Pittston Gazette

              \ Oldest NewsDaDer in the Wyoming Valley PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., PA., FRIDAY, MARCH II, 1892. A Weeuly Local and iamilv lournal. \' " «Ml • »*UVOOB*Ka*4-K^aW¥*«-«JJHN1^5^^ i m i I fly jj im I -uaa zwnaAvm T if rai ™ At that instai\t he heard shouts in the distance, and lifting his eyes lie !Deheld Ben Rope* riding furiously toward him, followed by a half dozen cowboys. He saw the gleam of pistols in their hands and knew they had witnessed the encounter between himself and Bud, and would visit speedy vengeance upon him. as well as upon iiiinseit.' ing with which I10 could Vitisfy h.is craving for food he was compiled to content himself till night, when on his journey to the north he would doubtlessly come across some cabin where food conkl be obtained. "Jis« wait a minute: yander goes the doctor now." cried Ike Baker, springing to the back of his horse. "He's lDeen over •tide log lint which was almost entirely mrrotntded by a dense growth of timhei ind underbrush. Tike chinking had fallen from lietween the logs in several places, and it was through these openings that the litjht had proceeded which nad first attracted l)Dm's notice. were some httv yards away a sharp, imperative "Halt!" came from the sentinels. The challenge was responded to by excited and angry words from the advancing men, and for a moment it seemed as if they were going to disregard the command, but at a word from one who was evidently their leader they came to a halt, while two men spurred their horses forward to where the sentinels were standing. by getting up Parly in -the morning to surprise the microbe while it was out grazing or something. Oh, how com-1 or ting it is to know that a great man. with a butterfly net with a handle to it. has deftly gathered in the little Mike as it flitted from lung to lung! NYE IX WISCONSIN. ter RojDcs' an 11 know how bad the boy's hurt." With this he galloped away to intercept the doctor, who was riding across the prairie toward his cabin a mile to the south. AS A FARMER, HE KNOWS WHERE- OF HE SPEAKS. It seemed like an age to*wait to Dan, and it appeared to him that he had never known a day that passed so slowly. At last, however, the sun went down and night settled rapidly over the broad waste of prairie. The sound of men's voices within the Tallin could be heard as the yonth drew near, and a sudden thought came to him that caused him to come to an ibrupt halt. Perhaps the inmates of the sliantv were cattlemen, and if such should prove to be the case it would be decidedly dangerous to make his presence known—for it was likely that they had heard of the incident of the morning md might readily identify him as the youth of whom Ropes and his men were in search. A Hotel Where GiipkIh Sleep at Night Now if he could kerosene it and let it go among the other microbes his idea u that most of them would go away almost at once. The microbe, especially the grip microbe, is exceedingly averse to the odor of kerosene, and I believe the 'lay is not far distant when this plan will have driven away the parent microbes, leaving the young to die of hunger.He well knew the impulsive and desperate character of those with whom be now had to deal, and he realized that he was in a most dangerous and desperate situation. That the men who were approaching would shoot him down without giving him the slightest opportunity to explain the situation of affairs he was full}- convinced, and be recognized the fact that his only chance of life lay in instant flight. In a half hour Ike returned with the information that the wound that Bud Ropes had received was only a slight one the ball having tore across his forehead cutting a deep furrow into the flesh but uot penetrating the skull. Rat her Than Under the Dome of Heav- fDn The Microbe l»ttsiiiesK and How It "Who air ye, an what do ye want?" demanded Riggsbv. Has Ifeen Developed There was no moon, and as the shadows deepened Dan rose from his place of concealment and began his journey to the north.  [Copyright, lHfti, by Kdgar W. Xye.] IN TIIK BADOF.R Statu, D "We are a band of cattlemen who are here on business," replied the foremost horseman, whose voice was recognized as that of Ropes. "They'll try ter meek out it's worse than it is," remarked Ike, •an they may nse it as an excuse ter give us trouble but 1 don't think they'll hurt Dan now if they find him, which kind er doubtful.' February, f Wisconsin in many respects is a wonderful state. From the frigid borders of Superior, where the cranberry frapjie gleams in the frosty light, to the suittropical growth of Beloit there is a wonderful range of climate and vegetation, including immense quantities of tobacco, which for some purjKwe.s holds its own with the products of more southern jSmmwT) D pony and galloped away toward the distant blue line of timber that marked the course of Little Cow creek. CHAPTER VI "Jist state ver business," replied Riggsby. Dr. Ames, a young unmarried physician, went out microbing a month ago and got enough for a mess. He kept them, however, for a week or so, giving them a fresh lung every little while to nibble on. He says- that the microbe does not show a high order of intelligence, but may be taught to sit up on its hind legs and ask for a new lung when hungry. He says that this bacillus is smaller than the Mans? septicaemia, which has been heretofore regarded as the smallest bacillus known to the sports- CHAPTER fV. BUD ROPES. STARTLING NEWS—WAITINU FOR THE AT- TACK As this thought occurred to him he turned quickly to where he had bft bis fjoree. but the animal had taken fright and was galloping wildly across (Inprairie a hundred yards away, followed by the horse that had been ridden by Bad Ropes. T'liit liis temporary absence from that vicinity was an ataolnte necessity Dan llijjysby felt fully convinced. for to remain under the existing circumstances would be but to bring the summary wrath of the cattlemen, not only upon himself, but u{Don his father as well. "I hope you are right," said Riggsby in a more cheerful tone. Still the men in the cabin might simply be settlers, and to satisfy himself on this point Dan stole cautiously up to the liut and peered in. To his surprise he saw fully a dozen rough looking men inside. They were seated about a table in the center of the room upon which were several black bottles, and were discussing some matter of great import. That they were not cattlemen was evident by their dress, and Dan would have had no hesitation in pronouncing them to be settlers who had met on some mutual business had not their words convinced him to the contrarv. "Well, we've come to ask you to vacate that house at once—and get out of the country as soon as possible!" He hat! not waited to get his breakfast, but had net out at once to carry his father's message to the settlers. Mrs. Riggsby and Fanny were greatly worried when they learned of the trouble Dan had got into, but a number of the settlers soon arrived and declared their intention to find and protect Dan from harm and to stand by the familrDin iny trouble that might rise. Thus assured, the feeling of uneasiness that had been depressing the family was partially removed."It's perty late ter move tonight," remarked Riggsby. "I reckon I'll stay till mornin anyway," and there was a touch of irony in the speaker's tones. "There is no telling how soon we may have trouble with the cattle men." he thought, "and there's no time to be lost." He carried a Sharp's rifle slung across the horu_of hi* saddle, as was his custom when journeying across the prairie, for in the days of which 1 write there was considerable game in that locality, sucli as deer, turkeys and prairie chickens. lands. "I didn't know but what it would lie an act of kindness to give yon a chance to get out," continued Ropes, "for you Bee we are going to burn the honse in a few moments." Diversified farming has superseded the unnatural ravaging of the soil by a constant repetition of small grains, and to- Dan raized the utter impossibility of overtaking his retreating horse, and without a moment's hesitation he turned and ran toward the timber that skirted the creek a hundred yards away. His gun had been carried away npan the horse and he was without the slightest weapon to defend himself. But if he conld go away and remain for a week or two till the excitement subsided he might then return with some assurance of being dealt with in a just manner. If Bud Ropes had really been killed, he reflected, the fact of it having been done with his own weapon would tend to acquit him in the eye of justice. 1W fl wNfk r vU'vt'.i-t-jwarflW' '. "That's pretty cool—it is, by gosh!' exclaimed Riggsby. man Two men were immediately dispatched to search for Dan while the others remained at the inn to discuss the impending trouble that was expected from the cattlemen. Professor Pfeiffer has made some very careful studies of this little microbe in Europe. He got the seeds, he says, from the expeotorators of a crowned head and sowed them in glycerin. He was successful in getting from these a brood of bacillus, or bacilli, rather, which convinced him at once that he could furnish an epidemic to any town 011 short notice at a small cost. He began to supply European physicians with epidemics ou a commission for fees paid lx Dth to physicians and undertakers, and now hardly has to do a day's work once a month. He just strolls through his microbe conservatory, looking over the display, and every little while pntting a feeble one on its feet again or patting the mother tenderly on the back. All of them know him now, and when they hear his footstep hundreds of them will scamper out from liehind their bronchia retreat with a glad cry of welcome. The storm clouds of the previous night tad drifted away and the warm, bright ■earns of the September sun were floodag the broad stretches of bronze tipped ;rass with a matchless splendor. "It'll be pretty hot if I know anything."the cover of the brush. Dan cast a quick glance behind hiui and saw the horsemen reining in their horses at the sjiot where Bud Ropes lay. Some of them hastily dismounted, while three others spurred their horses in pursuit of the fleeing youth. But meantime what was going on at the Travelers' Rest? For several moments Dan stood there listening to the conversation going on within, from which he learned a most startling fact. The men were nothing less than a band of the most desperate outlaws, and were at that moment plotting to commit one of the most daring robberies ever committed in the state. "Fer the ones that tries ter bnrn that house—yes," returned Riggsby. "I have not come here to bandy words over the matter," said Ropes.' "Will yon get out of the house and leave, or must we burn it down over your heads?" "Whenever ye git ready ter bnrn my house, jist come on," replied Riggsby. "I ain't goin a Way." A short time before nightfall the two men returned with the report that Dan could not be found, and the supposition was that he had quitted the neighborhood.A light wind blew from the south, .nd rocking the tops of the sumachs to .nd fro. sent the red leaves to the Tound in flaming showers. Here and here a meadow lark would rise from he grass, ntteriug a succession of sharp, iiscordant notes, and high overlie ad a ,Teat gray hawk sailed through the vaste of light, sending his sharp scream Df defiance through the moruing air. The stagecoach for Fort Scott, which carried away the scheming Suggs and Dill, had been gone an hoar, and it was not far from nine o'clock when Simon Riggsby walked into the yard and gazed searchinglv across the prairie to the west. "So the cattlemen air qntn tcr open wa on us, yer father tMnktr' Dim crept through a dense thicket of dogwood and green briars and sped swiftly through a heavy growth of pawpaws that skirted the stream He knew that the horsemen could not urge their horses through the thicket without considerable loss of time, and he resolved to use every moment in putting distance between himself and his pursuers. Just at dark a settler from Cow Creek valley dashed up to the inn. his horse covered with foam. He had just come from home and brought the most startling intelligence. 1 IVI *1 Had a bombshell suddenly explode* in the room the two strangers could no have been more astonished than the} were at the landlord's unexpected word.* No sooner liad Dan learned the character of the men than he turned about for the purpose of leaving the place as quickly as possible, but at that very instant one of the men inside said: "Wonder what can be keepin Dan?" he mattered. "Reckon he must 'a' went ter tell the settlers about the trouble with the cattlemen, but it's time he was back an hour ago." "We'll give you just ton minutes to get out," warned Ropes, and wheeling his hofse he rode back to where his followers were awaiting him. A sickly hue overspread the sallov face of the tall man. while his coinpan ion sat as if stupefied, staring rigidl; before him. While passing through a strip of wood that evening he had heard several men approaching, and seeing that they were cowboys he had concealed himself in a thicket, where he learned from their conversation the following facts: A deadly war was to be opened upon the settlers at once, and all the houses in the settlement were to be burned to the ground and their occupants forced to leave the conntry. They were to meet at Ben RoiDes house at dark and commence operations at ten o'clock. A half honr's ride brought Dan to a mall cabin near the left bank of the •reek, where a solitary claim holder uade his home. Simon Riggsby and those of the settlers who had been acting as sentinels now hastily entered the house, where the result of the conference with Ropes was made known. Scarcely had he finished speaking when the pony that Dan had ridden that morning came trotting from behind the stable, the broken bridle reins trailing beneath his feet, while across the horn of the saddle still hung the rifle where Dan had placed it. "Go out an keep guard, Lige—yoortei not leave yer post, fer some one might be sneakin around." "Reckon 1 must 'a' met ye somewhar. went on the landlord, "but 1 can't jis call ye ter mind now. What did ye s»; yer name war?" The two strangers exchanged swif glances. Then recovering his composuri the tall man said: "Howdy, Dan," greeted the settler, oming out of tbe door as the youth rode »P„ For a quarter of a mile he ran with al! the speed he could muster, and then, with a sinking heart he made the discovery that the woods were growing more open, offering him but little chance of concealing himself. The next instant the door opened and a man, carrying a heavy rifle in his hand, emerged from the building. Dan had barely time to sink down from sight in a patch of bushes that grew close to the wall when the guard passed within a yard of him and took up his station not ten feet away. AT THE FARM "I'm in fer tightin," announced Ike Baker with an angry gesture. "The sooner we teach these fellers that they air not rnnnin this country the better:" "Them's my sentiments," came from the others. day the prospects in the state for continued prosperity ia the groat lield of agriculture are most cheering. And to whom do -we look with more anxiety for our own weal than the farmer? is he not the only man who produces food sufficient for himself and others? We cannot eat the wares of Mr. Tiffany, nor yet the beautiful fabrics of Worth. We must look to the farmer for our bread and the Farmers' Alliance for our fun. "Good morning, Mr. Baker." replied Jan, nnd after exchanging a few words te stated the object of hi» visit. "W'y, that's quare." commented Mr. Riggsby. going forward and catching the pony. "Wonder how he come ter git away from Dan? Mnst 'a' left him hitched somewhar an he broke loose. Reckon I'd better go see about him." I—|  With this discovery came the sound of rapidly advancing hoofs behind him. and he knew that his pnrsners won Id soon be upon him. ft was useless for him to attempt to escape by continuing his course up the creek, and he glanced rapidly about him for the purpose of discovering some place of concealment. "My name's Dill—I never met yor that 1 know of—but—the fact is 1 met t man not long ago who used to lire a; Ringgold and 1 heard him speak of t Riggsby—Simon Riggsby—and 1 though, ha might be some relative UT mine, aC Riggsby was my mother's maiden name.' "So the cattlemen air goin ter open .var on us, yer father thinks?" comnented Baker. "Well, we'll give 'em he best we've got if they do. Tell yer atlier we'll be over as soon as 1 can go md see some of the claim holders across he creek." The first place of attack selected was Riggsby's inn, and from there they were to proceed to lay waste every cabin in the settlement. Dim knew it would lie hazardous in the extreme to attempt to leave his placo of concealment, since the slightest noise might lDetray his presence to the armed guard. There was nothing left for him to do now but to remain perfectly quiet, trusting that Some chance or escape would soon present itself. It was now plain to all tliat hostilities would soon be commenced by the cattlemen, and it would require the concerted force of all quartered within the building to repel them. Nearly every one of the men commanded by Ropes was of that rough and vicious element found only on the border connties of the great west. Daring and reckless, they would not hesitate to do whatever their leader commanded. -• 's/X/ /rffi A4 i' * ■ N % ' St f J ■ I " Mli .. 'y'ArP^ "And we hain't got a moment tor lose." said the settler who had brought the news. "We must git ready ter tight at wunst. for they'll come fifty ter a hun dred strong." Simon Riggsby looked sharply at tht speaker, a puzzled look crossing his face Something in the manner of the stran ger had impressed him that he was not ■peaking the truth, yet he coald hardlj tell why. "All right," answered Dan. and gal oped away. It was his intention to go rom there to another cabin somo two niles to the north. He had ridden a nile perhaps, followingalonjf the course if the creek, when suddently he saw a aorseman approaching him at a gallop There was no available thicket near at hand, but happening- to glance toward the creek ho saw a mass of driftwood lodged on the Itank and overhanging the water There was not a moment to lose, and letting himself into the water till he was almost submerged he crept forward till he reached a spot beneath the overhanging driftwood. Farmers' Alliances are not always successful in subverting established ical methods, because it is difficult for us to meet often enough to discuss and consider questions of moment to us. f am a member of the Ashfield (Mass.) Fanners'club. So is, Mr. Cnrtis. And yet I have not ljeon able to attend for over a year. My farm is situated in Buncombe county, N. C. It is an oblique farm, with a fender on the lower edge to keep the potatoes from falling into George Vanderbilfs farm, which is below mine on the French Broad river. After a hard day's work on this upright farm I am too worn out to attend a meeting of the Alliance or even of our club. From the conversation going on in the cabin Dan had learned tliat an attempt wonld be made to rob the army paymaster. who was to pass that way along the Old Military road on his way to Forts Gibson, Sill and Arbuckle, in tlie Indian Territory. Tlie plan was a most daring one. for it was customary for the paymaster to be accompanied by a heavy guard of the military, and an attempt to rob him would doubtless result in a desperate battle. By this time there were fully twenty settlers at the inn, and preparations for the coming tight were pushed forward with all the expedition possible. "Don't know; 1 might be some relative of yonrs, bat I've hearn tell of othei "It's Bud Ropes," 6aid Dan as the Norseman drew near. "Wonder \jhat ae wants with me. for he is coming Ctmight for me." Realizing the desperate character of the men with whom they had to deal, the settlers had so fortified themselves in the building as to render themselves secure against the most forcible attack. Riggsbys—some of 'em lived ap in Ten ae—oo " replied the landlord after a G nards were placed about the house and every precaution taken to prevent surprise. He did not gain his place of concealment a moment too soon, for in a few seconds he heard the tramp of horses' feet as the cowboys galloon! wildly along the creek. m .rD :■ * "Of course it was only a supposition on my part," said the other hastily, as it not caring to discuss the subject further "There are others of the same name, atyon say. and 1 only spoke oat of curios itjr." Bud Ropes was a young man of some lineteen or twenty years and the son of Ben Ropes, the cattleman. He galloped .'urionsly forward till he reached a point lirectly in front of Dan, when he halted md sat in his saddle waiting for Dan to »me np. Breastworks were erected inside of the different rooms, and loopholes made commanding every approach to the building. D When all the necessary preparation* had been completed Mi's. Riggsby and Fanny were sent into the little cellar beneath the house. where they would be safe from danger should the attacking party fire into the building. Then the little garrison waited for the attack- Stationed in the different rooms, the settlers now kept the closest watch on the movements of the enemy. A half hour passed and still there were no visible demonstrations from the foe. But suddenly a red glare came from the west of the building, and then a stream of lurid flame was seen to issue from the 6tables. They had been fired by the cattlemen. that's qnnre." "Shoot the young murderer whatever you see him," he heard one of them exclaim with a bitter oath as they rode by. Suddenly one of the horses was reined in on the bank not ten yards away, and the same voice continued: "Two uv ye go up the crick and ["11 take a look fer tracks about hyar. It may be that he hain't left the thicket." Hitching the pony to a post near by, he was about to euter the stable to saddle his own horse when he caught sight of some one coming across the prairie on horseback and riding at a gallop. When Dan reflected on the daring robbery wluch the inmates of the cabin were planning, it was easy for him to guess their desperate character. Dr. Pfeiffer has not yet succeeded in finding out how to kill this microbe, but says that the close, confined air and dampness of the grave are very injurious to the health of the grip microbe. Now, if he can arrange it so that the patient WRITING rrp THE DINNER. Hen the bell for breakfast suddenly rang, which put an end to the conver ■ation, "Good morning. Bud," said Dan as he mrned his horse aside to pass the youth: •nice morning for a canter across the jrairie." It is so with other farmers. We rise very early, work hard, take only an hour's nooning, and at night we ;ire so worn out that as soon as our chores are In a few minutes the horseman drew rein at the 6table. It was Ike Baker, the settler whom Dan had visited early that mornluff. i "Howdy, lkc-r greeted Mr. Riggsby. "Seen anything of Dan? He rode over your way this mornin." From the conversation going on in the building Dan made the disCHDvery that the paymaster was to pass along the Old Milltarv road on the evening of the next una au»e iwrmen msiaw were to no re-enforced by fifteen others of their gang and the attack was to be made at the Dry wood ford. Mortimer Dill and Aaron Suggs—for such were the two strangers' nameswore a pair of the most unprincipled and cunning rascals in the state, yet the sud (ha discovery they had made threw them completely off their guard, and foi • moment it seemed to them that they had committed a fatal blunder. But tike all those who live by their wits and make crime a profession, they were quick to recover their composure. This unexpected move created a profound sensation among the men gar• inuim miTiui mo tniUM. ~ 1 TIFII oeftjTB they had recovered rrom their surprise the sound of rapidly advancing feet was vird on the east side of the building: LV a mass of dark forms rushed up to the house and with a heavy piece of timber beat in the front door, which fell inside with a loud crash. Bud did not return the greeting, and Jan would have ridden on had not the ipa nra wlail ■ — the hands of those who have nothing else to do. That is why we fall ready victims to the wiles of those who are in the wile business. ,'lherfiumaled bim to-stop, "lira't be in too big a hurry," said Bud tith a gesture: "I- want to see yon on insinesH." Dan's heart almost stood tsilll WITD fear a9 helie -Td tlie words. Would he be discovered? He heard the man dismount and walk along the lank of the stream. Then the steps ceased within throe yards of the driftwood where he lay. VTl THE HUT IS THE WOODS. graves, so that CDne will not have to wait for the other, Dr. Pfeiffer will have strode a great big scientific stride. "Yes; he was at my house this mornin and told me to come over hyar, as ye expected ter have some trouble with the cattlemen." The regular route of the paymaster was from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Scott; from there to Fort Gibson, Forts Sill and Arbuckle. On leaving Fort Scott the paymaster usually had in his possession some twenty thousand dollars, all in greenbacks, which was about the sum required to pay off the troops garrisoned at the three last named forte on his route. "Very well," replied Dan, reining in lis horse. A single glance told him that 4nd Ropes was in a decidedly bad humor, ind he felt that there was a chance of ronble between them before they sepa- We visited Rockford, 111., the other day, but when we left we were more so. Rockford is a charming town, and when she gets her new hotel completed the necessity of taking a tent when visiting the place will have been obviated. I have been gladdened the past , year by noting, not only privately but even in the press, the fact that American hotels were improving every day. But Rockford has an inn at the present time that would give the cave dwellers rheumatism, paresis and cockroaches. There was a moment of tbe most painfnl anxiety for Dan: then to his relief the man walked away, and a few minutes later the youth heard the sounds of his horse's feet as he roie back down the stream. "Wal, his hoss jist come back without him," replied Mr. Riggsby, ''an 1 was jist thinkin of goin ter see about him. Hoes got away, 1 reckon, from whar he left him hitched." Instantly a dozen guns cracked from the inside of the house, and four of the intruders went down. A heavy volley from the cattlemen came in quick response, and a shower of bullets came "1 came near making a deuced awk ward blunder," thought the wily Dill ••bat it don't matter much, as tbe fellow'* What Then? Parson Baxter—I'se mighty sorry to heah dat you and your wife keeps on a fightin like dogs. Sam mighty sorry myself, but dar's no help for hit. I has prayed to de Lawd about me and my wife—dat one ob us be tucken away. an old with not enough r "1 understand that you struck my atber last night," said Bud, suppressed .Tath plainly depicted upon his counteance, "and I'd like to know what yon tave got to say about if wit to trap a ground hog." Though chilled to the bone in the cold water, Dan did not venture to leave his hiding place for some time after all sound of his pursuers had died away. At last he drew himself J cautiously upon the bank, and glancing rapidly in every direction to assure himself tliat none of his foes was lurking in the vicinity he rose and hurried across the creek. Walking rapidly for a quarter of a mile he suddenly left the timber and concealed himself in the. tall grass that grew in the valley and crawled forward some forty rods. This he considered a better hiding place than the woods afforded, on account of there being less likelihood of his pursuers searching for hiiu there. Now that he had gained a place where there was but a small chance of him beintr discovered, he felt a certain sense of security. But now that there was no immediate danger threatening him ho found time to reflect over the tragic events of the morning, and with these reflections came the keenest remorse and anxiety. How earnestly he regretted his encounter with Bud Ropes, and now in his cooler moments he blamed himself for his hasty actions. 1I«? might have avoided the youth by riding away from him, but the deed was done now and there was nothing to do but make the best of it. "I don't know; I hain't seed him since he wor at my cabin." However, the designing lawyer to far from feeling easy in his mind, and the fact that those whom he had laid such a deep scheme to defraud were ho near the place of operation filled him with a ▼ague sense of anxiety. Mortimer Dill and Aaron Suggs had been friends and companions in the city at Cleveland several years before, and their sodden departure for the west was tfct result of a swindling scheme they had conducted together. In war times it had been customary for a guard of three companies of cavalry to accompany the paymaster over this route, but at the time of which 1 write the escort rarely consisted of over fifteen or twenty men. :rashing into the building. Then they uade a rush for the door, but were promptly replied by the settlers, who joured a telling fire into their ranks, causing them to fall back in wild disinter."If be don't come perty soon I'll ride over an see what's happened ter him. Better 'light an hitch yer hoes, an we'll talk over the matter about the cattlemen.""Yon are mistaken," replied Dan; iever struck him." Parson Baxter—'Sposen de Lawd heahs yer prar and one ob you be taken away —what den? "Maybe you aim to say he lied about t, then?" How an old established hotel can drift away into such a state of stale, senile and soapless gloom I do not know. It is as sad as it is to go and look upon the wreck of a great man whose digestiop has outlived his thinker. "1 only knocked the pistol from hi9 land when he was about to shoot ray ather," explained Dan. For a half hour the two men conversed in low tones. Suddenly they were interrupted by the sound of approaching hoofs, and turning they beheld Ben Ropes riding toward them at a gallop, followed by a half dozen cowboys. They halted a short distance away, and Ropes spurred his horse forward to where the two men stood. .Dan stole cautinuMy up to the hut and Crouching in the bushes by the oabin wall Dan Riggsby now realized his dangerous situation, for should his presence be discovered he would doubtless be looked upon as a spy and dealt with acconlingly.It was evident that the attacking party lad greatly underestimated the strengtn it the garrison, and they had paid dearly 'or the mistake, for it was evident that some of them had been killed and nearly I dozen wounded. In falling back they lad taken their dead and wounded along, ind no re-attack was expected for the present at least. Two of the settlers had seen slightly wounded, but none serimsly, and those in the building were masters of the situation, for the time beng at least. Sam Johnsing—Ef de Lawd heahs my prar and one ob us is tucken away, den I'segwine ter mbve to Washington and Viarry a white woman.—Texas Siftings. peered in. It was with a feeling of gloomy depression that Dan Riggsby on his way to the Marmaton settlement, several miles to the north, hurried onward through the high grass, pausing now and then to listen for sounds of anv of the enemy that might be lurking in his conrse. "It amounts to the same thing. Do rou know what I'm going to do with four What can bo sadder than a large hotel in the hands of a receiver and a cockroach? What can cast a bigger gloom than a dark and forbidding hotel with the bouquet of bygone cabbage in every corridor and a low order of animal life sharing one's room, but refusing to share the cast? Econom izi nj. Ilusband—Have you done your best to - economize this month, Mary, as I requested?Dill had come to Kansas and engaged In tbe practice of law at Baxter Springs where bis evident shrewdness had enabled him to gain the confidence of an old and respected attorney by the name of Jacob Barnaby, which finally resulted in the two becoming partners in the profession "1 haven't the least idea." declared Dan in a careless tone. . This thought served to impress him with the necessity of using every precaution against betraying his presence, and he now waited for the first chance to quit the place. That the men in the cabin might come out at any moment he now felt convinced, and should they do so there was great danger of his being discovered. This being the case it behooved him to quit the place as soon as he could possibly do so without attracting the notice of the guards, "Maybe you can guess now." said young Ropes, Removing a heavy cattle whip from the horn of his saddle and holding it in bis hand. Wife (brightly)—Oh, yes; I spoke to the grocer, the butcher and the landlord and got them to put off presenting their bills till next month.—New York Press. "Where's that young murderer?" cried Ropes, as he drew reiu. "What do ye mean?" asked Riggsby. Keeping close to the edge of the woods he made his way rapidly creek for three or fonr miles. Presently the timber grew more scattering as he advanced, and soon there was nothing to mark the course of the creek save a few stunted dogwoods and plum bushes. He had just left these behind and commenced his journey across the great level prairie, when the outlines of a cabin suddenly loomed np through the darkness. "I'd rather not guess," replied Dan coolly. "I'll just wait and see." "1 mean this—that your son has gone and murdered my boy. Bud, and we want him I" Chicago is so well provided with excellent' hotels that places like Aurora and Rockford, within a short ride from the city, are apt to suffer. I was afraid at one time that Aurora might get the Democratic convention, and I knew that the Bishop House could not accommodate those who would naturally come. We were there this winter. I had a cupboard there at two dollars per day, and my copartner had the rotunda thereof at the same price. We had to step into the hall to brush our hair, but there was a radiator in my room that would have heated the Auditorium. It was one of those rafflators that seems to have pulmonary difficult}' during the day and then to sit up and rivet itself during the night. We could not get tea in the dining room because some people had come from a neighboring town .to hear our oratorio, and that filled the dining room so that we could not get in. But Aurora will certainly have a hotel with more room some day. She is too good a business town to suffer that way for very loug. But another danger now presented itself. The flames that were now leaping ibout the burning stables threatened to .•each the house, causing great alarm to chose within. Among tbe most valued clients of Mr. Barnaby was an elderly man by tbe name of James H. Mansfield, an old bachelor who had ...lived in Fort Scott, bat now made his home in Baxter Springs, hoping his failing health might be benefited by the use of the water at tbe springs there. Shortly after the formation of the partnership of Barnaby & QiU. Mansfield was taken with a feveiTand after a short illness he died, leaving a will bequeathing his valuable property in Fort Scott and other effects to his niece, Mrs. Sally Riggsby, wife of Simon Riggsby, of Ringgold, Georgia, and her son, Daniel Hartford Riggsby. The will was given into the charge of Barnaby A Dill, but a short time after tbe death of James Mansfield Mr. Barnaby died suddenly of heart disease, leaving the firm's business entirely in the hands of its junior member. "Oh, I'm not going to let you get away," remarked Bud: "and as you seem to be ignorant of my intentions I'll just tell you that I'm going to give you a good horsewhipping with this whip!" His Altruistic Hope. "Look hyar!" cried Riggsby, "what do ye mean by that kind of talk? Dan hain't hurt nobody." Mamma-in-law—So, Harold, your papa said he hoped my trip would be of benefit to me? "He shot my son," replied Ropes, "and we're hero to punish him for it." Turning his eyes in the direction of the guard he saw that he was standing with his back to him some ten yards away, and the youth at once resolved to make the attempt to steal away unobserved.Two men were set apart to watch the ire and give instant warning should it je communicated to the house. The lames lit np the surrounding prairie, Dut no sign of the attacking party was risible in the circle of light. They had lonbtless withdrawn to a safe distance, where they would wait till the flames should subside before venturing to make mother attack. Harold—Yes; pa said he hoped if you went to California you'd go for good.— Boston Budget. As he spoke he suddenly leaned forward and aimed a blow with tbe whip at Dan's face. But Dan bad anticipated his action and threw himself forward upon the neck of his horse just in time to escape the lash as it cut tbe air above him. (jnick as a flash he threw himself from the saddle and advanced toward his antagonist. "WThy. what has happened? What! do yer mean that Dan has shot yer boy?" and there was a look of profound astonishment on the landlord's face. The was no light visible about the place, and it was evident that the owner was absent from home. Time. "Yon heard what 1 said; the boys got into a quarrel this morning and Dan shot Bud." Keeping low among the bushes he befan to crawl cautiously toward the bank Df the stream, but before he had traveled i yard the door of the cabin suddenly Dpened and a half dozen men came out ind walked toward the spot where Dan vas crouching in the bushes. Amicus—What are you doing? Poet—Writing a poem on "Autumn." Amicus—But it isn't autumn yet. Poet—No. but it will be before the poem is accepted.—London Tit-Bits. That Bud RojDes had been killed by the shot from his own pistol Dan had but little dajjbt. and that he would be accused of his murder was already demonstrated by what he had overheard from the men who were in pursuit of him. yet in his own mind he knew he was innocent. and it was only in an attempt to save his own life that the fatal bullet had been directed against his opponent. Dan approached and knocked upon the door, but no answer came in response to his knock. As he did so young Ropes struck at him again. Dan threw up his hand to ward off the blow just as the lash struck and wound about his arm. as a thought Dan srrasned tbe whiD. and before his antagonist could regain his balance he was jerked from the saddle. "Is he dead, and how did it all happen?" "Oh, he ain't dead yet. but it ain't no fault of yonr boy's, for he tried to kill him." ► The discovery that there was a good aumber of armed men in the inn liad ;vidently upset their plans, but there was little hope that they would relinjuish their evil design. "It's Abe Crocker's cabin," said Dan. recognizing the place. "He must have gone over to the settlers' meeting at the ■ _ It inn. "1 see yon have written your poetry in gas meter, Mr. Rimer." "Gas meter, sir?" "Yes, there are many redundant feet." —New York Sun. i Kxpert Criticism. "1 nevor knowed Dan ter be quarrelsome," said Mr. Riggsby. "an as fer shootin any one he wouldn't do it unless it wor in self defease." Here he took the rifio that was still hanging to the saddle of Dan's pony, and examining it continued: "W'y. his gun's hyar an hain't never been shot off. Thar must be some mistake." Realizing that discovery was now insvitable Dan sprang to his feet and larted away, but before he had taken ive steps his foot caught in a mass of fines and he was thrown violently to the »round. He again knocked upon the door, and, receiving no answer, he opened it and went in. The door was not fastened, as was usual iu those days, and lighting a match Dan soon had a candle burning Then going to a pine cupboard in the corner of the room he opened it anil took out some pieces of bread and cold boiled beef on which he made a hearty lunch. A half hour passed, and the flames at rhe stables had in a maimer burned iown, and the timbers soon fell in. leaving a mass of smoking embers. But the langer of the fire lDeing carried to the iiouse was now passed, and those inside felt a sense of thankfulness that that part of the danger was no longer threatening them. As he fell Dan struck him a blow in the face, for he was uow thoroughly enraged at the attack that had been made npon him. Then throwing himself forward he grasped the fallen youth and jammed his head violently against the ground. But he knew the desperate character of the men with whom he had to deal well enough to realize that anything he could say in his defense would be treated with scftrn. That they would visit sure and speedy punishment ui*Dn him should he fall into their hands he had not the slightest doubt. A Hig Hoy Now. ▲boat this time Aaron Suggs. who had been sojourning in Colorado, sud denly made his appearance npon the scene, and between the two a scheme was concocted whereby the heirs of James Mansfield were to be defranded oat of their rights. But it so hapitened that Jacob Barnabv had written a letter to Mrs. Riggsby at Binggold. Georgia, notifying her of the death of her kinsman and of the will which he had left, the contents of which is already familiar to the reader. At the same instant exclamations of istonishmeut. followed by the ominous ;lick, click of pistols, came from the nen as they rushed forward upou the jrostrate youth. We were looking over the album— Little Oliver Dean and I — As I sat in the parlor, awaiting II is sister's appearance. Why? "there is no mistake; we saw him do the shooting. Is the boy here? If he is we want him." Chicago is getting ready for the convention, ami 1 judge will not lie awake nights thinking aljotit where she will put her guests. Excellent hotels have been added to the list in the past few years, and older ones have been refitted and refurnished throughout and ashes placed on the sidewalk in front of each entrance. Refinement is noticeable everywhere. The arm is not inserted in the finger bowl so far now, even on the West Side, as it was five years ago, and it is no uncommon tiling to see a guest, while removing foreign substances from the teeth, conceal himself behind his When his frugal repast had been dispatched, he drew a pencil and notebook from his pocket and wrote a brief note 'to his parents, stating that he liad left the settlement but would return in the course of a week. This he left on the table with a short note to Abe Crocker telling of his visit to the cabin, and ask ing him to deliver the accompanying note to his father. Well, that as an issue, has nothing At all to d» with this case: Tlie boy and I were passing The time as it fled apace. But at that instant Bnd drew a pistol from his belt and pressed it against his antagonist's breast, bat with a quick movement Dan struck the pistol aside As he did so there was a loud rejjort, and Bud Hopes threw out his hands; then lay limp and lifeless, a red stream running across his psllid face. As the fire died out and darkness gathsred over the prairie another attack was momentarily expected from the cattlemen. Their defeat in their first attempt to tire the house would doubtless make them more cautious in their next movements. The warm reception they had received at the hands of the settlers would not tend to jtacify matters, and that they would seek to wreak a terrible vengeance on the little garrison none doubted in the least. What should he do? To return home would not only subject him to the greatest danger, but would doubtless result in placing his father in a similar situation. The more he thought over the matter the more convinced he became that it would be best -for him not to return home, at present at least. "lie ain't hyar; his pony jist come home as ye see it, the gun hangin on the ■addle. But if he was hyar thar ain't enough ot ye ter harm turn. 111 see that this thing is investigated." and there whs defiance in the speaker's voice. CHAPTER VIII. BESIEGED, The youngster had seen five summers. And his tlrst pair of trousers now Already weje an old story As to when and where and how. As we turned the leaves of the album He told me the names of those seen. With many an interjection- And interrogation between. Bat the letter had been written and mailed only a few hours before Baniabys death, and so it happened that Mortimer Dill knew nothing of the existence of tbe letter. "We'll do the investigatin," retorted Hopes. "He shot my son and then scooted into the woods and got away from us, bnt we'll find the young assassin and punish him as he deserves. I'll have my men on the watch for him, and if he tries to come home we'll get him," and with this the cattleman wheeled his horse and rejoined his companions. A few moments later they rode away. CHAPTER V. THE rURSUIT—SELF EXILED. That the cattlemen, bent on vengeance, would watch his father's house waiting for his return, Dan was sure, and he realized the danger he would encounter in trying to reach the place. Then he extinguished the light and went ont closing the door after him. In entering the cabin and procuring food, Dan had only done what was customary among the settlers of the west at the time of which 1 write. Then we en me to a full length picture Of a child of two or three. Who stood erect on the table With his frock below his knee. It was the purpose of the crafty Dill and his companion to go to Fort Scott and get possession of tbe property left by Mansfield by the aid of a woman whom Suggs bad employed to assume tbe name of Mrs. Riggsby, who was sapposed to be living in Ringgold, Georgia. It was with the intention of carrying this daring plan into execution that the two conspirators started for Fort Scott, it was while on this joarney that they stopped at the Travelers' Rest, where they were first introduced to the reader. But in spite of the expected attack the night passed without any further demonstration of hostilities. As the gray dawn stole over the prairie it was discovered that the enemy had withdrawn nearly an eighth of a mile, hut had divided their force into four divisions, completely surrounding the house. What they proposed to accomplish by such a proceeding was a mystery, yet all felt certain that they were up to some new mischief, which might be put into execution at any moment. napkin, as they do in Europe. I would no more think now of throwing a mutton lx»ne under the table, even on the West Side, than 1 would at Mrs. De Fevster Todd-Merkins'. on West Fiftyseventh street, where I am very often a guest, writing up the dinner in a frothy and debonair manner and having the privilege of eating what is left over at that hour. I knew at a glance the picture, Htit thought that a teasing was pat, And so asked the sturdy fellow, "Why, Oliver, who is that?" To stir from his present hiding place before nightfall would .be hazardous in the extreme, since he was convinced that the cattlemen would be routing the country in every direction with the hopes of running him down. Having satisfied his hanger in a nanner, Dan now set out across the irairie at a brisk walk. It was his inention to push forward to Drvwood :reek, some ten miles to the north, where ie hoped to find some settler's cabin where he could obtain lodging till the lext morning. There was a look of trouble and anxiety on Mr. Riggsby's face as lie turned to his companion. "What, that?" And his lip, as he gave It A glance, took a funny curl; "Why, that is me, yon stupid. When I was a Uttie girl." —Boston Globe. "1 don't understand this," he said in an agitated tone. "Dan has got inter trouble with these fellers an it may cause a smart fracas before the thing is over. Wonder whar Dan is? 1 must go an see after him." There was nothing left for him to do but remain in his present position till night set in, when he had decided to make his way to the settlement on the Mormaton river, several miles to the north. Chicago is no longer making any apologies. however. She doesn't seem to have to. If she can get rid of her smoke she need not worry about the future much. Within ten years I expect to see some millionaires in this lake village who will make the millionaires of the present look slim and pale. The volume of business done here is not fully appreciated, 1 am sure, by those who have uever crossed the } lleghanies. With the business ability of New York, the enterprise and local pride of San Francisco and the hearty and hospitable welcome peculiar to the south, Chicago has more elements of success than any other city which 1 know of, aside from the matter of location and surroundings. Hon- Men Act Collectively. After traveling for nearly three hours ie suddenly discovered a dim line of ■imber close ahead and knew he had at ast arrived at Drvwood. But he knew lothing of that j»art of the country icarcely, and he realized that he would lave great difficulty in finding any setter's cabin, as there were few in that locality at that time. With a heatrj/ piece of timber they bent in the front door Une thing Wivs plain; the cattlemen were determined that no one should escape from the building, and had taken this means to prevent it; but just how they were going to conduct their next move wax shrouded in uncertaiutv. A crowd is often as cruel as it is cowardly. The crowd t hat lynches a man in the United Suites, tears to pieces a welsher on an English race course or massacres women and children in a Chinese village is infinitely more cruel than any of its individual meu»l)ersD, and commits atrocities that no one of its numlter in his saner moments would haD« helped to commit or even wished to see committed. On the other hand, it must be confessed that a crowd is collectively neither more brave nor more humane than its bravest and most humane It is easy to imagine the surprise of the two adventurers on discovering the Riggsby family at the prairie inn. But by mutual instinct they resolved to make tbe best of the matter, for they were now firmly convinced that no tid- "He's hidin in the woods somewhar,'' answered Baker. "They ain't goin ter ketch him in a hurry, an if 1 ain't mistaken he'll turn up all right temight." The settlers who had congregated at the Travelers' Rest were brave and resolute men. who would brook no insolence from the cattlemen, and stood ready to maintain their rights whatever the remit might be. Having settled his course of action in his own mind, he once more glanced ir» every direction about him to see if any of his pursuers were iu the vicinity. Seeing no sign of the foe, he took off his garments, and wringing the water from them soon had them dried in the sun, which was now high in the heavens and shining down with considerable warmth. "He to killed!" A cry of horror escaped Dan Riggsby's Hps as he saw the blood running from the wound in Bud Ropes' head, and for a moment he stood there helpless and •tupefied at tbo sight before him. "He is killed r he gasped in a choking voice, "and I shall be accused of his murder." "1 hope so; but we must keep a lookout that none of these cattlemen ain't spyin about the place to keep him away." All the horses ridden by the settlers had been turned loose on the prairie, as had the stock belonging totheliiggsbys, which had been confined in the stable, for in spite of their vicious and lawless character the cattlemen scorned the idea of taking anything in the shape of live stock that did not belong to them. They might kill a man if he off ended them, but take his stock—never. This was an unwritten law, to which they adhered with sctuduIous exactness. ings of tbe business in hand bad reached the family. ••Old Barnaby never wrote the letter after all," thought Dill, as he slowly rtpped his coffee at the breakfast table. "It's a little awkwjrd to have the family hers on tbe very soil of our operations, bat if they are ignorant of the whole affair it cant make much difference." Meantime Baa Riggsby, having completed his morning's work and fed and arnessed tbe stage horess, instated his It was about ten o'clock when Simon Riggsby left the house and joined the guards on the outside. Every moment now the attacking party were expected to arrive, and there waa little doubt but what there would be serious trouble with them. "Thar'll lDe a lot of the settlers from across the crick hya~ in a little while, an then we'll see what is best ter do. I don't think that Bud Ropes is hurt an much as they let on he is, fer they've been wantin somethin ter raise a fuss over fer a long time." But trusting to lnck. he continued his ;onrse, traveling down the creek in a lortheasterly direction. Keeping near ;he edge of the timber, he kept a sharp lookout for any signs of human habitadon.Having dried and replaced his garments, he crept beneath a small bunch of sumachr close at hand, where he found protection from the now hot rays of the sua. units. This demoniac possession seems powerless to accumulate the good points; it can only accumulate the bad. It seems to be a kind of sudden reversion to the inhuman and unreasoning beast, the sight of which strikes a responsive chord in every human being near it and awakens in him an answering and instinctive dread or ferocity* —London Spectator, D A cold perspiration broke out on his brow, and a groan escaped him as be thought of his parents at home. What woald they think of the deed and what frsal eslaiallj w rwiM it bring npon them He had traveled for a mile perhape, when he caught sight of a gleam of light shrongh an opening in the trees close to the stream, and, hurrying forward, he won discovered that it proceeded from a Presently the sound of hoofs could be heard in the distance, and in a few moments the dim outlines of a large body of mounted men could be seen approaching from thf southwest, When they "Maybe ye air right," replied Riggsby. "Ill wait awhile, an if the men don't come HI go an see if I can find Dan,"  He had had nothing to eat since tbe evening before, and now began to feel exceedingly hungry. Bat bavin? notb- I notice with much pleasure that some scientist has again been successful in overtaking and roniny a eric microbe ("TO 8® CONTINUED. J I