Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 9, 1894, Page 18

For Boy THE OMAHA DAILY B — THE LOST OPAL OF MYSORE on THE £EORET OF THE GHAUTS, By Willlam Murray Graydon, (Copyright, 1894, by the Author.) CHAPTER VI “WUICH TREATS OF TIGERS, AND HUMAN." The Hindoo's warning shcut cleared up the seeming mystery, and accounted for all of the littls comviunity belog In doors at so comparatively early an hour of the night. Doubtless one cr more man-eating tigers had been terrorizing the village of late, and were at this very tims within the walls. So the visitors surmised as they recalled the gruesome monument of stone and bam- boo back in the forest, and they little liked the prospect (f being shut in between two perils. “Looks as though we'd 'ave to give pro- tection instead of claim it,” muttered Pink, throwing himself out of the saddle. “I've *eard of tigers putting a ‘ole town at the'r wits end, but I never saw it bef re. first thing Is to shut the gate against the rajah’s cutthroats. We're safer inside than out, and if it comes to a siege, I've got my fighting temper on. Rifles ready, there, lads, fn case the man-eaters take a notion for white meat—" Just then a low angry snarl drew attentio to a pair of huge animals crouching in the strect about thirty feet aw They were the man-eating tigers. gleaming eyes and madly-oscillating they crept closer. The horses snorted with terror mare jerked loose from Pink, and went out the open gate like a streak. Jack's charger simply sto-d still, trembling like a leaf. Pink's first act was to hurl the torch at the man-eater, and so sure was his alm that the blazing brand struck within a foot of the brutes and drove them back into the gloom, roaring savagely. He then banged the gate shut, and dropped a heavy fron bar int) the sockets on each side By this time Jack was on his feet, holding fast to his frightened horse. Myles and Paltu were not hurt by the fall, ‘and for- tunately the runaway steed had not taken their weapons along. The village was in an uproar. BRUTE tails From the “CROUCHED A HUGE TIGER.” unseen occupants of every hut came shrill cries and supplications. The tcrch now having faded to a mere spark, one of the tigers suddenly reappeared. It was plainly rabid with lust for human flesh; nor was it an aged animal, as man- eaters mostly are. A light spring landed it within fifteen feet of the party, and there it crouched for a final leap, quivering from head to tail. At this critical moment Myles had courage to lift his riie and fire. At tho sharp re- port the tiger rose in the air with a fright- ful roar, and fell, mortally wounded, within six feet of the lad. As Myles jumped hastily cut of the way Pink's rifle “cracked twice, and the man- eater rolled over dead. ‘There was no time to exuit at the victory, for a second tiger was yet at large. Its whereabouts was just then made known by a weird, unearthly scream of agony from the far end of the village street. “What's that?" cried Jack, with a shudder. “The beast ‘as grabbed the 'orse,” shouted Pink, running fearlessly in the direction of the sound. “Stay ‘ere, lads.” It was scarcely three minutes later when he returned. “Two 'orses gone now," he growled bitterly. “The man-eater knocked the charger over, right in front of the rear gate—which *appened to be open—and then 'e dragged the Dbody outside. It was no use going after 'im, 80 I shut and barred the gate, and 'urried back. But there's one danger the less, lads, and now for the troopers. ’'Ow near are they “I don't belleve they're near at all,” said Jack, and, strange to say, he seemed- to be right. Brief as was the time that had elapsed since the fugitives entered the village, it was yet long enough for their bloodthirsty pur- suers to have arrived. Perhaps their torches had falled them, or hearing the rifle shots. For possibly half a minute Pink and his companious listened In vain for the clatter of hoofs on the forest road. Then the silence was turned into a deafening hubbub by the-sudden irruption from their houses of the entire community. The death of one tiger and the fiight of the ether had spread like wildfire, and men, women and children crowded about the strangers with heartfelt protestations of gratitude. 1t appeared, from their incoherent stories, that the man-eaters had kept them in a state of terror for the past two months, and In that time had claimed twenty vietims. On this occasion a gate carelessly left open had allowed the animals to enter the walls. Pink struck while the iron was hot; that 18, he promptly singled out the head man of the village, gave him a partly true account of the situation, and claimed protection for himself and party. The village really belonged to the sate of Coorg, and for this reason the head man was the more willing to accede to Pink's de- mand. He at once spread word around that “the white sahibs, who slay man-saters,” were in danger from mutinous troopers of the rajah of Mysore, and it was greatly cheering to the fugitives to see how readily and gladly the flerce, half-naked Hindoos ran for their spears and swords and antiquated old mateh- locks. “This Is luck and no mistake,” sald Pink We'll stay ‘ere till morning and then strike for the ghauts. We'll 'ave to go on foot, though. The ‘eadman says there ain't a *orse (o be 'ad—or an elephant either. Jack's charger won't do for four, and we'll be just as well cff without it.” “But can we spend the night here safely?" sked Myles. “I don’t mean that there's uy danger of the village being takem by storm, but the troopers may ride around it and get to the ghauts before us.” “They can't, lad,” Pink replied. ‘“The only road toward the mountains is straight through this 'ere village. To right and left the Jungle is so thick that a man can 'ardly slip through—let alone a ‘orse. So the ‘eadman says, and I take 'Im to be a true talker.” “Then we ought to feel safe enough,” re- marked Jack. “IUs not Mkely the troopers will abandon their horses and take to the Jungle on foot. But there's sure (o be some stirring times when they arrive. “I doubt If they are coming, Myles. “It looks mighty queer— “IEllo, what's that?" interrupted Pink. Ark, lads!" Clear on the night air, above the scurrying feet and shrill volces of the natives, rang the dull pounding of hoofs. Over the top of the arched gate shone the glimmer of approach- ing torches. An instant later the flashing lights van- fshed, the clatter of hoots was stilled and hoarse notes of a cavalry trumpet pealed udly before t ; “Open! open!" cried an angry voice, and exclaimed The | With | The gray | they had halted opgy, n the command was emphasized by a thunder- ous knock on the stout teakwood planks. There was no answer from within. Hastily the women and children ran to the shelter of the huts, while the men—three score in number—huddied close to the leopholes in wall and gate. Pink secured one of these points of vantage and reported events to his companions, who were at his elbow. “'Ere the cuithroats are,” he whispered. “I can’t tell ‘ow many, because they've thrown their torches away on purpose. I've ‘alf a mind to drop the leader. 1 could do it eansy now. There's a bit of moonlight shines right down on ‘ls face, and—by Jove! lads, if it ain't Mogul Mir.” This discovery gave the boys an unpleasant shock, and en Pink felt something like a chill tun down his spinal column, as he realized the desperate character of the ruffian who eommanded the troopers. He might have been tempted to fire but for the intervention of the headman, who now mounted a platform at one end of the gate and coolly demanded of the intruders what they warted. “In the name of the rajah of Mysore we | demand tife Feringhee dogs who have taken | shelter within your walls,” replied Mogul Mir, thus openly avowing his purpose. “But they are sacred to us, headman evasively. ““This v they rid us of two man. g tigers ong feasted on our people. It fs the will ot Brahina that we protect them in turn.' “Dog of a i thundered the enraged soubadar, ‘“know you not that Brahma punishes with loss of caste all those who consert with heretics? Yield us the Fering- hees or not one stone of your village shall bs left standing on enother.” ry night have “You shall not have them,” was the d> flant reply. “They are safe here. Depart whence ye came, sons of burnt fathers. Think you that we men at the threats of such Bah!” blustering dogs? the ground, and by dsing he narrewly "escaped a ball from Mogul Mir's pistol, fired with deadly ‘ntent. So treacherous a d:ed stirred the villagers to fury, and as many of them as had match- locks deliberately blazed away through the loopholes. Others bhurled spears over the wall and shouted insulting names. It may be imagined that ths antiquated arms were cf lttle account, since the ters had defied them for two whole Yet either a slug or a spear cer- ta'nly found a billet across the wa A loud cry was heard, foilowed by a crash- ing noise and the clatter of a runaway steed. A rifle volley was instantly fired by way of reprisal, but it did n> more damag> than to rip splinters from the top of the gate. Then an unexpected tning happened. The trumpet sounded the retreaf, and the troop- ers wheeled their horses around and spurred away. Evidently they were d'scomfited by 0 stubborn a ance, Pink once m re glued his eves to the loop- hole and watched steadily for several min- ut “They're camped about fifty yards down the road,” he finally announc:d. “They'r bullding fires to scare off the wild animals. Can you see who was hurt " asked Myles, o, 1t's too far away,’ replied Pink. *I ‘cpe Mogul Mir 'as kicked the bucket, though.” These tactics of the enemy were hard to understand. Had they some deep motive in waiting, or were they merely planning the next move?. Tho villag:rs wanted to open the gate and make an attack, but their more sensible leader managed to dissuade them. Trutlt to tell they were a villainous and sinister-lo-k- ing set of rufans, and well bor> out the evil reputation of the natives of Coorg. Pink and his varty were well satisfied to have such valiant protectors, even though they stcod a little in fear of them. At the end of an hour the situati'n was unchanged. The troopers could still be dimly scen gathered about their campfires on the edge cf the forest. Then the monotony was broken by a start- ling ineident. From the far side of the vil- Jage came a human ery of agony—loud and blood-curdling, Not a sound preceded or fol- lowed it. “That must be looked into," Pink. “Who's g-Ing with me?"* The boys were the first tc offer, and then the headman and three or four others volun- teered. They hastened in a body to the end of the narrow street, and cautiously mounted the platf:rm on each side of the rear gate. It was a_ thrilling scene that met thelr eyes. On th> moonlit road outside the wall crouched a huge tiger n the body.of a man whose uniform stamped him as one of the rajah’s troopers. Close by lay the torn car- cass of Myles' black charger. Before a shot could be firad the tiger seized his human victim in his m-uth and bounded lightly into the jungle with a roar of de- flance. Pursuit would have been useless and hazardous, for the man was probably dead. “Any more of the sples about, eh?’ mut- tered Pink, pe:ring to right and left. “I d-n't think 50,2 replied Jack. fellow was alone.” “He must have worked around through the jungle to discover if the village was equaily well protccted on this side,” said Myles. 3 “And walked right into the jaws of the man-eater, who ‘appened to prefer 'lm t ‘orseflesh,” added Pink, with a graphic ges- ture. “Servis the bloody 'eathen right, too. Mogul Mir won't send another spy in ‘urry. We're safer than ever, lads.” The tnactivity of the troopers now appeared n a plainer lght. No doubt they were waiting for their absent companion to re- turn, In spite of protest Pink opened the gate and slipped out. rope from the saddle bags of the dead horse exclaimed “The closed and barred. “We ‘ad to "ave th's,” he said. “We won't burden ourselves with the other stuff. The gray mare carried off the spades, can easily get two more from the villagers.” “Are we going to start now?” asked Myles. “Not till noar daylight,” Pink responded. “We're going to 'ave a god sleep ‘eadman can provide quarters.” that he could, and he furthermore assured his guests that they might rest in perfect safety fr as long a time as suited their convenience. The party first returned to th> other gate, where Pink made sure by a personal Inspec- tion that the troopers were still bivouacking by their camp fires. Then he and his companions wera led to an empty hut near the center of the village. They dropped wearily on the rude charpoys f straw, and were soon sle:ping as soundly as though n> bloodthirsty fees were near. After what seemed but a brief time Jack and Myles were awakened by ths sound of volces. They sat up, stupidly rubbing their cyes. Palty was already cn his feet. In the doorway stood Pink and the headman, en- gaged In carnest e nversation. The Iatter had a torch in his band. “What's wrong?" erled Ja Pink turned quickly to the boys, showing a very troubled face. ‘Stir yourselves,” he sa'd. start right away. What do you thini ‘as ‘appened? Thoze sneaking cutthroats cut yonder wer: waiting on reinforcements, who must 'ave left Myscre a few hours later. The 'eadman says about twenty mere troop- ers arrived just now." The boys turned pale at this startling piece of rews. They were amazed to learn that they had slept until nearly daylight. Pink went on to explain that an attack was shortly expected, and that the village could not leng hold out against so large & force. “The 'eadman says 'e and 'is people will parley as long as they can,” Pink added, “and then they'll 'ave to let the troopers in or suffer for it in the end. So we'd bet- ter leave at once." “Of course,” want these po for protecting “But wen't the troopers be at our heels in a short time?" Jack questioned anxiously. “That depends on what sort of a start | we get,” replied Pink. “The 'eadman told | me & bit of & secret just now, but this ain't the time to repeat it. Come, lads.”” No demonstration had yef been made by the besiegers when Pink and the boys gained the rear gate. The headman and. a dozen “We've got to replied Myles, “we don't Hindoos to be massacred answered the | who | of Coorg trembl: | With this the headman dropped nimbly to | a He took the two colls of and as soon as he returned the gate was but we if the On bo'ng consulted the headman declared villagers accompanied them that far. The former gave Pink two light spades and a bag of provisions. Then the gate was unbarred and the fugitives slipped out. After a brief recon- noissance they waved farewell to their gen- erous protectors, and hastened forward into the gloomy and narrow road. Before they had gone half a mile the gray misty dawn broke. They were in good marching order, having shared the equip- ments equally, and for more than an hour | they traveled steadily and fast. Behind them the solitudes of the great forest echoed to do more terrifying sounds than the chatter ot monkeys and parrots The road showed traces of anctint usage, and Myles expressed the opinion that it had been made hundreds of years ago, “I believe it, lad," said Pink, “and likely it leads to the very placa we're bound for now."" This seemed all the more probable when a brief view of the twin mountain peaks was had straight ahead from the crest of a ridge. “They don't look far," “Tho distance s about seventeen miles," Pink answered, “for the village is three miles behind. If all goes well we ought to reach our destination about the middle of the afternoon.” Down the rugged slope the little hastened with light hearts and feet. From ahead now grew a dull, roaring sound, and presently the road ended on the brink of a gorge, which was fifty feet across and about twenty-five in depth. Through its stony bed brawled a foam- ing torrent, and from m‘d-channel a pier of masonry with a fragment of an arch attached thereto reared itself. The abyss was now spanned by a native bridge. To a tres on each bank was screwed a cable neary a foot in diameter, made of twisted vines. A little higher up were two handrails of the same material. It was a rude and perilous locking con- exclaimed Jack. party s this your secret, Pink?" asked Jack. “That's it, lad,” was the reply. “There was an anclent bridge ‘ere until a few weeks ago, when the floods washed it away. But the' troopers don't know that. They'll 'ave to go three miles down stream to a fording place. Yonder, on the right, you cai see where a sort of bridle path branches off. It's been made by mounted travelers since the bridge was carried away.” “It's wide enough for horses, then?" asked Myl Yes, in single file. And before long it will be trodden by Mogul Mir's troopers. We ‘ave no time to waste, so come on.” The swaying bridge proved to be stronger than it looked, and one by one the fugitives crossed safely to the other side. Then Pink drew his knife and severed the two hand supports. Now the ruffians are by the ford,” he muttered as he led the way forward. “They might ‘ave taken a notion to pursue us on feot. “And wouldn't that give us the chance of keeping ahead of them?” Myles 1 don't believe he rest of the rough that a ‘orse than a man.” Herein Pink erred, as destined to prove. But he far as related to the path. It led in zigzag fashion endless and lateral spurs foothills of the ghauts; it wound through dense jungle and forest, where the trees were festooned with creepers of brilliant red and blue blossoms; it was obstructed by rccks of all sizes, and by tough outeropping roots. Thus it happened that noon found the fugitives only half way to their destination. In the shadow of a great mountain peak they sat down for a short rest and a snatch of food. A fow feet ahead the road they had been pursuing was crcssed at right angles by an- other ancient path. The latter was very narrow and its growth of tangled vegetation showed that no traveler had passed over it for months. Just as Pink opened the bag of provisions a faint sound was borne from the rear. All started up in alarm. “That was the clatter of hoofs,” cried Jack. ““The troopers must be spurring their horses like mad.” “Hurry,” Myles shouted, out of this." “Yes,” muttered Pink, “it means chase, and there's no_telling—stop, lad added, In a hoarse whisper. keep out of sight. down the sure to go around better sald it, lad," road is can’t Pink answered. likely to be so travel any faster the future was was correct so ruggedness of the and down the huc formed the “we must get ‘ot he “Drop flat and I 'ear some one coming cross road.” (To be continued.) MR, THIMBLEFINGER AND HIS (UEER COUNTRY. By Joel Chandler Harrls. (Copyrighted 1591.) PART IL THERE THE THUNDER LIVES. Mrs. Meadows, Mr. Rabbit, Chickamy Crany Crow and Tickle-My-Toes were very glad to see the children, especially Mrs. Meadows, who did everything she could to make the youngsters feel that they had con- ferred a great obligation on her by coming back again. “I'll be bound you forgot to bring me the apple I told you about,” said she, But Sweetest Susan had not forgotten. She had one in her pocket. It was not very large, but the sun had painted it red and yellow, and the north winds that kissed it had left it fragrant with the perfume of summer., “‘Now, I declare,” exclaimed Mrs. Meadows. “To think you should remember an old woman. You are just as good and as nic: as you can be!” Mrs. Meadows thanked Sweetest Susan so heartily that Buster John began to look and feel uncomfortable—see- ing which, Mrs. Meadows placed her hand gently on his shouldir. “Never mind," sald she, “boys are not expected to be as thoughtful as girls. The next time you . COULD HARDLY LIFT IT. come you may bring me manage to think about it “'He might start wid ‘em,” remarked Dru- hut 'to’ he got here he'd set down an' all up ter keep from stumpin’ his toe an' spillin’ ‘em. Buster Jobn bad a reply ready, but he did not make any, for just at that moment a low rumbling sound was heard. It seemed hattul it you can | race with the noise it made, the little girl JISUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1804. (R, to eome nearpn and grow louder, and then | died away incthe (distance. “What 1s fhat?y asked an_fmpressive whispe “Thunder,”, arwwered Mr. Rabbit, who had listened intentlys ; “Thunder, as sure as| you're born.", | “Yes,” saldy Mr., Thimblefinger. T saw a cloud coming up next door Just before we | came through, the: spring gate.” | “I must be getting nervous in my old age. romarked Mrs. Meadow T had no idea that it was too late in the stason for thun- | der storms."” “That may, be §0,” replied Mr. Thimble- finger, “but it's never too late for old man Thunder to rpah gnt on his front porch and begin to cut up his capers. But there's no harm in him.” “But the lightoing kills times," sald Buster John. “The lightning? Oh, yes, but I was talk Ing about old man Thunder,” replied Mr. Thimblefinger. “When I was a boy, I once heard of a little girl—" Mr. Thimblefinger suddenly put his hand over his mouth and hung his head as if he had been caught doing semething wrong. Why, what in the world is the matter asked Mrs. Meadows. ““Oh, nothing,” replied Mr. Thimblefinger. “1 simply forgot my manners.’" “I don't see how," remarked Mr. frowning “Why, I was about to tefl a story before I had been asked.” “Well, you won't disturb me by telling a story, I'm sure,” said Mr. Rabbit. T can nod just as well when some one is talking as when everything s still. You won't| pester me at all. Just go ahead.” “Maybe It isif't story telling time,’ gested Mrs. Meadow ““Oh, don’t say that,” cried Sweetest Susan. “It it's a story, please tell it.” ““Well, it's nothing but a plain, every-day story. After vou hear it you'll lean back in your chair and wonder why somebody didn’t take hold of it and twist it into a real, old fashioned tale. It's old fashioned enough, | the way I heard it, but I always thought | that the person who heard it first riust have forgotten parts of it.”" “We won't mind Susan. Mr. Thimblefinger settled himself comfort- ably and began: [ “Once upon a time—I don't know how long | ago, but not very long, for the tale was new | to me when I first heard it. Once upon a time there was a little girl about your age and size who was curious to know some- | thing about everything that happened. She | wanted to know how a bird could fly and | why the clouds floated, and she was all the | time trying to get at the bottom of things. | “Well, one day when th® sky was covered ' Mr. Meadows, in people some- Rabbit, | g- that,” sald Sweetest | touching sbub.it. “Who ksiocked at the door? ] cried. “Its volca sounded so loud that the little glrl put her fingers in her cars. “‘Don't talk so loud, please,’ ‘“'m nct deat.’ ‘“‘Oh!" eried the giant at the door. ‘You e there, are you? Ycu are so small I didn’t sey you at first. Come in!' “The little girl started to go in, and then paused. ‘Are you the Thunder? she asked. * “Why, of course,’ the reply, ‘who clse did you think it was? “OL didn't know,' said the little girl 1 wanted to be certain about it.' “‘Come in,’ said the Thunder. fsn't often I have company from the people below, and I'm glad you found me at home.' “The Thunder led the way down the hall and into a wide sitting room, where a fire was burning brightly In the biggest fire- place the little girl had ever seen. A two- horse wagon could turn around in it without the andirons. A pair of tongs as tall as a man steod in one cormer, and in the other was a shovel to match. A long pipe lay on the mantel. ** ‘There's no place for you to sit exeept on the floor,’ said the Thunder. ‘I can sit on the bed here,’ suggested the little girl “The Thunder laughed so loudly that the little girl had to close her ears again. ‘Why, that is ne bed,’ the Thunder sald when it could _eatch its breath; ‘that's my footstool.’ “Well,” sald the little girl, ‘it's big enough for a bed. It's very soft and nice.' “I find it very comfortable, said the Thunder, ‘especlally when I get home after piloting ‘a tornado through the country. It is tough work as sure as you are boin ““The Thunder took the long pipe from the mantel and lit it with a pine spiinter, the flame of which flashed through the windows with dazzling brightness. * ‘Folks will say that is heat lightning,’ rked the little girl. ‘Yes, replied the Thunder; ‘farmers to the north of us will say there is going to be a drouth, because of lightning in the south. Farmers to the south of us will say there's going to be rain, because of lightning in the north. None of them knows that I am smoking my pipe.’ “But somehow Thunder knocked she said, | ‘I ro in turning around the the big tongs over, and they fell upon the floor with a tremendous crash. The blow itself appeared to give forth a sound like a drum, only a_ thousand times louder, and ,although the little girl had her fingers in her ears, she could hear the echoes roused under the house by the falling tongs go rattling and rolling down the mountain side and’ out Into the valley beyond. The Thunder sat in the big armchair R “I CAN SIT ON TH E BED HERE.” with clouds the thunder came rolling along, | knocking at everybody's door and running a | listened and wondered what tho thunder was and where it went to. It wasn't long before the thunder came rumbling along again, mak- ing a noise like a four-horse wagon running | away on a covered bridge. “While the little girl was standing there wondering and listening an old man with a bundle on his back and a stout staff in his hand came along the road. He bowed and smiled when he saw the little girl, but as she didn't return the bow or the smile, being too much interested in listening for th“ thunder, he paused and asked her what the trouble was. ‘1 hope you are not lost? he said. “«QOh, no, sir,’ she replied, ‘1 was listening for the thunder and wondering where it goes.” “Well, as-vou seem to be a very good little girl,’ the old man said, ‘I don't mind telling you. The thunder lives on top of yonder mountain. It is not so far away.’ ‘Oh, I should like ever so much to go there,’ exclaimed the little girl. “‘Why not? said the old man. ‘The mountain is on my r , and if you say the word we'll go together.” “The little girl took the old man’s hand and they journeyed toward the mountain where the thunder had his home. The way was long, but somehow they seemed to go vory fast. The old man took long strides forward, and he was strong enough to Lft the little girl at every step, so that when they reached the foat of the mountain she was not very tired. “But as the mountain was very steep and high the two travelers stopped to rest them- selves before they began to climb it. Its sides seemed to be rough and dark, but far up on the topmost peak the clouds had gath- ered, and from these the lightning flashed in- cessantly. The little girl saw the flashes and asked what they meant. “ “Wherever the Thunder lives,' replied the ¢1d man, “there the lightning builds its nest. No doubt the wind has blown the clouds about and torn them apart and scattered them. The lightning is piling them together again and fixing a warm, soft place to sleep tonight.” “When they had rested for a while the old man said it was time to be going, and then he made the little girl climb cn his back. At first she didn’t want the old man to carry her, but he declared that she would do him a great favor by climbing on bis back and holding his bundle in place. So she sat upon the bundles, and in this way they went up ths high mountain. golng almost as rapidly as the little girl could run on level griund. She enjoyed it very much, for, aithough the old man went swiftly, he went smoothly, and the Little girl felt ds safe and as comfortable as if she had been sitting in a rscking chair. ““When they had come nearly to the top of the mountain the <Id man stopped and lifted the little girl from his back. ‘I can go no farther,’ he said. ‘Ths rest of the way you will have ‘to go alone. There is nothing to fear. Up the mountain youder yon can see the gable ¢f the Thunder's house. Go to the door, knock, and do mot be alarmed at any noise you hear. When the time comes for you to go you will find me await- ing y'u here.’ “The Little girl hesitated, but she had come so far to se> Where the Thunder lived that she would ‘ot turn back now. So she went forward and sobn came to the door of Mr. Thunder's h use. It was a very big door to a very big Bouse. The knocker was so heavy that the Jittle girl could hardly lift it, and when she It it fall against the panel, the noise it made jarred the building and sent a loud echo roiling and tumbling down the mountain. The little girl thought, “What have I done? If the Thunder is taking a nap before dinner, he'll be very angry."” “She walted a little while, n-t feeling very comfortable. Presently she heard heavy footsteps coming down the wide hall to the door. “] thought I heard someone knocking sald a hearse, gruff viice. Then the big door flow oOpen and there, standing before her. he little glrl saw a huge figure that towered almost to the top of the high door. It wore heary boots, big cverc:at, and under fts | long, thick beard there was a mufller a| yard wide. The lttle girl was very much frightened at first, but she soon remem bered that there was nothing for such & little bit of & girl to be afraid of. “The figure that seemed to be %0 terrible first glance had nothing threatingw at smoking and listening with legs crossed. The little girl appeared to be sorry that she had come. *“ ‘Now, that is too bad,’ said the Thunder. “The whirlwindf the south will hear that and come flylf€: the west wind will hear it and come rushing; and they will drag the clouds after them, thinking that I am ready to take my ride” But it's all my fault. In- stead of turning the winds in the pasture, I ought to have put them in the stable. Here they come now!" ““The little girl listened, and, sure enough, the Whirlwinds from the South and the Wes came rushing around the house of the Thunder. The West Wind screamed around the windows and the Whirlwinds from the South whistled through the cracks and key- holes. “““I guess I'll have to go with them,’ said the Thunder, rising from the chair and walking around the room. ‘It's the only way to quiet them.’ “ ‘Do you always wear your overcoat? the little girl asked. “‘Always,’ replied the Thundor. ‘“There's no telling what moment I'll be called. Some- times I go out for a frolic and sometimes I am obliged to go. Will you stay until I return?’ ¥ ““*Oh, no,’ the little girl replied; ‘the house fs too large. T ahould be afrald (o stay here alone.” ‘I am sorry,’ said the Thunder. and see me get in my carriage.” “They went to the door. The Whirlwinds from the South and the Winds from the West had drawn the Clouds to the steps, and into these the Thunder climbed. “‘Goodby,’ he cried to the little girl. ‘Stay where you are until we are out of sight.’ “There was a flash of light, a snapping sound, a rattling crash and the Thunder, with the clouds for his carriage and the winds for his horses, went roaming and rembling through the sky, over the hills and valleys.” Mr. Thimblefinger paused and looked at the chiidren. They, expecting him to go on, sald nothing. “How do you like my story?” he asked. “Is it a story?’ inquired Buster John. “Well, call it a tale,” said Mr. Thimble- finger. “‘Hit's too high up In the elements for ter suit me,” sald Drusilla, candidly. “What became of the little gir1?" asked Sweetest Susan. ‘When the Thunder rolled away,” said Mr. Thimblefinger, “she went back to where the old man was waiting for her, and he, having nothing else to do, carried her to the Jumping-Off Place.” (To be continued.) AN ALAMO HERO, ‘Come Colonel Bowie, After Whom the Bowle Knife Was Named. . It is a safe wager tHat nine out of every cleven boys who are proficient in the use of a bowie knife have not the slightest idea where the instrument got its name. Colonel Bowle of Texas fame gave the knife its title, And when one writes of the Texas hero, one must needs think of the battle of Alamo, that heroic fight of which our American boys and girls seem to think so little, and half of them know nothing whatever. They read how the brave -soldiers fought and held the pass of Thermopylae, but they seldom think of how a mere handful of men defended the Alamo mission. How they dropped fighting on thelr knees, and then died facing the foe. It you should go to the historical city of San Antonio in Texas you will see the old mission bullding standing with battered, bullet-pierced walls, & monument to the 172 heroes of 1836. Behind these walls the most important battle In the war between Mexico and Texas was fought. That was when Santa Ana was president, and the Texans were fighting for their Independence, Here it was that Colomel Bowie ended his brave lite, dying with his boots on and fight- ing under the most terrible odds. The story is this, acd every American child should know it by heart, that he may tell it with pride when other nations are talkiog of their great deeds: One hundred and forty-five men under Captaln Travis, a young man of 25, were holding the town of San Antonlo against General Santa Ana and 4,000 men. They | ot you were ensconced In the old misston of the Alamo. Davy Crockett was also with them, and Colonel Bowle, who was wounded and stretehed out on his cot. Of artillery they had only fourteen pieces. Santa Apa demanded surrender, but little grrison held out for ten days, skir- mishing secretly for food and water. Rvery shot out of the mission house told, but not one of the Alamo heroes were hurt. Patlence and strength, however, were being rapldly exhausted. Some of the little band were falling sick others were desperate. Reinforcements* had been appealed for, but none had come. Colonel Lamein with 300 men and four pleces of artillery had started in_answer to the appeal, but had put in Somowhere for fresh water and food sup- plie: At last Captain Smith jolned hausted band with thirty-two days after General Santa Ana ceased the bombarding, and taking advantage of this Captain Travis called his men into line, and frankly owned that there was no earthly hope for them ; that he had led them into this thinking reinforcements were on the way. Ho does not utter one word against Lamein for falling him; he simply gives them their choice of deaths. They can surrender and be shot down, or be killed fighting out their revenge. The eaptain drew a line and said “Every man who is determined to remain here and to die with me will come to me across that line very soldier but one, crossed at once. When they finished, Colonel Bowie loked up with his arm in a sling and eried: “Hoys, don't leave me. Won't some CArry me across? And the only backward step they made was to go over the line and carry the colonel to the young captain’s side. The man Rose, who was a coward, dropped over the wall into a ditch, and verily the only man who escaped to tell tale. And then came the terrible day. Santa Ana brought all his forces to hear on the fortre: The scaling ladders were again and again raised, but those who placed them were shot down like grain. Four thousand men charging fnto 172 seemed y enough, but it soon reduced the 4,000. At last numbers conquered, and the Mexi- cans climbed over into the Alamo. Tho little band of defenders were trampled on and beaten, but they dropped to their knees and hacked and shot and plerced until the pile of the dead was awful. Colonel Bowle, 00 weak to rise from his cot, leans on his well elbow and marks his man every time he pulls the trigger. Cut, blecding, he con- tinues to kill until the pistol falls and the breath leaves his body. Davy Crockett standing in a corner, fights like a panther, and the young captain backed agaiost the wall surrenders only when run through and through. The great have won. Out of the dead. No Spartans were tenacious, for they killed 522 of their ene- mies, and wounded 500 more. Texas though was finally freed, and whenever great deeds thrill young boys' hearts, they should think of that splendid piece of American daring, and say as Houston said to his men: ‘Res member the Alamo.” the the ex- men. Three the battle is over. The Mexicans 172 Texans are braver and more Commerclal. ‘When you wish to read at a headlong speed, Or to write a sentence fleetly, You should mind your stops, or the mean- ing drops, And the sense gbts lost completely S0 I write these lines to commend the signs Which we use in our punctuation; For the sign that's best (though I like the rest!) Is the note of interrogation. Now & styled The most perfect type of beauty; But the infant mind 1S to knowledge blind, So to teach is an elder's duty. Yet T would not esk for a harder task Than a juvenile’s education; For exch child I know (until’ twelve or so) Is a note of interrogation. clever child has been sometimes It_is passing sweet to a maid to meet With a touch of the tender passion, When a lover true is at hand to woo In the old but immortal fashion; And the girls all long for the same sweet song Of a love throughout life's duration; On its strains they dote-but the sweetest note Is the note of Interrogation. IMPERIAL HAIR REGENERATOR. Porfectly restores a rich, lustrous color, makes the hair healthy, and is clean. Steaming, salt or Turkish Baths do not affect it. It {s as nat- ural a8 nature. Deteetion impossible We make applications a special and have the handsomest privais rooms in the eity. COLORS, NO. 1, BLACK.NO. 2. DARK BROWN, No. #. MEDIUM BROWN, No. 4, CHESTNUT, No. 5, LIGHT CHEST: NUT. No. 6. GULD BLOND, No. 7, ASH BLOND. Price nd $3.00. ‘A frec sample bottle of the finest ro rfal Venus Tint,” will be sent on recelpt o stamp. IMPERIAL CHEMICAL MFG. CO., 292 Fifth Avenue,N.Y. IN OMAHA: SHERMAN & McCONNELL, 1513 Dodge Street. Locomotor Ataxia, Epilepsy . . . AND ALL DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD FIND READY AMZLIGRAMON FROM THE USE OF MEDULLINE THE EXTRACT OF TWE SPINAL CORD OF THE OX, PREPARED UNDER THE FORMULA OF Dr. WM. A. HAMMOND, IN HIS LABORATORY AT WASMINGTON, D €. Dose, 5 drops. Pri g ' two drachms, $2.50. Columbia Chemical Co.," WASHINGTON, D. C. SEND rOR 830K, KUHN & CO. AGENTS FOR OMAHA cuT = ouT il send you i uinag a1 B YK You examine & 0 1F vou think 1t w bargaln by our samplo price $1.85 aid itis yours. 1t isthehands somiest and Lest timekeepsr in the world for (he money and botter than many watches sold_tor four times the price. FREE..) oot tree end. absolute SFeTreo Tovely gold plats ehalh and chirm, als our big Catalogno full of bargaing. Write to-day, thisoffor witl not appear again. Address, EASTLAKE MFG. CO., Adams and State Sts.y CHICAGO, ILL. — CTOR SEARL ES & SEARLES SPECIALISTS, Treatmentby Mail, Consultation Free: Catarrh, all cases of the nose, Throat. Chest,Stomach, Liver, Blood Skin and Kidney diseaszs, Lost —Manhood and all Private Dis= eases of Men, Cull on or address, Dr. Searles & Searies, 10 arnam Stroet’ Omuha, Neb, -+ —_—THE DROPS . Prepared from the original fo mula pre rerved in the Archives of the Holy Land, haw .ag an authentic history dating bac £ €00 yeags A POSITIVE CURE for all Stomach, Kidney and Bowel troubles, especially CHRONIC CONSTIPATION, Price 50 cents. Sold by all druggists. ‘The Francis:an Remedy Co.,. 184 VA “URBA 8Y., CHIOAGO, ILL. 2 for Circular 1.4 Minstrated Calendan f i iy For sale by Kuhn &Co., 15th & Douglas A\| finuies Brone-Seieg. /) ) ative prous oe Bidk 3 ¥ exconsos. brice, 10, 2 C THE ARNOLD CHEMICAL CO. 161 8, Western Avenue, CHICAGD. For sale by all druggists, Omaha. xhaustion, nernl Neuralgl 50 o ok, Slavss Loy e | lf ggmmxééfiig&»’@Mf@}@w-m | $15,000 # DIAMONDS, #*" WATCHES, Unprecedented !! That’s the groatest of 41l uuction sales, now in pro- gress at 214 South 15th Strect. the exclamation you hear on all sides when reference is made to # cLocks, # JEWELRY, fg} SILVER WARE ¥ AND ?g BRIC- A-BRAC % AT AUCTION, % SALES AT % 2 AND 7:30 & orcLock & EACH DAY. i 15,000 o $ %t o o §# Ladies’ especially invited N. B. Everyarticlesold is backed up by » Dax the personal guarantes of John Baumer. No misrepresentations are mado, and everything is sold at YOUR price. John Baumer is not Take Notice. g oui"of bisi- ness. Hehas a long time lease on the bost cor- ner in the eity, and he will still be found at the old stand doing business when this great sale has become u thing of the pust. This sale Is for the s Don’t Forget fi s ot ralsing $15.000 and ralsing that amount quick- ly, John Haun 't get profits, but John Baumer gets QUICKLY, and that's what's wanted, Every afternoon Remember E5i i ovor evenin t 7:30 until further notice) this Gi= gantle Auction Sale will continue, You ean- not afford to let the opportunity pass—you must attend, ay H H You will never see Bear in Mind X " i ll{ again to get Ohristmas goods for just what you feel like paylng for them. JOHN BAUMER, Jeweler and Diamond Merchant, 214 SOUTH I5TH STREET. to attend these sales. 3 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 Trya EXACT SIZE ere the only defenders of the town, and PERFECT) THE MERCANTILE IS THE FAVORITE TEN CENT CIGAR. For sale by all ['irst Class Dealers. Manufactured by the F. R. RICEMERCANTILE CICAR CO Factory No. 304, St. Louis, Mo,