The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1868, Page 9

ny ‘ ett FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. Farmar, Dec. 25, 1868, To-day has been observed as a close holiday in Wall street and mony large operators made their engagements for money for the interval to the be- Ginning of next week. ‘J } The bondholders have taken the alarm and have joined the swarm of lobbyists Who are to besiege Congress, after the recess, with a view to prevent action on the question of @ resumpyion of specie payments, The bili of Senator Mortoa, threatening as it does to force ()is measure upon the coantry, Seriously alarms tie boadholders, whose property ‘Would be subjecte’ to serions depreciation. How- ever causelesa tel’ alarm in view of the fact that the laws of trade a0. commerce, which are superior to those of Congr’s, will defeat compulsory resump- ition, the assistanco of these lobbyists will not be ‘ungrateful to the mercantile community if it assists an preventing tc perpetration of so fatal a Diow % oUF CoMmwercial prosperity, The matter 4s an instance of gi arising from evil. ment demand for, ment bonds is quite large an this city and throughout the couutry at the pre- Sent time from tlie wational banks and private cor- sporations and ¢ sists who are desirous of obtaln- ‘Ing the gold int and to avoid the i/cul taxation which the possession ‘of these bonds enabics them to avoid, The market closed strong on Thursday with the following quota- tions:—United Stutcs sixes, 1881, registered, 1034; a 1109; do. do., coupon, 11434 a 11445 do. 6-20's, regis- fered, 105 a 105+; do., coupon, 1862, 11034 a 10)z; do, Ao., 1864, 100), a 100%; do, do, 1865, 1074 @ 10734; do. do., new, 1905, 11039a 11014; do. do., 1 1103 @ 11034; Go. do., 1868, 110% a 11034; do. 10-40's, registered, 1; do. do., coupon, 10534 a 105%. Currency bonds, #0 a 99 \{. » Money becaine eusy quite suddenly in the afternoon of Thursday, Owing (0 reports that the government ‘Was abqut to reis 20,000,000 new notes in place of those which called in by the Secretary of the Treasury o7 count of the imitations and counterfeits in circ » The withdrawal of these Rotes from circuletion has contributed to the ac- tivity of money, henve the report referred to was easily employe to rates more easy. There is little disposition to tevest in commercial paper and the discounting |u-iness is dull, While money could comman! fr * to 11 per cent on call loans ‘buyers Were not inclined to deal in paper. The easing of the money rate to seven per cent currency Will have a tendency to revive business in discounts. Gold became firm and more active i consequence Of the report above mentioned and oh accouat of a rise in govern'nent bonds in Europe. The opening Price was 1545; from witch there was asettling to 14434. The easier feciing in money and the causes first mentioned contributed to make the market active in the afternoon, «ni the price rose to 135%. + Foreign excliinge was less firm on account of a shipment of specie, which, itis expected, will be fol- lowed by further riation within the week. Rates closed as follv ws:-——steriing, sixty days, commercial, 10834 @ 10934; bankers’, 10034 @ 10034; short sight, 11014 @ 110%; Paris, sixty 0 short sight, 6.13% a 5.12%; Antwer Switzerland, 6.20 @ 5.1634; Homburg, 365 a 56%; Amsterdaut, remen, 7833 & 79; 3, 5.20 a 5.1634; arsday was buoyant and ac- relaxation in money rates ve Brie litigation was about to be settled. Now York Central was particularly ac- tive, advaycing \o ‘The cliques in both Erle and New York Centra! areswn xious to make peace inorder that arevivairof speculation may take place. The situation in these stocks is thus appositely com- mented upon by the Hvening Telegram:—“What ‘material benelit «x nt upon this setuement be- tween the two great cliques induces the outside pub- ic thus tocome to their assistance is a mystery to eald outside pubiic themselves, but to inform them that because opposing combinations of ganiblers ‘have resolved, insten’ of continuing to fight one an- other, to unite their forces against all others, does Mot advance the value of stocks or render specull- tion anythin jess hazardous, would be useless, be @ larger proportion of ues, and it would be seek- ‘se of nature to endeavor to make at otherwise. J) was probably the fear on the part of ‘the Central managers (hat their stock would become as difficult to ge: rid of as Erie that induced a com- promise. When both factions have relieved them- selves of their present incubus new antagonism may ‘De expected.’’ The great wonrier is that the directorg, while they ‘were about it, (ii not declare a dividend of the en- tire 100 per cent. st it is jocosely observed in ‘Wall street thai the complement of twenty per cent may yet be declared if it is found necessary to con- tribute to the speculative demand. ‘The most ac'ive stocks of the day were New York Central, Rock isian’, Tole lo, St. Paul, Northwestern and Ohio and Mis*issy The following were the quotations at the last open Doard:—Cumberiaod, 25 a 373s; Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, 25 bit; United States Express, 44 a 47; erchanta’ Union Express, 154 a1614; Quicksilver, 2134 22134; Canton, )% a 60; Mariposa, 6%; do. preferred, 19.; Paciic Mail, 119% a 121; Western Union Telegrapl, ©); & 33%; New York Central, 151% & 151%; Erie, 25) @ 3834; do. preferred, 64; Hudson River, } Harlem, 128 @ 129; Reaaing, 97% & 98; Chicago end Alton, 141 bid; Bankers and Brokers’, 100 bid; Wabash, 68% a 59; Milwaukee and St. Paul, 67 # ©7';; do. preferred, 84 a 85; Fort ‘Wayne, 111% @ 1!) 4; Olio and Mississippi, 307; a 31; Michigan Centre|, 113 )11; Mienigan Southern, 8734 875; Ilunois Centra’, \41 a 143; Pittsburg, 83% a 83%; Toledo, 997, a 09%; Rock Island, 11514 9 118%; bia Northwestern, « oi do, preverred, 81% a 82. There were no jate boards, on account of Chiistmas Eve. The clos: 20 .ons at half-past tour o'clock were as Tullo y w York Central, 152 bid; Rock Island, |) a 116 <; Toledo, 9934 a99%4; Fort Wayne, 111% 2 1 chigan Southern, $73 @ 88; Reading, 9794 a 07 ‘western prefers! Hudson River, i4 hwestern, 79% & 80; North- » & 823%: St Paul, 67}¢ a 68; ; Pacific Mail, 1294 a 12014; Erle, 38% a3>. The border ~iate bonds were dealt In quite freely, The closing pi « —'f nnessee 0's, ex Coupon, 65% 069; Teno a 63%; Virginia see O'S, new, 0344 ¢; Virginia 6’s, new, 67 a Georgia 7's, 03 a 0544; ‘sa 04; North Caro- 6's, ex coupon. STs; Georgia 6's North Carolina lina 6's, new, Missonri 6'4, 90 a 004g. The bonds of the state of Loulsiana have been a Mitted to the cai oi the Stock Exchange and ha advanced to 6), 2 79). for the of bonds and 624 4 63)¢ for the Levoo tis, om the official announce- ment that the poysont of interest will be com. menced Jannary | The foliowing Is a0 oficial statement of the debt of Louisiana :— Old ix per o Old five per New six per Levee six per eons boo Levee vight per ¢ onde $3,063,090 Total........ Redeemed and ‘GPeABUTS......6 faunas held by see 1,582,500 Total funded 5 dry goods at the | ‘The value of the impe port of New York for we ng December 24 compares With Ube previous weck as follows:— Dec, 24. Entered for cons Withdrawn Warelioused ‘ ‘The Western mony gent, A Chicago pa © gonerally strin- 75:— ‘Tho local money market to-day was quiet, though the inguiry for ionus » large and more t equal to the supply fo monetary a | continues to be Le © the day, and there are | fow signs at the present time. of ange for the There better, ro Was only @ chinparatively snail amount of curreucy recelvel from New York, and | of the Danks have withdrawn orders, a8 the the fact that seve. nce direct | nlerata, Ov sea have f L ninodated to H far there is quite a ‘The mvest- | ‘est noW nearly ready for payment | for there 1s not enough, it would seem, to accommo- date tue business of che season. Money is extremely Stringent, not, as sometimes hap) because of hazardous speculations avd the timidity of holders, but suupty for the reason that it has been dramed away over the whole face of the country; and, being thas thinly dissemmated, possesses none of the powers which concentration afford. It will come together again, no doubt, iu a short period, through the for es Which necessity, taste and enterprise bring requisition. Collections now indicate more than ! piomptness in meeting obligations every Whore. les this netural fow of the blood of trade through tue general system, there is an expected early Sapply from the East, which will give the neccs- sary invioration in the 1 while. ter the bank ext mouth the fpancial coudiion of {i is comfideutly believed, will show great Luprovement, At Ctocinnation the 224 the journals of that city ential change in the money market mand for loans from depositors 18 as pressing, but tue offerings of outelic is large as CVer, aud checking continues tates of interest ‘are fully suslaimed at 10a ween bankers and their depositors, cent in the open market tor pritne com- Currency is arriving in suilicient oep the supply fully up to what it. nas “pd in some quarters there is a lite increase, Cenoush to materially relieve the stringency of the market. The tone of the exchange market 13 i f inasmuch as there i3 less pressed on Gealers, but rates have not improved, icy is still ordered out from New York. 3 buy at 1-5 4-10 discount and Beli at 60¢. dis- count a par. A new national bank has recently beea organized eveland, under the name and style of tho Ohio National Dank, Robert Hannah is presideat and John MeClymons cashier, * ‘fhe railroad bridge over the Mississtppi river from Duntelth, UL, which connects the Ilaois Central with the Dubuque and Sioux City Rallroad and forms direct railroad connection with all the northera part of towa, Las been completed and is now in success- ful operation, The return of the Bank of England for the week ending December 9 gives the following results when compared with the previous week:— HOSL....sseseerseeeeee £063,526 Decrease.. £5,100 Pablic deposits, 025 Increase .. 787,331 Other deposits.. 17,608,301 Decrease.. 477,577 On the other side of the account:— wt securities.£15,074,874 No change. purities. 17,375,659 Increase ..£185,189 Notes unemployed... 8,563,545 Increase... 66,530 rhe amount of notes in circulation is £23,200,140, being a decrease of £809,970, and the stock of bullion iu, bot departments is £17,841,669, showing a de- of £245,779 when compared with the preceding return, 7 Kespecting the balance of trade between this coun- try and Great Britain, the Philadetphia Ledger says:— The Hnglish papers are couplaining that the busi- ness of the year 1868 has brougut Great Britatn heavily in debé to other countries, Thus, ou October 1Great Britain owed the United States $90,000,000 In |, 28 ascertained by the didference between the of the exports and the imports. Tae excess 0 ports is attributed to the tncrease of grain sup- piled ‘from the Western States and to tne decrease of English goods sent to America. The settlement of the balance Of $90,000,000 may be edected in dif- jerent ways. Tho interest due to the holders of Vuited States loans ta Europe will reduce the amount considerably, aud then the merchants of the United States will probably pay their debts to France, Germany and Kussia by drawing bilis of exchange _upon hugiand and remitting them to their continen- tal creditors. In this way will be obviated the ne- ceasity of remitting the large amount of money Tere to-day. not "quite cre, ge AMOUNE OF pow ¢ that is not taken, Kates of interest are firm at Yen pec cent per | aunum. Kasiorn ¢ but few gcllers appearin flagis orf between ei'y Har Belibg and making ror Flor banks al par. A St. Louw V Couns ying, anc uit of inve- the 22d thas comments: ANY proposition pt thia tine, ny mater from whet Aource, to contract the currency of te counte Would Wire (Lee Uéely be mel Who genercl disfave,, above mentioned. England will endeavor to pay the bills of exchange by selling goods io their hold- ers, and thus the $90,000,000 due the United States wil be paid in wn fadirect manuer. FOREIGN LETTERS The transactions for the last month with Europe througu the New York Post Office show that 350,944 letters were sent away and 342,137 received, the total being 693,081, while the postage collected on those sent away amounted to $45,201 13 and on those re- coived $43,083 55, resulting in the aggregate to $50,244 68. The following is the % po RECEIVED. $17,817 13 he 7,781 35 en and Hamburg. 7,583 48. North German Union. 8,107 43 Switzerland. 1,090 50 Netherlands, ‘571 20 417 36 815 10 Total... scoesscoes Shh 18T $43,983 55 FORWARDED. British 61 $20,093 43 French 8,794 46 Bremen and Hamburg. 7,098 52 North German Union. 1,536 042 Switzerland..... 6,502 ‘973 55 Netherlands © 4,540 675 65 Felgium. 2.883 422 00 Ttaly.... 7 559 95 Total... see $45,201 13 RECAPITULATION, Letters rec’d..... 342,137 Postage rec’d..$43,983 55 Letters sent...... 350,044 Postage sent... 45,201 13 Tota's 693,031 $80,244 68 WESTCHESTE? INTELLIGENCE. Jerrerson VALLEY Post OFrice.—Mr. Jobn R. Simpson has received the appointment of postmas- ter at Jefferson Vailey. ” REFORMED CHURCH AT PREKSKILL.—The ladies of the Reformed church at Peekskill held a fair on Tuesday and Wednesday last and thereby realized upwards of $300 to aid them in their good work. ReaL Estate SALE aT Wore Py.atws.—Sheriff Bussing and Colonel John P. Jenkins have pur. cuused from the Mr. Robert Cochran a plot of ground, 450 feet front by 200 deep, on Horton ave- aue, for $12,000, PockETs PICKED.—Twa, gentiemen residing in ‘Westchester county, while waiting at the Harlem Railroad depot on Wednesday to take the six P, M. train home, to spend Christmas, were relieved of their woperg herd eo) contained seventy- iive dollars and the other forty dolars. Mernopist CHURCHES IN WHITE PLAINS.—A movement bas been started tn White Plains in favor of ani the two Methodist societies, and erecti @ commodious, handsome and substantial stone edi- fice, centrally igcat tor their new house of worship. At present one small church is situated near the depot, aud tue other im .ae oid portion of tue Village. “Sine Sina Scnpay S-HooLs CeikeRaTe Canrist- MAS.—The Sedbath schools of St. Pant's and Trinity churches, at Sing Sing, were pleasantly entertained ou Thursday evening, and the iittle folks were the recipien's Of appropriate presents in the shape of books, toy, &c., from the Christmas t1 which had been weil stocked for the occaston., The Sunday school connected with the Methodiat church held or were treatd with a festival] iast evening and a large number of presents were distributed among the little ones. Macicrovs Miscntar m8 Somgts.—Four lads, about fifteen to seventeen years old, named Michael Dillon, Pierre Leverick, Abraham Garrison and Williain J, Dean, entered ‘a slistrict schoolhouse in the town of Somers, a few days ago, destroyed the inrnitare and books aud coinmitted various nui- sances tn the baiiding. Dillon and Leverick were scat to the county jailto await the action of the Grand Jury. Dean find Garrison, after examina- tion and reprimand, were discharged. AVAL INTELLIGENCE. The United States steamer Pensacola (second rate screw), flagship of the North Pacific squadron, ar- rived at Sen Francisco from Acapuloo ondhe 10th inst, The following 19 @ list of her officers: Captain, Edward Middleton (recently promoted to Commod Acutenant Commanders, Aibert Kauta, Sicard aad GK. aswell; Acting Vol- Lieatenants, J. H. Bdridge and 8. Howard; Master, Joseph Marathon; Ensigns, G. M. ier, 8. P. Baird and A. 8, Snow; Midsiupmen, A. 10, J. 4. Dayton and F. Turnbull; Mates, J. % and MH. Watson; Fleet Surgeon, J. W. Taylor; Passed Assisiant Surgeons, N. H. Adams and G. W. Woods: Fieet Paymaster, G. L. Davis; Chaplain, H. B, Hibben; Captain Marines, John Schermerhorns Secoud Lieutenant Marines, G, H. Thompson; Fleet Kvgineer, EK. D. Robie; First Assistant Pngineer, Avwxauder V. Prager, Jr.3 Acting First Assistant En- yineer, J, M. Middieton; zineers, Th. f'Cline aud J. J Assistant En: gineers, J. 1. Diamond, Piliott and F. Van brunt. ib A DOUBLE MUTDER IW GEORGIA, [From the Thomasville (Ga.) Enterprise, Dec. 16.) A negro man Was brought (o jail here on Wednes- Gay inst for mardering two negro women near Dun- canviiie, 1n this county, ® Week before his arrest. Que of the women was his wife, whom he mur- dered for her .unfaithfainess in leaving him for avother man, and the other woman was wife to the man charged with giving asylum to the murderer's wife. He confessed the crime upon hls arrest, and Tela he horribie details of the double murder. He sat he had intended for some time to kill hts wile aud sought to shoot her, but finding her on this ocousion Wil) the Woman Who lad aided and en. contage? ber to leave his house he changed bis mind iairuck her with the gum The blow felled her ' al the other Woman now m, bat he fan alter her aud gin, aud ropeated the blows ta dead. Pho tafarie Wile d * coach and start for Staunton. NEW YORK HERALD; SATURDAY, DEUVEMBER 26, IN HIANP. Scandal Lane. BY MRS. M. A. KIDDER. {t is not on the signboard, sir, Go search both far and wide; Or in the town directory, ‘the map or railroad guide; And if you pump your ne!gubors, sir, You pump, alas ! in vain, For uo one e’er acknowieds ie lived in Scandal lane. It 13 a fearful neighborhgod, So secret aud so sty; Although the tenants oftentimes duclude the rick and high. I’m told they’re even cannivals, And, wien they dino or sup, By way of change they'll wra about And each other up. They much prefer the youthful, sir, The beautilul and rare; They grind up character and ail, And call it wholesome tare. + And should the helpiess victim wince, ‘They heed not cries of pain; These very bloody canuibals, ‘that lave wn Scandal jane | if _you should chance to dine with them, Pray never be deceived; When they seem most like bosom friends, ‘They're least to be believed. Their claws are sheathed in velvet, sir, ‘Their teeth avo hid by suiles, And woe betide the innocent Who fails beneath their wiles { When they have singled out their pray, They make a cat-like spring; Or hug them like a serpent, ere They plant the fata! sting ! And then they wash thelr guilty hands, But don’t efface the sthin, These very greedy cannibais ‘That live in Scandal lane t ii pa HIDDEN HAND. BY MRS, SOUTIWORTH, Author of “The Bride of an Evening,” “The De- af serted Wife,” &c., &c., &C. CHAPTER I. THE FORCED MARRIAGE. Colonel Gabrielle Le Noir, a Virginia nabob, in order that he might inherit the paternal estates, hired an outlaw, named Black Donald, to murder his elder brother, Eugene Le Noir. He then shut up Eugene’s widow in his residence, known as the Hidden House, and, as he supposed, made away with her new-born infant. ButEugene’s infant child was saved, and finally got into the possession of Major Ira Warfield, a tempestuous old neighbor and relentless foe of Colonel Le Noir’s, On account of Major Warfleld’s irrepressible temper he waggalled Old Hurricane, and bis residence was known as Hur- ed yet ricane Hall. Years before our story opens Colonel Le Noir had “caused separation between Major Warfield and his wife, and the latter, under the name of Marah Rocke, with her son Traverse, had had a bitter struggle for bread. But they had got along, and Traverse had become a physician and was netrothed to Clara Day, the only daughter of a rich doctor. But Dr. Day dying suddenly, Clara bad come under the control of the unscrupulous Colonel Le Noir, the executor of the Doctor’s will and her guardian, The Colonel had turned Mrs. Rocke and Traverse out of Dr. Day’s house and taken Clara off to his own residence, the Hidden House, where he tried to compel her to marry his son, Craven Le Noir. But Capitola Biack, the heroine of our story (and who, though now grown up, was tye same infant child of Eugene Le Noir that the Colonel supposed he had silenced forever, and who is as keen as an eagle and brave as a lion), undertook to get Clara out of the clutches of her persecutors. It. a desperate game that Capitola undertook to play, for the Le Noirs, both father and son, were unscrupulous and cruel to the last degree. @hey ‘would not hesitate to commit murder to carry their point if they could not gain it by the perpetration of lesser crimes, But, nothing daunted, the spirited Caplttola determined to aid her friend Clara, and for that purpose risked a visit to the Hidden House while Colonel Le Noir was at home. Six learned from Clara that the Colonel and Craven were going to take’her to an out of the way chapel in the evening and force her into a marriage against her wil. “The oMctating ‘clergyman is their friend,” sald Clara; “and even if I could consent to Sct a deceitfal part and should go to church as if to marry Craven, and upon getting there, denounce him, instead of recelving the protection of the clergyman, I should be restored to the hands of my legal guardian, and be brought back here to mect a fate worse than death.” Thus Clara spoke in a tone of despair. Capitola did not at once reply, but fell into deep thought, which lasted many minutes. Then, ¢peak- ing more gravely than she had spoken before, she said:— “There is but one plan of escape left, your only remaining chance, and that full of danger."? “Oh! why should I fear danger? What evil can befall me so great as that which now threatens me?’ | | | | sald Clara. Fy “This plan requires on your part great courage, self-control and presence of mind.” “Teach me, teach me, dear Capitola, Iwill bean apt pupil.” “Thave thought it all out and will tell you my plan, It !s now eleven o’clock in the forenoon, and the carriage is to come for you at six this evening, I believer? “Yes | yea |? «Then you have seven hours in which to save yourself, And this is my plan:—First, Clara, you moust change clothes with me, giving me your suit of mourning and putting on my riding habit, hat and veil, Then leaving me here in your place, you are to pull the veil down closely, over you face and walk right oft of the house. No one will speak to you, for they never do to me. When you have reached the yard spring upon my horse and put whip to him for the village of Tip Top. My eervant, Wool. will ride after you, but he will not speak to yon or approach near enough to discover your {den- | | | i tity—for he has been orde 4 by his master to keop mo in sight, and he has been forbidden by his mis- tress to intrude npon ler privacy. You will reach Tip Top by three o'clock, when the Staunton stage passes through. You may then reveal,yours‘if to Wool, give my horse into his charge, get ‘ato tho Upon reacnin; place put yourself ander Yq protection of your felonds, the tivo olf phracians, and got them to } rite jt prosecute your maardy n for cracy and Cageant « THE HIDDEN HAND, Be cool; ity. firm and alert, aud | will be well.” Clara, who had ilstened to this Uttle Napoleon la petticvais with breathless interest, now clasped hor hands to a wi'd stasy of joy, and exclalmed:— “I will try % Oh, Capitola, 1 will try i. Heaven | bless you for the counsel |” “Be quick, then; change your dress, provide your- self with a purse of money and I will give you par- ticular directions how to inake @ shortcut for Tip Top. Ho, ha, ha! when they come for the bride she will be already rolling on the turnpike between Tip Top and Staunton,” “But you! Oh, you, my generous deliverer}” “{ ghali dress myself in ) our clotues and stay here in your place to keep you from being missed, so a3 to give you full time to make your escape.” “But you will place ygumselt in the enraged hon’s jaws. You wlll remain fn the power of two men Who know neither justice nor mercy, who in their love or their hate fear newer God nor man. Oh, Capitola, how can I take an advantage of your gene- rosity, and leave you herein such extreme peril? Capitola, I cannot do it.” ‘Well, then, I believe you must be anxious to marry Craven Le Notr.’” “Oh, Capttola!? | “Well, if you are not, hurry and get ready; there is no time to be lost.” “Bat you! but you, my generous friend ?!” “Never mind me. I shall be safeenough. Iam not afraid of the Le Noirs. Bless their wigs, I should like to see them make me blanch. On the contrary, I desire above all things to be pitted against those two. How I shall enjoy their disappointment and rage! Oh, it will be a rare frolic.” While Capitola was speaking, she was also busily engaged doing. She went ‘oftly to the door and turned the key in the lock, to prevent any one from looking through the key hole. Then she began to take off her riding habit. Quitkly she dressed Clara, superinvending all the details of her disguise as carefuffy as though she were the costumer of a new débutante. When Clara was dressed she was so neazly of the samo size and shape of Capitola that no one from behind woul@ have suspected her identity. “There, Clara, tuck your light hair out of the way; pull your cap out of your eyes; gather your veil down close; draw up your figure; throw back your head; walk with a little springy sway and swagger, as if you didn’t care for anybody, and— there! I declare, nobody could tell you from me,” exclaimed Capitola in delight, as she completed the disguise and the instructions of Clara, ‘Then Capitola dressed hersolf in Clara's deep mourning robes, And now the two girls sat down to compose themselves for a few minutes, while Capitola gave new and particular directions for Clara’s course and conduct, 0 as to insure, a8 far as human foresight could do it, the safe ter- mination of her perilous adventure. By the time they had ended their talk the hall clock struck twelve. BOR . “There, it is full time you should be off. Be calm, be cool, be firm, and God bless you, Clara. Dear girl, if 1 were a young “nan, I would deliver you by the strength of my own arm, without subjecting you to inconventenee or danger,” said Cap., gal- lantly, ag she led Clara to the chamber door, and carefully gathered her thick veil in close folds over her face, 80 as entirely to conceal it. “On, may the Lord in Heaven biess and preserve and reward you, my brave, my noble, my herole Capitola!” said Clara, fervently, with the tears rush- ing to her eyes. “Bosh,” said Cap. ‘If you go doing the senti- mental you won't look like mea bit, and that will spoil all. There, keep your veil close, for it’s windy, you know; throw back your head and swing your- self with a swi r,as if you didn’t careatig for anybody, and—there you are," said Cap., pusbing Ciara out and shutting the door behind her, Clara an instant to offer up one short, fer- vent prayer for her success and Capitola’s safety, and thea, following her imstructions, went ou, Nearly all girls are clever imitators, and Clara readily adopted Me came light, epringy, swaying walk, and met old Dorcas Knight, Colonel Le Now's housekeeper, 10 the hall, without exciting the slight- est suspicion of her identity, “Humph,” said the woman; “so you sre going. I advise you not to come back again.” Clara Uarew up her head with a swagger and went on. “Very well, you may scorn my words, but 1f you know your own good you'll follow my advice,” said Dorcas Knight harshl, Ciara threw up her and passed out. Before the door Wool, Oapitola’s black servant, was waiting with the horses. Keepiug her face closely mufled, Clara went to Capitola’s pony. Wool came and heiped her into the saddle, say- ing:. ‘Yer does right, Miss Cap., to keep your face ktvered; it's awiul windy, ain't ic though? 1 kin scarcely keep the hat from biowing offen my head.’’ With an impatient jerk after the manner of Capi- tola, Ciara signified that she did not wish to con- verse, Wool dropped obediently behind, mounted his horse and followed at a respectful distance until Clara turned Lg ong poe took the bridie- path toward Tp Top. This move filled poor Wool with dismay. Riding towards her he exciaimed:— “Deed, Miss Cap., yor mus’ seuse me for speak- in? now. Whar de mischief is yet agoin’ tor”? For al! answer Ch feigning the temper of Capl- tola, suddenty whoeled her horse, elevated her rid- ing whip and galloped upoa Wool in @ threatening manner. Wool dodged and backed his horse with ail pos- sible expedidon, exciaiuig in cousternation:— “Dar! dar, Miss Gap. | won't go for to ax you any more questions—no—not if yer rides straight to Old Nick or Biack Donata "’ Whereapon receiving this apology in good part, Clara agam turned her hot oud una rode oa her way. Woot followed, bemoaning the destiny that kept him betaveen the two fierce fires of his old master's despotiom aud his young mistress’ caprice, and mut- tering: = fnow old marse and dis young gel am goin’ to he the death of me, Tknows ft jos’ as weil as nuiin atall. 1 'clare to mao, if tt aint nuff to tinake Any. body go heave themselves right into a grigt mil and be ground up at once.” Wool spoke no more mntil they got to Tip Top, When Ciara, atlll closely vetled, rode up to the stage office just a3 the coach, half filed with passengers, ‘was about to start, Springing from her horse she nt up to Wool and sald:— ifere, MAn, take this horse back to Murticane Nail. ‘Tell Major Warfield that Miss Black remeina at the faden House in imminent danger. Ask him to ride there and bring her home. Teil Miss Black, swhed you see her, that Treached Tip Top sate and ‘dn time to take the couch. Teil her I will never cease sgratetul, And now, hero is @ half eagle for rouble. Goodby, aud God bless you.) Ard t the pioce in iis hand aad took her place to wch, Which tmmoediately started. Meanwhile how fared tt with Capitola in the Tid- don House ? ‘ani in for itnow f Clara; bouin 1am in foritnow! Thisisa fimprudent adventure! What will Woo! do when scovers that he has ‘lost sight’ of me’ What uncle say when he finds out what i've done? Whe-cw! Unele will expiofe! [ wonder i the waa at iturricane Hall Wil be strong enough to Ve might as Well; f0t ie Is clear Utat ail is Over rep ied Craven. Aarl the two battled Villains (eit (ho places 1868.—-TRIPLE SHEDT. said Cap., as she closed the | flown, aud a ‘begga une by me, Will be here ia her place? ew—0 ‘There will be a tornado! Cap., ehilt, theyi murder youl that’s just whet they’li dol They’ii kili and eat 1%, Cap., without any salt, or they may lock you up in the haunted room to live with the ghost, Cap. and that would be worse. “Hush | here comes Dorcas Knight! Now I must make believe I'm Clara, and do the sentimental up brown ” concluded Cupitoia, aa she seated herself near the door Where she could be heard, aad began to sob soltiy. Doreas rapped. Cap. sobbed in response. “Are you coming to juncheon, Miss Day??? in- quired the woman, “E—he! Ee—hee! Ee-—-hee! Ido not want to eat,” sobbed Capi, in a low and smotiered voice. Any one would lave thougut ske was drowned in tears. “Very well—just as you like,” said harshly, as she went away, “Weil, [declare,” laughed Cap., “I did that quite as well a8 ani actress could. But now what am i to do? How long can L keep this up? Heigh-ho! ‘let the world side! Pil not revea! myself until I’m driven to it, for when { do—Cap., child, you'll get chawed night up !? A litite later in the day Dorcas Knight came again and pengee at the door, “He—hee! Ee—hee! Eo—hee !” sobbed Cap. “Miss Day, your cousin, Craven Le Nolr, wishes to speak with you alone.” “Ke—hee'l Ee—hee! Ee—hee ! I cannot see him,” sobbed Cap., in a low and satfocating voice, ‘The woman went away, and Cap. suffered no other interraption until six o'clock, when Dorcas Kuight once more rapped, ae “Miss Day, your uncle is at the the front door with the carriage, aud he wisjes to know uf you are ready to obey him.” “Ke—hee! Ee—hee! Eo—hee fte—te—tell him yes !’ sobbed Cap., as if her heart would break. The wotan weut off wich tiis answer and Capi- tola hastily enveloped her form in Clara's large black shawl, pat on Ciara’s biack bonnet and ted her thick mourning veil closely over her face. “A pretty bridal dress this! but, however, t sup- pose these men are ne more particnlar about my cosserne eet they are about their own conduct," sald Cap. ‘She had just drawn on her gloves when she heard the footsteps of twomen approaching. They rapped ‘at the door. . “Come in,’ she sobbed in a low, broken voice, that might have betonged to any giri in deep dis- tress, and she put a white cambric handkerchief up = her eyes and drew her thick veil closely over her face. The two Le Noira immediately entered the room. Craven approached her, and whispered softly:— “You will forgive me this, my share in these pro- ceedii after awhile, sweet Clara. The Sabine women did not love the Roman youths the less Laut they were forcibly nade wives by them." “Ke—hee | Be—hee ! Ee—hee |’ sobbed Cap., en- tireiy concealing her face in her white cambric hand- kerchief under hér impenetrable ve. “Come, come! we lose time,” said the elder Le Noir. “Draw her arm within yours, Craven, and lead her ous.” The you man did as he was directed and led Cap. trom the room. It was now quite dark—the long dreary passage was only dimiy lighted by a hanging lamp, 80 that with the care she took there ‘was scarcely a possibility of Capitola’s being discov- ered. They went on, Craven Le Noir whispering Demsecttioat apologies and Cap. repifying only by 80] When they reached the outer door they found a close carriage drawn up betore the house. ‘Totms Craven Le Noir led Capitola, placed her within and took the seat by her side, Colonel Le Noir pace himself on the front seat opposite them, and the carriage was driven rapidly off, An hour’s ride brought the parry to an obscure church in the depths of the forest, which Capitola recognized, by the cross on its top, to be @ Roman Catholic chapel. Here the carriage drew up and the two Lo Nora got out and assisted Capitola to alight, They then led her into the church, which was dimly illumined 7 pair of wax candies burning before the altar, riest in his sacerdotal robes was in attendance. A few country people were scat- tered thiniy about among the pews at their private devotions. $ Guarded by Craven Le Noir on the right and Colonel! Le Noir on the left, Capitola was marched up the aisle and placed before the altar. Colonel Le Noir then went and spoke apart to the Offictating priest, saying, in a tone of dissaustac- tion:— “[ told you, sir, that as our bride was an orphan, recently bereaved and stil! in deep mourning, we wished the marriage ceremony to be strictly private, and you gave me to understand, sir, that al this hour the chapel was most likely to be vacant. Yet here I find half a score of people. How 1s this?” “sir,” replied the priest, “it is true that at this hour of the evening the chapel is most likely to be vacant, but itis not therefore certain to be so, nor did 1 promise as much. Our chapel is, as you know, oe at all hours of the day and night that a) who please may come and pray. These people that you see are hard working farm laborers, who have no time to come in the day, and who are now here to offer up their evening prayers, and, also, some of them to examine their consclences preparatory to confession. ‘They can certainly be no interruption to the ceremony.” “Egad, I don’t know that,” muttered Colonel Le Noir between his teeth. As for by the sight of other persons present in the chapel filled her heart with joy and exultation, Inasmuch as it insured her final safety. And so she just abandoned herself to the spirit of frolic that her, and anticipated with the keenest relish the denouement of her strange adventure. “Well, what are we walting for? Proceed, sir, proceed,” said Colonel Le Noir, a3 he took Cap. by the shoulders and placed her on the left side of his gon, while he himself stooa behind ready to “give the bride away.” . ‘The ceremony immediately commenced. ‘The prologue Ly seats, © “Dearly beloved, we are guthered together here,” &c., &c., &c., Was read. ‘The solemn exhortation to'the Contacting parties commencing, ‘4 perce and rrgr re both, as ye shall answer in the dreadful day of jadgment, when thé secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any just cause or impediment hg Pos cn not lawfully be joined together,” &c., ta, &c., followed. itola listened to all this with the deepest atten- tion, saying to herself, ‘Well, I deciare, this getting married is really awfully interesting. If it were not for Herbert Greyson I'd Just let it go right straight on to the end and see what would happen next.” , While Cap. was, making these mental comments the priest was asking the bridegroom:— « Wilt thou have this. woman to be thy wedded wife,” &c., &c., ‘80 long a ye bott shall live?” ‘To which Craven Le Noir, la @ sogorous voice, re- sponded :— ‘ “1 will.” “Indeed, you will? We'll see that presently,’ said Cap. to herself. The priest then turning toward the bride, in- quired:— “wut thou have this man to be thy wedded hus- band,” &c., &c., so long as ye both shali live?” ‘To which the bride, throwing aside her vail, an- swered Ormly:— “No! not if he were the Jast man and I the last woman on the face of the earth, and the human race were about to become extinct, and the angel Gabriel cane down from above to ask it of me as 4 personal favor. ‘The effect of thts outburst, this revelation, this ex- plosion, may be imagined, but can never be ade- quately described. ‘The priest dropped his book and stood with lifted hands and 0) mouth and eye, as though he had ri & ghost. ‘The two Le Noirs simultaneously sprang forward, astoniaament, disappointment and rage contending ta their blanened faces ! ‘Who are you, girl?” exclaimed Colonel Le Noir. Japitola Black, your honor’s glory !"’ she replied, making @ deep courtesy. “What in the foul fiend isthe meaning of all this?” in the sane breath inquired the father and son. Cap., tn her free, rollicking way, replied:— “it means that you have been outwitted py a piri; it means that your pu victim has fed and is | thistime in safety. It means that you two, pre- clous father and son, would be a pair of Kaaves !f you had sense enough; but, failing in that, you are only a pair of fools.”” By this time the attention of the few persons in the church was aroused. They ail aroae to tueir feet to look and listen and some of them left their plac ‘and ap hed the altar. , tola now Corian / turned and said sour jood peopie, Lam Capitola Black, the niece, and ward of Major Ira Warfield, of Hurricane Hall, whom you ail know; and now I claim your pr tection while I shail tell you the meaniug ol my presence here.” “Don't listen to her f she isa maniac !” cried Col- onei Le Noir. . “stop her month 1 caied Craven, springing upon Capitola, and holding ber tightly la the grasp of his right arm, while he ape hee Ups and nosis with his large left hand. Dapilola Deraggled so fletroiy to free herself that Craven had enough todo to hoid her, aud so was bot aware of a ringing footstep coming up the aisie until @ stunning blow, Gealt from & strong & covered his face with blood aud stretched hun ou) at Capl- to.w's feet. Capitola, flashed, breathless and confnsed, looked ‘up and was caught to the bosom of Herbert Greyson, who, pale with concentrated rage, heid lor ciosviy and inguired: f “capitoln, what violence is this which’ has been done you? Bxpiain; -who is the aggressor!” “Wai—wal—wait untill get my breaial There, that was good, That villain has all but strangied ine w death. Oh, Herbert, I’m so delighted you've come, How is it that you always drop right down ab the right time and on the right spot ¢”” said Capitola, while gasping for breath. “| will tell you anotuer time. Now I want an ex- planation.”? “Yes, Herbert: | also wish to explain, not only to ‘ou, but to these gaping good people. Les me have a erring,” said Cap. “sne is mag, absolately mat," cried Colonel Le Noir, who Was aasisting Nis gon to rise, | “sileno®, sit” thundered Herbert Greyson, a4 vancing towardpiin With uplifted and threascnlag hi ‘the woman entiomen, gentlemen ! pray remember thas you are within the Was of a cluroh,”’ paid tue «us trossed priest. “Craven, Lilt 9 99 plao> for ta; let ns go and puts ty lite sou. ey = ceaaieiibiacaieuee = 3 THE HID HAND. | stand 6? Wool wili go mad! 1 @owbedf Lie wil ever | do a bit more good in this word, “But above all, I wondel he Le Noirs, father ’nd son, will Say it | | | Mexico to join the foros under G 9 * —- @ME_HIDDEN HAND. Nerbert Greys. @ was Capitola’s lover, He hat just graduated from West Point, had rece da aint commission, and was a tus, way io lieut hat co t of his way te visit Hucric i hat mer Wook at-Tip Toy ad from hum earned o Capitoia’s danger and canté to her rescue. CHAPTER IL, 1 LE NOUS REVENGE. » Noir ieft the gape! us beset wa nd shame, aud ve deteruunued ; wreal a vengeance on Capitola, 1 beeanse she hai baified him in his svbent Ciara Day, but because know leer to | of his murdered brothe and ferred sae would some day claim her dead father’s estates, Ln this inoed of mind, three v8 bevor ure to join his Pr t, he songs ther outiaw, He cro f the evening that in which Le sho st likely to fad b. Donald, it was about elght ¢ when he wrappot ti large cloak around his tail igure. putied Nis nat low over iis sinister brow and ont Lo wall é »¢ the secret cavera in the side of the Dewva's Bowl. | When ¢ torn will saying:— “All right, my Colon careful, Bow; tie below the opening.” Le Noi extended hi: in and soon who, muttering, ‘Slo ceeded in guiding him the subterranean di firm bottom of the cavern. ‘They were stil In the midst of 9 might be felt exc that from a& su the wide of the rock a ttihd gleam second opening Black Loy 5 ‘And, stooping and pe into an inner cavern, well high up. Upon a iarge, natura ing the ceatre oi tie space, of brandy or whiskey, severa! loa some dried venison. dd this rad upon fragments of rock, lugged titi pose, were some eigiit or ten men of various stages of imtoxicalion, were piles of bear sku couches for six or themselves down upon them in a slat or drunken stupor. “Come, boys, we have not a b apartments here, and 1 want to Suppose you take your liquor ane Into the outer cavern, and for an hour,” satd the outi. ‘Tho men sullenly ode, the viauds. Demon Lick go after th Put do} you! Doyou want to bring don't you kuow La th seen from the ouiside ?” roared Piaek brut Dick sulkily set dowa the caadic and fyllowe comrailes. “What are you git You can sei ering about? confound y A drink weil enough ad a in tie dark you brat retreated an Colonel Oa with tt avas to Wa for which y him 25,000 in gold, ‘Tt athe bargain be © ! ted, hash of the girl's now ft 1s no m™ send his danghter to lu sible,” in a fow a Donald Colonet an Me bert Gres (Clara Day's lover) had foo! vata As soon as thee Colonel Craven began to plot agaist Clara Day Craven thought the could do would be to woo and win Capitola after securing her for his wife, clatu esiates for ter as the heir of hi and ijeave bis father to take cure of best could, n Le Noir proceeded cantiou knowing that thee was tine enous Hie did not Wish toa Ci pla all might be lost by haste. Cupivoias > The first time he took occasion to moe rip rides he merely bowed aceply, ever to tie saddle, vlancholy simile Daaved on. “Miserable wret yw to war marry @ girl against her will, 1 how mu he might have been ia iove id fam very giad I balked bin, Still ie loos nd uniapy U I can’t help pity! compassionate! and Hitt ect of dissipation an sumed for the occasion. ays after this again, with rain mot Craven | bow and sat Sis fellow t he richiy a hope it may make hia bo sorry for him; must love! but it was too base tu aun to ict to compel herto have iim?” Now Craven Le Noir had beon © lenting and compassionate looks of Cap did not know that they were only t gards ofa noble and viciorious natur quished and suffering wrong-do: Howeve still determined to be cautious and fob ruth | prospects by precipitate acilon, but w “bast slow! Nin . So the next time he met Capitola he raised | eyes with one deep, sad, appealins gaze to hers, then bowiag profoundly passed oa, “Poor matt !” said © malice toward ine for heart, that’s ceriain, Amd badiy as he beiay suppose it was all for love; for | dont kaow any any one could live in the same house will Oly and not be tn love with her. J ssould lave beow myself if Pd been a man, i know.” The next time Cap. met Craven and saw aga that deep, sorrowiul, aling gaze, as he bo onscious of the r bu > phiyty 3 Va and passed her, she glanced after hin, saying herself:— “Poor soul, I wonder what he means by look. at me in that pitoous manner? f can do notin, relieve lim. I’m sure if} could i would, us * way of the transgressor is hard,’ Mi. Le Now, he who slus must suder !"" For about three weeks their seen! meetings continued in thts silent maou did Craven mako his-advances, Tuea | so 8 eliuge BD confidence he made a considerab.y long wiep | ward. One day, when he guessed that Capitola w as heretofore, he oat, instead of meeting Ler i ward ai Diuneeli tn ver road, aud, rid.og slow | bar gate, allowed her to overtake Me of the gare, and, bowing, heii 6 open uta she had passed. She bowed her thanks and rode entiy, Without the Icast appearnuc since she had overtaken ht 5 and, speaking with downcass eyes aud dolore manner, he sald :— “have long desiree deep sorrow and mortiticatic hurried into rydeness toward an e Mis8 ai but pre rod are you of my prof lady at the Fores: Chapel. mit me now to ance of that act, and to implore your p, “Oh, Lhave nothing against you, Mr. Lo wotr. was not L whom you were intending to nterey ug my will! and as for What you Said and did to ha, ha! I had provoked 1%, you know, and aiterward pail th in kind! “it was a fa which | was victor, aud vietors 4: dictive ?? said Cap, taugiias, for wl him to have been violent aod unjist suspect him of bemg treacherous aad deceitful imagine the base Gesigns ¢ ed De plausivis manuer. Her brave, lou ware ¢ understand @ brute and & despot, bul nob Crave vowed, smntied, lited bis bat away; and not to tie Uspitoia’s sur avolied imecting her for afew days, oud chen tor lumself in her road and, a8 beiore, allowed her overvaice fii. Very subtilly he entered into conv her, and guarding every word and look fnterest withous alarming her, Le sald 0 friendship, but @ great deal of regret f Yeurs and wasted wuleuls in the past and yood Fr lugions for the fuinre. ‘And Cap. listened good nur being of @ brave, hard, Uri hatuy sitive perceptions, tine intuitions into character that dist'nyuisied tt navare of Clare, Li or at lonet sh delicate facuities in the same p wndetined suspicions of Craven's everborae by @ sort Of novi ber determined her to think tha best of hus w cumstances Would perils Craven, on his part, having was wuch wiser in te pursuit also the advan of Velng In © for Capitola was sincere, and not, the case of Ciara, stinulated; he bei that when the tim suoald be rye for th re he word ' reolally g t great fortune must ¢ of LIS proposal the very chtax of disint After three more weeks of ith Capitoia he lad, tah ced 86 far in her good opintor fectly safe to risk a doctaracion wt mined to do on the very Orst opporvat Chance favored hin. One afternoon Niola, ant woods » jon wits that suvite: for wb she was alverwards inclined well C her eerva, Wool. It hi e had come toaste 1 hor poay into @ bard ; g, nd whe suid to Lersell, to apart, a7 4 Mies Cap. ¥ e WO fallen sucdi rise in wh by | the ned, fe on the ground, buried wu this i t Craven Tode up. The aboy ail Of thia story that wil bo pt Ushed in our columns. The ¢¢ atiuugation of it from | Whore it leaves of hore can ye f niy in cy New York Ledger, which ls for ga: tthe & atures apd nows depots. ‘agi fu: atte Our Fusitive Wd," whispered Voloel Le Nowe } i 1869, and it 18° you wil 6 Ledger 6 OW" sa to # rrayear. Rev. Fyre, 4 wiy for the Ledge f