Pittston Gazette

              JSSTABI,ISIIT51D 1S50. » VOL. XUU. NO. S7. t Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Vi lley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., PA., FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1891. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. r A°IS?A5S™ 1893FY CAMLCJ, KlSfT^ without a fight. You anil your sisters ordinarily they would not molest, but by thin time they know you aro hero. Very possibly they've followed closely on your trail and may lie gathering all around us at this moment. Let lue be brief. The sooner you can hitch in those mules again, or those relay mules rather, and get out of here the better." coarse Mexican voice muttered a savage oath. Feeny, crouching low, darted into the darkness in the direction of the sound. Plnmmer and Harvey would have restrained him, but it was too late. He was gone liefore either could speak. Then a latch creaked and snapped behind them, and slowly and cautiously tho wooden shutter lxDgan to ojien outward. In an instant Harvey had raised his rifle and strucY the resounding board a fierce blow with tho butt The door flew back, crashing in violent contact against tho grizzled pato of Moreno himself, who, with a howl of mingled rago and anguish, fell back from tho aperturo. ried into the bar, where, wild with anxiety, but faithful to his trust, Mr. Dawes still guarded the safe. Then Harvey stopped through the narrow doorway to the eastern room. for the men. His connection with the outlaw band was now known, and these witnesses must bo put to death. Then —then the paymaster's safe could readily bo battered open, then there was tho mint of money to lio divided among the victors, then away to Sonorawith their spoil and with old Harvey's beautiful daughters. What ransom would be not be willing to pay—that proud, disdainful father! Was over luck so great? But haste! haste—not a moment could bo lost. They mnsUact at once. safe goes whack into tho fire, and sorra a sliiiiplaster will yon have for all your pains. Ain't that so, paymaster? Shure the government ought to lw mighty glad of the chance of saving all those prom- NYE IN NEW ENGLAND ciflent that occurred at rtarvara last Halloween. The Harvard boys are not Bach bad boys as some, bnt are full of animal spirits and one thing or another, all seeking expression in a harmless way. THE CLIMATE DIFFERS SOMEWHAT ~-"}OLINA. "1 havo to borrow the lamp a moment, Fan," ho whispered. "Now, lie still. We may havo to stand a siege awhile until father can reach us." FROM THA' - lses to pay "Bravo, Feeny ["shouted young Harvey from the adjoining room. "We're not smoked out yet, by a good deal," ho added in lower tones. "Butif the worst comes to tho worst we can make a rush for the barley stack in tho corral. Lie still, Ruth, little sisfflfc It won't bo any time now before the soldiers will come galloping to us." And, hiding her terror stricken face in her sister's breast, the girl obeyed. As Halloween approached, these boys tried to think of Homo way by which they could snrprise and delight the police. Boys love to interest the police everywhere, I think, and it is very sad to know that in many instances the police are not only cold toward the boys, but in some cases even repulsive. The boys finally went to a barber about 10 o'clock, as ho was closing up the shop, and asked him what he would take for his barber pole sign. He thought a minute and then said $25. What a Tonne Doctor lias to Say on the Subject.—Mr. I.olless Experiment* With Chickens—Men Who KIse Suddenly—Tha "Ah, but, major, how about the Apaches in the Santa Maria? We would get there, you know, just about daybreak." Two minutes more, bending low and with his l.ist cartridge crammed into the chamber of his carbine, Feeny turned to make a ran for the ranch. Just as he came sjteeding in past the westward wall tho wooden shutter was hurled open, and a strange voice, loud, exultant, strident, burst upon his ear. Question of Propinquity. [Copyright., 1«M, by Eilgar W. Nye.] In New England For a Few Weeks, ) Feb. 20. f The winter has certainly been tempered to the shorn lamb np to this writing, and the unemployed have escaped what wonld havo been with a winter liko that of last year a season of suffering and even death. " By Ju piter, I never thought of them! You wouldn't have your guard now that yonr father's gone." And so Morales hnrriod to station and instruct his men. Prowling like coyotes through tho darkness and at respectful distance from the guarded end of tho corral ranch, half a dozen of tho number crept into tho corral. Others were distributed over tho southern front. Throo of tho lighter and more slender of the band were "boosted" through tho high west window into Moreno's domain. Then through the middle room they made their way. where sat the senora, rocking, weeping and moaning over the body of tho outlaw leader, where, hiding under tho bed, shivering and praying, crouched the senorita, her daughter, and then, barefooted, they crept into the room adjoining the bar and listened, breathless, to the low toned instructions of the veteran sergeant. From without no glimmer of light could guide tho assailants or help them in their aim. The black apertures of tlio doorways were poor marks for night shooting, and the more enterprising and adventurous, crawling like snakes to reconnoiter, were soon able to rejK)rt that most scientifically had the defense thrown up their breastworks.'"No. We've simply got to stay here, major. Personally I'm only too glad to be here to help yon out It cannot be long before the troops como hurrying back when they find they've been tricked. Very probably they have found it ont by this time." Then, with quick decision, he stepped back to the door of the Concord. " Girls 1 Paquitat Ruthiel Tumble out, both of you. We're to stay here at Moreno's tonight." And, the paymaster aiding, the silent, trembling sisters were lifted from the wagon and led away into the ono guestroom—the east room—where, pistol in hand, still sat Dawes on the safe. The wraps and pillows were quickly passed in. The little hurricane lamp was stood in one corner. A bun- "Open that again, and I'll blow yonr head oft, you scoundrel!" growled Harvey. "Don't you daro show hair nor hido outside your room. Every man has orders to shoot yon on sight, if that's any comfort to you." ' Como on, Pasqual I Como"  [CORTINUKD. ] CHAPTER IV. " There 1 Ilark now, sergeant I Didn't you hear V" suddenly spoke tho major, throwing up a warning hand. But tho rest was lost in tho roar of Feeny's ready weapon. Tho rude facade of adobo blazed red one instant in tho Uiish of tho carbine, and the loud reiDort went bellowing out across tho plain. But within tho ranch there went up a wail of terror and dismay, for Ramon Morales, shot through the brain, was stretched lifeless at tho foot of Moreno and his shuddering wife. Out at tho corral gate meantime a vehement council was being held. Feeny's bold defiance and threat had produced their effect. His voice had rung out above tho roar of the flames, and what Morales could not hear was promptly reported by thoso who had crawled up nearer to tjiq bar and could understand every wor' /en hampered by the caroof their helpless women, tho defense was undismayed. Tho little garrison was fighting with magnificent hope and courage. And now. with sueli confirmation of the truth of the story of an Apache raid, the paymaster thought it only right to release Moreno from the duress in which Sergeant Feeny had placed him. When so old an inhabitant of Arizona as Mr. Harvey gave entire ere. dence to the report, recognized the note as really his son's handiwork and hastened at all speed to overtake the pursuers, what room for doubt conld be left in tho mind of a newcomer to the soil V It was time, thought Plummer, to form an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the Mexican denizens of the ranch against the enemy common to both. But again Feeny shook his head in solemn protest. "All right," said the boys, "write out a receipt." Both men held their breath, listening intently. For a moment nothing but the beating of their own hearts served to give the faintest sound. Then, out to the west, under the starlit vault of the heavens, somewhere in that black expanse of desert, plainly and distinctly, there rose the measured sound of iron or stone beating on iron. Whether it were tiro or linchpin, liame or brake, something metallic about a wagon or buckboard was being pounded into place or shape. I met a young doctor yesterday in Rhodo Island who told me that ho once started in to practice medicine in North Carolina at Dncktown "*• omewhere on tho Murphy Branch. Then with the pole and the receipt they started out over town. Of course they were arrested. "I'll tache you young divils to go puttin barber poles in the cimitery over the graves of the pilgrim fathers and sidebare booggies on top the matin housel Come on wid me!" said an American policeman. So they went with him, carding the pole and singing *oj, tally a little song called "Daisy Bell." They produced their receipt at tho station, gave the Irishman the great, big, coarse laugh and started out once more to land another policeman. All night they harvested the police and in the morning sold the pole back for $20. When the police read this, they will know that the United States and Great Britain have been let into the secret on the promise not to let it go any further. Only for a second had tho old Mexican's head appeared, only an instant had ho for plea or protestation, but that instant had Berved to show a narrow streak of light from the room within, and this mere crack revealed to the watchful eyes out uiCon tho plain the position of the ruuch —possibly told them soHwtirtug more, fr»r in less tlian half a minute two horsemen caino looming up ont of tho darkness and cantering fearlessly toward them. Phlegmat ic as he was, oi l Fluinmer's nerves gav0 a twitch as, sharp and stern, young Harvey challenged. "How did you like it?" I asked, wishing to appear interested. And then Feeny, unscathed, leaped inside tho barroom. "Well, I soon wearied of it," he replied dreamily. " It is a beautiful country there, and tho air is like a healing "Now for it, men! Drag in those two drunken brute bastes," ho cried, laying hold of MilllanHi limp carcass. 'Lug in wan of them water jars. Stick their d d heads into that trough boyant. Now bo lively. The whole gang'11 bo on us in less than a minute." Beyond the winding of one of their number, no impression apparently had been made, whereas tho bandits had a sorry loss to contemplate. Ramon shot dead. Pasqual crippled and the two "gringos," tho daring, enterprising leaders of tho attack, painfully wounded, one probably mortally so. And now, with tho flames lighting up tho whole valley between the Picacho "It's them, sir," muttered the sergeant. "It's that bloody gang, for there's no stage due tonight, and if it was Harvey's ambulance, recaptured, 'tis from the northeast it would be com- CHAPTER V. "I may have been wrong a« to the Apaches, sir, but 1 can't bo mistaken as to Moreno. He's in the pay of the Morales brothers, even if not an active member of the gang. Ho is lurking in there now, I'll warrant you, with two or three of them in hiding, waiting for the coming of the main Iwdy. They'd 'a' been here before this jteihaps if it hadn't been for the Apache story. They're more afraid of one of Cochise's hand than of all the sheriffs from Tucson to Tacotna. I wish the rest of Har. vey's people would get here," be continned, looking longingly out into the darkness. "Unless tiny are of better stuff than most of these innle whackers in the territory, you won't catch them hustling out alone trying to find their master this night. And yet what use would they be to us?" '* Halt there I Who are you? Haiti or wo lire." At midnight the Bituation at Moreno's ranch was a strange one. The occupants of the two rooms farthest to the e:ist were tDeing besieged by 10 or 15 outlawed men, some Mexican, some "Mightn't they have missed the trail in the darkness, and having no ranch lights to guide them got lost somewhere out there?" ing." "Friends, "shouted one voice," Americans, "the other, as promptly the order to halt was olieyed, the trained horses going almost.on their hauuchcs under the erne I force of the huge Mexi can hit. and the Christobal, with cavalry known to lie out in several squads within easy march, some of the men were already weakening. They had had enough of it and were quite ready to slink away, hut Pasqual was a raging lion. Revengo ftDr the death of his brother, wrath over his own crippled condition, fury at tho failure of the assault and hatred on general principles of all honest means and honest men, all prompted him to order and enforce a renewal of the attack, all served to madden him to such a degree that even burning his adversaries to death seemed simply a case of serving them right. What cared ho that two of tho besieged were fair young girls — noncombatants? They were George Harvey's daughters, and that in itself was enough to bring balm to his soul and well nigh cause him to forget his physical ills. I am pleased to notice that her most gracious majesty Queen Victoria, elnpress of India by the grace of God and political influence, is discussing the question of " Whether propinquity or cool, sober judgment brings about the most marriages in the world." 'gringo," but all cutthroats, and up to this moment the besieged had had tho lDest of it. From group to group flitted Pasqual. At his shrill battlecry all hands were to rush simultaneously to the attack, firing no shot for fear of hitting one another, but with pistol in one hand and the long, deadly knife in tho other close at once ujKDn the defenders, leap over their barriers and overwhelm them in the dark interior. In three minutes tho signal would ho given. He himself would lead the dash of the party within tho corral. Pasqual was shrewd enough to know that where there was only one doorway instead of two there would be better chance of dodging the bullets. But keen eyes and ears and wits were there alert. Feeny and Harvey well knew that this was but the lull l*fore tho storm. "Not likely, sir. Shnre, there'd lie a squad of the troops and half a dozen old h;uids with 'em if it was Harvey's. This has come froiu the pass, and it won't lx) long before they'll be coming ahead. You'll need your carbine then. "We aro seeking Moreno's," contin lied the first voice. "Tho Apaches jumped our outfit jnst after sunset, and we had to run for it." And yet their plight was desperate. In the easternmost room,, seenre from bullet or missile of any kind so long as they crouched close to the ground and back from the doorway, lay trembling in silence old Harvey's daughters. At the door, only tho barrel of his rifle protruding, keeping under cover all ho lDossibly could lDchind an improvised parapet of barley bags, knelt their devoted brother, coo] and determined, every now and then whispering words of hope and encouragement. Jin tho adjoining room, connected with the eastern chamber by a doorli-ss aperture through tho adolio wall, lay the paymaster, sorely wounded, but still conscious and plucky, his faithful clerk ministering to him as beat ho could, stanching the flow of blood and comforting him with cool water "How many are there of yon all told?" demanded Harvey. Though rather late in the day, I have been asked by a correspondent recently to place myself on record on this qnestion, and I rise to remark that it is rather a hefty qnestion, especially to a man who is not quite snre what propinquity means. D 11 that man Mullan 1 him yet?" Can't 1 wake Apparently not. Even the well directed kick only evoked a groan. Tak-» ing a couple of carbines, Fwrny returned to the major, silently handing him one of t he weapons, saying," It's loaded, sir, and here's more cartridges." "Only us two. We're partners, prospecting. Been down toward the Sonora line. For the Lord's sake, gentlemen, don't keep us out here. We've lost everything we've had—packs, packers and grub. We're alxiut dead beat for a drink and something to eat." The silent, trcinlAlny gIstfrs were lifted from tini wotfou. die of cavalry blankets, left behind by the detachment when it took the trail, was spread out upon tho earthen floor. The safe was hauled into tho empty barroom, and bidding his sisters lie down and fear nothing, assuring them of their perfect safety thero and urging them to sleep all they could against their move at dawn, Edward Harvey, looking well to his arms and bidding his two men to do likewise, came forth and joined his soldier friends. MR. LOLLESS' COMPLAINT. « balm tho year round, but the masses who live along the Morphy Branch and tho Ducktown road give me a keen, darting pain in tho neck. I practiced there among the copperas clouted yeomanry till they had swallowed three chemical thermometers on me, and then I thought it was time to move. My practico hero is small, but my lady patients do not die here with their sunbonnets on." However, if propinquity be a sort of juxtaposition, I wonld say that it no doabt has a good deal to do with many emotional marriages, especially among the more barbarous tribes; but, on the other hand, in England, where so many extinct nobles marry American girls who bud on the same branch beside the leaf lard which gave vitality and wealth to the parent stem, I think that propinquity has little to do with marriage, spondulicity being the great motive on the one hand and love for purple but strumous blood on the other. The true English humor found in the blood of the nobility is the kind that calls loudly for 150 doses of sarsaparilla for $1. But shall we say that cool calculation has much to do with the true and happy marriage? No, your majesty, I trow not. Plunnner turned anxiously away and gave himself up to thought. Nothing but a faint glimmer now remained ol the beacon light. All w&s still iw"the grave about the lonely ranch. Walking over to the eastward door, -Jfr intend the dark room anil waivinstantly hailed by the voice of bin clink. o Then again both men listened intently. ' Dv- "What do you think of this, major?" whisperwl Harvey. "Those aro Americans sure." No sound now. The hammering had ceawd, Oniv. they waited,'then nearta than before, llear, sharp and distinct, out from the darkness came the unmistakable crack df a whip. At the sound Feeny knelt. Click, click! went the hammer of his rarbine tb full cock. Another moment of breathless-silence. Then tho mnffied sound of hoofs, the creak of wagon springs, then a voice: D ■ "WelJ, I'd let 'em in." said tho major, "but where the devil's Feeny? He's the bust judge, really. Their story may be all true. Tiny may Ik; alone." "Lay low, boys, and be ready. Shoot tho first man that shows." was the bust caution old Plummer hi ard before the bursting of the tempest. One or two of the band strove to point out that tho faintest indignity offered to tho sisters would array not only all Arizona, but all Mexico against them. Like dogs they would be hunted to their holes and no quarter be given. Returning hitherto with their spoils, Chihuahua or Sonora had welcomed them with open arms, but what outlaw could fiftd refuge on Mexican soil who had dared to wrong tho children of Georgo Harvey and Inez Romero? It was even as they were pointing this out to Pasqual and urging that ho consent to bo lifted into tho ambulance and driven away southward before the return of the cavalry that Moreno himself appeared. Slipping out of his western window, dropping to the ground and making a complete 'circuit of tho corral, ho suddenly joined in tho excited conference. What ha said was in Spanish, or. that pan-Arizona patoie that there passes current for such, and was a wild, fervid appeal. ' "I don't know—it isn't likely. You heard that voice out there a moment ago. TJiat was Mexican lDeyond any doubt. We've got to stand those fellows off till we hear from Feeny." Then, raising his voice, Harvey called: All on a sudden a wild cry went up in tho corral. All on a sudden from north and south tho assailants dashed forward with answering yell. In an instant the dark apertures flashed their lightning, and rifle and revolver shots rang on the still night air. Harvey's Henry barked like a Gatling. Feeny's old Springfield banged like a six pounder. Two of tho assailants on tho south side went down in tho dust, face foremost, tho others swerved, broke and Bcurried for shelter. P.isqual Morales, leading his men close under the north wall, made a pantherliko spring for the irest of the barley parapet and was saved from instant death when ho fell by lDeing dragged feet foremost, with a C'olt's 41 tearing through his thigh. 'You're there, aro you, Dawes?" he asked. "Not gettiuggsljjepy1 '' "Not a whit, major. I even if I hadn't slept most of tho day. -..I'm sitting here on the safe with a Colt's six shooter in each hand. If old Moreno's door cracks, by gad! I'll let drive." At tho doorway opening on the hard, trampled space at the southern front of the ranch, sheltering himself behind his breastwork of barley, but never relaxing vigilant watch, knelt Sergeant Feeny, a bandana Itound about his forehead, the blood .trickling down his right cheek, the sleeve of his flannel shirt rent by a bullet that just grazed tho upper arm. Kneeling on tho counter and jK-eping through a hole in the bottom of tho wooden window shutter, one of Harvey's men kept guard. The other faced the doorway into Moreno's domestic apartments, every now and then letting drive a shot through the woodwork to keep them, as ho said, 'from monkeying with the bolt on the other side." I give that just to show the strong prejudice which exists between the dyed in tho wool Yankee and the hoi polloi of Ducktown and the Murphy Branch, near where I live. Of course we have our peculiarities, but why should we be misjudged on that account?"There -are five of us now against Morales and his outfit, and I'll just bet my horse we can thrash 'em." V It can't be faraway. Bide ahead and see if yon can't rout somebody out." "Only 11 o'clock," muttered old Plnmmer as he struck a match and consulted his watch. "It's been the longest evening I've everBpent; but, thank God, our worst fears are at an end. 1 never doubted for a moment that your sisters were captives. Who could the man have been who personated you?" "Just stay where you are amoirtent. Yon're all right perhaps, liut our guards have orders to bo on tho lookout for Morales and his gang, and you might get shot by mistake." ' Well, that's all right, but suppose they come around through tho corral «. to this door?" And then Feeny's challenge again rang out on the still night air, followed instantly by muffled sound of stir and excitement in the ranch behind them. My neighbor, Mr. Lollesp, who runs the Arden Park hgtel, eays that be bonght chickens all summer at 15 cent* apiece for broilers, and that they were almost uniformly -.stolen for hini at night and eold.to.him at 10 cents in the morning. Those people don't mean anything by that: They do not do it to make yon feel badly, but jnst because they do not see any other way of obtaining an hqnest livelihood. Last week I discovered that my railroad ticket on the New York, New Haven and Hartford road read "Good either way." This surprised me.becaose I had not been used to that, and, in fact, I had to, years ago, walk over 52 miles in order to ride back on a ticket which I bought of a scalper, and which ran in. the wrong direction, I found after it was too lata. — • "I'm ready. I came within an ace of blazing away at you, but 1 hapjDened to recognize your figure and step jqpt in the nick of time." "Well, for God's sake, turn out your men, if you've got any, and- help ns catch these murdering thieves," was the impatient reply. "How many are you?" True love mast be more or less associated-with yooth, and youth is not cool or calculating, -Did your majesty pause to consider in yoar sweet girlhood the great international questions which yonr marriage with Albert might raise? I do not believe that you did—I hope not, at least. "Who comes there?" "Hello! What's that? Who's that? Is that Moreno?" A low whistle without broke up the colloquy. Plnmmer waddled off in the direction of the sound. "I don't know. I've heard of him onco before. He is about my height and build, but darker, they say, and with more of Mexico in Ids manner, fie has been to Tucson, but I never heard of hiB masquerading over my name until now, though I have heard of the resemblance. Ho must lulve copied my writing, too, to so completely fool father." "Who comes there, I say? Haiti or I'll fire!" "Oh, there's plenty of us here," was Harvey's cheery answer. "Most of C troop, but we've other busim*s on hand "For God's sake, don't fire, man! r»t ladies here," VVuat ladies? Who aro you anyhow? Quick!" "What is it. sergeant?" "They're coming, sir. Harvey's men, I mean. Will you deliver his message?" , , The order halt ipas Obeyed. , In vain Moreno's squad fired shot after shot through the wooden door. Their bullets buried themselves deep in the improvised traverse, but let no drop of blood, while two retnrn shots seatte/ed tho attack with the splinters from the heavy panels. Pleading, raging, maddened, Morales learned that the dash had /ailed and that two of his most daring men, ±ho two Americanos who had ridden forward to personate prospectors and who had led tho rush in the southern front, were knocked out of the fight. Looking over my own experience and those of some of my acquaintances, I would exclaim, "Blessed be propinquity!" To those who have been denied the joyful propinquity of a sleigh ride on a frosty evening, when health and high purposes bound through every artery and a sweet presence sits adjoining you, death can have no terrors. In planning his roadside ranch Moreno had allowed outer doors only to those rooms which were for public use. Tho three which lay to the west of tho bar could not bo entered except through that resort or by a door giving on the corral, lx»th of these doors being supplied with massive bolts as security against intruders, and all three rooms lDeing furnished with air ports rather than windows, pierced at such a height through tho adobe that no ono from without, except in saddlo, could peer through the aj»erture and seo what was going on within. The travelers' room tod the barroom ports, however, were low and large, and all tho rooms wera ipacions. Tho bar of course, being the dining as well as drinking room, carried off tho honors in point of size. Thih, too, was furnished with an opening into tho corral, but Feeny's first rnougnt on reaching nis comraaes was to barricade. "JTint an yon nay. Why shouldn't ycra?" "George Harvey's daughters of Tnc- I'm hiH son." They-had 'mineA him—him and his. Ho was unmasked, betrftj'ed, for noit hia connection with the band was established bgypnd question. Now he was known and would soon bo branded as an outlaw.' IRs hoirto was being destroyed before his eyes—not that that amounted to mqob now that ho could no longer occupy it—his wife and child must flee at onco for Sonorfi, and he go with thetn, but" recompense for his loss ho must have. Never again could ho venture into Arizona. He would bo known far and wido as tho betrayer of his benefactor's children, though he called God and all tho saints in tho Spanish calendar to witness ho neYer dreamed of their Ix ing involved in this plot. The paymaster's funds, not the lives of 11113' of the paymaster's men, wero what ho had sought to tako, and now ihero lay the dollars almost within their grasp, but unless captured at? once would bo gono forever. sou. ''God be praised!" shouted Feeny, springing to his feet and rushing forward. '' Are they al 1 safe—unharmed ? Where did you overtake them?" "It'll have no much mow effect from your lips, major. They may. miadoubt me." "Oh, that was a mero scrawl on soft paper with a broad, pointed pencil. There was no time to scrutinize it closely," explained tho major. "Now, Feeny, you're officer of tho guard. How do you want to post us?" Far out on the trail tho quick trip-, ping hoofs of mules could now bo heard. Presently a horseman shot up out of the gloom. "Overtake whom? What in blazes are you talking about?" qneried*a tall, slender fellow, bending down from his saddle. '' Who are you ?" Your majesty perhaps has never started oat on a cold starlit evening with no one in the sleigh bat a very dear gentleman friend, then a gentle horse, a lonesome toad through the stately and now communicative trees, a little propinquity and one muff between yoa. Ah, who shall say that even a crowned head might not incline a few degrees toward the shoulder of a truly noble being, and who shall say that the noble being would murmur if the royal diadems and ruby prongs and things of the crown jabbed him ever and anon under the ear? Cool calculation comes with later years and is confined more to widowers who dye their whiskers and raise asparagus on the graves of their former wives, your majesty. Love, so they tell me, comes with the thrill of a voice or the touch of a hand, not by cablegram or messenger boy, your most graoiobs majesty, though I will admit that the blown out squib of a noble family, the wet fizzle of a vicious and blasted life, may bring its ashes and unholy scars to the altar with a degree of self possession and calm that would astonish the trembling groom of 25 who has to get married and hurry back to do the chores on the farm. Bat the latter is more apt to arouse a pleasing interest among the angels. "It's what I've been thinking of, sir, ever since Mr. Harvey got in, and we've no time to lose. Wo can't loophole this adobe now, but wo can barricade the door of these two rooms and stand off a good sized gang. Mr. Harvey will of course want to be where he can look after the ladies, but if 1 can put one of his men in tho corral—ono who can be relied upon to shoot down any of Moreno's people who should try to come out—1 think wo can look out for the rest Any minuto now they'll be coming. First thing, run these two wagons around to tho corral, so as to clear tne approacnes. Tnero mustn't De any.- thing behind which they can hide or take shelter." And laying hold of the pole while willing hands manned the spokes Feeny soon had the Concord and the weather beaten ambulance safely out of tho way. Then came a moment of consultation as to which of Harvey's men would be best suited for the onerous post opposite the enemy's door and then a sudden and breathless silence. Inquiring about this matter, I learned that years ago a quiot gentleman of medium height riding from Bridgeport to Providence produced his ticket and was told by the conductor that it would not work in that direction. Tho quiet gentleman of medium height said that, if not, the question should bo settled at tho earliest moment. He was not noisy or belligerent, but they removed him from the car by main force, breaking an arm and injuring him considerably. Holding his valise in one hand and his stomach in the other, ho went to an attorney apd councilor at law practicing in all the courts, conveyancing done and depositions taken while you wait. "Halt there!" sang out Feeny. "Whose party's this?" "Harvey's, "facson. Looking for Moreno's. Are we near?1' * ' "Sergeant Feeny of the cavalry, and here's the major just back of me." And then it was that tho inhuman brute gave tho order to resort to Indian ■methods, and even old Moreno begged and prayed and blasphemed, all to no purpose. Furious at their repulse, the band wero ready to oliey their leader's maddest wish. Tho word was, "Burn them out." Ned Harvey, crouching behind his barley bags, felt his blood turn to ice water in his veins when, with exultant yells and taunts, tho corral suddenly lighted up with a broad red glare. Tho match had been applied to the big haystack close to tho brush covered shed, close to the "leanto," under which so much inflammable rubbish was stored. It could be a question of only a few moments; then they, too, would bo a mass of flames, spreading rapidly westward. Tho stout adolie wall separating the ranch proper from tho sheds would protect tho occ upants from direct contact with the flume, but what could savo tho roof? Stretching from wall to wall wero tho dry, resinous pine logs that formed tho basis of the bulky structure. Over these tho lighter boards of pine and over all, thickly piled, dry as lDone and inflammablo as tinder, heap on heap of brush. Once this was fairly ablaze tho hapless occupants of tho rooms beneath might as well lDe under tho grating of some huge furnace. "Major Plummer—him you was talking with this morning when you came for help," answered Feeny, his voice *'Major who?" "You're there now, but you can't stop. Mr. Harvey wants you to come right along after him. He has taken the trail to the Christobal, where .the Indians have carried off his daughters." The man fairly reeled in his saddle, shocked at the dreadful tidings. just now. 1 ou wait mere quletiy Tor a minute or two until tho sergeant comes around with tho patroL Hell see to you." tremulous with excitement. Already ho wan licginning to see light. "Why, I've never .seen Major Plummer nor any other major today. The Only troops I met were Sergeant Wing mid his guard at the pass just after nightfall. Have you met tho Apaches? You saw the signal of course." And then, as though tho whole thing had been planned beforehand, out in tho darkness to the north Feeny's voice was heard in low toned bnt sharp com mand: "When? How did it happen? Who's gone with him?" "Some time this morning, from all wo can learn. Two squads of cavalry are on the trail, one with Ned Harvey, tho other just out from here at dark. The old man and George followed them a« soon as , they got in. Who's with yon?" ,,i "Two Mexicans, that's all. They're no account. I'd lx-st leave them here with the mfiles. They're just Ixhind and have lifrotacqrcd to death already." And so i» 10 lhinwtes two more of the low csu£o half weed Mexicans were added to yie paymaster's garrison, and Sergeant Feeny's brief exposition of the situation at tho ranch only delayed tho incoming A mericjui long enough to water his horse and stow a little grain In a sack. Springing into tho walled incloeure and bidding Harvey watch while tho jthers worked, ho had soon succeeded in lugging a scoro of big liarley sacks into tho interior and piling them into breastworks at tho three doors, the one opening into tho corral Ix'ing provided in addition with a high traverse to prot»)ct its guard against shots that might come through from Moreno's room. All this was accomplished amid tho wailing of tho Mexican women and tho fusillade ltegun by tho assailants in hopes of terrorizing tho defenso before venturing to closer quarters. Like famous Oroghan of Fort Stephenson, Feeny Iwid kept up a firo from so many different points as to impress the enemy with the idoa there were a dozen men and a dozeu guns whore there was in reality only one, and even tho temptation of that vast sum in the paymaster's safe was not sufficient to nerve tho followers of Morales to instant attack. "Signal, yes, but devil an Apache. Tell ine now, wasn't it you was here at Moreno's this morning begging for troops to go and fetch your ladies down from the Gila? Wasn't it you sent the note saying they was run off by Indians?" And as was the case whenever excited, Feeny's grammar ran to "Patrol, halt! Close up there, Ken nedy. Where are you, No. SI"' "I know that pig of a sergeant! May tho flames of hell envelop him for all eternity!" ho cried. "Ho will not scruple to do as he says. Ho will cast every packago into the seething furnace. Mira! Look! Tho shod is now all ablaze! In ono minute tho roof of tho rancho will burst into flame! There is not an instant to lose! 1 adjure you, let tho daughters of Harvey, the son, tho men, como out at once. Swear to them safety, honor, protection. Lot them go their way now, now! Then you will have to deal with only two or three, and tho .treasure, is ours. Look you, Sanchez, Podro, Jose, down with that shed next tho rancho I Hurl it, drag it down so that its firo cannot reach the brush beyond; then we can parley; wo can win their ear. They will be but too glad to be spared to go on their way unharmed. Yonder are their mules across tho corral. Ilitch them in at once. Savo tho others for tho ambnlatico and the bneklwjard here and for our nolilo chief. Is it not so, captain ? Am I not right?" And so, cool and confident its though ho had a dozen troopers at his back, Feeny camo striding up to the sjiot. ' Relating tho circumstance to him, the quiet gentleman gavo the case into his hands, and then hailing a shutter that was going by ho started for the hospital. He slowly gained strength, but never fully recovered. The case was lost over and over again in the lower courts and hung on for years. The poor crippled gentleman of medium height clung to his case, however, and demanded his $100,000, even though he had to' borrow money to pay his lawyers." What's tho matter, sentry? Didn't I hear yon parleying hero with somebody?"seed. "Two strangers out there, sergeant, say they're prospector* and been jumped by Apaches." "Not a bit of it. My sisters are here, safe and sound. We'd have been here an hour ago but for slipping a tire. Is father here?" "Listen!" whispered Feeny. "That is a signal. Hist I you'll hear it again presently." "Where away are they?" Then in a low tone, "Go yon out. beyond tho corral," ho whispered to old Pluninier. "There's four of them out there. Challenge' if they try to Como in." Then aloud again, "Shnre, I don't see anythin)?, sentry." "Talk to him, major. I'm done up entirely," was all poor Feeny could say, as between relief, rejoicing and the inestimable comfort of finding he was right in his theories, after all, he dropped his carbine, threw himself upon tho soft, sandy ground and fairly rolled over and over in his excitement and Grasping their rifles with nervous hands, the live men stood huddling in a little group at tho west end of the low, flat building. Time passed on, and ho grew feeble, for the chasm in his midst refused to unite and retain even his broadest principles, but at last the supremo court of tho United States, which was not at that time waiting for two selfish New Yorkefs to fill a vacancy, took ap the case, and one day when the great autumnal alchemy of God had turned the forests and the sky to billows of gold and bronze the weary, worn and plucky gentleman got his verdict and his money, and so today you and I, fellow citizens, owing to the grit and heroism of that shattered man, may ride either way on the same ticket without being disemboweled among total strangers and while thero are ladies present. We wero talking together the other flay, Mr. William Hawley Smith and J, regarding tho habits of men who rise to sudden wealth, and who are not prepared for it either by birth or breeding. I believe that your most gracious majesty, queen of Great BriSin and Ireland and empress of India dia gratia, will admit that most of the marriages which come of a frapped judgment and cool deliberation increase the fuel bill for the lake which bometh with fire. "I wimldnt wnndfT a d—■—D4 j,jt if the Morales gang were around here," Somewhere out on the dark expanse toward the peak a long, low whistle, ending in an abrupt high note, had sounded. ' For a moment there was no repetition. The invisilde foe was signaling for reply. From whom could answer Iks expected but Moreno? "Right out ahead tliero, sergeant. Two men, mounted." was his discomforting assurance. "None of 'em have l** n soen altout Tmfcon for a week lieforo we loft. .; Wish I could jstay and stand by-yon, but my first duty Is with Mr. Harvey. 1,'vo peep in liitt| empioy nigh onto eight years." •'Como dowh, one of ye. Dismount and come in here. L'avo your gun behind.' tiivo your reins to your jwil there," was Feeny's next mandate. emotion High in air shot tho leaping flames. Far and wide over the desert spread the lurid glare. Screaming with terror, the women of Moreno's household were already dragging into tho corral their few treasures and rushing back for such raiment as they could save. Far over at tho corral gate, where the bullets of tho besieged could not find them, Pasqual Morales and his exulting band were gathered, tho chief lying upon his serape, with bloody baudages about his leg,, his followers dancing about him in frantic glee, all keeping carefully out of rango of tho black doorways, yet three or four crack shots lay flat in tho sands, their rifles covering the now glaring fronts of tho threatened rancho, ready to shoot down. Indianlike, the garrison when driven out. It was at this juncture that from Somewhere in tho middlo room, behind Moreno's heavy door, a voice was heard: I "Hand out tlio safe. Hand out your inoney now, and we'll leave you in peace. Every man of us will ride away, you chn come out as soon as we are tone. Answer, for yon have no time to lose." | "Answer him, you!" shouted Feeny to Mr. Dawes. "Send a shot through and hit him if yon can." What wondering eyes, what startled ears were at the wagon doorway as, In his ponderous manner, the major endeavored to tell of the morning's adventure and the counterfeit presentment of tho Ned Harvey now before him. Long l»efore he could finish the thoughtful son liegged an instant's interruption. There was a moment of hesitation, a faint sound of Whispering as though the Self styled prosjtectors were in consultation, and again Feeny spoke in a tone more sharp and imperative: Tho valor and vigor of tho defense and tho appal?hig death of ono of their leaders had so unnerved them that Pasqnal himself, raging, imploring, threatening by turns, was unablo to urge them to eloso quarters. "Most men aro cowards in tho dark" is a theory widely believed, in. Indians certainly are only brave against defenseless women and children at such a time. Not until tho firing had ceased and it was evident that tho defenders had retired to the shelter of tho ranch, and then only very slowly and cautiously, would these brigands of tlio desert bo induced to resume their stealthy approach. For fully half an hour there was a lull in tho fight, and then, guided by the light Moreno was now able to show, Pasqual and two of the stouter hearted knaves approached tho western wall and held $ brief consultation with tho rascally Owner. Propinquity tempered by gcod early training is a great institution, and there is growing up here in America, your majesty, a girl whom we call "a good feller," who is a better comrade, a wiser partner, a sweeter counselor and a more level headed guide, philosopher and friend than the best man on top of sod. To associate with her is to get a few notches higher socially than one was before. It means a post graduate course in a few branches of education which the man about town thinks he Knows, Dnt does not. "What sort of looking man is Ned Harvey?" persisted the sergeaiit, still hopeful of some fraud. "Watch tho old scoundrel's window thero and this shutter over here," whispered tho sergeant, indicating a board covered port in the westward wall. 'They'll try to show a light perhaps. Bun around into the corral and smash the first man that tries to come out. I'll tend to any feller that shows a head hereaboHts." "Tall, darki smooth face ftmka like a Spaniard,-almost. I never saw anybody who resembled , hinl hereabouts. I'm afraid it's no plant. I don't'want to offend you, sergeant, but I yriffaft) God it was all the Morales gang's doings and that it was only your • money they were after, ff it's Apaches, and thev havo crot the old man's children, he'll never get over it." Amirovinir murmurs followed his lierv words. So loug as tho Yankees hold together there was littlo likelihood of the outlaws gaining tho ground except by burning out, and that now meant the destruction of tho very money they were after, tho utter loss of tho fortune that, divided even among so many, would enable them to live like princes in Ilortnosillo or bej-ond. They would be heroes, conquerors. But if that wero lost after all their plotting, planning, labor and crime, there was absolutely no recpmpenso. Even through tho brain clouding fury of his revenge Pasqual Morales Saw tho sound sense of Moreno's plea. He made no effort to check tho men Who ran to do his bidding and wero even tow with lariats and stalwart arms dragging tho props1 frota urider the shed and letting its western end como pattering down. Within tho eastern room tho dense smoke was already finding its way. Tho sound of falling beams and timber only conveyed to tho: occupants the idea that already tho 6bed was in embers and that any instant tho roof over their heads would into a torrout of fire. Ned Harvey's bravo spirit was taxed to tho ntmosb. Unless relief could como, and come at once, nothingi remained lor him but death, nothing for those fair sisters but a fate far' "And father has gone on the trail to tho Christobal?" "Dismount, one, I siy. Come in here, or I'll send a bullet for your cards. Quick now_i!  "Yes, an hour ago." Still another delay. Tho "prospectors" seemed anxious to edgo oft into deeper darkness. "After him, Leon! Ride Hko the devil, even if you have to ride all night. Fetch him back hero as quick as you can. Tell him Fan and Ruth aro safe hero Tit Moreno's. " Harvey turned with his employee nnd ran with him .as far as the other end of the ranch. Hero ho entered the ! low doorway. Tho little lamp burned dimly, but two pairs of dark dilated eyes gleamed eagerly upon him. "If ye're not off that horse's back in 10 seconds. lDe jalx-rs, I'll fire. \So be ;lively." And as his cxcitemerit rose 'so did Feeny's Irish. Yonr majesty will forgive me, I know, for addressing one of the regina typo in this unfettered manner regarding a great question, for it is my only way of expression. A child of nature as ! am and brought up by hand, deprived of a mother's care while yet at the age of 80 years, I speak to yon in that erode style of eloquence peculiar to the Piutea, with whom I lived for many years, or until the tribe got to wearing cavalry pantaloons to tea. Then I left them and went to live in New York city. "By heaven 1" muttered Feeny to himself, as tho loyaj,; fellow p«t spurs to his horse and disappeared; '; by hca?rr en, I liegin to believe it's both." In 10 minutes the Concord wagon, with its fair freight, now trembling and excited, was standing side by side with the paymaster's ambulance. The weary mules Were unhitched and with tho saddle horses led in to water. The major and tho sergeant, prompting each other, went on with their recital, Harvey listening with attentive ear. Che country is full of them, and though hey get along very well for a few hours : Four, five seconds ticked by, and still ithoro was no approach. Fiercely, with sharp emphasis, the sergeant brought his carbine to full codk. "It's aiming I am," said he as he quickly raised the butt to his shoulder. Thero wiis a sudden scurry and scramble of horses' hoofs, low voiced words of warning land a muttered cnrso or two. Then Jeaped a tongue of fire into the night, Jand from the corral corner came a sharp ircpt Drt, followed by a cry, a gurgle, a fcroan, then silent. "My God! thoy'vo shotrtt*# nnjor!" exclaimed. Harvey as ho. leaped away £n the direction of the-shot. At the puno moment away eptd tho two horse- "I'm going to clone this door now, girlies," ho whispered. "Lie still. ; Do not venturo near it or the window and don't bo frightened. It looks as though some of the Morales gang were around here hoping to find tho paymaster unguarded. We'll give them a lesson they'll never forget if they attempt to attack him." Without corking themselves they can- Sot hold out very long without anouncing themselves. And now with gloomy face tho sergeant returned to where ho had l' ft Major Pltimmer Watching the Westward trail. A brief word at tho doorwayfifl-: 8Ured him the clerk wan pfcill nlert and ready. A panse under the open window, high above the ground, of tlvD room where slept Morouo's wife and daughter, if they slept at all, told him that was silence there, if not slumber, and then he joined Ids superior. •D He was tilling about a St. Lonis man who had risen to wealth on the traffic in bides, pelts, tallow and dressed jwrk. This man was asked what was tho meaning of the phrase E pluribus unnm, and company being present and tho inquiring child very determined he was obliged to say that tho Greek expression E pluribus unnm meant-that "tho tail goes with tho hide." " It is one of tin* most perfect plants they ever put up," ho burst in, grinding his teeth in wrath. "Of course they knew of father's movements and of mine. They know everything. They knew we were to meet here probably. They felt assured you knew nothing of Rago at the death of their leader's brother and ally, tho thirst for vengeance and the hopo of securing such rich booty—all were augmented by Moreno's fiery assurances and encourage- For all answer Ruth Harvey only nesjtled closer to her sister and clung to jher for courage and support. Paquita, however, became amazonian at once. I can only add that a more frank and honest propinquity in England would bo 4 good thing. It would advance the common cause of humanity and give the judges of the criminal court store time to go fishing. "That fellow was of the-right sort, sergeant," said Pltimmer. "I wish we had one or two like him. '* . .. "Is there nothing I can do, Ned? 1 can't bear to lie here listening and taking no part. Surely I could shoot a pistol well enough." But before the clerk could drop the fiui with which he waB striving to revive his fainting chief, tlio young fellow from Harvey's party, lui who was stationed at the nortji door and had been jfo' to shoot Morales suddenly sprajj& from hia ooyert, and pbiciiig the muzzle of his Henry rillo cl« Dse fd the'door deliberately popped three shots in quick succession through the splintering woodwork, and in the confusion and dismay which resalted wan able to leap nimbly into his corner bafore tho answering shots could come. v I visited a self (undomillionaire once who mado his money by stealing sawlogs from tlio United States while the United States was looking at a-dog fight or something. I ought not perhaps to rofer to tho matter now, for tho poor man died n few yeara ago worth f 18,- 000,000 and had to march up fo the great bar of judgment in nothing but a goatee and a strawberry mark, but it might bo of use to boys and young people who may read this to know that when I dined with that wealthy man ho forgot himself after tho carving was done and ate with tho carving knife and fork, especially with the knife. Of conrso ho is ixDw on the other shore, where I hope that tho carving is already done, but who would havo thought it possible that a man with tho wealth of an emperor would havo fed himself and injured his tonsils for years with tho carving knife? t at all They have used our snpiDosed peril to draw away your guard. They pave succeeded even better than they "I wish we had, sir. Those greasers are worse than no guards at all. They'll sit there inthecornriimd smoke papelitos by the hour and br»£jaf at Mint Low they fonglit tlydr way tli cough the Apaches'with Harvey's mul'for our purpose they're woirn tlu® ustlow. At the £rst £ign of ;ttty*rk theyVl tf stampedingjOqt into darkness, and that's the lastwe'd see of them. Heard anything further out this WTO.ttr?" t "Why. confound it, yes. I try W pen iu ffont of the post. No use to jfire. They were shrouded in thick darkness and out of harm's way before one conlt! pull trigger. Then cftino two Hashes, two quick ' reports, then half a doeen mpid, sputtering revolver shots, then a vengeful howl and a rush out on the plnin. Fowry rm like a deer on tho trail of Mr. Survey, and in loss time than it takes to tell it they came upon tho pujrmaster, sinking 'shocked and nerveless to tho sandy soil, his hands clasping on his sido. I 1^ planned, for they have drawn off father, (too, and four of our best men into the |Dargain. But to think that this old pcoundrol Moreno should bo In it! Wo'vo always suspected the Ceralvo bet, but father has done everything for Moreno, practically built his ranch for him, dag his well, set him up in business, and now ho makes this a rendezvous for thugs and assassins. By heaven, Pm glad you have him trapped. How many has he with him do you think?" "Yon can help us Ix-st and most by iying flat and showing not so much as ja finger at tho door. We can tend to them, Fan. It won't be long lDefore father and the troop come galloping back. Don't show a light, now, unless we call." worse. [to ISK continued] It Wh. "Is that a new overcoat?" asked Kil- Jordan. Then he darted to the barroom. "Are they coming ?" hailed tho clerk In a hoarse whisper. Prominent Citizen—So yoti aro & committee from the unemployed workingmen. What can t do for you? The Cat In flic Men! Tiib. And Shadbolt simply pointed to the front of it to show that the buttons had all come off.—Chicago Tribune. "Somebody signaled out on the plain. It's probably they. Look out for Moreno now. Don't let. him or anybody through that door." Chairman—Wo dosirq you, to, address us tomorrow night. .. Of Coarse It Does. convince myself it's  but two or three times, far , out there toward tho Picacho, I've heard that whip cracking. I have felt sure* there was a hammering sound, a3  some one were pC«iindhCg on a wagon tire. Oncti I was snm 1 "hehitf a horfe; snort. That' I was in a mra«nrC»iarp«fcting. If those fellows mean'tb attack, they!ll, come mounted, of cCuur«tr but what wagon wonld thejr harg?" , j, "Onenf tferalvo's'perhaps, to cart off tho safe in, if they btt«t'4nto it  "Take that fAr yout fTnsTTert" shouted Feeny,jigain, "you Mack hearted, black hollied thafo, and take this, too, baCJ ffraq to jcl Every dollar of that money's in greenbacks that'll hum us aisy'ari trsBttC\ and if you Wfmt'it crtnio and gCJt U u»lw. 'Ti* yon that's got no time to lose. CoQio and get it, I Bay, for IDe the soul of St. Patrick you'll never havo another chancd.' Just as (turn as vo let that fire reaoh this ranch and harm those young 1 eddies—old Harvey's daughters that never did ye a harm In the world—every dollar in (ho He was a countryman, and he walked along a busy thoroughfare and read a sign over the door of a manufacturing establishment, "Oast Iron Sinks." It made him mad. He said that any fool ought to know that—Exchange. "I don't know. I only feel sure he must havo ono or two, but it's tho main gang wo havo to watch," answered Feeny. "They may lDo along any min. ute, and I thought it was them when wo heard you." "Pick him up, yon and your man there. Carry him hito the ranch. Pll hate Iwick those blackguards yet," muttered Feony as ho took a.quick snap shot at some dim object flitting across tho plaiu and dent another into the darkness, aiming vaguely where ho could hear tho thnd of horsefi' hoofs. For a moment, rnnning from point to point after each discharge, ho kfipt up a rapid fusillade, under cover of which the hupless paymaster was liorn swiftly away arotmd tho corner of the ranch and car- • At the door knelt their devoted brother. ment. All tho soldiers were gone, he said, except tho "pig of a sergeant" and two .drugged and 6"nsoless swine. !Homebody among them was wounded. Tlier6 wire only three, possibly four, left. Let his companeros make combined attack, two or three through his (Moreno's) rooms, two or three rush in from tho corral, and tho same number from tho south front at oncp, and beyond doubt tho cursed Yankees would Buccunib. Then no auarter. no ciuarter Prominent Citizen—What sort of an .address do yon want? Far out on the desert again, louder, shriller, clearer, the whistle was repea tCDdL Chairman—Couldn't you m'.ike it ar after dinner speech?—Puck. "Ah, blow and bo d d to yet" muttered Feeny. "There's no answer from here yo'll get this night. Watch out now. Some of 'em will try to crawl np after a little." I«ow Priced Atlmission. Visitor—And do you like going to Sunday school? ■ "And that's what is worrying me, Mr. Harvey," said the major as ho drew the young man aside. "All they are after now, of course, is my safe full of money. It is my business to defend It to the last, and they can't have it Boys, lemeinber this and send for my gTtuit, work on "Etiquette; or, How to Avoid .Dangerous Stab Wounds While Eatini; Pio." "So you still insist that men were more honest in the olden days than now?* When the thiod Dldvl Die Ton nr. Small Hoy—Yes, indeedy. Papagivt* mo three or four pennies every Sunday to pay my admission, and the te.-iriher never asks me for uiore than one of 'cm.— Good News. "Sure. Yon see when a man wm pretty certain of living 150 to 900 yean he could afford to be honest."—Indianapolis Journal,  But nearly five minutes passed without other sign or sound. Then closer in a horse stamped and snorted. A While I am speaking a word to the boys, I might tell them of u little in-