Pittston Gazette

              / J i Established isr.o. » VOL.XUII. NO. S3. V Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Vi lley. IMTTSTOX. Ll'ZKRXK CCD., PA., FRIDAY. APRIL 21, is!i: A Weekly Local and Family Journal. D M..IO I'Klt ANNIM I IN AIIVANCK ..i honor this 1) l esteem it a niable brevi rptracwl his steps nCwUlcd in a laini.liar •oncern: everyone Knows that he yot ►s living lien-in X . Cully established in nis profession and actually running fin- a municipal oflico. I' realty wasn't fa r for him to throw rue otpi- in this AX UXUSUAL SPUING. Mort°o «■* ipWIll j -.Ty—wi nil privilege Ur sot you even !• D that plainly said DYViiier uv.K'lieCl his return with a friendly way i;» this movement just to foil liis cultivate the soil of. the oraligo orchard. The kick of an ostrich will split an oak stumpor knctck oft on a hotel bill here. Me imagined that thii flip? ief tim it spwh u before, but who in the smile of stupid satisfaction protni inir s Dn into office, Couldn't run on any regular ticket, you sec. Workhignum's friends, indeed! Why, the party leaders are nothing in tlie world hut a set of worthless  wirlio; t a thimhleful of brailis aiming them: and as to all their line talk about Iwing the poor man's friends and looking out for the interests of labor 'versus capital, it's just so much trash and twaddle! I can't see that the movement is making' any headway at. #1 Ely u would lDt icepted with th me wovld ;!Xv vC;il. an itig 11 lilt] to enable North to en Then mov- "Now, Wyiner." said North, as he stepped up close to his tormentor. "lM me warn you not to waste any words. If you have anything' to say to ine say BILL NYE DESCRIBES THE KIND THEY One of them seemed quite fond of mo and ate a large siitfi'ed horned toad out of my pocket. 1 got so I.could hold him by one wing and feel of his plumes—the ostriches plutues. I inean. They have a sort of graceful yet awkward walk, which some critics have charged inewith when exiting from the stage. It iscalled the Soudan teeter. with which it was uttered. In- ter the st .ro. lie tvkii 1 into his own iDns as he idly wati-heil unceremonious way. l!y Jove! HAVE IN CALIFORNIA. StC il of til he perceivi'd tliat as he ilent inedi tell him what I think of this unbrotlierly conduct when I see him again. And I can tell him something else that will interest him quite as much, perhaps—that there hasn't been a day in the last six years when I'nclc Dick wouldn't have given his right, hand t« make up his quarrel with Noll and reeeivohim back into full favor again, if only Noll would make the first advances. How I should like to see the dear old fellow again! This Cervantes brings him upso vividly, to think that he should still keep it about him! It must be for the sake of old associations. That is so like Noll!" 1 \M »•:D!«■ 11 S, nv of displeasure-clouded ml so met hi the passer it at once, in the shortest possible time Do fou hear?" H* VUiU Another Ostrich ( mm an.I Tells isdain curved the proud lips. O i instant: she recovered her? the great front window was a discontented looking youth whose utter idle- Loui nil the colored lights in of th« Habh* of ThU Wonderful Hiril •*Xorth. are you uiy friend-?" inquired Mr. Wynrier, in reproachful as he rejjurded North with ID1 inU- How They May He Caught—A Picture of lcly and rejoijied with a gay little ness and general appearance of ennui appealed to North's sympathy at once. The depressed and languishing state of business was painfully apparent in the solitude and leisure that pervaded the the Toy Cowboy S-G-aavrt? lavish "Ah, you wretched fiattC often have you maCle that pretty speech? (I') t ti l-by1 r! IIo tone: tug eyes. [Copyright, 18KS, by F.ilttar W. Nye.] Here at Santa Barbara a strange incident occurred not Ionjj ago. General Burnett, the coast special agent for the pension bureau, toW me about it. An old pensioner and livery and baggage man worth $CD0,000 was discovered to bo drawing pension for the loss of an arm. while his widow in the east was drawing a pension also. It seems that the wife's father had been the villain. He had given the wife notice by forged papers of the husband's death and then assured the husband* in like manner of the wife's death, so that after the war he had come to California alone, leaving his children in charge of the villainous grandfather, who had taken this method of educating the children in the Catholic church, the father Ixnng ;l Protestant. The father soon after married here and for 13 years has lived with his second \vife totally ignorant of «'he other wife's existence. He could not of course suceeed in getting possession of his children by his first marriage. but was blessedwith a second crop of California children, which answered every purpose. Nort h's first impulse was to respond with a slightly italicized negative, but all: e;in von? Florida is the home of the unusual winter, but California is the place where the unusual spriug grows the rankest. The sun burst forth with a glad, wide smile a month ago as we entered San Francisco, and people told us we could now give our umbrellas away. I picked out ft deserving poor man who had no In California ICifj rtifeli I toy S. S p«Mtafca4 toy special arraai I had almost f "Well, it Ls difficult to judge," returned North, with the wise non-eorar.iittnl air eminently becoming his igiioraiiC"j on the subject. '"These things often turn out in a very unexpected way. you know, [n fact, it may. be said preeminently of polities, 'that it is always the unexpected that happens.' We never can tell, until the decisive day comes, with what skill our opponents have been massing their forces." tten; I 1 1'imnd thut m pi act fearing that such a course would only exasperate Wymer ami make matters worse he conciliated instead. tor of which 1 told von once. Von ! North smiled affably at the youth as •i!titer. What magical in a smile! Hope, ex-11 faith in his fellow;i i'aint interest in life belt iti that sa l youth's only to be succeeded by a [continued ] with C aimcuity ix habit .iDf speaking impulsively a guardedly, *'you undersUiud luy—aax (It 1 arch for it. us it might to rei provo to 1 htD turned to the influence tin ro i pec'tation, r -new 'Now. see here, Wymer,'" he said CHAPTEB IiX. u'u- s nut! va s eviden . but e." Don "I'm perfectly willing to use all my influence to elect you city attorney, and doesn't that prove that 1 m your friend?" Ant S.: — read it 11 I mine ll your lit of men. t While these thoughts were passing through his mind North had taken up the book again, and he was now slowly turning the pages, pausing occasionally to read some marked passage or marginal note scrawled in pencil. Known unto these. und to toys-If Ji.s; I'll say as they say,—und persevere sr And in this mist ut ull adventures go! She hesitated a?ain anil seemed to bo waiting for liim to speak. As he could do nothing, however, but assent to her remarks with a wise, non-committal air, she resumed with sudden vivacity: ietyV" deli nd th-n tell me tl Ah, Mis. II etiint As he spoke a shout of laughter arose from every side, lie could not imagine what it was that gave such point to his remarks, but he saw that it was at on.:e perceived and appreciated. dun—pray excuse me, Mr. North!—1 ;Cii com far surpassing his original gloom, when North inquired for u di- mclaiK'lK —Comedy of Errors. The soft rustle of silken garments announced the approach of Mrs. Maynard. It drew nearer, and with noiseless step the lady herself swept into the drawing-room. f* !l ,  1 vJfe&l 1f'lwi m mjwmw re 7 c/,% fM 1 l,T#,r Mr m rector "As to that," returned the other, with a laugh. "Wymer's party haven't any for.ies to mass. • Oh. of course they "Were you very niueli disappointed last evening1. Mr. North? I was so provoked when Williams told me that you had called. What is that very important communication that you wished to make? 1 assure you I lmve been in a perfect flutter of curiosity ever since W illiams gave me your message." Indicating by a silent gesture the dingy old volume that was chained to the counter in full view, the youth returned with a sad reproachful air to his post of observation in the window and vouchsafed no f urther notice of the man whose interest soared no higher than the posfes of the local directory. As he did so a folded paper fluttered from between the leaves and fell tot-he tloor. North picked up the paper and unfolded it. It was a telegram addressed to OUin North. Kefore he was conscious of what he was doing Allan North had read these word*: Wym«r apparently did not heed the laughter: he noticed only North, to whom he immediately addressed the imp"-ious inquiry: make some show; but with the better elements of the other parties consolidated in this independent ticket, and ilwn un in a sort of invincible phalanx North, whose eyes had by this time become accustomed to the dim l\\ i light, rose at once with a formal bow. To his surprise he found that his nerves were a little unsteady, his pulses beating a little more rapidly than "usual. Could It be that he was excited? The critical moment had ferine. He knew that within the next few seconds his decision must be made. If he were to retreat from the reckless course that he had meditated, it must be in the very moment of greeting Mrs. Mavnard; but. granting that he made this choice, what acceptable excuse could he offer for reading a note which he was morally certain was not intended' for his perusal, and accepting an invitation which it was equally certain had never been extended to him? "Why did you ruiji then, if you're friend er mine?" against them, they ouifht to knotV thit this municipal fight will prove their Waterloo. Still, old Wymer's money tins done a good many queer things, i; all reports are true: and it may possibly get JaMt into office."' "I'm not running!'' returned North, Turning the loaves rapidly until he came to the right initial. North commenced to scan the pages carefully in the hope of discovering1 the name and local habitation of Dennis O'Reilty. He found the family well represented. There was Jem and Bridget and Patrick and Ann «nd Terrence and John: but nowhere Dennis. Over and over again he read the names, but to no purpose; for. lacking the ingenuity of the Irishman who unlawfully appropriated an army blanket and then proved property to his own satisfaction, at least, by the fact that his initials were on it—1* for Patrick and S for O' Rafferty—he could not make John or ISridget or any of the other names read Dennis, and he finally gave up the attempt in despair. amazed, "Will proves to be a forgery. Who is responsible for th's? We look to yourself and Mrn. Maynard for explanations. Search for Mrs. Dunkirk's niece will be prosecuted. Also an investigation of thin forgery. Let us hear from you at once. Hopkins & Shkphbrd." Here was swift retribution, truly! North frantically regretted that moment of indecision that had been his midoing. Everything danced before his eyes for an instant as he dizzily sought in the recesses of his mind for mm.' plausible means of extricating' himself from this embarrassing dilemma. He had gone altogether too far bow to 1 hinfc of retreating precipitately and acknowledging tho daring personation that he had attempted; there was positively no alternative but to face the situation coolly and make the best of it. "You are," said .Mr. Wymer, with the ready and fearless spirit of contradiction that a heated political campaign usually develops. "What have they got you on their dude ticket for. if you ain't runnin"? I tell you. North, your party's a played-out set er thieves an' scoundrels, an' you're 'uother. an' you'll never be 'Jeeted city 'torney while er worl' stands! D'ye hear'.'" And. starting up energetically. Mr. Wymer emphasized these statements with some violent gestures, bringing his clenched fists into an altogether disagreeable proximity to North's face. A sodden turn right here brought hem in sight of the Clement house. '.Teat'y to North's satisfaction. Parting fr.iin his friendly companion at the steps of the hotel. North went up to his room, whence, a few moments later, he was summoned to the dining-room by the harsh music of the gong. It would be impossible to give any adequate description of North'* state of luind as he read this message, while its startling significance slowly penetrated through the first dazed wonder that it created. By degrees a clear and definite idea shaped itself in his mind. Imagine such a mati ili the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, surrounded by comfort and a new home which 1Deat the old one all to death, suddenly confronted by a general pension sleuth hound with undoubted proofs of bigamy, bastardy and fraud niton the government! "Well!" he exclaimed aloud, "if this isn't the most remarkable coincidence I ever heard of! And it plunges me deeper than ever into embarrassment*. Mrs. Maynard—surelv that is the name: why did it not occur to me at onee? Mrs. Maynard. represented in eourt bv Hopkins and Shepherd, of New York, is the claimant In the Dunkirk will case, in which my partners. Hunter and Ketchum, appear as executors and solicitors of the estate. I. who have previously had no connection wi'.h the case. .'nmc nere to .\ as the represent* tive of Hunter and Ketchum. to investigate a clew which they hope may lead to the discovery of Annie Dupont. the sole,heir at law: and behold. I am mistaken by the claimant for her own lawyer! Could such a combination of circumstances occur more than once in a hundred vears?" Where are our melodrama artists? Do they read the papers. or Clo they prefer European material adapted to this country?CHAPTER V OK THE OSTRICH FARM. "Oh, really. Mrs. Maynard," he said, affecting great negligence, "William-, must have drawn upon his imagination a little, I think. To be sure, he may have fancied that my errand was very pressing, but, in fact, don't you know, it is nothing of importance, after all. I am sorry to disappoint you. Mrs. Maynard, but, really, I gave Williams no special message at all." AH, MK8. HUNTINGDON." Pol.—Iiaih there been such a time tl'd fain know that). That I have positively said: " "Tin so." V\ hen it proved otherwise other clothing and said to him, "Here, my man, take tliiw and dress up," as I handed him a costly umbrella marked down from 79 cents. ' Here," 9aid I to the man with the style of clothing used by the California candidates for the Venus of Milo, '"take this umbrella and sort of primp up a little."' This question which, strange to say, occurred to him now quite for the first time, produced a mCDst paralyzing effect upon him. and for the moment deprived him of the power of speech or action. It might almost be argued in his defense that he was not responsible for what immediately followed, for as he stood there in this state of fascinated indecision Mrs. Maynard unconsciously turned the wavering scale, in which, nicely balanced, his line of action lay. by uttering his name in tones of welcome and holding out her hand to him cordially. It was a small white hand with a solitaire ring sparkling on one finger—he noticed that in a vague sort of way—and it rested in his hand as lightly as a snowflake. so delighted to see you! No. the library, dear; this way, please.'' Even in the midst of his annoyance North found time to make a mental note of the new fact that Wymer's words had elicited. —Hamlet. Imagine a veteran of a gi'eat war, crippled by the loss of an arm, who yet had the courage to fight the battle" of life all over again in loneliness and in a new world, past middle life now and with the tears on his war worn features, confronted with the charge that lie lias been for !•! years a felon, yet innocent as I am of a wicked or impure thought! And Mrs. Maynard had vanished, leaving North standing at the drawingroom door with the letter that she had given hitn still in his hand. He was looking at it with almost as much dismay as if it had been a package of dynamite. Finally, in a mechanical way, as if he were acting more from the pressure uf circumstances than from any clear purpose in his own mind, he put the envelope into his pocket and made his escape.somewhat precipitately from tke house. Hume—Seal up your lips and give no 'word fau' "Dennis O'Reilly?" said the boy with a blank look, as he thrust his elbows on the shelf directly behind him au-J As he was turning back listlessly, the mum "No I atn the opposing candidate for city attorney." he said to himself, h. -- •cpting with a half-satirical surprise the In,nor that was thus thrust upon him. "Ac tually dabbling in local xDlities: I never supposed that 1 could descend to that!" Till* business asktlh silent secresy! - King Heni y VI Immediately after dinner North returned to his room with the intention of writing to his New York colleagues, notifring thein of his arrival in X . Then the heavens opened at San Diego, and another of those unusual springs that have pursued me through life caught me with polished shoes and a high hat. HI' "Oh! Indeed. Then he probably misunderstood." thelsidy rejoined, with a thoughtful air; but North nervously fancied that she was by no means satisfied in her own mind that he was tell- II jjjjs*- and giving them the benefit of his opinion us to the probability of his discovering Dennis O'Reilly himself, to say nothing of his supposed clews. When you come here, get a white hat of the rancho variety. They are made in Philadelphia, but grow to maturity in this climate. It has an embossed leather band suited to the owner's condition in life. It may cost from #3 to $10. and the hat is $10 liesides. It is light gray, semistiff. with a flat brim, and becomes more valuable as it becomes disreputable and filled with dust and perspiration. We had a little earthquake shock the other evening. They occur now and again often enough, so that wotDden buildings are the rule and stone or brick the exception. Redwood is a good register of these shocks ami is used exclusively for the body of the building. It is very firm and seems made for that purpose. It is also almost fireproof; at least it smolders long enough before blazing so that any fire company can meander over to put it out at its leisure, I am told. Mr. Wymer's brief enthusiasm pass ing oil. he lvlapsed again into a state oi harmless and peaceful imbecility: an' North thought that his moment of es ing her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Seated at the writing table, deliberating gravely before commencing the let, ter, he drew his cigar ease from his pocket, thinking that he might find inspiration in a fragrant Havana, and with it came the envelope that he haii received from Mrs. Mavnard's hand. "I was so confident," she went 01 presently, "that you had received some important word from New York. Have yon really heard nothing. Mr North?" CHAPTER IV ape had come. 3rutus- Oil that a man might know I The er.d of this day's business ere It But in this he was cruelly disappointsi. No sCioner had he turned awaj Han Wymer started up again, e\-ktiin ng with all the enthusiasm of a nev. nspi ration: North realized then that in his mo ment of hesitation he was lost; he therefore gave himself pp to an interesting study of Mrs. Maynard and a panicstricken wonder how best to adapt his manner and conversation to the peculiar situation in which he had placed himself. come, Once more he took tip the telegram and read-it. In his first hasty perusal he had overlooked one point which a second and more careful reading now brought out with startling prominence. But It suffice th that thr day will rnd, And then tlie end is known. "Not one syllable," declared North, solemnly, thankful for the ability to keep at least within the letter of the truth without compromising his safety. Julius Ca^oiir. The sight of it struck disagreeably upon him. By this time his better judgmeut. having secured a tardy hearing, was severely condemning the reckless spirit that had led him to call on Mrs. Maynard. and he had the good grace to be heartily ashamed of himself for that exploit. How he should make amends for it was a question difticult enough under any circumstances, but complicated to the extreme of .awkwardness by his possesion of that letter—a letter which Mrs. Maynard had evidently designed for the perusal of a trusted and confidential friend, not of a total stranger. With one of these hats and a pair of goat or dogskin "chaps" on the legs and an 8-pound spur on each foot, also a pair of riding panties made with a county seat to them, one is dressed for tea or an exhilarating ride in a street car. Absorbed in his mental review of this call on Mrs. Maynard. Allan North, instead of retracing his steps over the routs# by which he had come, turned aimlessly into an intersecting business street; and by the time he awakened to tiiis fact he was a long distance from Delapluine street or any other locality with which he was in the slightest de- I shay. North, hold on: jush lemm Earthquake jars are qnite common in southern California and are often used in putting down apricots and other fruit. peak t' vou! •'•We look to yourself and Mr*. Maynard'"—he read the sentence aiond in a puzzled way—" "for explanation*.' What does this mean? Can it be possible that they suspect— (»ood heavens! It all flashes upon tne now! Whv was I so blind as not to see it be- "That is very strange, indeed:" exclaimed Mrs. Maynard; then, aftgr a thoughtful little pause, lasting perhaps five seconds, .she added, gayly: % itli i cried North, desperately :ik to me. then, and have donC The prune grows well in this part of the state and is superior to the prune stone and glue pie prune of the east. The prune is like the codfish and the fresh young man—the farther it gets from home the more offensive it becomes. The first consideration was easily disposed of. Accustomed to arriving swiftly at conclusions, he summed up Mrs. Maynard in one rapid glance. Age uncertain. something between twenty-five and thirty; height a little above the medinm; figure graceful and willowy: hair pale golden, exquisitely fine and wavy; eyes large,' dark and brilliant; features regular and delicately colorless; manner vivacious and slightly imperious. A little spoiled and willful, perhaps, but only delightfully so. you're drunk!" asserted Mr. kVyiU'-r. with startling1 emphasis. as hC" «teadied himself against the lump-post and blinked sternly at North. "You're drnnk. sir. drunk. D'ye hear".' You'll never do for eity "torney; oh. no! Take 'm home, boys," he added. waving1 his hand unsteadily toward several gentlemen who had congregated on the eor ner. "He feels siek. now. North does. Told 'iiu er truth. l)on't like to have er truth told 'im. Take him home. I shay. His own mother wouldn't know him now: he's drunk!" Nort h Should yon ride horseback, as some do, in these clothes, and the horse be molting at the time, your horse clothes will add to the flavor of the meal, especially if you use corduroy for your suit, as it smells more like a daj" in Constantinople than anything you can get this side of the ocean. "However, I shall not repine until I have greater cause than this. I am certainly learning all the bitterness of hope deferred; but what else can I expect, pray? You lawyers are such a tedious 6et, with your 'red tape' and 'legal process,' and strange and mysterious adjournments, and your thousandand-one ingenious inventions to cause delay; really, to an uninitiated person like myself, it is sinSply marvelous h"Dw long a case can be dragged out aftc-i it once gets into the courts! No, Mr. North, don't begin an eloquent defense of your professional guild; they don't deserve it, and I have no time to listen, if tliey did. I had two distinct objects, aside from my natural cariosity about that very important communication which you now evince such a perverse determination to withhold from me, in asking you to call on me this afternoon. In the first place, I wish to remind you of the expediency of keeping from the major all knowledge of these new investigations that we are about to institute. You know the poor dear major's peculiarities?" gree familiar. fore?' Well, where am I?" he asked him A UEXTU:MA.X RICHI/V KRKSSEli. Dashing the telegram down on the desk, lie rose to his feet with hi* face grown suddenly white, and comrafnoul to pace rapidly to and fro. 6elf, u iio paused irresolutely on a corner anil looked about him in every direction. "I have not tlie slightest idea how I am to find my hotel. I never was more completely lost in my life. It was very stupid in me to wander away from Delaplaine street; but if my confused recollection'of the past few moments is at all correct, 1 have been turn- slowly turned himself around until h« ivaa filling North. "Dennis O'Reilly?*' he repeated in the strongly disparaging tone by which people frequently attempt to justify the ignorance that they are compelled to eonfess. "Never heard of liim before!'* Long since I have ceased to reproach the weather. The weather is what it was made to be. It meaiis well, but very little religious advancement can be made this spring in southern California. Pas tors here tell me that they can see a noted falling off in Santa Barbara in the attendance at the Look Up legion here and in the Lend a Hand society also since the weather fetched loose. With it growing sense of his own embarrassing position. North laid the envelope as far as possible from him on the desk; anil, as he did so.his glance fell idly upon one of the books that were ranged beneath the pigeon holes. In his first hurried examination of the room he had glanced through several of the lxxDks without finding anything- that would identify the owner: but he had overlooked this volume, which. his eve now rested upon ii. seemed to wear a strangely familiar look. Mrs. Mavnard. the elaimant. OUin North, her confidential legal adviser. What had been his own previous suspicion concerning these two? Only too well did he remember it now: and he saw it plainly reflected in that message of Hopkins A- Shepherd. Fn a swift rush of thought Allan North reviewed all the incidents of the case that had first led to his suspicion: he took up one by one' the various links which, though slight and insignificant in themselves, yet when skillfully united formed a complete chain of damaging evidence: and by the time this swift review wan finished he had surrendered most reluctantly to the lDelief that seemed to be irresistibly forced upon him. Iler if own was df black silk, with a profusion of fine white lace about th& corsage, which relieved the somber effect and seemed to give a peculiar brilliancy to her eyes. That faint exquisite perfume like hot house roses, which inhad noticed when he read her note, hung about her like an intangible presence. There was an indescribable daintiness about her that gave a peculiar charm to her beauty; yet with all this softness and beauty one could not fail to perceive that she possessed some strong and decided points of character. Invincible pride and force of will— these two traits were plainly revealed beneath all the charm of a sweet and gracious exterior. "Ah, not a very prominent citizen, then? I fear I shall have great difficulty *in finding him. Who would be likely to know something about him'.' Can you suggest anyone at all?" Upon this appeal one of the gentlemen stepped forward quickly and took North's arm, with the words: mg corners with a  that deprives me of all hope of ever finding my way bu/'k to that aristocratic thoroughfare. As I cannot stand here all night, I really see ho alternative but to keep moving1." '"I think you'd better let me take yon home. North. Mr. Wyrner will feel better satisfied If you do. Come on. old fellow," he added, drawing North aside and speaking confidentially, "it's the shortest way to get rid of Wymer. He's just in a condition to be troublesome. If you can escape from him in this way. you'd better do it." . The boy shook' his head as if giving it up at the outset, but nevertheless reflecting seriously for a moment. Glancing idly into the street, he saw a gentleman standing on the opposite corner. Instautly the youth's countenance lightened up with that peculiar illumination which is th* unmistakable indication of a new idea. There is a Home for Disabled Spiritual Mediums also at Santa Barbara, and this spring there has been a retrogression there bordering on iconoclasm. lie started on slowly, and his mind wandered back to his interrupted train lie drew it from its place and looked at the title; it was a copy of Don Quixote, in the original. With growing excitement he turned to the fly leaf. There, above a date that carried hitn back in inomtfry several years to his college days at Harvard, he saw written by his own hand the words, "Ollin, from Allan." while underneath, in the doggerel in which undergraduates delight, were scrawled a few stanzas, the authorship of which a remorseless memory immediately fastened upon him. At the Do Gixvl society's parlors members now hold their umbrellas in their hands even through service instead of leaving them in the hall or in the pastor * study where they can drain into his last year's sermons. Thus they are ruined, for a sermon should he kept perfectly dry. I have been given by Lieutenant Chase of tVe army a bag of seeds from the sequoia trees of the state. He says they will grow easily in North Carolina. I will plant them there, and friends are invited to come there when they mature, in 6.000 years from this spring, and we will have a basket picnic, after which I will speak. of meC litations. "She quite interests me," he mused, perhaps for the fiftieth time, while his brows contracted with a puzzled frown. North assented and started slowly down the street with his arm linked in that of his friendly companion; but he was not destined yet to escape. Wymer gazed after them for a moment in a slightly bewildered way, then suddenly started to follow them at a creditable pace; creditable only in point of speed, for he described all sorts of variations from the straight line of direction in his hurried course, while his voice was still heard above every other sound in the street. "Maynard—Mrs. Maynard; why is it that the name seems so familiar to me? It has been half suggesting something to me ever since I read her note. It appears that she has become entangled in n lawsuit. I wonder what is nature of the difficulty? It furthermore appears that the major (Query: Who is the major?) is inclined to make trouble, and the lady and her lawyer are consequently obliged to circumvent the old fellow. Kather interesting situation— for the lawyer! She's quite young, and very beautiful. I wonder if she is likewise in love with me? It looks tremendously likQ it. I'.ihaw! Of course I mean with the other follow. By the way, I ought to be hunting up Dennis O'Reilly. As a matter of fact, that is what I am here for. I wonder if his name is in the directory? Just like a blundering idiot to forget to- give his address! Now, suppose I step into this drug store— there's an accommodating-looking man in the door—and glance over their di-. rectory. And then if it should so chance that the man doesn't know me, though that is almost too much to expect. I can venture to inquire the way to the Clement house, without exposing myself to disagreeable insinuations and "There's Mr. Wymer. over there on the corner," he said, with a nod toward the gentleman. "Ask hDm. He's a •vard politician, arid he knows all such "C'an it be possible," he asked himself. still in a maze of bewildered thought, of unwilling conviction, "that Noll has so far forgotten his pers»Dna' and professional honor as to descend to such a deed as this? Tli«re is only one hypothesis upon which I can explain i1 at all. He must have been mad—infatuated! A beautiful face has lured many a man to his ruin, and Xoll haD- doubtless been the victim of the artful wiles that were practiced upon me today. So be it! Fate has most strangely put it within my power to visit » just retribution upon her. and 1 will exercise that power without merevj 1 will deliberately keep up the deception in which 1 have thus far acouiesced for my own idle amusement, and in the assumed character of my brother ascertain how far Mrs. Mavnard has knowledge and complicity in this forgery. And if I find that she is responsible for the wretched conspiracy, let her be- THE TOY COWBOV. This with an inquiring elevation of the delicate brows, a deprecatiug curve of the delicate lips. We have here the toy cowboy, who is a typhoid ass on his father's side. Some of them are from Harlem and some from Avenue A A. They buy horsehair bridles »nd ride one of those saddles made from a Mexican tannery. Their California clothes are shipped here from Market street, Philadelphia, fur just such cowboys. Their courage comes ffom Kentucky and biteth like a serpent andstingeth like an adder. Had North been very susceptible to feminine attractions he might have lo6t his heart to Mrs. Maynard at first sight, as others had so often done. But a certain cold, flippant cynicism which he had been cultivating for the past few years, with considerable success, saved him from this fate. He had once loved a beautiful girl with all the strength and fervor of his soul, had be- North assented with two or three grave and comprehending nods, as if to say; "This is between ourselves and is perfectly understood. No further words are necessary." Wvmer can nit v \\ as nC it to Ik1 lost The book dropped from his hands in his agitation at this discovery. I n tones of incredulous amazement he exclaimed: With thanks for the suggestion North left the store ami hurried across the "Wonder if one of these self-same peculiarities is an interesting habit of listening at the doors?" he mused. "One would fancy so from the cautious way she lowers her voice. By Jove! I wish I were {well out of this! What will come next, in the way of startling developments?" street. "'Sawful shad!"' he exclaimed, very nearly upsetting himself in his vehement efforts to ex ,ract a silk liandker» chief from his pocket, with the obvious intention of assuaging imaginary tears "At last the mystery is solved! By Jove'. So my first suspicion was correct, after all, Ollin, not Allan; the similarity in sound deceived me; it was Ollin North that he said"—his thoughts suddenly reverting to the genllemau with the eye-glasses. "Actually Noll, my own twin-brother! No wonder they can't tell us apart! Well, 1 am astonished! I should as soon have expected to run against the man in the moon, or any other person of doubtful existence, as to find Noll here. Why didn't he let me know where he was? 1 hope lie doesn't lay any of I nele Diek's sins ;it my door! What if the old gentleman was always holding me up as a model for Noll to imitate, ever since we were in knickerbockers, and calling me his favorite nephew and all that rubbish! why. bless his heart. Noll knew well enough how 1 felt toward him. and I don't believe there was ever the faintest shade of jealousy or even so much as a passing cloud between us up to the very day we parted so suddenly! Let me sec now . how long nnC The sequoia is like a number of men I have met here—chiefly remarkable for having lieen here first. I subscribed last week $•"D for the relief of a man who frankly admitted that, aside from that, there wa* nothing whatever the' matter with him. A gentleman, richly dressed in black broadcloth, with a glossy silk hat and a dazzling gold watch chain, was leaning against the corner lamp post, gazing about hiin with an air of supreme satisfaction. It required only a practiced glance to discover the cause of this complacency. "Do 1 look ilrnnlr?" asked one of them the other evening of a friend of mine. "No, 1 think not "All right, then," said the cow gentleman, unbuckling his spurs and leaving them where they had caught in a lady's trail. "I just wanted to know if I looked drunk." said the man kindlv. Jll^ /n fx .. D "You know," Mrs. Maynard continued, in the same sweet, guarded tone, breaking in upon North's meditations, "how persistently he has opposed me all through this affair. lie has a perfectly unreasonable horror oi litigation, as well as a strong desire to thwart and annoy me, and he tried in every way to prevent me from urging my claim in the first place. Of course. I am not in the habit of allowing myself to be guided by Maj. Maynard'f advice in matters of any personal in terest or importance; still, harmony in the household is something that one i? willing to purchase at almost any cost, andin this case, really, Mr. North, if il had not been for your professional ad viec, and your resolutely taking affairs into your own hands and assuming the whole legal responsibility for me, I have no doubt tfiat I should have yielded to his prejudices and allowed my interests to be sacrificed, just tc preserve the peace!" fcbe sighed faintly as she spoke, leaning back in her chair with her eyes downcast. I visited another ostrich farm the other day. I can hardly keep away from this strange bird. Ostrich eggs are worth $156.75 per dozen. They are good to eat. and six of them will make a man a meal. "A ward politician! He looks like it," thought North; then lifting his hat he Addressed the gentleman: "Blessed if tain't!" was the graceful response, as Mr. Wymer turned his smiling tra/e upon North without changing his attitude in the least. ♦Mack Wymer, Ksq., workin'man's friend; here's er ticket for you, gentlemen. I'ratt for may'r, Brown for treasurer. Wymer, Jack Wymer—hooray! that's me—for city 'torney! What'* matt' r with Wvmer!" Mr. Wymer, I believe?' warp!" The ostrich cannot lDe got by means of the horse. He never runs. He just walks: but, oh, how they do emerge from where they were and arrive elsewhere! [TO B* l OXTIXVED. I It Was. I\ iij N'r». \ m« k *• | t»H \Ve«ry, ill- When Jill til l l:uiy like the English qvieen tal;C D up 1 In- study ot 11 i i ;«ti»»o and masters ii girttu icutlv to convert* with the reserved high caste princesses ,f tbe east, who olDje,ct tCD the pre*eneo •if tlie male interpreter during and'tenc with their s»Cereign. tnid a heartlirokeu, middle aged woman like the empress of Austria acquires ancient mid "moderi. Ureek to flie extent of talking and wriiiug it fluent lv, it makes a New York woman a little weary to tliink she can't keep up her school French or find Nm« to read the magazines.— New York Sun They also do not rnn away in a bunch, but scatter at once in every direction, so that the swiftest rider is bewildered. The bird seems to raise the head, shrug its shoulders, and with scarcely a feeling of interest in the chase it just simply swaps time for distance like a telephone. Miltculc Accordingly he stepped up to the drug store and lifting his hat to the man v. ho was lounging on the steps, he e«.l the observation that "it was a "Ah, indeed!" rejoined North, with an air of interest. "City attorney? So you. aspire to that office? Do you think you'll get it?" The only way to catch au ostrich ia to appeal to its appetite, which is its only intellect, for its brain and body are a* unequal as those of a pugilist. You take a aack of corn in a bag and start out.after a bird that seem? to lag a little, and if you know how and also have a little salt to put on the tail of the bird you are as liable to secure hini inside of six weeks as you would be on horseback. von •*HO-W mr KIND IS Tor, Mil nobth." line d j was that? We were "Very fine." assented the man adname "Maynard" caught his eye. There it %vas—"Maj. Charles Maynard, No. XI Pelaplaine street." "G.-t it? D'ye mean to shay I won't pet it? Come on, now, and back it up if you dare!" eried Mr. Wymer, suddenly as'-.ujning a pugilistic attitude: then, as this brief paroxysm of resentment passed off and his overpowering goodhuini r returned, he subsided into his former attitude of repose and inquired, stupidly but amiably: ' Ciet what?" lieved in her with his whole heart, and had been trifled with—deceived. There was no danger that his heart would ever be captured again. 11* C|| SWUNG IT C.r.KEFCLLr A KOt'VT) nis hi:ad •mljkiip! •'Her husband," reflected North, with a vague, feeling of having satisfactorily of grief. "Young man er North's talon's t hrowin' shelf away like tliish! Tur'ble warnin". young men. Drink did it. D'ye hear? Steady there, now, steady! Hooray! Here we go!" Air. Wyruer's raootl lice a me slightly hilarious at this point, and. catching his hat in his hand, he swung it gleefully around his head while he continued to cheer lipr Dariously. Juvenile Amrnltln. Still Mrs. Maynard interested him, under the circumstances, and he therefore subjected her to his unobtrusive but critical observation. Envious Boy (011 foot)—I'know why "hat there thing is called a safety. Proud Boy (on bicycle)—Why? Envious Boy—'Cause any fool kin rid* t without fallin off.—Good News. Bottled one point. "I suspected so from the way she referred to him. A crotchety old fellow who has to be humored. I wonder if he makes her very unhappy? And if—" The thread of his reflections was suddenly broken, His glance had wandered from the open book to a newspaper on the counter, and this, other professional The first importer of ostriches to America told me that he got them off the boat at San Diego and put them in the corral, but in his gladness of being again on land an old gent ostrich kicked down a quarter of a mile of stone wall and escaped. So did the others. They saw no reason why they should remain, and so they weut also, disliking as they did the businew of laying large warm eggs at $12.30 each with no freedom. It took that year to recover the birds. This is as awkward as raising pineapples on my upright farm in North Carolina. Making a study of the canned pineapple only. I knew very little of it as a shrub and did not know until recently whether it was a citrus or deciduous fruit. 1 have therefore been taken advantage of by dealers, I ncjw see, and have in fact been trying to graft the Rhode Island Greening on tht» Jack pine. Their eyes met directly for an instant after their first salutations, and during that instant North fancied that he •could perceive a swift and subtile change come over her. He could not have defined the change any more tlian he could have accounted for it. Jle only knew that a sudden little shadow flitted over her face, a sudden little chill cam'.' into her manner, a curious mingling of surprise, annoyance and pemleiiity took North's countenance wore a disturbed expression during the interval of silence that ensued. North did not wish to pursue the subject. so he merely responded in an equally stupid and amiable way: "Ah! yes. very true. Mr. Wymer," which the latter, in his sadly befogged state of mind, looked upon as not only a very elegant, comprehensive and satisfactory. but likewise a genial and friendly style of rejoinder, and peace was immediately reestablished. "This looks alarmingly like the domestic skeleton!-' he thought, almost shrugging his shoulders in his di may. A Superlative. Mrs. F.—I think I'll select this one. It will be a great surprise to John. Professor in Female Seminary—Defin» jniutessence. "With what charming naivete she alludes to her differences with the major! ff I could have foreseen that I should have to play the role of sympathizing friend in a cast in which a tyrannical husband and a beautiful injured wife were the other leading characters. I should scarcely hare had the temerity This was beyond endurance. Halting sharply. North had just turned.-to' signal a policeman half a square distant. who. with that disinclination to active duty that seemed to pervade tinwhole local force, had been witnessing thin scene without any thought, apparently. beyond his own idle amusement. when two young men. passing on the opposite side of the street, caught sight of Wymer, divined the state of affairs, and came hurrying up to inter- Sweet Miss Prunes—I—I—J believe it s a superlative kind of quince.—Buffalo V 'r cards C played in the advertising eolarreste4 his attention: Wescott, Attorneys and ut Law. Offices 3 and 5 r ii.. umns. "North 'Is press. Counselors Mar t Square.*' North & Wescott"—a partner, by !" was tlie first comment that led through his mind; "':{ and 5 t squa~e;' if I ever can find the I think I must call at my office •• how thingslook there. North . h—h'm! Not in the directory," led after a hasty search for the "Hut then, it's an old edition, •ohablv doesn't contain the names of one-half the present population. And now. about this O'Reilly; it's perfectly evident that he isn't here either. How shall I go to work to find him? Perhaps this boy can tell me something about him. At least 1 can inquire." And closing the book, North began "It is useless to ask him any ques tions;'" thought North, despairingly. "Mi*s McGurdigan," said the rising young baseball player as he nervously paced the floor, "1 have a request to make of you, and I trust that you will not misjudge me, hut as I intend calling on you regularly for the next month or so would it be any trouble for you to wear the waist yon wore last night—the one with the large horn buttons down the front?" A Latidabl* Ambition, 'i the place of the frank cordiality with which she at first greeted him. She seemed to lose her self-possession for a moment, and hei first, words, though evidently intended to be light and careleas, were spoken with a nervous rapidity that quite betrayed her. Jo VI flasl "If Dennis O'Reilly were his own brother he would scarcely know it in his present condition, so I might as well pass on. It is a fortunate thing that he doesn't know me!" to come here at all. With what a i ter-of-course air she refers to this deli eate subject, as if she had frequent!;. piaee, and st Mur discussed it with me. I don't und fllK BOOK IlKOrrKI) KI'.OM 111* HANDS. stand it A Jady might possibl v ma With this self-congratulation he had turned awav when he was electrified They took forcible possession of Mr. Wymer, notwithstanding his manful resistence, and by their united powers of command and persuasion succeeded in leading him away. fere, just "lit nf eollepe. Null anil I. it nil h civ reading law with Carroll. and that was sjx years aD. Six years! W.hat h penin* Null hud for sjH'mlinjf y» Now I always h..Cl enough with "ular allowance, and managed t-C the enils meet very creditably "How very kind in you, Mr. North, to be so punctual!" she exclaimed, as she sank gracefully into a low easy-chair and waved him back to his seat. "I her spiritual adviser the confidant C such troubles, but does she also poi by hearing his name pronounced by Mr. Wymer in tones loud enough to attract general attention. namr "Certainly not, Mr. Hard base," replied the queenly Hoboken beauty, "bat may I ask the meaning of this extraordi nary request?" them into the sympathetic ear of hei lawyer? If such Ik- the general custom then the fates preserve me from Imcom mi Dn The ostrich can eat objects larger than the neck, which seems impossible. Big peets or mangels are usecl tor rood as well as grain.* These mangels grow to the size of a person's thigh (I decline to Kive the person's name). Anrl with a hatchet—an ostrich liatchit—the owner chops off the big end of the beet anil tosses it to the bird, who swallows it entirely whole. Yon see it as it goes down the neck, sometimes lDefore and then again on the side or back of the neck, lik« a traveling tumor, till it strikes the giz zard of this beautiful songster. really "have not a moment this after noon that I can call my own. but thought [ must see you if only to sa1 two words. The ladies' guild, of whk t I am so unfortunate as to be president is to meet with me for a special sessio of closed doors, and already several o the members have arrived, so you see fchall have just five minutes to devote t you—or rather, I shall detain you onli for that time. You understand, o course, why I sent for you?" with : fiwift, questioning glance at him, : slight trace of anxiety in her manner North gravel}' assented and endeavored to look wise. North! 1 v,i;iy North, hold on! North and his new friend watcheC mi \* r ing that most unhappy of all luckless mortals, pome fair lady's confidential Lemme speak to you—tie'lar bisli nush!" the interesting trio until tkegr.turned a corner and disappeared, then they continued their own walk down the street. "You may." he replied as he rapidly seated himself by and placing his arm around her waist began doing business again at the old stand. "I want to get my fingers in shape for the coming season. "—Exchange. North paused irresolutely and looked back at Wvmer; then, deciding1 to pay ie man, he turned though Incle I)iok wasn't exactly princely in his generosity in this re -■pect: whereas Noll, without one singK TWO A. M.—JOHN S St'KFRISE —Life. adviser s point D attention t«» "Mr. Wymer's friend's were evidently liseoncerted on finding that he was making such a spectacle of himself," ice. or even an actual extravaganthat you could lay your tiiiger on, wa tlways and forever in debt. It used t Husband—Alter today I'm going to try a new plan with you. Ever}- time you get a new dress it must be understood that I can invite my friends hern to a little poker party and a merry time generally. Accommodating:. ies' voices was heart !rs. Maynard started tip with a in the hall ■ft at a slightly accelerated pace. tin the Voungman, what sort of a director .1 call t anyway? Instantly Mr. Wymer, without stir- remarked North, as he recalled the •■lances of chagrin that the younjr men had exchanged. ;i (wrfcct mystery to me'how he con ture of ice, a youth just turned his head to iortli on Ix thus suddenly ani from I careless. lounging atti vC lice higher and eallei rived to sjiend so much money; i ieeined to melt away like ice a A Narrow Escape. riving his opportunity( roae at oncc uke leave of her. "I fear that I am encroaching on y "J never had such a terrible day," said a ladv who lives in the suburbs. re voi ng his chances for election. Every in-in X knows that .Ja :k Wym Dr is dissipated fewow, but this is the fir-1 ime for weeks that he-has been seen or he streets 'elevated' in the daytime 'hey have kept a close watch over hin uring the canvass; must have relaxe. heir vigilance a little to-day. Oh hey're a hard lot, that whole 'Labo 'arty.' as they call themselves—a bar Dt!" added North's companion, sliakin Why, yes; they see that he is ruin ion as it tfiDt into his hands, an What was the matter?" Wife (sweetly)—You can have them very night, dear, if you want to.— T-trh. ime, Mrs. Maynard," h( 10 idea that I was staying Mas for North's veracity! He had neve Defore endured a period of time ■emed so interminable, "It is really provoking, Mr. Nortl aid Mrs. Maynard, "after you ha ;iken the trouble to call at this hoi hat we should have so little time t alk," saul •I 1: :D Ion 1 CI -l, was us laconic n ;ik t Du just minut hat made "Uncle Dick wrath', D that finally he cut off Moll' Uowance altogether, and swore h •ould disinherit the young spendthrift nd actually did forbid him the housi "Onr new servant girl. She couldn't find the clothesline 'Never mind," Bridget,' said 1, 'let it go for today.' 'Indade • )i'll not,' said she. 'Oi'll fix it in a jiffy With that she got the stepladder, and 1 ieft her. In a few minutes i thought I would see how she was getting along .nd 1 arri Dd on the scene just in time to save her iife." One of the female birds laid a set of •roquet balls for the editor of the papei Uere and then began on a big Easter job •he following week. With a bottle of liamond dye and a quart of cracked wheat she would surprise even people who have lived iu New York and who ■inow almost everything. ) with an intonation ti: ingested the additioi lar b ort h. d'ye hear?' North h ,nd so did everyone else ,Just His Luck. "I hear Simpson had a streak of bad lick and has been losing money." "Did he lose much?"' '•About $10,006." "How did it happen;-" "Of course," he said to himself, wit' liis usual facility for quieting' his owr conscience, ''she sent for me b 'caus. she wanted to see me. Isn't thnt clea tha Oh," rejoined North, "I am perfi willing' to concede that it is g i til rroundhig busyiesr ■ the doors and win Des: but itiasmi ivs aiul up I ingly out; passers s curiously to set .mall boys walket rlv off the curb id even me good-by, drifted off urope to live by bis wits. Dear old fC id poor Noll, too proud and angry t i give the precise infori turned r hea i tl 1 am seeking1, it is wC iis going Dw! lie had a better capital to depen n than most of the fellows have wh ire obliged to resort to that im'isibl neans of support. And now he ho v to r.r enough that'." "1 mean," added Mrs. Maynard. wi • curious effect of measuring her word. I Auyoue might lOthing at nil to me. I ain in search tic Dennis O'Reilly, who professes a resident of this city. Can you gi me anv information coneernina him? ml v n thi nea to witness tli "What was she doing?" "Getting ready to hang the clothes on troller Trirr.'"—Wn'hlr.rfPTl Pt9f The birds are good to eat, and the seC ond, joint will relieve the pangs of liungei for hours. The ostrich has a wishbone 1 tjiat I3 often useJ to blow corn v Uh 1. "He fell down a coal hole that was ft uncovered ;ind wasn't hurt."—IXD . : t rv.~ n TV —. "Qb, It was no trouble at all, Mr Alaynard," protested North with an a and, to add to r ■ North's diseom lis head dubiously. "Of course, ok Vvmer's money is the backbone of th« ure. everyone eve he met ns h«