Pittston Gazette

              } Oldest f'ewsoaoer in the Wyoming Valle\ PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., PA., FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1891. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. Cleuuint Fires. Let thy go) J be cast in the furaacc. On this in vain the gallant Confederates advanced, only to fall back with broken ranks discomfited. But now the men of Texas came with a rage that nothing seems to stay. In vain the shower of grape pours on that, unflinching host. See Colonel Robinson, with the colors in his hands, dash through the abattis and spring upon the embankment, calling on his men to follow I Even his enemies can scarce forbear to cheer the daring feat, or sigh when they see the gallant figure thrown lifeless down. And now the muskets of stant's hesitation." Frank was awed to silence by the Major's earnestness. "You see, Besant," the older mail continued, "I am in possession of facts concerning which you know nothing." A spark of intelligence flashed in Frank's brain. place of safety and the sound of their pursuers had died away in the distance that Besant remembered the unpleasant task which lay before him of telling- Charlie of his father's sad misfortune. "Ilark, sii I" Garfield said to his superior, and pointing with hia sword to the left, whence came the regular firing "That reminds uD*. *■ coyan Iiopes, "of 1 a man in the Thirty-ninth Ohio, who—" I BILL NYE IN TEXAS. it was a quiet ana rather unpretentious place, the Upper Congo club, occupied during the day as a laundry and Tuesdays and Fridays as a club room. The franchise of the club consisted of the inalienable right to meet, meditate and adjourn. The club properly consisted of a guests' register, made in imitation of a butcher's order book, with a pine lead pencil tied to it by a string, a gallon beer pail and a set of dominos. The Upper Congo club allows no milllCopyright, 1891, by Edcar w. Nye.i ionaires' sons to join. Of course if a In Texas, | member should become a millionaire's Down by the Rio Grande, j 8°n after he had united with the club he lam preparing at this time a 1*-. be expelled without a two-thirds and costly testimonial for the v^very, fj, £ut I was told that "brains," and man who suggested the idea of ana * ly, wa3 the qualification—self this spring my first grand anna- Also £ " « v Wealth could not come in well tour of Texas. It has b"J°neB'i ./ tbe pure thought ganglia of success from a boxoffice myse ' . Dt Congo club. standpoint. Artisticallv, C 5 SJ *-t - ' - nreached in Texas and lectcarping critic might see p)?D 0 g 2 F ' '"be mayor of Palestine could have done a great d' 3 « & f 1 one goes he hears £ r "od work done Texas, as we know ®" Cre, who with empire of itself, connectii? " revivalist, and sturdy elements of fV A WOMAN'S TEARS. Thy red gold, precious and bright; Do not fear the hungry fire. But the anecdote was interrupted by the approach of a crvporal who announced that a citizen wished to see 'japtaln Uregory at once on important business. With its caverns of burning light; And thy gold shall return more precious. The heart Is such a strange affair. So full of joy and gladness. And clouds of peace destroying car* Are mixed with glints of gladness. And there are times when all oar iUm Are bathed In sunlit glory, When tears will strangely Him the tp$t Ah, life, how strange a story! Free from every spot and sta in; For gold must be tried by tire. As a heart must be tried by jiainl The young man's eyes filled with tears as he heard the melancholy details.HIS ANNUAL FAREWELL TOUR OF THE GREAT 8TATE, "Show him in," Jack cried, without hesitation. la the cruel fire of sorrow Cast thy heart, do uot faint or wail;' Let thy hand be firm and steady. Do not let thy spirit quail; But wait till the trial is over. And take thy heart again; For as gold is tried by fire. So a heart must be tried by pain! "And your informant, sir, was James Lawson?" he asked eagerly. " If so, what then?" "Poor old dad," he moaned. "Wounded so bad as that, and I not near to comfort him. Ah! what will mother say, I wonder, when she hears that I was away from him in his hour of need? Away! my GodI and on such an errand!"He recognized at once in the fat little man before him a German shoemaker living near, who had soled a pair of shoes for him. Itimnp Scenes and Moving Incidents Down bj the Bio Grande—The Intellectual Atmosphere of the Congo Club. Twas only yesterday I viewed. While lunching in the city, A charming damsel was I rude? Her face was sweet and pretty. ■ Her eyes were fair as stars of ntyht, Her cheeks were nt« the rosea. I thought "no sorrow deep or «iigh* Within her breast reposes." "Only, sir, that you are condemning a man of honor on the word of as base a scoundrel as ever lied to forward his miserable ends," was the hot reply. Different Styles of Grips. "I haf to mage reborts of one of your men, who vas shtole a tog vrom me, sir." "Well, Hartzmann, what is it?" I shall know by the gleam and glitter Of the golden chain you wear. By your heart's calm strength i n loving. Of the fire they have had to I ear. Beat an, true heart, forever; + Shine bright, strong golden chain; And bless the cleansing fire And the furnace of living pain? —Adelaide A. l'rocter. "That may be, but even an inveterate liar may speak the truth, if it suits his purpose." "Which she never need know—and if she did, the knowledge of your safe return would condone the fault of your going, Charlie: for women do not look at some things in the same light that men do." "A dog! You don't mean to say that mangy Newfoundland cur I saw in your store, with a back as bald as a billiard ball?" Yet as 1 gazed Into her eyes, • Upon their beauty dwelling, :. _I saw—and great was my surprise— The tear drops gently welling. Yes, welling from the heart I 1 Held naught but love and gladiMM, "What cruel thorn," said I, "has broeght To such a rose its sadness." I "Granted, Major; but are you quite sure that the truth did suit his purpose in this instance?" ih, but he vos one very nice tog "Yl For reply the Major took from his pocket-book a torn piece of paper, on which was some writing in pencil, and handed it to liis subordinate, with the remark: "As you do, for instance?" "Yes, Charlie, as I do," Frank declared, firmly. "I am not going to add to your troubles by preaching you a sermon; but if I have any claim on your regard, I would implore you to make a confidant of Major Hopkins, who knows more of your doings than you have any idea of, and who is still willing to be your friend." l.ight and Love. The night has a thousand eyes. "that does not sound like a defeat!" "Sweet dove," I mused, "could my rlgbt arm In happiness defend you. You could not know a breath of i»»w«| It's strength I'd gladly lend you." Just then she whispered to her mate, I listened, wrapped in wonder, "Beware of that horseradish, Kate," Said she, "it's stoughter'n thunder." " —Chicago "Herald. And the day but one; Yet the light of the bright world dies With the dying sun. "I am committing no breach of confidence in showing you this. Do you recognize the hand that penned this treacherous scrawl?" from Thomas'division. "That does not sound like a defeat!" The mind has a thousand eye*. And the heart but one; Yet the light of a whole life dies When love is done. "I tell you," was the petulant reply, "it is a rout—we arc beaten, man; and I am off to Chattanooga to telegraph the cursed tale to Washington." coarse of - jxas with Frank read the lines eagerly; they contained a brief but succinct description of Buell's position at Nashville, were addressed to Miss Lasoelles, and wese signed, "your devoted friend, C.IV' % Frank's eyes blazed with triumph. lectures  great success, people coming in some instances for hundreds of miles, bringing their dinners and paying a dollar apiece, looking npon us with awestruck features for a few moments and then retiring cheerfully to their distant homes. "You speak with an assumption of guilt on my part, which in another man I would not permit one instant." "May I remain?" almost pleaded Garfield.Better to weave in the web of life Bettor. A Neat Tarn. ; At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon a Vic stopped a citizen in front of the city *»■" f and asked him for a dime to get a bite to eat. "Look here, man!" sharply replied % 1 other, "on Wednesday yon hit me for ft * dime, on Thursday I gave yon anothet and now you have the cheek to demand a third." A bright and delicate filling, And to doOod's will with a ready heart, And bauds thai are swift and willing. Than to snap the minute delicate throa^r "No, not guilt, Charlie; only intensely reckless folly," Besant declared. "As you will," was the ungracious assent, as the hero of a hundred fights, seized with a fit of panic so difficult to understand in one with so brilliant a record, drove his spurs into his horse's flank and dashed away. "And I ain to make this paragon of a Major my father-confessor? Well, perhaps I will see him to-morrow and have a-talk with him." Texas people say that Sam Jones reminds them of John the Forerunner in some ways, only that John, so far as they know, did not eat with his knife. Sam, however, is a plain, offhand man, and since he and i and Dr. Talmage have worked together in Texas I do not feel like hearing either one criticised, and I know that neither of them will sit calmly by and allow me to be run down. COL. ROBINSON, WITH COLORS IN HIS HAND, "Do I recognize the hand-writing1, Major?'' he cried "Indeed, I do! I see JamM Lawson's ear-marks on every v»p-sfcr6k$ and down-stroke of this villainous composition. Why, the pitiful rascal has not even taken the trouble to disguise the characters." Of our curious lires asunder, A_nd tlten bl une heaven for the tangled CALLING ON HIS MEN TO FOLLOW, the Fighting Fourth crash their leaden hail upon his men, burning to avenge his death; and, bleeding and torn, they fall back fighting to the very last. ends. And sit and grieve and wander. "You will see him to-night; for you will have to report to him. lie is in command now, you know." "In command? Since when?" "Since your father fell in action." "Ah, yes; of course." "Follow me down this road, Colonel, as soon as you can get your men together: you will find General Thomas in sore need of your help," Garfield cried, as he too rode away. Let It Be Soon. Let it be soon! Life was not made to long For distant hours of Jim futurity. Thy presence soothes me like some far off Down pours the rain on the terrifio carnage and the shattered Southern hosts fall back on Murfreesboro. "yah, but he vos von nick too." "Is that so?" • I "Of course it is so, and I ttifav it la piling it on most too thick." "Well, you shall Jtidge for yourself, Bir," Frank declared, taking a letter from his pocket which contained an inclosure. "Here is a note Lawsou wrote to a lady friend of mine at Mcltonburg, containing such a libelous-account of my conduct that in sheer disgust she sent it to me, as she says, to put me on my guard against the fellow's vindictiveness." "Von aro sure of (his?" for all dot. Vor ten years he haf been mine childers' blaymate." "Do you know the man who took him?" song. Oh! where my heart lias rested let it lie; Hope la the morning, love the afternoon. Let it be soon! And where is Frank Besant all this while? Fighting at the head of his company during the heat of the fray you may be sure, but now sadly bending his steps to a clump of trees, under which a group of officers is gathered, round a central prostrate figure, over which Doctor Saunders is stooping, while the rest anxiously await his decision.For a time they walked on in silence; but as they reached the Major's tent, Fulton asked: "Does my father know why I left the camp that night?" In half an hour they were ready to advance, though their ranks were but thinly manned. "Forward, men. At the doublequick!" and once more the Fighting Fourth ran panting to the struggle. Dallas i9 beautifully surrounded by the state of Texas and Oak Cliff, a handsome suburb, with a thriving hotel and a vigorous girls' college. Also a pavilion for speakers anl concerts during the'snmmer, and a menagerie. There is a train running bet,ween Oak Cliff and Dallas which is called an accommodation. It is owned by the hotel, and goea along with the reading room, parlor and washroom. Yon board at the hotel and the proprietor throws in the railroad. I say this so that the interstate commerce outfit may look into the matter and throttle this giant evil. "Then you are the man I strode Wednesday over on the corner?" "Yah, he vos called Paddy Dyrne, und I vos told he vos von of your gompany. But dot vos not the vorst of it, it vosthe gruelty dot make me 7.0 mad." "I am." Let it bo soon! The treasured daylight dlea. And changes sadly to the chill of night. But summer reigns forever in eyes. And at thy touch grief etealeth out of sight. After sad yeptrs of longing love must swoon. Let it be aoon! "No. The secret is only shared between the Major and myself—unless you count Jim Lawson as one of us; but he is beyond the power of revelation.""And now I've tackled yon for the third time?" They found Thomas oppressed by superior numbers, but standing firm as a rock, with Polk battering his center and left, and Longstreet harrassing hia right. Assault after assault was made, yet those immortal heroes never wavered."You have." "Yah, he vos skin dot tog und gut him up in leetle bieces. He vos take dot tog's hind-leg away mit him—" "Cruelty! "Well, old man, I beg your pardon. That's too much gall even for me, and my excuse is that you have improved so much in your looks that I didn't recognize yon." —Clement Soott. THE COLONEL "Not necessarily mortal," he says at last, with a sigh of relief. The wounded man is borne tenderly to the field-hospital. n was a study to watch the Major's facc as ho compared the two docu- "Deserted to the enemy." "As how?" TALKING WITH A DRUNKARD. ments. "The scoundrel!" Then, after a pause: "Oh, Frank; I do believe you "And by all the gods we've eaten it!" Jack gasped, his face paling with disgust. "I'll kill that villain, Byrne, if I'm shot for his murder." Alliance of Kansas on the north with the romantic yet peppery Quixote of the south. Here the sad and solemn lubricator, vulgarly called the greaser, spends his patrimony on an 8-pound hat, and with what he has left he buys a horse. 1 never tire of looking at the delirious clothes of a prosperous greaser. They are wildly beautiful to one who lovea, as 1 do, to see a hand to contest to a finish between strong colors. Turning to an orderly he said, sternly: "Go to company F and tell the officer on duty to send Private Lawson under guard to me at once." And now another danger threatens them: for Longstreet has discovered a gap in the mountain in Thomas' rear, through which he is pouring a heavy column. Surely all is lost now—but no, Granger comes up with seven thousand raw troops, who have never even seen a battle-field before, and, though the hope seems vain, the reinforcement gives the veterans encouragement. "Only a parcel of boys, fresh from the plow," sneered an aide-de-camp, as he galloped forward to direct their movements. But see those plow boys fight! Had they carried arms for years, and been inured to battle scenes from childhood, they could not have shown a more determined bravery. Over and over again Longstreet charges, but ho can not break those solid ranks, and at sunset Thomas, driven back but not defeated, recedes to the shelter of Chattanooga, whither Rosecrans' scattered men have preceded him carrying consternation with their wild stories of defeat. He was handed a quarter.—Detroit Free Press. "Who is it? Who is it?" ask Several, as the mournful cortege passes them. are the best-hearted fellow that ever drew the breath of life." "And the Major?" But after reflections induced him to forego his sanguinary intentions, as the rueful quartette concluded that it would be for their interest to keep the trag»dy a secret, though it eventually leaked out, and not one ol those gallant jfficers could for a time show himself without some jocular fellow greeting him with a lively "bow wow-wowl" Alas! OF THE FOURTH, "Colonel Fulton of the Fourth—shot through the lungs," is the sad answer. In a few minutes, drying which both officers maintained a moody silence, the messenger returned. Dallas did a business in 1889 of over $31,000,000. Since then trade has greatly increased. While there I met a company of Boston capitalists, headed by ex- Governor Brackett. They had just bought a building for $350,000 that day. Four million dollars are (or is) invested in factories, and the yearly product is over $8,000,000. I was also in Dallas two days, and put quite a little sum of money in circulation while there. I cannot help it The western spirit of freedom and reckless expenditure comes over me, and I buy the morning paper sometimes and do not read half of it. But Frank and his comradcs have another duty before them ere they can lay their weary bones to rest on that eventful night. ' "Yes, yes; if it will set your honest soul at rest; I will make a clean breast of all my sins to him this very night." And with that pleasing assurance the young men parted. A STOET OF THE LATE WAB. "Private Lawson, sir," he said, saluting, "is reported missing. He was fired on this morning by the sentry as he was seen making for the enemy's lines, but escaped unhurt." "Boys," the Major had cried, "there lies the body of Colonel Robinson. Shall it be said we left that gallant fellow's corpse upon the field without a soldier's funeral, or sign to mark the spot he fell?" Next day, as the doctors declared that there was no hopes of Colonel Fulton ever being able to assume the command of a marching regiment, even if he escaped with his life, Hopkins was installed as Colonel, to the satisfaction of every man in the ranks; for they had long learned to love the quiet, gentlemanly man, who never flinched from danger and had such a keen sense of duty. On Sunday I attended divine worship at the Mexican cathedral in San Antonio. It afforded me a grand opportunity to look at the clothes of the congregation as we do at home, also to study the faces of the people as they came out Religion does not seem to afford the Mexican much joy or comfort He goes through it, however, as one gets his teeth repaired—not for the delirious thrill of joy he find* lurking in the job itself, but aa a precautionary measure and as an evidence of his powers of endurance.BT BEBNARD BIGSBY, (CONTINUED ) Fulton's next quarters were in a large, roomy building, which had once been a private residence of no mean proportions, but which was now occupied by the military, partly as a recruiting office and partly as a hospital for a few convalescent officers, whose wounds for the time incapacitated them for active service. Ills chamber faced the grounds of a handsome mansion, tenanted evidently by persons of position in society, for Charlie spent many a weary hour watching gay groups of ladies gathered on the broad verandah, or toiling with the needle on soldiers' supplies in the handsome rooms, the windows of which were almost always open. He had been offered a parole, and had refused, a decision which did not lower him in the estimation of his generous captors. The cloud of doubt cleared from the Major's brow as he clasped Frank's hand, and said heartily: "May be I was wrong in judging Fulton, and he will perhaps be able to clear himself of any charge more serious than a breach of discipline. Any how, Frank, you shall fetch the lad back and give him a chance of explanation. Tako as many men of your own company as you like—volunteers, mind—and manage the affair just how yon please. It could not be in better hands." CHAPTER XVL THE RESCUE. "Have you heard the news, Frank?" "Nothing special. What has happened. Colonel?" "No, no," came from a score of throats. So they dug a grave and laid the hero in it—a touching incident, though his only requiem was a salute fired by the hands of his enemies. At the head of the grave they placed a rough board, with •udely-painted characters, which read: "General Bosecrans is relieved from the command, and Thomas takes hia place." "You don't say so! WeU, I hope our old leader does not leave us under a :loud; for though he made a bad break at Chickamauga, his has been no mean record." I went to see the "Clemenceau Case" while in Dallas. I had avoided it iu New York, but the pictures and printing were so beautiful that I accepted the invitation of a real nice man and went to see the "Clemenceau Case." I will never And who is going to be Major? was the question at the bivouac. "I'll bet even on Besant against the field," cried Jack Gregory. But there were no takers. "HERE LIES THE BODY Of COLONEL ROBINSON, WHO FELL AT THB BATTLE OF STONE RIVER, GLORIOUSLY LEADING THE SECOND TEXAS REGIMENT. HE WA8 BURIED BY UNION SOLDIERS, IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HEROISM." So, in accordance with this liberal order, a dozen men, heavily armed, with Besant at their head, stole out of camp that night under shadow of the cedar-brakes that lined the river. And nearly thirty thousand men from North and South lay killed and wounded on the blood-stained banks of "The River of Death." The ladies of the congregation, it seemed to me, showed better taste in proportion to their means than the gentlemen. They dressed plainly and seemed to favor deep mourning wherever there was an excuse for it. Some of them, 1 judge, were mourning on very slight provocation—that is, if they were mourning the loss of such husbands as I was permitted to see samples of. "He has been given a nominal command in Missouri," was the significant reply. CHAPTER XV. THE RfVER or DEATH. "Major Besant, let me congratulate you. There is not a man in the regiment who does not hail your promotion with pleasure, to say nothing of myself, who have gained a step by your good luck," cried the jovial Gregory, grasping Frank's hand with an enthusiastic energy that made him wince. "To let him down easy. Well, all I san say is that those newspaper fellows have too much license, and can hound a man to ruin, If he makes a mistake once in a life-time." To return to the objcct of all this solicitude, Charlie Fulton's condition after the battle of Murfreesboro was a strong contrast to the gentle treatment he I said the Union army was not beaten —well, perhaps not in a literal sense, for the object of the contention, Chattanooga, still remained in their occupation, but the Confederates Justly claimed "Chickamauga" as a victory, for they had forced their enemy from the field, and now held him shut up in his entrenchments with all communication cut off. j Bragg had a new ally—Invincible by human hands, impervious to human daring—the gaunt, fierce fiend, Starvation.Under tho window he softly crept. While father and mother and Towaer alapti Then plunking a chord on his light guitar. He warbled a ballad of Zanzibar. Rude as the tablet was, simple as the neatly-rounded grave looked by the lantern light, Frank thought that many a grand mausoleum would bear but poor comparison beside that humble tribute to a brave man's memory, even though the first blasts of winter would destroy the rough memento. "But General Rosecrans has made many mistakes of late." From out her chamber emerged the Begging the name of the tanti he played. Said he, aa he twanged his lUjit guitar, " Tis a typical tune of Zantfir," And now the gayest season in all the year in the South was approaching, the Christinas holidays, and Charlie could see that his fair neighbors were making lavish preparation for the coming festivities. Charlie happened to mention this to a young officer, Who often lingered after a visit of inspection to chat with the received during his confinement at the recruiting station, and he was now beginning to learn that the lot of a prisoner of war was not a very enviable one. Torn from his associates, who, being gentlemen, had accorded him many little kindnesses, he found himself in the hands of a rough soldiery, who seemed to take delight in covering with indignities their luckless prisoner. One snatched the cap from his head with the brutal declaration that it was too good to cover a Yank's brainless scalp; another requisitioned his boots and gave him in return a pair of soleless shoes a tramp would scorn to wear; a third appropriated his watch; and a fourth took a fancy to a ring he wore. Thus despoiled he was hustled into the loft of an unoccupied mill, where he was cheerfully told to make himself at home till morning, when he would be taken "in the ruck of captured Yanks to the pen." The men wore large bats, heavily embroidered, and whatever else they could get in the way of clothes. 1 never saw people ran so much to hats or seem so indifferent to onter clothes. I saw one man at church who wore a massive Mexican hat with two or three ponnds of silver braid on ifr( and a leather cinch with two silver buckles for a band. He also wore a beautiful pair of lilac trousers. One man in the amen corner of the cathedral wore no coat or vest, but had a shirt made of buff calico, with grim figures on it. and H was made with puffed sleeves iwl a Stewart collar. He bad also socked his inheritance into 9 hat, and wore heliotrope trousers of the time of Queen Elizabeth. "But, what do yon mean—are you crazy, Jack?" was the astonished demand."So he has, but he is a brave soldier, and I, for one, am sorry he is going. Anyhow we get a superb substitute in General Thomas, whom the boys have already dubbed 'the Rock of Chickamauga.'Gazing with love on his bride .to be. He tuned the strings in another key. Then plunked once more on his light goiter That typical tune of Zanzibar. That night they slept upon the battlefield"Sane as a bench of judges! The boys would hear of no man's name but yours for the vacant post, and I'm glad to say for once the popular cry was for the right man in the right place, and you are second-in-command of the Fighting Fourth. Won't that be scrumptious news to write and tell your sweetheart?" Now, it must not be supposed that Charlie Fulton's absence from his post had not caused consternation among his comrades and intense distress to his father. None, however, but Major Hopkins and Frank Besant had attributed suspicious motives to his disappearance, and you may be assured that they kept their own counsel, jealous of their comrade's honor and mindful of their Colonel, whose heart they knew would be broken if his boy fell into disgrace, so it was generally accepted that be had ridden farther than was prudent and had fallen into the toils of the enemy. But the Major and Frank had drawn the worst conclusions, especially when the latter learned from the pickets the direction the absentee had taken when he started on the journey from which he had never returned. Besant hoped against hope, but Hopkins vowed that he had sold himself body and soul for a pretty face, and had gone over to the enemy. "A soldier, every inch of him, and as discreet as he is valiant." prisoner. "Bah! My dear fellow, it isn't only for the holidays they're decorating, but to-night that pretty girl in blue, leaning on the pillar yonder, is to be married by Bishop Polk. I allow they'll have a gallant fling, for President Davis himself has come to grace the festivities Once Rosecrans made an effort at a •ally, but hunger had killed so many of his animals that he had not horses enough to drag a battery into action, and so thick lay the carcasses of dead mules on the muddy roads that men stepped on them from one to another to avoid the miro. The fact was that just before t.hC« time, the whole Western region had been remodeled into the "Military Division of the Mississippi," comprising the armies of the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee, and Grant had been appointed Commander. "It would, indeed, if it were true, but I know you are chaffing me." "Chaffing you! As if I'd dare to chaff a living Major—but here comes the Colonel, aad as he's promised me a jobation for being late at roll-call, 111 spare him the pain of an interview and skip." To resume the conversation of our two friends, Hopkins and Desant: with his presence." "It doesn't seem to me a time for funch rejoicing," Fulton said, moodily. "Never a better," was the gay reply. "McClellan whipped at Antletam, Sherman at a dead-lock before Vlcksburg, Eosecrans on the eve of a retreat, and Nashville as good as ours again!" "There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip," Charlie ventured. "But not when the cap is held by the Ann hands of heroes," was the decided answer. That night his friend was with him again, when the revelry was at its height. The evening, though in December, was mild, and in the crowded rooms of the mansion must have been almost sultry; at least it seemed so, for the blinds and windows Were flung up to their utmost height, affording the two young men an uninterrupted vleiy of the balVroom. "See that tall, stately man lead fop- Ci those two pretty girls to danceis President Davis—that fine fellow in black is the bishop—but, Heav- Hard times indeed had settled on the lucklcss garrison, the coarsest kind of food being precious as rubies in the eyes of the famished soldiers. Charlie Fulton's satisfaction may be imagined then, when one day Jack Gregory whispered in his ear the joyous information that he had secured a hind-quarter of lamb, which he had confiscated from an Irishman in his company, who was carrying it off to his quarters. ONE OF THE GRIPS. "Now, Frank," said the former, "I've a ticklish bit of duty before me which bothers me considerably. General Thomas has decided to send dispatches to Grant, and has done us the compliment to direct me to select one of my officers for the perilous duty You can not go, of course; then, who shall it be?" Dallas is probably the mast prosperous of Texas cities. Some well known writer-up of towns—possibly Charles Dudley Warner—states that if you draw a circle, using a radius of 100 miles, with Dallas as the center, you will have therein thirty-four counties. I was too tired to try it while at Dallas, and could not get a 100 mile radius at any of the places where 1 looked. Some of the stores didn't seem to have any radius at all. have to do so any more. I write down my confession that I did go with much sorrow and regret, but I cannot conceal it any longer. And when Colonel Hopkins, with a smile of delight in his honest eyes, grasped Frank's hand and wished him joy in his preferment, the young sol* dier knew that the glorious but improbable news was true. The play is said to have a beautiful moral concealed in it. There was no concealment in the play with this exception, though. The Btory is on the order ot a train book now meeting with a large"Sale, called "The Sin of the'Strawberry Blonde; or, Drowning Out the Gopher in My Grandmother's Grave," by Pearl Studebalcer. But sharp as the eyes of his captors were they were not sufficiently on the alert to prevent a stolen interview with the old colored man they had deputed to carry him a few moldy rolls and a cup of villainous coffee they called his dinner. "Charlie Fulton, sir," Desant replied, without an instant's hesitation. "I can hardly believe it now, sir," he stammered. "What have I done to deserve such honor?" "I can't give you any mint-sauoo," said the jovial Captain, "but there's a quart of whisky I won at cards from an Iowa man, and by Hickory! old chap, we'll make a night of it." The Colonel's brow knit ominously. Quickly she leaped from the easement high Into his arms and ready to fly; But—'Towser had heard the light guitar And the typical tune of Zanzibar. "Oh, sir," the young Major pleaded, "do give him this chance—it will be the making of him—besides, it will show him that after all bis indiscretion, yon still have confidence in him. May I go at once and send him to you?" These thirty-four counties produce nearly half the cotton of Texas, also more than half the oats and wheat. It is a very fertile district indeed. The soil is rich and deep, and cotton just naturally grows here with the very slightest encouragement. I never saw so much cotton anywhere before as I have seen on this trip. Qown near Waco—pronounced Wayco—there is an old time cotton planter who runs his plantation just as they used to before the war, only, of course, he can't show as good an ahstract of title to his help, but he has the large black negro with the white eye, and that negro knows his place. He is fed, wa* tered and looked out for every day. The mules are locked up also, so that there is no frolicking over the country at night Kith the stock. Severs system is the rule and $20,00Q a year is the cotton crop, while the negroes themselves are any of them fat enough-to kill, and their happy songs in the cottonfields show that healthful discipline, regular hours and regular meals agree with them. •How anxiously the slow hours rolled along. Would midnight never come? Perhaps the ancient darky had fooled him, or failed in his attempt to reach the Union lines; or, worst thought of all, was the probability that his folly had been discovered and his comrades might not think him worth the rescue. "Your duty, Frank," was the simple answer. The heroine is strangely beautiful—in her lithographs— :inJ poses as an artist's model in one of the acts. It was very still during this scene. You could almCwt have heard a cough drop. After it was over, and the artist threw a piano ?over over the shor.lders of his model, the entire audience turned around and looneq m me witn a Keen, searcmng gUuce. "He always had preposterous idea* of Southern chivalry," the Major said, "and It only wanted the witchery of this woman to tip the 6cale of his unbalanced mind and land him headlong in ruin," a supposition $he younger man had not the courage to controvert. They buried them down by the ocean's spray. Where oft at night, so neighbors say. Is heard the plunk of a light guitar And the typical tune of Zanzibar. —John Philip Sousa in Analostan Magarlna. Not until the leafy month of June did Rosecrans assume the aggressive, presumably because he was deficient in cavalry, and our young knight fretted sorely because he could not use the spurs he had won so gallantly; but the time at last arrived when he had no cause to complain of inaction. "All right, Jack, I'll be there: but don't ask too many, for a lamb's leg isn't a very big bird, and a quart won't go far in a crowd." "What a staunch, true friend you are, Frank!" Hopkins said, admiringly. 'Well, for your sake I will give him the opportunity to prove your good opinion of -him, so go at once and send him to my quarters." "Never fear, man—just Ferguson, Ropes, you and I—sharp six o'clock, you know—be on time," Below the men who had purloined a small keg of whisky were getting quarrelsome over their cups. Now was the time to strike; If only Frank and his gallant boys would come; but, though he pressed his ear against a crack in the wooden wall and listened with breathless anxiety, there was no sound without save the moan of the wind and the fierce pattering of the sleety rain. It can readily be imagined, then, how his heart beat with renewed hope when on the afternoon of the 3d, while a fearful storm was raging, which will never be forgotten by those who shivered 'neath Its blasts, an old colored man crept into camp, anxiously inquiring for him. He bore a letter written on a crumpled leaf of paper and inclosed in an empty rifle cartridgeshell, which the wary messenger had carried in his mouth for security's sake and which he gravely assured Frank he would have swallowed if he had been caught by the enemy. Hastily unfolding it, Besant read the penciled lines: Realism in the Aadianee. Thespis—I have the shrewdest man** ger in New York. Charlie was on time, and so were Jack's other two guests. And Charlie Fulton accomplished his mission so well that within a week there came a telegram from Grant to Thomas: "I am coming. Can you hold out till I reach you?" To which the hero of Chickamauga replied: '"I will hold the fort till we starve to death at our posts!" With sixty thousand men the Union General advanced against Bragg, now entrenched at Chattanooga, and succeeded in maneuvering him out of his position early in September. Rosecrans' extraordinary delay excited universal criticism, especially after his splendid record up to that date. Having seized the city evacuated by the Confederates, and supposing Bragg to be in full retreat for Alabama, he advanced his whole force after him, but the Southern commander had been reinforced, and, being assured that Longstreet'B corps from Alabama was close at hand, resolved upon retaking Chattanooga, which, as a military position, was of vital consequence to either side. Both armies had become much scattered over the mountainous region; but on the 18th of September they were fairly concentrated upon the banks of the Chickamauga,or "River of Death," twelve miles from the coveted city. "You're admiring that stove, boys, I see," Jack said, making preparations for the coming meal, "neat but not gaudy, and not quite the thing to adorn a palace drawing-room. There's a history about it, too. Three of my fellows brought it in the other day, red-hot, with a batch of corn bread in the oven. Fact, I assure you. They'd found it in somebody's kitchen and presented it to me, as a token of their high esteem and a consideration for two pounds of Carolina cut-plug." I looked around also, as who should say, "Whom is it?" but that did not work. I was discovered. It taught me a lesson—this little incident. It was that he that advertiseth and billeth a town should not seek to conceal himself in an audience, especially if his lithograph shows a marked resemblance to him. Ranter—In what way? Thespis—Well, he has connected the seats with wires under the floor, and turns on a light current of electricity during the heavy parts. The audience mistakes the electricity for thrills.—New York Sun. ens, man, what is the matter? You're pale as death itself!" "Look!" Charlie cried, clutching his neighbor's arm convulsively. "What is that (.hey are dancing on—that thing— that carpet—what is it?" "It. is the Northern flag, my boy, the ■tar and stripes, they are trampling under foot!" was the exultant boast But what is that? The hoarse challenge of the sentry, followed by a groan—and all is still again. The revelers below had never even heard the sound, for their oaths and shouts were louder than ever. Then the crash of wood, and stamping and scuffling, and again the painful silence. He rushed to the door and beat upon it with his naked hand, fearful that after all they might not find him. Meanwhile there was rejoicing among Bragg's men, who looked down from the hills that surrounded the beleaguered city with the keen satisfaction of knowing that ere long its hungry defenders must give up their hopeless struggle. Jefferson Davis himself came Iq gloat on the pfize so near his grasp, and was so delighted with the prospect that he withdrew corps from the field, and sent him eighty mi tea away to wrest Knoxville from the clutch of Durnside. The Knights of Pythias held a conclave at Dallas while I was there. I wore a badge in order to be sociable, and by that means learned of different grips and signs of distress. I think now that I could work my %vay into a lodge if I could hav« time and a large corkscrew. _ King Hands with many strangers during the past year or two while traveling, and making a wide acquaintance, looking to any accidental ttjrn in affairs in 1893, I am struck by the large and varied number of grips given me which I am not able to classify. "Is your wife of a sunny dispositieitf'' "Yes, she makes it pretty warm for me Rometinies."—Detroit Free Preea. Too Mncli So. CHAPTER XIV. TH* PRODIGAL SO5 RETURNS. The Stone river is a sluggish stream, bordered by cedar-brakes, which flows with muddy waters through a swampy country four miles from Murfreesboro. "Friend Frank: I have been for some weeks » prisoner. This morning they moved me from Murfreesboru to s mill (our miles down the river from your camp. We are only under a guard of eight men and a sergeant, besides some Invalids, who won't count In a scrimmage. You and a dozen boys of the Fourth might readily effect a rescue If you think me worth the risk. Bragg has given orders for a retreat at daybreak, so If you don't hurry It will be all up with your unfortunate friend, Charlie Fcltob." "Guess it's done!" Ferguson said, opening the oven door and peeping lovingly at the luscious joint. Conscientious. In this way they have also very little temptation to monkey with the flowing bowl. Rum is highly injurious to the negro. While unquestionably beneficial to the white man, making him bright and highly conversational, it is not proper for the negro. It dulls his sensibilities and makes him almost coarse. 1 met one of them here in Texas who had become somewhat addicted to the use of liquor for medical purposes. He said that he lost his wife several years ago, and had been ever since trying to drown his Borrows in the flowing bowl. He admitted, though, that it ww sol a success. He said he bad drowned several of his more sickly and teeble sorrows in that Way. but he said they always swelled up fnd came to the surface on the following day bigger and more disagreeable than ever. "It isn't a very big one, "sighed Ropes," with lugubrious eye on the hungry aspect of his companions. On the 80th of December its placid banks are bristling with the armed men of two great forces—on its left, Bosecrans with fifty thousand warriors; on its right, between it and the city, Bragg with as many more. "Charlie!" "Frank!" The lock fell shattered by a blow, the door swung open, and with hysteric "Whatdldyou expect?" asked Gregory, indignantly. "A six-months' sheep isn't as bulky as a mastodon, but I guess there's enough for all, boys, so draw your stools around the festive board." itut Grant and {looker have come to the relief of the beleaguered force, and Sherman has tramped by forced march two hundred miles from Inka to share in the call ant strueele for victorv. I would think that a man who belonged to most all of the secret societies must have very little time to devote to his business after successfully remembering all the grips, signs, passwords, explanations, signals, rituals, work of degrees, constitutions, bylaws, reports of committees, initiations, communications and new business, good of the order, violation of obligations, opening odes, manual of arms, laying of corner stones, and funeral services. If 1 had all these in my head I could just about remember the combination of my safe, but I would not be mentally adequate to anything further than that. If it rained, some good friend who had my best interests at heart would probably have to take me by the hand and bring me in. Rewarding the faithful negro beyond his wildest expectations, Frank hurried to the Major with his glad tidings, but to his surprise his senior evinced no especial signs of gratification. The battle opened on the 10th, and all that day there was hot fighting, with no pronounced result. During the night that followed Longstreet's corps arrived, and he was given command of the Confederate left, Polk being assigned to that of the right, while opposing them Thomas led the Union left, and Rosecrans in person the right. ' Rosecrans has said: "1 will mass my strength on the left, and crush the enemy's right." What a lovely day was the 23d of November! Who, that was present, will forget the glorious sun, that glinted on Thomas' division, as his regiments mustered, as if on parade, dressed in their best uniforms, with flags flying and martial music filling the air with boastful strains? The Confederate pickets leaned on their muskets on lookout mountain and Missionary Ridge, and smiled as they beheld the picturesque display. But suddenly their smiles are inrned to looks of alarm; for in a minute the Union line breaks into a doublequick, and the gay review is changed into a battle, and ere they can recover their surprise, they are driven back, and Orchard Knob, is-in theChandsof a Union force. As ho spoke he plunged his knife into the dainty viand. Bragg has re-echoed the words: "J will strike them on the right with my left" "Great Scott, but it's toughl" he gasped, as he wrestled with its stringlike sinews. "You are a little too sanguine, Frank, my boy," he said, gravely, "trot though we are relieved of the pain of believing the young man is voluntarily absent from our ranks, the onus yet remains on him to prove how innocently he fell into captivity. Yon see, now the Colonel is wounded, the command of the regiment devolves on me for the time being, and, considering the responsibilities of my position, I do not for the life of me see how, if you brought him back, knowing what I do know, I have any other alternative man to pi ace nun under arrest and court-martial him." ' The dawn of {be 81st was wrapped in a dense fog: and Bragg, eager fo secure the advantage of striking first, dashed furiously on the Federal right, of which two division* fell back, losing their guns and leaving many prisoners behind But Sheridan's brave fellows stand like a rock beaten by the waves: and by this tremendous effort Bosecrans is enabled to form his line afresh, on which, from the cedar-brakes they had won, the Confederates hurl themselves with gallant recklessness. Four times they charge: four times they are repulsed when the cry is, "Breckenridge comes with seven thousand men," and twice again they rush to the attack, but Northern firmness stands the shock of Southern dash, and before they can again re-form, night hi pity draws a mantle o'er the scene. Qn New year's day both armies rested from the conflict. It was tough, but it was meat, and those hungry men devoured it with a relish, polishing the bones till they were as devoid of fiber as though some naturalist had prepared them for his museum. On the dawn of the 20th the furious onslaught began. Like a rushing torrent Longstreet's men cast themselves as though each had a hundred lives upon the gallant ranks that Rosecrana led. Again, again, again—each time with madder fury, till, yard by yard, they drive them back and break their line. In vain Hopkins and Besant rally their men to superhuman effort- The tide of battle 1b against them and they can not withstand its irresistible force. Deaf and Dumb Dick—Say, ttill, M dat bloke? Blind Bill—Naw; I never sees nothin* durin' business hours.—Judge. "It's the first satisfying meal I've had for three days," Ropes declared, contentedly. "Now, Jack, tip us a can of your groceries, and let us light our pipes. Thank Providence there's lots of tobacco left among our crowd yet." I said that was a good simile. ue said bf dKta't knoWwhat it was, but it waD bo. A Fatal Spree. De Mascus—Is it true that Jaily is oft on a blowout? 1 found that he was talkative, and so I conversed with him. He said that ha had got all his work done up ahead and got all over the rush before I came, so that he could have a Tea) good visit with me when I got here. I judged that it had been several years since he had been busy, however. St. Agedore—Partly true, yes. He's dead. "Say, boys, did you hear what a guy lanky Simpson got off on Thomas at Chickamauga?" Jack asked with a twinklo in his eye. Ax - "Oh, sir, surely you would not proceed to such extreme measures!" "How?" The next day Hooker charged the fortifications on Lookout mountain, and drove them beyond its crest, winning the famous "battle above the clouds"; while twenty-four hours later he charged their lines on Missionary Ridge, with Sherman pounding on their flank. "Blew out the gas."—St. Joseph News. "I am afraid I should, Frank, and, if I did, it would go far to kill his poor father, who now lies in a very critical condition. I guess we had better let this young fellow paddle his own canoc for a time—a dose of (4bby prison will go a long way to ameliorate his highflown sentiments on Southern chivalry." "That is not spoken like Major Hopkins."THE LOCK FELL SHATTERED BY A JJLOW. And who are those two horsemen galloping at headlong speed from the extreme right, with their horses' heads turned toward Chattanooga? "No, what was it? spit it out, man." joy Fulton clasped the hand of his deliverer."Why, he went up to the General with a doleful face, and reported that he'd lost a battery of six new guns, which the enemy had taken after a fierce assault. He said that Texas was advancing rapidly, he thought, in the matter of civilization. I said "Yes?" with a rising inflection. He said that she was now safely past the crisis, he thought, between the customs of the cliff dwellers and finger bowls. "Some of us, of c'oee, is raw jit, but we are advancing. 1 would like to have you the guest of our club here this evenin', sah, if you will comedown—the Upper Congo club it is called, sah. We run it on economical principles, sah, but it is a quiet, homelike place, whah you kin go for a hour or two, check you old razor i'and in join youseff." Rowne de Bout—Prepare to be surprised. I met Upson Dowries this morning, and he had dollars! Profit and Lou. Mrs. Jinks—Our woman's rights society is going to erect a monument to Queen Isabella. We hold that America owes its discovery to a woman, for had it not been for Isabella, Columbus would not have been furnished with ships and sailors. Honor to Whom Honor Is Due. "Quick, my boy," Besant cried. "One fellow got away and will give the alarm. It will be all we can do to get back to camp with whole skins tonight.""General Rosecrans and Garfield, his chief of staff! What does this mean?" Colonel Hopkins cried to Frank in stern dismay as they rested at a cross-roads to allow their scattered men time to gather round their standard. Hoffman Howse—I'm- not surprised at all—that is, if you met him shortly after he left me!—Puck. " 'Did you spike them, sir?'the General demanded. Grant stood on Orchard Knob watching the turns of battle. With eagle eye he sa%v that his enemy's weak spot lay in his center, as he had to sacrifice its strength to support his flanks. On this he determined to launch Thomas' corps. On the 2d, Bragg made some demonstrations to find out what Buell meant to do, and why he had not, as he bo fully expected, sounded a retreat. He eoon learned to his cost. The Northern had made his position a ibitadel, from which he could rally Strike at any point, or break the fury of tUs cfcMVtoff foe, ... They were not a bit too soon, for as they reached the opposite bank of the river they heard the clatter of galloping horses on the Murfreeshoro road. "Are any of our fellows injured?" Charlie asked, anxiously. " 'Naw, I didn't. They was too new and good for spiking, sir.' Bather Difficult. "Nor is it spoken by Major Hopkins, but by the acting-Colonel of a regiment, whose fair fame shall never be stained while I command. If my own dead son were here alive to-day, and he had done what Charles Fulton has, I would order him under arrest without an in- "They find the road they are taking impracticable and are coming this way," Btsant replied, as the riders wheeled their horses and made for the cross-roads. Mr. Winks—America owes more to another woman than to Queen Isabella. Mrs. Jinks—Indeed! What other woman?Tom—It is almost impossible to control a habit! May—Yes; particularly a riding habit. —New York Herald. " 'Not spike them!' Thomas roared. 'Then, what in thunder, fellow, did jrou do?' Tho signal of attack was arranged— six cannon shots, flred at intervals of two seconds. " 'Just rallied round a bit and charged, and took 'em back again!' the Westerner drawled, while even the General's grim features relaxed into a smile." "Not a scratch. We just bftwled them over like nine-pins," was the gay reply. It Was not till tbev had reae.hod a As they reached the spot where Hopbins and Frank stood thev halted. Mr. Winks—Old Mrs. Columbus. Had it not been for her there would have been no Christopher.—New YorkWeekly. Impartial. "Whose cigars does Carver smoked "Anybody'b. "—Puck. (TO BJB CONTINUED }