dar? by was more than ever envious. "But he will not hold you to that promise." "Indeed," she flamed defiantly, "be bos the right.*" "I wish I had,** said Darby. "Hefa a lucky dog." , Here he suddenly executed a back? ward leap of some several feet Ram had whipped out from beneath her skirts a small revolver. To Tom Derby Its slee approximated that of a can? non. "Great Scott!" he cried. "You can have him. Tm not thinking of inter? fering. Dontr For a moment her surprise was only equaled by his own. Then she began to laugh convulsively. "Take it!" she gasped. "Ife?for? you." Darby was suspicious. "What fort" ho inquired. "You might need?It?should uncle Henry come. He?he would be angry." Darby approached and took the weap? on gingerly. "Is it loaded?" he asked, with trepi? dation. "Of course." "Very well, then," In resignation. He fleposlted It softly upon a table, con? vinced that nt any second he might be? come an Involuntary suicide, aud re? tired to a distance. Uuth fled into the hallwny. Darby eyed the revolver askance and Hwore softly, sighed and lit n cigarette. Twilight was falling, and from be? hind him came stilled mirth. Come 10 o'clock on a cooi, starlit night and the Beau Gallant was speed ing * is* sard under ? full hstfl of steesn. To the north loomed the dim, low eemet of Alabama. In Che ealoon was aaeembted a mot? ley party to a champagne supper, of winds Dorren te and Tom Darby form? ed the only self satisfied members, the others beiag plunged In deepeet gloom despite all attempts to entlTon them. First, Henry Wbarton, aged In years and eta, if his countenance be allowed as evidence, glowering evilly across the tabls st Dsrby, whom he had mis? takenly conceived to be the moving spirit of the enterprise; then Mr. Fet? ter, young sad weak willed, lacking ex? cuse for his existence, but mightily Im? pressed with his own simulation of rakish worldllnsss; lastly, a pale, frightened person, a clergyman by his cloth, but deep in the clutch of a rag? ing thirst for strong drink?these were the an willing guests. Mr. Wbarton addressed himself to Tom Darby, who was contentedly en? gaging the breast of a tender chicken. Mr. Wbarton shook a lean fist framed In soiled linen st him. "I'll have the law on you!" ho cried, quivering with rage. "You'll find, young man, that this is not a country where you can kidnap?yes, kidnap? peaceful cl?asns at your will and not Buffer for It" "I wish," said Darby calmly, "that you wouldn't wear your cuffs more than a week at a time. You spoil my appetite." Mr. Wbarton fumed, speechless. Fet? ter laughed. "He's right there, pop," he said ir? reverently. "But don't you think you are a little lawless?" he added to Darby. ' "Not at all," Dorrance interposed, smiling indulgently. "The parson will be witness that you came willingly." The parson raised expostulating hands. "At the pistol's point" be pro? tested very truthfully. "I merely, invited you to a stag on my wedding ere, end you came with alacrity, though I did understand that you had a pressing engagement" The parson smiled faintly. Mr. Whar ton attempted to control himself. "I'll tell you what" be said, speaking slow? ly and thickly. "If you'll take us back immediately I'll give you $1,000." Dorrance laughed and shook his head. "Fifteen hundred?" "You ante too low," Tom Darby sug? gested. "Three thousand," he snarled. "On, make it worth while and I'll ; raise you, pop," cried Fetter. "Fiver "No," said Dorrance. "Ten, then. I'll give you tenT Mr. Wharton's hands were trembling violently. Dorrance politely filled his glass for him. He tossed it off eagerly. "Twenty?" he pleaded* "Whe-ewT* Darby whistled. "I had j no Idea the stakes were so high." Mr. Wbarton hesitated; every mo- | ment was now v t consequence. He | stuttered painfully. | "Fl-fif-flfty thousand," he managed^to say. i Dorrance rose and looked at his j watch. "You have no security to offer but your word," he said wearily, "and that is worthless." Mr. Wharton's Jaw moved loosely, but no sounds came. "Moreover," Dorrance continued, "I j don't need your money, nor do I want it" \ "I'll have the law on you," Wbarton repeated sullenly. Hope was dead In his breast "I wouldn't if I were you. And you will not This Is rather a noisome busi? ness which you've attempted?and fail? ed at Your credit would suffer were It i known. So you will say nothing. I'm | happy to inform you that you're too late. It Is 11 o'clock, and your word will be her own mistress In one hour." | Dorrance walked to the door end gave an order. The engines began to chug more slowly, and the Beau Gal? lant came' almost to a standstill. Mr. Wharton sputtered threats and obsceni? ties. *T believe you were right" said Dor? rance to him. "Ws do not desire your company after all. Come on dock. I'll put you ashore now." The four followed him. "That Is Mobile," he sold. Indicating a hose of light on the northern horlxon. "There is a landing here and a fair road. By hard walking you should reach It in the early morning. Thence you can get home by noon if you're lucky. But by that time Ruth and I will be married." "So that*s your game," Fetter sneer? ed. "I thought you didn't care for the money." "My dear sir," said Dorrance, un? moved, "when you have associated with decent people for any length of time?if you ever do?your thoughts may be of some consequence. At pres? ent your opinion is of absolutely no moment" "The boat Is ready, sir," a man re? ported. "And now, gentlemen, I thank you for the pleasure which your company has afforded me. Oh, not a word, sir"?to Mr. Wharton?"the obligation is entirely on my side. Good evening." He was bowing them over the side when a thought struck him. "Oh, par? son, I quits forgot! Ws may need your services. Do not go." So the parson stayed, most willingly, H seemed to Darby. And the Beau Gallant turned tall on the lights of Mobile, picked up her boat and steam? ed swiftly back ovei her course. The dawn found tho yacht swinging tazlly at anchor. Mr. Dorrance camo m deck, refreshed by a bath and a breakfast yet with a carking doubt for a background to his thoughts. He received an Immediate Impression that all nature was chuckling in huge en? joyment of his predicament He leaned upon the rail, scowled and lit a cigar, hurling complicated oaths I down at the careless sea. Hore au hour later the slothful Dar? by found him. "Well," cried Darby genially, '-for an expectant bridegroom" 1 T>orrauoe favored him with a heavy glare. "Bridegroom," he said shrwty, Ik eWrnelly"? "What! Why, but, yesterday" "Wss yesterday. Today to another matter. rm in the devil of a fix." "The lady hasn't sent weed lefaelua you 7" anxiously. "No; that's Just the tsetfbla" Dartzy grinned blandly at the uni? verse. "Boxaaooa,'* he propounded, Is the asJt of life and its serov. Without rtr? "One eseapes the holy bonds of mat rim out. Tom, without exception you are the most unmitigated"? He broke off. "I'm going ashore and have over wKh it Come along." 'TU stand around obhvtotft at no lovers' tryst You shall go alone." And to this he stuck, so that the rest is only hearsay, but strongly sup? ported by circumstantial evidence. She was seated by the splashing fountain when hs met her. She did not hear his footsteps, but sst Idly dab? bling her hand in the water, lost in reverie. A school of little goldfish gav. lng for rations swarmed to her finger tips-, "Obi" she cried, wttn a rueful smile, seeing him before her. "I've returned," he said awkwardly and k*t the power of coherent thought '1 see you hare." She laughed con? fusedly and rose. "You?you had no trouble?were In no danger?" "Not In the least I"? The unavoid? able grew startlingly Imminent "You have been safe, I trust?" "Thanks to your kindness?ves," A pause; then, "I?I don't know how to thank 3*ou, Mr. Dorrance." "Mr. Dorranee," he repeated foolish? ly. H<? rushed desperately in where both bid feared to tread. "There is the wa;r"? "I?I?of course, I"? "Oh, then we are agreed?" Her tone was haughty as a princess, "But I didn't mean"? he floundered. "You mads your meaning plain, sir?" "Since you fsel that way about it"? He turned to go. "Oh, one moment I?I do not wish that you should think me ungrateful. Indeed, I am not You have done me s great service, and"? "And the reward?" "But I scarcely know you." "I havent claimed It" "I am sensible that I gave my word.' "But your heart?" She sighed. "My heart remains mine." "I knew that" "To bestow?oh f? She had been toying with her ring, a tiny affair studded with a single stone. It had slipped from her fingers and splashed in the fountain. Dorrance was Instant to plunge his arm in to the el "Iii have IM law on yon I" bow. Site was no less Quick. Their hands met He had the ring. He re? tained also the hand. "Am I ever to be your debtor?" she pouted petulantly. "I hold that which can make you my creditor forever." She Mushed, and the day was not peer to ber loveliness. "We could never agree," she said thoughtfully. 'Ton are so"? "So"? "Cannot you understand?" He sho >k his hesd. *T am very dense. I wish I did." The long lashes swept low upon her cheek; he tried In vain to see beneath them. "Won't you tell me?" "Oh," she flushed Impatiently, "you have never ssked me. Am I to fall Into your arms of my own accord, sir? You never even said you wanted me or that you?you"? "Ruth! Ruth.!" he cried, with Infinite, Joyful comprehension. He carried the tiny, dripping hand to his Hps. "But I do love you," hs pleaded tenderly. "Will you marry me?" She was purposefully detttjerattvo? finally: "No," she seid. But she had tried to look htm steadily In the eyes, and her own were dear traitors. Both Agreed. "Young man. I was told today that you were the worst boy In the neigh? borhood." "Gee! If I was a man and any one talked that way about my little boy some one would get licked." "Some one Is going to get licked now. Take off your coat"?Houston Post An infinitude of tenderness Is the chief gift and inheritance of aJl great men.?Ruskln. One mwy dominate moral suTerings only by labor. Study saves from dis? couragement- -D'A bran tee. OVER IN GEORGIA. How the I/ma of Hevenue from Liquor license Was Made Up in a Prohibi? tion State. Mr. Editor: Your advice to the city council is wise and timely; but as a matter of consolation, it might be well to pub? lish the accompanying facts and fig? ures. I C. C. BROWN. "What are the facts about Georgia and Atlanta under prohibition? The records are interesting. State-wide prohibition went into effect the first of January, 1908. The tax books of Atlanta show an increase in taxable values for 1908 over 1907 of more than $5,000,000. The city's budget for 1908 was greater than for 1907, and, despite the loss of the saloon tax, the income of the city for 1908 was more than $68,000 in excess of 1907. In? stead of a deficit, the present adminis? tration will leave a surplus. "There was a decrease In the num? ber of arrests in Atlanta last year, as compared with 1907, of 8,810, and a decrease of cash collected through the police court of more than $84,000." Judge W. A. Covington, says: "Let it be said that when Gabriel blows his horn, whether that event happen next year or a thousand years fiom now, it will not wake up a single place in Georgia where the sale of in? toxicants is licensed by law. That kind of a thing has taken its place with kings, with slavery, and with witch? craft persecutions. As a proof of It, ' no newspaper in the State and no pol? itician is to be found that thinks oth? erwise." Gov. Hoke Smith's statement: "Despite the fact that the prohibi? tion law caused a loss to the treasury of $240,000 annually, and despite last year's panic, the State collected from last year's taxes over $500,000 more than it collected In December and the eerly months of 1907 from taxes of 1906. "This increase of revenue came In part from compelling railroad and public service companies to pay more nearly the amount of taxes which, they justly owed the State than they paid before in pervious years. "The tax returns already made In? dicate that from -a'^rem taxes for 1908 we will collect in December, 1908 and during the early months of 1909 $20,000 more than we' did the year pervious, so that next year the treas? ury should have to Its credit between $500,000 and $600,000 from ad va? lorem taxes in excess of the amount collected from the taxes of 1906. "This item not only wiped out the $240,000 loss from liquor licenses, but It gave a balance In addition thereto. We will this year pay $330,000 to the public school in exce&s of any sum paid in previous years. "Every obligation of the State has been met this year, and more has been paid toward public schools than during any previous year." Do You Want to Make $100.00? Write Chas. M. Stieff and he will gladlv tell you how to do it. Don't delay, write to-day and watch each change of our advertisement. Chas. M. Stieff Manufacturer of the Artistic Stieff, Shaw and Stieff Seifplayer Pianos. SOUTHERN WAREROOM 5 W. Trade St. CHARLOTTE, - N. C. C. H. Wilmoth, Manager. (Mention this paper.)