Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, August 15, 1875, Page 3

__ THE CHICAGO' 'RIBUNE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, ‘1875, ~SIXTEEN PAGES. 3 THE VIGILANTS' MISTAKE: or, Ctrflll]:ulunnnjl' Erlfl;:l::- Thornb: in Lippincott's Maganine ugust. ik O HAPTER L. i Stsples served in the eavalry during ‘Bebellion, avd went through the Valley with ridao. At the close of the War he left the oo with an honorable discharge in bis pocket ¥ yud very bttle else. Ho bad achieved peithor rtune. He Ind done a ealdier’s duty be or fo! mr:"! avd iotelligently. There were no inens in his family. His father and uncles o mea of sirong convictions. They Liad kopt T fag of froedom fisiog i thoumpropitions sy when it did not pay, but when the ctiange ' were torust aside by the howling der- e e T lovents Loar. So Frank was i oted nor breveted. There was Tom ;fi:‘;‘;fl Dad two brevets thrust upon him— for distngoished services in muster- :” the troops of the United States in, m‘i tho otber for mustering them out. were others of Fraok's college- suma who were breveted for actions in which Je wss, but they were not. ¥ Tt wss imperative that he should do something Jara liselihood. Goiog back to tho legal studies Jé1ag sbsndoned 8 yoar before he would bave boen sdmitced to the bar was out of tho ques- fon. Soldiering bad spoiled bim for any seden- tary occupstion. He conld not stand the con- fnement of ofice-work. Ho felt that ho must fiod some puzenit which would give him plenty of exercise, A horse must necesaarily be one of tho toais of bis new trade. _He koew nothing of farming. Joe Hemphill, who was much in the same position us Frank, suzgestod that tho cat- llorado was just the thing for them. Frank's gacle Asshel gave bim two thonsaud dollsrs as & wgtarter,” Joo pift in 8 like amount, and they went inko the cattlo-business.” Tn tbe spring of 186~ Fraok was on DLis way to meet his partner ob the lower gio Grande. Joo had gobe into Texas (o bur becf<cattlo, which they intended to drive together to Colorado for & mar- ket. Frank was riding along slowly to- cool his porse before watering bim at the next stage-sta- tion, where ho ntended restiog for a few hours aod expending & dollar and & half for what is called dinner in those parts. He was about 2 mijes from the ranch when he was joined by a ginnger mounted on & tough-looking, *glass- eyed” Indian pony. The sirangér waa quite a good-locking fellow, 6 feet in his stockings, with 3 large fair face, great blue eyes, a profusion of * Jight bair, which Le allowed to grow long, fron- tier fachion, to keep his ears from freezing in the wiotrs cold winds of che lanas. He had a maguficent flowing beard of the same color as his beir; it reached below his breast. His dress was not studied, but it was certainly picturesque. Ho wore 8 broad-brimmed som- brero of gray felt with a2 band of red rib- bon; & blue woolen shirt faced with red, with Iarge mother-of-pear] buttons ; trousers of buck- gkin, with long fringes at the sides, and high poota srmed with immense Metican spurs. A long larist of dressed hide was curled at his saddlo-bow. A brosd leather belt with a large giver buckle supported two army revolvers and abowie-kvife. The pistols huog one at each hip —the left with the stock to the front, the right with the stock to the rear—80 a8 to be ** jerked ont” with tho least poasible tromble or delay. Tle bowie-knife bung midway between the **ix- ghooters.” Buspended from bia wrist was an Indian whip. In short, his frontier * make-up was upexceptionable. The stranger was evidently a Texan. A fiver specimen of physical maohood could uot ve found anywhere. He rode to Frank's side ip zn off-band, cheery sort of a Way, and bringing his horsatos walk, said langhungly, “I tell ver whas it is, straoger, yer must be s heap better nider than I be if yer can ride with them al- ‘mixbty long stitrups.” P Frank was not shocked by this abrupt opening of conversation. He had been long enough on the frontier to know that the children of the wilds are not in the babit of pusting_on gloves, either physically or me:a- Pphysically. *-Ilike s very lomg stirrup,” he answered ; 1 want my toe barely to touch it.” “Tdon't like & short etirrup, nutber,” the etranrer said, * but seams to me them’s a’'most 100 long, Dow, stranger.’ s *I fell into the babit of riding with & long stirrup in California,” said Frank, ‘‘and have not been ablo to got over it since. In fact, the stirrup is of very liwtlo use to ma. If a horse Licks up or bucke with me, L let go the stirrups.” And swting the action to the word, he drew his feet ont of the stirrups, There was very little vanity 1o Frank's composition. 1f he could be considered vain on auy t, however, that point was hie horsemauship. The stranger had siruck the nght chord at the first touch. “Ireckon ‘tain't opsafe, siranger,” conde- scendingly rejoined he of the blonde beard. ©1 haven't found it 80.” 4 XNow, don't yar find it & sorter fatignin’ 7" + Not @xeopt on very long trips. But when 1 ride thirey miles or over, L usually take up a hole atier dinper.” 1 thonght yer did, stranger—I thought yer &f;" and he indulfred in & sort of triumphant chockle. *“ Now,” he continued, * I've done s beap o'ridin’ in my time—i ueed to be & horse- breaker myself—sand I tell yer, suranger, yer jest take up them thar stirraps a little and you'll ride s heap easier—see if yer dbn't.” ‘ihers was sifence between them for s moment, The free-and-easy compsuion broke it with, b fivin' to bev a bite up youder * “ Me too, Thunderin' poor hash ! Bcraps of jerked buffalo-mest, warm doush, and mud coffee. Have to psy for it, thoogh—whew!” And bs guvo a long crescendo whistle, *Wemust bave something to stay our stom- whatever it costs.” | “Gow'to stay over, neighbor ?" “I think not. I sball probably s ‘wtl 3 or 4 o'clock, and then «a 23 Borgsville in the cool of the afternoon.” “You've got » pretty good animal thar.” “Yes,” suid Frauk, patting his chestout sorrel with white star and M-cvhinfia. “ Littte Phil has plenty of ‘get-up® to him “‘Yon bet! There's a heap o’ jump in thoss : How'll yer trado, strangar 7" I *I won's tradet I would not give Little Phil ifor 8 bettar horse.” i “Now,” said his compaion, *that's Jest like aue. Money wouldn't buy old Spectacles here;” be affectionately caressed his bald-faced, “calico” "pony, He's & besutiful walker, stranger, ho is; and yer know thas it's “.J‘hn tells in a horse, after all. Jest try him." s+ Thank you: T don't care to try him.” $ Woé. now I'm off, let ms straddle that thar 'fl;:l o' ‘y’:uru." « ing. 8 complaisant disposition, Frank eomplied. They thus reached the ranch, and Pasted the atation-keeper on their way into the Sortal, eross-mounted—Frank on the glass-eyed ;“clioo,” aud the stranger on Little Phil. 1u thoss primitive regions every mau is his room. The station-keeper never moved pozition, He told them, almost with- ou¢ tarning his head. where the stable was, .':‘Hl the water was, wherd the corn-crib was, ,40d canoluded with ** Dinner in five minutes.” ! After they had watered their horses and given .80 carn and bay, the travelers wont into the nnflgg'n and washod ‘st 3 wooden trough bunged i Atorncob. The dirtiest piece of common il'luyu ever uz this rench faruished, and the i thed comb. hgu dinner was better than Frauk expeoted = the acconnt given him by his companion. ¥a3 nothing to brag of, 1t is true, but a twen- tr-uile ride before dinner is an excellent sppo- b & The travelors were joined at their meal m‘:‘ umnl:;mg:n‘hna : u;.unnaumhb,’{hm m 10w 6ir independence oo} g their hats frmly on their hesds. They pon: ucted themselves with the lofty diguity of Topular boarders, aod campletely ignored the l"m?nuol’flw strangers. Frank est batween of them. They ook 1o notioe of his poiite ofers of dishes, and seemed sublimaly mnoon- :fim ot his presence. They talked across him atters golely concerning the station, their ot Stances, and themselves. - ¥rank felt his ocoority 88 & mere outside arbarian who did belong at « Grasehopper Station,” but it did 1ot hurt nis appetite much. er ended, Frank's new acquaintance left, Jfer wishing bim s plessant journey. Fraok 'ydownona wooden bench in the apartment ¥hich tarved for. , dining-room, and recep- Smrpuslor, sad slept’ soundly watil about & 00m, washed himself at the dirty | theos pald for his entertainment, and went w0 {8 stable to eaddle * Little Pnil.” To his utter ih.d*'""z-uuil;:ml,mnfil i the stable ¢ n?s.d ion's -faced, as8-8y TIODster was. Frank's eaddle was 'on the Peg had placed it bus that of beardod aequaintance bad disap- A sudden weskness, a- fealing of . G ‘momes, f:‘ur Frank, Hg felt that he was ioeffabl i Wi Littlo Phil was lost to him. He went back to the ranch to question the station-kesper.before ac- cepting .fnally the disagreeabla fact that the blovde-bearded, blue-eyed six-footer was neither more nor less than a horse-tbisf, and a'very mean rasesl to boot., “Why, stranger,” asked the lan3lord, *what's the matter? Yer mn't been tuck bad or hurt, bey ver; Frank wasas pale asa chost. Indoed, it seemed to him at that moment that he bad as Jittle back- bone 21 the siriest ghost that ever sneaked back into the glimpses of the moon. ‘' Where is my borse ?" he asked, _“In the stable, I ’pose,” answered the sta- tion-keeper. *“No." eaid Frank, shakiog his hoad wistfully. **What ¥ enid tho station-keeper. **Siranger, you must be crazy.” He went to the stable and Jooked in. ‘*What the devil do yon mean,” cried be, *Your liorse is there, all Tight.” Then he added in a lower tone, “I wonder if the darned fool's loony ?"" _“Thavspot my horse,” said Frank, shaking his head. _“Not your horse? TI'll take my oath on the Digreat Bible ever waa got up I saw you ride him to tae stable.” “Did yon gee that long-bearded scoundrel who came in with me, leave 7 1 did." “What horea did he ride?” “The same Le rode iu on. Frank’s heart went down with a sudden plunge. The matter was no_ louger in douot; he ander- 8i00d 1t all. Poor little Phil was gone for ever. To ovortake him with the glass-eyed guadruped after three hours’ atart was beyond all hope. Fiank told Lis host the story of bis mectiog with the blue-eyed horse-thief a0d his foolish change of hormes. As he proceeded the siation-keeper eved him more and more fiercely to the.end of his story. Toen he stepped inside the door of the ranch and eame out sgain, armed with » Henry e. +*Friend,” said he, ““that story is too darned thin. I want vou to it out o’ here. You don’t put up poue of your jobs on me. You git after our chum. 88 quick a8 the Lord will let yer. 'his yere ranch is no horse-thieves' boardin' bonse. If you think yon're goin’ to scaro any money out o' me, you're mistaken. I sin't no fightt‘x,?' character, but I don't skeer worth a cenf Frank was too much annoyed and humiliated to resent this . He told the landlord very bumbly that he was mistakeo—that what be bad told him was the plain truth. He made noclaim against him, and wauted nothiug from himu bt to be informed which way his late com~ panion bad taken. “He left tha way you both come,” said the host; *‘and, friend, if what yom say is true. you'ro the sottest chicken that ever was plucked in _ thess parte, But, dam my skin! T can’t believe they rase aich in_the United States. Even the greenest New Yorker I ever soe ont yare couldn’s be fooled that way." Frank saddled Srectacles with a heart fail of bitterness. He felt as1f he could have shot the poor brute. He nad never kicked an aoimal in bis Iife, but he came terribly near it then. His better nature reasserted itself, however. *‘Poor animal!” thought be, “1t's not your fanls if your late master is a horse-thief and your pres- ent one a fool.” ‘He mouanted Spectacles, and without any fur- ther words with the s:ation-keeper rode back on the trail of the ravisher of his lamented Little Phil. He had noclear :dea why be did so._ But 10 go on to Boggsville wonld be to give up Lite Phil forever, and that be conld not maks up his mmnd to do—as yet. He_istinetively sought surcesso of sorrow in rapid motion, and, driving bis spurs_rowel-deep in poor Specs’ flanks, he dashed off at fall speed. < Specs, though ‘s rum 'ua to look at” like most povies of Indian sotecedents, was pot, after all, a very *bad 'un to_go.” Bot after a few milea’ he slackened his Ppace, and at the ssme moment_ Frank heard the clatter of rapidly-approaching hoofs behind him. Hereined up for s moment to reconnoitre the new-comers. Two men were ridiog rapidly toward him. They made no sigs, they did not hail him, bat he neard the report of a pistol and the unmistakable whiz of a bullet close to his ear. [t was what they used to term in the army a **close call,” and conld bave been meant for no- body but for him. .He pulledup, and_turning his horse toward the persons approaching, drew hid pistol and spapped it, determined to gve them shot for shot. Tue cap failed to explode. His pistol bad not been very well cared for. Indeed, he aid ot expect to have occasion to use it. « The cylinder would not revolve. Before he could disangage it his pursuers wers at either sids of bim, bolding pistols to his head. “ Don’s buage!’ shouted vne of them; “if you move a finger you're a dead man!” . “Surrender!” cried the second: “it's your only show.” - Frank had no conrse left but compliance; so hesaid. I smrender, gentlomen, since you insist apon it, and I do not want to be shot for nothing, But I ewear to you 'm the mcst as- tonished man in the world. You do not look a3 if you were joking.” “Joking " smd tho first mpesker. *If you don't say this thing's no joke before yon're throngh with it, I'lt agree to keep you company on the devil's underground railroad to-morrow morning.” - “I'mglad he's takin' it sesible, anyhow,” said tho second. “It saves s heap o trotible. Now, jest hand over that shootin™-iron o’ yourn, liks & nice, quict Chnstian gentleman as you aro. s Frank tendered his pistol to the speaker. “Ah! damn it! none o' that " “ Drop that darned thiugl” . The two cocked revolvers almost touched Fraok’s bead, *“Now, hand over that there six-shooter buit- foremost. there's a good little man.” B ** Will you have the goodness to tell me now, gentlemen, what is tle meaning of all this 2" *Ob, you needn't play innocent; you know blamed well what it means.” #If you waat money, [ have no more than is neceseary for my traveling expenses.” “ We don’t want yer money.” ¢ Why, then, am 1 thus stopped on the publio road, and my life threatened 7" “You'll find all that ont when you get back to Boggeville.” “Idon’t want to go to Boggaville. 1 loge 8 valuable horse if I do not go on to big Bend to- nighe.” 4 ‘They seemed to enjoy this last rémark huge- Iy: *You loee a horse, certainly, friend, but_he 80 derned valuable as he might be. But Dutch Bill will be glad enough to git him.” “YWell, we can't lay here bladgin' ali night. *Twill take us till dark to git to Boggaville,* They tied Spectacles with lariats to their sad- dle-bows, and permitted Prank, in consideration of his good couduct in the matter of surrender, they smd, to ride the pony to the town. If he had been trouolesome, they added, they would havo made him walk all the way, if they had tot « lot daylight throngh him.” They caneed him toride between them. A drawn revolver om either side made escape impossible, had he wish- ed to attempt it. He did not, however, for he was oonvinced the whole thing wass mistake, aud must certainly be cleared up before long. As they rode on be told them his story, They evi- dently did not believe & word of it. When they reached the stage-ranch, the lazy station-kespar was loaning against the door in his ngual position. Frank's caplors questioned him as to what he koew of the matter. Hia statement, that Frank arrived at the house in company with another man, and that when he arnived he rode the same norse he was now tiding, seemed to be conclu~ 8ive with them. **That settles it;” said one whom Frank had heard addressed by bis companion as *‘ Nibba.” *Let us bé moving." . ‘Bottles what 7" asked Frank, somewhat anx- onsly. «Thas you're u—ying to stuff us with an infer- nal story about your horse bein’ changed while in the stabla here, when you came here tidin’ the very animal you are straddlin’ now.” + But I have explained how that occurred.”: % s \yell, yon can explain is to Datch Bill, sod geo v‘r‘har.hn- your explanation is Katistastory to “Yho is Dutch Bill, and what has ho to do 'ihhon’;a e t 'h ; only that's his pony yer pot much 3 i ridin’, and it was siole with two other horses last Tuesday night.” < . . Prank saw his_position nowas Iif a flash of Hightning had suddenly revealed it o him. He was arrested a8 & horse-thiof | - Andappearances were strong enongh against him to convinte an @xcited community of bia guiit. v He knew that suspected horeetbioves got scant justics and short shrift. In an Esstern paper he had sen an acconnt of the lynchi two men by in- furiatad citizens in the civi State of Ohio, znd be remembered that it was two years be< fore « the y unocence - of » the » victims , was discovered." Then #t* was - only by ‘ the coufeasion on his deatibed of the perpetrator of the ezime, who had aided in hsnging the sups posed culprits. *Can’t you tell an honest man from a thief?” crisd B turning indignantly towatd his dap~ tors, Tl be 'derned ef I kin, nowadays,” replied Nibbo T WEeR T was youmion T skt fotak { oould; but I'Ye met mo many pions-lookin; derned thieves in my time thst Idon’tgos e trail tho orsemen ooming in on & froxm @ast now hailed them, | i ~ % Jake,” sald Nibbs to his sompanica, “Hare's Big Steve's party. The horses your chum's got belong to Steve,” ho said, turning to Fronk. “The horse he has belongs to mo,” asid Frank. ‘‘Hain’t you dropped that yet?” said Jake; “it’s about time.” They balted to await the arrival of Big Steve. *“Halloo!™ said Steve—hea was the biggeat of the party, 8o Frank supposed he mus: be Steve— ¢ 30u've got somethiug, ain’t yer?" 8 Duifion'l 1" gnid a second, ‘*if that ain’t Duteh Bill's glass-eved *plagl 1" - 1Le newcomers eyed poor F.ank with no very friendly expression; - ~ * “Did you strike any trace of my animals?” askod Big Steve. F “Yes.” anawerod Nibbs ; and indicating Frank by a nod and a wink, he continued: * He's got a chum who has gone to the northward with the rest of the stock. Ho was goin’ after bim when wo got bim—unless it's 'a blind. Says his chum ‘plaved sharp on him—took the Lest noimsls while this one was aslesp, and left lum Bu1'a old nag.” **What & derned scoundrel the other one must be!™ sud Bteve. “He's pretty sharp, anyhow.” And thev all Isughed beartily at what they acemed to consider an excellent joke. I you pash cn right lively, Stove, you may git him somewhere about Biz Bend. After s turow-off on his partner he'll feel pretiy safe, and thiuk he's blurred the trail.” “We'll get him if horsoflesh’ and lesd kin doit,” said Bteve. *‘Take care of your- gelves.” And Big Steve and his party put spurs t0 thelr horses aud weot off at a gallop. _“S}wu&du't wonder if they got him, Nibba,” sai . ¥ ope to God they may!” said Frank, 1t won't ~ave you, friend,” smd Nibbs. *Bat I s'pose ‘miscry loves company. He's treated You derned mean.” *Yes," said Jake, “*he's played it on you pret- ty low down, and I don't wonder you'd like to koow be was h'isted, or sure 1o be, before you The horrid word tolled throngh Frank's brain tike deatb-knell. The territle figare of Juge Lynch, rope in hand, loomed up in gloomy hor- ¥or before his mind’s eve. A suddor weakness came over bim. He falt 85 if o wanted to e down aud rest and close bis eyes, Ho feared ho should full from tho saadle. By a great offort he shook off thé fecl- ing after a muwuto or two. He determived to meet bis fare boidly and take matters as coolly #8 it was poasibla for him 10 do. CHAPTER IL Tt was sunset when the party reached Boggs- vilie. That new and thriviog towa consisted of about forty babitations, underground and over- ground, *‘dug-outs,” and shanties of mud, wood, and canvas. They stopped before a wooden structure which bore tbe following sign : BALOON AND RESTORENT. BY JACOB GRINSLEY, X—~L—C—R. They were soon surrounded by a crowd of carious spectators, men, women, and cbildren. These were very much exciled, and proposed hanging ™ the borse-thief " at once, but Nibbs and Jake drew their revolvers and kept off the crowd. ‘ Evervthing's got w0 be done oo the squsre,” said -Jake. ‘ He must have & fair trial before the Comunittes. And he basn't hod his sapper yet. You wouldn't hang & man on an empty stomach, would you ?" “Vat rou prings dare 7" said a stout, dwarfish Dutchman, with'a scrabby red board, who now approached the party. * Yoar old glusa-eyed plug, Bill,” said Nibbs. “Ah! by duoder! You dosh vell, Shake, Vare you gits him?” ““YWe got him between the stage-ranch and Big Bood. Dismonnt, friead. and go into the house with Nibbs, We'll have some supper presently.” “Ah! dish be de Gott tam tief 2" =aid Dutch Bill, and he approached Fraok snd tried to kick . him. Frank canght his assailant’s short, stampy leg, and, lifting it bigher than bis bead, threw him over in a gronod and lofty somersault, and a8 he revolved applied hia_boos vigorously to tha broadest portion of the Dutchman's body. Bill gave a howl, loud and long, ns he went to grass. A Joud laugh followed his misadventurs. ** Barved you right, Bill,” eaid Jake. *‘Iwant no more o that. The man's behaved pratty woll since he was tuck, even if ho isa horse~ thief. He's in my charge now, and nobody mast offer 0o violsnoa to him, unless by the Commit~ tee's orders.” % o * You've a pretty good saddle,” said Nibbs as he unsaddled the pony. * Isit yourn or yer chum's ? he askod with a rogunish leer. *+ Mine,” answerad Frauk. ** When the scoun=~ drel who is_tbe csuse of my trouble changed horses he didn't chauge saddles.” “Ia'pose,” eaid Nibbs, ** Imight have the use of it until—a—you need it ? You ain't likely to need it very eoon, you know."” « You may nse it till I need it,” said Frank, ‘who saw he bad better make a virtue of neces- gity. It struck him, however, that if Nibbs were one of his judges he might be biased by the reflection that if Frank were acquitied he would reclaim the saddle. * Here, B Ii, take yer pony.” Dutch Bill, who by this time had pick- ¢d bhimself up, came foreard, rubbiog his most pruminent points: “I glums dat sattle pees ou mein boay ven he pe shtoles,” “You want another tumble, that's what you waot,” gad Nibbs; “‘and I'm derned if I don't give you one if you don’t take your old pony aud clear ont.” Supper was resdy when they entered the house, and the table was preity fwil. Frank was told to sit down snd ‘“eat hearty.” Another. member of the Vigilance Committes of Boggs- ville relieved Jake and Nibbs in charge of him. The sentnel stood over hum while be ate. Frank astonistied himself by making quite a gaod sup. per. He felt much bétter after he had eater stronger and more hopeful. He smoked a cigar hamh’-Ad left, and was soothed by the dieamy we After everybody had'had his postecenal smoke, there was some consuitation in a coruer of tho room, and then the guests dispersed. Nibbs told ~ Frank his trisl beforé the Viguance Committes would take place immediately in the *City~Hall,” and they “had better walk over there pretty soon.” He consoled Frank for bewng disturbéd o soon after dupper by assuring bum that “it couldn't take Jong, nobow.” ¥rank was conducted by his guard, Nibbe and Jacob Grimsley, to the City-Hall, s crazy struct- tre of hoards—a mers shell, without flooring or window-frames. It was dimly lighted by a few very dirty tallow éandles, whioh tickered in the wind, and, ominous sign, wrapped themselves all around with windiog eheets. There was a doisidersble number of people in the * hall ™ when Frauk and his guardiang arrived, but it waa some minutes before theycommeuced ** busi- ness.” A tall red-beaded individual 1n sbirt- aleeves and pipe in mouth entered. Nibbs told Frank it was Tom Boggs, the Clisirman of the Committee, who was. to preside as Judge in bis case. Hig appearance was not such as £o fnspiro Ednnk with much confidencs in his legal know}- ga. Tom Boggs took lis judicial seat on a ohair raised on an_old .couuier st one end of the room. Ho called the sssembly to ordet by three 'knooks ‘on the counter with his boot-heel. The other members of the Committee, with the exanfion of Jake and Nibbe, composed **the jury,” and saton the cotnter on either side of the ** Judge.” The Seoretary of the Committee scted as Clerk of the Court. “ Mr. Secretary, what's the indictment ag'in the pris'ner ?” asked Judge Boggs. * Horse-stealin’,” snswared the Sectetary. “ Let's hov the witnosses.” said the Judge. Dutch Bill waa first called. ** Now, Bill,” said the Judge. “ yon tell the truth, a’help yer God, and don’t be long about it. Jest tell us what yer know, and don't tell na nothin’ yer don't know.” . *Zo helb mein Gott!” sald Bill;. “und how can 1 dell vat ¥ don't knows, shoodge 7 ‘* Well, don't go on jawin', but tell us whut you know about this vere business,” said Tom Boggs ratber testily, ““Vat I koows? Some tam schountrel he shdeals meln bony.” 3 “Don't be- 8o free with _yer dams be(flmhfim 'c&;uxt," satd ‘Tonslfiogga in an sagry tone. * It's contempt, and I'll be damay i Tstand ie."” 2 i *I means no condempt, shoodge,” sald Bill Ppenitently, 4 ¢ & Allnght, then. Go ahead!™ Ope of the jurors—a little man with s head shaped like a penr, and » light, peakéd beard— Do rose, and with a conntenance that denoted somo ¥ery important commaunication, said with impressive solemolty, “* Mr. President, before ;r: p{?oeoe,:i soy farther T ehould like to sk one stion. % Tom Boggs turned toward the speaker, u whom sll eyes were nosw fixed. i N P - % Wall, then, ask it,” said Tom. : Everybody waited in husked expectation for something very weighty from the little man. 1 shonid lixe to know,” sald b6 in 3 tone &8 solemn 25 & faneral bell, and looking around him with a self-satisfied sir, a8 if he were about to make and snanswerable “ point,”—* I ghonld like to know if this yere courtis open?™ - . ., - Tom Boggs turned his back upon the speaker, inkment . ad = alat T ey appointment % and - -~ aculated the pregnant mondeyllable i'i“mfi‘ English bravity designates the infornal ‘regions. Nearly every one present joied him in chorus, ‘I3 sin's shub, 2obow, cantinued. Boggs ; *¢knd dis- 1 don't make no difference, anyway. We ain't got any time to _wasto with such derued foal-non- sense. Go on, Bill.* ‘The pear-headed little man collapsed. Bill went on with hisstory : **Vell, aome dief he shjesie main; bony, non ) sces bim xo more undil to-night, ven I\IPE‘ and Shake gooms pack, uid Nipps ha sty, ‘ I'ill, here’s your class- eod blug ;' und he gives mé de bony, put he keebs de sattlo and pritle.” > ? “+ That ain't got nothin’ to do with it inter- rupted Nibbs; * the saddle aad bridle warn't yourn."” % 5 5 + Vell, dey pees on mein bony. ‘ You be—" . 2 Tom Bogge' boot-heel struck the connter with & crash, and out off the end of the senterce. “ Order 1" he shouted, * or I'll hev to throw s0me 0 you cusses out o’ the winder,” “Whatolse do you know smbout it, Binz" asked the Becretary. * Vell, 1 knows nicht more apout dat.” : * Prisoner, do you want tu 0ross-examine the witness ?” asked Judge Boggs. * No, rir,"" was Prank’s anawer. 7 Who's th> next witness ? " e, said Nibba. i @ evidehce shall be given, ete., 8ta.” help me God 1" « Howl away, then.” “ Tho Committee allowed that me and Jake wuz to 1ake the northern trail after the animals wuz stole. We fust struck. tracks st the stage- station, whore two fallers tuck dinner. One of ‘om, mounted on a fing sorrel, started fifm atier diuner. '[other ove, who rode a glass-eyed cpdico pony, bad only left a fow moments before we got thar, Bo Jake and me we‘amt. spurs o our horses aad lit out after him. We recognized the pony, from tho station-keeper's description, to be Bill's old nsg. We Soon kem in sight o' the priz'nur thar makin’ the liveli- est wracks he could out ’o the four legs under him. We hailed him, and be turned round and seed us, and he didn't go no slower, I kin tell ver. Then I sent a bullet after hiln, and that stopped him, sud he turned round aud fired right at us. Wae got up to him before he counld fire ag'in, and tuck him. Then he told us a dog- goned fdol-stary, 83 how t'other one stole his norse and left 'him this 'un, and how he waz sgom’ after him then. But wa told bim it wuz t00 thin, And the station-keeper told us bow Le kem to the ranch on a calico, and t'otber one was mounted on & sorrel.” . A timid member of the jury mildly suggested that what, the station-keaper 8aid was only hear- sny. Judge Bogge decided that, as the station- keeper saw the prisover como in on the pony, his story wes not hearssy, He asked Frank if ha wiskod to cross-axamine the witness. Frank said: *‘The witness states that X fired at him, ‘He has my pistol. Let bim produce it, and it will be seen that no ehot was fired from i The pistol was domanded and produced. There were 8ix loadsinit; it had not been dis- cherged. »Well, that beats cock-fightin'! I could bas sworn on s ten-foot Bible thet I beard the report and the whiz of the bullet,” eaid Nibbs, Judge Boggs decided, bowever, that as * the caphad beon snapped it wasn't the prisoner's famt that he didn't shoot,” and tho will must be taken for the deed. “ Next witness.” “ Hero !" said Jake Grimsley. Jake's story was much the same a8 Nibbe', ex- cept that he had heard no report and no whiz of bullets. Frank declined to ssk hum any ques- tions, Any more witnesses ¢ *No more," *I would suggest," said the timid but evident- ly conscientious” juror who had made the objeo- tion in regard to hearsay evidence, **that no proof hasboen offered that the prisoner has stolen any property, nor has the stolen property been identitied.” - This suggestion created _considerablo commotion. was remarked that the timid juror was slways ‘‘crotchety” and **notional "—that there was * too derned much Iaw about this business.” Tom Bogga gave the connter three vigorons kicks. He jumped to his feet and roared * Si- lencel” The hubbub ceased. “I'll make it a personal metter,” ehoubed Tom, **with the first man that talks before his jaw is wanted. Justice must ba done accordin’ to Hoyle. Let the prop- erty be brought in and identified. Dutch Bull was seat for his pony, and immedi- ately retarned with the svimal. 7Tho glass-eyed put Dis head in st the door, stated, snorted, and started back affrighted. dragging Dutch Bill pre- cipitately after bim. The Judge was informed that all offorts to induce the property to appear for identisication were fraitless. i “Well," said Jadge Boges, *if the pony won't come fu, the jury will bave to go out to see the n; ‘The jury went out, and presently returned. * BUL” asked the Judge, ** 1 tha pony the jury sean your pony " “Yes, shoodge.” Nibb's and Jake, is it the same pomy you founlt{ in company with the prigoner ? Tt ian « Prisoner, have you anything to say 2" “*Very httle. Idonot acknowledge the right of any such gathering ss this to try me for aDy- thing, or to pass sentence on me.” Fiaok theo told his story plainly and in as fow worde ag possible, **Now, look here, my friend,” eaid Boggs, *even if this vore cock-an'a-bull story woz true, it wonldu't make no difference. The faw ain't made for the protectiou of derned fools, sud I leavo it to the Committee if ttiero could be a desn'der fool than you wnz, sccordin’ o yer own ehowin”." **That's €0?” in chorus from the jury. *1 have nonuuyfvl further to eay,” returned Prank, *‘except that I protest against every- ‘tihn‘a.g you have done and everything you may o. *Now, thed, geotlemen of the jury, to settlo this matter without any more talk, sich of ver as air o'f”npmlnn that the prisoner is guiity will say 3. “Ayl" in chorus from the jury, ‘voices from all parts of the room in addition. “The coctrary, ‘ No."" A dead silence. ‘*The ays hev it. Pris'ner, you'll be hang to- worrow at— Let’s see: what time would be most convenient to everybody ? m;;.fi':'fi?é:‘d“al\r on mdM berry Creek in the ucks,” sai % ' o back before alevan, - O oo 1 mayn't “T'd like to hev & orack at 'em myself,” said Judge Boggs. * How will noon do? ™ ‘* First rate! ” said several volces. * Well, then, you'll be hun, & to-morrow at 100D, wind and weather permittin’.” ** Jedge, said an Irigh' Vifiillnc who had ao- ewered to tho nama of Dan O'Connell, **I'd Jotke to 8x the priz’nor wan quistion.” z'nur-r,” said Dan, looking very soll at Frank, *are yez rendy fur to dzay ?"y “ No," answered Frauk. _Dan turped toward Tum Boggs, and with the air of one who makes an irrsistible expostula- tion, ““Jedge,” said he—¢ Jedge, is it right ‘f’z;cighugnmm witin he's not ready fur to’ *Dan," said Tom Boggs, * you're a bigger fool than I thought yon wuzg,'gmd t’ixn‘s sa_yug‘gfi good deal. It don's make & d-—-3 bit of Giffereace whother he's ready ornot; he's got to swing. And"uow I'm ly for a hand at whisky po- Ler.! 3 persed, and Frank was talien e and The crowd di back to Jake Grimsley's.” | e CHAPTER HI. BUpPDOSs you'rd protty well played aftét to- day’s work," said Jake they got ;uck m:gm hiom. so-braok atier - **X am rather tited,” replied Frank, *though Dot 88 much a8 T ought to be after what I have :?r:\ ‘,.?‘J,‘;‘;’,‘é‘; )} leIal -sleepy enough to lie 217 i il e seversl letters to “You'd better to bed asnd try to sleep mow,” Eaid Jake 5 “Youll ‘have plenty ot time to-morrow. I dont ex- pect you'll be abls to sleop late, and you'll have all the morniog and the forencon before yon." 14 All tho morning, " and the forénoon to boot, did nct seem such a wonderfully long time to r_hmk. but ho was very weary, and he took nko's sdvico. Jake showed bim 8 bed in an inner room. A guard of Vigilsats was detailed to watch him during the night: they were to re- lieve esch other overy two hours. The sentitel sabin the doorway. A light waa placed. on the floor, 80 88 N0k to offend Frank's eyea with ita glare, bt at the same time to enabl the sentinel 10 866 bim. kept up his childhood it By it of praying before going so bed. He prayed forvenily that night for a dglivmnce from {he fate that bung over him. He begged God to spate hl;‘: xt:x:ir e:l:; grief of losing her first- “;,‘;bl’i a8 now mmeé almost in- @ house was soon wrappedein siles and Fravk was ‘left o bl onn thoughis, The ides of =u attempt at escape flashed upon him. He lcoked abou the room, bat it offered To oppdrtunity. ‘Tha thought of overpowerin; the Beotunel preseuted itself. Ho looked tow: the man oo guard, bus the glance of the latter 1ol full upon him. eye met Fraok's, aod Frank ‘conld see that the man divined his thoughts, There was no hope thera, Grest Heavens! 1f he only kad & weapon! What a treasure even 4 little chloroform wonld be! Ths hope of evading bis guardians in the morming o Wiy to—merciful God! on his !Mg 10 the gallows—it yas medness 4o entercais. o had & weapon be might make a fight, cam= the Commitzee. This announcement anno; Frank. He did not want the prayers of !g * reversnd” member of a commitiee of marderers. ;Iolsi:}am his sufferings ended as soon s o. The reverend gentleman war attired in' a fuli soit of ‘ botternnt.” He bsd a pard, uu- preposseesing face ; thare was little charity in tne lines about his lips. He approached Frank and asked him, ** Air you a Kur-istian 2" 41 hopa 80, humbly answered poor Frank, «T tur-ust thaf before you qut this miserable: world you witl pur-oclaim yourself & Kurstian. Bur-sthersn, let us por- &y that onr erring bur-other may be moved to confess his ccr-ime and pur-oclaim himsalf a Kur-istian before it is too late.” ‘The reverena member then poured forth s tur- gid flood of pious -* buncombe ™ in & nasal howl which gratod terribly on poor Frank’s highly strang nerves. It seemed to him interminable. It was finally intnmfi’::. however, and Frank was roased from ths sl of -semi-unconscious- nessinto which he was falling, by thearrival of & horseman who rode into the circle. Frank heard the name ¢ Jack Eastman " pronounced. Jack Eastman ! Why, Jack and he were schoal- mates yoars ago. man's back was turned to Frank as he sat on hia horse talking to the ‘people around him. * Who is that man ?” Frank seked of Nibbs, Who was one of the guard placed over him. ** The man that's just roda in 2" “ ¥‘n ! yes!” **That's Jack Eastman, Vioe- ident of the Com;':iltlteo." Eredtds ** Will you tell him, like s fellow, that I would-like to sny » word to hm 4 * Certainly," replied Nibbs; xud he went and 8poke to the man he called Jack Esstman. The Iatter immediately tarned his horse and rode to where Frank etood leaning agaiust the cari. It w38 Jack Eastman, Frank's old schoolmate, thaok God! Jack was somewhat changed by the ex- posure and hardship of frontier life, but Frank Ilzu{&:::z‘ recognized him anywhore. . ave you got to say to me?" asked Jack in rather a hard Hna - ** Jack,” cried Frank, **is it possible you have forgotten me ?' V] 's Frank Staples! hat the ea pel them ta shoot bim in their own detense, and thus avoid the disgracefal death before him. But what is there in any form of death if that death 18 undeserved ? Yet he wonld avoid that form of deah if he coutd. He would beg them to ahoot him—to give him the death of a soldier, notof a criminal. Then » desperate T3ge agalust bis would-be mnrderers seized upon him. ‘Ihey sbould not hang hm! If he had Do weapons, he wonld use lus hands 83 a wild beast its claws, and he would tear thom Umb from limb. Then despondency came upon bim, and » despairing conscionsoess that his moat farions struggls would bo of no avail. To thiok that he waa to die to-morrow! One minuts in fall health and strength, and the next —dead. Dead! To see the showers of April falling, and to think thut he should neverses the flowers of May. To be huog! And, horror of horrors! tobo hung by mixuie! At the thonght of his poor mother the tears ran down cheeka. = Was it for this sho rearod .60 tenderly ber earliest child ? And Eilen, his beloved and betrothed, and Mary, bis sister! “What sre thoy doing now? ~ Perbaparesding my last letter, and planaing how thev ahall celebrate my return in the fall—s rotorn that will nover take place. Will the shock kill them when they hear tha fatal news? It will certainly be my mother's death-atroke. And then the horrid announcs- ment that I was hung 2a n horss-thief by Vigilsnce Committeo! Will they believe me gulty? No, I know they will not. Bat will the world believe it? An, I am not so sure of the world. The Vigilanoe Committee will make tho case against me as stronz as posai- ble to justify their crime. No doubt the world wll believe that ] am & horse-thief. The world in always 8o ready to believo evil. Even my so- called friends and my acquaintances will believe it, and will hear of the 1mpntod crimo of their old compauion with & complacent feckng of self- righteonsness.” Poor Frank! Kis conscience told him now that he ‘oo had not been too slow to believe evil of his fellows. The sceno of tnhe coming morning cast its shadow before it. Ilo saw his body hanging limp and lireless from the gallows-treo, his liead on one side, his face purpled, his eyes glaring but sightless, his tongas binck aod protraded. He buried bis tear-wet face in tho pillow in an agony of horror and despair. He eaw his corpse Iving on the ground s fittle regarded as the carcese of a dead wolf. He saw it thrust, coffin- less and prayerless. into the unhallowed earth of that region of thieves and murderers. And the after-desth? What was that to ba? Was there any after-death? Was he merely to be thereaftor a brother 1o the inseusi- bloclod? Was noon to-morrow—Heavens ! it is aiready {o-day !—wsa noon to bs the end-all of the being known as Frank Staples? Or was sn infinite punisbment reserved for the errors of a poor finite existence ? Ho was mot an irrelip- ious man, but he was not prone to displays of Diety, According to the standard of mers formal chureh-goers he could not bo considered s relig- ions man, or, in thewr sense of the word, Qhristian. Could it be possible that beca.se he disregarded forms and formularies he was now, to he condemned forever and ever to barning torments aud demoniao companionship ? * No!" he thought, ** God is 160 good. too merciful, and —yes—too just to beap such tortures cnhis peorr creature-atoms.” e whispered the only praver Lis mnd 1n its perturbed state wonld furnish him: * My God, Lisvo mercy on me! my God, have mercy on me ! and he continued to repeat it incessantly until exhansted nature guve way and he fell into a heavy, trance-like sleep. *What!. W It means,” said Frank, “that I am about to bo made the innocent victim of a terrible mis- take.” He then told Jack his scory in as few words 18 possible. ‘It's deviligh lucky I got back so soon,” eaid Jack; then, tarning toward bis brethren of the Committes, ‘*Gentle- men,” continued he, ‘“this must be a mistake. Tiis man i8 no horse-thief. I know him and every ans belonging to him. We were raised aimost next door to each other.” “Vat tifference dat makes?” asked Dutch Bill; “he dakes mein bony all de same."” “Itel you whacit is, fellows,” said Jack: *‘you’re going too fast on this business. You must take more time.” . This seemed to cause considerable dissatiafac- tion among the Vigilants. An excited discussion was intetrupted, howevor, by the arrival of Big Stave's party. bringing with them Frank’s biue- eyed, blonde-bearded deceiver, and Little Phil and the other stolen animals. *‘Jack," said Frank, **there’s my horse, and there's the man who stole him." i *Yes,” said Big Steve, *he's owned up. His storv,” nodding to Praak, “is 0. K. :* Btrapger,” Baid the horse-thief to Frank, «1 played yon s mighiy mesn irick yesterday, and I'm sorry for it. * I giess you've had a bard time through my d—d mesaness. But I'm glad it aint too Iate to keep'em from hangin’ the wrong man.” After a sbort consultation ‘among the Vigi- 1anta Tom Boggs informed Fraak that his inno- cence was estabiished to the satisfaction of all concerned, sud ho was free to go wherever he pleased. Frack nodded in reply: he was unable to speak. Beo staggered toward Little Phil, who bailed him with 2 joyous neigh of recognition. His_overwronght merves gave way; he fell against the horse and became insensible. ‘When Frank came back to consciouspess be was Iying on & bed in Jack Eastman's house. Jake Guimsley, Nibbs, and Jack were seated by the bed. ‘l;bl told yer he'd come to pretty soom,” ssid 8. How are you now, old 7ellow ?” asked Jack, taking Frank’s hand in his. ** A little weak, Jack, but pretty well—strong enough to travel.” “8rufr,” eaid Jack. *You're golog to stay with me for & mounth to come.” Fraok shook his head. **Why,” said Nibba, *-you sin't going away until you see tne fun out " * CHAPTER IV, It was after suurise when Nibbs and Jake came into tho room and awoke Frank. “1 wish I may be sitinned if you don't take it easy !” said Nibbs. "I shouid ha' thonght you'd be up to see the sun ries this morning.” ‘* How do you feel, old man " asked Jake in 2 kindly tone, +*Ifeel pretty well,” replied Frank—: much ‘better than { should have thought possible.” The daytight seemed to do him good, the sun to ‘give him strength. The despair of the previous night bad passed away. Ho felt a ze- action from his psst depression, and determined, in all outward appearances af least, to die like & man. 5 I swear ha don't want for pluok, Nibbs,” said ake. ¢ Not much,” was the reply of Nibba. **Now," gaid Jake, * what would you like for breskfost this morming? If there's anything you'd like, and it kin be got in Boggeville, you're bound to bev it, aod no extrs charge.” Jake's ot trembled slightly as he asked the ques- ion. There was evidently a soft spot somewhere in Jake’s heart. This slight evidence of ¥iudly feeling touched Frank deeply, and_brought him nearer thau anytbing that occurred that day to break down his resolve to meet his fats without 2 visible kizn of emotion. I am very much oblized to you, Mr. Grits- loy.” said be. . *<Oh, pshaw !" 8aid Mr. G. “We ain't in the babit of puttin’ on frills heré. You might calf ‘me Jake,” *+Well, Jake, I thank yon very much indeed. But anything will do. Pens, ink, and paper are what I want most, _ I have writing enough be- fore me to occupy the rest of—of—my timo"”. “You shall hev them,” said Jake, but you must give in to the.littlo breakfast nrrangement. The old woman kinder 1osists upon it, and she’s got to hev her own way.” “Yery well. Tell hor I am very gratefal for her kindness, and leave it all to hor.” Frauk washed and dressed himself quickly. Jake brought bim pens, ink, and paper, and he went to work at oace to write to his mother and Ellen, Ellen and he were to have beea martied after his return in the fall. Jake's wife, a comely, kindly-looking woman, brought him an excellent breakfast. I thought,” said she, + you mightn’s care to go into the public room this mornin’, 80 1 brought you in a bite here.” “You are very kind, Mrs. Grimsley,” said TFrank, “and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” - ““ Dop't mention it,” said she. *‘Tain'tnothin’; 1 only wish it was better. You hain't got o ‘many breakfasts to_eat now that you can afford to eat a poor one. I'm sorxy for your trouble— indeed I am.” *Thank you, thank you!” . «Itold Jake to try. and stop this thing, **Thank you,” replied Frank: *“Ican't see any funn b,y The joke came too near being against me. Jack tried bard to make Fravk stay atleasts few days with him. But Frank waa indexible. Boggaville was Latefal to him; the air of the place geemed to choke him. He left Boggsville abont gunset the same evening. As herode out of the village he saw the body of the blonde-bearded, blue-eyed horse-thief dangling from the limb of the dead tree. He shuddered when he thonght bow near b of the thief. e g T o THE SONG OF LOVES. Time and changs move on together s Pussious veer ke a wind-biown foather s 3fan will langh though hearts do weep, And lovo is Bckle as thio weather, Lo the old love fall asleep, Sounder grown as his grave grows deep ; ‘Meni'ries that are pat recalllag, It wball have them all to keep. © Bome loves lve while the days are sunny § All loves thrive in the sosson of honey; Tove likes best golden cue, A0d most lovea fies with the flight of money, OIF with the 0id then, on with the new ; New loves grow s tlie 0ld love grew. With 10 trial s0on befalling, They may live & day or two., Love to-be trus noed not be meckest; Love id be poor meed tiot be wakes Virtues lurk {n the quiet = Bo avoid the love that loudly spesiceat! Uld love or new, that love 16 Fanned by love and to love confeat ; Dbut he says it's moro than his life's worth to at- “Al Toves, thongh, show waste ap; tempt it. I told them lLlhmy‘m ;‘ pnfik of {og:i But too oft to the chemic test. Isays: “Healn't no horse-thief, ho ain' Dllsatal seeming ; a8 appearsnces is ag'in him. Can'e I tell it | Demarstho lovecls bilssful socming ; dreaming, Step where you may, y0u will ind graves ‘With our shattered idols teeming. Alchemy has Do power that saves when I see him ?' i *God bless you for your good opinion, Mrs. Guimsley! Ttiscorrect.” "3 kn)o'w it,” usid she, **Butwhatkinldo? Ias::l:l;om :‘:l:\u;.lh:nm” J).\%;;&,— T've scolaed all of em, from Tom Boggs down. To lom-nl.nvn :. mr:nt e He 'lowed_they’re ternbly excited about this horse-stealin': they'se lost 80 many animals lately they're determined to haog Botasbody. They ain't very parsickler whether they hang the right nimz' or not, but they're bound to make an example.” B oy gnppole yon can do nothing to stop this miserable buginess. But you can do me alast Tavor by taking charge of ‘somo letters and pa- pers I shall l;“a ‘;m.n you, "53,““"’“ that they are forwarded 1o the proper address.” “T'll doit,” she s:u‘:i. p;ud the kind-hearted woman left the room with ber apron to her eyes. Frank.did bat scant honor to the mare salid portions of Mrs. Grimaley's excellent breakfass, but he emptied the coffee-pot. He wrote to his partner, giving instractions as to the dispoeal of bis portion of the profits of their venture and rogarding the general arrangement of his affairs. He made his will, leavig everything he pos- sossed to his mother and his sister Mary. When he had finished writing and” paid his hotel bill he placed hia letters, paper, and money jn Alrs. Grimsley's hands. A posse of Vigilanta arrived and informed him that it was ‘‘close on to 12 o'clock, and everything was ready.” Frank rosa at their summons, but felc 8o weak and dizay, that he resnmed his seat. Grimsloy asked bim in s whisper if he would like & litsle brandy. Ho answered ' Yes.” hen the brandy was brought, however, Ire declined fo drink it. It seemed to_him cowardly to bomow factitions strength. He determioed to die with ao un- clodded intellect, in the fall possession of his aculfied. Y The feeling of weskness wss only mo- mentary. As thero seemed 1o way of avolding his fate, he braced himself up to meet it calmly and courageonsly. He shook hands .with Mre. Grimsley, thaoked her for ber kind- ness, apd bade ber goud-bys. The good soul cried like & cluld. Frank was then conducted to an open epace, & xind of common, where was already collected al- most every man, woman, and child in Boggs- ille. The branch of a dead tree furniaheds allows. A rope hung ominonsly from the limb. ander which stood a cart to serve for s platform. The Vigilants, to the number of twenty, formed a circic around the gallows. Ouatside the circle Stood the spectators. Frank was taken inmide the circle; and marched elowly around it o give everybody an opportauity of viewing him closely. He was then lod to the cart under the dead eot~ tonwood. Ho asked if there were 8 doctor present. er alt’t sick, sir yer?” asked Tom Bogga. “ No,” snswered Frank. &, * Theo what do ysr want a dogtor for ¥ + Reckon he don't want this yere business mwned,* suggested Nibba. Fraok nodded. 3 A “ Well," said Tom, **we sin’t got no dootor yere. But Dutch Bill can do what yer want L uess. He's a butcher by trade.” mained silent. was Dow 7 . would bie offered by @ *revezend” of ‘The love that gives is not the oldest But the aged love i love's true gold-dust 1 Fianics may lurk beneath the snow, Bo fiercest love may seem the coldest! Bown o trust, by triala ey grow, Thiese are the loves that few Bearts know. Given the glare of some Jovo to biind ua, TInto such love it may some day glow | Murmur not of the loves behind us, Nor of the love that proved unkindest, Life is n love-hunt; given jts due, And never fear but some love will find us! Off with the old then, on with the new ; New loves yrow a4 the old love grew, ‘With no ‘Llrhl 800D be{uuin%, 76 & year or two LN, Cazrsr Jaues, . A SHligh Bridge. The highest bridge in the world will be builtat tha crossiog of the lieutucky River, on the Cin~ cinpat1 Southern Railway, near the Sbaker Fer- ry. The Baltimore Bridge Company has secured the contract. ‘The bridge will consist of an iron deck truss of three spans of 375 feet each, cen- tre to centrs, supported by two piers and two abutments. The piers will be built of masoury t0 @ height of 64 feet aud 6 inches above low- water mark, and the additional aistance below Jow-water mark will soon be determined by bor- ings under the control of the resident engineer. ‘[bese piers will be 120 feet long, ead to end of cut-water, and 35 feet wide on the top. buils hol- Jow, with the walls 24 feet from the end. Upon the magonry will rest the iron trestlo-work. The o-line i8 275 feet 6 inches above low water. 'be abutments will be built upon the cliffs on esch side of the river, aod are {o be 48 feet high, depending upon tbe shape of the ledges of rock. When this structure is completéd Rentuckisns can well point with pride fo the highest briaga Tupon this continent.~—Danville ( Ky.) Advocats. Giving a Brakemun a Lesson on Style. Detroit Pree Press. The first man was a railroad brakemsn, who had been celebrating his grandfather’s birthday. * You run on the cars, eh ?" agked the Court. ; “Yes, sir.” ! « And you belong to that class of men who open the door 84 the trafa stops at Pootiac and yeli out ¢ Upontysck !’ at the passengers 2" ‘The man was silens. 5 ¥ 4Tc makes my booes boil when I think of how T've been used on these railroads,™ continded his Honor. * The seats are locked, the water-cooler empty, the windows won't stay up, sod every fow munutes yon open the door and cry out * Jawkun’ for Jackson, or ‘Ki-a-zoo’ for Kalamazoo. believe I'll mark you for eix monthes.” .+ Please, sir,” protested the prisoner. ’ w1 must strike a blow a¢ this great evil some- where, sod I mifht 28 well commence on you."” Please, sir, [ waa nover here before, and it's y firet drank in four years.” " His Honor leaned bsck and chewad the carner o bloting-pad while be refctad. inally o s . “Well, Lfs4 you go, thoogh. il be blamed forit. Now, sir, after this you want to adopt ‘s different style. When tha train spprosches s statios n, cat, smi -and gentlemen, this train of the beautifal City of Ypsilanti, and such of you 88 desire to step off will please mak and may What the tr: you do this, The prisoner your , You want to go through the ear like a o gently, and say in quiet tones : i Ladies is now in the outskirts ready. health and prosperity ever attond -niy.' 8o innovation that wonld be, sir! aveling publio would rush for your road! , Mr. Wellington2” promised, and was allowed to go, ow —_— HUMOR. A iord of the aisles—An usher. Song of the kettle—The dalt-simmar. An ingrain car-pet—a polito conductor. A girl of in-bread usefulness—Sally-ratus. A guccessful firm—Meeurs. Gwin & Wynne. Bweets in adversity—A sugar-housa failurs, T;:; dentist's epitaph—*He is filling hia last avity. It you don’t bridle tor 7 ¢ your tongus, saddls b- In what colors should babies bo dressed? ‘Why, in fancy colors, of conrse. Welsh rare-bits of melody are expected from the 150 Cambrisn singers who are t0 be presen( at the Centennial. 5 Whe\:u; %m_ bas l‘ b:vine::d th‘n_t doess't pay, 0 usnally begins to look around for a partner 4 share hig lflfi%l with him. Never waste a fly in huckleberry season. One fly in a plate of huckleberries contains more nu- triment than three n i ‘Who'd live in Vermont? Why, they fine a boy £3 in that State for tyiug an oyster-can to a dog’t tail, and a red dog and a The Columbns Journal, describing sn Ohio politician, saye : can at that, * He is an honest man by pro- fossion, and he earns his bread by the sweat ol bis jaw.” Naturalists have decided that no hen can Isy over 600 eggs. Therefore, when you have checked of to that figure, you can't sell ber far » spring-chicken. The gardener who hung an old coatont to frighten birds away, and afterward found 3 young brood in one of the pockets, writes sake 10g avother remedy. In Norway, the longest day lasts three montha. The man Who six montha # day or two and settle his lit: 0 promiged to callis bill must have gone to Norway on s visit. The tobacco-worm has attacked the plaats, and good elocutionists are posted on tne fences " by the farmers, reading the excellent anti-tobso co tracta by the late Mr. Trask. A man fainted daring a recent oration by Alexander Stephens, nnd remained inseusible two nours, He came to in time to hear voven: eighths of Mr, Stephens’ address, howaver. A good many publishers who expected to wads through the financial crisis will be somewhst discouraged when they hear that there’s tronbls at tha Fords.—New York Commercial Alzer *‘Burning incense, Mr. Brown?™ said Mrs Farringtosh, as she passed Brown in the act of lighting his post-praudial cigar. *No ma'am.’ said the practical Brown, I am burning % cents,” When & man in Syria has the bydrophobis, they keep him it & dark room awhile, and then drown him. ‘The cure 16 very affectual; bat if might be simplified by drowning him before placing him in a dark room. Mamma: such Mamma: *Ob, Alfle, bad grammar!” **Becanse incorrect grammar on the ear of thoss who spesk it well” - you must not speak Altio: “Why not?" grates Alge) “Serve them rigLt for learuing 1t.” rich. quirming down tho road with his Thereiss Jersey farmer who ooght to gel Whenever o s6es & naigh bor’s boy bandt B elasped ncross his stomach, he aiways goes on) ml? bia watermelon-patch aud counts the melons. Toey killed a book-agent st Creston twa waek nine s oo, but they bad frelght-cars to do to run over him with it. People who can't afford to keep a fast freight-train in the hounse arestill at the book-ngent's mercy.—Burlington Hawkeye. Hero is a0 aqnatic fancy: An ingenious mwil- liver is decorating the Iadies’ bonnets with pre- pared eos-weed,~—{ar more beaucifol than arthe ficial flowers.—Fashion Note. Giad to baar it becguse, you aea, weed giva anything for 4 ebango.—Albuny Argus. The Paterson (N. J.) Guardian ssys that s neighboring farmer reckiessly ventures the fol- lowing el lenge : *Iwill bet £42.25 that my hired man can take longer to get to the corn- field, get back to dinner quicker, eat more, do leas. and besr down harder on & paael of fence, than avy other hired man within 10 mies o2 the ‘had come to dangling there” inataad | City-Hall of Paterson.” *'Chus far and no father,"” as the child in the foundling hospital remarked when he was 5 years old.—Cincinnati Times. {ather, and fare worse,” as the eame youth re- marked later in life, when he found the old 1aan and supported him two years, in the vain beilet that tho venerable rake would give up the girls and keno.—S:. Lowis Kepubtican. A boy—of imported stook—in one of the pub- Iin schools a few miles from Boston,. was recont- Jv complaiced of to his teacher Ly another teacker in the same buoilding, for & special iu~ i stance of misdomesn #lat Lo must infurm And ““You niny g0, Mis teacher told him mother that ha bad bean complained of, aul state the causo of ¢he com- plaint. 'The noxt day his teacher said‘to him: “1id yoa tell your mother what I totd you to?" Yag'm,” was the reply. ‘*Well, what ‘did sbe 88y ?” “She said she'd ke to wring that — taacher’s neck for her.” ‘When the Earl of Bradferd was brought be- fore Lord Chancellor Loughborongh to ba ex- amined upon spplication for a statute of lanacy against him, the C ‘many legs mean.” answered *I8 it 1ot to samo thi dead the Sy sheep?™ Chancellor. * Ko, ‘hancellor asked him, **How “Does your Lordship Bradford,” “s live or a ing?” said my Lord,” eaid Lord Bradford, “there is wmch difference. A living Bheep wmay have four legs; a dead sheep has only twoJ, There are bt two legs of mutton; the two farefiegd are shoalders.” Yesterdsy morning, & long-haired, thickly bearded stranger entered a Griswold-atreet bar- ber-shop, &ud, in response to the inquiry if he would like to be shaved, hs replied. * Yes, sir, you miserable, contemptible. skulking highway- irate, I would.” He removed his hat, dtew s ig navy-revolver, cocked it, snd, sitting down in . chair with the revoiver in his hand, be cos- cuned: “Now, go shead! If you nak me ta- have my bair cut, or eay that I ve dandraff. o cut my chin, or ssk me to Luy your hair-re atorer, I'll shoot you dead in your iracks!” Thbs barber didn’t eay one word while shaving thal ‘man.—Detroit Free Press. A female servant in the family of a gentlemar e Dapariment of the Interior, Waslrington, s allowed o make & yearly visit to her old homy in Richmond, Va. Last summer, when she loft a substitute was employed, s mulatto girl, Wi bad been quite well educated. Bhe performed tho duties in » ratber indifferent maoper. Whes . the regular servant retumned, she began Lier tout of investigation to ascertain how her work haé in th beeu done, and was disgusted ¢ the evidon! Want of neatneas manifested everywhere. Hes indignation finalty fonod vent in the following, to her mistréns : ——, you can't gat gra mmsar and s 1M1 toll you what it is, Mist cleaz cornent out of the same nigger!™ Which, if trus, offert a knotty problem in of. the race.—. zina for Seplember. An sged seer at {n his fower st nigh ‘And watched this journeying worla's reference to the education ’s Draverin Harper's Mage ASTRONORMY AND LOVE. ealallitn Ia plenituds of spiendur move on high ‘And gild the clondy Vestmenta of the sky. An air of lore previ ailod sbout the sage— An air of lore 81 palpable aa 1g: Tio 12t alome, o o And cried : “O God [ I vaunted, yesrs sgo, ‘That pescience was & conquerabie woo ; But now, alas! e’en whils T Which wonid grasp the Xeyy ek thing ack of mniecen e 7Y My trammels tighten, and my dust is u: My brains o Back to nothingoeas ‘unlenrned. A beauteous maiden, fn tbat self-ssme hour, Looked from ber chamber-window toward the towee. That night, a youtd, in her extam arra; Had by a slight, unwitting sign betrsyed His love sn An her happy, while he d hope unto her watchful ey, made ber shy. d made Thus ahe bad Lft him, seeming hard 1o win— Her fears dispersad where his were ushered in, “lewed the found » fostering homws, 8¢ And saw the 0ld astronomer {ntent (With aight by sScieuce lent) On stellar depth, or Junar waste of world, Or meteor down from And watched dizzy aenith hurled ¢ fus shadowy acts with thought andl gazs Akin o thoss which hasics, in the days Of hoar Astrology and Aictemy, Bestowed on Gebie ar on Doxtor vamwhnky on rays 0f favish mocnilght whité as calotum. Hass, nflphnnqlnfllnd}q:fieum 3 ‘whiepared 1o b hemab 43 xmow coongh