Pittston Gazette

              IrtablUMd 1S50. I VOL. L No. S. f Oldest Newspaper ia the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 1899. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. S *1.00 »¥«"■ . In Advant•. | | i -*- | 7T REGINALD HORSLEY. jK Dj£ [COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY REGINALD HORSLEY] * he couldn't give an account of himself I collared him. I threw bim just as be was going C0 C]raw on me." a fiorse shaking himself with saddle and bridle away down on the fiat. "Splendid I" he exclaimed when I had finished. "I think it will work beautifully, and I am getting atronger every day."' "we're going ter tear onrselves away. Happy ter meet, sorry ter part, bat it mnet be done. Can't we take no message home for yerT" said. "I'll shout when ye're empty." The ferret faced man made an almost imperceptible sign to Maginty, which, however, I both perceived and understood. Tbe latter responded in his usual manner, with a wink. 01 ijanrence'8 gang, in wno are you?" he continued roughly, swinging round to the table undlr which I groveled, clasping Frank and Jem by the legs, as if in mute appeal, though, after my threat, I knew there was little chance of their turning on me. HOR8ESHOE MAGIC. "Our man is at hand," I thought "He has hung up bis borse below there. He can't be very far away now." "Quite right. Bring him in and let us have a look at bim." It Bxl*t*4 for. H« DC■ of Tnn B«- Were Known. Foster disarmed the man, and, forcing bim to bis feet, pushed bim before bim into tbe dining room. Ten minutes more or so of silence, and then I beard a slight rustling among tbe shrubs in front of tbe bouse and sounds of stealthy feet treading cautiously. I peered out from behind my pillar. But it was too dark to see more than a few feet away. Nearer and nearer came the footfalls. Minutes passed so slowly that they seemed like hours, and at length the strange visitor appeared, moving elowly forward, making for tbe west window. At last be reached it and stood still. Were his suspicions aroused ? I wondered. I held my breath, and, gripping my revolver, prepared to spring, when suddenly a beam of light glowed in the darkness under tbe window; and tbe next instant tbe robber flashed tbe broad blaze of a dark lantern into and all around the room. As instantly two reports rang out in rapid succession, and as I sprang with a abound from my biding place I beard a bullet sing away over tbe garden and a loud cry from Foster, "I'm bit 1" "No row complete without Tom Foster," I laughed. "I waited till you were on the mend, but I've had tbe idea for some time." "Yes," I said, etill smiling and looking over bis shoulder. "Yon can take my compliments to the gentleman behind yon and ask him to pnt a ballet through yoar bead if yoa stir a step," At the same moment Foster, who bad come stealthily np among tbe trees during Frank's interesting harangue, roared oat: "Throw ap your hands, boys I I've got the drop on yon!" Horseshoe magic is a subject which seems to be of perennial interest, says a writer in St! Paul's, mainly because it touches that little substratum of superstitious beliefs which is inherent in most of us, though, being a materialistic people in a materialistic age and having put •way from ourselves ehiMUh things, we none of ns confess it. As a matter of fact, however, we are always, either literally or metaphoriesfty, turning over oar money when we see a new moon, or picking up a rusty horseshoe as a harbinger of luck. Having thus been assured that my rigbt to consort with rogues was undeniable, the slim man grinned genially at me. "That'ssoon done," he exclaimed as he tossed off his glass. "Brandy for me." "We're shearers, sir," said Frank in answer to Foster's query. "We're going to try for a job at Toomburra in the morning." "Murphy I" exclaimed tbe squire in astonishment. Next day I was up and away before any one was stirring in tbe township and early in tbe forenoon reached tbe boundary of Toomburra, where I encountered Mr. Ingram riding alone. "Yes; 1 thought be would be somewhere about," I said. "But we are in luck's way to get hold of bim like this. Yon must bave had a tiring day. Murphy, " I added sarcastically. "Did you come up to tbe bouse to do a little carpentering at this late hour? Or bave you done the job already T" As Maginty set the glasses before us I threw down a sovereign. "Keep the change, Mac, for drinks and tell us when it's done," I said. "Shearers, are you?" eaid Foster in a hectoring tone. "Well, you may be, though I have my doubts of you. I'll ride over to Toomburra tomorrow, and, if you are not tbere, the farther away from here you are the better for you. Now, Maginty, remember what I said about Pete Larkin." And Foster, having played his game of bluff to my entire satisfaction, swaggered out of the room. "Mornin, sir," I said in a whining voice. Jem cast one swift glance behind him and threw np his hands like lightning. "Trapped, by Jingo! Up with yoar bands, Frank, or yoa're as good as done for." Tbe Kquire pulled up. "What do you want?" he asked sharply. "Want a job, sir, if so be as you've got one goin." The two strangers exchanged glances "Yer seem pretty flush, mate," said be of tbe black beard. CHAPTER L TBB BQUEU'S BILVXB SI*VIC*. "Uome, Murphy," put in the squire, "don't take offense. Tbe sergeant meant none, I am sure." The squire looked bewildered at this,' but Murpby stood in sullen silence. Tbe squire hesitated. He was ohary of strangers after his experience of Murpby. but his habitual good nature won the day. and he inquired in a milder tone, "What can you do. my man?" "Been carpentering for a cove round here," I answered, "and be give me an advance." Frank sullenly obeyed, and ■ moment later two more foolish looking rascals yon could not wish to see as they stood handcuffed side by side. Bat the point that never seems to be reached in these discussions is the circumstance that, initially and intrinsically, horseshoe magic has nothing to do with horseshoe*. It existed long before horses were ever shod, and it has left traces of its presence in places where horses hive never bees knowsft- la comparatively modern times the horseshoe over the to the lintel with the points Uppermost, be it noted—has been chiefly regarded as a protection against witch- - craft, a belief which has survived in its modified "lack bringing" form to the present day. Bat the horseshoe shaped mark has been a mystic symbol from immemorial days, and all that modern superstition has done has been to fit it to the horses shoe. I have seen the mark, sometimes painted and sometimes cut, on ancient shrines and temples in the interior of China. It has been in use for many centuries In India. It is to be found in the Astec ruins and on the stonework of bnrfed cities discovered recently by Dr. Schlichter in the region now known as Rhodesia. It has been found incised on the sacred Churinga stones of the tribes Obas Bnouir wmh aoon aa 70a e»n. Ban Drake, one at my stockmen, telle me he U positive that he recognised Slower la tbe township yesterday, and If the latter la really la the neighborhood we mar expect trouble before long. So ran a note which I received early one morning from Mr. Ingram, and I lost no time in making preparations for my departure. over and "Look here, my man,"I went on, changing my tone, "tbe game ia up for you, at all eventa. So you may as well tell all yen know. Do tbia for me and I'll do wbat 1 can for you later on. If you persist in keeping silence, you can take the consequences." Murphy scowled, but gradually allowed hia features to relax in a smile, which gave his face even a more sinister expression. "Oh. I dessayl" be returned. "But peelers is cur'ous folk, always pokin tbeir noses in where they're not wanted. However, I'm "Where may that be?" asked tbe small man. An unnatural quiet reigned for the next ten minutes, and then Maginty opened the door, stood by it for a moment. and, as if addressing nobody in particular, said, "He's gone, and there's two or three here as had better "go after bim." With which he re- "Thanks, Tom," I said as he released me. "Yon were in tbe nick of time. I do hope yoa brought my horse, tboagb, for I can hardly pat one foot before the' other." "Well, squire," I said in my own voice, being now satisfied that my disguise was impenetrable, "I can run you up a shearer's sbed if you like." "On Ingram's place, where the captain was shot," I answered. Murpby opened bis mouth as if about to speak, but hesitated. And again tbe two men started and looked at one another. from tbe Melbourne side, if yon must know." "Not at all. I did act wish to know particularly," I said, and, turning to tbe squire, went on in a careless voice, "So you won't let me take that stuff down to Sydney for you tonight?" "Yes; he's a conple of miles down the gaily," answered Foster. "That's all right And now, as these gentlemen have so thoughtfully provided us with a cap of tea, we will drink their healths, and many thanks to them for saving us the trouble of carrying up this bag." , "Come," I urged, "it is your best patofiraa^-¥on bave tampered with tbe . locks somewhere. Where is it?" Tbe squire j started. "Sergeant Sparks!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "Wbat are you masquerading in that dress for?" "Wbat captain was tbat?" asked black beard, trying - to seem upcopcerned."Tom." said I, bailing Foster, "I am going to see tb« squirt". Thtxe is a rumor that Flower is about again, and 1 must get all possible information." •twatfed into another room, tearing the outer, door open. Flower beard me coming and turned to meet me. £o abort was tbe distance between us that onr revolvers crashed together in -the air, exploding harmlessly aa they met. For a moment each seized and held tbe other's wrist as in a vise, and then, as if by tacit agreement, onr revolvers were dropped to tbe ground, and we locked in a deadly grapple. It was no child's play. Both of ns were strong and lithe and active, and we reeled and swayed hither and thither, with not a sound between as bat tbe qaick gasping breaths that broke from each in tbe dreadfnl effort to gain tbe vantaga Bnt tbe straggle was as short as it was violent. Flower was the heavier man, and witb a fierce trouble at my heart I felt myself borne backward to tbe gronnd, my antagonists knee npon my chest and bis strong fingers gripping my throat and compressing my windpipe, so that to call for aid was sow impossible. His dark, bearded face was close to mine, and bis hot breath stifled me aa he panted forth a string of fnriona oatbs. "Don't yer know?" I said, with a leer. "Have another drink. I don't care how soon the yellow boy is done, I'll get plenty more by and by, though my job here is up on Saturday." I crawled from nnder the table. Jem and Frank stood np, and witb one accord we passed out into tbe night Had Jem and Frank not been in each a harry to leave the inn behind them they might have observed a dark, almost indistinguishable figure standing stiffly against the wall of tbe bnt and have noticed a hand stretched swiftly out to grasp a scrap of paper, which I had scribbled under the table, and which bore but three words: "Long mountain. Quick!" But they saw nothing, noticed nothing, and with me hard at their heels pushed rapidly through the bush toward the south. "He can't possibly have been in tbe bouse, sergeant," exclaimed the squire, "or I must bave beard him I" "Am I to oome with you 1" asked Foster. "Not for nothing, squire, you may believe me. However, I really do wish yoa to take me on as an odd band for awbile. If I seem rather neglectful of my work, you need not be surprised, and if you bear that your new man spends a good deal of time at Maginty's you may abaee bim to yoor heart's content." "What stuff T" it was on tbe tip of the squire's tongue to say, when I stopped bim by adding, "It will be safer there than here." "He has been in tbe bouse, Mr. Ingram. Of that I am perfectly sure. He saw me safely away by the coach, as be thought, and then bolted back here to make bis preparations. He must bave had a horse hung up somewhere or he couldn't have done it" "No; there ia no necewity for that I aba 11 return early tomorrow morning, or tonight if the information justifies it" Which, however, considering the contents of tbe said bag, Foster himself was very willing to da "I'm going back to a good cne as soon aa I can get over to tbe Melbourne side. My cove expects me. There'll be five of us." "Got another billet?" asked Frank. Two or three boars later I rode np to Toomburra, end after stabling my bone Joined the squire in bia gunroom, where be aat cleaning np bis firearms. "Why, you look as if yon were preparing to give battle to a very host," I said, with a langb, aa we greeted one another. "Very likely," assented the squire, taking my lead. "Bat it will be all right here, I have no donbt Many thanks to yon all the same. Are yon really going tonight t" Patience will accomplish wonders in the way of training dumb «n»mai« This is aptly Illustrated by the antics of a number of pet turtles belonging to a woman who lives on Catharine street, near Twenty-second. They live in a big yard, and every morning they come at her call to get their breakfast of bread and milk. At an adjacent factory a large bell Is rung every morning, noon and night, and at the first sound of the bell the turtles know it is time to eat, and they scurry toward the kitchen steps. Trlelt Turtles. At this Murphy broke ont into a dolorous whine. "I'll tell yon everything," be eaid, "if you'll only let me off." "I see," said tbe squire. "Thisis all in tbe way of business. But bow well you have disguised yourself. How efer did you conceal your scart" "And who may yer cove bet" said Jem in a more cordial tone. I looked round tbe room before I answered, and then, leaning over the table, aa if fearful of being overheard, I whispered the single word "Laurence/'"Yes," I said, noticing that Murphy was watching me fixedly over the top qf bis pannikin as he pretended to drink his tea. "I have to see about a change of residence for one of my men. Oh, by the way. I nearly forgot I Have yon beard about Flower V At this Mnrphy started perceptibly. "I can't promise that," I answered. "But I'll try to make thingB as light as possible for yon. It is all for your own sake, yon know. We can find out everything jnst as well without you. Speak ont now." " 1 ■ V"—' poiuicu UU U1V bodies of tuch of the tribesmen as hare gone through the religious mysteries peculiar to these aboriginal survivors. Messrs. Spencer and allien tried last year to Induce the tribal priest* to expound the horseshoe mystery to them, but It was either too sacred or too obscure, and they learned nothing save that the mark was an Indispensable part of their mystic rites. The mark is found also in British Guiana, in the religion of the Amason, in Georgia and Illinois, In Zulnland, in the temple of the goddess Mat In upper Egypt and on innumerable dolmens, kista and bowlders In the British isles, but always with the points uppermost. In so far, therefore, as antiquity c-rafers respectability horseshoe magic Is pre-eminently respectable. The only awkward thing abont it is that we do not know what terrible mysteries It may have originally signified or to what pagan rites we msy be unwittingly committing ourselves when we nail the rusty symbol over our lintels. "It was difficult." I admitted, "bat you see I managed it" "Nothing like being in good order," responded the squire, "though I hardly suppose Flower will come this way. 8till, there may be mischief brewing. It is wonderful bow things get abont." "What do you mean?" I asked. "What baa got abontT" "Well," replied the squire, "as you know, my nephew has recently returned "Yes. most wonderfully." For an hotir or more we harried on in single file, threading the long aisles of gum trees under the silent stars, and then at last Jem spoke. "We're well ont of that, boys," he said. "But we must hurry on, for, now them hounds of troopers has got their noses to the ground, they won't be long picking ap the scent, and we've a good seven hours' walk before we get there.'/ As a matter of fact it was nearer 10, and the forenoon was well advanced when we stood at last upon the wooded slopes of Long mountain. Here, to my intense relief, Jem called a halt The scar to which the squire referred bad indeed given me a good deal of trouble before I hit cn a way to conceal it It was the result of a slash with a knife, received at close quarters in my second year of service, and the peculiar shape it bad assumed, something like an old fashioned/, and tbe length of it, running as it did from the inner corner of the right eye well out upon tbe cheek bone, seemed to preclude tbe possibility of my assuming any disguise which this remarkable cicatrix would not render unavailing with any one who had ever seen me. At last, however, by a judicious arrangement of flesh colored sticking plaster, Armenian bole and a touch of Mother Earth I so obliterated tbe troublesome scar as to induce tbe belief in my mind that tbe plan I bad formed was a feasible one—a conclusion wbicb tbe effect of my disguise upon Foster and Mr. Ingram seemed fully to justify.Laurence was to the Melbourne force what Flower had been to us in New South Wales. His gang had been broken up about six months previously. Bat as he himself bad net been captared I ventured to experiment witb his name. "No," said the squire innocently. "What abont him?" "I seen the captain," eaid Murphy after a moment's deliberation, "about half an hoar after yon left by the coach. He give me my orders, snd I rode over here bareback on a colt I roped in on Fairley's paddock." "I bear tbat he has crossed the border and gone into Queensland to give the sugar sifters a taste of his quality."It was a good card to play, and it immediately took a trick, for Jem asked at once, "Is be gathering again ?'* They have been taught a number of tricks. The most intricate is a remarkable color test. Long pieces of different colored yarn are tacked on the fence within reach of the turtles. At the word of command one of them will go to the fence and pull down any color that is called for by the trainer. They also insist upon coming into the kitchen during a rainstorm, and the little fellows, who cannot mount the steps, poke out their beads and give voice to a peevish, shrill bark, until they are also brought under shelter.—Philadelphia Record. The mjulre »at cleaning up hit firearm*. trom India. Ha visited at here anC "Curse you I" be said. "You've spoiled my game again, as you've done this many a time before. But it's my turn now, and I'll leave my mark on yon before I ga" "Beally T" said the squire. "Well, I'm sare I bope tbey will manage to get hold of him before long, for te is a very dangerous peal" ".I told you so," said I to the squire. "Wellf "He is," I answered. "Bendigo way. I'm working over to join him. Qot the office two days ago. Do ye feel inclined to comet" "I'd l'arned the lay of the bouse since I been here." went on Murphy, "and I saw as one room warn't occupied. I let Flower know this, and as he thinks you're out of the way on the Sydney road he's goin to crack the house tonight." Murphy wished me good day qnite civilly aa I again urged my bone into a walk, and when we were fairly out of hearing I laughed outright "Bravo, squire!" I said. "Ton are getting on famously. Yon followed my lead quite naturally." The breath was nearly squeesed out of my body; but, balf unconscious as I was, I dimly saw a long bladed knife raised above me, and then some one leaped from tbe window, fell, raised himself again —crack I crack I one shot after the other, tbe knife clattered harmlessly to tbe ground. The grip on my throat relaxed, and, shaking himself free, tbe bnshranger bounded through the shrubbery before I could collect my scattered senses. "Yes," said Jem eagerly. "I'm with yer whenever our job here is done." "We're all right now," he said, rubbing his bands. "They may look a long time afore they find us here. Now, then, let's build a fire and boil a billy of tea, and then we'll take a snooze." "How long will yer job take?" At this point Frank, in attempting to warn his companion, dealt me a severe kick on tbe shin. "Were you to let him in?" "Mo; I was to nobble the window." Foster left the room at a sign from me, and Murphy resumed: "But what about the blunt?" I "Keep yer beetle crushere to yerself, can't yer?" I growled. "Oh. don't think to bully me I" as be glared fiercely at me. "I know yer lay, and, what's more, I mean ter stand in with yer." asked. "I am surprised to find myaelf so clever," he aaid, with an answering smile. "What am I to do nowT" "Pshaw!" grunted Jem. "Ye're mighty anxious. It's over there by that waterfall." A 1 lately A Hard Kick. -Jy out In West Philadelphia imported a colored boy from their home in the wild* of western •orth Carolina, and though the lad has been in Philadelphia not yet quite two weeks he has already learned something rhict * not soon forget. It was "I bad just finished the job when I heard the master talkin to some one, and, guessin somethin was up, I made tracks through the window, and I'd got clear off if I hadn't ran against the trooper at the back," be finished in aa aggrieved voice just .as Foster returned."Go home again and make a wide leg to avoid Morpby." The Blrda That SI**. J For every bird, a thousand perils and" disasters are hovering and sweeping round and round. Yet then It sings, and It Is a truthful The bird th«* hmm " sings from t not pert Best Is e: em. On«» the ear sing at der thf She pause losing & might "Wot are yer after?" said Frank. "We ain't on no lay." The two men now bustled about Jem gathering sticks, while Frank went down to the waterfall to fill the billy. When he came back, I rose to lend a band, when suddenly I felt something loose on my cheek, and the next moment my paste patch fell at my feet. Instantly I flung myself face downward on the gronnd—quick enough, as I thought, to prevent the men from catching a glimpse of my altered features. I did not go very far. In front at toe was a thick belt of trees, and as soon as I was fairly in this I dismounted, and after hanging up my borse ran back to the border of the grove, whence I could command a distant view of the bay. The squire was not in sight, bat Murphy was still sitting on the log. from which he presently rose, gathered op his billy and pannikin and went into the but. In about ten minutee be came oat agaui, and after a searching look all arounff set off la the direction of the townahip. "Help!" roared Foster, tor it was he who had come to my rescue so opportunely. "Help I" he cried again, sending another shot in the direction Flower had taken, and then be reeled to and fro like a drunken man, and, jnst as 1 staggered to my feet and Mr. Ingram came rushing out fell prone open the ground. For tbe next fortnight I worked at odd jobs about tbe Toomburra homestead, putting in an occasional daily and a regular nightly appearance at Maginty's and leaving to Foster the task of accounting for my absence to any one wbo might be inquisitive enough to ask after me. The loafers about Maginty's, never very particular, were ready enough to fraternise with me, the more particularly when they found that I was able and willing to stand them drinks out of what they supposed to be an advance of wages which I bad received from tbe squire. Meantime my disguise worked admirably. I was gaining for myself a moet "Ain't yer?" I sneered. "What about Flower's blunt? Yah I I knowed yer at onoe, Jem Stiles and Frank Burton." JODf. will a. ™.b*S£t C*»« tt.« Ml « sweetest. The lark, hu lot none pre the delight of e shape of her claws, may the hoa* which he *u wont to use as the \ on a tree. In the grass her mn went down to water the bit of green posefl to every hoof that pass- la front of the house and to sprinkle the Df the poorest shelters of all street. Thia wu a modern invention is the lark's nest. If abe which had not penetrated to hia moun-11, yon will expect her to ren- 141,1 honD*» •nd ita wonderful poaaibilitiea . saddest of threnodies. No, no. " * 7**{»n *g?i.n't,thf. Ifasinga of Jie sings eiultingly an hour without a and mounting 3.000 feet without hla favorite occupation of apriniote. Would to God we all kllnr the yard, when some nrchin began, the lesson. Whatever per- Oram the other side of the street, to bom- Is, whatever bereavements, whatever bart Urn with s volley of aticka and trials are yet to come, a|ng, sing with "tonea. Here wsa an opportunity not to JL iH your heart-and sing with all your , . . " you wait until all the hawks JL0??C?"?*** *** * have folded their wings and nuntersi of hate have unloaded «4de of the street it came in contact with and all the hurricanes of * trolley wire, and in an Instant the ebon -will' Importation was executing a series off back aomeraaulta that finally landed him up againat the house. A _ » - "Well, Tom, what did yon find T" "Have yer struck tbe pile?" asked Jem, with a sort of terror in his voice. "Is that why ye're so flush?" "The window rope is cut, the sasb Mfted oat and the bolt screwed off the communicating door," said Foster. brought my wife as • present a very valuable direr tea and coffee service of heavy Indian workmanship, seven pieces in all. and worth, I sbonld say, at least a couple of hundred pounds. It is not at all the sort of thing we can make use of here, and I think of sending it over to the bank kt'Tdogong to be taken care of." "Ah I Who sleeps in the next room, aqaire T" "My daughter," answered the old gentleman, turning rather pale. "No, but I'm going ter get my share, or I'll blow tbe wbole gaff." Here Frank's hand stole to bis hip. "Keep yer hand up, Frank," I went on. "Two can play at that game. We're too near the township for that Besides, there's no reason for quarreling. I've told yer my lay, and I've spotted But now tbe wbole establishment was roused. Lights Use tied hither and thitber, women servants acresmed at tbe top of their voice*, and the men flocked from their qusrters to learn the cause of the unusual disturbance. I knelt down by Foster and turned him over, when be opened his eyes and looked up at me. "I'm dead beat" I muttered, pillowing my face on my arms." "Have a pannikin of tea, mate. It'll fresh yer up," suggested Jem. "Humph! It is as well we came. Now, Murphy, ia Flower coming over "Ah! I was certain yon ware in it, my man," I muttered as I rail back to my horse. "I think we shall have yon now." "Don't want none," I answered without raising my head. "I tell yer I must sleep." ; "Yes; he bad a sqnint at the house a con pie of days ago, and he knows the lay of the window." "Ah I And yon suppose that Flower may take a fancy to it as it is on the way V unsavory reputation, and the sqnire, acting on my bints, inveighed against me in round terms and more than once threatened me with dismissal unless I altered my hsbita. yers. Frank's ferret face was twisted into a malignant scowl, but Jem gave a tort of groan as be ssid hastily: "Since yer know so much. I den't see as we can stop yer knowing more. Yer can come with us and share fair and square if yer'll keep yer mouth shut." "Well," said Foster as I reined up to our quarters, "what am I to dot" They withdrew a few paces, and, aa they bent over a log to raise it, I noticed that their heads were very close together for a moment. I own, however. that I suspected nothing, for I did not believe they could have seen my face. Carrying the log between them, they brought it np and cast it on the fire. Then Jem stepped back a pace or two, stretched his arms above hie bead, as if aboat to yawn, and before I conld even realize what he was about or roll over to get ont of his way fell with all bis tremendous weight flat upon me. The breath went ont of my body with a rush, and as I lay almost senseless Frank stooped down and drew my arms out straight Then, bending them backward, he rummaged in my pockets, and, producing a pair of the very handcuffs I had destined for him, clicked them on my wrists, rapidly undid bis waist strap and fastened my legs together, and then, rising to bis feet, laughed long and loudly. lungs. 1 of trou' all the their gun.. disaster have spent their fury, you . never sing at alL—iter. T. De Witt Tal iruurp  "No; for, aa I have kept my intention to myself, he naturally can know nothing a boat it But what I anticipate ia that be may pay me a visit « M Mil. "Where can we stow this fellow for the night. Mr. Ingram?" 1 asked. •'Safe, sergeantT" be Mid- faintly. "That's right! Got a ballet in me somewhere. Couldn't get oat sooner. Bat I bit him—I'm sure I hit"— And be swooned again. "Mount and away to Dead Leaf gully. Lead another horse for me along with yon and wait well out of aight till I join you. I start fta the Sydney coach at 0:80. By 8 wa shall ha at the gully, where I shall leave the coach. It is only an honr'a rida to Toombarra from there." "He can stay here," said the squire. "I will look after him." "Very good. Yon have your revolver. If be attempta to raise an alarm, use it without hesitation." Matters were at this pass when one evening, making my way as usual from Toombnrra to Maginty's, I heard rough voices on the road behind me, and I drew behind a thick bush in order-to get a good look at the travelers. There were two. The shorter of them was a slim, wiry, ferret faced fellow, with a not unpleasant expression, but bis companion, a burly, broad shouldered man of nearly six feet in height, was low browed and malevolent looking, while a thick black beard and long dark locks, which fell almost to bis shoulders, lent him a somewhat piratical air. The two were conversing in low bat perfectly audible tones. "Yon suppose, then, that he has got wind of your new possession?" "Exactly. The day it arrived— rather mora than a week ago—the service was laid out on the dining room table for general admiration, of which, I can tell yon, h received plenty. Only ouraelvea were there. But suddenly I beard a noiaa at the window and, turning sharply round, discovered Coogee's ngly face expanded in a grin of delight" "Look to him, squire," I cried, "and you, Drake, come with me. Flower is woanded, I know, and we may catch him yet. The horses are down on the fiat. Come along!" And I raced through the garden, followed by the stockman. Bat before I reached the boundary fence I pulled up short, for a deep groan fell upon my ear. I grinned. "When do yer start T" As he recovered from the effects of the electric shock he was heard to murmur, "Speck dat must er 'most broke dat male's leg, he kicked so hard."—Philadelphia Inquirer. "Early morn for Log mountain," answered Jem. "Oh, drop it, Frank t" as the latter's boot found its right mark. "He's one of as. and there's plenty fur alL" CURTAIN RAISERS. "I'll keep quiet." protested Murphy. "I don't want no holes let into my akin." One of Phoebe Davit' ambitions is to play Desdemona. Foeter was soon off, and just before the coach started I awung np beside the driver. "You will sit quiet at all events," 1 answered, clapping a pair of handcuffs on hia wrists. "Tie him in a chair. Tom." Louis Mann wants to be a serious actor and is said to have designs on Shyiock. "I Frank. hiaoarT" don't half like it," snarled "Wot does be want patting in "Goin on the down track?" be asked cheerily. Louis James will appear next season as Bob Acres in a revival of "The Rivals." A tnrtler through ■ dusty road strewed scans on the hi; And one took root and iprouted up, and grew into Mrs. Langtry is coming back to Ajner- Ica, and Mme. Patti contemplates a tour. "Yes. for a spell. Times are alack here just now. so I can get away." "Let 'em go, Bill," aaid the driver, gathering np his reins. "Hello! Who's that? Ont of the road, dern yer, unless yerwant ter be killed." As he spoke be flicked his whip at a man who was standing with hia hand on the flank of the near wheeler. The long lash curled aharply round the man, and as be shrank back with a muttered curse the light of the coach lamp fell upon hia face, and I recognized Murphy. "Come to see me off," I thought gleefully. "The plot thickens." Aa Foeter did so I tnrned to the aquire again. "How many eervanta aleep in the bouse?" I asked. "He ia here somewhere!" I shouted. "Bring along a light, squire." "Yer've got to like it. my daisy." said I, "and seeing I knows what I knows and how handy the troopers is yer'd best be quiet" a tree. Lore (ought its shade, at evening time, to breathe The sqnire and the men came running up with lanterns, and a few pace* farther on we found Flower, ehot nntc death. "Water 1" be moaned as jve bent over him. He was evidently at bis last gasp, but one of tbe men hastened back to the house for some water. Long before be could retnrn, however, a strong convulsion shook the busbranger't frame. He opened bis eyes, and their last conscious look fell on me. "The odd trick to yon this time, sergeant," be said and never spoke again. Joseph Jefferson has been on the stage 67 years, having started at the age of 8 fears. its eazly vows; And age waa pleased, in heats of noon, to bask Its bows; lbs (taiaoust loved its dangling twigs, the birds "Coogee, tbe aboriginal?" "The same. Well, of conrae Coogee aaw tbe silver, and nothing would satisfy him bat to be allowed to come in and look at it He handled each piece and aeemed lost in wonder at ita beauty, constantly exclaiming, Budgeree; murry bndgereel' ('Good; very good I') I waa extremely vexed at hia inopportune appearance." "None. Their rooms are all outside at the end of the covered way." "Ab!"said Jem suddenly. "Talking of troopers, bow many of 'em is in the township just now?" Fred Berger states Sol 8mith Russell's average weekly receipts this season have been $7,000. "So much tbe better. Now. Miss Ingram is with her mother. I suppose?' "Yes. in my wife's bedroom." "Good. Tbe ladies can remain there. Do yon go and aee that tbe window is abut and barred, and tell Mra. Ingram sweet music bore; It stood s glory in its place, a Missing evermore. '.'It's worth the risk." ferret face was saying, "if you're snre yon can find it. And then California for me." Herr Fischer (Hans Sachs), so long a popular basso in the days of the German Opera company, and Mile. CamiUe Seygard were recently married in Germany. A little spring had lost its way amid the gram '•Only one. Foster, they call him." and fern. "I can find it right enongh if it's where it was," answered black beard. "There was only me and Bill and him that's gone as knew where it was. Yon may cut the country if yon want, bnt I'll cross over to"— The rest of the lentence I failed to catch. "Where's the sergeant, then?" "Sparks, is it T He went off abont tbe time I come here. On tbe down track, most likely." "Ho, ho, hoi" he crowed. "That was a mighty smart trick, my noble. But we've went one better. Gosh! It was a near thing, though. If I hadn't been looking yer way when the patch fell off, we'd 'a' been dona Get up, Jem. He can't do no harm now. Yer come out bright and early this morning, sergeant, but we was up before yer. Now, wot are we going ter do with yer, now we've got yer?" A peering stranger scooped s well, where wesiy men might turn; Be walled It In, and hong with care a ladle at the factek; Julia Marlowe owns the English and American rights to "La Reine Ftamette," the play by Catuile Mendes, which waa played at the Odeon last year, and Charles Frohman intends to produce it next winter in a most lavish manner. and Miss Mary to go to bed and not trouble themselves at all." "He's a 'cute un. See he don't get wind we're hereabout or he'll stop our game somehow. No cbance of him spying on us here, is there?" And he glanced nervously round at the dozen or so loafers in the room. He thought not ot the deed he did, but judged that toil might drink. Be psased again, and lot the well, by summers "Do you suppose, then, squire, that Coogee gave information to flower?" Mr. Ingram went off, and I rapidly arranged a plan of action with Foster. "You will station yourself by the open window in the spare room," I told bim. "and I will watch on tbe veranda outside. When Flower comes, let bim get fairly into the room, and don't touch him. I will follow bard on his d we will go for bim to- "Not directly. Bnt yon know bow these fellows chatter. So, when yesterday Drake confided to me bia suspicions that Flower waa about I thought it high time to aend for yon." "Yon were quite right, squire. Flower's greed and diring may Impel bim to 'crack your crib,' as he would call it alone." "What do yon propose to do, then?" asked tbe squire. "To take np my quarters here." Tbe sqnire opened bia mouth to apeak, bat I west on: "I know that Flower may have spies •bout Vary likely be baa. Perhaps one of them bas seen me oome here. Very well, then. I propose that be aball aee ma go away again without loss of time. By the way, have yon any new bands just now?" "No," said tbe sqnire "Ob. yea, 1 forgot I There ia one, a carpenter named Murphy, whom I engaged to do piece work, and, by Jove, it waa tbe very day after Coogee saw tbe silver!" To the driver's intense surprise, I got off tbe coach at Dead Leaf gully, leaving bim to surmise whst he chose, as I knew hia gossip with tbe passengers could do no barm. When tbe coach waa fairly on ita way again, a; kjji whistle sounded in tbe scrub to *bD right I answered it, and immediately afterward I beard the tra&p of b&rses' feat and presently Foster camein sight I told bim all J knew , as wa rode rapidly over tbe plains ttfward Toombarra, and $ben we readied the fiat aboat balf a mile brfm tbe hooae I drew rein. "We will off saddles here pnd walk up, Tom," I said. "That rascal Murphy may have returned and be on tbe watch for all we todw~. Tbe squire expects as, and we must get in without being seen by any one else." Mm dried. Bad cooled tea thouaand parching tongues, and saved a lite beside. My idea was to hurry after the men and join myself to them, bnt on second thoughts, as I felt sure I should find them at Maginty's later on, I sat down ind lit my pipe and began to think the matter over. Neither of tbe men was known to me by sight, nor was there any particular reason why I should connect them with tbe surviving members at Flower's gang. Still, tbe fragment of their conversation which I had overheard left room for this suspicion. A young actress performing in Vienna has been fined IB florins for appearing on the stage in a correct military uniform. This is contrary to law in Austria, the censor forbidding both military and ecclesiastical costumes that are not purely fantastic. CHAPTER XL flower's treasury. A dreamer dropped a random thought; 'twas rid. "Who? Sparks?" put in Frank. "Not him. I know him well enough, though he don't know me. And there's one thing he can't hide whatever be does." and yet 'twja new; A simple fancy of the brain, bat strong in being One night, about a month after tbe death of Flower and tbe subsequent dispersion of tbe gang he bad led and which had held together so long under bis able generalship, I was1 playing a game of chess with Foster, who bad nearly recovered from tbe effects of tbe nasty flesh wound be bad received during his fight true. I made no answer, for tbe outlook was not very cheerfuL Still I was not without hope. It shone upon a genial mind, and lot its light be- A lamp of life, a beacon ray, a monitory flame. The thought waa unall; its issue great; a watch The leasing of Covent Garden by the grand opera syndicate until 1948 includes everything except one box and two stalls. These the Duke of Bedford, owner of the property, reserved for his own use at any performance in the next 48 years without the payment of an entrance fee. "But why don't you wait in tbe room as well?" asked tbe sqnire, who had joined us again. "What may that be?" I inquired innocently. "Put a bullet in him," said Jem, who stood scratching his great bead, as if hardly able to realize the singular turn of events. In oa the hill. It shed its radiance far adowa, aad cheers the valley still 1 "A lick under the eye he got from Mike Forgan at Cooma. He downed Mike, bnt not afore be got a mark he'll "Because if be takes alarm and tries to bolt without getting in at all I shall be there to Intercept bim." A nssaflDss man, amid a crowd that thronged the daily mart, Lat tall a word of hope aad love, unstudied, from the heart; A whisper on the tumult thrown—a transitory brettb— It raised a brother from the dust; it ssred s soul front death. 0 germ I O fount I 0 word of love! O thought st random cast) Ye were but little at the flrat, but mighty at the last. "Tom," I said as we refilled our pipes at the conclusion of the game and sat down for a yarn, "I wonder where Flower bid all the treasure he must have accummnlated?" "I will make one more effort tonight to solve the riddle," I said to myself. Then, rising, I shook the ashes from my pip« and rapidly took my way, not toward Maginty's, but in tbe direction of tbe townsbip. Frank's thin face puckered with grins. "Too easy for a spy," he said. "I know something better than that. Lift him up and set him ag'in that tree, Jem." - A new style of "Hamlet" is being gives throughout England with "magnificent scenery, dresses, (.host illusions and up to date effects." The fate of the king** satellites on the voyage to England is shown in tableaux. Hamlet, "in order to Bhow the youthfulness of the character," is played by a young woman. We left the room, and, crossing the passage, passed through Miss Ingram's room and entered the spare room, where we found tbe lower sash of tbe window removed and set against tbe wall- The window ledge itself was feboqt foot, feet from the ground, and "Ab! 'And wouldn't you like'to know ?-' " answered Foster, quoting tbe old song. Jem did as he was told, and, taking the strap from his companion's waist, Frank passed it round my body and drew the buckle fast at the back of the tree. Then be drew Jem off a bit, and began to speak to him in low, animated tones. Whatever it was he said Jem appeared to enjoy it amazingly, for he shook with laughter, nodding bis bead constantly, as if to denote bis perfect agreement with Frank's plan. It was quite dark by tbe time I arrived there, and I stole to my quarters and gave a preconcerted signal, which brought Foster out to join me. I lost no time in giving him instructions, and, after touching up my disguise afresh, especially that telltale scar on my face, I hurried off to Maginty's inn, which lay some three miles down the road. Tbe door was shut when I got there, which struck me as something unusual, and, moreover, in response to my knock Maginty's shock head was thrust forth, and be roughly demanded who was there. We took off tbe saddles, gobbled oar horses and walked qbietly up (he rise on tbe top of which tbe homestead of Toomburra was built. A light was boning tew in the dining rpoin. "Go round to Jthe back, Tom," I whispered, "and wait till I let you in. |£aap a sharp eye for Murpby or sny pne else who pay be afronf." Creeping up to the veranda, 1 slid Between tne vine anwereo poets ana softly bailed tbe squire. "Don't be slsrmsd," { called gently. "It is I. Sergeant Sparka. Get up presently and pnt yourself between the light and me. I want to oome inDwitboat observed.""I should indeed. If yon and I were worth onr salt, we ongbt to have found it long ago." —Charles Mscksy. TO BE OR NOT TO BE-FAT. "Why did old Skinphlint insult that his wife should give away the bride when his / was married?" he said he'd never gives away and he was too oM to be* Post. Too Late to Betlt. . ♦ * "I shouldn't wonder but oue might fcear something of as Maginty's," said Foster, naming the proprietor of a )ov bnsb inn. iMfkttr "Oh, _ anything yet, gin!"—Ohip-eo mwt tackle **•"• NAT*55f«| js£ Rheumatismj Men- ml LC ■ tiAUMn |Ll' jbt the y jftaH Hamlet I - playing loatftenabkii /'■ trnfully re- J Com- IRNMi ,Wh rnr^'— wig. BhSv. jri°j,D* t»- 1 I ACT1V* SOLICITORS WASTED KVEHY* whew lor "The Story of the Philippines!" by Marat Haistsad, commissioned by the Government as Official Historian to the WarDe* partment. The book waa written in army eamps at San Francisco, on the Pacific with Gen. sss!&?!i: roar of battle at the fall of Manila. Bonanza for agents Brln fnl of original pictures ten loot. w» tiw* Bu profits. Freight One thine is certain: If Hamlet was fat, Sarah Bernhardt does not look the part.—Chicago Journal. "I thought as much. Where is this jaan working?" "Plose at hand, by tb« Warrigal's pool Do yon think that be ia in the game?" "I dare aay. I'll look in there some day on the chance of it. " Foster took bis pipe from his month and considered me. "Yon have got some plan in yonr head, I know." said he at laat. This old world still has something in ■tore for it with Bernhardt playing Hamlet.—Indianapolis News. "That's Al," he said at length. "That'll do fast rate. Come' along. Don't let's lose no time." And then the two of them ran toward the waterfall and passed ont of sight. "Yes, I do, but I mean to make sure. I want yon to come oat with me as far as the pool that I may have a good look at your new workman, and then I aball leave yon." Perhaps Sarah Bernhardt's cn would like to see General Shatter ' the part.—■Washington Post. "I have; but it has been simmering there so long that it may as well remain where it is a little longer before I bring it oat for your benefit." I will not attempt to my feelings. They were, as may be imagined, somewhat mixed, and after a sharp but ineffectual straggle with my bonds I resigned myself to the inevitable and qaietly waited the return of my captors. They were not long in coming, carrying between them what looked like a leather saddlebag. This they damped down in front of me, and Frank again took np his parable. If Shakespeare isn't "revirec Sarah Bernhardt'a Hamlet, hip slumber will never be disturbed phis Commercial-Appeal. v\'It's only me, Mac." I said 9s { passed in through the door- "Wot are yer so fiy ahpott Is anything up?" |3e made no verba) answer, but Winked toward a corner of the room, where,, to my great satisfaction, I saw the two men who bad passed me on the bash track- "I'm dead beat," I muttered. "Bat I thought 700 were going to ■lay," Mid the squire 1 "Yoo'd never do for 1 policeman, aquire," I laughed. "However, leave •fvy thing to me. Just answer patu- RW T "P«Dk joq and don't be mmatf at anything I may My." f fetched vff horse from tb* stable tnd rode to the Warrjgal's pool. tbe ■qnire walking beside me. ' ia onr man." said the aqa|Mr|0 a fellow who was seated P* • km #»t»Pg I ran my eye swiftly over the man. who waa of middle siae and strongly built, with flaming rod hair and bawd, while bia faoe, pockmarked and freckled, waa repalaively ngly. I did not recognise in him, however, one jf Flower's gang. carry to bis grave. I tell yer, he couldn't hide that scar whatever he did." Mr. Ingram, who waft reading, made no sign, but Went quietly on'" with bis book. In a motnent or two, boWever, be rose. and. taking his pipe, from tbje mantelpiece, stood against tbfe table, with bis hack to fbe lamp, which ?)C! tbns obscured, as if looking oof inty the nigbf- Seeing this, I at pppe dropped on all and crawled swift ly in tbrongh the French window. Inckily left open on account of the heat. One evening, about a week later, wben Foster Was alone, an eyi) looking' "son dcwner,v pr tramP, suddenly en tered the room, and, seating himsielf Without cerempny, coolly demanded a 611 of tobacco. Hamlet may hare been mad or wise or otherwise, but was he thin? That's the point.- North American, J art then the clock struck 11, and at the same moment there was a thundering knock at the door and Foster's voice was heard imperatively demanding admission. Unfortunately the result of the des-Vanar duel still leaves in doubt momentous question whether was fat or lean.—Philadelphia Ledger. Now, it is certain tbat Maginty was a rascal, but be was also a very cautious one. I suspected, however, tbat he knew something of the two men I was after. So I determined to pump him, and to this end advanced to the bar. "Give us a nobbier, Mac," I demanded, and then, with a glance toward the two men, "Are tbey on the layT" "Weil." gasped Foster,, rising to hitfeet, "of all the confounded cheek' Here, otft you got Doulle CyiicV!" "That's Foster 1" I gasped, apparently overcome with terror. "Shouldn't wonder if it's me he's after." And I dived under the table without further ceremony, while my companions shifted their chairs, so as to keep their backa to the door, which, after some Maginty opened, and Foster |trode itv t'-Haginty," he aaid in a loud voice. ''{a that chap who is working for Mr. Ingram here just now I" "Well," answered Maginty, looking round the room, "he was here a few minutes ago, sir. But I reckon he's gone." "We've tried yer as we went along, Sergeant Sparks." said be, "and we've found yer guilty of being a spy. Now, a spy's usually, hanged. But we ain't got no rope, and shooting's too good for the likes of yer. So we've made up our minds to leave yer where yer are and not soil our hands with yer. Yer'll be for the crows, that's wot yer'll be, long before anybody finds yer, and that's wot we're going to do with yer," I felt m\pelf borne backward to Sarah Bernhardt has beeu Hamlet. Imagine Sarah inc seating, "Oh. that this too, too fleah would melt," etc.—Cincinnati mercial-Tribune. ground I vanlted ont with a parting word to Foe»er. "Look to yonr revolver, Tom," I said, "and mind yon let him well in." "I've as much right io this room a you have, Tom Foeter." aaid the trami calmly. "Stand as yon are," I mattered as I crawled past him into a corner, "and presently close the window as thongh yon were shotting np for the night." Foster stepped back in astonishment stared a minute and then burst into * shoot of laughter. "You." he cried "sergeant I" Think of Hamlet in a French And yet Sarah Bernhard'a fencing what French critics swm ta admire In her HamAef—after her blond Poor oM Shakespeare!—Ixmisville Journal. The veranda came to an end abont ten feet from the window of the spare room, and I took np my post opon the former behind the last pillar, the thick creepers growing ronnd which wonld have completely concealed me even in broad daylight. Jt was now abont o'clock, and everything 'yery sijfy. Hot a pound was beard in tbe bouse, not a rnstle in the deep woods beyond. A clock in tbe honse chimed midnight. Still dead silence. One o'clock, and no sign of Flower. It was a dreary work waiting there in tbe darkness, and I began to long for action. Foster, 1 knew, mnst be fretting his peart ont. Two o'clock—abl Wbat was tbatT Faintly borne on the still air, my ■trained ears could catch the pound of "I 'spect so," answered Maginty. "Don't know what it is, but it must be aomethin big to, make jeiq Stiles and Fraqlf Burton try this line." "Why t" aaid t "la it hot round Tbis tbe squire did in tbe most natural way in the world. "All fast, sergeant, " be said in alow tone. "Bat what are we to do now 1" "Yes," I answered. "eVen 1. I an pleased to find tbat you did not knot „ • » Die. new member, "*I thought. "He's %o beauty, at all events." I was looking straight over shoulder. smiling, and I ppswmd nothing. The public would not like a (at Hti. let It would aa soon see a (at Ophelit or Juliet or a lean Hamlet will remain to the end of time the lean and melancholy Dane. Had he been fat he would have been melancholy, and that he wan melancholy «a one wttl deny.—Chicago Tribunes  "Know yoql" echoed Foster. ") should tbipjc pot- till jou spoke in youi natural voice. Why, yoor own motbei here*" . "80 you are pntting np a new hut, aaid aa we came within ear* tfffig!- Ufad Mr- J»Kram ip an tone, "and Murphy here seems to *i» making a good job of it" D "A new man, too, I see," aaid L belong round here, do you, Jtmphy f "First of all. let in Foster, who is round at tbe back," J answered, mailing for passage. f'Hello I that?" There was a sound of scuffling outside, a heavy fall and then silence again. Rnsbing to tbe back door, 1 flung it open and nearly fell over Foster, wbo was holding a man down on tbe ground. "Waa awhile ago anyway," replied the innkeeper, with another knowing wink. "Oh, yer may grinl" said Frank hilariously. "Yer'll laugh on the wrong side of yer month before yer've done, I reckon. Well, since yer won't speak I will. D'yer know what's in thiabag? It's the blunt. Yer come a long way to get it. anCi we f in't the men to keep yer from having a sight of it. Look I" And, plunging his hand into the bag he brought it out again full of nuggets and coins, which he waved before my face, while Jem chuckled loudly "That's all right, then. I am glaC the disguise is so perfect. I will try ii on the squire tomorrow." wouldn't know yon." This was quite enough for me. The only rumpus of any importance for some time back had beet) that with Flower's gang, of which'I now felt pretty certain tbat the two men in the corner had been members—possibly ob scure ones. My next move therefore was to get into conversation with them. So. glass in band. I walked over ,to where thev sat "Bvemn. natta " X "Humph!" "Which w«y SW be g l'Ilm sure I can't say, sir. I«»T of Fate, ffc# boy tn the country labor* on And bean in hia breast from dawn to dawa Tbe fervent bope that he yet may be A nan in the city, deb and free. "What fort" asked Foster. pose you have a reason T" ".4 very good one. f am going to trj and find Flower's treasnry," I replied "Bnt ait down and listen for ten min ntes." And, much to Foster's satisfaction. I unfolded to him mj plan. "I sap "Won't, yon mean." snapped Foster. "Well, see here, Maginty, if that man, Pete Larkin"—the name I had aaanmed—"tnrne np ggqin, I  yon to report fact .to me. I have feMon to fcelieya be la the very man tbe_Mel bourne troopera are after—one "What's that to you T" answered the nan morosely. "I ain't done ncithin "Who have yon got there, Tom?" I asked ae 1 recovered my balance. The man in the city ploda hia way. Worn out by the ruah from day to day, ' And aigha that he no more can be i A boj Utta country. CD«LM4 jm. "Don't know," aaid be. "J found him sneaking round the door, and a» "Now." resumed Frank, with a leer,