Pittston Gazette

              ESTAHI.ISHKD1S50. • VOU XI.V. NO. *« I Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., L'A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1895. A Weekly Local anil Family Journal. rffZSSi&SP** JPrivaMnut, jtc&iW. -- to«3iu«NTlS94. fcllit Vm«m Vi Riwn "What? Von dare to lor my daughter? Ohl •Ik of love u infernal oruelly murder her and scatter into tne bills to save themselves? It will be madness to send a foroe against her captors." tell of tho causes that led them into the ranks. If ho Is such a paragon of virtue and respectability, why (iocs ho not notify his friends of his mistake and secure his discharge? It would bo an easy matter." "And that's all you know about him, Is it, Lannan?" more lodges his loved one was confined? He could but go ahead and trust to Providence for guidance. Not one man in a thousand would undertake such a hazardous task; but the light of his life—all be oared to live for —was In that village CJf deadly, treacherous foes, and If he oould not effect her rescue it waa his desire that he | might die with ber. NYE OPENS IliS MAI profession ot its line, fltot that wo taseany exception to any other line of professional work, nor do I Haim to know all kinds of business^ for this i* in «'dlC»s8 for me to Mtate. Bat I do say, never lot Mr. Rogers trample on an noble bruin abovo his own, nor even to pretend to send a ticket to Editors of any kind and then dont do it, for it is worse than a dose of medl~ cine. "That's all, sor, only they do be sayin' he's gone off all bo hlmsilf afther yer honor's swate daughter that wor shtole "Colonel, the man speaks the truth," said Capt. Colby. "I know those Mescaleros well, and I am very sure that should they discover a body of troops HE RECEIVES A REQUE T TO BECOME "Perhaps, colonel," said Vandcvcr, "ho docs not desire to return t D his friends. An unroinantio sheriff might—" bo the haython Injuns, an' may God protict the lovely lady an' bring her Nifo back to ye wid her shinilin' angel A DIRECTOR IN A COMPANY. face." But Feels That It Wool*I Not Ho Wise to Now, the facts aro that Mr. Rogeis ia Accept it- He Cheerfully Furnishes an not that kind of a man at ttlL I knoW Autograph and Then Gracefully Or fends him and SCO him often While 1q VOf Mr. Kogers. mountain home, and I say that it 1b on- "Stop, sirl Stop!" tho old officer roared. "How daro you cast such a reflection on the character of that man, and in my presence, too, when you know that at this moment he is risking his life to savo my child! Ho Is a bravo man, sir, and a gentleman, and perhaps your equal if not superior In everything that goes to make tho man. Go from my house, sir, and never dare to enter it ngaln until you learn to speak of a gentleman as a gentleman. Go, sir!" "Thank you, my man, thank you. You may go now," said the old man, grateful for even tho sympathy of a soldier in that dark hour. When the storm struck the village the Indians hastily sought shelter in th«lr lodges, and the drenching rain soon extinguished the camp fires. Being driven to shelter, the waiting soldittr knew the savages would soon seek contort in their blanket beds, and after waiting about an hour, that to his lDnn»tUnt Rnirlt seemed an acre, he rethe crouching sentinel from the rear, he grasped his hunting knife firmly In his hand and Btole toward the unsns* p«— tlnjr savaire. In thr darkness ha could see the silent form bat a few feet distant, and gliding noiselessly as a serpent he In a moment stood over hislntended victim. Not a sound, not a groan escaped the red man as he passed from sleep Into death, and raising the flap over the entrance Brown entered the lodge. He could see nothing fte the inky darkness, and crouching low upon the ground he waited for a lightning flash. When It came It revealed to him several forms lying wrapped in blankets about the lodge. Moving softly toward where three forms were lying under the same blanket, he again crouched down and waited for the fitful torches of heaven to further guide him. The rain beat with a low, sullen roar on the lodge of skins, and the ground trembled as tjie thunders bellowed their way through the heavens overhead. [Copyright. rate, by Edgar w. Nye.] I !air to ™e the.columns of a newspaper During tho past week a number of i' Ti hini ri«ht communications have boon receive ! he 18 , v which cannot ho passed over in silence. ' fiZ n«jer dying troth Is that the very Among them is a personal letter from a firSt in the editorial is not only friend who has embarked in a new en UI1JU®tI vituperative, but toxio and terprise occupying a field entirely fresh FD n mC** and ungrazed. ithan Mr- R°g°rs tho power of the preaai He desires that I shall become a di- L Yet heh?°0S not fear lt* knowin« ** reotor in it My attention was called , V,3 nJ ., , to the letter last evening in Washing- D' ** K w°nid no more tmnpto ton, when I saw the orchestra leaderat °D 'Cauuobl°br»in abovehls owa" fe* the theater chewing gum through a f,ou or L He hates to trample on oomio opera j tbluss aoyway aud track around This new company is called the In- ZZ Jlfn0?,08'he "F* * ternational Gum Renovating company tran,p"n« °? • *** y J , was above his own Is a thing Mm! I.;) haC«not dono for years. He feels the same about "an onknom hand that was not there." Ha would not trample on that either, and h* wants it generally understood that he la a taAder hearted man and fond of little ahfldren and pets. The editor, of course, pays a high tribute to journalism, its brain powar keen intellect, but he forgetB that Ms. Rogers feels the same toward Jottnudr ism, and he had no idea that hiftfailurt to reach the editQr with a tiokqt wool^ After Lannan's departure tho colonel sat for a long time in deep reflection, at times giving voicing to his thoughts. "Everyone speaks well of him. I think 1 understand his case exactly. A young fool with more money than ensa, fast companions, got beastly drunk, a recruiting vulture swooped down on him, and here Is. Must be a man of high sense of honor to accept the situation as he did and determine to make the best of It. Damme, I like that. It is true moral courage and bespeaks a manly nature. The fellow may be a gentleman of high family. But the idea of him loving Alice! Why, the infernal scoundrel, to aim from the ranks at such high game! He must abandon that insane idea or I'll clip his wings In short order. I$ut, damn tho fellow, I can't help but admire him, if he Is an infernal scoundrel." f CONTINUED | One of her shapely hands held the bridle rein of the pony which followed behind her. The other was passed beneath the arm of her companion. CHAPTER XIIL After mature reflection Brown deter* mined to make every effort to rid himself of the bonds of military servitude, and as a preliminary step sat down and wrote a long letter to his aunt telling her of his soldier life, of Alice, and of the bright pictures he had drawn of wandering down the path of life hand in hand with the beautiful companion of his choioe. Ee expressed his wishes that measures might be at once set on foot looking to his release from army service, and closed with expressions of. warmest love for the good a ant whose heart he must have torn by his long silence, but whose kind face was ever befoijfc his eyes, and whom he soon hoped to greet with tho embrace of a son s warmest love. Slowly they moved along, their heads bowed and their every action indicating that they were engaged In the discussion of a topic of no ordinary import. Taking advantage of the license granted by the laws of fiction, let us assume the wings of invisibility and hover near theni and hear what they aro saying. Ah! Private Brown, if you could have heard this defense of your character from the man who but a few hours before would havo struck you to earth with his sword, tho flickering spark of hope which yet glowed fitfully in youatroubled breast would have burst into flime, and your strong arms would have been doubly nerved for the perilous task before you. FTB RUSHED AT THE YOTOO SOLDIER. scoundrel, get out of my eight before I kill you! Go, I say, you audacious villain, or I'll crush you as 1 would a snake! Begone!" 6eizing a sword that lay near by, he rushed at the young soldier and would hare run him through had he not hastily retreated through the door. "I think, Ned, It would bo best to go .•ight to papa and tell blm alL When he hears your story from your own Hps, reads the letters from your aunt, her attorneys and from your banker and the fact Is fully established to hi# satisfaction that you are worthy of me and are fully justified in approaching him on suoh a subject, he may treat you kindly and interpose no serious objection to our love. Indeed, ho is not so hard-hearted as his manner at times would Indicate." SAVAGE HANDS ORASl'ED THE REINS OF BEB BRIDLE. "Captain, do you know anything more of this fellow?" the commander asked, after Vandovcr had slunk away in confusion. on their trail they would quickly rid themselves of their burden and scatter Into their hills for safety." •The grim old woxrior was terrible In his wrath. Pacing to and fro across tho room he raved and swore and slashed his sword about, his face purpie with passion. Then a new idea seemed to strike him, and pausing Id his mad march he saidt "Nothing, colonel. no joined my tr Mips at Fort Laramie in Wyoming Ui.-ritory a few weeks before wo were And thus the old officer mused, now praising, now condemning the young soldier who would in his eyes have been a noble, brave and worthy man had ho not dared to fall in love with one so far above him, to rob him of the light of his home. The old man shuddered, and in a voice tinged with tho deepest anguish, cried: In duo time a reply was received, and tears coursed down the young soldier's face as ho read the tracings from the hand of the only mother he had ever known. The old lady, with pathetlo tenderness, spoke of the dreary years "Then, In God's name, what Is to Ik: done?" transferred to this post. lie came out with a detachment of recruits, and this man Brown and a your.? Irishman nuined Lannan were assigned to m\ "\vny, tne reuow is suroiy crazy. fie in as mad as a March hare and must be looked after or ho may harm some on®. What an old fool I was to fly into a passion over the irresponsible ravings of an Insane man. Hal ha! ha! hal Why, damme, I should laugh over his absurd fancy instead of wanting to kill tho fellow. Alice! Alloc, I say!" mounted his horse and rode toward the village. "And yet I fear him, Alice, darling. No matter what I might prove myself to be, he would see me but as tho private soldier. 0, these galling bonds of servitude! Never before did they so deeply cut into my soul." CHAPTER XV. troop." It seemed an age ere the lightning again lit up the rain-soaked earth and created a sickly glare within the lodge, but by the dim light he saw the p*i« face of his love. She had raised her "I will rescue her," replied Brown, with flashing eyes. "Iler rescue must be accomplished by strategy, not attempted by force of arms. 0, Ool. Satiford, as you value that loving daughter's life, give me a strong, fleet horse and I will take the trail at once, and if I do not return your beloved child to your arms it will be because my name has been stricken from the roll of life and added to the groat roster of death. I will and can rescue her If you will permit mo to do so.'' "Is this mnn Lannan yot with you?" Securing his horse to a bush behind an embankment which marked the bed of an old creek near the village, the soldier took the pistols from the holsters and thrust them through the belt above his waist, and taking a hunting knife from one of the saddle pockety moved stealthily into the camp. All was quiet, save the boating of the rain and the oooasion.il volleys from heaven's artillery overhead. Even the snarling, half-starved curs with whicl\ every Indian village Is infested had crawled lr.to the lodges for shelter from the storm, and did not discover his presence. of waiting, each succeeding day dawning with the hope in her heart that ere |t had run its course it would bring her tidings of tho dear boy whom she so idolized. She had never doubted that he would some day come back to her, and that her declining years would be cheered and gladdened by his loving presence. She would at once consult her attorneys and take the proper steps to secure his restoration to society. In words of warmest love she sent a motherly greeting to the dear girl whom she had never seen, and bade her nephew say to his chosen one that from his description of her beauty, grace of manner and lovely traits of character she was already enthroned in a motherly heart which longed to welcome her as a daughter. The letter concluded with these lines: "lie is, sir, and is a most excellent soldier. His droll Irish wit is, I am told, the life of the troop." After some more conversation the old commander expressed a desire to be left alone, and the officers retired. At once calling an orderly, he directed him to go to the first sergeant of B troop and have Private Lunnan report to him at headquarters, Bending over her he imprinted a loving kiss upon her cheek, and she clung yet closer to him in acknowledgment of the sadute. A side door opened and, pale as a ghost and trembling in every limb, his daughter entered. She had heard It all, and her heart was well-nigh broken. Seeing her agitation, the old man plaocd an arm affectionately about her waist, and, drawing her tenderly to his bosom, said: head from Its pillow of skins, and the soft blue eyes were gazing directly upon him. In an instant he waa beside her, and as he bent his head to assure her that "And yet he might receive you more kindly than you anticipate, Ned. Papa really has a warm, sympathetic heart despite his harshness in enforcing discipline. If you could convince him that my happiness is at stake and could bring him to fully understand the depth and purity of our love, ho might at least sanction our courtship until your discharge from the service can be secured. His Influence at the war department may aid you. Won't you see him, Ned, dear?" it was himself and to caution her against making any noiae, her arms gilded i1 bout his neck and she softly whispered: There soon came a knock at the door, and on being bidden Lannan entered the room. lie was a brawny young Irishman with a jovial, good-natured past of countenance, and an eye that denoted a love for fun. The old oommander regarded the soldier with a searching look, admiration beaming from his eyes. In the young (nan's clear, unflinching gaze he saw evidence of the courage of the Uon, courage that would not waver in the faoe of any danger- Hi" hatred of the humble private was Intense, for he had dared to look upon his daughter with eyes of love, vet that daughter's life was now at stake, and he realized that her rescue depended perhaps wholly upon the efforts of the man he so despised. It was doubtful if a man in all that garrison could be found who would tako his life in his hands and go upon a mission so fraught with deadly peril. Brown stood and awaited the result of his pica, his well-poised hoad thrown back and his dear eyes looking into those of the oommander with unflinching steadiness. Addressing Capt. Colby, the oolonel saidi "Captain, supply this man with everything he may need and let him go, and may God go witlj you, sir, may God go with yon." Then turning he entered his quarters. "There, there, my little treasure, don't be frightened. It was nothing but a poor insane soldier who imagines himself to be in love with you. Ha! ha! ha! ha! Isn't it ri.ii -ulous? Come, Sunshine, don't tremble so, for tho poor follow has gone and cannot harm you. I will at once order his confinement In the guardhouse until he can be removed to an asylum. Kiss your old fool father, little sweetheart, and dispel your fears." "Ned, darling, I knew yon would some. While praying to Heaven that you might come to my rescue a great peace filled my soul, and I felt that my prayer had been heard and would be answei ed, and when the lightning came I saw your dear face in the gloom of the lodge." DIRECTORS OF THE SOTPE COM PANT. and la an ontgrowth of tho hard times Two of tho directors are also conncctcd with the Snipe and Cigar Stub Collection agency, whioh has done so much in the direction of economy and toxioology."You are Private Lannan, of B troop, are vou?" the commander asked. How would he ever be able to locate the object of his search? His lips moved in prayer to Heaven for aid, as he moved along like a dark specter amid the lodges. Anon he would pause and listen intently, hoping to hear a cough or a sigh or u spoken word to tell him of the presence of his loved one. "Yls, sor-r-r," the soldier replied with the military salute. Her ej'es were upturned to his with pleading earnestness, and again pressing a kiss on her responsive lips he replied:"Sit down In that chair, my man, and I want you to give truthful answers to such questions us I may put to you. Where did you enlist?" He pressed a kiss on her lips and whispered: The extreme stringency of the times has developed many new ideas in the direction of economy, such as tho new bond issue, the crape paper necktie, the oellnioid pose aud tho income tax. Genius 1s always stimulated by poverty, and thus this new business has been organized upon strictly commercial principles and with practically no sentiment about it Any one can soo that there can bo no sentiment connected with it make his life such a blank. Mr. Kogtn is of a cheery, bright disposition, bat since the above attack he pot flAl down a feeling of extreme sadneei Be says that the performanoe of "JuBqs Caesar" was not given to make iimik except for some worthy enterprise. He did not even get a ticket himself or aMjr pay for his time nor even draw half pay as pantata of Rome for the evening, s|d so far as the above roast is concerned It will not impair his future Julias Oasar business, as he does not oontemplate repeating the performanoe, but it Is par* sonally unpleasant to be hauled op btD fore the publio in the editorial oolumJM of a paper and things said about him which he does not understand. "All I possess will be yours, my dearest Ned. When the Master calls me from earth you will be a very wealthy man. and in anticipation of your early release and subsequent marriage I will at once place you in possession of half of the wealth I possess, and then you can place your bonnie bride in the highest circles of society, for which her beauty, education and rare attainments so eminently fit her." As ho cautiously moved onward a vivid flash of lightning revealed to his eyes an object like a crouching form near a lodge in the center of the village. Dropping prostrate upon the wet ground he peered through the darkness toward the object, and eagerly awaited the next flash. It came, and seated upon the ground near the door of a lodge he saw the form of an Indian, his blanket thrown over his head to protect him from the storm. The heart of the young soldier beat with renowod hope as the truth burst upon him that the Indian was a guard, and that the object of his search must bo lu that "We must not lose a moment, darling. Arise softly that yon may not wake those who sleep near yon, and Throwing her arms about his neck, she kissed him fondly, and, in a voice choking with sobs, said: "In New York, sor, an' may the divil roast the lyin' spalpeen of a sargint that got me fut in the thrap. You see, sor, I—" "My darling, I will endeavor for the time to forget that I am a private soldier, and will go to him as a man to man, in a manly way. If ho will but listen to me ' o the end he cannot but see that I am worthy of your love, and if he will allow his Wisdom to rule him, he must see that I mako no unreasonable request in asking him to fully investigate my past history and to suspend Judgment on what he may term my assurance until ho has done so." let us away." "I am secured here, Ned. A rope is passed about my body and the squaw who lies next to me is lying upon it." With his hunting knife he severed the rope and they passed from the lodge. Moving silent as specters they traversed the village and soon reached the horse in its plaoe of ooncealment. As they approached the animal gave utterance to a low whinny of recognition, and it seemed to oome as a token of cheer to their anxious hearts. "Oh! papa, doar, darling papa, would you doom your little Sunshine to a life of unhappiness? I know the gentleman who was just here. He Is a man of honor and integrity, and I love him as I lovo my life!" "Never mind that," the colonel Interrupted. "Was Private Brown of your troop enlisted at the same time?" "That he was, sor, barrin' the fact that I wor rooined an hour forninst him. You see, sor, I landed but a wako before from the ould counthry an' wor lookln' for a job, when who should I mate but a sargint of tho army, sor. 'Can't you put me on the thrack of a job?' says I. 'I can,' said ho. 'Faix I'm yer mon,'says I, an' wid that ho towld mo he wor hirin' men to 'list as sogers. 'Divil the wunst do I want to be a soger an' git kilt an' sculped to me grave by the haythen Injuns,' says I, an' wld that he laughed till I cud seo the Insldes av him. 'Sure, Amirican sogers don't be afther foightin' at all,' says he, 'jist live In grand stoyle an wear foine uniforms an' look swate on parade before the ladies. Musha God but his blarney captivated me Intolrely, sor, an' I wlnt wld him to the headquarthers an' tuk me oath. That I did, sor, bad luck to me." At their next meeting the young soldier placed the letter in Alice's hands, and asked her to read it. As her eager eyes ran quickly over tho written lines, a look of perfect peace and satisfaction settled upon her lovely face. To her it 6eemed that the last barrier to their happiness was swept away by the pen of the distant relative, and when her eyes drank in the message of greeting to herself, the floodgate of her 6oul was opened and tears of joy fell upon the open sheets before her. 1 have decided, however, to answer in a negative way, owing to a prejudice which the publio always has for a new enterprise not yet fully established and to the humiliation which onr agents would almost inevitably enjoy. The old father cast her from him and would have fallen to the floor from the shock had ho not clutched his desk for support. Gazing upon her trembling, cowering form he said hoarsely: "Bless you for that determination, Ned. And when will you see him?" To make such an enterprise success fnl it would want the aid and co-operation of the very best classes, aud it might take years of noble endeavor to seoure such aid and co-operation. It would require a degree of faith which the very stringency of the times naturally tends to destroy. Of course the plan would be to renovate and return individual gum to owners, but would the publio lean blindly upon a corporation with which it had not exchanged oalls? "At once. As soon as I can reach his quarters. Mount your pony and gallop ahi'ad, darling, and I will follow after." "Are you, too, crazy? Speak, girl! Are you, too, a raving lunatic? What! You bestow your love upon a worthless private soldier! Oh, my God, this is too much! Would you disgrace the honored name you bear, a name npon which there has never yet rested a stain, by lowering yourself to such a depth? Get out of my sight this instant, and never dare to enter my presence again until you have repented of this mad folly and are ready to ask my pardon for the gross insult you have flung in my face.' lodge. "We must use all haste, darling, for discovery of your absence will lead to immediate pursuit. It Is terrible that you must bear exposure to this storm and the long fatiguing ride, but yon must be brave." Mr. Rogers goes about day after dS(f now with a copy of The Gleaner la his hand and a pencil trying to figure oat whether he is insulted or not "Captain, there is not a moment to lose," said Brown, his eyes flashing with impatience. The guard must be disposed of. Much as he dreaded tho shedding of human blood except In the line of duty on the field of tattle, ho felt that he must allow nothing to stand between himself and the success of his mission. Making a detour in order to approach "I know it, my man, I know it. There stands my horse ready saddled, and he is one of the swiftest and strongest In the garrison- My pistols are In the saddle holsters, and here is my Winchester rifle. Mount and away at once. Give me your hand, my brave fellow, for you are made of the right metal and I believe you will suooeed." Meeting Mr. Hezekiah Gudger the other day, Mr. Rogers said: "JSxotfse me, but have you got a few weeks' conversation that you could spare met 1 want yon to parse that first eentenoe and tell me if ever, since I came to this town, by word or doed, I have been that kind of a man." CHAPTER XIV. He assisted her into the saddle, and then turning to him with great crystal tears in her eyes she said: "Do not worry about my comfort, dear," she repllecL "I am strong, and "Ned, my darling—your dear aunt calls you Ned, and may not I?—I almost feel that the blessed Lord above has taken us in hand, and will lead us safely to the fruition of our fondest dreams. My beloved, I am motherless, and there is but one in whom I can confide as I would in a mother, Mrs. Colby, a dear, good woman who loves me as if I were her own daughter. She discovered my love for you the day of your release from confinement, and told me of your love for myself. She read it in your eyes, dear, in the tones of our voices when the name of each was mentioned to the other, and she it was who counseled me to avoid you until your true standing in life should become known. She believes In yon, Ned, but prudently asked me to not forget that I had but your own unsupported statement of your social stand"ng, and that until the truth of your itory should bo established I must not compromise myself by frequent meetings with you. This letter will remove every doubt from her mind. May I show it to her?" the exposure will not harm me In the least." "May God go with you, Ned, my own beloved, and may He move my father's heart toward you. I will pray every moment for your succcss, and will be in- an agony of suspense and anxiety until I hear the result of your interview. Tell him I love you, darling, madly love you, and my happiness will be wrecked without you. Good-by, and be of good heart." CHAPTER xvn. It was high noon when Brown readied the scene of the capture, and, taking the plain trail left by the Indians, he followed it to the river bank. Pushing forward, he forded the stream, regained the trail on the opposite side and dashed away into the sandhills in eager pursuit of the captors of her whom he so dearly loved. Unloosing the horse he assisted the girl to a seat behind the saddle, and "But, father, in the name of heaven, in the name of my spirit mother, listen to mo." "Thank you, oaptain. I will succeed If It lies In the power of mortal man to do so." mounting in front of her turned the animal's head toward the fort. Throwng her arms about him to secure her•lf in her position, she said; "Now, Ned, this Is a splendid seat (1 you know I am an expert rider, so sh ahead as fast as the noble horse i travel with its double burden." Then away tq home and liberty," *aid, as he touched the animal with spura [to b* continued ] However, I hope that the enterprise will be successful enough to impair the pnblio faith in all chewing gum, although, according to the best information to be obtained on the subject, renovated gum could not by any means be inferior to the average manufactured article as it cornos from the store. Users of gum will please bear in mind that Bach a business is in operation and govern themselves accordingly. Please ask yourselves what will become of renovated but unclaimed gum. Heretofore The Gleaner had never done or said anything really bitter, though it has said things which mlgh* be misconstrued, of course, at tfmes. This latter difficulty arises, however, from the fact that the editor change* his train of thought, frequently three m "Well, but about Brown. Was ho with you at the time?" "No, not a word. Leave my sight, or I may forget that you are mv child and curso you! Begone, I say, this inatantl" Taking a memorandum book from his pocket he tore a leaf therefrom and after writing his aunt's address upon it handed it to the oaptain with the words: "Dick Brown, is it? Faix be wor not, snr, but as I was slttin' on a binch in the headquarthers with some other dom fools loike meself I heanl a carriage shtop forninst the dure below, an' thin there wor a racket on the shtairs. 'Phat the divil Is the hullabaloo now?' says I to meself. an' wid that I opened the dure an1 there wor the baste of a sargint wid as folno a young gintleman as yer honor's eyes iver shtruck. He wor drunk, sor; so bastely intoxiflcatod that the sargint did be mosht carry in' him up the shtairs. The sargint did all the toime be tellin' him to say his name wor Richard Brown, which 1 had me doubts wor his name at all at all. Well, sor, wid de sargint a houldin' him to his fate ho wore shwored Into tho army, an' the leftenant an' the sargint a grinnin' loike two murtherin' baboons at aich other loike it wor a foine bit of a joke." She galloped away, and with a wildly beating heart he followed after up the hill to the fort. Sobbing violently tho poor girl left the room and hastening to her own chamber threw herself on the bed and gavo way to her grief in the most piteous cries and moans. He formed no definite plan of action. Ills every effort was bent in the direction of locating tho Indians where they would camp for tho night, before darkness should blind tho trail. lie was thoroughly familiar with the country, having often scoutod it with his troop, and knew Vhat at the Dripping Springs, about forty miles from tho river, a favorite camping ground of tho tribe was located. There ho hoped to find the camp of tho band, of which the captors of Alice were but a fragmont. four times, during a sentence. ThieDlt "Captain, if it be in God's will that I shall not return, please write to that lady and tell her how I died. Tell her that Private Brown was her own boy Ned. Tell her that in his army life he lived as an upright, true, honorable man, and died as a soldier." an idea of his own. on tho wrong train. Sometimes he gets Going first to his own quarters he donned his best uniform, and then, almost trembling at his own assurance, he crossed the parade-ground to the headquarters building, entered the hallway and rapped at Col. Sanford's door. But Mr. Rogers and I may both be wrong in regarding the above ae an ffcsult That is the annoying part of 11 We do not feel certain whether Is a covert sneer in the article or nothing but climate. Col. Sanford paced his room like a caged lion. Twice he sat down and wrote an order addressod to the officer of tho day instructing him to place Private Brown under arrest and oonfine him in irons in tho guard house, and as often tore tho order into fragments and cast it with an oath into the waste basket. lie knew of no military law which made it a crime for a soldier to fall in love with a pretty girL A Denperat* Maniac. He was passing the asylum, meditat ing deeply on his owi» affairs, when he saw the wild eyed, bloodthirsty looking maniac dash through the gates into the road. He turned instantly, and his cruel eyes were on the peaoeable wayfarer, who, to his intense horror, saw that the lunatic was making toward him, perhaps with murder in his heart What was he to do? Will it not be placed upon the market again? "Come in!" "Your wishes shall be religiously oarried out, Brown." Then drawing near the soldier, so that those who were gathered about might not hear, he said: "I know your history, Mr. Thornton, and no one more than I wishes for you a safe return and the consummation of your fondest hopes for the future. I have read your ambitions in your eyes when the name of your commander's daughter has been spoken. The prize is well worth any risk, and I feel that you will win it." These are painful but necessary questions.That sharp, harsh command burned the bridge behind him. Retreat was now impossible, even should ho desire to abandon his mission. Yesterday I received my blank appB* cation for additional insurance in an eld life insurance company and And several new and rather personal quest!ana which were not asked me when I became m policy holder in the company five yean ago. Among them I find this oae printed in red ink: The following note is jnst roceivod in time to go in this mail and get printed, the name only being edited: Monson, Mo. On and on he sped through the hills which border the river, and out into the great Jornadodel Muerto, or "Jouruey to Death," that great desert once terror to those who were obliged to traverse its dreary, waterless wastes beneath the burning suns of summer. Far ahead in the distance the San Andreas range loomed up before him! tho eastern side of the great frame of mountains which inolosed the desert. When ho entered the room the old oommander was sitting at his desk "If you wish you can do so, Alice, but the time has not yet come for the world to hear the story, and you must ask her to pledge her secrecy." When her first burst of grief had spent itself Alice arose, and going to the stables mounted her pony and rode away over the mesa to tne southward, hoping tho fresh air might cool her fevered brow. On, on she sped, regardless of time or distance, until she reached the head of a gulch four miles below the fort Down the guloh she rode, intending to return to the garrieon along the river bank—along the r»th which she had traversed with her lover but two hours before. Just as the emerged from the month of the gulch into tho open valley there arose a loud, savage yell that chilled her blood, and a score of dusky forms sprang up from the bushes and confronted her. Savage hands grasped tho reins of her bridle and savage eyes glared upon her trembling form and gloated over her terror. William Nye To stand and cope with the powerful strength of madness would be suicidal. Dear Sir—For years past 1 have been deep ly interested, 1 might Bay infatuated, with you* witty sayings and humorous writings, and many has been the time that 1 have sat for bourn reading some of your jokes until 1 was almost convulsed. So 1 have at last screwed up courage to ask you for your auto graph. 1 should like a letter, but if you will send me just an autograph 1 shall be deeply grateful. "Are you a libertine?" This interrogatory has been put to sinoo I joined. When Mrs. Colby reached that portion of tho letter referring to Alice, she exclaimed: He had but one chance—a slim one at tho best—but he would try it Acting at once upon the thought he turned and ran with the swftness of a deer down the road. • But the madman was not to give up his promised prey so easily and gave pursuit with such vigor that he was soon within a few yards o! his victim, who, strive as he would, could not increase the distanoe between them. "A d—d outrage, sirl It was a d—d outrage," roared the old officer. "You •ay the young man was so Intoxicated that ho seemod unconscious of what was transpiring?" "Thank you, captain, a thousand times. I trust the future will demonstrate to you that I am not unworthy of your confidence. Good-by.M The company knew the kind at BM I wns when I took out my collar, na now must I change my whole qootm at life in order to get additional insurance! No! "Why, Alice, has this man declared his love for you?" "Yes. yes, Mrs. Colby; but read it all, end I will then explain." The shades of evening were rapidly ccllpsing the light of day as he entered the first rnnge of foothills and sped along tho trail Into the bosom of tho mountains. Dark, threatening clouds began to gather over the towering peaks as ho neared the Dripping Springs, and distant growlings of thunder presaged a coming storm. With the hope that this brief apology may In port atone for the audacity in the request for your autograph, 1 remain yours very re qpectfully, Springing into the saddle he put spurs to tho noble animal he bestrode and went thundering away on the trail, followed by the approving shouts of his comrades. "That ho wor, sor, an' I'd take mo dyin' oath on it this blessed minute' barrln' the fact that I'm in good hilth." The good woman finished the letter, and, clasping the girl to her heart in a loving embrace, said: If I've got to be a libertine In a/Sm to got insurance in a New York lam* anco company, I'll insure mysell Teagne's Hill, Monson, Ma P. 8.—I will nay here that if you write me a fanny letter 1 will be perfectly delighted. Mr. Ltzerne Teaqce Swahtout, "My sweet child, no further explanation is necessary. You have won the love of a man in every way worthy of you, a man of wealth and refinement-, and every barrier to you* union will •oon melt away. Why, what a wonderful romance, you dear little creaturel A young, innocent pussy, who knows no world outside of a military post, catches a man and a fortune whom half the rich and brilliant belles of the great east would strive to win did they but know him. Why, you demure little nobody, do you realize what you have done? I feel that I could hug the life out of you." "And then what happened?" Of course people have approaahed me at different times about becoming a itfeertine, but I saw that it would -take me away from home a good deal and might lead to immorality, and so I gave It up. After his departure from the fort the troops were dismissed with orders to hold themselves In readiness to mount at a moment's notice. Every officer ana officer's wire gathered at tne colonel's quarters to cheer him in his great grief, and bid him hope for the best. Despite their aasuranoes the old warrior sat strioken with sorrow. A nameless fear had settled upon his soul, almost prostrating him beneath Its crushing weight In his easy chair he sat surrounded by sympathising friends, alternately bemoaning his loss and oursing the Indiana "Thin, sor, we wor sint to that dlvil's own home. Governor's oiland, an' tho poor dlvll of a boy so drunk that he tvint to shlapo on tho boat an' wo carried him ashore an' put him in a bunk in tho quarthers, an' dom the know did he know till tho next mornin'. Whin he woke up he riz in his bunk a lookln' as wolld as a baste an' says he, 'Boys,' says he 'where am I?' 'Sure yer on the honorable Governor's oiland: says I, 'an' you do be a soger in tho army; but divil tho bit I think you node go to confission fur that,' says I, 'fur you wor so intoxiflcatod that you didn't know whither you had yer head on yer shoulders or in yer tithe.' In grim silence the chase continued, the heavy breathing of the maniae drawing closer and closer to the affrighted ears of the poor wayfarer, who began to give himself up for lost His strength was fast giving out and be knew that his race was nearly run. ahden, N. c. Mr. Luzerne Teague Swartout, Teague's Hill. Dismounting from his horso he crawled to the brow of a hill from which a view of the spring could be secured, and his heart gave a great throb of satisfaction when the smoke from a number of camp fires met his eyes. Grouped about near the springs was a village of about twenty lodges, and near by a herd of ponies roamed over the hillside cropping the sparse grass which sprouted out from between the rocks. Dear 8ir— Your welcome note asking for autograph caino yesterday, and 1 hasten to at tend to same before 1 do anything else. 1 hope it will get to you without any delay, for 1 often think that if people would be more prompt about sending their autographs, oh, so much, so much misery and deprivation would be •verted. Yours sincerely. Bill Nye. Monson, Me. Life insurance is a first rate boon to those who can collect it and then getx%- suscitated, but if one must lead a double or quadruple life in order to be eligible tho business will surely fall off in "the futura She was in the hands of a band of Mescalcro Apache Indians, their hideous faces rendered yet more hideous by great blotches of war paint. In imagination he could already feel the deadly grip of the madman abou* his throat and see the exulting look in the murderous eyes. Terror for a moment lent new vigor to his feet he sprang forward with a determination to baffle his relentless pursuer in spite of the near proximity of the heavy breathing, which he could now feel upon the nape of his neck, but unfortunately his foot at that instant struck a stump, and be plunged forward upon his faoe with a cry of horror. II | tL- OOI*. SANFORD LEANED BACK IN HIS P. B.—When you write next time to anybody exclusively on your own business, it would bo • good scheme to inclose one of those new ahampion postage stamps. There are a number of other questions equally disagreeable and personal which I do not propose to answer and then have the answers read aloud aft eoD cial gatherings in New York during the long winter evenings. C1XAIB. While some of the Indians danced about her in fiendish exultation, others bound her arms with rawhide thongs, and then, loading her pony in their midst, they forded the Rio Grande and moved eastward through the hills toward the Mescalero reservation beyond the San Andreas. writing, and paid not the slightest attention to his presence. Cap In hand, his heart almost in his throat, the young soldier stood in the middle of the floor for fully two minutes until the officer had completed the letter upon which he was engaged. Of coarse you understand that I mean one that baa never been licked. V "0, Mrs. Colby, my good, sweet friend, I have never given a thought to his wealth. I see my Ned only as a lovable man. a king among men, and I do love him dearly. He did declare his love for me, but asked in return only "I have every confidence la that man Brown, 0010061,'' said Capt. Oolby. "He has been In my troop for nearly three years, and until reoently has been an enigma to me. No man was ever more scrupulously faithful in the discharge of his duties, and in the several affairs with the Apaches in which the troop has taken part since he joined us he has exhibited marked oourage. In conversation with him I have found him to be a man of education and rare intelligence, and one who la fitted for a far higher position in life than that of a soldier in the ranks. In fact, oolonel, I implicitly believe the strange story he has tola of himself." Ills searching eyes failed to discover the presence of a guard on any of the surrounding hills, and he rightly interpreted this to mean that the Indians, having traveled with great speed to their present camp, knew that they need fear no pursuing party before the following day. Even had the capture been discovered shortly after the poor girl was seized, the cavalry horses could never carry their equipment laden riders more than half the distance from the fort to the mountains before darkness came upon them, and, not being able to follow the trail, the troops would oamp until daybreak. Fully satisfied that there were no sentinels to discover .his presence, his hope of being able to gain an entry in the village was greatly strengthened. I have been requested this week to set Mr. Rogers right in the following matter, and, though it is of course of a looal character, Mr. Rogers claims that, as he has no paper with which to defend himself, he asks me as a friend and neighbor in North Carolina, where my home is in summer, to take his part and place him before the peoplo once tnore on the same footing which he maintained previous to the attack. sj A cavalry soldier who was hunting antelope In the hills witnessed the capture from a distance, and pushing his horse to its utmost speed bore the news to the fort. Had Brown but known the mood the old man was in, he would have seen before him the hopelessness of his errand. Something In the official ranks had annoyed him, and his temper was far from being in an unclouded state. He knew that his last moment had come, and he offered up a silent prayer, resigning himself to the fearful fate from which he felt nothing now oould «ave him. Had in Item. thCD hope that when freed from army servitude and restored to society he might woo me and hope to win my love. Lie Is too good, too noble, too manly to ask to be recognized as a suitor for my hand while a soldier la the ranks." "I have an item for the reporters," he said as he entered police headquarters at midnight The tidings of the poor girl's capture threw the garrison into the wildest excitement. Bugles blared forth the call to horse, and every preparation was made for the pursuit of the red fiends. Col. Sanford paced the porch In front of his quarters, issuing orders to his officers, swearing and gnashing his teeth In his great rage and grief. In the tnidst of his frantic movements Private Brown, his face pale and pain-drawn, his eyes set in a look of the most fixed determination, stepped onto the porch and confronted him. " WM, girt" In a moment the maniac was upon him. A wild, demoniacal yell of loud laughter echoed in his ears, and he felt himself suddenly strnck upon the shoulders. At the same time a voioe screeched out in apparent glee: Uttering the words with a sharp, commanding accent, Col. Sanford leaned back in his chair and regarded his visitor with a scowl on his faoe. Summoning all his oouroge Brown began:The articlo which appeared in the Jtsheville Gleaner of Deo. 10 is as foljows and refers to the failure of the editor of the paper to secure a ticket to the home talent production of "Julias Cesar:" "None of them here Just now," replied the sergeant, "but I'll take It down." "And did you tell him that you loved him, child?" "All right Bogin by writing doWti that a respectable citizen was last night making his way homeward." "Why, what else could I do, Mrs. Colby? Yes, I did tell him so, told him that I madly loved him, and I think I will never tire oi repeating it to nrm. But, ray dear friend, it is his wish that you treat the information conveyed in his aunt's letter in the strictest confidence for the present." "Tag. You're it!" — New York World. "CoL Sanford, I am Richard Brown "Strange story? Who the devil Is the fellow?" "The stars wore more or less obscured, and the moon shone fitfully." "I have it." "Yes." * " and T to see vou on Kiewoat peculiar d*uumm. in oraar t yon may fully understand—" The work of home talent upon the play of 'Julioua Crasar,' would no doubt have been a little more successful had the distinguished uiAUttKet oaineu uu'l m» pouiiD uj seuuirig Mum editor a complimentary ticket as he inQtudcd. but faultlessly and with little regirf i to our Writer, was even placed in such a portion b•• could not do anything, and the consequences was we have lost one of the In st criticism, which SO doubt would have been well approved by our worthy public, by the writing of an unknown hand that was not there to give a write up in The Gleanor. Mr. Rogers was seen by our Ed itor a few days ago at the doors of the Herkly hotel, and while Mr. Rogers stood braced up against its doors, Mr. Editor gave hini a mk ing over which were not heard of, for many a day. Otm EDITOR VKHSrS nOOF.I'.S. "I have been led to believe that you were long ago made aoqualnted with his history. Did not your daughter tell you of the soldier artist who was drawn into the service when in an irresponsible oondltlon from drink?" Me must now wan untu aarKness should come to conceal his movements. Lying down upon the brow of the hill, he eagerly scanned the distant camp. Dusky forms moved to and fro about the flickering fires, but the one beloved form for which he sought with aching eyes appeared not. Although the approaching storm materially aided in driving back the gray light of day, to his anxious, impatient soul the nightfall camo with all too tardy footsteps. "1 am ruined," said the ambitious young artist "I have tried my beet to paint fine pictures, but have failed Now let me retire from the profession." A Career Ahead of Htm. "State your business with me at once, sir, and put it in very few words. I have no time to waste." "Ho was within three blooks of his domicilo when he was suddenly aocosted by a strange man who sprang out of an alley. " "Certainly, dear, and what a delicious secret I will have, and how delightful it will bo when the denouement comes to bo able to look Into the amazed faces of the ladies of the post and quietly tell thom I knew It long ago." "It will be necessary, sir, for me to—" listen to me." "Col. Sanford," ho cried, "you must "State your business, sir!" the old man thundered. "The only way to do business is to do it, damn it, to do it, and do it quickly. Come right to the point. Not another word, sir, but business!" "You hero again, you infernal scoundrel!" roared the officer, drawing his sword. "Begone to 3'our troop at once, sir, and get into the saddle, or I will cut you down as I would a noxious "Oh! Is that the man? The sane man, too, who resented an Insult at the hands of Vandever." "THAT I DID, SIB, BAD LUCK TO ME." "Nonsense,"said hiscritioal friend. "Your failure is auspicious. It ahowa your opportunity to turn impressionist and win dazzling sucoeea. "-—Chicago Record. "Goon." Falx I did bo sayln' them same words, colonel." "The desperado demanded the citizen's money or his life, and aB he spoke he flourished a club in the air. Theoitizen is a rnftn of nerve and oourage, bat being takeu at a disadvantage he handed over his pursa " "The same man, ooloneli and I believe him to be a man whose friendship would be an honor to any of us were he in his proper station in life." "IIow was the fellow dressed when the sergeant brought him in? Did ho look like a tramp or a gentleman?" The young lovers little dreamed of the difficulties to be encountered in securing the discharge of an enlisted man from the army. Future Utter* from Brown's aunt detailed the ob stacles encountered. the disinclifini*' of the officials of the war department to give the matter attention, yet each letter bade him hope for more favorable news In the next. It may be a Taxations disappointment to the reader to be here told that every effort to secure his release utterly failed, and that he was destined to be a soldier of his (Country for years yet to come. weed I" MolllBeit Poor Brown! lie had expected to bo permitted to explain his mission in his own way before the storm camc, but here were the clouds enveloping him before he had more than uttered a sentence. Driven to desperation by tho official's blunt demand he blurted out: "No, colonel, I will not go and you thall hear me! Strike mo down if you will, but your daughter's life depends upon what I have to say." "May God forgive ye, sor, fur sphalcln' of a tramp, fur there wasn't a nater drissed gintleraan in the city, Viarrin' the natural wear on' tear of tho dhrunk ho wor havin'. Sure it wor a fine gold watch an' chain an' finger ring he wore, which the kolnd sargint tuk after tellin' him ho'd kape them safe from bein' shtole from hi in by the sogers, the bloody thafe." The great black clouds rolled rapidly toward him, at times spitting out vivid flashes of lightning followed by peals of angry thunder. These premor nitions of tho coming storm filled his breast with unspeakable satisfaction, end he almost shouted with joy when the storm burst upon him In all its fury. Tho inky darkness which accompanied it would hide his movements, and tho rain beating down upon tho lodges of tho Indians would drown tho sound of his stealthy footsteps. "Oh, Jaggs," protested Mra. Lushforth, "I did so hope you would oome home sober tonight" The remarks were brief and to the point, that were made to Mr. Rogers in person, but yet he noemes very loyal in his estimation upon his acts to the world at large. Yet it will be well for him not to intrude upon younger men who are in a position a little lower than him ■elf, who do not do the monkey as he does, nor lo think, no man can bo as good as ho whom he ia such a prominent man in the eyes of .hi lions Cresar, but he must learn one thing, not to triffle with Editors for they are men who have a great deal to contend with in the eyes of the world to such an extent that the public look upon as brain power and keen in till et, more than upon hinD wl*o is a business manager of the slurs upon Editors and forgetting to s tvl A complimentary ticket to that high and nobl • •art of home tallent of ' Julious t'a-sar.' "I sea" CHAPTER XVL "Glad 1 didn't" thickly responded Mr. Lushforth. "The purse contained only 7 cent* but what the citizen complains of la tho principle of the thing. He would respectfully but firmly ask"— Something in the young soldier's look and tono arrested the colonel's uplifted hand, and allowing the point of his sword to drop to tho floor he said: CoL Sanford's head drooped on his breast and ho 6at for several minutes In deep refleotiou. Occasionally a deep, painful sigh would escape from lfim, a saddening evidence to those around him of the terrible grief which had oome upon him. As he sat there buried in his own distracting thoughts, Lieut. Vandever entered and silently stood, cap In hand, with the group. After a time the oolonel raised his head And said to Capt Colby: "It is worth the effort of gettin tanked any timo to be able to see good lookin woman 'zyou are double."—Indianapolis Journal. "Yes, 1 know." "CoL Sanford, I am an honorable man and a man of good family, and I love your daughter, sir. Love her with all the ardor—" "Well, sirrah, what have you to say?" "You know what he wonld aakT" "Thank God you have permitted reason to overcome your mad prejudice. Col. Sanford, do you not know that If you send troops on the trail of those Indians your action will seal tho doath warrant of the child you love so dearly? Has not your long experience in Indian warfare taught you that at the first Ei:;u of pursuit tho red devils will "Certainly. He wants to ask,'When were tho police?' The police were somewhere else, of coursa Sony they weren't there, but I can't help it Good night, my friend." "Did Brown soy anything about himself when ho got sober?" Making Sore. De paused almost terrified. The old offioer's face grew livid with rage, and his eyes blazed forth the fires of his terrible wrath. For a moment his passion choked him, and he could not speak. Then, rising to his feet, he Jelled: _ {Smart—Whatever lnduoed your uncle to marry tho widow of a man who was hanged? "Sure ho did not, sor, barrin' thai he tuk a walk all by himself, on' whin he come back to thequarthers he shmoilcd an' said, says he: 'Byes, I piss l"m in fur It, an' I suppose I'll liavo to inako tho bist of it." Beveral months passed. Along m shaded path on tho bank of the Rio Orande near the fort, Private Brown And Alice Sanford walked aide by side.. As ho lay there, his brain was busy formulating a plan of action. He must enter tho village, a perilous venture, ami when once there how could he determine in which one of the twenty or Simpson—Ho has been married to widows before and said he was tired of having the virtues of former husbands flung in his face.—Sheffield Telegraph. "Guardian of the peaoe of the sovereign people, good night I" replied the man as ho buttoned his coat and walked out liko a crowbar provided with legs* —Detroit Free Press. "Yes, I heard the story, but did not give it a seoond thought The men near1 v all have moonshine stories to My business is an extensive one, which is growing gradually with the probability in time to rank higher in its pelf than any high