Pittston Gazette

              PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1898. KutabUnhed 18SO. I VOL. XLIXNo. 17 | Oldest Newspaper in the Wvomine Vallev A Weekly Local and Family Journal. j SI OO a Year in Advance* 11 Tragedy in taotatiis." 1 £ By Jos. M. Rogers.  yr Copyright, 1898, by the author. K appeared a house, or, rather, a grove 01 trees, from which a column of smoke, lazily ascending, disclosed that a dwelling was nestling within their embrace. to gib to yo'. She put em up fur yo herse'f and told me to keep huntiu fur yo' till I found yo', as she reckoned yo' must be powerful hungry. Hab yo' got any appetite left, Marse Hank?" fered with my plan of appealing directly to him. However, I could not think he wonlil be gone long. ed, and protiably there were additional firearms in the bouse, but few buildings are more defenseless than the old fashioned southern mansion, with its low roof and broad spreading rooms that cover a great area of ground. There were a dozen avenues through which an entrance could be forced, while in case of an effective defense on the part of half a score of brave men nothing was easier than to apply a torch and reduce the whole structure to ashes. With a look as steady as that of his questioner he replied: Meantime, with the advance of morning, the vigilantes began gathering at the inn in Aldine, clamorous to complete the entertainment of which they were robbed on the preceding evening. Learning of the (startling proceedings in the early hours—though, be it remembered, tlie agency of Miss Mansley in the business was never suspected— they set out for Black Man's swamp, accompanied by the most ferocious bloodhound for uiili a around. value, "Marse Cy, I tole yo' de troof." In my new and novel situation I forgot for the time the vigilantes at no great distance who were athirst for ruy life. It was evident that I had come out of the swamp at some point quite distant from where I entered it, tor everything appeared new. I was on the point of asking a question of no special import when Erastus uttered an exclamation, and I turned toward him to learn the cause. He had caught sight of an object in the path ahead and broke into a run for it. I raw something white lying on the ground and knew what it was before he added joyously: Walters was so angered that he partly raised his baud to strike the impudent negro, who, recoiling a step, added: "Have I any appetite left!" I repeated, almost dazed by the glorious tidings. "Ah, but let me test the question!" "Dere's a man sleepin in my cabin. He looks like Hank Beyer, but he ain't him 1" The following hour was devoted to making myself aa presentable as possible. I need hardly remark that I neglected nothing. Erastus knocked at the door and took possession of niy shoes, which he soon brought back with a polish like that of a mirror, and I should be ashamed to tell how long I primped in front of the mirror before venturing from my room' aud descending the stairs. The same girl who had admitted me smilingly showed me to the parlor with the words: It was to be supposed that the single dwelling in sight was near some highway, toward which I decided to press, debating on the way whether to stop at the residence of the plauter, applying for food and appealing to that chivalry which is one of the most marked characteristics of southerners. Surely I could convince some one to dissociate me from the miscreant that had brought all this trouble. When an ignorant negro like Pete noted the fact with only the starlight to aid him, there ought to be more than one white man with penetrating vision. Erastus handed me the basket, and, restraining my eagerness, I gently removed the snowy napkin inclosing the pone, the corn cake and the game and gazed enraptured upon the contents. "What infernal nonsense is this? I've heard it before. If he ain't Hank Beyer, who the is he?" "Dar's de letter dat Miss Esther writ fur yo' dat 1 lost!" And, picking it up, be eagerly banded it to me. This extremity might appear improbable, but nothing is so unreasoning and merciless as a mob, which will prooeed "Dat I can't say, but he ain't Hank; dat's sartin suah." There are some scenes too sacred to be dwelt upon and to which the pen can-* not do justice. Let it suffice to say that when I passed the basket back to the servant he remarked, with a grin: And something also happened to that brute which eliminated him as a factor in the solution of the problem. "How do you know he isn't?" "I doau' s'pose it doan' make no difference, Marse Hank, and, if it's all de same to yo , yo* needn't obserwate anyt'iug 'bou» my losin it." "How do I know, Marse Oy, dat yo' ain't him? I know it jes' de same as I know dat dat young man am somebody else dan Hank." It was not long after this that what may be called an adjourned meeting of the man hunters took place in the depths of the swamp, near the creek which had played an important part in the curious incidents. Cy Walters was present, as were Ciabe Horner and the owner of the second hound that had departed this lifo. To express it mildly, a vein of dissatisfaction ran through the proceedings.I bad been discovered not by a man, but bv one of my four footed pursuers. The bloodhound had trailed me straight to the curving tree, along whose trunk be trotted with a sure loot, when he caught sight of the dugout and myself. He stopped, and without emitting any cry stared wonderingly at me. UHAPTEK AVI. actually was. aiy neart tnrotibea rast, for it looked as if he must penetrate the leafy curtain and force the oiisis, but be did not, and, withdrawing with the same stillness as before, passed from sight. The listening ear rould not detect his footfall as he moved farther down stream in the continuance of his searoh. ' Yo' hain't left a crumb, Marse Hank. Shall I go and got a cartload more fur yo'?" "But I seen him and so did a dozen others early this night down at the tavern. We all had a fair sight at him, and I reckon we know Hank Beyer well 'nough not to make any mistake about him. Why, you fool, he owned up that he was Hank just before the crowd rushed in on him." "Miss Esther will be wid yo' in a few minutes." "I have plenty, thank you, " I replied diguifiedly, "but you must remember that that is the first mouthful I have had since last night." "I certainly shall make no mention of it." I was in one of those broad, roomy apartments which will contain 100 people with comfort. The ceiling was low, and there was an alcove at one side partitioned with heavy curtains. The carpet, pictures, furniture, piano at one side and the bric-a brae told of the wealth of the owirtir and the taste of the one who presided over the household in place of the mother that had been dead for years. And, to show my indifference, I was on the point of placing it in my pocket unopened when a pardonable curiosity led me to look at the address writton in a dainty hand. The name, instead of being "Henry Beyer," was "Mr. Edward Kenmore." This, I say, ought to be the fact, but my experience 011 the previous evening warned lue that it was unsafe to count upon it. I had stood for part of an hour face to face with a mob in the glare of a light that showed my face and figure clearly, and yet. every one of them believed me to be Hank Beyer, and that, too, when Beyer himself was in the room and one of my accusers. His eyes expanded, aud he twisted his thick lips into form to emit a whistle. If ever there was a puzzled dog, it was that particular specimen. As I have remarked, the species ranks low in intelligence, and there was something in the situation that was beyond the comprehension of tbis brute. He had been put on the trail of a fugitive fleeing on foot and bad done his work so well that he speedily reached the place where I crossed the stream. When in the act of following up the scent, he caught sight of me. The incident suggested a change of plan 011 my part. My intention, as I have explained, was to set the dugout adrift after stepping ashore, in order to bide the point where my disembarkation took place, but there was risk in this, since the boat was liable to be discovered so near its starting point that it would be easy to find the latter, whereas it was now so effectually concealed that hours were likely to pass before the bout was located, if indeed it were found at all. "Gorrynation, if dat had beeniue I'd died two, free days ago!" The proposition was made for  members of the party to go back and procure more dogs. "De scand'lous willain! He lied about it! He ain't Hank any more dan I am, and I'm tollyble suali I ain't him." I looked toward Black Man's swamp. Still it gave 110 sign of life. Miss Mansley bad written the communication to me! Oy Walters was puzzled. He knew the negro well enough to understand that, preposterous as were his words, he himself believed them. Nevertheless his own convictions were not shaken. In the hope of reaching a solution be conducted Pete farther down the bank to where Gabe Horner and Archie Hunter were impatiently awaiting their leader. "I'm opposed to that," called ont Gabe, who was infuriated by the loss of "Well, Erastus, now that the hungry bas been fed, what do you think I ought next to do?" I did not hear the fairylike step until the yegng |ady, smiling, but slightly flushed!^appeared before me. She walked straight forward, with her dainty hand extended. It must be confessed that my tormenting hunger was the deciding factor in the problem. I determined to take tho risk and .make my way to the home of the planter, announcing myself as the victim of a strange combination of circumstances and begging that if I was to be lynched I might have the privilege of perishing without the additional pang of starvation. With feelings that cannot be described I read my own name on the envelope which Erastus Brown, the colored man, handed to me. Until that moment I had not dreamed that it was not intended for Hank Beyer, but I was mistaken. It was for me and no one else. CHAPTER XiX. "Hanged if I know! Miss Esther had writ it all down ill dat letter and said as how dat would explanify matters." And the worried fellow reuewed his search for the missing missive, making it so thorough that he removed each shoe' and shook it out, but the former hunt had established the fact that it was nowhere about him. "I am glatl to welcome yon, Mr. Ken more, to our home and regret more than I can tell yon that it should be made tinder such distressing circumstances."No doubt be asked himself whether it was possible I was the gentleman wanted. Marvelous as is the power of those animals, it could not have revealed to this one that 1 was the man whom he was trailing, because of which he stared at me iu mute wonderment, while he pondered the question. What he ought to have doue was to announce his predicament by some sort of howl and brought his masters to the spot, but the animal didn't know enough for that. He must have decided that his duty was to attend strictly to the business on which he was engaged, for, withdrawing bis gaze, be trotted the remaining brief distance and jumped heavily to the ground. At that moment he emitted a howl and pressed his pursuit of me by taking a course directly the opposite of the true one. It was too soon, however, to act upon this conclusion. I had ju»t received evideuce that my most dreaded enemy was within a few rods and probably others were on the same side of the stream with myself. They would be passing up and down, and the bloodhounds were not to be forgotten. Breaking the envelope, I read the following:When the explanation was made to them, they received it with scorn. If a grain of doubt had been injected into the mind of Cf, it was removed by the violent protests of his companions, who would not admit even that Pete believed a particle of his own declarations. Mr. Edward Kenmore to any length rather than be balked of its vengeance. It looked as if all depended upon the promptness with which Colonel Mansley could secure the help of which he was in quest. 7 reached up and sounded it. "You have done mnch to rob it of its unpleasant features," I replied as I rose to my feet, "and I am unable to say how much I thank you." From where I stood the ground was open until a distance of several hundred feet was reached, when a zigzag fence led in the direction of the house upon which I had fixed my hopes. Here and there trees were growing, and in some places the grass and weeds attained unusual height. These would afford partial concealment should it be necessary to appeal to anything of that nature. The ground around me remained wet and spoDgy, but the rising slope proved that dry soil would soon be reached. I felt uneasy in remaining near the swamp, .from which my pursuers were likely to emerge at any moment. 1 have learned the dreadful mistake that was ■node last night regarding yourself. The people believe you to be a criminal when you are an honest stranger in this neighborhood. Nevertheless the law is powerless to protect you for the time being, and your only safety lies in holding yourself beyond reach of the misguided men until steps can be taken to establish your identity. My father is doing his utmost, but he may not succeed in time. Knowing that you must be in need of food, I have sent our servant in truest of you, bearing this note of explanation and with little hope that he will succeed in delivering either. Should he do so I desire to say to you, speaking for my father, Colonel Mansley, and myself, that you will be given a cordial welcome under our roof and will be defended to the last. "Erastus, I am going home with you, "It is shocking," she said, resuming her seat and without the least trace of embarrassment, though the color of her wonderfully attractive features was heightened. "Yonr resemblance to the guilty person is extraordinary, but does not justify any one in holding you responsible for his crimes. I wish you would tell me about it." That this decision was wise was demonstrated within the same five minutes that it was made. Cy Walters had hardly disappeared when a second rustling warned me that others were near at hand. Lead on." "Hank is there asleep," said Archie. "He'll awake pretty soon, and it will take a hot fight to get him. We had best hurry back while we have time." "I guess dat's what Miss Esther expects from de way she looked at me wbeu she handed me dat letter." Still debating the right thing to do, I entered the grounds of the old mansion and presented myself at the front door, where rested the huge brass knocker. Without hesitation I reached up and sounded it I had crossed the Rubicon, and it was too late to turn back. "Don't think any mure about it, "I remarked, with an odd pang of jealousy that so unworthy a person should be the recipient of a missive from the dainty hand of Oolonel Mansley's only daughter.They set out to do so, but Cy compelled them to wait at some distance while he Made a reconnoissance. If their man gave evidence of being awake, it would necessitate a material change in the plan of campaign. The three might have little faith in Pete's truthfulness and honesty, but they knew him too well to fear any treachery on his part. He would be at their mercy if he tried anything of that nature. They explained his course on the ground of sympathy for the hunted fugitive. Something in the faint rustling sounded different from the other, and it was on the same side of the stream with myself. What mysterious instinct possessed the black demon is beyond my power to understand, but it came about that the largest and most feiocious bloodhound on which I had ever looked came through the undergrowth at that moment, and, pausing within six feet of where I sat in the dugout, fixed bis devilish eyes on my face with a purpose that could not be mistaken. These reflections occupied much less time than has been taken in the telling. Turning my back on the swamp that had been the scene of so many stirring experiences, I strode in the direction of the plantation, little dreaming of the still more extraordinary adventures that awaited me. CHAPTER XX. Just here it is necessary to digress for a few minutes. Thus invited, I went over the history from the time of my arrival in Mississippi until the present hour, she listening with a close attention that was emoarrassing at times, though flattering in a high degree. When I gave the particulars of my purchase of her own horse from the stranger, she compressed her thin lips and a peculiar light shone in her lustrous eyes, but she did not utter a word. "Beats de debbil!" muttered Erastus, finally giving up the hunt through his clothing and scrutinizing the ground as he walked onward, with me beside him, furtively glaucing every few seconds over my shoulder. Ehthek Mamsi.ev. How characteristic, this letter of a true southern woman! And how char asteristic, too, of her valiant father, the Confederate veteran! Having become satisfied of the truth and my grievous peril, they were ready to defend me to the death, even though tbe parent had never seen me and I had not exchanged a word with tbe daughter. It was sufficient for them to know that an irreparable wrong impended for their sympathies to be enlisted. "Say your prayers." Having thrown all my enemies to the rear for the time being, I must quickly decide upon my future course. Cy Walters, the ex-partisan and terrible raider, was never more enraged than when he opened his eyes in the rear room of the old inn at Aldine, roused by the slight noise made by my leap to the ground, and saw that I bad escaped. Tbe raised sash and the motionless form of his stepson explained what had occurred, and he bounded to bis feet like a panther, Winchester in hand. His action, however, failed to rouse Archie Hunter, who slept calmly through the stirring incidents that immediately followed. It is easy to see that Had he not done so my own situation would have been materially changed.his own animal. "Hank has already killed two of t/'e best hounds in the country, and he'll shoot every one we send after him. We don't need 'em." Anxious as I was to get oat of the swamp and reach the open country, it was manifest that I would surrender an immense advantage when I did so. The news of the escape of the supposed horse thief, Hank Beyer, had spread through the country by this time, and doubtless searching partiit were scattered over a space of many miles. Nothing rouses the bloodtliirstineas of a mob more than the hunt for a victim with success delayed. If the fugitive oan remain beyond reach for several days, their passions are likely to cool, but for a time it is a raging volcano. "Do you know a darky named Pete who lives in Black Alan's I asked, with a view of diverting his attention from the subject that distressed "How shall we work it, then?" demanded the owner of the last defunct. "The swamp is so big that he can hide in it for a month." The most puzzling features of the situation just then were the silence and apparent inactivity of the vigilantes that had pursued me into' Black MaD's swamp. There must have been a,large number of men there, all armed and accompanied by a pack of bounds seemingly with the ability to trail an eagle through the air, but when I looked around not a living man or animal was visible, nor did any sound issue from the dismal recesses to show they were within the swamp. Just before reaching the spot where the dugout was moored Cy came to a halt, and a strange conversation began, the murmur of which I heard from my hiding place a few paces away, though unable to catch any of the words spoken. It was apparent from the questions of Cy Walters that Pete had succeeded in raising a doubt again in his mind, though it was an infinitesimal one. "He hain't got the ammunition," explained Archie Hunter, who grimly rubbed it into himself by explaining that the fugitive had stolen his pistol, but had no cartridges with him. "We were both struck by our mutual resemblance," I added, "though neither made any reference to it. It was striking, even after he had removed his rnus- CHAPTER XVII. Erastus stopped short, with a sort of gasp, and stared at me. him If you should ever be approached while hiding iu a swamp by a ferocious bloodhound wbo is looking for you, and you haven't time to climb a tree, the best thing to do is to shoot, taking care to make your aim accurate and not losing any time in carrying out the proceeding. "Why do yo' ask dat question, Marse Hank? Yo' knows dat eberbody in de world knows dat wuthless nigger. He's a bad man. Doan' yo' trust him." And yet as I walked slowly forward beside tbe colored servant, to whose chatter I gave no head, a labyrinth of perplexity opened Ijefore me. Despite her chivalrous feelings toward me, it was evident that she loved the unworthy Hank Beyer, the cause of all the mischief and trouble. There is no fathoming the mystery and contradictious of a woman's heart, and, should itoome to a choice between sacrificing me or him, which would she choose? With that willful unreasonableness often manifested by a bright woman, would she not be ruled by her emotions and her affection? The problem was beyond my solution, and my footsteps lagged, for I was uncertain whether to go on or turn aside and seek safety without human help. "He has used most of the charges and must be or soon will be without any meanE of defending himself." "I must say I don't fancy bis looks aud manner and might have known that you are acquainted with him. Why does he make his home in the swamp?" "Pete, you still insist that the young man in your house is not Hank Beyer, do you?" "He'll get what he wants from the darkies scattered through the swamp." The exchange of shots in which Cy ind I indulged over the rear fence of the garden has been related, as well as my own subsequent movements. It will be noted that there was no possibility of following me even with the help of the linest bloodhounds that had ever been trained. So long as I remained on the water the brutes were powerless. I could land at any point I chose, and the dogs might grope for hours before finding me, or they might do •o in much less time than that. To disembark and leave the dugout to show where I had done so would be to surren der all chances of ultimate escape. The terrible brute that had come upon my hiding place probably did so by accident, for his sudden stoppage and stare showed his momentary surprise. He was of unusual size and as black as midnight. There was not a The curious situation was inexplainable, yet it had the best of causes, of whose nature I never dreamed. "I doan' obsist, Marse Cy. I knows "Bnt thev don't use re vol vera " "They'll find some wayol furnishing him with what he needs." My companion must have thought I was pretending ignorance, but all the same he answered with engaging frankness:it." With the zigzag fence on my left I had not walked far when something in the appearance of the rails in advance that were serving me as a guide arrested my attention. It was as if one of the crosspieces that supported the horizontal rails had suddenly become endowed with life. It moved and wabbled unaccountably and suggested that a person or animal had something to do with 1%. Stopping short and studying it for a minute or two, the explanation appeared—a man was leaning with one arm on the top of the fence and waving his hat with the other. Moreover, be was a negro, and since bis face was turned toward me it was evident he was making some kind of a signal for my benefit. When the veteran returned to the inn, be crawled through tbe window from which he had leaped, and, kicking over the chair of his relative, sent him sprawling on the floor and thoroughly roused him from his costly slumber. It is not necessary to record the exchange at compliments. Much aa Cy blamed his son, he blamed himself more. "Then you must have some reason for saving so which you haven't told me. What is it?" "And then he'll go to killing dogs ag'in," was the disgusted comment of Gabe Horner. "It's a waste of raw material, gentlemen." "His fader was Big Tom, whorunned away afo' de wah. He war de slave ob Gin'ral Witberspoon and oneday killed his obereeer. He tuk to de woods, slewed de dogs dey hunted him wid and libed dar till be died." Pete had a reason which he had not named and which had be done so would have removed the last uncertainty from his questioner, but he lacked tbe courage to explain its nature. Instead he prevaricated: "What do you propose?" The knot of six men was added to until all of the original party were present with the exceptions of the real Hank Beyer, myself, Landlord Bulfinch and Squire Gager. The last to arrive was the negro, Pete. He had gone up the creek, as directed by Cy Walters, but went only a little way when he became satisfied it was the wrong direction. He then turned about and took the same course as the veteran ; not only that, but he went farther and discovered the dugout, which was caught fast by an overhanging limb, not far from where I had turned it adrift. He spent some time in looking for me, but, meeting with no success, made his way to the spot in the swamp where the others were assembled, being directed thither by the signals sent ont for that purpose. "His wife accompanied him, I suppose?""Haven't I explanified dat when yo' knows a thing yo' knows it? Ain't dat 'nough, Marse Cy?" The plan I fixed upon while paddling down stream was simple. It was to land at what seemed to be a favorable point, and then set the boat adrift. It would float a greater or less distance without betraying the spot where it and I had parted company. "This never could have happened in wartiinee," was big bitter reflection, "but it in«6t be because I'm growing old." " Yaas, and dar son Pete was bohn dar and hab libed dar eber since." NrD doubt Colonel Mansley bad ridden with headlong haste in quest of help to protect me from lynching. Great as was his personal influence in his own neighborhood, he must know that a mob is not amenable to reason, and with the people roused to exasperation againat me for my supposed crime they would give no heed to his pleadings. While standing alone be could make but a weak defense against the infuriated yeomen. "No," replied the disgusted veteran. "You've been lying from the first. Lead the way back to your old cabin. If you try any trick, I'll shoot you in yonr tracks. March!" She walked straight forward with her dainty hand extended. "Why, I hab heerd it said," replied Erastus, lowering bis voice to a confidential key, "dathe ain't none too Rood to stole chickens. What yo' t'ink ob dat, Marse Hank?" "What is there so bad about Pete?" It was not long after the incident and while the two were discussing what should be done to recapture me that an unexpected ally appeared on the scene in the person of Gabe Horner and his pet bloodhound. Gabe was one of the most clamorous of the crowd that had demanded my instant lynching. He was resentful when the decision of Dungan, the leader, caused a postponement until the following morning. He went to bis home, some distance in the country, so angry that be could not sleep. Witb the unreasoning suspicion of a bad man he formed the belief that a plot was on foot to allow me to escape during tbe night and that Dungan had iustigated it, with my two jailers as his agents. tache, and I identified him among tbe crowd last evening that swarmed into the dining room of the inn." The problem, however, remained to decide upon the best place to do this, for it will be remembered that I wan wholly ignorant of the ins aud outs of Black Man's swamp. Bat, reasoning from the scant knowledge picked op the previous night. I inferred that I was near the boundary of the dismal tract. The time had not yet come for me to leave it altogether, and sinoe each side of the creek was overhung with undergrowth I carefully ran the dugout close to shore and under the impenetrable curtain. The branches were secured and arranged around me with a care that would have done credit to an American Indian. By parting the interstices immediately in front of the screen I could look out upon the water with no risk of being observed by any one on the opposite bank or who might be navigating another craft past my hiding place, while behind me the dense vegetation was equally friendly. Cy Walters had never been accused of possessing an amiable temper, and it will be admitted that his experience during the previous night was of a trying nature. His rasping trials continued. CHAPTER XXI. k "And yet you say no one else suspected it." So far agj could ascertain, be bad no companion, and nothing, therefore, was to be apprehended in approaching him. I walked forward at a rapid pace, while, donning his old hat, became forward to meet me. His black countenance glowed with pleasure, mixed, as it seemed to me, with some misgiving. He had no weapon, but carried a basket in one hand, and 1 recognized him as ErastUH Brown, Colonel Mansley's servant. "It is awful," I replied, with a shudder. "I have my suspicions that he is degraded enough to indulge in such wicked doings " "So far as I was able to judge, no one did. When I accused him, he met the accusation jauntily and was cunning enough to speak in a disguised voice. He had also changed his dress and thua diverted suspicion from himself." True, if he could convince his friends beyond the immediate vicinity of the real situation, he might organize a force that could defy tbe mob, but to do that required at least several hours, and my fate must be decided in the meantime. "I doan' say so myself, fur I nebber hab met him when—dat is"— lie leaped It was not to be supposed that the fugitive believed to be sleeping up stairs would fire upon an enemy without warning, and therefore Cy's approach to tbe cabin was unhesitating, though made with caution. As the two stepped across the threshold the white man eaid in a low voice: white bair on bis body, and his big ears bung like flaps of ink colored silk. The massive jaws, with their prodigious strength, were parted sufficiently to show the blood red mouth and tongue and the white fangs, which perhaps had been sunk into the throat of more ihan one panting fugitive. The glitter of his eyes was like that of a rattlesnake. "You have never met him when?" Pete told nothing of his discovery and remained a silent participant in the proceedings. The same was true for a time of Cy Walters, who, however, listened closely to every word that was said. He desired to interpose, but appreciated tbe disadvantage in which he was placed. He and his stepson were under suspicion because of the escape of their prisoner, and to spring the assertion upon his neighbors that a mistake had been made by all and that I was not what I seemed would net receive a single believer. "It was most extraordinary, and yet perhaps it was not,"when your wonderful resemblanoe to each other is noted. Your appeal to them for time ought to have been heeded." "When—dat is, when I sometimes takes a walk by moonlight," explaiued Erastus, witb considerable embarrassment.I turned about and studied the swamp now at a considerable distance to the rear. Still it gave no sign. What could it all mean? Where were those men and their bloodhounds that were so clamorous for my death? I was now in the open and offered the most inviting opportunity for destruction, but they made no attempt to do me barm. "Hello, Marse Hankl" he said when within speaking distance. "I'ze been lookin fur yo'." This was amusing in its way, but 1 was eager to question the servant about tbe family of Colonel Matisley and saw no way of doing so. Evidently he had not a grain of doubt that I was the real Henry Beyer, who, as the accepted suitor of Miss Mansley, could impart information to others. The questions which I would have asked, therefore, would have made me ridiculous in his eyes. His mistress, having reason to believe I was in hiding somewhere in tbe neighborhood and knowing my personal danger, had sent her servant with food and a letter which, unfortunately, he had lost on tbe way. "Nothing is eo unreasoning as a "Go up the ladder and tell Hank 1 want to speak with him." mob." Gabe knew that the majority of the mob were with him, and to forestall any treachery he set out with his dog for tbe inn so as to be ready to take my trail if anything of the kind should occur. He arrived to have his suspicions verified, but Cy and Archie were so roused that be could not avoid boldiug them guiltless in the matter. The pursuit was organized without delay. The bloodhound took my trail, and the three men followed hotfoot. "Nor so cruel. Even now you are in danger. They expect you to come here, and will follow you. I hope father will soon return." He emitted a cavernous mutter instead of baying, and the twitching of the iron muscles over the broad chest aud legs showed that he was gathering his mighty power for a leap at me. If the other brute was mistaken as to my identity, there was no hesitation on this one's part. "What do you want of me?" "I'ze got a letter for yo*. Hole on a minute." "Yes, sab," replied Pete, promptly obeying. It required but a few steps when his bead appeared through the opening. Gne glance was sufficient* Turning his frightened face toward the veteran below, be gasped: Setting down his basket, he began hurriedly searching his clothing for the missive, while I looked on more perplexed than ever. A letter for me! Who was the writer, and what could it mean? For the first time she showed nervousness, and, rising from her chair, walked to the window and looked down the highway. Nothing was observed, and she returned to her seat. We had now advanced so far that the broad, spacious residence of Colonel Mansley, surrounded by trees, was in sight, with tbe winding highway in front. Hat! I descried any of my enemies when I cast my last searching look to the rear I should have changed my line of flight so as to pass to one side of the dwelling and grouuds, while I sought safety somewhere else,  tbe coast clear it seemed that it was iy duty to call at the dwelling and personally thank Miss Mansley for what she had already done and for the interest she showed in my welfare. "He ain't here." Jim Dungan was the most violent in his speech and more than once broadly hinted at treachery on the part of the jailers, despite the fact that he ran risk of being shot in his tracks by the fierce tempered veteran, who was never known toacceptan insult from anyone. Duncan's proposal was to gather more dogs and the hunt relentlessly until I was run down or treed. He freely expressed his regret for his leniency of the preluding evening and was eager to make ai lends by the most vigorous proceedings possible. For the first time I felt safe. Even if my pursuers should suspect my artifice they would have to pu«h the search until they came directly upon the dug out itself. That they should succeed apon the first attempt was out of the question. I could rest and meditate for awhile in peace. "What!" thundered Walters. "Come down and let me see for myself." "He heard of it last evening, and could scarcely believe it. There has never been a lynohing in this part of the state, and it would have been horrible had an innocent man been the victim. Colonel Mansley'sfirst belief was that it was Mr. Beyer who had taken his horse and been caught at it, and he was angry enough to express the wish to take part in his punishment. He, however, changed hi9 mind." He leaped, but instead of striking me bi'Uged against tl e side of the dugout, almost uosettiuv it. and floundered, struggling into the water, where he drifted off as lifeless as a log, for I had sent my bullet through bis heart. As the search progressed it became almost furious. He jammed a big hand first under one shoulder, then under the The trembling negro descended, and the other recklessly climbed the rounds. The next second he saw that Pete had spoken the trntb. Down he- came, and in his most dangerous mood. As the reader has learned, something happened to that brute at the clearing in Black Man's swamp, and for the time being the hunt had to be pushed without his aid. There were other points, however, upon which it was safe to question the African. "If thin thing goes on,'' I thought, "I shall corner the bloodhound market. I have enough charges left for two more, provided their masters do not compel me to use my ammunition upon them.'' CSit "Say your prayers," he said with fearful significance. "I'll give you five minutes and n« more." Great Cft'sar, but wasn't I hungry! Althouga I bad missed but one regular meal, I felt ax if famishing- The plaineat food wanlct have been a godsend. I oould devour anythiuKedible and would have masticated auil swallowed the leaves ou the branches and the lark on the trees had I not been afraid of serious cgusequences. I was unacquainted with the flora of those southern swamps, but knew they contained a great deal of noxious vegetation that was as likely to prove fatal as the toadstools of our northern states. Bo I resolutely repressed my craving, though ready to do almost anything desperate that promised to relieve the gnawing hunger. "Erastus, what made you leave me so suddenly last night?" The pursuers knew they were near the home of the negro Pete, and, still under the belief that I was Ilank Beyer, suspected I would apply to hiiu for shelter until the hue and cry was over. While Archie and Gabe remained in he background Cy went forward to find Dnt whether such was the fact. "Yo' knows, Marse Hank. It war de cry ob dat bloodhound." "But he was looking for me, not for He stepped back with his Winchester partly raised. He meant all he said. Trifling matters intrude on the most momentous occasions. I looked down at my clothing and felt that I was not in proper form to appear before a young lady. While my garments had suffered little damage during my flight through the swamp my shoes were soiled. I needed clean linfU, my hair was unkempt, and a three days' growth of beard demanded attention. If I only had my traveling bag, which presumably was still at the inn at Aldine, tbe necessary metamorphosis could be effeoted, but it was hardly the part of prudence for me to go in quest of it. ,-r f, I "Marse Cy, if I proves to yo' dat dat man ain't Hank Beyer, how will dat do?" Cy Walters remained glum and silent until this course was decided upon. Then he saw that it would not do to hold his peace any longer. That he possessed high courage was again proved by his action. Advancing to the middle of the group, he raised one hand with a commanding gesture. I was hopeful that there would be some explanation of her visit to the inn. My curiosity was to know whether that remarkable call was made under the belief that the real Hank Beyer was in peril or whether from the first it had been her wish to save a guiltless man from punishment. I dared not ask the question, and sbo did not choose to enlighten me. Although I had freed myself from out) peril, in doiiig ho 1 had subjected inyself to another equally to be dreaded. That more than one of my pursuers were in the neighborhood had been proved, and the report of my revolver would guide them to the spot where I was hiding. It would not do to begitate, and forcing the dugout from undeTtbe bank I drove it down stream with might and main, not ceasing my efforts until 1 had gone several hundred yards and was shut out by a bend in the stream from sight of the spot abandoned. It was taking startling chances of detection by soine of the prowlers along the bank, but undoubtedly it was tbe best thing to do, and there wac no means of knowing if I had succeeded in my purpose. you." "I know dat, bnt I war wid yo'. Dem critters sometimes get t'ings mixed, and he might tuk me fur yo'- se'f and not found it out till he had chawed uie up." "But you can't do it unless you produce him before me, and you can't do that." The oM habit of caution on tbe part Df Cy came back to him. Hh knew that if Hank Beyer bad taken refuge in the negro's cabin he would make a hot fight before yielding and would probably re oeive the assistance of Pete himself. Should that occur the little party would need re-enf orcein tuts before reducing the two to terms. It was now a question of life and death, and the quaking African told the Becret which until then had been locked in his breast. All the time he was talking the grim ex-guerrilla kept his glittering eyes upon the dusky countenance,as if he would pierce him through. Not until the brief story was told did he lower his gun. The action showed that Pete had saved bis life. "Have you seen anything of the dogs and men today?" "Gentlemen, I've lieteued to every word that has been said h*e. Jim Dungan thro wed out a slur or two that it won't do fur him to repeat. I let 'em go 'cause I see he was excited and didn't weigh bis words, bnt he mustn't speak 'em ag'in! If he had only said that Archie and me was the two all firedest fools in Mississippi, I'd have took off my hat and said 'Amen,' but that's all. Gentlemeu, since sun up I've larued a thing which you oughter know. It's this—the chap that you're hunting fur ain't Hank Beyer!" ef "Seed a party go by de house, but dey didn't stop. Dev had a dog wid 'em. Miss Esther seed 'em, too, and she turned white as def. Den she writ dat letter and put up de stuff to eat and told me to try to hunt yo' up. Gorrynatiou, I didn't know whar to look fur yo', but I jes' dug ahead till I happened to see yo', and den I nearly swung my arm off try in to hurry yo' up." "I have been wondering," I said after a moment's silence, "whether Mr. Beyer was not conscience smitten when he saw my peril and whether he would not take some steps to save me. " Home 15 minutex of profound sileure pawned, during which I wondered at bearing nothing of the baying of the bounds. The pursuers must have reached a conclusion by that time and probably tbe means of my flight bad been discovered long before. "Erastus," I said, stopping short, with a new inspiration, "can't you go down to Landlord Hulfinch's and get the valise I left there?" At daylight Pete, in accordance with his promise, climbed the ladder ill his cabin to rouse me, but when he observed how calmly I was sleeping decided to leave me alone until breakfast was ready. Accordingly he descended the ladder with that purpose in view when he was startled by a knock on the door. Drawing it inward, he saw Cy Walters, Winchester in hand, standing before him. "Not he!" she exclaimed, with another flash of her black eyes. "Did ho * not have the opportunity and yet fail to use it?" "We must find him," was the comment of Cy. "Let's go." A man wiu laming with one arm on the top of Vie fence. other, then hurriedly through the side pockets and into his trousers, repeating the actiou again and again with greater earnestness and vigor, whilo his expression grew anxious and scared. He crooked his finger in the aides of his huge shoes, took off his hat, peeped in, and then shook it out, as if the missive might have been hiding somewhere inside, but in vain, for the letter could not be found on or about him. "No, sah," was the prompt response. "Why not?" I demanded. " 'Cause it ain't dar." "How do you know that?" "It hab been tuk away." "Who took it?" With no definite idea of whither they should direct their steps, they followed the path to the creek, the intention of Cy Walters being to meet his two friends and make known the astounding story he bad just heard. Arrived there, the missing dugout revealed my method of flight. "Because it would haveinvolved him in danger. But he oould place himself "Has Colonel Mansley said anything in your hearing about me and the affair of last night?" Sbl Something stirred among the boshes on the opposite bauk. Perhaps it was a hopping bird or some animal making his way- steatbily among the vegetation, but it was safer to set it down as one of my enemies. At the first sight of a favoring spot I again ran the boat ashore and stepped out Then with my foot I kicked it adrift. The sluggish current would not carry it far before it was observed, but the finder would have to hunt a long while to learn its starting point, and the floating body of the dead hound could give little or no help in the search nrD mffft two The face of the African became grave, and he lowered his voice. the Globe lor f RHEUMATISM,I ■ NEURALGIA and similar Complaints, I "' aud prepared under the stringent WL GERMAN MEDICAL LAWS,^ prescribed by eminr t pbysiciansr^^M Iro DR. RICHTER'S flM f PAIN EXPELLERl I World renowned! Remarkably successful! 1 ■Only genuine wlt'i Trade Mark " Anchor,"■ ■*'. Ad. Bichter&v I., 215 Pearl St., New York. I 1 31 HIGHEST AWARDS. ■ i 13 Branoh Houses. Own Glassworks, ■ Kadoraod A r%ojnmi-jided by G. C. Olick, SON Ma'n St-; J H- St.: mcDrrcR,« I ** ANCHOR" STOMACHAL best fori ■J—' t | It proved as Oy feared. His assertiou was received with scorn aud anger. Not even his own stepson wonld accept it. His words seemed to have added fuel to the fire and intensified the determina- "Dar's somethin goin on atweeu him and Miss Esther dat gits me. Dey "Me." "You! When did yon do that?" "Dis mawhnin." The veteran looked calmly in the face of the agitated African and asked in a guarded undertone: Again the gentle stir fell on my ears, and I softly parted the bushes before my face and peeped out As I did so I aaw Cy Walters, who had come to the edge of the creek and was peering first down stream and then across to the spot where I was hiding. He was so near that 1 kept the peephole at the smallest dimensions possible through fear that those keen eyes would detect me. He wore the same slouch hat and his grizaled beard oovered his face and breast. He held his Winchester in his right band, while with hie left be kept the bushes apart to gain an unobstructed view. One huge booted foot was thrust to far forward that the water covered tbe foot. "How came you to do that?" "This knocks out all the bloodhounds in the country," remarked the veteran. "None of them can trail him through the water, and has he gone up or down stream?" "Mies Esther sent me fur it. I fotched dat and yo' umbreller, and dey bofe likewise am at de house now." "Is he up stairs, Pete?" "Who dat?" tion of the others to push the hunt for me with more merciless rigor than ever. Cy Walters, however, was not the man to yield a position when once taken, and it was because of his stand and the words he said aud the declaration he made that when I looked back at Black Man's swamp it gave no sign. This experience bad forced me to action which, whatever might be its result, was preferable to remaining idle under the bank. Using the sun as best I could for a guide, I plunged into the swamp, walking with vigorous stride and the purpose of getting out of it as soon as possible. "Heats de debbil, Marse Hank, but 1 hali lost dat letter sartin suah!" "You know vrho I mean—Hank Bey "Are you sure it was meant forme?" "No mistake 'bout it." "Who wrote it?" This was gratifying news in every sense, for it not only provided me with wliHt 1 greatly needed, but showed that Miss Mansley expected me to come to her home. That put a new face on matters and sealed my determination to gu thither. er." There was no way of deciding. "Yon«uay go up the creek, and I 11 follow it down He can't bo fui off." On the point of separating, Pete said: "Marse Oy, what I jes' tole yo' am a secret, yo' know." "No, sah. He ain't up dere." "No use of lying, Pete. I know he's here." "Miss Esther, and she'll broke my head when she finds I hab lost it. Doan' see how I could hab been so disrumcar- ft I itVi I "I tell yo\ Marse Cy, he ain't dere. If yo' doau' b'lieve what I says, go up de ladder and see fur yo'se'f." CHAPTER XXII My success was more than I anticipated. As it proved, I was close to the edge of Black Man's swamp, the creek debouching from it and flowing across the open country at a point within a quarter of a mile from where I emerged. less." "Of course, if yon wish it to bo so." " 'Deed I do. It'Jl tube me lots of trouble." Erastus Brown, my colored companion, parted company with me after we» had fairly entered upon the grounds of Colonel Mansley's residence, and I stepped upon the porch alone. I had scarcely sounded the heavy polished knocker when the door was opened by a tidy looking colored girl, whose manner showed that I was expected. But a bewildering complication impended. What hat! become of the real Hank Beyer? Had he presented himself to the young woman since the affair of last night? Was she lending a hand to protec t him also? It was vain to speculate over that which was beyond my comprehension, and I gave up the at This sounded fair, but the old soldier knew too much of war to give an enemy such an invitation to blow out his brains without risk to himself. CHAPTER XVIII. "All right; off with you." And they parted company. Tbe strange thrill that passed through me upon hearing the declaration that Miss Esther Mansley had sent a letter to me by tbe hand of her servant quickly vanished when I came to consider tbe "Is he asltwp?" The foregoing shows the injustice done to Pete by my suspicions. He had never had any intention of betraying me, and played the part of a friend from the first, but his welfare had become involved with my own in an extraordinary manner, and his lips were held mute when he would have loved to speak. It required the extremity of mortal peril to unseal them. As yet nothing was seen or heard of tbe party that was hunting so industriously for me, and I surveyed the landscape with an interest that perhaps may be imagined. It seemed to me I oould not be far from the place where I entered the swamp on the previous night, but it was impossible to identify a single landmark. I was in one of tbe most unproductive sections of the Mississippi. To my right was a cotton field, a few bolls, like flecks of snow, showing what remained of the first picking, and in the distance was a similar prospect. To my left the fields, reaching as far as the vision extended, gave no signs of having been cultivated tVMMt to karoos "Yaas, he am sleepiu," replied Pete, fairly caught by the question. Oy looked grimly at him for a moment, and then, lowering his voice to a whisper, said: "Confound you!" was my thought MI should be justified in serving you af I did that bloodhound in tbe clearing. You are seeking the life of an innocent man, and be would serve you right to take yours." announcement **mpt. The negro believed me to be Hank Beyer, for ho addressed me as such and showed it in everything he did and said. His mistress held the same belief when she left her home and raised the window of my prison and helped me to escape. Even if Erastus bad the missive with him I could not open it, for it was intended for another person. Still as I drew nearer the house a fly appeared in the ointment when I saw far up the road the figure of a man who was evidently watching the residence of Colonel Mansley, on the lookout to fee whether there. It must have occurred to many of the neighbors that 1 was likely to go thither whenever I believed the pursuers were thrown off my trail. With Colonel Mansley absent there was no one left to defend the place against the mob, with the exception of the servants, who could not be counted upon for effective work. True, I bad a mvtrifc mkttt C4 'trf^itrnhatikwA "Come with me. Bring your gun along." "I'll show yo' de way," she said, preceding me up the broad winding stairs to a largo room ou the left whose door was open. When I had passed through and closed it behind uie and looked around, I was as much surprised as delighted. It was uot because it was furnished in that tasteful, comfortable manner for which the old southern glomes are noted, but that I saw my owe traveling bag resting on the floor at om sarle, with my umbrella near. Tin He eagerly handed it to me, bad a long talk togeder dis mawhnin, and den he had me saddle de big bay boss, and be jumped on bis back and rode away like de debbil." Without protest the negro stepped back within the room, picked up his rifle from where it was leauing in the corner and followed the man across the clearing over the path that led to the creek where his dugout lay. Not a word was spoken until they had gone some distance in the undergrowth, the white man leading. Then he wheeled about and demanded: Tbe temptation was strong to do so, btit, though I had exchanged shots with bim, I was still guiltless of bis blood •a well as that of all others and I allowed my bagd to loosen its grasp upon the revolver at my hip. ACTIVE SOLICITORS WANTED EVERYwhere for "The Story of the Philippines," liv Murat Halstead, commissioned by the Government as C Dfflcial Historian to the War Dejiartment The book was written in army camps at San Francisco, on the Pacific with Gen. Merritt, in the hospitals at Honolnla, in Hong in the American trenches at Manila, in tne insurant camps with Aguinaldo, onih« deck of the Olympia with Dewey, and In thC roar of liattl i at the fall of Manila. Bonann 'or agents. B.'in fnl of original pictures takei Dy gC n ernn f it r hotographers on the spot I conceded too much to hie sagacity when I credited him with discovering in the faint etar gleam that which escaped others equally clear sighted under the glare of the lamp at the inn. It was natural that when, from my hidiug place under the bank iu the dugout, I saw Cy Walters steatbily searching for ine, I should neglect no precaution to uludu hi* "Where was be going?" "Habn't no idee, but it looked as if he meant to ride de bay to def, and he'll doot, too, if he doau' draw rein on him purty soon." "Not yet, but something tells me the day of reckoning is near." Seeing nothing of the dugout or myaaif in peering up and down stream, tbe My interest centered upon the basket at his feet We were approaching the residence of the gentleman of whom we wero speaking. It was a disappointment to liu that b* vh rha—* Sat 11 into* " What have you in that?" I asked "Dat? I like tofurgot 'bout it. Dat's XuU eb wiulga dat Miaa Void "What did you mean by telling me Hank Beyer ain't in your cabin?" ,ouL'htful hostess liad provided nie ! ' -ante 1 xv • jrices. ..g profits. Frij'gh ... „ iii u u i i (paid. Credit j.iVMr,. Drop all trashy unofflciat With that which I should not have dis- ' Var lxDoks. Outfit free. Address, F T. Bar. nuwDi «ith iust then for teu times its w, Sec'y, Star Insurance Building, Chicago. Art* uMttad this and w twinrwl