Evening Star Newspaper, December 7, 1895, Page 15

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1895-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. 15 Y/vo.ars WILL UY BEGIVEN FORA My CORRECT SOLUTION OF THIS STORY, \, BEFORE THEY WERE MARRIED. HENRYC.PARKERs x AUTHOR OF “SCORNED TOTHE END: “ARBITRATION & C3 CONDITIONS OF THE STAR’S GREAT OFFER. 1, The Star will pay $250 in gold to the Treader from whom It receives by mail, at the Publication office, Pennsylvania ayenue and llth street, the complete and absolutely correct solution of “Before They Were Mar- ried," as it shall be disclosed in the final chapter of the story, to be published Satur- day, December 14, in The Star. If two or more complete and absolutely correct solu- tions are received the $250 in gold will be divided equally 2. Should The Star fail to receive a solu- tion that ts complete.and absolutely correct, in all its details, the $260 in gold will be al- lotted to the twenty-nine readers whose ex- Planation shall come nearest to the true s0- lution of the mystery according to their 29 Prizes; aggregating..... $250.00 The first prize of $50 will be paid for the explanation which comes nearest to the true solution, the second prize of $37.50 to the person sending the explanation next nearest, and so on, for the third and fourth prizes. The remaining twenty-five prizes of 35 each will be awarded to the persons sending the twenty-five explanations next Rearest to the fourth prize, as the jucges may determine their merit. 8. The Star ts pre-eminently a family Newspaper and Its datly installment of a high grade serial story is a feature Intended to especially commend !t to the home circle. ‘To emphasize—and advertisc—the ‘act that The Star Is a newspapcr pecullarly sultable for women’s reading. the further condition is made that the $250 in prizes shall be paid only for explanations sent in by women and girls. All may read; but only women and girls may guess—and win the gold. “Before They Were Married” will continue in daily installments until Saturday, Decem- ber 7, on which date all but th final chapter will have been published. The nterval be- tween Saturday, December ., and Wednes- day, December il, 6 o'clock p.m., 'nclusive, will be allowed for forwarding of guesses, and the final chapter will be published in The Star Saturday, Dezember 14. Jnder ro consideration whatever will guesses be re- ce!ved from any source and considered prior to Saturday, December 7, or later than 6 o'clock p.m. December 1i. For no reason whatever will guesses from any source be re- ceived or considered after 6 o'clock p.m. December 11, except as stated in rule 3, given below. Persons who miss the first installments can obtain back numbers at the office of The Star. Rules of the Competition. 1 But ore solution can be entered by @ reader. 2 All guesses must be sent by mail and in no other way, plainly addressed to “Prize Story Editor,” The Evening Star. 8. In order to put out-of-town readers of The Star on a.time equality with city read- ers, they will be permitted to secure from thelr local postmaster an indorsement on the back of the envelope in which their Suesses are forwarded, indicating the day and kour of delivery of the letter to him, and such guesses will be accepted, provided the time be prior to 6 p.m., December 11. For obvious reasons no guesses will be con- sidered that are mailed later than the time given. The indorsement, plainly written in ink, must be personally signed by the postmaster or acting postmaster. 4. Inquiries not considered fully answered here will recelve proper attention If address- ed to “Prize Story Editor,” The Evening Star. 5. The $250 will be awarded under the fore- going general conditions, according to the best judgment of the judges appointed by The Star, and they will have complete con- trol and final decision In all matters relating to the contest. 6. “A complete and correct solution” can be made in the reader’s own language rnd In the number of words necessary for an rbso- lute statement of the reader's guess. It must disclose the mystery and such material facts of the plot revealed in the development of the story as may be deemed necessary by the judges to a clear and full explanation of the mystery ‘The names and addresses of the winners of the cash prizes will be published in The Star ac the earliest date possible after the publication of the final chapter. No condition of subscription to The Even- ing Star ts tmposed. Guessers must be wo- men and girls and necessarily they must be readers of The Star, but they may read the story In The Star taken by any member of the family and need not be regular subserib- ers themselves in order to enter the competl- tion. While only women and girls may guess and win the prizes,. they can receive help as to their guess from any member of thelr family or from all the family. INSTALLMENT. CHAPTER XXV. THE LITTLE CHAMBER DOOR. “What no was the query that rose so naturally to the doctor’s lips that It was with diiticulty he suppressed it. He went to sit by Amelia until his mother should return. “You are looking dreadfully worn and worried," she said. “I'm sorry,” he responded, “for I don't want you to worry at all. I haven't had much sleep recently, you know.” Won't you be able to rest soon?” “Surely. I am not afraid of anything happening to us, dear, but we shall all feel better when we are at home, shan’t we?” ‘Indeed, yes. Am I to go tomorrow?” “I hope so. Are you feeling better?” “Better every time I wake. I'm sorry I had that dream, but I'm going to try hard not to think. I'll dream of the future.” “Our future," gently added the doctor. Her eyes filled with happy tears, which the doctor had just kissed away when his He Ha Taken Down His Tripod. mother came in with a pitcher of water. After Amelia had drank, the doctor asked her if she could go to sleep again. “T'll try,” she answered, and vbediently closed her eyes. ‘The doctor was anxious to consult with his mother at length on the course of ac- tion that had occurred to him, but it was out of the questicn to-do so while Amelia might overhear, and to his mind It was equally out of the question to leave the rocm, or even to whisper in the hall by the door. “No telling,” thought the doctor, “what room or corner may conceal a listening servant. It seemed advisable, therefore, to wait until Amelia sheuld sleep again. This might be soon. Evening would soon be at hand, and {f anything definite were to be dcne, then would be the time. All at once it occurred to the doctor that Philbrick might be of service. He had been wishing for that man’s presence but a few minutes before. Philbrick had on at least one oceaston made overtures to an alliance against the professor. It might not be too late now to effect some manner of concert- ed action. Philbrick could at least go to the village and arouse the authorities. The doctor went to the window. Phil- brick was still in sight. He had taken down his tripod and was packing it up. Dr. Williams raised the window and lean- ed out. d te shout, but he was certain that Philbrick would see him in a moment. Several minutes passed, while Philbrick kept his head bent over his work. It seemed tu be finished at last, and he straighten up, turning his head for a final glance at Fairview before departing. He did see the doctor and waved h hand du careless salute. The doctor beck- oned. Philbrick was about to go on, but the doc & ure struck him as more than a passing greeting, and he stood still, watching, and, as the doctor could plainly fee, wondering. Presently Philbrick lald down his bundle, put both hands on his breast, nodded vis orously and waved one hand from himself ithe hoose He was tryig to say yu want me to come there?” The doctor nodded. Philbrick threw up both hands, shook his head in comical despair, and made other gestures to signify that such a proceeling would be out of the question. Again the doctor beckoned, this time with emphatic energy. Philbrick seemed greatly puzzlad. The doctor took out pencil and Notebook and went through the motions of writing. Philbrick understood. He reflected a mo- ment, then po'nted toward the setting sun, lowered his hands and nodded. The doctor interpreted this to mean that Philbrick would come after dark. Accordingly he Grew in his head, and Philbrick disappeared among the trees. “He must understand,” thought the doo- tor, “that I wouldn't him to come un- le was very important. So T suppose he'll turn up with his usual sang froid fome time early in the evening. It was dusk ore Amelia finally to sleep, The doctor had but just we tell his mother something of the with a view to getting her advic when there was a tim'd knock at th r Mrs. Williams opened it and saw Lou: “Oh, Mrs. Williams," be, Loi once, In an agitated voice @ouble! May I see the doctor? The doctor heard the words and hastened to the door. “Will you come in?” he asked, “or shall I come out? I don’t want to disturb Miss Willis, if it can be avoided.” “Come out, please. I’m afraid I shall cry if I go in.” Dr. Willianss and his mother both step- ped into the hall. “What is it, my dear?” asked Mrs. Wil- Mams. “We can’t find papa,” she answered, and at the words the doctor’s blood chilled, re- membering the professor’s wild declaration that he was going to follow Starkweather. “Mrs. Appleton went to call him for din- ner. The ‘shop’ door was not locked, and she opened it. He was not there. She went to his room, and to the stable. He has not left the house, I am sure, for I have been at my window watching the road for hours, and I should have seen him. The women are dreadfully alarmed, and don’t dare to look anywhere else. I’m as fright- ered as they are.” “I will search for your father, Miss Drummond,” said the doctor, quietly. “Meantime, will you sit with my mother’ He opened the door. Mrs. Williams put her arm around the unhappy girl and led her within. The doctor waital until his mother had taken a chair and Loulse had knelt by her side and laid her head, silently sobbing, upon the elder woman's lap. Then he started upon a systematic tour of the house. There were several rooins in Fairview that were not only not used by the Drum- mond household, but that were not even furnished. Most of them were on the top floor, and the doctor decided to start there and work down. He really questioned the professor's sanity, and was quite prepared to tind his dead body in any room he en- tered, but if the professor were insane there was also more than a chance that he still lived and was even then prowling about the house, madly and cunningly {n- tent upon diabolical mischief. With this thought in mind the doctor went below ta find the serving women before beginning his search in earnest. Mrs. Appleton and Betsey were in the dining room. The table was laid for din- ner, and the women sat side by side at a little distance from it, between it and the Bisons, with their faces toward the hall oor. “Miss Drummond tells me you cannot find the professor,” remarked the doctor kindly. Mrs. Appleton stared at him in ev! terror. ae Jent Betsey stirred uneasily and an- red after some hesitation: ‘Yes, sir, we can’t find him, and we don’t dare to look for him very close, for fear of him.” As she spoke she glanced from the hall to the basement door apprehensively. The doctor then perceived the significance of their position. ‘They were in fear that the professor would come upon them unex- Pectedly, and they sat where they could watch both entrances to the room. “Tell me where you saw him last and when,” sald the doctor. He addressed his question to Mrs. Apple- ton, but she seemed to he paralyzed with fear. Again it was Betsey who replies. “Here, with you. We went upstairs to our room, intending to get our things and leave the house. He abused us and struck Martha and declared he would kill us both. That was in the kitchen before you came down.” “I understand, seen him since. ing about?” “We heard a slight nolse as we were coming downstairs that we supposed was then, that you haven't Have you heard him mov- Exploded the Gloomy, Low Spaces. him moving some of his machinery in the shop. That was all.” “What made you decide to stay, Mrs. Hubbari Retsey looked even more worried, and Mrs. Appleton reached out a hand and caught her arm. “There was dinner to get,” said Mrs. Appleton harshly, “and we thought it wouldn't be right to go while there was a sick person In the house. The doctor. unhesitatingly discredited this statement, but It seemed not to be the time to question it. “Very well,” he said, “I am going to hunt for the professor. I’ want you to remain just where you are until I come in again nu that Iam through. Do you me? J don’t want you to stir ‘hairs.”” en looked at him without reply- aid that he might spoil his plan by 9 their alarm, he continue: 1 don't think you are in danger from vit if you are, the least danger, I as- ill Ke in your staying where you t care to stir,” responded Betsey. | “I must ask the women,” So the doctor left them and went to the top story. His purpose in having the two women remain where they were was to event the professor from eluding him. bid his madness had taken on an acute turn it might be entirely possible for him to creep through the corridors of the build- ing In advance of the doctor and escape observation indefinitely, for there were two stairways from the main floor to the sec- ond story, but only one between the sec- ond and top, ord one from the main to the basement. If, therefore, the professor should attempt to pley hide-and-seek with his pursuer by going up one flight of stairs while the doctor wa3 going down another, his presence would be revealed to the watchers in the dining room, and the doc- tor was satisfied that Betsey at least would anncunce the professor's appearance by a screem. On the top story the doctor gave attention first to the ledge door. It was locked and belted on the trside. The windows opening upon that level were all fastened. he reflected, ‘when I get down, whether elther of them Iccked the door.” He went into every room on this floor, and opened every closet. He.even climbed through « scuttle and explored the gloomy, low space between ceiling and roof, and at last went out upon the very housetop. When he started to the second story he was perfectly satisfied that the professor was not above, and that if he had been in the top story when the searca began, he Ahad now been driven dowr i With equal methed and thoroughness, he explored the second story. Room after rcom he entered and searched without find- ing a trace. He. did not look Into the sick reem, Lut he listened in-passing, and heard the low tones of his mother's voice as she cemforted Louise. Presently he came to the small chamber at the head of the main stairs. It was the first door he had tried that did not open. The doctor was gravely affected by this fact. After a momentary hesitation he called dor ? vn the stair: Hubtard, step into the hail, y obeyed slowly. “Move a little way toward the other side,” said the doctor; “that’s right. Now, can you see this door? “Yes, sir,” she answered. “Will you remain there aon it till I come dcwn ‘ll try to,” said Petsey, nervously. The doctor continued his search, hurr: ing, but neglecting nothing in thoroughne: He descended to the main floor by the back stairs, and In the course of his search came to the “shop.” The door was open, and In the gathering gloom all within it looked exactly as it did when he and Philrick had made their perfunctory examination. Me- chanically he closed the door, but before he had gone two steps away he returned to open it again. He found that he could not do so. The combination lock had worked and he knew there was no getting into the shop now without the professor's knowl- edge of the combination unless the door should be battered down or the lock be blown to pieces. Regretting his thoughtlessness he passed on, saw that Betsey was keeping her watch faithfully, and that Mrs. Appleton remained d keep your ‘The Door Swung Open. in the dining room, and went to the base- ment. The same thoroughness was app’ there, with the same result—nothing. Dr. Williams returned to the main floor. “I haven't seen or heard a thing, Betsey. “Very well,” responded the doctor, “go to Miss Willis’ room and prepare the table for supper. Mrs. Appleton, will you help take some food upstairs?” | ‘The women, apparently reassured by his tranquil manner, set about obeying. y the way,” said the doctor, uncon- cernedly, ‘did either of you lock the ledge door?” “I did,” replied Mrs. Appleton. “I locked it and saw that all the windows were fast when we went upstatrs.’” The doctor nodded. That settled a good deal. The professor had not left the house via the ledge, for the exits were all fastened upon the inside; he had not gore by the road, for Louise would hav en him. There was only one other way—the Min- jiski. The professor might have jump |'from the piazza or from some window, but the doctor thought that very unlikely. ' The one conclusion, therefore, was that Profes- sor Drummond was still in Fairview, and that he was even now in the little chamber from which Starkweather had been said to disappear. While the women were conveying dishes and food to Amelia's room the doctor kept his eyes upon the door of the little chamber. He had Betsey bring him writing materials, and sitting in the hall where he could see the door, he wrote to ‘Squire Taylor a brief but urgent note, asking that the constable be sent with all authority to search the house and make arrests. When this was done he called the serving women to him. “I presume,” he said, “that you will be willing to take a message for me to the village?" Betsey glanced at the outer door’as if the growing darkness frightened her. Mrs. Ap- pleton looked calmly at the floor. “There is no need of your staying here,” exclaimed the doctor, with some impatience, “and it you hope for'a peaceful moment the rest of your lives you'd better go. Nothing can harm you on the way “I'd like to go, Martha,” said Betsey. “I hate’to stay here.” Mrs. Appleton muttered an assent, and the doctor gave the note to Betsey. “Deliver It,” he said, “and tell Mr. Tay- lor as much or as Httle as you please, You may go to the hotel if you like, and tell Mr. Hawkins I sent you to stay’ there to- night.” They went up to their room for hats and wraps, and the doctor waited for them in the hall. When they left the house he bolted the door after them. Then he went again to the chamber door. After pressing upon it with all his might he saw that it would not yield, except at the expenditure of great violence. This he wanted to avoid, if possible, for Amelia's sake. 1t was his plan, if the constable came, to have the house guarded through the night; then, if it seemed safe, he would have Amelia removed, and all Fairview could be torn down or blown up if the law officers so desired. He stepped to the door of the sick room, but he did not enter, and even while he spoke to his mother he kept his face turn- ed toward the door of the little chamber, a few feet distant. “I shall stay down stairs for a while,” he sald, quietly. “Call to me if anything is wanted.” “Is there any word for Louise?” asked Mrs. Williams. “Nothing definite. We shall know all to- morrow, I think.” He went down to the broad hall again, and, drawing a chair under the lamp, he set himself to reading, with his face to the chamber door, determined that it should -not be opened without his seeing it. A long time, nearly two hours, passed. Mrs. Williams came to the head of the stairs to inquire if he were coming up. e made up a bed for Louise in Ame- lia’s room,” she said “Very well,” responded the doctor; “I shall stay here until somebody comes,” He wondered why somebody didn’t come. There was not only his note to lor, but his signaled arrangement Philbrick. It seemed strange that with Phil- brick should not put in an appearance. At least another hour passed. The doc- tor was not nervous, exactly, for nothing untoward could happen, he reasoned, but he wished heartily that the suspense mignt a. “Suddenly he closed hia book and gat up- right. The handle of the little chamber door was turning. He heard the slipping of a bolt, and, as with a violent wrench or shove, the door swung outward. (Lo be concluded December 14.) Mystery Story Fiual Chapter. ‘Today is printed in The Star the last chapter before the final chapter in the mystery story, “Before They Were Ma: ried.” ‘The interval between today and next Wednesday at 6 o'clock p.m., Inclu- sive, is allowed for forwarding guesses to the office. The final chapter will be pub- lished in The Star Saturday next. As is well known, the $250 offered in prizes are to be paid only for explanations sent in by women and girls, according to conditions published elsewhere. BLIZZARDS FORIES EB co ‘ections of Cold: Saaps Told at the Ananias Club. SOME WONDERPUL-ESCAPES ss Mercury Bulbs for;;Maibles in Da- . kota and Steers Melted in Texas. WW 29 FOUR REMARKABLE TALES The Arsnias Club met last night in reg- ular session, a full membership being pres- ent. The president opened the meeting with a few words of criticism, saying: “Gentlemen, I was deeply pained to ob- serve the quality of the stories told at our lest meeting. The Star, In its very correct report of the proceedings, saw the taulté so plainly that {t said in the headlines that they were lies. No true follower of the great and artistic gentleman whom wé have honored by choosing his name should tell a story with the falsehood so palpable that the lie is capable of detection. I hope that this grievous fault will be remedied, and we should therefore discuss a subject ton’ght that what we tell about it must be believed. I notice that cold weather and snow are predicted. A few incidents con- cerning previous snaps and snows will be interesting, end at the same time will be believed, while adventures and natural phenomena require painful study and care as to details that render them difficult to relate properly. We will hear from our Brother Jchnson Calkins."* A Dakota Cold Snap. “Mr. President and gentlemen,” began Mr. Calkins, “I am not an old man, and therefore the winter I speak of is familiar to all of you—that of 1873. Five of us,with our wives, had gone to Dakota in order to obtain homesteads, and settled twenty-five miles from the then small village of Fargo, near where the city of Castleton is now situated, but then a wild, desolate prairie, with no neighbors nearer than Fargo, and bands of Indians er droves of wolves plac- ‘ng us in constant peril. The five families, although having sod houses of their own, all ved in one house for companiorship and protection. Well, at 10:30 o'clock Wed- nesday night, October 2, it turned so cold that we could see the walls moving in and the house grow smaller from the natural contraction caused by the atmosphere. It grew colder constantly until morning, and then remained as {t was.” “What was the degree?” some one asked. “To tell the truth, gentlemen, I do rot know," was the response. “We had half a dozen thermometers, but they were the mercury kind, and mercury froze so solid | within an hour that the children used the | bulbs to play marbles with all that winter and until they thawed out the following Fourth of July. We had plenty of fuel and wore heavy winter wraps in the house, in this way keeping from freezing. After a few weeks we became used to it. One of the ladies discovered how beautiful the icicles were that grew upon the windows. They then wore them as jewels, and d mords never looked pretfler. no danger of their melfi: even house, and it was actually a source of sor- row to the ladies when {He weather grew warn enough for to &G out doors and to melt the dfamonds with which they had decorated themselves. That was the coid- est winter I ever experienced, but I cannot tell just how cold it , owing to having no spirit thermometer.” * A Herd Frozen in the Mad. “I remember that winter! very well,” sald Tom Anderson. “I was moving a small bunch of cattle from Tanant county, Texas, near Fort Worth, to Greeley, Col., at the | time my brother Calkins speaks of. The railroad was completed only to Wichita Falls, and we had to drive across ‘No Man's Land’ months to Colorado, it taking three to accomplish the trip. It had been warm and rainy, which was an ov- casion of great rejoicing: if that drouth- infected country. “When we left Wicnita ‘ells It was muddy and driving slow work, The blizzard, probably the same one. that Trenton to Lake George. We made.some- thing of a detour, and found ourselves in @ valley a few miles south of Canton, St. Lawrence county. We concluded to go up on the hill to pitch cur tent, as we thougat we might find large game on the sides uf the low mourtain. The acclivities were not very high, perhaps 500 feet, but by cross- ing the one to the east we got among the foot hills of the Adirondacks, where there were dear and bear. As we started to the Fill it began to snow, and the white crys- tals ce me down so-fast and hard that we could not even attempt to go forward. All we tried to do was to keep on top of the snow ard prevent ourselves from being covered. Fertunately it was damp and packed eesily, so we succeeded in keeping up. All night and the following day we fcught the storm, making no effort for pregress. At the end of the second day it quit snowing and began to blow. Then it turned cold and froze the snow solid. It turned off clear and bright, but very frigid. ‘We looked about us, and the hills were gone. There was nothing but a vast plain. We walked as rapidly as we could toward the east, and were scon rewarded by find- ing the top of a tree sticking out above the snow; then we knew that we were on the mountain, and snow had filled up the en- tire valley. We were in a quandary. If we remained where we were we would starve, yet nothing appeared to guide us toward any human hebitation. Our provisions had keen iost while we battled with the storm. We started in the direction we supposed ;-Ganton-to be, and the second day we reach- ed the town. The snow there had only ~been ten feet deep, and as there had been ‘mo wind it did not drift, 60 the tmhabitant: “were saved. We stayed there three weeks before we could get to Ogdensburg and take a train back to Rome. Like the gen- tlemen from Dakcta, Miinois and Texas, I will never forget the winter of 1873."" = HE WAS STRICT. The Restaurant Keeper Wishes He Hadn't Been So Careful. A few nights ago a young man took two ladies to the opera, occupying a box. After the entertainment he invited them to join him in a little supper, which they did. The bill was a moderate one—only about $¢—but when the yorng gentleman stepped up to the cashier's desk to settle he discovered that he had changed his clothes, but not his pocket book, and that the opera tickets were all he had put in the pockets of his dress suit. The proprietor declined to listen to any propositions upon the basis of credit, and finally a compromise was_ effected by the customer leaving b's overcoat in pawn until the next morning, ‘when he redeemed it. Incidentally the restaurant man learned that the young man was a most desirable customer and is now trying to make him forget and overlook the humiliation of that evening, when he had to pawn either hi overcoat or the young ladies until he could get to his room and procure the money to settle a small bill. : —_ A Model Village. Letter From Dr. Lyman Abbott. One feature of the Niagara Power Com- pany which interested me quite as much as its marvels of engineering skill is the village of Echota. The company has pur- chased in the vicinity of Its works eighty- fcur acres for an Industrial village. It was purchased rot because, but in spite of this fact. It is now thoroughly underdrained; a complete sewerage system has been per- fected, which will eventually be connected with the main sewer of the City of Niaga- ra Falls, but which now disposes of the sewage in a house where the solid matter is separated from the liquid; the latter is purified and made innoctous, and the former is carried off for fertilizing pur- poses. A fine school house, which belongs to the Fublic school system’ of the city, has been put up in the village. Forty-seven cottages have been erected, each with its little plot of ground, over forty of which are now oc- cupied. The cottages are furnished with electric light, water and a furnace. There are no dark or unventilated rooms, and the cottages are rented, including light and water, at rates varying from $9 to $27 a menth, and will be o1 1 for sale at low rates payable in installments, The privil- ege of renting or purchasing Is not con- fined to employes of the corporation, nor is any pressure brought to bear upon them to rent or purchase. As villag they sur- render none of the rights or liberties which helong to American ens; but they have the possibility of well-ordered, comfortable and healthy homes. has just been told about, struck us_sud- den! I was feeling warm and comforta- ble, when in a moment I seemed to be paralyzed, and, looking around me in a ed sort of way, realized what had hap- pened. The ground frozen solidly and, of cours was , each one of the steers had three feet caught fast, having been stuck In the mud. The other foot, which had been lifted to step with when the blizzard struck us, was on top of the frozen earth. Something had to be done at once or wo would lose every steer, so I called all of my men. Fortunately we had plenty of matches in the commissary and the supply of dead mesquite bushes was practically unlimited, so it did not take long to de- termine upon a plan of action. We started a fire under each steor and watched them carefully. We had twenty men and you never saw fires built so rapidly in your lives. Within two hours they were all blazing. We could not thaw the cattle out of the earth, but they were kept alive and two days later the sun came out as it does in Texas, suddenly and strong, and in an- other day we were moving along the trail again as if nothing had happened.” His Beard Frozen at the Roots. “That blizzard must have been very gen- erel,” said Silas Adams. was living in Peoria, Ill, at the time. Peoria ts built along the western bank of the Illinois river, which widens into a lake at that point. Back of the business portion of the city, a Uttle over a mile from the river, {s a bluff, upon which some of the leading citizens have erected handsome residences. I lived near the street car stables on the bluff. 1 had an office on South Adams street, near Main, and started for home early in the evening. It began to turn cold just as I passed the soldiers’ monument, and meet- ing Bob Burdette, who at that time was editing the Review there, he remarked that it was going to be cold enough to freeze all the pipes and even the knobs off the doors, which would boom the plumbing and hardware trades. I left the humorist at the post office, one block farther on, and by the time I reached the foot of the bluff I realized that he was right. It seemed to me that I could never live to get home. The exposed portions of my face were frozen, and it took a long time to thaw myself out with ice before venturing into the house. When I entered my wife screamed, and looking into a mirror I saw that my heard, which was then long, was as white as snow. It was not simply frosted, the roots of the hair had frozen and taken out every vestige of color. The next day we went to Peking, ten miles below Peoria, to attend the wedding of a friend of my wife. I had never been there, and it was evident that my wife's friends were astonished at my seeming age. I maie up my mind to have the beard cut off as soon as I returned to Péeria.'fAs we sat in the parlor of the house where the wedding was to occur, I noticed first;one and then another turn and fix their gaze upon me. It seemed that some peculiar fascination existed in my beard. Theirleyes opened wider and wider, and they sat spell-bound. All conversation ceased. I felt so uncom- fortable that, making some excuse, I stari- ed to leave the house. In doing so I passed a mirror in the hall and a part of my beard showed up as black as, jt eyer was. One by one the ha would take on their na- tural color—the roots were thawing out. In an hour the transformatiop process was complete, but while the guests were too polite to say anything when an explanation was made, J felt that they did not believe me, and that there was something uncanny about a man whose beard ehanged color lke mine.” : A Mountain Snowed Under. “Well, down east the blizzard took the form of a snow,” said MacArthur, “I re- member that early winter of 1873 well. Three of us had left the Rome and Water- town railroad at Louisville, N.Y., with a hunting outfit, A cocoa with rich chocolate flavor, retaining all the nutritious and fn producing propertics yet not dixtress- ing to the most delicate, can be pro- duced. Proven in Loe ee ONE ENJOYS Both the method and results when Syrup of Figs is taken; it is pleasant and refreshing to the taste, and acts gently yet promptly on the Kidneys, Liver and Bowels, cleanses the sys- tem effectually, dispels colds, head- aches and fevers and cures habitual constipation. Syrup of Figs is the only remedy of its kind ever pro- duced, pleasing to the taste and ac- ceptable to the stomach, prompt in its action and truly beneficial in its effects, prepared only from the most healthy and agreeable substances, its many excellent qualities commend it to all and have made it the most popular remedy known. Syrup of Figs is for sale in 50 cent bottles by all leading drug- gists. Any reliable druggist who may not have it on hand will pro- cure it promptly for any one who wishes to try it. Donot acceptany substitute. CALIFORNIA FIG SYRUP CO, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. ’POSSUM GOT AWAY. Amusing Adventure of a Washing- tonian in North Carolin: Tom Darnell has returned from a hunting trip in North Carolina. “I went out to kill a ‘possum,” he said to a Star writer. “There are several animals that I know More about than "possums, but I had one of the best dogs.in the state, according to the man I hired him of. In about an hour he treed one in the stump of a rotten tree, and I went after him, just as the creature broke cover and stamted to run. It was a very pretty black and white one, and it seemed almost a pity to shoot it, but I did. Then I went to pick it up, but it wasn’t dead yet; just Jumped up and ran, sending forth the worst odor I ever experienced. I actually had co burn the clothes I had on, and borrow another old sult when I got back to the house. The boys never got through laughing about the way I let that "possum escape.” The Star man tried to look solemn, but he cunlan't. and Tom won't tell that story again. Mystery Story Final Chapter. Today is printed in The Star the last chapter before the final chapter in the mystery story, “Before They Were Mar- ried.” The interval between today and next ‘Wednesday at 6 o'clock p.m., incla- sive, is allowed for forwarding guesses to the office. The final chapter will be pub- lished in The Star Saturday next. As is well known, the $250 offered In prizes are to be paid only for-explanations sent in by women and girls, according to conditions published elsewhere. — A Chip of the Old Block. Near Williamson, W. Va., Toy Hatfield, the fourteen-year-old son of “Devil” Anse Hatfield of Hatfleld-McCoy fame, Thurs- day night fired four Winchester balls into Dan Craig, killing him instantly. RUIN “© MISERY * WHAT WILL BECOME OF TIE YOUNG MEN OF THE DAY? Cigarette smoking is one of the evils which is fast increasing among the young men of the period. It is an age of nervous- ness; nervous excitement, nervous weak- ness and debility is the growing malady of the day. Minds are over- burdened in school, the pleasures of social life follow business worry ; intemperance, sexual ex- cesses or abuses over excite the already enfeebled nerves and resuit in exhausting diseases or drains upon the nervous system. It’s a drag and a handicap tc every young man to be a sufferer from nervous debility or weakness, low spirits, irritable temper, impaired memory, loss of will- power, and the thousand and one derange- ments of mind and body that result from pernicious habits often contracted through ignorance of nature's laws. The wreck of constitution, weakened vitality and manly power, following such habits would be a sorry ending to life in this splendid age of learning and labor. It will fast become an age of unsettled brains and shattered nerves: unless our young men Anozw /remselves. To reach, re-claim and restore such unfortunates to health and happiness, is the aim of the pubiishers of a book of 1000 pages, profusely illustrated, written im plain language, on the nature, symptoms and curability, by home-treatment, of such diseases. This book will be sent FREE on receipt of twerfty-one (21) cents in stamps, for postage and wrapping only. Address, World’s Dispensary Medical Association, No. 663 Main Strect, Buffalo, N. Y. For more than a gusts of a century physicians connected with this widely celebrated Institution have made the treat- ment of the diseases hinted at above their specialty. Thousands have consulted them by letter and received advice and medi- cines which have resulted in permanent cure Sufferers from premature old age, or loss of power, will find much of interest in the MUNYON'S RHEUMATISM CURE Mr. L. ©. Griffith, Who Suffered for Years With Bheun atism and Heart Disease and Was Scaroely Able to Walk. States That He is En- tirely Cured. Mr. L. C. Grifth, Carversville, Pa., saye: “I was troubled with heart disease for years and at times had spells when I was like one dead—would sink away and become cold, helpless and uncon- sclous. Two years ago I had erysipelus, and this Was followed by a severe form of rheumatism, which spread to all parts of my body. I could sea-cely walk, my hands were so drawn out of shape that I could not use them, and I was almost a helpless cripple when I began taking Munyon's Rheumatism Cure. Our home physiclan had treated me for months without relieving me, but in five days after beginning Munyon's pills I could walk around, and now I am perfectly well. Munyon's theematiom Cure has‘ made'n complete and wonder- ful cure of all my troubles." Munyon's Rbenmatiam Cure is guaranteed to be absolutely harmless and a strong tonic in bnilding up the weak and debilitated. It cures acute or muscular rheumatisin in from one to five days. Sharp, shooting pains io any part of the body stopped by a few doses. A prompt, complete and Permanent cure for lameness, sti back and all Pains in hips and soins. Chronic rheumatism, scl- atica, lumbago or patu in the back are speedily cared. The Munyon Remedies act promptly and cuce the most obstinate diseases. A separate cure for each disease. At all druggists, mostly 25 cents a bottle, Personal letters to Prof. Munyon, 1505 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa., answered with free medi- cal advice for any disease. BRIAR PIPE G me VEN AWAY MIXTURE fr 3S cents Every pipe stamped DUKES MIXTURE oF 2oz. Packaces 5¢ Used as an icing for cake, will save trouble, wate and time. It con- tains just enough sugar to be palatable. book above mentioned. Patterns in Parlor and Banquet Lamps. ‘There isn't snother stock in the city Xe RRR R REE RRY XeRRERR RES [XXRREERERERERER EER Teves s eee eee Tossvsepeveveseses le 5 le 5 half eo large—nor half so beautiful. Every lamp ‘s fitted with a bardsome shede—cither eilk or porcelain. ‘To in- quoting prices "way below the lowest you cen find elsewbere. 5 Beene ocean te ane jebeautitaliy hand'peinted $2.00 eat batnere laste silk shades ft burners large a 7 —all colcrs ard shapes....... $3.00 Brass Ranquet Lamp, tow! relating on metal. igure top ped with fargs atk seden” O3.59 Brass ann ony ered ns $3 75 great vaticty of stgiea, to: area ane cen ere ae with pindlator ee, silk shades.. . z= tee $17.00 nd Bed Room Suites before Jan- vary 1. Every piece hes been merctlessly coe CREDIT will make the buying easy for Msde and lad free of cost—no charge for waste in matchirg figures. Mammoth Credit House troduce this new department we are cluding handsome silk shades. OI close out our eutire lot of you. No notes, No tnterest. AU carpet 7TH 8T (QUIBVILLE, KY. EW YORK, WY. BETWERe SILVER. a Hike aot ease eeeeeeneanasanaanaa aaten See Barker on FSt: an For Oil Stoves, BEAUTIFULLY MADB Either for heating or cooking MANUFACTORY urposes. OF SAML. KIRK & SON, 106 BALTIMORE STREET EAST, PRICES VERY MODERATE. ALso, DIAMONDS, PEARIS, SAPPHIRE EMERALDS, FINE WATCHES, JEWELRY. noll-1m a entistry. ‘The association plan (an expert for each branch) gives the highest rkill at the lowest cost, and In connection with our gpecial appliances insures pain- less operations invariably. W: shall be glad to make an es mate on your dental nee gratis, of course, Ey Painless Extracting, 50c.; Painless Filling, 7c. up. Best Teeth, $8. U. S. Dental Assn., ‘Cor. 7thand D N.W at Ee Hardest Things To Clean Properly are BLANKETS. So few can remove the stains and dust—without making them rough and hard. We do that. Make them fresh as new—and soft_as dot Wagon ca Anion Fischer, ge6 G St., MATCHLESS PROCESS DYEING AND CLEANING. de6-10d The largest stock and the inest makes shown in Wash- ington! Pp fi Have them in every size and at every price—commenc up to $15, Every Stove we aranteed to give thorough fon—in service, durabilit of working. —Sole agent for the world- famous FLORENCE OIL. . W. BARKER, 1210F St. de8-28d_ wre ceeee RAARARAAARAARARA MAAS —is COKE. Cheap because tt costs less than coal—econosilea! because it lasts longer Igniter quickly and gives off no snioke, and contains neltber dirt nor clinkers, Splendid fuel for range, 1 latrobe, furnace, grate or open fire- Place. 40 bu. (anerushed), $2.90, 40 bu. (crushed), $8.70. Delivered to any part of the cit ASHINGTON GASLIGHT ©O., 418 10TH BT. « Wm. J. Zeb, 920 N St. "Phone 470, di-2sd UNS SS Sn OR.CHASES BloodNerve Food You Wee aero raxine lio For Weak and Run-Down People from Childheod to Old Age. WHAT IT IS! The richest of all Foods, because it replaces the to the blood and nerves that a these two life-giving exhausted in Wuids by disease, iudizestion, igh, Mving,_verw Worry, excesses, abuse, ete, HAT IT DOES!" By ‘iiaking the blood’ pure and rich, and- the digestion perfect, it creates solid flesh, muscle and strength. The nerves be- ing made strong, the brain becomes active and clear. For restoring lost vitality and stopping all wasting drains and weakness in either sex {t has no equal, and as a female regulator it is worth Its weight in gold. One box lasts a week. Price, 50c., or 5 boxes $2.00. Druggists or by mail. BOOK FREE. THE DR. CHASE COMPANY, nol2-tu&eatGSt 1512 Chestnut st., Philadelphia, unexcelied Beef Malt. BEEF, MALT, CELERY. Three natural foods, simply combined tn proportions best adapted to present the full strength of each, ‘ncieased by the com- Dined strength of all. For Body, Blood & Brain. It makes new BLOOD und TISSUE, sturdy stuff for the sick and corvalescent, vigorous thinking easy to the well nourished. The thin and pale win color and strength; an easy cure for nervous prostration, general deb{iity, mental depression, dyspepsia, weak- ness ard loss of appetite. It is expecially aéapted for ail rursing mothers and in cases of convalescence where a nutritive is re- quired. It is Just what the tired and sick system craves. For sale by all leading druggists and gro- cers, 85c. per hottle. Beef Malt Co., Boston. B-eclm,70 Grateful—Comforting Epps’s Cocoa. BREAKFAST- SUPPER. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which ecvera the cperations of dizestion and autri- tien, abl by a careful application of the fine jr erties of well-relected Cocoa Mr Eeps xa provid for ur breakfewt ri supper a Icately Bavoi | beverage which may nye ux many heavy doct, Dilla, Te te by the Jodicieus we of och articles of ai that a constitition may be gradually bullt Cit! ‘stiong sar ugh bo teslel erert tendency of dive exec Hundreds of puntle maladies are a ficund Us ready to attenk wherever there is a wea pete. We war corape mary 9 fatal sbatt = | melee well fortified, with pure blood A properly. neurtshed frame."*—Civil Service ™ i tide ehoplr with balling water or ail only tn baif-ponnd tine, by grocers, th JAMES reps Sot Homoeopathic Chemists, eh rem