Pittston Gazette

              t Oldest in the WvoniiDf* Valley yoi*. Wo. 115- • j —wD—————— PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., I»A„ FRIDAY, JULY 31 , l8!tl. \ WteKly Local and Family lournal. rS.'S-iE"" •Jhat ff/cmlng Garcia was exacted at EheJSinnicksf bouse, but Ik) did not come. His absence was scarcely noted. The loreia had enough to think of in each other. "He lias been looking rather under the weather istelv," remarked the count. "I suppose be is taking a rest." They intended after the ceremony to take a trip to.southern California, where the count thought of buying some land, and they would be back in New York in June, by wbich time the summer dwelling on Long Island would hare been coirp'eted. Here their estate extended aci-osd the island, from tLe sound to the sea. a miles long by ten pules in width. The house was erected ■vrirtiin n mile of the place where once b-food the hut in whicfi Keppd Darke bad passed a memorable night. The hat haC3 been removed, but the f?wamp Btill renlained. hold in the United States; loug cablegrams on i he subject were sent to Europe, and it is not too much to say that by the end of a week nearly every inhabitant of the civilized world had heard the name of Olyinpia Raven and knew something of her history. and cruel as sin. The rich, glowing creel, looked up, and his glance and Salcolor, the queenly grace,.the dark, daunt- lifc'e met. What she saw in his mind less eyes, the smiling, curving lips, the 80,11 a Quick Hush to her face. Forainosparkle of a jewel here and there, and a ment she held her breath. No soldier in certain oriental luxuriousness of cos- hattle was ever nearer death than Sallio tunie and demeanor, all contributed to then. But she had a resolute heart, and render her a splendid, pestilential creat- { when she drew her breath again it was ure, such as the women of mediaeval Italy with a smile. might have been, or Cleopatra. There! "Do you always curry a revolver?"' she she stood, like a queen in her kingdom; : said- "We are alone in the house, exaod she greeted the count with a smile cel)l my maid. 1 could have protected of pHunre so bright and spontaneous mytelf, but I am sufficiently protected i that, *nd lie been in a mood to 6]Decnlnte by circumstances. It has been arranged about it, he might have imagined she that if anything happens to me Olympia was glad to see h'"i for his own sake. will not long survive me," t'-l anj heartily glad to see you, Count "Have we not had enough of this?" tie Lisle," she said. "I thought it even a®ked he. "Do you really expect me to chances that von did not comc, Yon accC*pt your statements as facts?" evidently have courage. Shall I clap "I might leave you to suffer the consemy hands ivnCi Jet the assassins spring qnence of not accepting them. But I forth upon you?" She actually diCfcla? to spare you the pain of uncertainty b§r haqdg as she spoke, Jhe signal mo see. What can I do? the curtains m a uoorwayat tue upper ' ) ott Imoio 8t*o of here? part of th? room parted, anil in cam©— J'011 u°t «T've her an engagement not a band of assassins, but—a pretty ring? And did she not wear It on the French maid-in-waiting, with the Rus, OT®uia? when you U«t saw her?" sian Samovar on a tray. Sallie watched . slirugjrfd hisshoulders, "I have her guest under her eyelashes, but he Kiv°o her mffny things-—nodoulAftring, did not even turn his head to see who among others. She might have Jpst it, entered. He was turned to sterner is- and " have been Picked nP! I sues than this, and Sallie smiled again. cuu * sa^'• «I am here on business," he said^seat- "At f»te, I will restore it to yon," ing himself in th® chair sbP indicated, said Sallie. "It is not mine, and since "and I must request yon to conduct thii elie nQ loD«er wears it you should have interview on basis. You say charge of it." youTiave something To sell I want So saying, she drew the bo* toward to buy. If you prove tfiat you have it 6^,n , , .an out a *t you can namo your pripe." wafi a black diamond in an antique setf.'ph, my dear count, you forget that I U ('ne °^The Jf*®?? had a woman, with all a woman's foibles contained in Napoleon s treasure and fraijties," she exclaimed; "Women cask(Jt, and the count had givep it to cannot move in straight linee, like bui- Olvropia fis the pledge of their betrothal. £* they must undSato. &5*2. Bnch another ring did not exist in the Besides, I want to feel that I am a hu- w or *new that Olympia would man being dealing with another human never willingly let it leave her finger, being, not one part of an abstract com- proof that the worst was true was mercial transaction. You must remem- complete. He slipped the ring on his ber mat this is one of the most interest- ow" i*n'*er. and said, Well? ing moments of my life. You cannot I',™; Ufn' J H«C*tion," expect me to let it pass by |n so frigid a ? ,,.•1®' 'waning back and stirring her manner. I must get what pieat there is tea, "What would you be willing to out of it; or, if you cannot sparo the time sacil^ce to save her lifey and patience, you can always get up and 860 n? re®son why I should discuss go away. But I give you fair warning question with you," said the count that I will not tell you what you want '} VKter, ,tof deal *** wTho to know until I have told you every- the immediate charge of her. I underthing I want yon to hear." Stand your plot, and that I am to blame "Perhaps, yon had tetter give me fat Pi Jt. I allowed Garoia some assurance, in the first pj£e. that toobton hypnotic control pver her. You you can tell me what I want to taow" won the poor creature toyour service, by Sallie hesitated a moment, and her mefn1s 14 t* ""f.*0 8w^rmu,e! and Pre" hand moved toward a box on the table. *T Puerto draw But she withdrew it and said: "No, I h" into your hands, But &Mda haYwUl not dq even that- Yon think me in? frW m ftp pnpfr-the faunreasonable, of course, but f can't help vor , him for his act,is now in it; I must conduct this affair in my own a C0"J1tlou Tto^nf 'orth  way or not at all " pentartce. I shall find means to induce This whimsical pretense of feminine T tbe info™ation ,tha^ fussiness in the face of a situation so grim requ ?T i on.' D'°" havt alread/ and tragip had a certain informal humor SffvSfi® ? »»  about it that almost made the count , , ... laugh. It was as if she were to protest ,^hese rdfi ?»owly and dehberthat it would quite make her head ache T ' u f 1^" to murder a man with a carving knife; J ,le? upon r ace" waa a an Italian poinard of the Fifteenth cent- fina! chance, with such imperturbabUity ury was the only instrument she could « COnW And. indeed, think of pperaUpg with. sin? i4 *1™' ** lher8elf •♦Qo on, then," he ewld. .'There is a Bi"d-lhat Wn« can be quite limit, but I hope, on all accounts, yon ®urVf 1 Poas,ble that wont transcend it. Recollect that I, who had already betrayed the too amdesDerate!" count, might now betray Bailie—assnm"Oome, that is a bond of sympathy at iagt waSnght in hu guess any rate," exclaimed Sallie, in a musical 'DB to. s Pjl. %ffair. warble. "Now we chat together cosily 1" , ,'a 'if , uneaftoess, • ' showed none. She her hand* together once more and the maid Reappeared.Where Qe Was Found. "Garcia, will you do nothing?" ''Oh. this is too bad!" exclaimed Sallie. i ou ought to be protected against yourself! You are excited, and don't realize what you are about. I haven't the heart to take advantage of you. Take my advice: Havo me arrested for my crimes; I am sure to bo convicted, and then you are rid of me forever. Olympia will be dead, but what of that! Tho world will beat y0ur feut. Your path will be clear. There will bo no limit to your ambition. Come, be a man! Say tho word! Here I am, ready for the scaffold. I could not escape you if I would. Will not the pleasure of witnessing my death agony compensate you for a sentimental nana: or two?" j outset. The door stood wide open. His pulses beat with the buoyancy of boyhood as he crossed the threshold. The staircase was on the left; a morning room on the right. He entered this room. On a divan in the large bow window Bome cushions were placed, and upon the cushions, with a shawl thrown over her, lay Olympia. She lay in an easy position, hei right cheek resting on her hand. She appeared to be asleep. Grown weary with waiting for him. she had probably dropped off into a sap. He approaclted her softly, intending to awaken her with a kiss. He knelt down beside her and bent over her. Sound indeed was her repose. There was uo movement of her bosom. No broath came between her parted lipe. There was no throbbing in the artery of her white wrist. Her cheeks were very pale. She looked as lovely as a spirit, but in that warm spring air she was strangely cold. Why was it? What was it? moment, her eyes dilating in a stare of rage and amazement As she sank forward, the wonnd being almost instantly fatal, the mysterious being who had slain her received her in his arms and, half kneeling, supported her against his shoulder. The parish priest Of AusterliU Climbed up In a high church steeple To he nearer God, So that he might hand His word down to his people. IT NEARLY BROKE OFF THE MATCH. Tet Tom's Mother's Advice Was Good, and Mr*. Tom Is #25 Ahead. It seemed impossible that all this should fail to bring some news of her; and qiytc as much if she were dead as if slie were iiTTve. IJoW could a person— and a girl of striking beauty at that— vanish so utterly auJ suddenly that no one of the millions of her fellow' creatures, theif eepgeg plmrpeiifd and their cupidity aroused by the promise pf wealth to it fabulous amount, sWuId be able to give a single (scrap of iufurination concerning her? Had no one r-oen her pj.Si"; Ilad 110 one received her where she" was.JJontf If no longer in this life, .M_2 firth and water so effectually concvidLvf Cfmainfl no eye couldTe drawn to the spot? If riw ba4 bpenfouUy dealt witL, was there no accomplice whose greed would tempt him to open his lips? Be that as it might, no syllable 'of news was received. If Olympia had gcjitfpjjtfrf existence like the .gameof a candle, efca po»14 not have left less trace beluud her, Tlia whole wprl1! had been asked where ah« was, and, cudgel it* bruius as it would, tt bad been able to frame no reply. Just before the charity ball last winter a certain young South Sider was paying such assiduous attention to a certain North Side woman that Mrs. Grundy had it they were engaged. The young woman, of course, knew better, but she did not think matters had progressed to the point where ho was sure to ask her to go to the ball. So she declined two invitations from other admirers. The invitation she wanted never came. Her parents were not society people, and she had to stay at home. He didn't go eitljpr. The next time ho called she was chilly. The threatened storm blew over, however, though nothing was said on either side about the ball, and the other day, they were married. They did not a wedding trip, but went at once to their modest little home. am in sefmon script ll6.«Wty wrote What he thought was scut from heaven; And ho dfopt this down , Ou his peon's heads ' Two times one day in seven. "You Caucasians do not understand love," he said, looking up with a quiet face at KeppeL "You do not; this woman did not, but she understands now. Hitherto many things have separated us, but henceforth we shall be together. Why do you wait here. Go home to your Olympia. Be happy in your wwy, The jwpers you signed are destroyed with this woman. Leave us to ourselves.":ln his rage Uod said, "Come down and die;" And he cried out from the steeple. "Where art thou. Lord?" And tlua Ixird replied, "Down hare among my people." —Pittsburg Dispatch "That is enough," interposed Garcia gloomily. "He cannot suffer any mow, Get the papers and let him sign them. You have had your amusement." He spoke with an air of authority that gave a new aspect to his mysterious character. The man seemed to ctyange his individuality as easily as ordinary men change their clothes. Clearest Kot Costliest. "You will come with me," said Keppel sternly. "You will answer for Sallie's life as well as for Olympia's. My revenges and my hopes are both ended." i'*Uoms :D.re mlgar things we pay tor, be thoy ' Ft ones for crowns of kings! Whil precious and tho peerless are ua- Ved, gymtwlic things. Lovera do*®"1 BPeak vrith iewets-ttowers alone can nt ft* 'hem. And one memory -cherished is far dearer thaJX» gem. -John Doyle O ttelily The wedding breakfast was to be given in the Fifth avenue Bouse. Olympia was to proceed to the church from the Bannicks, and in their company, and would there be met by the bridegrpom. Mrs, Raven decided not to be present at the wedding. She would bid her daughter farewell at the breakfast, and would take up her quarters at the Fifth avenue house during their absence. These details were all settled by the night of April 80, and at that time the lover* bade each other good night for the last time. Thereafter they would part no more. It was a happy good nighti m shadow rested upoU it. A life of sunshine lay before them. "Olympia is alive," returned the other quietly. "What you mistook for death was only trance. I should "have awakened her as soon as we were off your grounds." He paused and waved his arm with a peculiar gesture. "She is awake now," he added, "and she looks for you. Gtf to her and leave us to ourselves.""Olympian he Baid softly, "wake! it is If She did not stir. The next day the young husband great*, ly surprised his bride by taking a sealed envelope from his pocket and throwing it in her lap. It was addressed to her. Woman "Well,' said Sallie with a sigh, "what Solomon said is true, 'Though yot\ bray a fotd in a mortar, yet will not hia lolly depart from him!' I will get the papers, do you tell him the purport She Teft the room, and Garcia turned to the count, who sat white and trembling in his chair. t'Olympia!" clamored a wild voice, rising to a shriek, resounding and echoing through the empty boose. "Olympia!" And then a harsh cry struggling in the throat—"Olympia!" But Olympia heard not. She lay-pale and still as before, with her cheek upon her hand. After a while Keppel Darke rose from his knees, another man than when be knelt down. His face was pinched and haggard, but he was now calm. He felt in his pocket, and an ejaculation of satisfaction escaped him as he drew out his revolver. He bad feared that, in the bewilderment of the morning, he might b*ye lost it. He examined the weapon; it was loaded, every chamber, and in perfect order. He cocked it, and then, bending down onc« more, kissed Olym pia's face, Ashe raised himself erect, and placed the muzzle against his temple, he faced the window, and bis glance —the lovely earth, rejoicing in spring, which ho would never see again. At a distauce of a couple of hundredyards the drive passed through a gateway and waa merged in a country road, extending in the direction of the swamp, where lay th$ bones of Francois Dupont. And just at the turning of the road, half a mile away, was visible an object that, even at moment, caused Keppel Darke to stay his hand and lower the revolver. The object was a carriage and horses, and beside it stood two figures. The carriage seemed to have met with some accident Keppel gazed for a few momenta with burning eyes. Gradually a terrible, smile wrinkled his cheeks. JfcD uncooked the revolver, slipped it back in his pocket and bounded Out of the room. Leaving the house oy a door in the rear, and taking advantage of the coooeahnent of the shrubbery, he gained the woodland, and then set off at a swift, leaping run in the direction of the carmage. His course would keep him out of sight of the two persona until he was close upon them. In lessvthan live minutes he waa verj near. Peering out between the trees, he saw that the forward wheel of the car riagebad come off, the pin having givet away. Garcia waa working to remedy the broken piece, and Sallie, clad ii man's clothes, was leaning against thf bole ' '  C» woman, born /lrst to believe nss Yea. also born flrat to forget; Bom lirxt to betray *od deceive us. "Open it, honey," said he, "it belongs to you." Vet tirst to repent and regret! OU, tlrst, then, iu all that Is human, Lo! first whoro the Nazarene troU: CD worn in! O beautiful-woman! fie. then, first In the kingdom of God. Miller. "Honey" op» Die;1 and found twentyfive dollars and tlie following memorandum:"Is this thQ troth?" cried Keppel. - The other made no reply. He passed his arms beneath Sallie'a body and raised her as easily as if she were an infant. The swamp lay on the left of the road, at a distance of thirty yards. Thither, with his burden, the man directed his steps. Keppel gazed after him, but did not follow, not divining his purpose. As the man approached the margin of the swamp he clasped the dead body more closely to his breast. He was now partly veiled from Keppel's eyes by the bright green foliage that grew luxuriantly in this spot The black, still water reflected the warm hues of the afternoon sky. (Quickly and with strange agility the man leaped from one quaking hummock of tart to another, until he was far ont in the deepest part of the swamp. One more leap he gave; the water splashed upward and then closed over him and that which he carried. The ripples widened out and died away, and all was as before. Early in the proceedings Tom Bannick bad followed up Lis notion as to Garcia, and liisinvestigations had ended in discovering the man in Philadelphia. When found be was in a drunken stupor, and the proprietor of tha hotel at which he was staying said that h« had been there since the night of April 30— twelve hours before Olympia disappeared. On coming to his proper senses Garcia had little to eay ft»r hirowlf. He Ticket  Flowers. ™....T0 Carriage .........v.... 6 Total. pn "Why, Tom," said she, "what on earth does this mean?" "Perhaps you will remember that you didn't go to the charity ball last winter." "You are to be hrought back to the in life from which you rcae," •aid ljp. "The deeds which you are to sign transfers your property to others. You will execute a paper stating your true name and confessing that you are the murderer of Harry Trent. This will bet used against you in case yoq should attempt to recover what you have surrendered. Iq other words, your life as Well W your fortune will hereafter be at the disposal of this woman. Are you content?' Asketb how near is Paradise, thou who for it So Far. it&H striven? How far soe'er from Truth thou art. ao far art thou from heaven. Olympia slept soundly and was up betimes. She was in an exalted mood; her eyes deep with sweet reveries; she hummed songs to herself in a minor key; she hardly seemed conscious of her surroundings; her heart and mjnd were elsewhere. Mrs. Bannick helped her dress and put the finishing touches to her packing. They were to be at the church at eleven. Everything was ready by ten. There was nothing to do but wait. Olympia had been growing more and more abstracted. She looked pale, and her friend counseled her to lie down for half an hour, Olympia nodded assent, went into her room and closed the door. Mra. Bannick, a careful housekeeper, went to the kitchen to give her orders for the day. At ten forty-five the /carriage was announced. She tapped at Olympic's door, but there was no answer. She opened the door and looked in, saying, "It is time; my dear!" But no one answered. The room was empty, nor was Olympia anywhere in the house. —Chicago later-Ocean. "Perhaps." "Well, just as I was getting ready to write you my mother came to me and said: 'Tom, are you goingto the charity ball? 'Sure,'said I. 'I s'pose you're going to take that Jones girl? said she. 'Sure,' said I. 'My son,' said she, 'don't you do it. ItH cost you twenty-five dollars—ten for a ticket, ten for flowers and five for a carriage.' 'What of it?" said L 'Are you going to marcher? said she. 'Guess not,' said I, lying of course. •Then I wouldn't spend twenty-five dol lars on her,' said she. 'Well,' said I, 's'pose I am thinking of asking her to have me?* 'Then I certainly shouldn't waste the twenty-five dollars,' said Bhe. I kind of thought things over and— you're Mrs. Smith and there's the twentyfive dollars. Get yourself something pretty with it, Honey." Of every noble work the silent part is best— Of a.1 expression, that which cannot be ox;r*wd.The Silent Part Is Uest. intimated that drink had been his demon from the beginning, and that an occasional sproe he must have. When questioned as to Olympia hC» merely shook his head and remarked that he was sorry for the count. "Tell him," he added, "that he will never seemeagain. I have lived a decent life longer than I ever did before, and J am tired of it. I shall relapse into the tramp I was when he found me. 1 followed him up to the altar; now I shall follow my own nose to the devil, and that will be my address!" Saying which this enigmatical personage turned over in his bed and went to sleep, Meanwhile it had not escaped the count that if Sallie Matchin had wished to avenge hereelf upon him in the mosi effective manner conceivable, she coui$ not have hit upon a method so effective as this. No doubt she would willingly have spirited Olympia away had she been able to do so, but it was impossible to imagine how she could find the mean*, Investigation showed that no person had been admitted to the honse during the period between ten and eleven o'clock on the first of May. Olympia must therefore have gone forth of her own volition, Nor was it creditable that supposing her to have intended going to the church, she could have been waylaid upon the way thither? The distance was but a quarter of a mile, the sun was shining, the avenue was full of people, No, the idea was not to be entertained, and yet it was just as difficult to suppose that the girl had hidden herself Meanwhile the two persons chiefly coi "If Olympia is saved J am content," answered the other. "She will be conveyed this afternoon to your house on Long Island," said Garcia. "You will go there not earliefthw five o'clock. Tomorrow y$u and will Jeqve thi$ pountry, never to! return. Yoor departure will be satisfactorily accounted for. Such are the conditions. Do yon clearly understand and tinfe* servedly accept them?" Keppel turned toward the house. The level sun shone full upon it and upon a figure standing on the veranda. Olympia was alive _ Icerned in the approaching ceremony had no intention of making a grand display of it. To bo married was their object and they regarded the social obligations rather as a necsssary nuisance than as as opportunity. Olympia, in short, would be married iu leveling dress. There would be accommodation for everybody at the church, but at the house, where the wedding breakfast would be served, not more than fifty gnesta were to be invited. The count had arranged tho details of the affair with Garcia, who, to his many other re- The count t*D£t Wa head. Bailie nentered the loom with the papers. They Were placed before him, a pen was put In his hand, and he affixed his signature to each document. Words were spoken, but he did not comprehend them. TW objects of the material world seemed to. flow and dissolve around him like the phan.VWTiagory of a dream. He was fully conscious of nothing until he found himself standing on the end of a wharf by the river staring into the strewn. CHAPTER DRAwmq lots. THE END. Of course she protested that she didn't need any money yet, but it ended in her taking the twenty-five dollars all ri^ht. But some way or other "Honey" doesn't seem quite as sweet on her mother-in-law as she was.—Chicago Tribune. It took some time to establish this fact, but Mrs. Bannick was not easily frightened, and, though making every effort to find Olympia, did not permit herseU to believe any harm. If. she was not in the house she must havp left it voluntarily—so much seemed certain. The apartment house in which their flat was contained a dozen othffjr flats, at all of which inquiry was made, but (he hall boy said that a lady had gone out half an hour before who resembled Miss Raven. She had not come down in the / HAD SEEN HER BEFORE. A Little Incident Which Brancht Back Her Memory. An old negro, while visiting a friend, was told to make himself feel at home. The old fellow took up his hat immediately and started off. B-B-B. "Whar you gwine?" the host asked, "fse gwine er way." "Whut fur?" markable qualities, added fine aesthetic "Case you tole me ter make myse'f feel at home. I left home caze I wuz tired o' feelin' da ter way, an' I wuz might'ly in hopes dat I could hab er little peace at yo' house, but ef yo' 'sists on me feelin' at home I knows dat I ain't gwine 'joy myse'f er tall. You doan know 'zactly whut sorter home I'se got. man, you neber seed my wife 'cept wid her Sunday cloze on. You neber seed her wid her at home gyarments on. See dis yere knot on de top o' my head? Dat's whnt come frum bein' at home." "Wy," said the host, "I'lowed dat you wuz er powerful happy pusson in yo" fambly erfairs, case somebody tole me dat yo" wife had imprubed er heap sense I was so intermit 'quainted wid be^" taste and an inexhaustible inventiveness. The count had already learned by experience that whatever was left to Garcia to do was sure to be well and thoroughly At half past four o'clock KeppelDarke was landed on Long Island, and wag within a couple of miles of the summer cottage he had built there. It was Sunday, and the workmen had left their work. The house, for that matter, was all but completed except its interior furnishings. A watchman waa appointed tq Ke*p «w«-a over it, but during the Wartime his duties were merely nominal, and at that hour he was taking a siesta in his quarters above the stable at the back of the building, little expecting that the owner of the preutigea was so near. elevator, and he had not seen her face, but the description he gave of her dress made it practically certain that it Was Olympia, He had not noticed what direction she took on leaving the house. done. So he laid down the general lines only that were to be followed and permitted Garcia to manage the rest. It was a quiet Lent, and no doubt it was the happiest month of the lovers' "Perhaps the girl has gone to th» church on foot!" exclaimod Mrs. Baanick to her hnsband, who was looking more and more despairing. "She was so preoccupied all the morning eh* hardly knew where she was. She may have forgotten all about the carriage and gone on alone. It is only a few blocks off anyway. Depend upon it, Tom, that's it," lives. They deserved it for the sorrows they had passed, and they needed it for the numerous disasters that krpiDefore them. They saw each other every day. Mrs. Bannick fell in love with the count away. Only downright insanity could account for her doing such a thing, and even assuming that stye bad done it, some one must be aware of the fact, and the reward that had been offered would long since have led to her bringing backi He was obliged, consequently, to acquit Sallie of having had any hand in the disappearance, and where else {q look lie knew not. But on Saturday, the ninth day after the calamity, he received a letter from Saljie herself, which he read with a mixture of hope and fear that almost broke his heart. "Dear sir," it ran, "I have, of course, heard of yonr loss, and I can say, without fear of yonr misunderstanding me, that it interested me. Let me also remark at the outset that the rewards yon offer would not be acceptable t°. me, even were J to become entitled to them. But, as yon may easily imagine, my mind, sinco our iait meeting, has not been entirely at eases and if I were able to forward your efforts in this affair I should feel justified in hoping that any hostile designs you may have me would undergo some modification. It  -for this reason that \ address jJou. I do not wish to exaggerate the value pf the information I possess—it jnay Jea4 to nothing. But, at any rate, j believe I have come into possession of something that may turn out a clew; and if yon will call at my house alone at noon tomorrow I will tell yoq what it *s, I mast stipulate, however, that yon fchoto this letter to no one, nor intimate that you have received it, for I will not run the risk of 1 icing forestalled or  with in the fiw'b °t fioqrse? OisngarU this letter if yon choose, or you cnu attempt to draw my secret from me by force; but if yo« kilQW roe weii yon will do neither of these things, bnt accept n»y invitation under the conditions Luul 1 have kuUMud.'* jf a young oak UarCfby7with hei flanda hanging folded fa front of hei. Her ntte? upoonscionsness of the «ye« that \w*o fi«4 won her eeezoed atnwge to ReppeJ. He was half inclined to anapect affectation, To teet the matter, he drew hia rerolyer, cocked and leveled it He was an excellent shot. He could hit CHAPTER XVIIJ. OVER A CUP OF TEA.. "Step over to the said her mistress, "and telj Mr. Ctercia I want him." "You mustn't expect from me any attempt to return you an equivalent for your hospitality," remarked Sallie, fui she gracefully began the brewing of the tea. "I haven't the material nor the ingenuity. There ta not bo much us an assassin on the premises, not to spealt of magic mirrors and oriental enchanters, and beautiful specters. By the way, that was a wonderfully clever trick. How was it done?" out of sympathy with Olympia, and Tom conceived a romantic tenderness tor Olympia because she was beloved by his friend, the connt These fonr, during the March evenings, talked over many things and made many plans for Tho maid went out, and a moment after tho count beard the street door close. "I am sensitive on some points," Sallie observed, "and you hurt my feelings. I am building no house of cards, Count de Lisle; I am perfectly in earnest", and t am not so childish as to attempt to fight you with shadows—as you fonght me? As to your insinuation about wy purchase of your friend, I will not deny it; you shall judge ifor yourself. It is your doubt of my intelligence that galls me—not, of course, the other insult!" The count made no reply. The point had been passed with hin\ whore words that were not also apta seemed worth uttering. He continued, 'to gaze with a certain gloomy curiosity at SaUie. Jn heart more savage and cruel than a wild beast, in morality a Faustina—and all this incarnated in gentle, low voiced, patrician mannered beauty. Sirens in Tophet must be like her, and that she was a woman was almost enough to tUo wholo sex. She ntwauotfiSi maintaining his silence she poured out another cup for hergelf, flavored it, tasted it, altered it, and flnatly, when it suited her, drnnh }t, jjust as the door opeiwd to admit Garcia. "You know the Count de Lisle, Gar-ia," said Sallie in her musioal tones. "He wishes yon to tell him where Olympia Haven is, BO that he may go and rescue her. You know tho reward he offers —ten million dollars, is it not? On the other hand, I tell him that utiles agrees to certain very  ditions o£ miue \ ft-a girt killed. The. count has Wen kind to. you. You know best whether or not I have been kind. Have you the heart to let that poor innocent girl perish, when by a word you pan save her, ruin me, and do yourself the highest service? Tell the count plainly and relieve his suspense." Garcia turned to the count and gave him a dark, indifferent look, as if there were in him no instinct of human brotherhood,"Yon had better do as she wishes," he said in a cold tone. "She has the power to do what she threatens, and she will carry it out if you defy her."- "Do you know whore CSympia Haven ls¥" said the count, "Yes; I charmed her there. Yon can never find her. Attempt no such folly. Comply at once or it will be too late. She cannot survive indefinitely in her present state." "What do you mean by that?" said the count, with a note of horror in his voice, "She has been in the trance Jrom the first," replied Garcia. '.'She is of a delicate organization, and she is sinking every hour." "You see, my dear count," said Sallie with a soft laugh, "how injudicious you were to distrust me. If you had met me frankly and cordially all might have been settled by this time. Of course you know that Garcia alone can awaken Olympia from her trance, and that he has only to refrain from awakening her to cause her death. Are you satisfied?, or is there any other person you would like to see and question?" "What do you want?" demanded the count; "I am at your service." "After all, think what you are doing," Sallie said, "Why not let the girl die and forget her? There are many others in the world more beautiful and desirable. Will you for tho sake of this frail creature, who may die next week in any case, put yourself absolutely in the power of your worst enemy? Think better of it, Count de Lisle." "I entreat you to have some mercy!" "The Count de Lisle entreats me for mercy! This is a new role, indeed, for him to play," she exclaimed, in mock admiration, "ftid you not tell me half an hour ago that you were a desperate man—with a revolver, too! And you entreat me—Sallie Matchin—the forger, the murderess, the courtesan who buys men with her favors—you entreat me for mercy! Where is your self respect, my dear count?" It so happened $iat Parke was now traversing same region through which he had groped his way on that night, years before, after his eeoape from railroad wreck. The memory WW recurred to him, and with it the parallel between his state then and now. The events of the intermediate period were to him like a strange story which he had read, and which seemed frue while he was reading it, but which he now recognized, as {abuioua. This experience and that other pne were alone Now, as then, he was a penniless and' helpless fugitive, an outcast from Society, with danger dogging his footitepa, Then, as now, a treasure lay before him, but then the treasure was of precious stones and jewels; now it  the woman who loved him anx\ whom he loved. He had loe\ {beone, but he had gained th$ pth*r. And as he pushed his \vay onward he thanked God that {lie better part was left to him. Tfc» suffering that he had undergone since Olympia's disappearance, and especially the agony of the torture to which he bad just been subjected, he remembered as $ hideous nightmare or a burning at the Stake. But the flames of that fire had consumed the baser part of him; his heart was purified, and at every step he took it grew lighter and more hopeful. a shilling at twenty paces nine times in ten. He took aim at a button on Sallie's coat, just over heart. Only an Imperceptible contraction of his fogefiner was needed to rend he? to another world. She did not change her position, but she spoke to Garcia in an amused tone. "You dont seem as successful a wheelwright, Nanak, as you are in other professions. Let us frtve it up and walk." "This is my evil day—and yours, atotx," said he whom sho tailed Nanak. "At six o'clock tho Worst will be passed, but until then"  "It may be," said Torn. "You ought a know more about your own sex than L do. If they are capable of such things, all right. We will go and see, at all events. It is long after eleven, and if your explanation is the true one the girl must have been married by this time and gone to breakfast." MW*jr, look yere; when did you know de charmin' lady o' die bosom?'' the future—as people still persist in doing in this world, notwithstanding the sinister experience of thousands of years of history. Mrs. Raven sat at the table near by reading her interminable newspapers, and once in a while Garcia made his for a few minutes to re- "Knowed her 'fo' yon eber seed her. She vraz my wife when I uster ran er ferryboat way ober yander on Red river." "You must ask Garcia," replied the count, quietly, as one who had made up hid mind to endure up to a certain point, and then no more. "Huh* yon doan tell me dat!" "Yes. I does tell yon, an' tell yon monstns straight too." "Oh, pray heaven it is so!" exclaimed his wife fervently. port 1 cress and to r •ivo i ; itrurti.ns "I am afraid the devil has been taking a hand in this business," said Tom. "Bat come on. We shall know directly,"They were driven to the church, but had only crossed the threshold when they saw that Olympia was not there. The clergyman was there, and the bridegroom, and a thousand fashionable spectators; but the bride was—where? "Dq you think Garcia would tell me any secret of yours?" eaid Sallie. Bhe gaye the question a flavor of arch surprise that Pent the count on a swift journey of expectation. After all, why had Garcia left him? He began to surmise a possible reason, but he said only, "I have always found a useful yun. 0f course I know be, biii Weaknesses." "Y«s;; bo( have we all," she replied. "Even the Count de I4lle has weaknesses, And yet, it seem* to were I in yew plage I would have none. No man ever had a greater opportunity than you. If you stood for yourself alone, what could you not do? No one pould attack you. You wnld buy friends, police, juries, "judges and legislatures. You could make laws and elect rulers. You could yourself be the real ruler of this country and hold the balance of power in tj}e world. genius'and pnrpoee and each wealth as yours all that would not be impossible. But, then, yon must make sacrifice*, must tje solitary. If jrou give" your confidence to a friend or your lieart to a woman you are vulnerable aua caq be of eruirown. When I first who and what you were I feared you. Here is a man, J said to myself, who, froni having a rope around his neck, has risen to power incalculable. The' worid has done its wor&t to him; he will have his revenge upon the world. The iron entered into his soul, and now bis soul will be like iron. He must be obeyed, for he can enforce obedience. But when I he&rd," continued Sallie, suddenly changing from this serious vein to a light and bantering tone, "that the Count de Lisle was in love and about to be married I did not fear 1dm so much. To have attempted to overthrow you by questioning the means that had obtained you your weal th would have been a desperate enterprise. Even robbers and murderers, if they be "Wall, lemme ax yon dis p'int. Does yon riccolleck dat I come er long dar one day an' crossed yo* ferry?" "Yas." . " One day Garcia went into a shop to make some purchases, and while waiting at th.! counter be was conscious of some one s-amli.vr near him He turned andrbeheld ftullie Ma'.rlift}. A wordli and a bntt tale of a bore, a bnsy man .—Fliegende Blatter. "The worsts Thts has boen the happiest and most successful day of my life! If I were to die this moment I should die satisfied. But you and I, my dear prince, are not going to die just yet, in spite of that broken wheelptn, You buy back your kingdom, or intrigue it back"—=» "An' is yo' wife de lady dat snatched np dat chunk nr suthin' an' knocked ms inter de river?" No Time to Lose. Feathers tone—I was visiting Travel* the other night, and when the doorbell rang I made a bet with him that it was a boy from his tailor. Yon know how often he has his trousers creased. What do yon think it was—the tailor himself. nu-ixpepted t startled "Yas, sah, my wife, but now yo' wife, wns de lady." him. "He tirwl not Been her since he nad beard her 6wear his liberty away two years before in court, except on that one occasion when she had been placed un- Jer the spell of his wizardry. Ho attempted to look as if he did not know ber, but she mailed frankly upon him iwd held out her hand. "Take yere," said the visitor, "take yere. Hang me ef when I married her I didn't think I had seed dot blamed nigger befo'."—Arkansaw Traveler. Tom had to do the most unwelcome deed of his life. He went op the 'aisle, looked his friend in the &ce and tol4 him that Olympia had vanished. The count had already bad time to feel anxious. He met the news like a man, bat his countenance seemed to grow old and haggard in a few moments. "Be still! It has come!" said the other, rising to his feet as Keppel left his concealment behind the trees and advanced upon them, covering Sallie with his weapon. Ringway—Ha, ha! Still, I should say you lost. A Fable. Featherstone — Not at alL Travers didn't stop to collect the money.—Clothier and Furnisher. AMan, who had been Walking through • Public Park, finally became Tired, and was about to sit down on a Bench to rest, when of a sadden a Bee stung him on the Leg. After jumping four feet high, and uttering a Yell which was hear& a Mile away, the Man turned on the Bee and shouted: "Don't let us be enemies," she said. "You have good reason to hate me, but I have a better reason to hate yon, for it was I who. inflicted tho injury. Bnt I have relented, and wish yon to forgive tne. You are in the way of greater proejjttitythan I could have given yon. Canpot you afford to be generous/ ' f'| know yoq better now than I did fhen," said Garcia. Kj'm not going £6 defend myself," 6he returned- the worst be true, if you will, I am still tho same woman * ""* ' »»■« ATTMirieuoe that you Knew, . . has made me wiser. The ambitions that J bad then are gone forever. I recognize my mtetu^es—and my greatest mistake}" She added in a lower tone, looking him meaningly in the eyes. "If I had been true to you I should not stand, as I do now, in hourly danger of my liberty and even of my life." The suddenness of the apparition added, perhaps, to other influences, overthrew the woman's habitual self command. Sho crouched with the instinctive impulse to escape, but the muzzle of the revolver followed her. "Stand up!" said Keppel, An Expensive Item. "Where is Garcia?" Remanded Spriggins (joyfully)—Professor Atkinson, the great economist, has invented an oven which reduces the cost of cooking one-half. The heat is supplied by an ordinary kerosene lamp. "i haven't seen him this morning." "I suspect him of having a handii this. him!" said Tom,swear- ing out loud in church between Bis 86$ teeth. "Base Ingratel Have I ever Harmed yon?" "Are you afraid to die?" Wife (doubtfully)—I guess he hasn't figured up the cost of lamp chimneys.— New York Weekly. cjjet us get out of this and get to work," said the count.- Tell the clergy? man to notify the people, There is |io time to lose," "Why do you do this?" lihe demanded, fiercely. "Have I not kept my promise?" "Hardly-ever," calmly replied the Bee, as he picked his teeth with a dead Grasshopper's hind leg. "Even her dead body is worth a universe of souls like yours; but von hwe taken her life, and you must join your sister devils. It is no punishment; but there can be none for you in this world. You shall go elsewhere." Cannibal Tag tea Differ. Ho and Tom oi the ?f the sacristy .while the clergyman, in sad, melodious accents, informed the people that owing to the sndden severe illness of the bride the wedding would be pos|- ponod. ' "Then why this attempt to Assassinate me?" "No," said Miss Varden, "I don't like grown children; but I think little bitk of children are real nice. Don't yon, Mr. Bachelor?" "My dear Man, yon have on a new Spring Suit; yon were about to sit down on a Freshly Painted Bench; your Clothing Would have been Ruined; what I did was for your own Good, and I am Entitled to Thanks instead of Insults." MORAL. There might, no donbt, be personal .lander to the count in going to rendezvous, Matpbin and he were on terms pf deadly' enmity, aiiC\ nothing would suit her better than tp have liim out of the way. Going alone to her house he might easily fall into % fatal ambush; for, perilous though it would 1*D to commit violence upon a man of lus social prominence, Sallie was a desperate woman and was capable of anything. Old Bachelor — Perhaps little bits would be, but I don't like them whole. —Detroit Free Press. "I tell youahe is alive! Speak to him, Nanak! he will believe you. What does he mean? She i9 alive!" CHAPTER XVII. DRIVING! A BARGAIN. "It is the evil hour," said the man, indifferently. "It cannot be averted." He spoke in an abstracted tone, and stood staring on the ground with his arms hanging by his side. "The evil hour!" he repeated. Prompt. The Thief who steals your Horse just before the Stable is Struck by Lightning should return to bs Praised.—M. Quad in New York World. A Georgia editor believes in the efficacy of printers' ink, as all good business men do. Hear him: Who says that advertising Doesn't pay, and isn't right? We advertised for firewood. And our house horned down next night) Post. ( "It is too lato to think of that now," said he. "I regret nothing." "No; why should you? On the con- trary, yon may thank me for having acted toward yon as I did, for otherwise yon would now be entangled with me— a woman whom you never really loved, but who had infafciated you. My feeling toward you was more genuine than yours for me, though in my selfishness I betrayed you. And it is the same now that it was when I still deserved your "Coward—sot to help met And you. Keppel Darkef coward to kill a defenceless woman! Oh, if I had a weapon! Qiyeme an, equal chance and I wiU not be the first ta cry for mercy,* 4*Ves, it shall be so," suid Keppel. "I, too, prefer it. Yon shall have the chance yon think so valuable." Timely If lio'hesitated, however, it was by no means on account of any considerations as to liis own safety. If ho had known that be were going to certain death he wouldvfttill have been prompt to the hour, provided ouly that he was assured that Olympia h;v-l been placed }n safety. Bnt fhl; 33# very far from pertain. The "cluw" wight lie merely a bait to draw him to destruction; and his destruction, ho far from benefiting Olympia, might remove the only chance remaining to hC r to eKoajxD. And pinco no one was to know ou what errand he had gone, the chances were against his fate being dis- "She is awake now," he added, "and shq looks for you." Lecture Postponed. He was now within sight of the housev and he quickened his pace, seeing in imagination Olympia waiting {or him there. How sweet beyond thought would their reunion be I Fvr her be. had surrendered Had thtere been more to giro, he would have given it; and he knew with a blessed certainty that she would love the poor artist as much as and even more than the hundredfold millionaire. They would find their riohes in each other, and the treasure of a thousand worlds would be well exchanged for that. '■ Diddereau—Did you attend the lecture of Professor Hardhead on "Grip: A Malady of the Imagination? streqg and resolute enough, need fear nothing. Bit to have given yoqp heart to a gi«l—that was another matter! You 9Quld be reached through her." Biddereau—He did not lecture. "Why not?" preferencc,' "Are you trying to lime me again?" said Garcia, his facc darkening. "Well, I cn:ft blame your suspicions," she rr with a half sigh. "I am a fool to subject myself to them. But 1 am sure of one thing—no one will ever "Have you another pistol?" she asked, with fierce, searching eye*. "No; but yon shall have yonr chance at this. We will draw lots for it. Garcia, pluck two grasses and hold them for us. The one who wins shoots." "Down with the grip."—New York Weekly. "And you? Are you impregnable?" asked he. "Only in so far that if I saw my way to accomplish what I supremely desire 1 would let nothing deter me. I was an innocent little girl once, but even then I had strong desires, and without any opportunity to carry them out. I made some serious mistakes, and suffered from them, bnt X had had my way, and I found that most failures in this world are doe to not having been unscrupulous enough. It needs courage to begin, bat when yon discover what it is to be with* ont scruples you wonder why anybody is controlled by them. They are the great slaveholders of the human race. Bnt I was going to say that I should be willing to put in your hands any evidence against myself that you might require for my destruction rather, than forego the pnrpose I have in view," "YThat is your pnrpose?' '-The poets say that love is lord of all, you know. I have had my doubts of that, and I want you to settle them. Yon think you love Olympic Jiaven. How much would yon be willing to saoriiioe to save her life?" A Good Way. "1 shall have to get rid of these flannel shirts. They are too small." Griggs—Why don't you send them to the wash?—tSothier and Furnisher. Garcia complied. There was an expression of weary contempt on his features as he held out the gnoses, concealing their length* "You cannot avert it," h&mMd to Bailie, as she stood trembling with suspense, now flushed, now white. know you as I do. You have not told covered. Drowning Man—Help! Help!! Throw me a rope!!! this new ally of yours who yon really are. He thinks that yon are the poor wandering thing that you choose to ap- Nevertheless, after weighing all considerations, he resolved to go. It was a chance, and the only one that had offered }tself. Were he to neglect it he might repent it forever. The only precaution he took was to place a revolver in his pocket, and at twelve o'clock the next day he rang the bell at Sallie Matchin's door, Pat McManua—All right! I'm wid ye*! Here's yer rope! Now swim ashore I—Muosey'a Weekly. Who's "Got tbe Tin?" * 'Tig bold and bad, that tariff bill!" pear. He does pot know Pie social dignity that you might assume if you "I am Jicartily glad to gee you, Count dc Lisle'" she said. Thus thinking he hurried forward and crossed the lawn, which in a broad, expanse surrounded the house. A broad graveled drive, sweeping in a semicircle, led to the. veranda *nd the front entrance Qn this he saw the marks of CMriage wheels and of horses' hoofs— evidence that Garcia had kept his compact. Yes, Olympia must actually be ih the house! He realized now the alternative which hitherto he had pot permitted himself to conteiftplate—that Sallie, after robbing him pf all, might have pmitted to fulfill her part of the agreement. Had she done this he would have had no remedy. His joy that this crowning misery had been spared hiifl was so great that he could find, it in his heart to bless the enemy- who had tormented hin\ fp seldom man had been tormented. Within an hotir from the time when Olympia Raven and the Count de Lisle should have been made man and wife all the detective skill available in New York was engaged in searching for the bride. Not only that, but men were stationed at every possible point of exit from the city; telegrams were sent to every village, town and city within a thousand miles; every steamer,, vessel and vehicle leaving or about to leave Now York was searched. In the course of a day or two thousands of photographs of the missing girl were distributed in all directions over the country, and were posted up at every street coiner, in every church, in every place of amusement in the city, Accompanying them was an offer of a reward that has probably never been paralleled in the history of the world: One million dollars cash for information that would lead to the recovery of Olympia Raven, or of her body if she were dead, and ten million dollars to any one who would bring her to her friends uninjured in health and limb. Meanwhile the papers  voted columns to the discussion of the matter; it was talked of in every house- "I shall win—I will kill you  pel Darket" she said between her teeth, Keppel was now as impassive as. Qaroia. "Which gets the pistol—&e short grass or the long?" The Free-trade croaker cried; Then itemized so much of ill That all eould see he lied. would. I have been your only confidant, and you will never have another. I have been to you what no one else can ever be. Yon cannot deny it, and the only satisfaction left me in life is that it is bo. When arc you going to have me His Ambition. A gentleman heard a young visitor in his bouse ask his own son aged six: "Which would you rather be—a walking policeman or a mounted policeman?" "A mounted policeman, of course," said the boy. The days passed on. That tariff bill Has proved a public boon. The croaker's feebly croaking still. But will be silenced soon. Sallie, of course, was far too clever to think of attempting to influence her visitor by accentuating the seductiveness of her beauty. She had already experienced the ill success of such an effort, and even had it been otherwise a man in an agony about one woman is not in humor to be attracted by pother, apart from the question of previous enmity, But Sallie enjoyed her beauty on her own account, and took pleasure in adorning it. So the tiger seems to feel a pride inner glossy stripes and the coral snake in its gaudy scales. This woman had never felt so sweet ft satisfaction with herself and her prospect as when she bade her visitor welcome that day; and she looked as she felt. At the first glance there seemed to emanate from her the pure bloom and freshness of May itself; but as one looked more closely he became conscious of something behind this innocent and balmy aspect which was as poisonous "The yaid Bailie, "There it lies," rejoined Keppel, placing the revolver on the turf at her feet. "Now, are yon ready? "Yes—I shall win!" lie now begins to realize That falsehood is a sin. lie could not blind the people's eyes— Columbia's "got the tin!" "That is not for me to say," he replied, biting his lips. "Why?" asked the other. "'Cause if the robbers came I could get away quicker."—Brandon Bucksaw. —Max Martt*. She put her hand upon his arm. The touch was light, but ne felt it to the marrow of his bones. "Draw, then!'" They both 4rew sfosuttaneoosly. Sallie wwv. She threw np her hands with ft ycftd laugh, and then stooped to pick the weapon. But Garcia had already secured it Keppel stepped back a pace or two and stood with his hands clasped behind him. Discouraging. The Ruling Fusion. Foreman of the jury—Guilty of murder in the first degree! "Don't you think, Miss Twiiighte, thai you could learn to love me if you should try?' "If it is to be done," said she in a murmur, "let it be done by you. I could Jjear ruin that came fronj you—but not from any other I" "Really, Mr. Vere de Vere, I don't know. I learned to like tomatoes once, but after careful consideration I have been sore ever since that the result wasn't worth "the pains."—Somerville Journal. Judge—Prisoner at the bar, stand up to receive the sentence of the court. The prisoner (who poisoned her husband)—In a minute, judge Jennie (to her sister)* is my kat on straight?—Life. "Ah, yes; you think I cannot do it?" said he, scarce audibly. "Give it to me(" Q&id Sallia, "t will kill him mysstf, Ah» Keppel, Darke—at last!" "It is so much to ask—for the woman you have loved?' He turned away and took a step as if to depart. "Go, then," she said with a sigh. He turned to her again. "I ain a fool and a villain," he said. "Where can I see you?" "That is a hypothetical question. I could answer it only after I was made certain that her life was in danger." He sprang lightly on the veranda, and trod it with resounding footsteps. He had thought that Olympia might hear him and come forth to meet hiRV, but she did not appear. Np doubt she was too weak for any exertion, and he must moderate the first manifestations of his happiness Ipt jlie be overcome. But his happiness was to last for a lifetime; he could afford to put 9 curb upon tt at the "You cannot kill him," returned the other, retaining the weapon. "It to you who most die—you and I." |l(kw Mathematics at Harvard. S. Ponge—Can ybu let me have ten dollars for a week or so? "Whether she lives or dies depends upon the result of this interview- She is in my power—as the people in melodrama 8aJr. What becomes of her depends on my will." Fresh Light on Ancient History. "Mine," said the gardener, "is the most ancient of callings. Adam, yoa know, was the first gardener." "Are yoq mad? Give m* the revolver!" She tried to, snatch it from him. G. Eneroos—I've only got. nine, but you can have that if it will do. S. Ponge—All right; Til take that and then you will owe me one dollar.—Har- Harvard Lampoon. "An* bed ad, moine's jist about as Cmld," idded the lady who presided over a street fruit stand. "Wasn't Eve the first apple woman, eh?"—Life. , The count, who had been sitting with his elbows on his knees and his eyes low- He her movement, and, with aqnjfck turn of the arm, aimed at her heart and fired. She remained erect a "Come to me tonight," she replied; "we shall be alone."