Pittston Gazette

              *i -V w?* f Oldest NewsDauer in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., PA., FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1890. A VVteKly Local and Familv Journal HE SPOKE TOO LATE. slnco that unfortunate young man's childhood, and I found him in soro distress ovor tho execution, which was to tako placo beforo ton o'clock tho following morning. in their verdict by the fact of his not being In uniform. "It is against tho rulos" 1 said, "for you to havo a knifo; you cannot expect me as a irood soldier to violate thom." dooms it boot for tho interest or tno scrvico to—" troopor, saluting with tho nana that hold tho pistol, "and says ho wants to see tho officer in command." This man was a fair typo of hundreds of Union refugees I had soon in tho early part of tho war. IIo was as straight as an Indian and thero was much of tho aborigino in his comploxion and Impassive bearing. Tho soldier turned and rodo away, . and beforo I could framo a question to put to tho prisoner, ho advanced boldly to tho fire, and in tho peculiar accent of the mountain mon in that region ho said: horse, and running up I found mysoll in the arms of my gallant friend, Captain Ford, of tho famous First Kentucky Cavalry, or "calvary," as half the mon called themselves. BILL NYJi IN THE SURF. I Tho program mo opened with afi overture, which id frequently the case at such times, and was followed by a suite of dances by Brull. It was from the Ballet La Champagne, and one could almost imagine that he saw before him the graceful, litho limbed and giddy skippers of the leg-itimate drama. Then camo some soft, easy going waltzes by Gounod, Saint-Saens and other able composers. After that Mr. Seidl introduced a Hungarian rhapsody by the eminent but slightly lecherous Liszt. It was No. 12 ©f his rhapsodies, and Mr. Seidl kept good time to it with his little parasol handle. When the music was completed the applause of the audience mingled with that of the roaring billows outside, and then some more pieces were played with great success, closing with a selection by Nessler, called tho "Trumpeter of Skowhegan," if I am not grossly mistaken. The opera from which it was taken from, as the tautologists have it, was laid on the Rhine, where it was afterward secured and utilized by Mr. Nessler. l$r. Seiffert played the trumpet solo in this piece, and was recalled at its close by red message, he being somewhere upJtoward the iron pier in order to give nis music the right distance. Be was a pastor of high repute; That she wan a beauty none could dispute. Bo loved her dearly, yet loved in vain, "111a command," I said, "is roported to bo down near Cumberland Gap. How does ho explain bis being two hundred miles away from it and within our lines when oaptured?" Then tho writing stopped and tho clicking died out while tho operator nervously worked tho switchboard key, but without making a sound. "But I will not hang!" ho said, with an oath. "Thero is a way—some way, to avoid that, and my sister will holp me, if you do not!" HE HAS HIS PICTURE TAKEN IN A BATHING SUIT AND A SMILE. For be dared not tell her his longing pain. "I am powerless to help Prank," said tho General, after wo had boon talking a few minutes, "for tho ovidonco is all against him. It was any other man—if I had not known him sinco ho was a child and his mother sinco sho was aschool-girl I should say without hosita-. tion that ho richly deserved his fate." Before daylight tho wholo regiment was up, but instead of advancing on one line, thoy swarmod in from overy point of tho compass. But when, at the eiose of church one day. She asked his escort a port of the way, "What is up?" askod tho Goneral, his strong fac-o twitching with excitoment. "Tho linos are down to tho North; wo are shut off from Washington, and wo must remain so at least for the day,'" said tho man. Bis heart beat high, and he almost thought He'd bo able to plead for tho love he sought "I will concede that ho was rash in coming into this part of the State as ho did," sho answered promptly; "but his purpose was not to play the spy." "What then was his purpose?" "You know Miss Mattio Vernon and her family at Versailles?" D "Yes, very well." I mado up mind to provontlils suicido. I tried to soo tho him, but was not disappointed at my failure. A man with a ropo about his neck and tho gallows In sight is in no mood to listen to platitudes.Sir Georjrq Pullman's Thinks on the Bright and Sliiny Past—Coney Inland 'Tve a favor to ask," the maiden said. As sho blushed and drooped her lovely head; "I wish to know if you'll marry me Colonel Wolford was at this time in command of tho brigade to which my regiment was attached. So as soon as ho appeared I reported formally and turned ovor my command with a great senso of rolief. and Other Fashionable Watery Plaeeg. Who Knows of Van Pelter? la church next Tuesday at half-post three." "That's Just what I wanted to ask," he said, "And now we'll hMtea each other to wed"  "Oh, no!" she cried, "that was not my plan; You must marry me to another man!" CnAPTHU V. [Copyright by Edgar W. Nye.] Recalling tho fact that men on our sido as well as on that of tho South often had to disguiso themselves in or-! dor to get through to soo their friends wbonon leavo or furlough, I said: Promising to spond tho night with him I wont out to attend to tho duties that had boon my excuso for coming to camp Dick Robinson. Every fow minutes I dropped into tho tolograph offlco at headquarters in tho hopo of hoaring that a favorablo answer had boon roooivod from Mr. Lincoln; but ton o'clock came, with increased wind and rain, without a word that might givr hope to tho condemnod man. Tho Goneral pickcd up tho paper, and aftor reading ovor tho fow words in throo different ways ho oxclalmod: Coney Island this season seems to be a good deal improved as to tho character of its patrons. I was told that many of tho tougher class had gone to Tuxedo and thus greatly increased tho haut ton of the West End. I had quite a little talk with Mr. Silas Drooler, tho artist and tintype impressionist of tho West End, early in tho week regarding this change for tho batter. He also says "And you may havo hoard that since even before tho troublo Frank has been devoted to her?" "nit's a lino ev'nln', KerniL" "It might bo worse," I replied. With inimitable coolness, the old man took a bito from a plug of tobacco, then, sitting down on his haunches beside mo, ho asked: "Bo you the head one har?" "I am." "Hear from Kaintuck?" "Yes." Then and till this hour Frank Wolford has been my beau ideal of a scout and leader of irregular horse, and if thoro ever was a braver, more ubiquitous or moro irregular body of cavalry in tho world than that same splendid First Kentucky, history has failed to mention it —New York Herald. I had heard something of this, but I also knew that Miss Vernon and her family were In favor of the Union and that it was generally believed that sho was engaged to Howard Scott, a young Kentuckian then on General Carter's staff; so I simply nodded in responso to Carrie's question. "And you will postpono tho execution?" I asked. "I think I havo enough to act on!" vans "Under tho circumstances, it seems pretty hard to charge a Kentuckian with being a spy." , "Yes, I fool justifled in doing sc till 1 hear further from Washington." "Do you know tho circumstances?" asked the General. Without waiting to hear moro 1 fairly flow down to tho military prison. It was of Carrio I had boon thinking, for Carrie I had beon hoping tnd praying. Sho saw mo coming, and in hor awful eagernoss she ran to meet mo. She must bavo divined my messago beforo I spoke, for her white face flushed and tho huntod expression fled her eyes. Crying out; "Thank God fortho good news!" sho throw hor arms about my neck, and our lips met In forglvoncss and rejoicing."Only in a general way," I replied. Although a typical Kontucky mountaineer, Frank Wolford always impressed mo as & fino typo of tho Puritan horsema—a rough ridor of Cromwell's era, living two centuries after his time. In tho prime of lifo, of medium height, strong as a bull, tireless as tho wind, stubborn and set in all his opinions, with tho oyo of a hawk and tho fearlessness of a tiger, ho was just tho majD to load that wonderful band of horsemen, lie was ono of thom; ho dressed and ato as thoy did. Uo called his officers and men by thoir Christian names, and even tho buglers addressed him as "Frank." I novor hoard a man whose oaths sounded less ltko profanity. IIo walked with a limp, tho result of a wound, and it was said that his mon, from love and sympathy, limped also. A STORY OF LOVE AND WAB "lie was captured in citizen's dross near Lebanon," explained General Boyle; "but wo might overlook that were it not for tho fact that on the trial it was proved conclusively that Frank Brent, a fow weeks beforo his arrest, wantonly murdered an old and re-, spected Union citizen ovor on Chaplin creek, Perryvillo. Ho had a fair trial, and there is no getting away from the ovidenco." "A gwino on tor holp wouns' an Meester Burnsido down Knoxvillo way?" "Learning that Mattio Vornon was very ill," sho continued, "Frank, in the hopo of seeing her, was making his way through to Versailles when ho was captured; then, to mako suro of oonvicting him, they charged him with a murder that was committed when ho was away with his command in East Tennessee." CHAPTER IV. I had no appetito for my suppor with Genoral Boyle,. Wo loft tho food untastod, whllo wo discussed Frank Brent's chancos. "Yes." BY ALFRED R. CAI.HOLN. "Wa'al, ho needs all tho help ho kin git." "I supposo so." "Ya-as, indeedy. But I say, Kornil." "What is it?" I asked, my amazement at tho old man's coolness and loquacity Increasing every moment. "Thar's right smart deonger 'tween har an' Knoxville." (continued ) CHAPTER A. "There aro two Kentuckians in Washington," I said, "who should have weight with tho Presidont if thoy wero to intercodo. I am suro thoy know" Frank's kinsmen, if thoy do not know him." MFor God's Bake, dear Harry, como to mo at onco. Brother Frank was captured by your people at Lebanon ten days ago. lie was ohargod with being a spy, token to Camp Dick Robinson, and thon, after a trial that must havo been a Judicial farce, bo was sentenced to death. Mr. Seidl uses only the Chickering piano his performances. He uses ii. by standing it in the pit with a large monogram tarpaulin over it, bearing the name in tall, gilt letters. Then at the close of the season Mr. Chickering throws off this horse blanket or sweater together v with half the price and lets Mr. Seidl/) / have the piano. r / He also uses the Mason & Hamlin or-^—' gan in a similar way. I lectured onco in a large city for the benefit of the watermelon sufferers of Georgia, and on the programmes I found that I "only used the Chickering, erect,' , overstrung piano" at all my entertain- : D  ments. Somebody did well out of that but I was not in it, to use a truism fron ' Socrates. This, of course, was her brother's story, and sho, at least, believed it as if it wero Holy Writ. At ton o'clock that morning tho troop wagons wore ready to draw out, and my mon stood by their horses Impationt for tho ordor to mount I had bado Carrto and hor brother good-bye, and her last words wore still ringing llko music in my ears: "What you have done for mo and mine, Harry Watts, can never bo forgotten." "And has he offered no defense?" I asked. "no made a statement, but thoro was nothing to confirm U." Asking her to remain whero sho was for the present, I securod a pass from tho provost marshal and wont down to tho inclosuro within which was tho log house in which tho condcmnod man was confined. "Who are thoy?" asked tho Gcnoral. "Tom Speed and J udgo-Advocato General Holt" "That isn't news," I said. "I reckon not, but hit's a heap flight wuss'n you'uns think foh. W'y, thar's Chenowlth'8 men, an' Wheeler's men, an' Brent's Partisan Rangers jist a Bwammin' har 'bouts." "Then there is no hope for him?" "I fear not," said tho General, compressing his lips and shaking his head. "But," ho added, after a pause, "I am making an effort to get tho date of tho sentenco postponed." "By Jove, Captain, I did not think of theml" oxclalmod tho old man, as he started to liisfoet. "Join mo in a telegraph and wo will send it at once." "Mother Is so prostrated by tho nows that she can not leave her bed and I feel as If my senses wero deserting mo. CnAPTI'.Ii III, Feeling that it was my place to do tho questioning, I checked him and asked: In addition to his own regiment, Colonel Wolford had with him four squadrons of tho Eloventh Kentucky, and ho said that Major Brown was near by with threo hundred of tho Seventh Pennsylvania. "If brothor bad fallen in battlo, fight- Ing for the cause so dear to him and to bis family, the blow would havo been still hard to bear, but it would have been as Heaven compared with being hanged like a dog, and this for an offense of which he is entirely innocent. I must confess to having often felt an ntenso dosiro to cap„uro Frank Brent, «.nd on his part ho had boasted, with something of an Indian's ferocity, that ho would wear my scalp at his belt boforo tho war was over. But tho joy I bad anticipated in his humiliation was not mino when in tho dusk of that stormy evening wo stood faco to face. (N. B. —At this time, tho word "telegram" had not come into uso.) Holding my hand, General Boyle said: "Find out if Brent was in Powell's Valley at the dato ho claims, and, if you can got evidence to corroborate Lis statement, send it through by one of your scou ts at once. I f this is not done, tho postponement which ,1 have assumed may turn out to bo a great misfortuno to all co^cornod." Tho old soldier know tho secrot of my interest. I promised to do all that lay in my power; then, with mutual prayers for tho success of our common cause, I swung into tho saddle, tho bugle sounded, and my troop rode out of Camp Dick Robinson. "What havo you done?" "I havo telegraphed tho President and am expecting a reply at any moment." Wo hurried into tho telegraph ofilco, and within ten minutes theniosnago was being (lashed to Washington, thero to bo duplicated and copies sent to Tom Speed and Gonoral Ilolt. "Did you say Brent's Partisan Rangers are near here?" "Ya-as, Kernil, boon har nigh onter goin' two months," ho said, promptly, adding, after ho had sent a stream of saliva into tho fire: "An' a or-ni-ar-ier lot o' hounds I ain't never sood." BY THE SAD SEA WAVES. "And if a favorable answer does not como by to-morrow morning?" that many of tho canaille of Coney Island have gone to Ocean Grove for the summer. Mr. Drooler took a tin type of me in bathing coetnme while I waited; I give it here with the aid of Mr. McDougall, who has so kindly volunteered before this at times to set me right before the public. Very few people look real well in a bathing costume, it seems to mo, and this picture would indicate that I am no exception. Bathing in a hired chemiloon with red braid on it does not give me that gentle sense of thorough ablution that I felt when in childhood I defied the police and, clothed in nothing but conscious rectitude and a little bag of assafcetida which I wore around my neck to keep off the prairie mange and other plagues incident to a thorough education, I plunged like a long, buff streak into the lDosom of the mill pond. During breakfast I told him about Frank Brent, and bo roplied: "I did not think during this struggle to ask a favor from any man wearing a blue uniform, nor should I do so under any other circumstances. I am emboldened to appeal to yon when I recall that your family and mino were neighbors, since long before we wore born, that you and Frank were playmates in boyhood, and that you wero classmates at Center College when the war burst upon us; nor can I forget that thero was a time when I held more than a sister's place in your heart. By tho memory of the happy past, I invoke your aid in this the hour of our sore distress." "Then," said tho General solemnly, "I must do my duty as a soldier; indeed, I am powerless to stay tho execution."As a drowning inan 13 said to clutch at a straw, no I drow comfort from what wo had dono and at onco wont down to the prison to oommunloato tho fact to Carrio Brent and her brother. "Is Captain Brent with thom?" "No, ho left." "Did you over seo him?" "Bet your life I did." "I reckon that fellow ain't lying this tlmo. But tho other side have hung lots of better Union menj why Bhould you bother?" When I last saw Frank Drent he was as handsomo a youth as could bo found in all tho Blue Oras3 country, but tho two years of strifo aud privation had told on him—this and tho terrible ordeal ho was thon undergoing. Ills fine, tall form was still erect, and his bearing half defiant, but tho ashy pallor of his chcelcs, tho haunted expression in his dark eyes, and tho nervous twitching of tho lips told how keenly ho felt tho situation.The time will come when a prima donna may pause between her selections while the orchestra proceeds with the interlude and, slowly hut deftly removing her artificial, teeth, polish them neatly on her elbow and call attention to their general godd qualities and biting powers, at the same time giving the name of the maker .and thus getting an extra set at the end of the season. Mr. Informal Williams, of Ninth avenue, who has practically controlled the pretzel market at Pier One for the past season, has opened a branch at the West End and last week shipped a whole fish pole full of these toothsome victuals. A hot Frankfuiker works at South Beach, owned by jPerley Dinksblatter, caught on fire last week and was completely gutted, ; f Long Branch looks bright and smiling this season and alctng the ocean drive many new faces are) seen. I frequently save up enough during the winter to stop over at Long Branch between boats by being economical. I liko to visit thci Branch each summer, and every onfe is glad to see me there and why I cannot stay any longer. It is not because I am prejudiced against the Branch, but because I cannot afford it. Now, at Sonth Beach I can go from my country seat at Slipperyelmhurst-Back-of - the-Reservoir-by-the- Sea for five cents Carrying my own bathing suit, which consists of a knitted chemisette, I repair to some unfrequented portion of the shore* and after eating a hasty bite of some pure food, consisting in part of cold salt pork held in place "Aad Miss Brent is hero?" "Yes, poor girl. I havo given her my privato quarters. You will find her there or at tho prison," replied tho General.I passed tho guards about tho enclosure; passed tho guard pacing boforo tho door, and caino to a halt on the threshold. Within I sa-.v ton soldiors woar- I frankly told him tho secret of my interest and repeated the promise I had mado General Boyle and tho condemned man's sister. Before answering this question tho old man Bhut ono eye, cocked the other contemplatively up at tho sky, and began stroking tho gray tuft of hair on his chin with both hands. At length ho said: "I remember hit was nigh onter *bout the middle o' last month. He was over near my plaoe when ho started off alone foh Kaintuck. I'vo hoard his mon say ez how hit was all coz o' a wom-C an, for sich I bcz moa'h fool he. But I wish they'd all clarcd out'bout the samo timo." "When did you see him last?" Feeling my helplessness more than ever, and dreading tho meeting, which I had recently been so anxious to bring about, I went to tho General's quarters, whither tho boy, Ike, had pr «D■ CiC no. "I'll help you," said the Colonel, "but you'll allow it's a bit strange to see one of our peoplo fretting himself to save such a fellow." Ing tholr side arms and standing at parade rest It was my first experience frith a military execution, but I did not need to bo told that thoso mon woro tho death watoh and that they or tholr relief would remain with tho condemned man till ho stood on tho scaffold and tho trap wan sprung. On the crest of tho slope, winding to 'tho southeast I turned and lifted my hat and, through tho mist and storm, I saw tho flutter of a white scarf, like an angel's wing, and I felt that there was ono Union troop followed by tho prayers of a Confederate woman. I will confoss to having tm ibkd and felt nervous when in tho p:u.t I heard tho irregular rattlo of rlfics along tho skirmish lino, that always impressed mo like a preludo to tho opora of death; but such experiences woro ealmnoss itself compared with my sensations on onco moro standing in tho presence of tho girl, who, from tho hour of our cruol parting under the locust and tulip trees beforo her mother's house, baa novor been out of my heart. While wo woro talking, McKee come into oamp, seomlngly muoh excited. I introduced him to Colonel Wolford, and without waiting to bo questioned, he said: I was in command of a troop of cavalry and was on my way to Join Burnsido at Knoxville. For two months we had been hunting "Tinker Dave Beatty" and his bushwhackers in tho Cumberlard mountains in my native state, Kentucky, and were glad of tho recall to a moro congenial field. I gave him ray hand, and said, as I led him to a seat: This was my second visit to Camp Dick Robinson. When hero boforo wo were preparing under General Thomas to advance against Zollicoffer, whoso host untrained and boastful, was raiding tho shores of tho Cumberland. War seemed a grand thing to mo in those days, when nearly every regiment marched to tho stirring strains of its own brass hand, and when«very private had more impediments than a Major- General carried now. Thon the trappings of tho horses wcro regal in their splendor and tho officers wcro moving pictures framed in bluo and gold, and shoAdcr-straps wcro so beautiful and novA that it was said some of tho youiwor men woro them when in bed. Tho ■egimental banners, asido from symbolized, were things of shimmering, silken beauty; now thoy wore shredded and riddled, and bloodstained, but thoso very rents had bocomo eloquent with memories that thrilled us as the.new flags never did. Our ofDcero carried no insignia to distinguish thom from tho mon. Tho trappings of tho horses wcro rusty and cracked, our uniforms were faded and sorao of thom rdoly patched; our carbines had lost tho gloss of finish; our troop guidon was a tattered, faded rag, and the scabbards of our sabors wcro dented and worn. Tho choor, tho song and tho wild halloo of exultant youth wcro no longer heard in camp or on tho march. On tho faccs of tho youngost and tho oldest man In that troop vtfas not twenty-seven, thero wero sot linos that mado them stern, lines that had been burned doop in tho furnaco heat of battlo. But though not so fair to tho eye, oach ono of thoao men was worth ten of tho volunteers of tho early war. "Frank, I am mighty sorry to find you in this fix." A dim lamp, suspendod from tho heavy, rough-hewn cross-beams, revealod the prisoner and his sister soated beneath It, whilo in front of them stood tho old, white-haired post chaplain, himself a Kentucklan. "I havo no fault to find with my boing a prisoner, for that is tho fortune of war," ho said, with a nonchalant air. "As good or even better mon than mysolf havo had to submit to capture. But I do object to lK-Jiiffconvicted of a crime which I am incapablo of committing." "But Chero must havo boen evidence against 70U?" I said, quietly. "Thar's a camp of tho Partisan Rangers with 'bout twenty men in hit back in tho hills not more'n a hour's rido off." This certainly confirmed Frank Brent's story. Concealing tho pleasure tho old man's words gavo me, I determined to tako him in hand seriously. "Oh, them was glorious days," as Sir George Pullman says In his Night Thoughts. "How lean and meager is the salary we get today compared with the joy that came with freedom and health and fried mush and gentle sleep." I was speaking to Sir George about it tho other day, and as he charged up a colored porter with the loss of a towel on his last trip he heaved a sigh, and looked out at window as who should say: "Ah, what recompense have wealth and position for the unalloyed joys of childhood, and how gladly today as I sit in the midst of my Oriental splendor and costly magnificence a titled foreigner with a glittering order on my breast, but chaos in my soul, and thoughtfully run my fingers through my choice but changing chin whiskers, would I givo it all, wealth, fame, title and position, for one brief, balmy, breezy day gathered from the mellow haze of the long ago, when I stood full knee deep in the lukewarm pool near my suburban home in the quiet dell and allowed the yielding, soothing mud to squirt up between my dimpled toes." Tho Colonel questioned the old man, and all his answors woro clear and nromct. We woro encamped on tho old battlo field of Mill Springs, tho first complete Union victory of tho war, when a black That picturo impressed mo powerfully. Tho rain camo down on tho shingled roof with tho rattlo of a hundred miniature drums to tho accompanimont of tho wind's shrill fifing. I had grown familiar with funeral dirges and hurriod burial services, and although I nover witnessed ono unmoved, tho most solemn of them had novor affected mo as did tho preparations for death going on before my eyes. "What Is your name?" I asked. "Georgo McKeo," ho answerod, promptly. "Watts, you'ro more interested in thoso infernal Partisans than I am; how wou'.d you liko to go over and gobble •em?" asked tho Colonel. It is not lovo that leads mo to extol Carrie Brent; for in a land famed for the beauty of its women she was an ao- HlUnl — \ "On which side do you stand?" "On tho side o' tho Guv'mont an' A 1st Tennessee." "So there was!" ho exclaimed, "but from first to last tho condemnatory part was porjured." "Nothing could suit mo hotter,** I replied; adding: "that is, if McKoe will guide mo." "Been in tho army?" "You refer to tho murder of John Harding, near Porryvillo?" * fv/'J "Yos, that's it, Captain. Harding was killod, how or by whom I know not, but. I do know that at tho dato of tho murder I was still with my command, two hundred milos away," said Frank, with a fierce earnestness that convinccd mo ho was telling the truth. "Ya-as, kinder off an' on liko; but I can't go too far away from tho ole wornan; howsomdovor I cot two boys a fightin' foh the Guv'ment Did have three, but one got shot down Shiloh way 'long with Mocstcr Neelson." McKeo promptly consented, and within twenty minutes I was riding for tho hills at tho head of forty of my own mon. Many a night when lying noar tho mangled dead and listening to tho heart-rending criesD of tho wounded, Ihavo cursed tho cruel barbarltlos of war, and this foellng of loathing has grown on mo with tho yoars. As I looked in at tho whito faco and lovod form of the woman doarcr to mo  life, I felt like shrioklng out a prpfgit against tho conditions that  deserving, had crushed hor puro, bravo heart "What commands are your sons with?" (to bb continued ) "One's in tho Second Aist Tonnosboo Cavalry, but ustcr bo Kee-ahtah's oritter regiment foah ho got to bo gin'ral, an' tho othor—that's Miko, he's 'long A Subject He Was Familiar With. Professor (to young farmer applying for matriculation)—What do you know about acoustics? "But could you not prove your whereabouts at tho time?" I askod. I ••Prove my whereabouts at tho timer repeated. "Why, eould I bring fmy of my mon before a Yankee oourtmartial to provo an alibi?" Young Farmer—I know she does If ehe gets into deep enough mud.—Yenowino's News. "But, are there no Union troops who might havo boon aware of your vicinity? It is your custom to lot your wheroabouts bo known," I said. After a few words of exhortation that Impressed me as being tho vory essence of heart-bom eloquence, tho old chaplain began Tom Moore's oxquifllto sacred song: "Como, yo disconsolate, where'er yo languish." During tho singing, in which the prisonor and his sister Joined, I wont in and sat down bosido hor, and with a broken volco I tried, as did the stolid guards, to give emphasis to tho olosing lino: "Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven can not heal." '.'If I have ever used any unkind words to you, Sarah," said Mr. Henpeck calmly, "I will take them all back." "Yes, Indeed!" she replied; "I suppose so you ctfn use them all over again."— Judge. No Settlement. The West End is not overran by wealth and style or russet harnesses or clanging carriage chains, bnt it has an atmosphere of light melody and freedom from restraint which is real nice, I think. I won a cane there daring the week by throwing rings at it. It was not an Intellectual cane, bat cheap, and with a very small development about the head. The more I goto Coney Island and watch the ways of west Enders and cane venders the more I notice that the gold headed canes are so wide across the top that the rings will not bestride them. The cane I got has a nice red typewriter head on it, made of celluloid, and the Btick itself is of pure hide bound Weehawken malagga. It only cost me eight cents, bat the canes I bought and did not get cost me $2.85. Frank Brent roso and began pacing the floor, while he strokod bis soft, brown beard in a perplexed way. Suddenly coming to a halt before mo, ho fixed his eyes on tho floor and said: 1HK DOT WAS 'WELL MOUNTED, boy came to my quarters with tho lettct from which tho foregoing is an extract Tho boy was well mounted, and his spattered dress arjl tho flanks of tho animal, which wore covered with orlmson foam, told how hard ho had ridden. SHE GAVE ME IIKB BIGHT nAJJIX knowledged bcllo. Two years had passed since last wo met, years of march and battle, that had solaced and aged me, and changed my character from a light-hcartod boy to that of a bronzed and bearded man whoso soul was aflame with a sense of duty and a desiro to bring about pcaoo with Union—that or an otornity of war. Driven to It. "There is one of your men, an old friend of yours, who Is now In Llbby prison, who, If he wore hero, oould prove that on tho very day John Harding was killed I was in Powoll's valley, near Cumberland Gap." "Now, papa," said the summer girl gayly, "what do you think is the best summer resort?" Jessamino County, seventy miles to tho north, was my old home, and on tho other side of tho Lexington pike from my father's house was tho fino bluo grass farm of tho Widow Brent, the block boy's mistress and tho mother of Miss Carrie Brent, whoso remarkable letter I had just read. Promising to call again boforo daylight, the ohaplain wont out about twelve o'clock, and tho fury of the storm seemed to bo intensified by tho silence. I made an effort to speak, but realizing how weak words wore for my purpose, I whispered to Carrio that I would go down to the telegraph oifico and find out if a message had boon received from Washington. "Suicide," said the old man disconsolately.—Washington Press. "Who Is tho man?" I asked. "Howard Scott." Preserving the Unities. I had mado up my mind to stand on my dignity. I recall tho last words I had heard from bor lips, words that out me and pained mo more cruelty than the Bholl, which subsequently at Bentonvillo toro off my right arm; "Go, Harry Watts, and join the Lincoln hirelings if you will, but after you havo taken that step I wish never to see your face again." Our march to Cumberland Oap was over tho route taken by Brasrg's army a year boforo, when, after tho flcrco fight at Perryvlllo, thoy fell leisurely back, ladon with tho rich spoils of Central Kontucky, wbllo tho tardy Union legions mado only a show of pursuit. Still, tho track of that unhurried retreat was visible through ovcry defile of tho torn pest- tossed Cumberland rango. "I'm writing a play dealing with the Indian question." "All Lo comedy, I suppose?" "Yes, with a few hair raising episodes."—New York Herald. "Howard Scott a prisoner?" I exolaimed.with Martin's Battery B. Aist Tcnn'sco, flghtijp foh tho Gov'mont," and tho old man emphasized this declaration by another Dombardmont of tho flro. "Yes, captured by me on tho tenth day of October—the day of tho murder, mind you—captured by mo two hundred miles from the place where Harding's body was found. I am usually well-mounted, but no horso could make that distance In a few hours," said Frank Brent, with a nervous laugh. A PLUNGE IN. "Have you como straight from Nicholasville, Iko?" I asked tho boy, after I had directed an orderly to havo tho horse cared for. by Shaker flannel cakes and washed down with a beaker of old Rhenish wine from a secret vineyard of mine in the hills of Kentucky, I disrobe behind an oar which I stick up in the sand, and plunge madly with a glad, gurgling cry into the spray, where I snort about for an hour or so and then return to my atelier, where I resume work on my new almanac for 1891 and do other literary work till my seething brain warns me that I must desist or incur the displeasure of the board of health. I quostlonod him at length, and booamo satisfied that ho was a good Union man and that his object in seeking mo out was to guldo mo through to Knoxvillo by a route that would froo mo from tho swarms of Confederate horsemen then in that part of tho Stato. A Great Convenience. "No word yet, slr,"ropliod tho operator to my inquiry; "and," ho added, as he bont his oar over the reoeiving instrument, "I'm afraid wo can get no news from Washington to-night." "Do you know there is likely to be a cable to the Cannibal islands?" Pop corn this year is favored with everything as neatly as soda water and is less gummy, aa a young lady from Vassar said to me on the boat as I was holding her hand for her a moment while she was listening to some boat musiq. Speaking of boat music in New York bay this season, I think I notice a slight improvement in that regard, several of the bands having been shot by maddened passengers and their places not yet supplied by others. One entire boat band was bitten by a mad dog in June; also in the calf of the leg, and no one has been raised up to take its place as I write. Much good may be dono at times, I think, by well directed hydrophobia. A colored quartet who thought they sang on board the excursion boat which last year encircled Sfcaten Island daily now imagine that they are singing at South Beach. For the privilege of wauling on that trip last year these men had to nay the boat a small sum. Toward autumn their wives raised it by laundry efforts. Nothing was paid in by passengers except onco. An ill guided man from Ponghkeeptd«• who was deaf and also absent minded gnvo t'.iem five cents on the 18th of July, but he was observed by another passenger ami the next day the body of the Poughkeepsie man was found far out to sea with an airtight stove tied around his neck. "I came ovah from Nicholasvillo last nigh', sah, wid Miss Carrie, an' I done left her dis early mawnin' wid Massa Frank at camp Dick Robinson, whar dcy tole lier so how you was jes' 'bout ovah heah; so she tole mo to flno you an' gib you do lottah," said tho boy. I repeated theso words to myself, as 1 neared the place where I know I should find Carrie, for she was beckoning to Tho logcabins, clinging liko odd bird's nests to tho mountain ledges, woro "Ah, then tho cannibals will be able to order their missionaries in advance." —Lawrence American. "I shall not deny what you state," I said, "but as you can not corroborate It, It does not help your oase. As we are not exchanging prisoners now, Lieutenant Scott's prosenco is out of tho question, though 1 will oonfess that his evldenoo would save you." abandoned or inhabited only by womon and children. Tho fonccs that had inclosed their patches of potatoes and corn were gone, and tho men who had built them woro in tho flold or sleeping on it. Along tho hard, rutty trail lay scattered tho dobris of war's flood; broken wagons, tho skeletons of mules and horses, and ash spots, marking tho sito of old camps; hero and there a gravo; and over all tho naked crests and rain-washed valloys tho spirit of silcnco and desolation. "Why not?" I asked. "Tho storm covers a wide area," said tho oporator, "and I fear our communication with tho North will bo shut off before morning." After a visit of two hours, MoKoo rose and said: Same Ears. I ordered my cook to givo Iko something to eat, and then I took a turn about tho camp to think over tho situation.me as I approached. But when I saw the beautiful, pale face and tho expression of unutterable woe in her eyes, I. forgot the dignity I had promised myself, forgot the indignity with whloh she had dismissed me, and fooling only that on ray side at loast, the love of our early association had survived the parting, I reached out both hands and said, huskily: "I'll bo back long afoah sun up, an* I'll bo roady to pilot you plum down to tho Ilolston, but ez hit ain't wiso tohavo toilers hold carbines to yor head whilo you explain, I'd bo obloeged if you'd givo mo a wrltin' that *11 mako me froo to como an' go, az if I was ono o' you'uns." Gus de Smith—I am head over ears in love with your daughter. Judge Peterby—I suppose those ears are the same ones over which you are in debt.—Texas Siftings. "Has this happened before?" "Yes; several times." He bad evidently been thinking over every chanco to avert his sentence, for hfl said quietly: •'And how long boforo repairs were made?" All of this costs but a trifle, and leaves me considerable means to use in the purchase of members of the legislature and other farm produce. It was early November, 1SC3, and word had como North that Ixmgstrect was hard pressingMJurnsido at Knoxvillo. Troops were being hurried South, by way of CumlDorland Gap, to tho help ol tho Ninth Corps, and as the rest of my regiment was in East Tennessee, my orders were to push through and Join it without any unnecessary delay. "General Boylo bolloves ho can got your President to postpono the date. If that is dono, Scott can bo paroled, Bpooially exchanged, or his cvidonce, taken in Riobmond can bo Bent through under a flag of truce, no does not liko me, and thore is no lovo lost between us, but he is a bravo man and he would not lie, not even to get square with mo for the trick that led to his oapture." "Tho shortest timo was twenty-four hours," said tho operator. "I would suggest ice cream," remarked Miss Bleecker, "but Pm dead broke." Both in the Same Fix. I hear some complaint this summer at the bathing places regarding lack of proper care of the bathing houses, and the crying need of more cleanliness. One lady at Coney Island this summer, whose home is on the east side of New York, and whose husband made his money by a judicious system of sanitary plumbing and unsanitary charges for same, told me that her eldest daughter, Elfrida, came home after utilizing one of those public bath houses and her clothing was just literally covered with erminn.Fcollng that oven tho elements were arrayed against tho unfortunato prisoner, I mado my way back to tho log houso. I gavo tho old man a pass, ordered a trooper to see him through our pioket lino, and, after bo had gono, I wroto out all I had hoard about Frank Brent and had Lloutenant Arnold sign it with mo. To mako sure of getting tho information through to Camp Dick Robinson I docidod to entrust tho letter to McKeo and to send him back as soon as I folt suro of my ground. "I, too, am in mortal fragments," replied Miss Beacon Street, of Boston.— New York Sun. "I got your letter, Carrie, ar.d I have como." Now and then wo caught sight of a horseman far oil from tho lino of march, and tho fact that ho kept out of reach convinced us that ho was ono of tho enemv's scouts, from whom wo had nothing to tear, now ana men a pun ui smoko could bo scon spurting out from some cliiT, far overhead, and tho crack of a bushwhacker's riflo would follow. If no harm was done, wo passed on unheeding; if a man was shot, wo encirclod the mountain, and never returned with a prisonor. And so for six days wo pushed our way through to Cumberland Oap. Sho gavo mo hor right hand, and I could soo In tho half-averted face the strugglo between prido and fooling. Sho mado an ofTort to speak, but, ovorcomo by hor emotions, sho dropped into a chair and covorcd hor fooo with her hands. Carrio gavo mo a quick, searching look, but she asked no questions; sho know as well as if I had told hor that no word of comfort had boon receivod from Washington. Newspaper Personality. If I had not received this lotter 1 should havo been riding for tho Southeast within an hour; but I was suddenly reminded that wo nocdcd a larger supply of ammunition for our recently-received Spencers, and that timo would bo gained by going to Camp Dick Robinson to got fresh mounts for about half ipy men. It was not a violation of orders to go by this route, and after I had mado up my mind, which did not tako mo many minutes, I tried to mako myself boliove that tho hopo of again meeting Carrlo Brent had nothing to do with my ohango of plans; but looking back after the lapse of theso many years, I am confident I could havo roachcd East Tonnessee without fresh horses or more ammunition.Caller—Is the editor in? Bright Office Boy—No, he's out; but the foreman's more'n made up fer it. He caught Castaway yesterday at fifteen t' one.—Judge. I did not ask what this trick was, nor did I dream that I was shortly to hoar the Infamous story from the Bps of the man In question. "Every thing," I said, "depends on the outoomo of General Boyle's efforts with the President If thore Is a repaiovo, and I sinoeroly hopo there will be, we may got Lleutonant Scott's evldenoo in time to save you. Meanwhile, keep a stiff upper lip, and command my purse and my time. I shall be here till noon to-morrow." I suggested to Frank to lio down, but ho shook his head and said, grimly: "Tho timo is too short to spend it in Bleep. When tho ond has como ono can rest through eternity." I heard her low moaning, while ber slondor form swajed as If sho would rook her agony to rest; this and the tears pouring through hor littlo white fingers and falling on her heaving breast unnerved me more than tho unexpected appearance of all iiragg's army oouia have dono. CHAPTER VIL Doctor—You must be very careful about your diot. No Trouble There. Tho knowlcdgo that tho onomy was all about us kopt Arnold and mysolf with tho pickots all night Aa a matter of precaution wo extinguished tho oamp fires, and throw up a breastwork about tho inclosuro whoro tho horsos and wagon mules woro feeding. It was half It soomqdas if tho sun had gono down for tho last timo, so long was tbo night. Just bofore daylight thfl chaplain returned, and, thankful for tho oxcuso his presence gavo me, I again sought tho telegraph office. Ttiero I found Gonoral Boyle, and he did not nocd to toll mo that ho had not closed his eyes In sloep during the night. Dashaway—That's all right, doctor. My landlady attends to that.—New York Son. .People can't be too careful in that way. A correspondent writes me from Ocean Grove to know what he shall do about collecting a slight bill of $500 against the landlord of a boarding house there who rented a house of the writer last summer for that sum. Toward the close of the season the guests all assembled at the breakfast table one morning, and while merrily chaffing each other and such things some one asked, "Where is Mr. Van Pelter?" for that was the gentleman's name who ran the establishment. He came not till the breakfast was cold, and so several went in search of him. They went up in the garret, where summer guests had been in the habit of hanging themselves, but he was not there. His business had been profitable, so they did not see why he should suicide, unless he was leading what is called a double life, and the two familieshad got acquainted with each other. A man novor appreciates his want oi power or roalises how utterly helpless It Is possible for him to beoomo so muob as when ho tries to ohcok the flow of o beautiful woman's tears. By an effort of will, rather than because of my wellmeant attempt to pacify her, Carrie Brent brushed the tears from her cheeks, and, springing to ber feet, orled out in a voice full of pleading and passion: On tlio oveninguf tho seventh day wo went int » camp not tar from I'lailwrno 3reel." and well below tho tJnp Since noon v.o had been tearing tho hoarso booming of guns coming from tho South. Longstreet was making his hist flerco assault on Fort Saunders, sixty miles away, but tho conformation of tho valleys carried tho sound without break, till even to trained ears tho fighting seemed loss than an hour's hot rldo bo- chaptkr v:. All Explained. Cleverton—What kind of a time did you have in New Jersey? Dashaway—I had a New Jersey kind of a time.—New York Son. These colored gentlemen are dependent solely on their voices and their wives for support If they were not permitted to obtain their livelihoods by singing they would have to work. I do not dislike these musicians, but their songs, devoid of anaesthetics, will kill burdocks by the roadside. I like good coon music and will walk quite a long distance to hear it, bat when it is so rank that the restless oysters turn over in their little oyster beds and moan as the boat goes over them I think it is time to call a halt past threo in tho morning, and I wasi with tho plokets to tho southwest of tho camp, when, from tho direction of Knoxville, 1 heard tho beat of hoofs, coming on qt a walk, and tho unmistakable clatter of ohains and scabbards. Soon tho blaok forms of horsemen, like Bpectral silhouettes, como to light against tho stars. If these wore Confederates, I roasoncd that they either had the boldness of great strength or elso they were not awaro of their proximity to a Union force. When tho foremost horsoman camo within hail, I shouted: I roso to go, and Lgaln gavo him my *and. Still holding it he looked about In answer to my quostion, tho operator said: I loved Carrie Brent as heartily ae I disliked her brother, but my dislike for Frank was not because ho was a Confederate; for many of my dearest kinsmen and friends had enrolled thomselves under the same banner. Captain Brent—I doubt if ho was regularly commissioned—commanded, bofdro his arrest, an irregular troop who had given themselves the namo "Partisan Rangers." "these men had shown themselves to bo experts in gathorlng up horses, while thoy were cruel in their troafr ment of tho non-oombatant Union men of tbo State. Unfortunately such conduct was not peouliar to the Sou thorn site. Had To. "Tho dlroot linos working west from Washington are down." Smike—You seem to be tolding your own? "Then," X gasped, "you oan not communicate with tho Capital?" Dodger—Don't get a chance to hold anybody else's.—Chatter. "Oh, Captain Watts, save my brother) Do not let your people become his murderers t" "Yes, Cinoinnati has Just said that they wore about to operate ovor tho long circuit by way of Cleveland, Buffalo, Now York and south along tho coast, but as tho storm is moving rapidly hi that direction, I should not bo surprisod to find all communication shut oiT bofore ten o'olook," said tho operator. low. Our proximity to r.ongstroct's corps an •. Wharton's ubiquitous rangers did no« increase our vigilance, that had never boon abated. Tho hopo of soon rejoining my regiment cheered my men who now began to speculate as to tho old friends they should find left to greet thorn, for on tho march wo loarned that our boys had lDocn badly cut up at Campbell's station whllo trying to check Longstroot's advance from beforo Chattanooga.In the year 1706 the average weight of fatted steers in tho Loudon and Liverpool markets was but 310 pounds! This, too, at the average age of 5 years. In 1755 this average weight was Increased to 483 pounds. In 1830 tho weight was 650 pounds, more than double that of 1706. The average weight of the fatted steer today Is four times what it was in 1706, only 18* years ago.—St. Louis Republic. Evolution of the Steer. Feeling £jiat it would bo cruel to repeat to her what General Boyle had told me of*to assure her of my own inability to assist her, I said, vaguely: Many able prophets said that this year would see a trreat falling off iu the attendance at Coney Island, but I do not notice it It was said that other new resorts would cut into Ooney Island even as the enraged and outraged surf had out Into Brighton Beach; but it is not apparent New York needs all the breathing holes there are, and though you go to one and think that the multitude cannot be duplicated you find that it can over and over again at hundreds of other places, seaward and inland. "Ilalt! who goes there?" "For your sake and your mother's, as well as in tho interest of humanity, yon may depend on my doing every thing In my power for your brothor. But I should like to ask what you know about his case." In tho unmistakable accent of tho Cumberland mountains, tho answer camo: While we stood bonding ovor tho Instrument on whose mysterious ticking so much depended, tho gray dawn of a stormy morning gtole In tho room, and tho rovoillo wont ringing through tho oamp. "Mobbo friends and mebbo foos. Who tho blazes aro you?" However, they dragged the Atlantic ocean carefully and got a good many other curiosities, but did not get Mr. Van Pelter. "Dismount and advance—ono at a timo," I commanded, ns tho dark horsomon appeared to rise from tho ground all about mo. A Grave Duty. "Is thoro a duty on buttons?" "Certainly." "What is it?" When It was found that Kentucky must take sides and that hor valleys and hills wero to bo battle-fields, Frank Brent and I parted In anger, bo to go South with John Morgan and his "Lexington Rifles," and I to don thoblue and yellow and fight under tho old flag. He had boeu recklessly bold in his coming •n4 his going, and, as a oonooquenco, he had brought on himself tlio capture, which I regnrdod as inevitable from the flwt, and ho was now threatened with i toath which many believed he deserved CHAPTER IL • *- aftwrnoon fo "I can toll 70a Frank's story as be told It to me, and I never knew him to lie," she replied. I looked at my watob; It was ton minutes to six. In four hours Frank Bront would bo standing in tho placo of exooutlon, from tho direction of which I oould hoar tho hammering of tho men making tho soaiTold ready. Wlillo I did not permit my lovo foi Carrlo Brent to blind me to tho interosts of tho cauBO in which 1 was enlisted, still i;hC) v/»'» n"70r out of my mind, and besldrthis, I felt that It was my duty ai a man and a soldier to save her broth or if 1 could. Wo woro now on tho ground whero Frank clulmod to havo boon whon John Harding was killed near Porryvllle, and I determined to secure whatever evidence might be in his It is now over a year and the correspondent asks me to kindly mention through theso columns that any one giving him any information regarding a heavy set and rather wheezy blonde male, weighing upwards of 280 pounds, with iron gray whiskers in his eijrs and a decided penchant for -fried chicken and revivals, will confer a lasting favor upon him by communicating with said gentleman in my care. Also that any person interested who will take the trouble to come down to Ocean Grove when Mr. Van Pelter is brought back can see flame fun by staying around there for a day or two while he and the tradeqpeo gand others renew their acquaintance b Mr. Van Pelter unravel hia fc for him. As tho strangers did not show a disposition to comply, I wa3 about to give tho order to fire, when a voice, that had a familiar rim? in it, called out: "To keep trousers up."—Lawrence American. "Is It not truo that Frank was In citizen's dress when oaptured?" I asked. Good food can be had at Coney Island at a moderate price, many articles comparing favorably as to quality and tariff with those in the city. Devilish crabs and lionized potatoes especially are to be had in groat profusion and at reasonable rates "tojJl. "It 1st but you should know bow difficult—how oven Impossible—It Is for Confederate soldiers to secure proper uniforms. Go to oamp Chase, or look at the prisoners recently brought here, and you will see that, although oaptured la battle, not one-half of them ace la uniform," she said. llard Lack. !"Hello, thar; is that Harry Watts?" "That's my name," I replied. "Who are you?" Her hazel eyes were, 0 ao clear; Her little self was, O bp dear; I was about to walk out with tho Gonoral when tho clicking Increased in a tovorish way, and tho operator called outt Her pouting lips were, O so near; A saint could not resist her. Her little fingers lay in mine; "Wait, gentlemen, I think thoro Is something coming soonl" "Wolford's Fust Kaintuck. A flghtin' fob tho Guv'ment, by gosh!" came the thrilling reply. Her golden hair, so soft and fine, I dallied with. Now be benign If 1 confess I kissed her. hoax mb vol: N I PR. favor. Mr. Anton Seidl is holding his recitals at Brighton Beach, and amidst the rpar of the surf the sweet musjc of tbo orpheclide and germicide may he he&qL On the day I attended Mr. Seidl wu in real good form. He does not play hW eelf, bat merely does the ornamental beckoning, and the playing £]a aft Lrnrj, mi— i to make sure that he could not bo overheard, then bent towards me and whispered:Wo turned back and bont ovor him, reading the words as they oamo from his pencil: I had Just eaten supper and was on« toying a smoke with my only lieutenant, Walter Arnold, wheu a mounted Trooper rode up to tho fire, a cocked pistol In hla right hand and a gaunt old man, with leathory cheeks and butternut otatbes, marching before him. "Is that you. Ford?" Cn» I «h forced to confess thai if I had been on the ooort-martlal I should not have paid much heed to the draw worn by the prisoner at the ttmo of hli aapture; and although I did not tell her bo, I wai rerj nit that the offloen vho triad Frank BmdA vara jat Intinnnii) " 'Tain't no one else." "And Wolford'.1' I felt her sweet breath fan my cheeks 80 happy I, I could not speak; 1 wished each second was a week; following ind rot with my troop at camp Dick Robinson, when I at one* reported to the commandant, my old Mend, General Boy lew The General h«d kapwn Frank Brent "They have taken away my knife; loan meyoura." "Washikoton, D. C., Nov. 10,1868. — General J. Boyle, Commandant Camp Dick Robinson, Ky.:—1The President directs mo to say that after an iiD itorvlew with Mown. Speed and Utflt til "IIo'll bo up ehorily with the reg*- mont. Thuntloi! wu'ro out huntln* liront's damn partisans, and thought we'd jumped 'em." Ah I but the time seemed fleeting. I longed for just one moment's bliss; for Just one clinging, long drawn kiss. I didn't take itl Beaaonf  X onions had been sating) —lAwreno* AaaadoH I was In the aot of putting my hand Into my pocket, when hia purpose jtruck mo. and I withdrew it. _C  **0»me into our linos, uir." said tha The speaker threw hfTf1* ftlMB