Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 30, 1894, Page 9

A BB LBN D < kit PART I1. gt S ESTABLISHED JU [ - THE 1OST OPAL OF .\l\'S(llllp} SECRET OF THE GHAUTS 1804 / Lopyright, by W Murray G CHAPTER 1X IN WHICH PALTU CHECKMATES MOGUL MIRr indied had the blasted the triumph of Pink young comrades. The of the troops had precluded of flight All hope. Jack and Myles other, trembling avold the merciloss liam Swiftly shadow of death Triscott and his up | nol stealing the or defense was lost beyond | shrank close t with fear and glances of hate that leveled at them from all Paltu crouched mutely at their feet, At first Pink had very nearly et the better of him and his hand wa at his pistol belt when he woke to the folly | of resistance. Now he stood with folded | " aims, gazing fixedly at the fire. Al color ad fled from his face, leaving it stamped | with mingled defiance and terror, and heart- | rending compassion for the lads who had troetingly followed him on so perilous a | Talssion. Suddenly he remembered th had fallen at his fert, and flaghed through his brain quickly to pick it up But Mogul Mir saw pushing Pink brutally stone and thrust What good « manded, with a | “I would have thrown it so far away that | you and your men could never have found | it,” Pink boldly answered | | trying to rag opal, which 1 desperate idea he stooped and the the movement, side, he seized it into his hosom n it do you now?" cking leer, Mogul Mir's” face became distorted with wrath. *‘Dog, you still defy he cri unsheathing a glittering sword. “This | your work, and this,” he pointed to lhis | bardaged arm and to a couple of half-heal a| scars on his forehead. | “They shall be wiped out in blood he | added, ferociously | But just then his purpose was diverted by the greedy, envious glances with which his | men were regarding the open hox of jewels. | He slipped his sword back into the scabbard | and gave a couple of hasty ovders, in toc® low | a tone for Pink to hear. A couple of the troopers at work with bayonets and n difficulty, to pry the chains off the box Then they fitted the broken parts of the lid into place and wrapped the box around with stout straps Meanwhile three ruffians had taken a brand from the fire and crossed the dry channel to the mound. After poking about in all direc- tions they returned triumphantly with the rifles which Pink and the boys had concealed behind the temple At a word from Mogul Mir the prisoners were now roughly seized and stripped of thelr revolvers and ammunition belts, They offered no re nor did they beg for mercy. Too we y realized the futility of pleading or persuasion. Harder than stone Were the hearts of the Soubadar and his troopers. There was a moment of thrilling silenes. Then Mogul Mir stepped back a few pae and instantly, as though this were a pre- concerted signal, every rufflan flashed out his naked tulwar. Paltu fell on his knces with clasped hands, and Jack and Myles could not restrain a cry of terror. The fre shone on their ghast White faces, stamped with the fear of death, For an instant Pink reeled like a drunken man, and glared at the drawn weapons. He made a step forward, lifting up ons arm. “Stop, Soubadar!” ‘he exclaimed, in a tone of hoarse and agonized entreaty; “grant me a word before you begin this bloody deed.” The troopers flourish=d their tulwars in a closer circle, and broke into angry murmurs of discontent. “Chup! Chup!* impatient one Mogul Mir. “‘Let the dog speak Pink fnclined his head gratefully. “T ask the lives of thes: lads 'ere,”” he pleaded “They 'ad nothing to do with this affair, 1 dragged them into it, and I'm willing to die for them. By the colors you once served under, Soubadar, show mercy now “No! no!" erled Jack, springing forward “Don’t kill Pink. You dare mot. It you harm one of us you will surely b shot or hanged. This mad uprising will end as did the great mutin The lad's imprudent threat, and the allu- #lon to the terrible year of '57 roused Mogul Mir to a greater degr:e of passion than he had yet shown. He swore savagely, and his eyes snapped like living coals. “Feringhee dogs, better had ye held your peace,” he thundered. It were too great a merey now to give your necks to the sword By Brahma! I would that I had a cannon here. Yo should be blown from its mouth were_our sepoys before the walls of Deli, Yet shall your fate be a terrible one. By lingering tortures will ye dle." Turning to the troopers he added: “Put up your tulwars, and bind the three Feringhees to yonder trees, The Hindoo lad is a son of Motee Mal, a true servant of the rajah. He shall be taken back to his father. dogs have led him astray with ‘word The rufians sheathed their weapons with & reluctance that showed how eager was their thirst for blood. Then they stood Paltu to one side, sullenly dragged Pink and his companions to three great ironwood trees that stood in & row beyond the fire. After pinioning each one's ‘arms behind his back they bound them (o the trees with many fect of straps and tough, flexibi- vines, wrapping the coils painfully tight about them from ankles shoulders, The Soubadar satisfied himself by a per sonal examination that eve rything was se cure, Then ho lighted a torch of resinous me," once set to aged, with some growled Tiiese polsoned and “PALTU! PALT wood, and stood off a little while the troopers | extinguished the fire with wet sand ! gravel from the hed of the stream. | Two burly ruflians lifted the brass box to their shoulder nd supported the weight with apparent e. Two others placed Paltu between them. The lttle Hindoo| emed actuslly Indifferent to the fate of | his companio for he did not once toward them The troopers were now to start, but Mogul Mir had yet a stng to dnflict upon his wretciied captives. He swag- | gered up to them, flashing the torch in their | faces and ering at each in turn with a demon-like grin of triumph | This s a more fitting punishment than to | | awaiting the order | @ie by the tulwar,” he said. mockingly are fitting than slow rvation, Hark Bre tomorrow's sunrise the flerce e SR X | | | tumbling I Blance It THE OMAHA SUNDAY BE beasts of t and leay will yo heard by Fiend!" muttered Pink mer Mogul Mir langhed 1o you descrve rajah’s offer of wealth and to play the spy with you of Hindustanee But ¥ ne thing—the secret d the gorge tonight cloverly Now tics that ar With this col and gave later he mid ho gorge irst th then the night air For a the boys plight 0 ou 1, s by which Aha! we trapped die, and hear ¢ enter you h i dogs ye th subadar t th, e ruffianly n, were t irned on his » march. An in band, with Paltu in amping swiftly up h stant e t of th dull faded and died vanished, away on and foots the periad failed of minutes Pink and to realize their terribl reat was their relief at being rid of Mogul Mir's presence. They half ex- pected the bloodthirty troopers to return and put them o the sword. They st at every sound that the breeze wafted their ears; they ined their eves the gloom Then, plucking up courage and stralned at their bond: dripped from th of bruised fiesh endura they tugged uniil perspiration | fareheads and the agony | was mo use, lads,” eried done their work counted strong, no ‘ave always Pink. oo well. was but 1 For Boys and Girls. | against th: to | danger, mhi | than they could | bellowing with rage and pain. ““The | interest to Pink and the boys 1| they can't OMAHA, SUNDAY MO | and checked wian ju m was a particularly savage | He had evidently been running some danger up the gorgs, and now from pleased to find his progress another peril his ire arose the ground, and shook bellowed thunderously The tiger was equally terruption to his anticipated banquet. He valorously proposed to give battle, and an- nounc:d his intention by a series of mighty roars With a hoarse bellow the buffalo a The tiger rose in the air like a flash, cleared the wicked horns and landed on his enemy's hindquarters, which he at once began to rip open with tceth and claws The maddened buffalo swerved aside into the dry channel and stupidly blundered wall of earth on the opposite side t twenty feat th difficul imal of and this aded fellow from he was far barred by In fact at on his low He pawed red horns and enraged by this in of the pool Here the tiger fell off, and for a moment he seemed to be under his adversary's fect and horns. But he quickly rolled out of and when next seen he was ¢ to_the throat and neck of the buffalo. The latter was at a disadvantage, owing to the soft sand and gravel into which his hoofs sank deeper and deeper at every mo ment. — He finally dropped on his knees, The struggle that followed was of thrilling For a time forgot everything else, and they were recalled to their cruel plight only when the \ budge these straps any more than if they were bands of iron, and the vines are worse still. It's all up with There's no ‘ope left.” Jack uttered a groan and Myles stifled sob escape him. All at once the rible truth flashed upon them. They ized that they were face to face with tain death—that they had far better perished by the sword. It was a hideous awakenlng, lads though they were, it threatened for a time to erush ‘and break them—to drive them frantic with terror and despair. Truly the situation was one to try the toutest hearts. Little wonder that it chilled theirs—hearts that throbbed with all the oy of hope and youth. Simply and in stunned silence they hung on the cruel bonds, trying to pull their courage together, setking vainly for some scrap of comfort. Their thoughts strayed to the past only to come back in- tervals to the doom they were powerless to avert. Yes, they must die—die. And life was so sweet, How long a time pas never knew. They could other and Pink, who was by turning their heads. first to break the silence. “If it was only some other whispered b 3 it could co and sudde to be torn wild be He ended “And it ‘I wouldn't were safe, I've done?” Pink’s noble disregard of self stirred a sense of shame in his companions, and the shadow of death seemed to grow lighter. “Don’t feel badly, Pink,” said Jack. “‘We don't blame you, oid fellow.’” “There's nothing to forgive,” added Myles. “We were only too glad to come. It was our duty.” Pink tried to thank the boys, but his volce broke down. They could not see the tears that dimmed his eyes. Again there was silence for a long time, Then Jack sald: “I'm glad Paltu is safe We made a mistake to bring mm. 1 don't | suppose he had the least fdea of what we were trying to do. “I didn’t think he was so hard-hearted, replied Myles. “Why, he went off without saying goodby—without even looking at us, Aid he always thought a lot of me." “That's the way of the would, lads, when fellow gets into trouble,” 'said = Pink. hank God my old parents are dead, ‘avent any kin living, There's one I'd like to send @ last message to, though. She's far away in England—in the Kentish villag where I"was born. I can see 'er pretty fac yet. Poor girl! She's waiting on mo come ‘ome with the Victorla Cross, 1'd 'ave it by this time, aye! an an off 100, it 1 'ad led a different life into scrapes. But it's let a hor- real- cer- had and, brave d thus the dimly see each between them, Myles was the boys " he quick to piecex by,| n a shuddering moan all my fault,” muttered Pink. mind “alf so much if you lads Can you forgive me for what inste now. “I have no one but Cap! Jack, after a sympathetic sorry, though. He was father to me.” The lad involuntarily lowered his head and vo a little ‘What's the matter?”" exclaimed “1 sce something shining on your br “Nothiog," veplied Jack. ‘“I—I my gold locket. Those o torn it out of my shirt.” “It has an ivory portrait of a lady in- side,'" he went on slowly. “Pink knows all about It, but I never told you, Myles, (hat there was a mystery in my father's life Wynyard was only his adopted name, and he never knew—-"" The sentence was abruptly cut short husky cry from Pitk. Looking straight | aliead the boys saw a sight that chilled thelr blood with horror. On the flat rock projecting from the mound stood & mon- strous i clearly outlined in the dim light No words can port:ay the f hapless prisoners. Here, at | fulfillment of Mogul Mirks proy moment they were dumb and terror. Theu, heedless cf pain ry muscle to break or X use; they were chained with steel W the tiger Hghtly across (h the dead embers of 1 crouched, the very | bload-red jaws open i his eyes like balls ground bruie in Dundas,” said pause. “He'll be almost as good as a Myles, ast.’” mean It's rufflans must by a lings of the ast, was the weak with | they exerted bonds thoug sen their held as tightly o scenting u feast, sprang y cha nel and landcd on fir There he ture of rage—his how sharp o flame, his tail las was 1 s8 than six Wl for an sukpect defiant end feet from instant he | some tric titud, Th blood-curd ug 1o spring” with & shudder with all your might Weo may im off Just then a dull, threshing nols heard by, The tiger twisted and stared intently up the narrow grass that lay between the channi timber. The cext instanut 2 huge buffalo shot =ing his eyes “Yell Pink But lads,” shouted was about strip of LASHING THE TORCH IN THEIR FACES, &l out | pur down | Mysore. | news of tue finding of the opal tiger let go of his vietim, and erouched, panting and growling, in ths shallow water of the pool. “I was sure the buffalo would win, claimed Myles, in a tone of despair. must be dead.” “‘Pretty nearl {e '" assented Pink, “but I can see ‘im stir a bit yet. And the tiger ain't satisfied. I ‘oped ‘e would let us alone now.” 0! he's coming,” cried Jack, “look! look ! Yes, the monster was already pproaching the wretched little party, his craving for human flesh as strong as ever. Plainly he was hurt and crippled, for every movement drew a snarl of agony as he crept slowly across the pool and out upon the shore, “Better ‘ave it over than starve to death by inches,” muttered Pink. Then, prompted by the instinct of preservation that lives to the last with doomed men, he added loudly: “Try 'im with a vell, lads.” Three voices blended in a horse shout that rang far through the gorge. The tiger paused and crouched flatter amid the grass. “Again,” cried Pink, but before the lads could obey a dusky little figure leaped out of the forest and ran swiftly forward, yelling at every step in a shrill, treble voice. Then there was a ruddy flash and a sharp explosion, and in less than no time the now disgusted tiger was climbing the opposite bank of the channel, where he vanished from sight in the direction of the temple. With a joyous shout and a flourish of his pistol the’ dusky figure danced up to the captives. “Paltu! Paltu!” cried the boys, and fervent “Thank God” fell from Pink's lips. It was indeed the little Hindo, scratched from head to foot and with dripping wet garments. He whipped a sharp knife from his girdle and vigorously attacked the straps and vines, He first cut Myles loose, then Jack and Pink. They crowded around him with husky words of gratitude and fairly hugged him in their mad joy. They felt as though they had stepped out of yawning graves. i'ur a time they could think of nothing but thelr un- expected rescue. The tiger and the dying buffalo were forgotten. “This won't do, lads,” exclaimed Pink, com- ing suddenly to his senses. ‘“Look ‘ere, Paltu, where are the troopers? 'Ow did you get away?” “Me tell you,” replied the little Hindoo, With a grin of triumph. “Sahibs no be ‘fraid of troopers now. They take me far up valley. Me no say goodby, so they not watch m: sharp. By an' by they go up steep place. Me steal knife from one fellow and he no see. Then me slip back an' run fast. Troopers they turn around an’ shoot. Bullet hit near my head an’ make me scared so I fall, Me tumble down big high rocks—fall on back in stream. Me pretend shot, an’ let current drift me off. Troopers throw torch ) they see me. Then they think me dead an’ go ‘'way. By an’ by me get up an' wade out of water. Run fast to save sahibs an’ find pistol what troopers lost in grass.” Such was brave Paltu's story, and it meant, in brief, that the band of ruans had Boue on their way, satisfied that he was d a ads,"" W cried Pink, “there's a slim chance ust try to beat the troopers to The odds are that they'll travel roundabout, s0 as to spread the We won't lose time in 'unting the outlet of the gorge I 'ave a better plan." “What is 1t2" exclaimed Myles, “To follow the stream under the barrier,” was the reply. “We can da it at the cost of | a wetting. 1 made sure of that when we came up. A brief discussion of Pink's daring plan ensued, and the boys were quickly won over to it. In spite of all they had endured they were willing and eager to try again to checkmate Mogul Mir, s0 far as reaching Mysol abead of him could accomplish that object | Moreover, there was really a bright chanc since Myles proposed a water Journ n the Cauvery river, provided a boat or raft could be found In than quarter of an hour after Paltu’s timely arrival the little party was tramping down the valley along the avenue of stone t At the barrier passage, through poured. Tk slow and rs they found a small arched which the torrent swiftly e Wwas 0o time for fear or he tation. One by one they entrusted them selves 1o the darkness and the rushing waters ¥ plunged safely dow the catars under gratings and toad once the lower side of Tippoc ib's b There | vier ) need (o describy further adventu th ney. In spite of hunger aud found themselves, when the lar of Mercars H ey tured o sleey hours, and then pushed on in Toward noon they struck the upper | the Cauvery river, which was un nd swift | in detai homeward wearin morniig had their Jour s ‘they dawned, encountered for an easterl veral di veetion part of usually full Follow several whom (h woat | nien baged, with snd RNING, EMBER 30 D coln they had supply of food. Thus equipped they ‘started down river. They paddied with t(he eurrent of that afternoon and night, and.all of day, fortunately, withaut encountering ger fron: raplds or hamian enemles About midnight traces of civilization began to appear, and a couple of hours later they saw in the distance the: lights of Seringa patam—a town that lay five miles to the north of Mysore With thankful hearts the v ¢ landed and. crept ups the bank pain. . As they hurried through the starry night in the direction of Mysore they mo- mentarily dreaded to hear the crack of rifles and the sky turn red with the fires of incendiarism and revolt, Would they be in time, or were they even now too late? (To Be Continued.) AN OLD NEW YEAR. In the Life of nt Van Twiller Brown Pierre Stuyvesant Van Twiller Brown took the front steps in two bounds, pressed the electric bell with hie knuckl: and eaid, as the door was opened: *“When Legs comes in, tell him I'm in the library.” It was New Year's eve and already Brow- Ing dusk. The freakish shadows of the fire lighted into strong rellef the pictured face of old Peter Stuyvesant of illustrious mem- ory and Plerre's far-away ancestor, As Pierre looked at it with utter jack of interest he sald contemptuously, an old duf- fer! Why doesn't Leg: They were to reorganize the ball team be- fore the New Year's party began, and Pierre was anxious. Just as he wa¢ most impatient he began to recall little Bettje Beckman's face at the last . New Year's party when he told how his grandfather had conquered the Swedes on the Brandywine and made them Dutch subjects tes’ hazel eyes shone like the gold bead: around her mneck. Peter Stuyvesant was a_ great hero! Bettje did not doubt that Pierre, whom for some reason she called Peter, also would be just like his grandfather when he Erew up. “And she sald proudly, “Oh, yes, Pete: My father says theré never was such a brave man as your grandfather Plerre looked at her admiringly and Bettje blushed with pleasure. Beneath her open flowered frock skirt she wore her best quilted plush petticoat; she had on her best gre stockings and her new high-heeled shoes, which had just come from Holland. Her hair was smoothed back with an extra quantity of pomatum, and her little, close~ fitting cap was new ' She looked very well, Pierre thought. But that was long ago. It was since then that he and Bettfe had danced around the May pole in Bowling Green and Bettjo had been chose queen; and since then at the Paas festival he had given her those beautiful colored eggs, as a peace offer~ Ing for teasing her on last St. Nichol eve, when he pinned his own name on her stock- ings and hung them in the broad chimney. He had teased her in English, too, that hard, hard study, which Bettje thought w: like Greek and 'Latin necessary but not for girls, Smiling at” these recollections, Pierre en- tered the door of White Hali, the governor's mansion, and met his grandfather just com- ing out. Governor Stuyvesant rareiy showed his temper to his favorite grandehild, but now he frowned and said: *“Go home, sir, ‘This is no place for you. T am goivg to the fort.” “'Oh, let me go," pleaded Pierre, and because his grandfather did not hear him he took silence for consent, and. followed. The fort was full of soldiers, burghers and citizens, all anxious and eagerly waiting for the governor. Bowling Green was filled With the wagons which the farmers had driven in from the country early that morns ing. On the Hill slopes outside the fort thelr lorses were grazing,/ ‘and” leaning against the. palisagdes was a collec traders, peddiers and lndlf. CoWs and sl a rude boat, paddies, and a the Il gers at A Nistoric Moment Stuyy Plorr for boys, plgs were feeding in the sfgegts and over Beetman's swamp a flock of wild turkeys rose like a cloud and disappeared. The English ships lay, with gails: reefed. It was a peaceful and prétty scene,“and as Governor Stuyvesant looked upon it his temper burst like a whirlwind. “Ten thou- sand devils, what is this T hear!” he roared, “Surrender! Never! Rather will I hang and draw the first traltor who suggests it.” All kept silent, there was no use in striving with “‘Hardkopping Plet,”” (headstrong Peter) When he was in one of his rages. He went stamping around the fort on his wooden leg and Pierre followed. “Miscreants!” he shouted. “Cowards! who s it that wishes to surrender New Amsterdam to these ruf- flans; Let him speak!” But every one was saved this necessity by the appearance of an English aide, who made his way to the governor and presented to him a paper from the English commodore requiring the surrender of the town, by order of his highness, the duke of York, brother of his majesty, King Charles, IL. of England, For answer " io this request Hardkopping Piet tore the letter in pleces, deelaring that surrender he would not while the breath re- mained in his body, Pierre expected to hear the roar of guns and the voice of battle, but Instead some- thing very different occurred. Much to his chagrin he learned that the inhabitants of New Amsterdam did not share the lofty patriotism of their governor; that for the sake of the quiet which they loved and the commerce which they loved still gore they were willing not only to tolerate the English, but to allow them to become masters of the city; and when a deputation of seventy burghers, among whom was. Pierre's father, besought the governor upon their knees to accept the commodore's terms, declaring be- sides that they would by no wise, cither by arms, money or consent, help to defend the town, the brave old Icader was forced to vield. Forsaken by his own, even he was powerless. 8o the letter was picked up, Dieced togetler and a proper answer sent to the English commander, As the messenger left the fort Pierre, who had crept close to his grandfather, took his hand and looked up reverently into the stern ol face. "I would haye fought with you, grandfather!” he whispered, loyal in defeat. The governor looked down at him proudly, “If they had been like thes,” he answercd In the good old Dutch tongue, “Holland might not have been disgraced.” And then he remained silent, while slowly the Dutch flag was lowered from, above the fort and the white banner of a humifjating peace was ralsed in its stead. It was a moment of destiny and as New Amsterdam fell in line with the English-speakiug polonfes the star of Holland in the new warld sank forever from view The- garrison looked at the white pennant with satisfaction, but the gevernor's eyes d. “Mercenaires!” muttered the old fircbrand, who would haye given his house and lands, his “bowerie” dwelling and all the money in his strong box for.one good shot at the “Liwauld rather be carried out " VB would rather be carried out dead,” echoed Plerre, and felt the tears. New Amsterdam had become New York, then, as now, the metrppolls of the new world, But Pierre formed & plan to raise troops, make the Indlans slMes and drive the English away, He bad just decided to make himself captain, whenwOh! Was he being scalped? No, it was.only Legs puiling his hair. Pierre felt hia blood tingle as he jumped back nearly two eentugies and a half, “Legs,” he sald solemnly, “this picture, you know, is Governor Stuywessmt; he was the last Dutch governor of Wew York." Legs looked uninterested. Piegre groped blindly among his historical facts for one which might appeal to Legs. “Oh, Legs, don't you remember, he had a wooden leg?” Was he born with it or did it grow later?" asked Legs sweetly, Pierre's answer ame stralght from the shoulder, but as he sottled down to re. organize the team he glanced up at the old portrait and fancled, no, actually saw a kindly twinkle in the eye. HENRIETTA CHRISTIAN WRIGHT. 1ho Sir ngeh of Snaits. I have @ weakness for $nails, haviog fou and one day, a fine specimen, I tied a fine ord around his shell after having fastened 4 bt of iron to the other end of the order to keep until I needed bigger (han was, and 1 vy encugh to hold him. until Was attraeted by a dragging on the windowsil where I had captive. Thls aroused wmy same, him him The iron 4 10t h my e serap'ng sound cerralied was he | wheels, [ T then 1 | that to the | | we would respectfully submit 1894—SIXTEEN PAGES. curiosity, and I determined to find out how much the &nal could pull 1 loosened the string from the bit of and made it fast to a letter scales [ watched Mr. Snail as he pulled the ind around to very nearly nine Then 1 took a little matchbox, such as matches are bought in, put it on two pencils by way of and proceeded to hitch up my snail aded up my minfature cart with cents, and found that he could still pull it up to a weight of nine and a quarter oun is, about twenty times his own weight which was half an ounce. In any country wher | time s no ohject this new m tive power to those siudying motors LM LITTLE MR, THIMBLEFINGER AND HIS QUEER COUNTRY. Ty Joel Chandler Harrl pyright, 1504, by 1 THE CHILDREN'S § PART V.—HOW A KI “What about little vial of water? Susan, Mr. Mrs, was W (© Chandler Harris.) JCOND VISIT. G WAS FOUND. glrl who had sald Sweetest Thimblefinger, just about to begin her the sparkling turning to Meadows the | he | I as story. On, she blefinger. Buster John frowned at his sister, as boys will do when they are impatient, and Sweet- st Susan sald no more. “Once upon a time,” Mrs. rubbing her chin a country that a king. is growing,” replied Mr. Thim- W Meadows began, thoughtfully, “there was suddenly found itself without This was a long time ago, before people in some parts of the world began to think it was unfashionable to have kings. 1 don't know what the trouble was cxactly, whether the King died or whether he was carried off or whether he did something to cause the people to take away his crown and put him in the calaboose. “Anyhow, they suddenly found themselves without a king, and it made them feel very uncomfortable. They were restless and uneasy that they couldn’t rest well at night ] were in the habit of having a king to govern them, and they felt very nervous without one. “Now in_that wise men whose vice. Instead of falling out and wrangling with one another and ruining their busi- ness, these eleven wise men had formed a artnership and set up a sort of store where nybody and everybody could get advice by the wholesale or retail. 1 don't Know whether they charged because there never has been a time since the world had more than two people in it that advice wasn’t as cheap as dirt. “The eleven wise men were there, ready to give advice, and so the people went to them and asked them how to select a King. The eleven wise men put their heads to- gether, and after awhile they told the people that they must select nine of their best men and send them out on the roads leading to the capital city, and when these nine men found a man sleeping in the shade of a tree they were to watch him for four hours, and it the shadow of the tree stood still 5o as to keep the sun from shining on him he was the one to select for their king. Then the eleven wise men, looking very solemn, bowed the people out, and the people slected nine of thelr best men to find them a king. Now it happened that in a part of the country not far from the capital city there lived a boy with his mother and stepfather. They were not poor and they were not rich, but “everybody said the boy was the hand: somest and the brightest that had ever been seen in that section. He was about 16 years old, and was very strong and tall. “One day, when the stepfather was in the village near which they lived, a stranger passed through on his way to the capital city. ' He had neither wallet nor staff, but he drew a great crowd of idle peolpe around him. He was carrying a red rooster, and although the fowl's feet were tied together and his head hanging down he crowed lustily every few minutes. It was this that drew the ‘crowd of idle people. One with more curiosity than the rest asked the stranger why the rooster crowed and continued to crow. ** ‘He is a royal bird,’ the stranger replied, “There is no king in this country, and who- were eleven to give ad- country there trade it wa a the save time and trouble the boy and g for supper very cut “The stepfather was ar his hair, the boy went hunting. turn about stretelied himself in the shade of a trec s soon sound asleep. “While nine people to find that sleeping in stationed him. the Kept the sun from his face. came the tree hadn't moved, and that the boy was a well favered lad, who would look very well when ho was dres: with a crown on his head “So they from his sleep “ ‘Where trade saw and other questions besides. woman as they were leaving to s of their going wanted was very to himse * had & hoy. cook “The wife the them band and her s that & woman in and eaid he was very his mother safd your stepfather returns we The boy went s on a table. | fow1" “'Why, heard her exclamation of surprise, ‘I in shrewdly sar When already guished company thousand Eot was that the visitors were hunting for a King, inj I was away.’ “‘Well, don’t worry, they ever intended to make you king they'll come back after you.' “‘You it,' remarked the days_you'll find caped being the King's wif “The they had found the right person to rule over their country as king that they made haste to return to the capital city and tell the news to ‘the eleven wise men who had sent them out. wise men put thelr heads more. long time they said to the people: * *“There know whether a king las been found. a messenger and ask this young man to send us a rope m “The messenger straightway house eleven straightway fell to crying, laughed at her fears. e the messenger, ‘that there are various pat- SINGLE C( He knew and he reasoned what the stran the head cooked, fond of her son f that if she knew i1 she would give the head to the he only told her to be careful fowl's head and save it for him 1id as she was bid. She cooked and the fowl's head, and j 1 in the cupboard until her hus n came hon It happened mething kept the husband in vil a little later t while the waiting £on came h the fowl an usual, an for him' her hungry You will find something in the cupboard,’ Eat a little now, and when will have supper to the cupboard. The fowl big dish ready to be covered, and was in a saucer by itself. To took the head e it, and then felt as if he could wait comfortably. The husband woman proceeded to set the When she came to look for the head it was gone. 1 ate sald head and_the it,’ when he found than her son the saucer, the fowl.' and I ate it rather v enough to tear g The next day He was ready being very tired, but he safd notl but, he and noon, he who soundest the by the to pass was sleeping hie had been appointed them a king chanced They saw the handsome boy the shade of the tree, and they themselves around and watched For four long hours they watched but still the shadow of the tres The nine men the shadow of men way. hoy, to the conclusion that ed up and put on a throne shook the boy and aroused him ‘What's your name ked the spokess Telambus,’ replied the do you live? far from her. would you like to be king? er tried it. Is it an boy. Not How hay to learn? ho nine men and smiled. thought. ley went with the boy to his home and his mother, and inquired about his age his education, and asked a hundred They cautioned the nothing visit except this, that they were bout hunting for a king and had called ke some inquiries. her husband came heard of the visit of and 50 he @ ion 1 the casy looked at They other had the cach each home he had the distin sked his wife que answer he 'm sure it was for me they were hunt- aid the man. ‘How unfortunate that replied his wife. ‘It don't seem to think much about man, ‘but some of these out that you narrowly e nine that citizens were o certain They made their report and the eleven together once When they had consulted together a is one test by which you may Send de of sand 100 feet long.’ went to the him what the His mother Telambus. of Telambus and wise men had told said. but the eleven he to wise men,’ said “IT IS A RO YAL BIRD.” ever, king.' A “‘He must be worth a pretty sum,’ sald eats this bird's head will reign as one. “'By no means,' answered the stranger. ‘He is worth no more than a silver piece.’ But the people only laughed. They | 1 thought the, stranger was making fun of them. He went on his way and had soon passed beyond the village. Now it chanced that the stepfather of the bright and hand- some boy was in the crowd that gathered around the stranger. He thought it was very queer that a rooster should be crowing so | bravely when his legs were tied together and while his head was hanging down. So he said to himself that there might be some truth in what the stranger said. He ran after the man and soon overtook hin “‘That is a fine fowl, said the boy's step- father. “4¢ 15 a royal bird,' the stranger replied “ What is he worlh? asked the boy's step- father. T ghall be glad to get rid of him, the stranger. ‘Give me a piece of sily take him.' “This was soon took the rogster un ““Remember this sald | and done, and the stepfather r his arm | remarked_the stranger; | it you eat the head of that bird you will | reign in this country as king | “0b, hot' laughed the boy's stepfather, | ‘you aré a fine joker | “With the fowl | toward his home under his arm he went He had gone but a little way when he turned to look at the stranger, but the man had disappeared. The country was level for a long dist in all directions but the stranger could not be seen “The boy's stepfather carried home and sald to his wife ** 'Cook this bird for our supper. bead also, “The man was afraid of tell his wife why the fowl | Lo Cook the hi terns of sand sample of the kind they want—a piece only a foot long feet eleven wise bus had said **‘He is right,’ ‘He | char bring | brougnt.’ S0 country At | hunt and ended ““That Thimblefinger an the “Dey me we all ain't “Please the vial of sparkling w the Mr grown “Oh "Hub! gruuted Diusilla, ropes. Let them send me a and I will make them one 100 long, he messenger returned to the eleven wise men and told them what Telambus had said ey put thelr heads together ag: | told” the pe | enough | rejoicing then, and had found him went to fetch hi “But Tela not | your are your drums and your simbals?' ain and then ) was wise was great men who ple that the young m be their king. There the nine wise bus shook his head carrled about in this way, banners and your chariots? ‘Kings are Where are Where 0 the ne me: men returned to the and told them what Telam sald the eleven wise men s & king alfeady. Get your horscs, your your banners and your music, and our Kking in as he deserves to be lambus was made King of that this for point Mrs. Meadows a knitting needle sh children knew that 1 q was began had droy the story was a pretty good story It ‘was short King bird sald to the honey bee wuz too much Kingin' fn it tu Ef folks got ter have kings, how ¢ got none?” paid Drusilla tell the little g er from the id 4 exj; sald Mr and sweet uit m ab ut with 1l at me in 1 of the world Thimblefinge by this t yes, replied Mr. Thimblefnger now grown to be quite a young lady." £ tolks grow up et she to re- | Ry PAGES 9 TO18. B D s b S JPY FIVE CEN1 dat quick T dunner what hinder me from bein' a ol gray head ‘oman by sundown | (To Be Continued.) A TEST OF LORTINUDE, Wow General Washington Year's Spent a New . Whil hopes we are looking forward with bright toward advent of a New Year, like the cver-g tree, will add ring to the and and prosperity country, it is well to look bock with grateful hearts to the patriots of the revolution who fought and bled and died | for the cause of lbverty. To them ur present and all the enjoying life and its best gifts About 120 years ago.a anxious New Year's day was greatest hero of the time—a day may well contrast with our own. The winter of 1776 had been one to try the mettle of the bravest hearts; the many battles, the ine | tense cold and’ the long marches had worn out the bodies and spirits of the troops. The end of the year found the revolutionary army journeying through Delaware and New Jersey, and, after two days spent in convey= Ing men and artillery over the icebound | Trenton, it was with the greatest dificulty that General Washington could hold his tired her. Enthusiasm was dead and s sleeping; privation, hurdship and rly broke the ranks of the army, need tempted the most loyal to desert. The Dritish troops had assembled at Princeton and everything pointed to the total extinction of the American army. In despair General Washington had written for funds to a friend, Robert Morris of Phil- adelphia, who spent his New Year's day in Eoing from louse to house to solicit aid upon hig own credit, with what result will press ently be seen It was a very dreary New Year's day, for when General Washington sent out six Phila- delphia light infantry under Colonel Reed to patrol the country, they returned with the information that Lord Cornwallls was march- ing toward them with 0 or 8,000 men, This was confirmed by other repurts, and finally the news camo that General Howe was on the mareh with 1,000 troops, having arrived at Amboy. Washington's situation ~as critical. What could he do? To re- treat was to frighten his men, and theres fore to surrender; to remain hemmed in by o British was impossible unless refw forced. After several hours of deep thought the noble general sends two messengers ab post speed to General Cadwalader at Crosse Wicks, and to General Mifflin at Bordens town, bidding them join him with theis forces. It is a desperate command, but it is the only hope, and now he must wait in patience. I fancy his quickly ihrough the air swiftest to a certain low stone house that ¢ rolling hill above a shining rive st memories come to mind to light the resolute soldier masque. The day would very differently there, K rly in the morns ing part of the gay company bidden to the hospitable home to spend the merry season would have been up and away over hill ana dale to the hunt, while all the snowy woods made answer to the cry of men and yelp dogs. Then would have followed aly the good cheer of an old-fashioned Vire ginta holiday dinner, and, perhap party to crown the night's festivities with a dance, No one enjoyed more than George Washing ton handing the pretty girls through the quiet paces of the minuet, and returning their low, sweeping courtesys with dignified bows; no one enjoyed more than he the graces and charms of briliiant society, and all the pleasures of an aristocratic southern hom and for all of this a fresher, keener sen must have been felt during the dreary hours of encampment, This had been a terrible day to begin the fresh scroll of time, and now he must endure the hours of suspense, Towards evening the happy news came that General Cadwalader and General Mifllin were advancing, and before night closed in the main army was increased by the addition of more than 3,000 men., Almost simuitaneously came a gift from Robert Morris—the sum of 000. With money and fresh troops for a New s gift to General Washington, there dawned upon him the hope and inspiration that resulted two days afterwards in the ctorious battle of Princeton, January 8, X E. 8, ane health her of onr we owe happiness means of very unhappy and spent by the which we and sore thoughts must have cut wings wins a and fond- in and des der his calm have been spent Cav They have a mammoth cave in Turkey which takes all of the brag out of Kentucky. It is mear Selefkeh. And where is Selef- keh? Well, it is near that part of the Turkish coast which is just exactly north of the island of Cypress. One of the natives went in with a party and roamed around for | five days, and when he came out he said he | had tramped fully twenty-five miles until he came to a large lake with great cliffs rising up in it, Having no boat he had to turr back. Of course, he was a Turk, and per haps we should e a litle carefulabout acf cepting his idea of distance too literally; sti 1t is probable that the exit of the cave i Cape Lisau ¢l Kabeh, fifteen miles eastwar, of Selefkeh, right on the sea, where t1j dash in the mouth with' a rush a s given the place the nae Hole.” If one stands t the entrance at Salefkeh, he can hear a booming roar, which fs in all probability the waves at Cape Lisau el Kabeh, rushing inte the Roaring Hole, TOLD U HE PULPIT, The late metropolitan of Canada, the ven= erable Bighop Medley, never wearied of telling the expe ne of his early years of ervice in that count says the New York Herald. 1In those days the roads w n.a very primitive condition and the country ° sparsely populuted, rendering the journey from one backwoods settlement to anothepr an unpleasant not to say dangerous undertale i The bishop, however, made periodical vise its to the most outiying parishes of his dios cese in all seasons, and in the most Incles ment weather On one occasion, a violent storm bheing in progress, he was compelled to halt for the night at a log cabin by the roadside. A rough but hearty wee was accorded him by the inhabitants, to whom he was un- known, The man of the house at ¢ busied himself with the care of the horses, while the woman sct about the preparation of the cvening meal, As the bishop sat comfortably by the fire, his first thoughts were of hig mission to that lonely neighborhoo ly good woman,” said he v iscopalians in this vicinity 1 hardly know ir,” she replied. ngly; “the men did kil something under the barn yesterday, but whether it was one f them things or not I cannot say for cers tain."" are there hesitats e A very prefty story about a confiding child Is related n Harper's Drawer of the d-year- 10 son of a membor of the Georgla legislas ture, Haying left the boy in a rovm of one of the big hotels of the metropolis, with the | command to go to hed Immediately, hie went down to scek his congenial friends in the office. The bell boys were soon thrown inte nsternation by the many and various cally from the room in which the little fellow had been left, and quite a number of them were collected th But it was not fice or fire, a "B and 8. that (he wanted tonished the boys with unu: 18tz “Please, ird, send nie one o hear me say my prayers.” 000 watcer For those | religious pr who are at all famlilar with th elivitios of “‘Crackerdom,” the | 1 ing story will have @ » | uest: A iember of the Georgla leglblature, ropre= ng u north Georgla Lituency, 1o con= rsation with a nortl was asked the latter what wa tude of his strict. Efecting som 1 which he ruminating, the r ¢ innocently and pregnantly re t strongly tist, sir wa “The mi are falllng oft iy, 1 rintendent of Runday know what to Deacos Podberry, 1 idea to put in & that would give up a cigarette time you dropped @ penny igd%