Evening Star Newspaper, December 30, 1871, Page 3

THE REFORM rE. “ Beory Barney Henry Potter, there's corruption ‘in the bh Every scter in New Guinea this election firm should tar In the ranks of the opposers of the daring robber- band. “ Here's a dollar, Henry Potter, fer your influence in the cause Of sunaiming constitutions and upholding righteous Must T vay a dollar Sifty?—that's the reason why you | pause * Pve been offered fourteen shillings,” Henry Potter he replied im cash. to vote the ticket on the opposition Henry Potter calm'y wed if I eut under ! “ The corruption at election, Heary Potter, makes me sigh, 1 fear the elective franc! go up high aod Here's (wo dollars, Henry Potier, now then,* How as that for high Henry Potter took the Iucre, scanned it closely He'd been sold with a bad counterfeit im 1854,) OTe down right after d.nner—I uever voze be- fore. Leng and anxiously I waited, Heary Potter didn’t =: ieugth I sought the poll list, found he'd voted ‘< home. ar 1 fellow stood there smiling ai me some. —_——_-+ee-- —____ WHY MUGGINS WAS KEPT « Muggins!” While l was marveling at so peculiar an ap- pellation, a broad-faced, stout, half-witted look- | ing individual made his appearance. and was despatched by Brinton for matches. He pres- ently returned, smiling, with a banch of toeth- picks in his hand. Somewhat to my surprise (tor I remem)ered Brinton as rather a stern, se- vere man.) insteadof getting a sound scolding, be was iniormed of bis error and sent back to reetify it. 1 am fond of eliminating romance from com- mon materials—proud of so doing, f might say, tor I-sometimes flatter myself I have an espe- eval gift that way. Itstrack me thatMuggins might be a romance in dis ise, so 1 remarked, with an affectationot carelessness: «Why do you keep such a crazy fellow asthat about the house, John? Aren't you afraid he might do a mi: some day?” Erinton’s answer was delayed by the reap- pearance of Muggins, this time with the matches. Meantime I reflected that my ques- tion might be imprudent; for although John and Ihad been boys together, we had scarcely seen each other since; and besides, that sweet, de- lightfal Mrs. Brinton was sitting close by me. SoI resolved to expla’ “You remember my sure I can't be wrong sakness, John, and I'm thinking that seme in- teresting story is attached to your connection with this Muggins. Ah! yousmile. I thought it was so. Now tell it, like a good fellow.” Brinton looked at me fixedly afew moments, then at the «moke of theoutward-bound steamer just vanishing beneath the horizon, and then at his wife, all the time with a musing, thoughtful smile glimmering over his face. At last he said: + You're a keen observer, Simpson. You de- a shall have this one. My ‘irs. Brinton, “won't you go and see about our supper?” Mrs. B., with what | seemed a half deprecating glance at him, and, asI thought, a somewhat reluctant farewell smile at me, accepted this delicate dismissal, and | d, like an angel in white muslin, as she “You see,” exclaimed John, ‘what I'm going to tell you involves speaking of my tirst love ex- | perience and you understand—” I understand perfectly. As I have said, Brinton and I had been friends at college, and had exchanged many a youthful confidence | there. But since then our paths had widely di- verged, and while Ihad been a traveller, and withal somewhat of a student and recfuse, he | had risen high in the world, bad married,’ and siren were about him. To-day we who parted youths met as bearded men, with a vista of years lengthening behind us. Yet I had found Brinton almost unchanged—grave, some- what haughty of manner, with native force independence in all he did or said, yet warm-hearted and energetic, with alow, deep vote, and a firm grip of the hand. I was grati- | fied t tind his confidence in me unimpaired, | and appreciated the delicacy which would | spare his wife the embarrasment of listening to the story of come previous atiachment, sd I | was all ears for the story. It happened about eight years ago,” began | Brinton, placing his feet upon the window-sill, | folding his arms, and gazing contemplatively | cuttosen. «1 had had Muggin*, at that time, | about four years—ever since I had driven over hum, a bey. in the street, and knocked out of | Lim what little brains ever were in him. That ent.and the fact that he was always de- » me, have been the causes of my retain- | ing him in my service thus far; but it was at the | time of which I am now about to speak that he performed tor me that extraordinary service | Which no kindness of mine can ever repa Here my friend paused, and pulled at his | black, bristling mustache a while in silence. | ‘Though mach interested at sosaggestive acom- | mencement to my romance, I forbore to inter- Tupt him, and he soon resumed. “* We'd been traveling some months in Eu- rope. I met a Miss Rupert and her father there—southerners, with all the fine and gener- ous traits of their race; and though we were po- litically at swords’ points, we ultimately became inseparable friends. Indeed, Miss Rupert and I were engaged to be married. Idon’t mind con- f now,” said Brinton, lowering his voice, “that I loved her with my whole heart. She was beautiful, proad, tender, fiery, affectionate you know what I'mean. ‘Though our tem- péraments were as dissimilar as possible, we met and sympathized on all vital points. And she loved me as only sueh a woman can love, idealizing me till I was a fit subject for adora- tion; and I let her do it to her heart's content, knowing that time would set her right. And so it did, rather sooner than I expect We were traveling im Egypt, as I said—” You said Europe,” vent 1. ary — joo py said —, } «It all happened so lon, that my | memory has become a little rusty Well, 4 were in Geneva about the latter part of aay and, of course, we were perfectly happy. e} were delighted with everything, for we were ae each other. And if it hadn't been tor a certain Polish Count, who in some way be- came acqfainted with us, our happiness ht have been uninterrupted to the present day. This seemed to me a singulat remark for a married man, and 4 man like Brinton, to make; | ut I torbore to interrupt. “The Count’s name,” continued John, “was Grodjinski; one of those graceful, elegantly annered fellows, with a great deal of aristo- b ling and polish, and very little hon- e reputation of any kind—among women ta He was very attentive to Miss Ru- pert,who set it all down to ‘the way’ of foreign- ers; quite correet, no doubt, but it's a way I didn’t appreve of. Well, not to make a lon, story of it, we all four went one night to a gra ail given there. Miss Rupert looked superbly, | seed as only a southerner can dress; indeed — for you know I'ma little old-fashioned—I shoud | have preferred to let the exquisite symmetry of her neck and arms be left rather more to the | et The Count had danced several | r during the evening, and as I was ¢ ball waiting for ber ty come out | © ball was over, he stepped up to me and iscmething in my ear. I won't repeat said, but it embodied a griss insult to | rt,and through her to me. It cou'd | wered by # blow, amd it was sol an- jong bima full in his smooth, pa'e. ‘The bioed spurted from his cl | 1, and his coo! smile changed to @ ily malice. Ofcourse it created con- | sturbance; but | haven’tany ver, mbrance of what followed till in the carriage, driving home with ‘ourse they were anxious to know nd I told them ali I could, omit- . to mention that Polinski bad in- | voly by insulting Miss Rupert.” maki!” said I, timidly, “I thought it was Greajir: ~ So it was; I believe you are right!” exclaimed Jobn; “but the fact is, all I remember about his rame is that it ended in inski. Perhaps we had better call him Inski, and let the first part of his nome ad Of course I acquiesced, and he wen* on. Well—bat where was I? Ob! I remember; the insult. When I got through telling the story Mr. Rupertsaid: ee ee “Lam very sorry it happened, John an | I dare say you acted rightly and as i should * have done under the circumstances. But—you know the Count’s reputation.” “Supposing he meant his bad name amonz * 1 replied. «I iy do, sir, and | I struck bim the harder om that ac- | it. Br. Rupert took my hand, pressed itsilently, sai * by that?” inquired Just what IT asked myself,” said Brinton; “but before [ had time to ask him the H rew up at the hotel, and he walked off, saying he would “give us young people” a chanse to say afew words to each other. I noticed then, | ter the first time, that there were traces of tears | im Miss pert’ eyes, and her hand trembled om my arm. «What's the matter, dear?” I | asked. She clung to me, convulsively almost, | or a few moments, nnable tospeak as it seemed. | at ast she looked up into my face. ' * Don't mind my toolishacss, /* said she; hough her voice was steady and her lip+ he effort filled her eyes again. “+ Don fear, I'l be as brave and calm as you when the | time comes it's alt so sudden; and, oh, my g. the risk will be so great! What risk?" said T puzzled again. Now. John dear, don’t hesitate to sow mg. looked fdenee in me. Indeed, I ean bear anyt! Wort. See bow brave f am?” and she 3p | her chair, paling and | How! pity you, apparently halt hurt; iid tell me as soon as better, dear, than to wait when her voice faltered—“it may bé too late. “Well,” said I, trusting to time to clear w the misunderstanding whieh t saw existed be. tween us, “ I°ll promise to tell you whatever en soon i 1 know it myself.” That seemed to satisty somewhat, and, soon Mr. Rupert came back, and we all retired.” “it certainly was headed of me,” rinton at this point, rubbing his chin eeguitelty; “bat a know, I was young, and hay been ‘ored Enortherier, ‘wad on tutes on uropean a cool, quiet sort of fellow, with patent leather boots, was ushered into my room as I was putting ou the finishing touches to my toilet, and handed me a neatenvelope, the contents of which ex- plained the whole mystery most satisfactorily — the old —— 's compliments, the anxiety of his daughter, and all. It was a challenge from the Count!” Here Brinton made an impressive pause, and looked at me as ifhe expected me to say some- ae So I remarked, appreeiatingly: see, of course; and the Ruperts, being southerners, had foreseen it all along. Yes, yes! By the way, John,” added 1, with « smile, “that reminds me of when we were boys, and you used to vow thatnothing ever would te: duce you to fight aduel. I said then that cir- cumstances — arise to force you into it, and you see I was right.” It seemed to me that John’s expression changed; he didn’t appear pleased, and withal there was a puzzled look on his face. I was be- ginning to fear [had made a mistake, when all at once his countenance cleared again. “ T remember the vow you allude to Simpson,”? said he; ‘‘and I remembered it then. I refused the challenge!” I was 5) hiess. I confess Tam a timid man, bot I could not heip thinking that, in such a cause, even I would not have hesitated to ex- change shots. Brinton, I think, divined what was passing in my mind; he leaned out of the window and turned ray his face—to conceal his emotion, perhaps, for when he resumed his —_— his cheeks and forehead were much jushed. “Yes,” he continued, ‘I refused; and lost no time in informing the cool, quiet fellow of my decision. I need not attempt to describe to you,” with @ meaning look at me, ‘his expression as he said: ‘ Monsieur’s apology will, then, be made in person?” «“Dve ae, to make. Tell the Count, if the oceasion should recur, I shall act precisely in the same manner.” “Horror, amazement and disdain were in voice and aspect as he rejoined: “* Monsieur understands what he is to expect then,” and withdrew with a contemptuous = And when, a few minutes atterward, I ended to breakfast, the covert insolence in the air of the landlord as he bowed to me at the door, and the stares, whispers, and smiles of several groups I passed, showed me how un- pleasant some of the consequences would be. ut I sat down at table with the Ruperts, feel- at any rate, would appreciate and honor my motives. I determined to break w it, my dear John,” said Mr. Rupert. hile his daughter's eyes were tixed eagerly, pon me with a proud, loving, anxious look that u almost made ‘me regrot the Sourse Thad takens “+ T'saw his second leave the house just now. I amanold man, sir, but if you are willing to tru-t me to act for you, I—” * Thank you, sir, but there’s no need. I've declined the challen; “Phere was & silence for several mo- merts. Mr. Rupert upset his coffee-cup. Miss Kal ert, evidently much agitated, fell back in flushing by turns. At last Mr. Rupert spoke again.” «If you say this jokin, sideradion for my danghver's fell you you are acting unwisely. She has the old Rapert blood in her veins, sir, and much as she loves you, would rather see you dead than disgraced. So speakout and tell us all about rm “I felt a little nettled at the proud, severe tone in which the man said this.” * Understand me, then, at once for all. I’ve refu-e leither to | to kill this man or let him attCmpt my life. never believed it right to setrle a quarrel in that way, and I won't cl ge my Principles now because I happen to be the one involved. I counted the cost of this step, and knew what I might lose by it; but not even that \oss shall alter my resolve.” “1 looked to Miss — for sympathy as I spoke, but her eyes had a gleam half of anger, half of contempt, and ber mouth was set with an ex) re-sion at one of disgust and bitter dis- appointment. It was Ler father who spoke.” “Tsee you have auticipated what 1 was about to say, Mr. Brinton. We evidently differ very ¢ssentially onsome points. I'm glad we've come to an understanding in time _ [t only re- mains to say—I speak for my daughter as well as myself—that you will do us a favor by forget- ing We ever were acquainted. It is fair to sup- e that a man who doesn’t know how to take care of Lis own honor will be no fit guardianof a wom» Good morning, sir.”” “He from the table, gave Miss Rupert his arm, and they movedof. But 1 wouldn't ive it up so, and, after a moment rose and fol- owed them. I overtook them in the hall, which happened to be empty, and touched her on the arn “Pll take my dismissal in your own words, therwise.” he turned round and faced me, the blood rushing into her cheeks and torehea¢ on, father,” she said, ‘* I'll follow directl came close upto me, and looked me straight in the eves, her own blazing.” « Do you refuse to ught the duel?” es? “y ', John, or out of con- "s feelings, let me “ Are you a coward?” * Do I look likeone?” She laughed bitterly. ‘I’ve not been accus- tomed to see cowards; but I shan't soon for how one looks now. © God! I wish Thad kilfed yeu or myself before I ever knew! And you Gare’nt even confess it. You talk of prinelplet™ she laughed again. ‘“ And yet you presumed to love me, and’’—she hesitated, but went on des- perately—‘yes, and I loved you with all my seul; no, not you, but what I believed you were. dbe- egantocry b: ly, and Legeenetwomep' | @ great | “Go and never come back till send for you!” With that last cut she turned rs ay. Till then,” I'said, ‘I never will.” And so we i Brinton looked at me; his face worked strangely, as if he were attempting to smother some strange emotion. And, I confess,I was very much affected myself. ‘I could not help feeling ar mantic interest, too, in Miss Rupert, all the more, because I wasconsciousof a tender feeling toward Mrs. Brinton. What strange things webuman beings are! And that brought M ‘ns into my mind ence more. «But what was the service Muggins did you?” | Tingui ed. Brinion started. Could hehave forgotten him two” “ Obt” said he, working thoughtfully at his mustache. ‘ Yes—well, we're coming to him, Did [tell you why I left Geneva by the same route the Ruperts ana I had previously intended to trave «You didn’t say you left at all,” returned I. «Oh, well,of course I had to do that, you }now. | It never would do to stay there after all that. I think the reason must have been that my mind, being in a half-stanned condition, ft llewed out plane peevlousiy concsived, instead © originating anything. At allevents so it was. i sent on my trunks before, and Muggins and I started the Same afternoon to make the trip on foot. Our road led us through much nd scenery, and, in particular, one magnificent pass. I dare say you know the one I refer to, about fifteen miles from Geneva?” I murmured assent, though the fact was that im all my visits to Geneva, I had never seen or even heardof it. ButI didn’t like to display my ignorance. Wen” continued Brinton, ‘off we went. I jack man to-day, Mr. Jobn.” It was by this term he always dignitied Inski, who possersed co! whiskers. “ Talking t ledyand gentle The FR ‘Talking gentleman.” a~ ert. went mo othernamein his '. ky aT Saere five tote he iosed ‘as if the Count The Muggins nodded,” ‘Black man too,” he How doyou know?” I asked; for I thought || some crazy iilusion of his, black man tell cook,” knew nothi “her. oe Eg may imagine I felt rather cut up about it; it was bad —— to lose bur, without having the Count step into my shoes. I almost resolved to go back and fight him, after all, But I kept on, not and stopped for the night at a way-side cottage abeut twenty miles Geneva.” ars y crossed the pass that afternoon, then?” said 1 inton tooked at me ingui for a mo- ment, ost he dida’t know what I was talking about. Then be took his feet down from the wiidow-sill, and pat bis hands in his pocket, | and said: «Oh, did I say twenty?” I meant twelve but jor 5 know.” , Of courant in ean bor,” exclaimed Z hLamed that Sthe most nataral thing the And made up my mind notte ‘another word. “Neat moruing,” continued Brinton, re- dangerous as, I dare ou know, asayee have Geos Guset id ell, after for an hour, we saw a saddled horse to the nearly op- posite to a part of the cliff whence a large fe ment had recently been detached. There the horse, but the rider was nowhere to be the edge of cliff and loo! over. that met my was such as is not seen in a lifetime. gment, descent to the bottom, had at the outset, and almost mirac: Jously brought to.a stand-still by a uarroy jutting out about thirty feet below, out of whic! sprouted two stout dr tree. These, though af- fording temporary support, were momentarily giving way. and it wasevident thatthe fi would wn “ But it was not the boulder, but the object clinging to it, that made my blood run_cold— the tigure of a man, half sitting, half lying, grasping the rock desperately, with both han and quivering all over in an agony of fear. Ever and anon small fragments, detached from the cena to which he clung, fell Blanging, down, unding from the precipitous » and at last dropping with a distant splash into the stream. Then would the doomed man uttera low, tremu- Jous moan, and his shaking hands almost un- clasped their hold. If he were not rescued with- in a few minutes, his annihilation was sure.” “As I was about hailing him a low laugh from Muggins startled me. He was lying at fali length, head over the edge, and his custo- mary brof@ grin on his face. He pointed to the Te on 5 “* It was true, though the horror of his i- tion had at first prevented me from recognizing him. The shivering wretch who lay there deadly peril was none than the man who, could he have had his will, would have shot or run me throngh the heart twenty: four hours be- fore. And now I, his inten: victim, alone —a his life. For eas vermaeioe tes pulse possessed me—to be revenged on him who had virtually ruined my life, merely re- maining an inactive spectator of the death he bad brought on himself. The next I shouted to him with all the power, of my lungs; doubly was I bound to seve him, since he was my enemy.” “ He turned a white, nized face up to mi hardly recognized the handsome, ele, tures I knew £0 well. His eyes were bi ‘shot, and protuded from the sockets; dark circles showed arourd them, and the scar of my blow was on hischeek. His black hair was matted on his forehead with the sweat of herues § terror, and his face was so djawn and wrinkled as to look years older. He #asevidently too far gone to recognize me. He did not speak, but hiss im. ploring, abject, and pathetic expression re- minded me of a’ dumb animal, and was almost revolting in a man.” “« Haye you a rope?” I shouted. *‘ With @ slow, cautious movement he pushed aside the riding cloak he wore, and displayed a stout rope coiled round his waist. But when I called to him to throw it up he shook his head in miserable despair. He was too much para- lyzed to do angthing for his own preservation, bss the only alternative was for me to go down im.” “Good heavens! John,” exelaimed I, as my friend, who was evidently much worked up by the vivid remembrance of his thrilling episode, paused a moment for breath, ‘you, don’t mean to say you wert? How the deuce could you get down’ ‘hat’s what I asked myself,” replied Brin- ton; “and the horse’s bridle canght my eye. I took it off, and found it would extend about eight feet.’ I fastened one end toa stump grow- ing at the brink, and bade Muggins, who was observing my proceedings with great disappro- bation, see it didnotslip, Then without further delay, I swung myself over the elit, and hung suspended eight hundred feet in air.” ** How I got tothe boulder 1 could scarcely tell. On reaching the end of the rein I swung myself to a straggling root uncovered by the fall of the earth, ——_ itjand ——_ down it found my feet were still eight or nine feet above the boulder. 1 threw myself against the side of the almost perpendicular _Brecipice, and halt sliding, halt Jasaping, found myself in another moment balancing over a fathomless chasm on a fragment of rock hardly three feet in diame- ter, with m: enemy at my feet.” “Tt was no place to moralize in. As quickly as possible I unfastened the rope from his waist It was forty feetgong, full enough tor the pur- pose. Astor the Count, my presence did not seem to reassure him. { could perceive he now isnew who I was; but, save for the unceasing tremor, he lay motionless and silent, looking up at me like a whipped dog. : ** When all was ready I said, “ Now I'll fas- ten one end of this rope to your waist, throw the other to Muggins, climb up myself, and we will draw you up afterward. rou see?” “But as 1 spoke one of the upholding firs gave away with a crack,and a large piece of our small foothold became loosened, and fel! through that awful depth to the bottom. It seemed only to prepare the way for the rest. Inski seized me round the knees in agony of supplication, and I felt the chill of death at my own heart. “Oh, monsieur,” cried he—good, kind mon- sieur, for the love of God leave me not here! I shall be lost—killed! Let me first be drawn up; afterward will we pull up you.” “ Well, Lknew that to argue at such a mo- ment was to die. I could not doubt that he valued his life more than I did mine. Perhaps the chance of death was not so unwelcome to me as it would have been a few days before. At any rate I decided to give him the first chance. In ‘atew moments one end of the rope was fast to his belt, and M ins the other. Fol- lowing directions, he hauled away on it with all his might, his overgrown brawn standing him in good stead, and the Count was jing and weling In the air. “As soon ashe found his feet off the boulder his strength and ener, seemed to with marvelous rapidity; be facititated his ascent <. root and strap, and finally scrambled over the edge with an agility — have given bim credit for pos: He disappeared, and as I sat alone on the Suspended in the air. Impelied by s ghastly suspended in . Impel y a iy fascination, I looked downward, and saw the distant pine-tops, the h masses of rock, lookinglike pebbles, and the torrent foami between them. But its roar was almost hush by the distance. A hawk flew past so far be- neath me as to seem a mere speck, yet he must have been soaring at least tour hundred feet above the valley. Then the boulder on which I sat stirred, and I saw that the last remainin, fir-tree had given way, and in another moment the end would come. T telt no fear, but was wraj up in an entrancing in whelming Fearioaity, now t hand, to see it, prove it. Iwas conscious of an awful delight a8 being about to meet the m: tery which no man had solyed. Then I er! out as if in sudden fear. Something had struck my face, and, bed as I was with the thought of death, that sudden touch of the rope which wag to save me acted on my nerves with the effect of terror.” 5 ‘More through blind impulse than any thing else I caught the rope, gave it a couple of turns round my arm, and, rising, llited myself off the boulder. Started by the impetus of my foot in springing from it, its position and e great fragment slid from breathless, until, after what seemed many min- it fea- ‘on over- out into the air. I listened, rope was jerked once or twice, but no more. I felt my hold gradually slipping. Then came a noise of horses’ hoofs, and the rumble of a car- riage. At the same moment the rope was seized and drawn steadily and powerfully upward, and inanother. tostasl L woe, landed fely af the was thrusting the brandy the rope, Muggins, and brandy, rose to my feet, 5 y: next thing was,” said John, ‘the vil s Peneme tage on the other side; and uggins deserted | ang Deserted you!” 1 exclaimed. “Why, I ay was w fou some U1 thought he was going to do y uforgeta- | | “Just what I’m coming to,” said John, “if to listen. He my gratidude ‘would not allow me cves ty think of ing bim.”” jeorge!”” said I, drawing a long breath, strange story, sure = Bat.” I , With a sudden, dread misgiving, “low t rid of Miss Rupert?” - Again 1 heard that rustico—Brinton heard it too, and his face fell; he looked guilty and ashamed. There was a merry, a inton, more fresh, rosy, and beantiful than ever. She shook her’ finge turned to me. “She became Mrs. Brinton. But, ab, Mr. Simpson, you don’t know this wicked husband | of mine.’ I fear that’s the first word of truth | you've heard this afternoon!” | rubbed my eyes; I pinched myself violent! 1 looked at John. He was very red, and shaki allover. Great Heavens could it be with laugh- | ter? I turned to Mrs. Brinton like a drowning | man to his straw. “ But did'nt you meethim in Europe, then?”” IT gasped; didn’t you— Again that musicallangh. “ Why, dear mo,” she exclaimed, ‘‘neither of us was ever in Eu- es en { looked at John, and he cowered be- neath the withering contempt and indignation of my glance. “Brinton,” I said, gravely and severely, “this is going too far. You have tritied with | and insulted me. My most delicate and refined feelings and sympathies you have excited, merely for the sake of tidculing them. You ve— “ Hold on! hold on! old fellow,” eried John, recovering, with great effort, his power of *] ‘ing. “ You mee the matter entirely. Now just listen tome. You felt, as you must acknowledge, a deep interest in Muggins. You were pe. there must be some romantic history attached to him. You insisted ba relating to you such a romance. ‘I did the best I could for you on the spur of the moment; though indeed you su, atleast half the ideas yourself as the le proceeded, and Pg corrected all my little self-contradictions. For Ry, » I’m quite proud of the story, and I thi ck-scnenumtasie much obliged to'me for it. Suppose, now, I had, instead of this thrill- ing narrative,merely given you the facts in Mug- gins’ case—that we enga; him ten days ago, that on the fourth bef thereafter we gave him a week's warning, and that the only reason he is still with us is use he will stay until to-morrow—should you have felt the same in- terestand gratification? Yeu know you wouldn't. Your smiles confess it. Beside, you talked so much about your recollection of all my charac- teristics, I couldn't suppose you'd forget the only one I ever was proud of—my talent for st of Reena upper's ready!” said Muggins. “ Put a bottle of our best port on the table,” ordered John; “and, Simpson, won’t you take Mrs. Brinton in?” I have always remembered it with pleasure, as an act of disinterested virtue and magnanimity on my part, that I consented to forgive him just that Once!—Herper’s Month pee as Business and Duty Combined. A MODEL OBITUARY. A disconsolate editor thus bemoans his depart- ed — “Thus my wife died. No more will those lov- ing hands pull off my boots and part my back hair, as only a true wife can. Nor will eyer those willing feet replenish the coal hod or wa- ter pail. Ne more will she arise amid the tem- pestuous storms of winter, and hie herself away to build the fire without disturbing the slum- bers of the man who doted on her so artlessly. Her memory is embalmed in my heart ot hearts. I wanted to embalm her body; but I found that T could embalm her memory cheaper. “T procured of Eli Mudget, a neighbor of mine, a very pretty gravestone. His wile was consumptive, and kept it on hand several years, in anticipation of her death. But she Fallied last spring, and his hopes wero blasted. Never shall I forget the poor man’s grief when Jasked bim to part with it. * Take ft, Skinner, and may you never know what it is to have your soul racked with disappointment as mine has been!’ and he burst into a flood of tears. His spirit was, indeed, utterly broken. “T had the following epfstle engraved upon her tombstore: ‘To the memory of Tabitha, wife of Moses Skinner, Esq., gentlemanly editor ot the Trombone. Terms, $3 a year, invariably in advance. A kind mother and exemplary wife. Office over Coleman’s grocery, up two flights of stairs. Knock hard. We shall miss thee, mother, we shall miss the. Job printin, sol ’ Thus did my lacerated spirit ery ont in agony,even as Rachel weeping for her ehil- dren. But one ray of light penetrated the de- spair of my soul. "Phe undertaker took his pay in job printing, and the sexton owed me a little account I should not have gotten any other way. | Why should we pine at the mysterious ways of | Providence and vicinity?” (Not #conandrum.)— San Francisco Call. A New Partition Wat! wall is coming into use in England, the advan- teges claimed for which are the very important onesof non-absorbency of moisture, non-eoaduc- tion of heat, economy of space, a washable sur- | face, and, withal, cheapness. Over a frame- work of strong crossewires, of about one-eighth of an inch in thickness, there is woven a com- pact layer of fibrous matter, which is saturated with a solution that renders it fire-proof. It is then subjected to a very powerful pressure. A coating of light Scott’s cement is then put upon it for inside facing, and of Portland cement for outside facing. By this means surfaces are made impermeable to moisture, smooth, and easily washed with water, thus saving the ex- Paro of repeated lime-washings. It is formed ito slabs in iron frames, which are put together and closely and securely fastened’ with bolts. ‘The slabs are from one and a-half inch to four inches thick. They serve as superior paneling for dividing walls and partitions. Where space is of importance. it has the advant perhaps, over concrete walling, in enabling a wall to be made of not more mn one and a-half or two inches in thickness, and yet its quality is said to greatly deaden sound. eto es CRUELTY To AnimaLs.—Henry neg a ha recently written a letter to Commodore Vander- bilt, arguing that, as the great test element of the success of that well-known railroad man has been the horse, he should —— pone to the comfort of the animals employed in drawing the care of the Fourth-avenue Rallw: y Com- pany, of which he is president. Mr. Bergh says that he has counted one hundred passengers on @ car, when track was covered with snow ten inches deep. He estimates the car with the hundred passengers as weighing eighteen thou- sand pounds, and says that this is a cruel load for any two horses, Mr. Bergh also complains of the e Prolonged labor of the horses, which are obliged to travel eighteen miles a day; that is, over six tripsof three miles each. The —A new kind of | to feed it is asserted, is also inadequate, and while entire oats and bay of the best qualities are ab- solutely imperative, chopped and often sour messes are given to the wearied horses. Mr. -— further complains of the deficiency of bedding and of the bad shoeing of the horses. He concludes by saying that the bad treatment of the horses on all the street railroad and omni- and bus lines in New York in the vicinity is at described. How Anso.vTe.e and ‘omnipotent is the sience of night! And yet the stillness seems almost audible! From all the measureless depths of air around us comes a half sound, a half whisper, as if we could hear the crumbling and falling away of earth and all created things in the great miracleof nature, 5 pro- duction, ever » never ending, the g lapse and running of the sand in the great hour-giass of Time.— on, a I wvusT conrEss I amso wonderfully charmed with usic OF that peg b/ 20 to le notes, and in ticular of those ttle jae jarrings and hich censorioustiess and atts i 5 i 4 5 He E : i d a cS | He i E | i : 5e i il i © reprovingly at John, then | = out his brains wi! volver on day that be was to hai married to a young lady of Bristence 20 tary at Teast, as ho. aifaits exi nee—so far, at a this world are co: was N. J. Chaffin, neerned—| | aged about on Baye years. He resided ona small which he owned, about ten miles ace, and where he raised a is parents live near Hant- le In this county. rigenay bye Chafin lived by himself. He had won affections of lady—a Miss Exell—who lived only a hour, evel id be bride was dressed in her wedding attire, and uothing seemed lacking but the groom, who did not make hi pearance aecording to promise. After enduring a lengthy suspense, Mr. Wm. Ezell, brother of the intended bride, went in search of young Chaffin to learn what had —- that he ‘aid not come up to promise. e result of his search, which is given below as it was made in his testimony before the coroner's jury, telis the balance of the ee Young Chaffin was found in his own house, lying on his bed, with two bullet-holes through his forehead, and a re- volver gras in bis hand. He laid face down- ward, and the bed-clothes were saturated with blood. His wedding suit, consisting of black cloth, was found in atrunk in the room. and in the pockets an and twenty-tive dol- lars. A bill, showing that the clothes had been purchased of Messrs. Allison & Piper, of this place, was alse found inthe pockets. The de- ceased was a small man and of rather slender build, dark hair, and not bad looking. A Desperate Adventure. HOW TWOCALIFORNIA BOYS KILLED A PANTHER ‘The following story, narrating how two boys killed a panther and two cubs, is told the Sac- ramento pain a subscriber, residing in Coiusa County, California: Permit me to make known to you an incident which transpired during the summer months at the north foot of Grindstone, in Colusa county. The particulars are related to me by Rowerott, a gentleman residing in the vicinity of Newville, upon whose veracity you can ely rely. He says two young men, with whom he is personally acquainted, started to the mountains, as is cus- tomary, with a band of sheep. One was named Orlands —— aged. fourteen years,and the other Charles Hull, aged eighteen. ‘After getting thoroughly settled in their cabin and the sheep under control, they started off one bright morning trout-fishing, having with them a shee; and a jack-knife, the latter in the possession of young Hull, and the only weapon of defense in case of an attack from wild animals. They had not gone far when they came to an old moss-grown log, and were abont to step on it, when out bie | a large she panther and her two cubs. Young{Burris hissed the sheep-dog on the panther. She immediately seized the Rn Wed the head and was punishing him in {ful manner, when young Burris came to the rescue, catching the panther by the tail and endeavoring to puil her off the dog. In case the panther let go her hold it would have been sure death to the young adventurer. Justin the nick of time young Hall, seeing the danger his companion was in, drew his jack- knife and rushed to the scene of the conflict. Running his hand down over the panther, until he felt the pulsations of the heart, he raised the knife, and, with unerring aim, drove it straight into the panther’s heart. The animal fell dead between them. Thus, by the merest accident, the lives of the two young heroes were spared. A few days afterward they hunted up the two cubs, which escaped during the fight with the old one, and killed them a'so. Any person pay- ing a visit to their father’s residence can see the three skins hung up fis a trophy of the victory = accomplished. The dog recovered and is as faithrul as e BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c. {HILLINGTON'S LIST oF NEW BOOKs. Lord Bantam, a new Book, by the author of Ginx’s Baby; pric scieeneseistien Novel, by Biwd- om Le 1.00 1a” 176 209 8) by Paul Du Giisilive. 1.75 by W.D. Howells, a Ly ide Scien ‘The Last Touruament, Woman's Worth and Red Line Edition of ms Edition argon, Whitier: and. Longfeliow on La rated: by Black Peter, wiih Bhymes irom the German illastrated; by Paul Konewka. ~ 7S a Fanplete South of the Aldine for i8i price only at BHILLINGTON’S BOOKSTORE, a29 Corner 4% street and Penna. avenue. p= & SOLOMONS’ by Tennyson. Worthicesnces, by Gail in oe 1.35 NEW BOOKS. LONGFELLOW’S DIVINE TRAGEDY Populi ‘editions sis JOS SORAP BOOK” Mins Gis at Sieve? POrTER'S BELIGIOUS Pu:LOS: iver Sur BOOKS MES DA agen The W. oft S Rossi JOURNEY. Whittier’s CHILD LIFE... Bogle Le irs. Greeno' DIVERE 5 ough... "S AMERICANISMS. VISITING CARDS ENGRAVED AN! PRINTED. O commrrocommnincene <1 merce PHILP & SOLOMONS, decd 911 Pennsylvania avenue OTIOE. 3 NEW STATIONERY STORE OFEAND BLANK BOOK MANCEAGTURY. oPTHOGABAING, ENGRAVING. PRINTING Se ear “Under National Metropolitan rl AR LIVERY STABLES. ASH. NAILOR'S STABLES, 1326 E ST. W txiwiAGieanie latest styles constantiy on arties, Wi and receptions fur- nished with the mcst comforts ¥ ine ereas, aad ierees always for coke san att 5 (or pen change, decls-tf EE CARRIAGT RECEPTIONS. THE ARLINGTON STABLES, 1724 G Srager, neaR Wan DeraRtMent. illustrated 1.00 | BF SEWING MACHINES. |“prRrection WE CHALLENGE THE WORLD to produce Sewing Machine that equais the ILLOOX & GIBBS bed SEWING MACHINE AGENCY. THE SIMPLEST AND LESS L14B. GET OUT OF ORDBK, as mel Agency at CHAS. BAUM'S CORSET AND HOOPSKIRT FACTORY, jel2ay Tth street, Intelligencer Building. i bed FLORENCE IMPROVED NOISELESS LOCK-STITCH FAMILY SEWING MACHINE. Having exclusively the Self Adjusting Shattle Ten- al versib'e Feed; thus enabling the opera tor to fasten seams when ilesired. Mac! on Renthly instalmente of $20 thor machines taken iG inexchauee. Also, REPA’ cmpey. “Ga Vit att pee ee apis" ‘A. J. MIUSTEAD, Agont YOUNG AND RISING GENERA’ I@ N BANKERS. MDPEFTON @ co., BANKERS, 1427 F street,(two doors from U.S. Treasury De partment.) WASHINGTON, D.C. Receive Deposits and transact a Geveral Banking Business. Exchange on the principal cities taken and given at par to our ters. Information cheerfully furnished in relation to all securities. ‘The vegetative powers of life are strong, but ine few years how often the pallid hue, the jack lustre egotiated on the best terme. eyennd emancisted form, and the impossibility of Ciaima before all'the Cuited States Department have ont persenelcare, 2g ** | application to mental effort, show thelr baneful in- ‘elo MIDDLETON & CO. finence. It soon becomes evident to the observer that some depressing influence is checking the de- velopment of the body. Consumption is talked of, and perbaps the youth is removed from school and ASHINGTON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Corner 7th street and Louisiana Avenue, PAYS 6 PER CENT. INTEREST ON DEPOSITS. from of deposits. Interest commenc date sent into thecountry. This is one of the worst move- nyt a ee OE RUE E, Treasarer. | mente. Remored from en ae = ever-changing scenes of ity, the powers of the P at la ch body, too much enfeebled to give zest to bealthfal BANKERS, Buy and sell, at current rates: and rural exercise, thoughts are turned inwardly upon themselves, EXEol at_New York Stock rd. 1 SELL EXCBANG' on Kew York, Gan Francie, REE tlh em a aR Coat Briain snd the O tinct, ery A tom in which nature is to show ber saving power in rie lonomina- | aitrasi os. Insts CERTIFICATES UF DEPOSTE boar. | “ifTusing the circulation and visiting the check with the bloom of health. Ales! increase of appetite bas jae-ly Sr | grown by whet it fol co, ‘The energies of the eystem are prostrated, and the whole economy is deranged REAL ESTATE AGENTS. The beautiful and womderful period in which body USTIN P. BROWN, . A and mind undergs so fascinating a change from child wit acs Sd ee to woman, is looked for iu vain. ‘The parent's heart REAL ESTATE AGENT, leeds im anxiety, and fancies the grave but waiting Corner of New York avenue and 15th street. for ite victim. Property in all parts of the city for sale on lon credit. Houses erected for persons owning grou: and long time notes takea in payment. ‘Beal Betate bought and sold. fe9 tf 4 M McROBEBTS, ANDREW B..COYLE. . Attorney-at- Law. McROBERTS 4 CO., REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE OFFICE, Corner 15th and G streets, opp. U. 8. Treasury, WASHINGTON, D. 0. tion paid to all bustness before nts of the Government. HELMBOLD'S cial ai C W. HAVENNER @ ©0., le AL ESTATE AND NOTE B AND AUCTIONEERS, Sa No. 643 LOUISIA YA AVENUE, THIRD Doom East oF SrveNtTH StREE?, the sev- apis EXTRACT BUCHU FOR WEAKNESS ARISING FROM EXCESSES OB EARLY INDISCRETION, attended with the fellowing symptoms: Indispoa!- tion te Exertion, Loss of Power, Loss of Memory Difficulty of Breathing, General Weakness, Horror of Disease, Weak Nerves, Trembling, Dreadful Horror of Death, Night Sweats, Cold Feet, Wake- fulness, Dimness of Vision, Languor, Universal Las- situde of the Muscular System, Often Enormous Ap- petite with Dyspeptic Symptoms, Hot Hands, Fiash- ing of the Body , Dryness of the Skin, Pallid Counte- nance and Eruptions on the Face, Pain inthe Back, Heaviness of the Eyelids, Frequently Black Spote Flying before the Eyes, with Temporary Saffasion and Loss of Sight, Want of Attention, Great Mobili- We have the following sums to lend on real estate: 5.000, 500, fas — estate, improved and unimpreved, st Special attention to sales at Auction. Liberal advances panding negotiations. ocl7-t —_—_—_—_— ee FAMILY SUPPLIES, &c. L IVELY TIMES Eligible private ‘no repose of manner, no earnestness, no speculation, but # hurried transition from one question to another, ar ty, Bestlemess, with Horror of Society. Nothing is BRAY 4 BRO-S. more desirable to such patients than Solitude, and | _ Go everywhere, read all other advertisements, and | nothing they more dread, for fear ef themselves; no | them come straight to our store and buy your GRO- CERIES, as, by prices, you see we ind: THESE SYMPTOMS, IF ALLOWED TO GO ON—WHICH THIS MEDICINE INVARIABLY REMOVES—SOON FOLLOW LOSS OF POWER, FATUITY AND EPILEPTIO FITS, IN ONE OF WHICH THE PATIENT MAY EXPIRE. Daring the euperintendence of Dr. Wilson at the | 4 Bloomingdale Asylum, this sad result occurred to | ‘Try all other prices, and then come to two patients. Beason had for a time left them, and vd hey wil stil please. BRAY &BRO., | vctn died of epilepsy. They were of both sexes,and 351 PENN: VABIA AVE., about 5 Borth side) PENNSYLVANIA AVE. twenty years of age. GOLDEN HILL. ‘Who can say that these excesses are not frequently This popular FAMILY FLOUR in store and for | followed by those direful diseases, Insanity and sale in lots to suit. Consumption? The records of the Insane Asylums, MEAL SILL FEED. 7) S** Flour, and the melancholy deaths by Consumption, bear BALED HAY and STRAW. 2 ample witness tothe truth of these assertions. In Lunatic Asylums the most melancholy exhibition appears. The countenance is actually sodden and quite destitute; neither mirth nor grief ever visite it. Should a sound of the voice occur it is rarely ar- ticulate. © With wofal measures wan despair Low sullen sounds their grief beguiled.”” While we regret the existence of the above is- eases and symptoms, we are prepared to offer am valuable gift of chemistry for the removal of the con- sequences. Ww. GALT 2 oO., Indiana avenue aad lat street. WASHINGTON HOTELS. “Pur ARLINGTON,” VERMONT AVENUE, T. BOESSLE & SON, Proraierors. decls-tf oc 18-1 (0. WILLARD, —_ EBBITT HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. 0, BOOTS AND SHOES. IGERMANN & SON, CHEAP BOOT “inp SHOR STORE—Turkey Mo- : Boots for : do. a an : ~ 3 teat of Frzneh Kid Lace, god Button Odd Fellows’ T= GREATEST SUCCESS OF THE AGE IS test sinture ROUTE smoEs wet propery | t children's wear, self of the facts, at eee, HELMBOLD'S FLUID EXTRACT OF BUCHU. ‘There is no tonic like ft. It is an anchor of hope to the physician and patient. This is the testimony of all who have used or prescribed it. Beware of counterfeits and those cheap decoctions called Buchu, most of which are prepared by self- styled doctors, from deleterious ingredients, an offered for eale at “‘less price” and “larger bottles, ac. They are unreliable and frequently injurious Ash for Helmboid’s. Take wo other. Price $1.25 per bottle, or 6 bottles for @6.0. _ Delivered to amy address. Describe symptoms in all communications.