Pittston Gazette

              K ttabllshed 18BO. I VUL. XLlXSu.lt. f Oldest Newspaper in the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. j»l OO Year ; in Adtiuic*. " Waal, Hank, bow's things been witn yon?'' be awked heartily as he proceeded to refill and light his pipe. "They're after me, you say. wnat do they want of me?" was sent to arrest him, but it seems he has never been here." "I did a foolish thing. I was amused by the mistake, and by way of fun I humored it. You will recall that my questions showed my ignorance, not only of your affairs, but of Hank Beyer's." I was satisfied that he had no definite scheme at that moment, but that be expected to hit upon something decisive. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. UNDOING OFAt IUBLE "They're going to lynch you, Hank! I tried to hold 'em back till you got a chance, but it's too late." It was evident that not a man in the room believed a word I had said unless it was my double standing near the door, and of him I was not jertain. I saw a sarcastic smile on bis face, but be let the o'hers do the talking. He must have foreseen that his pounding in the crucible would come very soon. Topic Por the Waelc Beginning Ha*, »T—Conutit by Htr. *. H. Deri*. Topic.—"Great reforms that need our help."—John ti. 12-26. (International temperance Sunday.) It was evident that he had mistaken me for some one else, and I was in that frame of mind that I humored the mistake."Begging your pardon, gents, I think Mr. Dungan is right. No matter how black it looks against Hank, give the poor devil a show." LESSON IX. FOURTH QUARTER, INTERNATIONAL SERIES, NOV. 27. \$Y HUGO 5TXINI5Tfif RE,m "I believe yon pretended something of the kind." ;tc, etc. "I've never felt better. How ia It with your" Amid the fright of that moment the feeling was strong upon me that a grotesque mistake bad been made. Why should these people wish to do me bodily harm? I had committed no crime since my entrance into the state of Mississippi, and men oould not be stirred to such violence by any cause other than an outrageous violation of law. CHAPTER III. It was Hank himself who made this remark, and nothing could have been more politic. At that moment there was not a person in the room besides us two who was not morally convinoed that I was the real criminal. Jim Dungan believed it, but the rude chivalry of his nature answered my appeal. He intended to respite me until morning, when none wonld be more eager than he to pull the rope over the limb with me dangling from the end of it. Text of the Lmon, Prov. It, 10-19—Memory Tenet, 14, 13—Golden Text, Pro*, i. 10—Commentary Prepared by the Rev. The squire mournfully shook bis bead. He was through, having sentenced me, as may be said, to capital punishment. The topical referenoe is the story of Christ's cleansing of the temple. By the divine authority invested in Him Ha drove from the boose of God those who were making it a den of thieves instead Df a boose of prayer. Besides the exampie of Christ in the Old Testament, we have many others to give to us the authority and the inspiration to try to do something in correcting the abases of sooiety, the church oi the state. Ood has frequently, both in sacred and secular history, called oat great reformers, who have vigorously denounoed existing abase* and have brought order out of chaos. We are living in an age of reforms and reformers, and while we cannot hope to interest ourselves in every bobby of pretended reform era, yet there are several great and important reforms today that do demand our most earnest study, prayerful consideration and judicious aotion. "Tollyble, tollyble; I can't complain. The old woman in troubled with the rbeumatiz, but otherways she's as well "You say you started to walk. How, then, was it you rid into Aldine  Colonel Mausley's blooded ohestuut?" D. M. Stearns. as ever." "I do not diny, gentlemen, that the case looks bad against me. You bave notioed that the man whom I pointed out by the door resembles me, except that I wear a mustache and he does not. He had one today, but shaved it off after we parted, probably foreseeing something like this. But I have the right to ask that before executing me you make sure that I am really Hank Beyer, tho horse thief." [Copyright, 1398. bjf D. M. Stearns.] "And your boys and girls?" I foresaw the rumpus that would follow my explanation. 10. "Hear, O my sod, and reoelve my sayings, and the years of thy life shall be many." We may tbink of David addressing Solomon (see verse 8), bat it will be more profitable for us to reoelve the words as from God oar Father to all who are His children by faith in Christ Jesus. We may hear His words and not reoelve them, but when we bear and receive, or believe, for believing Is receiving (John 1,13), we thus have life (Jobn v. 84). It will make this teaohlng simple if when we read of wisdom, as in verses fi, 7, etc., we think of Him who Is the wisdom of Ood (I Cor. i, 84, 80). In Jas. i, 81, we are taught that the word must be received with meekness. "My beys aud girls!" he repeated, turning his bewhiskered face toward ine with an expression of astonishment. "Have you forgot that Tom and Mag Bulhnch buried their last ohick during wartimes?" "At the crossroads about nine miles out a young man rode down from the direction of Mapleton. He was mounted on the horse wbioh has caused this trouble. He told me he was in need of money, and he sold film to me for $50"— But the peril was imminent, and I had scarcely time to draw my weapon and back against the wall when the mob swarmed in after the landlord. As the foremost were making for me I leveled my weapon and called out: would you iiko to riue uu unnnwwi suddenly asked the man, as if a new thought had struck him. CHAPTER L The man's personality impressed Itself upon the rough group. They accepted his decision and looked expectantly at him for fnrtber orders. When President Heemance of the Burton bank discovered that Martin Oastleton, the cashier, had fled, owing the bank $50,000, he immediately called In the aid of the detectives and took every step possible to capture the criminal and a portion at least of the funds. "Nothing oould suit me better." "I beg pardon; I ought to have known better." "I'll sell you this animal and outfit cheap," he added. "Yon can see he is a fine onf." "I s'pose it's 'cause you've been away fnr some time," ventured the landlord's crony. I said more, but not a syllable was audible. Every one seemed in danger of apoplexy from furious merriment. They struck one another, fiunrf their hats down, and one caught up a plate from the table and shattered it over the head of Landlord Bulfincb, who seemed unaware of the proceeding. The uproar lasted for several minutes, wnen Dungan managed to make himself heard. Hte remarks may be characterized as pointedly personal. "Halt; the first one lays a hand on me will be a dead man 1" " Which the same is what we have done with the help yon have given us," replied Jim Ducgan, with a significant grin in which the others joined. "We'll hold this fellow till tomorrer morning. Then, if matters stand as they seem to be now—that is, if we hain't found out that he's what he says he U. —why that ends it" The bravest persons do not rush to certain death. There was a pause, although the men in the door kept pushing forward until there was danger of the leaders being forced against me. The countenances were like those of the canaille during the commune. Anger, fierce resolve aud an almost irresistible yearning to clutch my throat were stamped on the faces, some of which were bearded, some clean shaven, while amtrag the savage group were several who were not yet out of their teens. Their attire was coarse and slovenly. Most of them wore in slouch hats, without ooat or vest, with trousers tucked in their boots. Two had rifles in their hands, three carried revolvers, while as many more grasped short, thick clubs, and a fourth gripped a fence paling. "I noticed that when yon first ap paired." "That must be it," I hastened to add. Two weeks passed without bringing the first atom of information of the ab•oonder. President Heemanoe winced under the large expense involved and was on the point of dismissing the detectives, who were probably nursing the job, when an anonymous letter reached him stating that Castleton, Instead of trying to reach Canada or crossing the xean, bad turned inland, gone to New Orleans and, ascending the river to a landing in Mississippi by the name of Bonthfleld, had gone to the small town of Aldina "I am in great need of money," said the stranger, "and yon can bave bim for |50." "Of couree," remarked my host. " Squire Uager is purty gin'rally tight 'bout such things. Did you leave your father well, Hank?" "It looks that way, but yon are in error. Now, It is easy for you to telegraph to certain parties whom I will name in New York and by whom I can establish my Identity. Yon will do me that justice. If I fail to oonvince yon that I am what I claim, then do with ma as yon wish." "Will you bind him?" asked one of the mob. 11. "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths." Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace (obaptet ill, 17). He always leads by a right way to our elty of habitation (Ps. ovli, 7). He is tbe Way, and He is our Peaoe; when He patteth forth His sheep, He goeth before, and to follow Him Is to go in perfect peace, for His will Is always wisest, and His way is always best, ami in perfect aoquleaoenoe there is always perfect rest. Abide in His love. The price was absurdly small, but the bicycle had not at that time penetrated that part of our Union. Without stopping to think how President Heemanoe would view this piece of extravagance on my part I accepted the offer. "Quite well, thank you." "Ain't married ag'in, eh?" "No; I tbiuk there's no likelihood of "If you're afraid he might bite yon, we'll put a muzzle on to him," replied Jim with fine sarcasm, and a general guffaw followed. 1. Temperance reform needs our help. A tremendous crusade 1b being made against tbe saloon and intemperance today. A political party, legions of societies, Christian churches, a religious press and many influential individual reformers are arrayed against them. Tbe saloon is tbe greatest enemy of our country. It blasts thousands of lives; it ruins multitudes of homes; it is a constant lawbreaker and daily educates lawbreakers. Every time it deals out its poison, contrary to law, it not only bracks the law itself, but teaches a citiaen of tbe country to disregard and trample under foot the law of tbe land. Every endeavor should be arrayed unalterably against tbe saloon and should be an earnest advocate of temperance reform. How these positions are to be manifested most be determined by one for himself in acoordanoe with his individual surroundings and opportunities.that" "Folks round here said as how he was getting quite sweet on Widder Perkins, up that way." "I never knowed a horse thief that wasn't a coward. Hank, if you want to save your neck from the noose, yon'll have to get up a better yarn than that 'Twon't do." "No, genta," he added, "we won't tie him up, 'cause there ain't any nae of it. We'll take hia gnn away from him, set him in the very chair from whioh he has riz and pat two men to watoh him through the night. How will that do?" "That request sounds fair," interposed the squirt, "but I'm sorry to aay that the nearest telegraph station is at Soutbfield and with our bad roads it will take two days to go there and back. I'm afraid," he added, looking round at the savage countenances, "that my friends will not be willing to wait that long." "Ycm will have no trouble in selling bim for fonr times that price," remarked the owner, slipping from the saddle. "If it were not that I am hard up, I should not consent to part with him." "Oh, be has always been friendly with her, but I don't think either of them has any idea of marrying, though I should be pleased to see so suitable a match." "Let me ask yon a question," I aaid in deadly earnest, for it looked certain that the matter waa to be settled by a fight. 19. "When thou goost, thy step* sbatl not be straitened, and when tbou runnest thou shalt not stumble." Then Is no straltness with Him. His is an abundant way; abundant grace and glory; all our need supplied aooordlng to His rlohsa (PhlL It, 19). Philip's 800 penoe would have given eaoh of the 5,000 a little, but our Lord's way was to fill them with as mnoh as they desired (John vl, 1-18). When His people hearken unto Him and walk in His ways, He 411s and satisfies them (Ps. lxxxl, 10-16). He makes them to be satisfied with favor and full with the blessing of the Lord (Deut. xxxill, 88). The blessing whioh maketh rich and to whioh our toll addeth nothing (Prov. x, 88, R. V.). He traveled under the name of Jared Cowperthwatt, giving out that be was prospecting through the country with a view of purchasing cotton land for investment fie would probably remain in that seotion for several weeks, and if prompt steps were taken could readily be captured. A general nodding of the heads showed how quickly the leader had molded the turbulent spirits into his way of thinking. In trnth I was so afraid of bis withdrawing the offer that I quickly completed the sale The money was paid over, he helped me to vault into the saddle and to fasten my valise and umbrella behind. Then waving me goodby be turned and walked rapidly up the road toward Mapleton, from which he said he had just ridden. "They'd make a likely team. The widder has some property and no children, while you be the only one belonging to your father, and I reckon you're old 'nough to look after yourself, eh, Hank?" "You would not stand by and aea an innocent man banged, would you?" "Waal, what is it?" If a band to hand contest opened, I uiipbt shoot down a number, but I could not hold out against a determined attack. • "No, no!" came from nearly every one in the room. "A good deal might happen in that time." "I'll app'int," he continued, looking round the room into the different faces, "Cy Walters and Archie Hunter the guards. They'll stay here with the prisoner all night, ready to shoot him on the first move. Hank, I'll trouble you for your shooting iron and cartridges," said Dnngan, turning abruptly toward me. "We ain't going to hang any innocent man. We've got hold of the worst horse thief in the state. We ain't making any mistakea there, Hank." "He wants a chanoe to give yon the alip," added the real Hank Beyer from his station by the door. "Why not let him have a chance for bis life?" "I should be ashamed if I were not." "It's quar 'bout Major Hugh Beyer," remarked Squire Gager. "He made a splendid record in the war under Joe Johnston, but be acts as if be was 'shamed of it, fur you know be won't let any of us call him 'major' when he oughter been a gin'ral." Three persons in the group attracted my attention. Aunt Meg bad fled before the mob, but her husband and Squire Gager remained. They were powerfully excited, like the others, but less demonstrative. The landlord was struggling to keep back the rush and begging his friends not to be too hasty. He only partially suooeeded in restraining them. It was foolish to give much credence to an anonymous letter, but our president was so impatient with the dilatoriness of the detectives that he proposed I should start at once for Aldine. "But you are. That the resemblanoe between me and this Hank Beyer ia very oloae is clear. Nevertheless he is another person altogether. I have in my pocket the warrant for the arreat of onr absconding cashier, and I can prove my identity by other papers." I was delighted with my bargain. The horse was a blooded animal, with beautiful, tapering limbs, long mane and tail and possessed great speed. He was' a dark chestnut, mettled and with a good disposition. Whenever the road permitted, he broke into a swinging canter that was the poetry of motion. At that moment nothing was more evident than that every man crowded into the room was my enemy. 1 looked around into the unpitying faces and braced myself for the final struggle, which I believed oonld not be deferred. The mob were impatient that they had "You are strong, active and expert in the use of a revolver," he said, ,"while Oaatleton is none of these. 1 will attend to the requisition papers and have them forwarded to Governor McLaurin at Jackson, who will see that they are promptly indorsed and awaiting you at Aldine when you reach there. You will start at the earliest possible moment."I promptly handed them over with the remark: It. "Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go, keep her, for she is thy life." She is a tree of life—life unto thy soul (obapter ill, IS, 88). By comparing text with text we get the unity of the Sorlptures, the oneness of thought, for all oenters in Him who is our life (Deut. 80; Col. ill, 4). To walk in His way and keep His oommandments is life and righteousness (Deut. v, 38; vl, 80), but He is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believetb; so it is summed up In receiving and walking In Him (Kom. X, 4; Col. 11, 6). Having reoelved the word with meekness, the next thing is to bold it fast, for It is a faithful word (Titus 1, 9; Rev. ii, 86). When satan by bis servants questions any part of the word C5t God, the believer should take the hint to bold that portion ail the more firmly. 3. Sabbath reform needs our belpi The Sabbath is being constantly encroached upon. Pleasure and business are osnrping the most sacred rights of Ood. "It Is the only day I have for pleasure," says the advocate of a continental Sabbath. This is Jnst oontrary to the trnth. The Sabbath is the only day that we have not got It is the one day that God kept for Himself. The man who takes it for pleasure or unnecessary business robs Ood. There is need for a better observanoe of the Sab bath in our land. Endeavorers should stand firmly, by preoept and example, in favor of a Christian, American Sabbath."If my father had reached that rank or had become even a colonel, I suspect he would not object to the title, but there isn't much in a simple 'major.' " "I surrender with pleasure to yon and place myself at your disposal." The third man had come through the door and moved a couple of paoea aside, where he stood with his back against the wall, silent, but Intently scrutinizing me. His fnfce waa smooth shaven, and he bad dark hair and eyea The peculiarity of the situation was the feeling that I bad seen him before, but I could not recall the time or place, and the terrifying oircumstanoes prevented my giving the matter further thought I lowered my weapon and started to bring out the documents, when Dungan waved his hand. He shoved tke weapon without speaking into his capacious hip pocket, the rest of the crowd looking silently on. Night had fully come and an oil lamp was lighted by Landlord Bulfinch and plaoed on the table. Dungan talked for a few minutes in a low tone with the host, and then, turning to me, spoke loud enough for all to hear: "What a stroke of fortune!" I said to myself. "I am tempted to take him home with me, for there couldn't be a finer saddle horse, but if I sell bim it must be for a good deal more than I paid." It will be admitted that I was picking up information. I had learned that I was supposed to be Hank Beyer, son of Major Hugh Beyer, who lived somewhere in the neighborhood. My companions were Squire Gager and Landlord Tom Bulfinch, whose wife's name was Mag, and they had no living children. Moreover, my father was suspected of holding matrimonial intentions toward a certain Widow Perkins. "It's no use to keep up this fooling. We don't want to see any of the papers that was stole or fixed up for this bus'- ness." The foregoing will explain how it osme about that on a dismal rainy afternoon in autumn I left the Mississippi steamer Bonnie Belle at the Soutbfield landing, being the only passenger who went ashore at that lonely place. I hurried down the plank, valise in hand and umbrella lifted. The steamer went churning up the muddy Mississippi, and I made my way to the dilapidated inn, the only place of entertainment in the Tillage of less than a dozen houses. "Bnt the real thief, the genuine Hank Beyer, ia standing in this room with me." A half hour later I met the stage from Aldine. It was a rickety structure and did not contain a passenger. The driver was huddled on the front seat, smoking a day pipe, and as I turned aside to make room for him bis grizzled face lit up, and with a queer, twisted smile, be oalled: Before any explanation could be asked of this remark, I pointed my finger at the young man by the door and said impressively: "Young man, whether yon are Hank Beyer or not, we're going to give yon a show for your life. Tom Bulfinch will need this room, so we'll place yon in another. As you've heard, Cy Walters and Archie Hunter will stand guard over you." I fixed my eyoa on the foremost man aa the leader, and when something like a hush bad been restored, so that nothing but the hurried breathing and an oocaSional mattered imprecation were heard, I aaid, addreasing him: All this was interesting, but not equal to that which speedily followed That old age is entitled to certain privileges was proved by the next remark of the landlord, who removed his pipe from bis month and asked with a chuckle: ' "There stauds the criminal for whom yon are looking. He is the real Hank Beyer." 8. Social reform needs our help. There is great social unrest throughout the world today. It manifests itself in the deeds of anarohists, the enormous "Howdy, Hank?" 14. "Enter not into the path of the wioked and go not in the way of evil men." Since the devil tempted Eve in the garden of Eden he has been ever seeking whom he may devour, and he seems to find multitudes willing to be devoured. I laughed in reply, but did not bait, and nothing more passed between us. "I haven't the pleasure of knowing the gentlemen." "From your looks and actions yon mean me harm. I demand to know the cause for such treatment." CHAPTER IV. Disappointing knowledge awaited me. The town of Aldine, which was my real destination, was 20 miles Inland, and a stage traveled each way on alternate days. It was on Monday that I reached Soutbfield, and the stage had left that forenoon. It would return on Tuesday and make its next trip to Aldine on Wednesday. I had therefore to decide whether to Btay at the landing for a couple of days or to seek other means of conveyance. I concluded to leave the question to the weather and made myself as comfortable as I could at the inn, with its half a dozen rough loungers, white and black mostly, engaged in smoking, drinking the stuff that passed under the name of whisky and playing greasy cards. A couple of hours later the little town of Aldine was reached. It was a more dismal and woebegone plaoe than the steamboat landing. There were just seven houses, though to oomplete the estimate I bad to include two ramshackle affairs which contained no occupants. I rode up to the bitching post in front of the old tavern, where two men sat, each with long shock hair, grizzled yellow in oolor and beard of the same hue. Their hats were like inverted oones, and the hair of one showed Every eye turned toward the man whom I indicated. He must have expected something of the kind from my manner, for he was prepared for it, and never was there more perfeot acting. He stared right and left, as if be did not quite comprehend what I aaid and then with a laugh oalled out: "That 'a Cy standing in the corner of the room. He sarved with Morgan through the war, and he's in favor of stringing yon up without five minutes' delay.'' amount of socialistic literature and in various societies and organizations looking toward social refoim. It advocates almost everything from anarchy to communism. Here is a work for Christianity. It should teach the world that the principles of Jesus alone oan solve these problems. When the fatherhood of Ood and the brotherhood of man, as taught by Christ, are believed in and acted upon, all social differences will be «• ily adjusted. "And how's Esther?" The savage faces broke into sneering grins, and one or two guffawed. The man to whom I spoke and who held a Winchester in hia grasp replied: 15. "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from It and pass away." Be not deoelved; evil communications oorrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of Qod (1 Cor. xv, 33, 84). Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sltteth in the seat of the scornful (Ps. i, 1). If Eve had not stopped to look at the tree, the fruit of which she was forbidden to eat, she might not have fallen. If Aobaa bad not looked upon the gold and the garment, he, too, might not have sinned. All that is not of Ood we must turn away from, lest we fall into temptation. Look ing unto Jesus is the only way to run our raoe. Beholding tbe glory of the Lord is the way to become like Him. The question was a startling one, and but for wbat he had said a few minutes before I should have suspected he referred to a sister or relative, but it was clear that he had a tenderer relation in mind. I blushed and answered offhand, with a light laugh: "Hank Beyer, you've got cheek. We've all knowed you for a rogue ever slnoe yon was a boy, but we never got it dead to rights on to you till today." "He want* a chance to give you the slip." been balked so long of their prey. In many portions of the southwest the most heinous crime a person can oommit ia to steal a horae. Beside that offense murder sinks Into insignifioanoe. "That's so," remarked Cy, with an emphatic nod. "The most favor I'd give that chap is to let him have the'witch's parole.' That's me every time." "What's that, Hank?" "Yon are Hanlc Beyer," I added, keeping my finger pointed at him and restraining my anger. "You know It as well as I. Dare yon deny it?" It sometimes happened in wartimes that a prisoner oonvioted or believed to be guilty of some heinous crime was told to run for his life while several of bis captors discharged their guns at him as he strove to get beyond range. Invariably he was brought down at the first volley. This constituted the "witch's parole." "She's as blooming as a peach, the queen of her sex." "Got what dead to rights on me?" I asked, a glimmering of light boginning to break through my muddled brain. It will be conceded that the circumstantial evidence against me was of the atrongest character. My marvelous resemblanoe to the real criminal was irresistibly convincing, and if anything waa lacking it had been fnrniahed by my idiocy. Had I resented the mistake from the first it might have raised a possible question which would have caused a postponement of my execution. No man knows precisely how his own voioe sounds, but there must have been similarity between mine and Hank Beyer's or the difference waa not marked, sinoe it seemed to attract the attention of no one. 4. Political reform needs our help. There is a clamorous cry today against debauchery in politics. Bossism and party ism are arrayed against piety and patriotism. We cannot divorce imr politics from our religion. Piety and patriotism must go band in hand. Tbe man who will not render unto Qod the things that are God's aannot be depended upon to render unto Cesar the things that are Cesar's. Let us do all in our power to raise the standard at American oitixenship. "A right likely gal and no mistake," was the hearty comment of the squire. "She'll have a fine plantation when the colonel drops out." "The horse you stole from Colonel Mansley is in Tom Bulfinch'a barn. You've kept clear of the law ao long that you thought yon waa In no danger. Yon rid the animal here and bad Tom put him in hia atable. He was stole from Colonel Mansley last night. I don't suppose you've ever hoerd of thia before; of course not" His merriment seemed ao hearty that aeveral joined it Comprehending hia baseness, it required my utmost self restraint to keep irom sending • bullet Into his worthless brains. It seemed now that the farce bad gone far enough, and I was on the point of breaking into ringing laaghter and assuring my friends tbat I was not only not Hank Beyer, bnt had not the remotest idea of the personality of the young gentleman, wbom I bad never seen or heard of until tbat afternoon, but these delightful old fellows oozed knowledge so fast that It was dalioious to drink it in. Tbeae men, however, were skilled in reading weather signs, and tbey assured me that the following day would be clear and cool. Although the roads were bad I bad decided to spend the next day in tramping the 20 miles provided tbe sun showed itself. The work was not formidable, and it was more pleasant than lounging at tbe old inn that was built a half a century before the war. "If yon deny that yon are Hank Beyer, who are you?" Cy Walters was a big fix footer, with bis heavy, sandy beard reaching almost to his eyes, which were small and pieroing. He wore a dilapidated straw bat and tousled garments, the tronsers tacked in the tops of bis enormous boots. He was one of the few who had a Winchester, which probably he had carried throngh the war, and there could be no juestion that he was an expert in its use. As I learned afterward, he was a lieutenant under the partisan leader Morgan and was one of his most terri- Me raiders. He had the reputation of being absolutely without fear and had no patienoe with Dungan's leniency. • 16. "For they sleep not exoept they have done mlsohief, and their sleep is taken away anloss they cause some to fall." To kill and to destroy, to give torment and anxiety, is their master's business and theirs. They speak loftily, they set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth (Pa lxxlii, 8, 9) David said oonoerniog them, "They that seek my hurt speak mlsohlerous things and imagine deceits all the da; long" (Pa. xxxviii, Id). The Son of Man oame to save, not to destroy; He gives life and life abundant and joy and peaoe and glory. The followors of the devil are ever taking all they oan get and giving nothing real in return. The Son of God gave Himself for us and bore all the devil's hate that He might redeem us from his power. "Yon ought to know, Hank,'' he said, with amazing coolness. "I came up on the steamer Bonnie Belle yesterday with yon from New Orleans and yon won all I had at poker." The truth flashed upon me. The animal which I bad bought that afternoon from the stranger at the crossroads had been stolen by him. I had ridden the horse to Aldine without a suspicion of the trnth and in my stupidity bad helped on the fearful blunder by allowing myself to be addressed by his name without protest. Ai if that inane business was not enough, I bad virtually admitted that my name was Hank Beyer in my conversation with Landlord Bulflnch and Squire Gager. Beyer was my double, and the resemblanoe between us was so perfect that our own mothers might have been puzzled. All these reforms can be beet advanced by advancing Christ. Let us strive in the face of these great needa more earnestly to get Christ into men. Christ In the hearts and lives at men will solve all temperance, Sabbath, social and political problems. All who looked at the miscreant must have noted his extraordinary resemblance to me. Had he not removed his mustache the differenoe would have been unappreciable. His preparation for bis part was admirable, for when he spoke I observed that his voice sounded different from when he talked with me at the crossroads. He had suooeeded to perfection in disguising it. However, I could not forget I waa ravenously hungry, having eaten nothing since leaving the old inn at Southfield tbat morning. I therefore asked the landlord bow soon it would be convenient for hkn to furnish me with • substantial meal. Only one hope remained—I must secure a "stay of proceedings" if but for a limited time. But how was that to be done? I had already made the attempt and been rebuffed. The morning was delightful. In that latitude and at that season one expected hot and oppressive weather, but tbe •unshine had a tinge of coolnesa tbat made tbe day an ideal one. With my light valise in band and my alim umbrella serving as a walking cane I set out for Aldine as soon aa my early breakfast waa over. At this apparently hopeless juncture, when I stooid mute, not knowing what to say, but ready to go down with colors flying, the unexpected occurred. The good angel appeared in the last person to whom I looked for support He was Jim Dungan, the leader of the vigilantes.Bible Headings.—Ex. xx. 8-11: I Kings zr, 11-14; 11 Kings z, 90-28; xviii, 1-8; xxiii, 1-8; Pa xxxiii, 19; Prov. xxiii, 90-81; Isa. i, 1-18; Amos ri, 1-8; Gal. ri, 1, 9; Phil, iv, 8, ®. "I'll see," be replied, passing through the door on his right and returning in a few minutes with the weloome words: "It won't do to try any nonsense on Cy,"said Dungan in a low voice to me. "He would be glad of an excuse to shoot you." Since be was a stranger to the rest (or, what was the same, they believed him to be such), I hoped to gain an advantage from that fact. 17. "For thereat the bread of wloksdnaas and driun the wine of vioienoe." Contrast the bread and wine of Melohisedeo in oonnwTtlon with the blessing of the Most High GtkI, possessor of heaven and earth (Gen civ, 18, 19); also the bread and wine of the oommunion, representing our Lord's body given for us and His blood shed for us that we, eating Him, might live by Him (John vi, 64, 67). The ungodly may bC said to live upon the flesh and blood of tlose whose downfall they aooompilsh, but our Lord, by humbling Himself unto death, gives us His life to be our life. He is the bread from heaven. I soon found myself in one of the moat lonely and deserted sections of Mississippi. Here and tbere the white ootton bolls abowed at tbe side of the road* but only now and then oould a glimpse be caught of tbe low flat buildings where tbe planters made their homes, with the negro quarters near. For the first five or six miles I saw only two persons, and they were colored men, tramping across the fields, who looked curiously at me without speaking. Through the tUraggUng woods a horteman appeared. through the top, while their garments were suggestive of tbe tousled tramps of tbe noitb. Tbey were sitting crosslegged and smoking corncob pipos. "Yon can go in now. We hain't much to give you, but I hope it'll suit. I'll take your valise and umbrella up stairs to your room, and you can wash there in tbe corner." It would be idle for me to attempt to bluff it through. I was in the gravest peril. Many an innocent man has been hanged by a mob, and unless these headlong yeomen could be convinced of their blunder my life was likely to pay the forfeit. FRIENDLY WITH THE DOGS. "Who are you?" I thundered "I thank you for wishing to see justice done," I said in the same guarded voice. "I'm not accustomed to introduce myself to folks in that fashion, but you haven't forgot that when you gave me your name on the steamer as Hank Beyer I told you mine was Richard Early—at your service, gentlemen." The Bate Kmw Their Protaetors and Wmldt't Est Vltkwt Them. CHAPTER V. "Oh, pshaw, Hank, you didn't fool me," he replied. "I only chucked that bluff to give you time to say your prayers. You'll swing tomorrer at daylight dead sure I'' A gentleman who lived some years since in Renfrewshire was accustomed, after his shooting excursions, to feed his flogs In their kennels, 'he food being placed in a long trough. On one occasion, when he had attended to them aa usual, he looked into the kennel through a hole In the door, and was somewhat astonished, not at percelrlng a number of rats there, but at seeing them in the trough, quietly and fearlessly partaking of the bread and milk with the dogs, which seemed te pay no attention to them whatever. He was determined to destroy the rats and the next day lie placed the trough In such a position that a gun pointed through the bole would rake it from one end to the other. One of tbem, however, was the landlord, for be slouched forward to take charge of my horse. It takes a rough experiince like mlna had been to appreciate true southern hospitality. Tbe meal of pone, corn bread and bacon, with fragrant coffee, was one of tbe most enjoyable of my life, for it was seasoned with the most powerful of all sauces—hunger. Aunt Meg, as she was called by all, waa a Turning toward the men who had swarmed around him, Dungan spoke in a loud voice and an earnestness of manner that commanded attention: With this conviction upon me another startling truth became manifest. The real thief was in the room. He was the young man standing near the door, with bis back against the wall, silently and intently watching me. He bad shaved off his mustache 6inoe our meeting and his dress had been changed. He had still a respectable appearance, but unquestionably he was the criminal. No wonder he was interested in toe. "Howdy, Hunk?" be asked, repeating the words of the stage driver. And the unconscionable scoundrel doffed his hat and bowed to the right and left with the suavity and blandneBS of a Chesterfield. "You all know me well enough to know I haven't a grain of pity for horse thieves. This part of the state has suffered so much from that sort of people during the last ten years and the courts have been so slow in getting bold of them that we formed ourselves into a vigilance committee of the whole to regulate things, aod I flatter myself we've had tolerable success in the bus'- ness." " Where's Archie Hunter?" I asked, ignoring the meaning of his words. "I am well," I replied, humoring h's mistake. "I think I shall stay with you a few days." "He's Cy's stepson and a chip of the old block. That's him talking with Oy." By this time I began to feel tbe warmth of tbe sun and to find my task a harder one than I bad expected. Tbe road was washed out in many places, while deep gullies caused me to make tiresome detours through the fields. Several of the bridges, too, were so shaky that I crossed them with hesitation and misgiving. "If you are a stranger like myself, what business brought you to Aldine?" 18. "Hut the path of the just is as the shining light that shinetb more and more unto the perfect day." He is the truly just one who suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust. He is the true light, the light of the world, and aa He la Increasingly made known His light will shine mere and more until He shall have gathered out of all nations His oomplete body, and after that He will come with all His saints as the Sun of Righteousness, and then it will be the perfect day on all the earth, ushered In by the morning without olouds of II Sam. xxiii, 8, 4. If we are justified by faith In Him, then, though our path may lead through many a dark valley as Joseph's did, and David's and Jeremiah's, it is ever leading on to the perfect day of His kingdom when we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He Is. "All right," he replied, starting to water my hoise preparatory to taking him to tbe stable. Arohie was a tall, well formed man, probably 35 years of age, without any beard, but with black hair and eyes that were as keen and glittering as those of a serpent. His stepfather must have weighed considerably over 200 pounds, while Archie was hardly one-half oi that. He had no rifle, but while he stood talking with his parent his right hand rested on a revolver at his hip. It was evident that Dungan oould not have selected two men better fitted for the work from the crowd that had surrounded and olamored for my life. "I explained all that to you on the boat. My uncle sent me here to look up some valuable cotton land that is in the market, but," he added, shrewd enongh to perceive the tangle in which I was likely to involve him, "I decline to be questioned any further by you, though I am ready to give these gentlemen any information they desire." "Have you forgot that it's in Barnes' (tore jit' 'cross the street?" "Where is tbe postoffloe?" I asked. "My friends," I said, speaking earnestly, and instantly the hush became profound, "you have made a great mistake. You take me for a man whom you call Hank Beyer, but I assure you I am not he"— I walked thither and asked tbe wan, bleached woman for a letter for Edward Kenmore. Without speaking she mournfully handed me one whose address I recognised as being in tbe handwriting of President Heemance. Thus it ran: He "paused for a reply" and received a thunderous one. There were general nodding of heads and exclamations of approval. Probably a little more than half of the distanoe was passed and tbe sun was nigh meridian when I came to a fork in the road, where I paused in doubt whether to turn to the right or left. Each highway seemed to be equally traveled, though but for tbe action of the storm this might not have been the case. Nothing could have bean cleverer than his manner and word* ilia announcement that he was aflM «HaD land was a passport to the go«A mt the country men, most of wInm mm* eager to sell their unproduottat property. His glib story of our trawling together on the steamer was acnepMI as truth. At that moment it seemed as if bedlam bad broken loose. The whole orowd, numbering fully 16, broke into uproarious laughter. Some slapped othera on their shoulders, nne man bent nearly double, and, flinging his hat on the floor, stamped on It, while all thought it the best joke of the season. Landlord Bulflnch may have bad a sympathy for me, as he had proved at first, but be made matters still worse by oalling out: "And we intend that the good work shall go on," he resumed. "A rope and the limb of the nearest tree is our medicine for men that have an itching for other folks' propej cy in the shape of horseflesh. But, boys, we all believe in fair play. Now, while you and me are satisfied that tbr man standing on t'other side of the is Hank Beyer, and no one else, there's one chanoe in a million that ho ain't. That chap over there by the door calls himself Dick Early. He's a stranger to us, and there ain't any denying that he looks like Hank. If he had a mustache, be would look more like him than Hank does himself." At the usual hour the food was placed as a lure, and the dogs were kept out, but the plan did not succeed. The plotter against the rats could observe the bead of one of them—old and sagacious—peeling out at hole after bole, and from under the manger for the purpose of reconnoitre!ng. but none of fhem descended. Having waited to no purpose for half an hour he let in the dogs, and In a few minutea the rats were again feeding in perfect harmony. They seemed to be aware that their safety was connected with I am sorry to ssy I was deceived in the information which induced me to send 70a on •auh a long and expensive Journey. It lias been proved that Mr. Castleton never left the ilty of New York after oommitting his robbery. He waa arrested three days ago, and moat of the miaaing funds have been rocover•d. Beyond a doubt he will reoeive his deserts.The leader, having anjjounoed my transfer to another room, nodded to the landlord to conduct us thither. I had to push my way among the men, who sullenly moved aside. I looked around for the real Hank Beyer, but did not see him. It was but a few steps along the old fashioned hall to the place that had been fixed upon as my prison. The landlord had taken the lamp from the table in the dining room, and, pushing open the door, set the light on the mantelpiece, where it cast its rays over the apartment, which was 15 or 20 feet in width and length, with a fireplace at one side, no carpet on the floor or pictures on the walls, five or six rickety chairs and a dilapidated bench which looked too weak to bear the weight of a child. "No one told me anything about this," I muttered, setting down my valiae, "and I'm blessed if I know which road to take. I can't afford to make a mistake." 10. "Tbo way of the wicked If as darkness;th»yknow not at what they stumble." The wioked art* children of the night and of darkness; they live In darkness and whan they die they go out Into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (1 Them, v, 4, 6; Eph. v, 8; Math, xxv, 80). The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish (Ps. I, 0). As children of light let us walk in the light, havf "Then you deny nttlng me that horse yesterday?'' I ar4& floundering in the wordy mire into I bad stepped.Inasmuch Mill the money expended on your trip will be a loss to the bank, yon will see the necessity of using the utmost economy and will lose no time in returning home. We are •o crowded with business that we are greatly In seed of your services. The one to the left led through a acraggly patch of woods, while that on my right traversed a s%ore open oountry. Still there was no means of learning which led to Aldine, and it is prob•Die that, In accordance with the rale, I should have taken the wrong one bad not help appeared at the needed moment."Oh, I don't deny anything," he answered with a bored air. "Tell your story to these gentlemen. You make me excessively weary." "And how'i Egthert" "Don't show the white feather, Hank I Try some other taokl" motherly hostess, who waited on me with as much attention as if I were the son whom she had laid to rest long years before. She, too, addressed me a few inquiries under the belief that I was what I was not I did not correct her, for to do so was likely to cause a flurry that would interfere with the fine dinner to which I did justioe. "This strikes you as very funny," I added, when partial quiet had been restored, "but if you will give me time I'll prove it, and"— the preacoc* of the dogs. log no —— right- WT oftheStobetor !■ t- f rheumatism! I Hiiu nATiftTA. »«C iiniitf tv—f!«C»«., I ishtw PrePar*lt under *•D" •trtngent C111 thro- |L GERMAN MEDICAL UVS,^ •m, viiiiiibsdliTflmiBiBtiiMdftiiiJI nth. £5 ANCHOR "SS fPAIN EXPELLERl U1 ™ AIL ItCBKf lo.) I,fD "flTISuj slrvr lOrm. ■ I 31 highest muni (pen ■ 13PruwhHam. OvnQltamtH ■ c'ner- UMHA. hl.roi u« rmwiM •D; J lines "MM * ncK, to u«a *»««•. to bc.eucm, M I«rtk Ma »t~t, J.H-HOCCK. 4 Wti lata St. ieet piTTtroi, pa. OR"wcht«»I^ I "ANCHOR" STOMACHAL W for I I OwiKs D^Vyrt.Cmmrtmim*. I CHAPTER II. I smiled as I read this letter, so characteristic of President Heemance's fru gality of mind. Although most of the stolen funds had been recovered, he was worrying over the comparatively slight expense to which I was subjecting the bank by this trip into the interior of Mississippi. It was vaiii to dally with him. Staggered for the moment, I wan about to address my words to those aroand me, when Sqaire Gager, who had not yet spoken, interposed. He was a oonsoientious man, and, though he undoubtedly sympathized with me, did not sympathize with the frightful fiction which he believed I was trying to weave. He laughed at his own facetiousness, and the forbidding countenances were lit up with approving grins. fellowship with the works of dar but trusting tbe Lord to to thlm that many may be turnad from dark to light (II Cor. vl, 14; lv, 0).  •oua need not stumble (verse 11; * R. V.), but the wicked, being bllo "That won't do, Hank," interrupted the man whom I had fixed upon as the leader and whose name I afterward found to be Jim Dungan. "If you ain't Hank Beyer, who are you?" "Once or twioe when he stood there talking,added Dungan, alluding to me, "I've noticed something that was a little odd—that is, that didn't seem to be quite like Hank. I can't tell what it is, but mebbe some of you have observed the same," Through the straggling woods to the left a horseman appeared, coming toward me. As he drew near we scrutinized each other closely. He was of about my age, much better dressed than was nsual in that region, and, like •very one in the south, was an excellent horseman. I could not help smiling at a noticeable peculiarity. That was his personal resemblance to me. His dark hair, mustache, eyes, nose and contour of the faoe were so like mine that I am sure it must have attraoted his attention on the instant. not their stumbling The Leuoi of tbe ( run, I had just set dowu my coffee oup at the conclusion of the meal when loud and angry voices sounded on the ontside. There were oaths, the scuffling of feet, and then it seemed as if a dozen men swarmed into the barroom. Amid the babel I could bear Landlord Bnlfiurh ordering them to keep back and not invade his house against his will. But the savage mob would not be denied, and the oaths grew louder and "I am Edward Keumore, and my home ia in New York city. I reached This was the plaoe where the public gatherings of the neighborhood were held when the weather was too cold or stormy to meet outdoors. It had been packed to suffocation many a time In its history. It is the cross of Christ that fan not only tho programmes of phi! The anonymous letter referred to had been forwarded from New York to Aldine, whence it waa remailed to Mr. Heemance. He was so pleased over the prospect of securing Castle ton, the defaulter, without their help that after my departure he showed Inspector Byrnes the letter. That sagacious man instantly suspected the troth. Tho letter was a blind, and, though the hand waa disguised, he soon convinced the president that it was written by Castleton himself. With this clew the criminal was soon located and arrested in New York. This side issue of my narrative may be dismissed with the statement that the miscreant received his just deserts and is now doing a long term in Sing Sing. "I wish to ask this man a few questions," he said, and the universal re epect felt for the officer of the law cans ■ed a bush to fall upon the angry throng. I bowed, suspecting what was ooming. pj, but as well the powor necessary He looked around again for signs of assent, but unfortunately there was none. No one shared his doubt, and Squire Oager spoiled the possible effect of his appeal by a sad swaying of his head and the remark: huiuanitariun effort. The motive ot the cross are the great dynamic of missions and ministries the " You don't deny that you rode up to this hotel this afternoon on the chestnut gelding which Mr. Bulflnch put into his stable at your request?" The room was at the rear of the inn and bad but a single window and the door opening from the hall. Landlord Bulflnch, having placed the lamp on the mantel, looked around the apartment as If to assure bimselt tiiat nottnng necessary was lacking. Apparently satisfled with the survey, he passed out, closing the door behind him without a word, and I was left with my jailer*. over. Faith in the One who li and gave Himself for as moves to in the men whom He oan redeem. "Hank has been away long 'nough to pick up some differences of speech, if that is what you mean, Jim, but you're 'way off." exhibition of the supreme sacrifioe fiercer. Diviuo sufferer to produce an iml However, without referring to it, I saluted as he rode up and asked him to direct me to Aldine. Aunt Mag was passing around the head of the table when the uproar first broke upon ns. She stopped abruptly and listened. Then I saw her seamed countenance grow white, as if under the impulse of a great fear. "I have already admitted that. I afterward crossed to the postofflce and got a letter which was mailed from New York and addressed to me, Edward Keumore.'' impulse iu the wondering worsL In another respect this remark served me well. It roused the resentment of Jim. Evidently he was the leading spirit of the neighborhood and was not accustomed to be opposed like this, even by Squire Gager. I noticed the flash of bis gray eye and the compression of his thin lips as be said: of that Saviour. The grace of God giziug the soul pushes it out aloni of lowly and kindly service. Lo "Follow the road to the right for about nine miles," was his reply. "I have just oome from Mapleton, which is five miles behind me." God becomes the strongest and stead "And any of us might have done the same by asking for it, having arranged ♦ hot liftlA mnttpr bftfornhand " the squire, brusning aside tnis oooweD, "but when you oame and sat down on the porch and talked with me and Mi. Bulflnch we both addressed you as Hank Beyer." T-D be continued inspiration to love for man. "What's the meaning of all that hubbub?" I asked, with never a suspicion that it could have any reference to York Observer, "Well," I said, mopping my forehead with my handkerchief, "I hope it is better than the one between here and Bontbfield." It. certainly looks like It, but there is really no trick about it. Anybody can try it who has lame back and weak kidneys malaria or nervous troubles. We mean he can cure himself right away by taking Electric Bitters. This medicine tones up the whole system, acts as a stimulant to the liver and kidneys, is a blood purifier and nerve tonic. It cures constipation, headache, fainting spells, sleeplessness and melancholy. It is purely vegetable, a mild laxative, and restores the system to its natural vigor. Try Electric Bitters and be convinced that they are a miracle worker. Every bottle guaranteed. Only 50c a bottle at the drug stores of O. D. Stroh, Wsat I*lttato»vM4w, 0. Wh, Pittrtta.  A Clever Trick. Sunday a Necessity. Mr. Gladstone's daughter onoe stated in a letter thnt her father said "He did not believe he would be alive now if he had not always kept his Sundays quite apart from hi« ordinaiy, and especially his political life, not only because of the pure refreshment it has always been to him to tarn to holier things on that day, but because it has enabled him to learn more on religious subjects than perhaps any other layman, and so has given him that firm and splendid ground which has ennobled and hallowed all tua Ufa. " _ —~ "I see no reason for hastening my return, " I thought as I placed the letter in my pocket. "I have had no vacation this year and am entitled to two weeks anyway. One thing is certain—New York will see nothing of me until that time is up, and I shan't surprise myself if I am delayed somewhat longer." "I'm afeard, Hank"— "Waal, we'll take till tomorrer morning to drive out what doubts we have in mind." "I am sorry to say it ia worse. Yon have a hard tramp before you." I looked mournfully np and down each highway. At that instant the door of the dining room was daBhed inward with a violence that almost carried it off its bingos and landlord Bulfincb bounded in, his shaggy face the picture of terror. ACTIVE 8OLICITOR8 WANTED EVERY" where for "Tbe Story of the Philippines." by Murat Halstead. commissioned by the Government as Official Historian to the War Department The book was written iD rttiy camps at San Francisco, on the Pacific wi - h tien. Merritt, In the hospitals at Honoiuia. in Hong Kong, in the American trenchen at Manila, in tne InsurKint camps with Aguina'do. • m :b« deck of the Olympia with Dewey, mm in tbe roar of battle at tbe fall of Manila. Bona* ;a for agents Brimful of original picture t,ken by government photographers *Dn j*'* I-arge book. Low prices. Big profits Fr-irfLt paid! Credit given. Drop all trashy unofficial war book*. Outfit free. Address, F T. Bar*W. tanraaM 9niMin«, ghietfo, "I am Edward Kcnmnre, and m\/ home "You did," I replied, and the landlord nodded his head in aoquiesoenoe. it in Mew York city." Southfield yesterday on the steamer New Orleans and started to walk to Aldiue"—"But we hain't got no doubts, Jim," remarked a man standing at the leader's elbow. "You talked with us as if yon were Ilank Beyer. You spoke about your father and asked questions of us. Why didn't yon deny you were Hank Beyer at that time?" "There seems to be so little travel in this section that it ia useless to expect •oine one to give me a lift." "My God, Hank, they're after you!" he gasped. "Run up stairs and jump out the winder. Mebbe you can git your horse out of the barn." "That don't make no difference. I have." The afternoon was drawing to a olose when the landlord returned from the tumble down stable and sat down on the front porch with me, beaide bis crony, "What bns'ness brought you to A1 dine?" again interrupted Dungan. "Occasionally we have a wagon going «aat or west, but it isn't likely yon will pee any today exoept the stage which is toammiimm i» ths wxmi C»Winn Raw, "How are we going to have them •foresaid doubts removed?" asked the ■quire. "I am bookkeeper in a bank. Our cashier ran away some weeks ago with a large amount of the bank's funds, and wafcaardL hewaa biota* atAl&Afc 1 It was driving a nail into my coffin, and I knew my explanation would not be acoepted by a single one of my bsar- I rose from my chair with my band on m» j ». "I have a plan that will do It," waa Ofcnri? ttHtanm _  waa ailanUl enwAtqg. hia corncob.