Bloomington Progress, Bloomington, Monroe County, 5 January 1900 — Page 3

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(-A ROMANCE OF THE WAR OF I812.-xS

By CAPTAIN M7VRKyAT.

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CHAPTER III. It was evening again upon the shores t the Delaware; the last rosy bar of -light had sunk down the western heaven, and the young moon was gliding along the sky like a silver bark upon some sleeping ocean. A solitary being, prompted by his own innate love of loneliness and meditation, had sallied out to enjoy the balmy night air, and indulge in the hopes and fears of his wild fevered f ancy, and now stood upon a small wharf "that jutted into the Delaware, sofdistance below the city. In those days it was not unusual to see -whole squadrons of beautiful vessels in -all the harbors of the United States, it being then late in the year eighteen hundred and twelve, a period when our seamen, emboldened by the success of the frigate Constitution over her opponent, the Guei.ere, had commenced fitting out privateers to scour every sea upon the habitable globe; but a more symmetrical vnd graceful ship than the one that lay upon the water before him our hero thought he had never seen. While he was yet gazing upon this beautiful specimen of naval architecture he heard a -slight rustle behind him, and, on turning to ascertain its cause, he discovered that lie was not alone. A tall figure, enveloped in the folds of a Spanish cloak, stood beside him. "We have a lovely night, sir," exclaimed the stranger. "Charming, indeed, sir," replied Harry .Sutherland, taking in the stranger's form with a glance. "The mildness of our autumn almost repays us for the severity of -our winters." "I suppose so," said the stranger, "though it is some time since I have spent a winter in this climate. I find it always uncomfortable upon the American -toast, except when the sun is in his northern declination. But, sir, I think you have a constitution admirably adapted to -a warmer climate than this." "Why so?" asked Henry, somewhat astonished. "You bore the heat last night with apparent composure," replied the stranger, with a smile, while our hero was somewhat surprised at being recognized. "Were you not looking at yon clippertrailt ship when I came up?" asked the former, after a pause, during which Harry Sutherland had more than once observed his companion, hoping to detect in him some acquaintance. "I was indeed admiring her when you arrived." "And think her pretty?" "Beautiful beyond all rivalry; never have I seen a vessel so perfectly symmetrical in every part," said the youth.

"You can form but an imperfect idaaJ

of her beauties at this distance, with so little light to aid you," said the stranger; "but if you have a curiosity to examine her more closely, it will make me happy to offer you the opportunity. I command that ship; my boat will be here in a moment see, she comes even now and I will be glad of your company on board." In another moment the boat was sweeping rapidly toward the ship. Nothing further passed between them until their arrival alongside. Harry Sutherland being too much engaged in admiring the delicate beauty of the little vessel, and her commander being too much gratified with that admiration to be for one moment the cause of its interruption. Gaining the deck, his surprise was still greater, for upon looking around for the battery which he supposed might have been concealed from without, neither cannon, musket, cutlass nor pistol met his eye; but, on the contrary, every part of her internal arrangement displayed the peaceful regulation of an ordinary merchant Teasel. "You appear somewhat astonished, rir," aid the captain. "But I suppose you have not frequently seen a ship in such excellent order; merchant vessels generally have so few hands that they are obliged to neglect the appearance of their decks for the accomplishment of their more essential and important duties." "You mistake my surprise, sir," said the youth. "I was until now under the Impression that this was an armed ship. I thought her a privateer." "And why so?" asked the commander. "Because her outward appearance evry way betokens it; she is evidently constructed for fieetness, and much too harply built to be a profitable trader; beides, sir, merchant yessels seldom carry -euch ponderous spars aloft." "Have you ever been on blue water?" "Twice," responded the youth; "I went from here to Boston and returned by way of the Atlantic." "Then you are mariner enough to know the utility of this ship's appearance," replied the commander. "The largest frigate in the king's navy would scarcely Ton within gunshot of us without having her matches lighted and her crew at their quarters; and as to her being too contracted to stow a rich cargo, I have only to add that she would carry more bullion than Gautimosin ever possessed, and silks and laces enough to enrich you and me to independence. But walk below, ir; the night air is somewhat chilly and you will find the cabin much more comfortable." And as he finished speaking he ushered our hero into an apartment whose magent decorations astonished him even than the ship's deceitful exterior.

The most superb saloon that he had ever beheld on shore was far below comparison with this small but splendid chamber, and as he gazed about him in surprise all the gilded fancies he had formed of the thrones and palaces of emperors and kings rushed upon his imagination as if they were realized in the place he now occupied. "Will you please be seated, Mr. Sutherland?" said the commander, when he perceived that his guest had completely noticed each fixture of the apartment. "You said you had twice navigated the Atlantic, sir." "But a very small portion of it," answered Harry. "Would you like to go a cruise with me? I dislike entire solitude as heartily as anyone, and should be happy if you would become my messmate for awhile." "Many thanks for your kind intention," said our hero, "which I cannot, however, take advantage of. Much as I am inclined to the sea, the career I would pursue on board of your ship offers but a small share of inducements to gratify that yearning." "Ah," said the stranger, after a pause,

"I think I understand you; the duties of a merchant ship suit you not you disdain traffic that we drive from port to port your ambition inspires you to something nobler than the petty transactions of commerce in short, sir, you would follow the sea in another capacity than that of an ordinary merchant sailor." The stranger rose from his seat and commenced pacing the narrow limits of the apartment in sudden excitement. "Mr. Sutherland," he said abruptly, "with my single ship I spread terror all along the coast of Great Britain. I entered their harbors by night fired their shipping while riding at the wharves prevented their outward-bound vessels from putting to sea, and captured and destroyed their returning merchantmen. In vain their cruisers pursued me in vain they scouTed the channel in squadrons, the 'Sea-King' was too fleet of wing for them, and they returned dispirited and unsuccessful to port I ran in and issued my proclamation declaring their whole coast in a state of blockade." Surprise for a moment kept our hero silent; he had heard of the daring exploits of the privateer his companion had just mentioned, but he had not known before that he was then in converse with the famous individual who had so gloriously directed and prosecuted her movements. "I am happy, indeed," said he, "that circumstances should have to-night acquainted me with one who has distinguished himself with so much gallantry in the cause of his country as has Captain Manly." "Mr. Sutherland," replied the other, "I am unworthy of the praise you have just bestowed, at least of part of it. It was not patriotism alone that prompted my actions, nor was it an unholy thirst for gold. No, no, young man, it was a deep-rooted desire for revenge revenge

upon tne proud nation that that-- But no matter," added he, as if suddenly recollecting he was about to betray something which should be kept to himself. "No matter; it is all foolish foolish, too foolish for repetition." "May I ask, Captain Manly, where his gallant ship is .at present?" said our hero. "You may, sir. We are on board of her." "I have reference to the privateer, sir. She that is called the Sea-King." The commander made no reply, but, smiling, he motioned our hero to follow him, and they both ascended to the upper deck. But imagine the astonishment of Harry Sutherland when, on emerging into the open air, he found himself in the presence of a hundred ferocious looking men armed with cutlasses, pistols and boardingpikes, who had ranged themselves along the bulwarks, and were standing as motionless and as silent as if they were so many petrified warriors. From these he, after a cursory glance, turned to the huge pieces of cannon that thrust their black muzzles out upon the water, rendered terribly conspicuous by the glare of twenty battle lanterns, until, confounded at length, he looked up to his companion, as if to demand an explanation of the singular and somewhat startling metamorphosis. "Be not fearful, Mr. Sutherland," said the commander. "I am not the renowned Vanderdecken, nor this ship the phantom 'Dutchman,' but a veritable Yankee privateer that sometimes exhibits the fancy of the English churchman who wore the corslet beneath the cowl." "Sir, you mistake mv astonishment."

replied our hero, with a smile; "but, truly,

tne enange that a few moments have wrought upon the deck of this ship seems rather the effect of supernatural than human agency." "It has been my salvation more than once, young gentleman," resumed Captain Manly. "I have passed through a squadron of twenty men-of-war without suspicion, although at the time they were in pursuit of me. Nor have you yet seen my most complete disguise; in a case of emergency, I could send down my afteryards, sway aloft a gaff-topsail, cover my white streak, and otherwise so alter her appearance us to defy the most practiced observer, from discovering the identity. And now," Mr. Sutherland," resumed

o command'. "I kope your objections t'. accompanying me have all been removed?" "They have." "And you will join me?" "I will. When will pou put to sea?" "On the day that follows to-morrow, the wind and tide serving." Our hero promised to divulge nothing he had witnessed or heard, and bidding his host good-night, he mounted the gangway and descended into the boat. When she rounded to alongside of the wharf, he sprang upon the platform, and the boat returned to the ship, leaving him to muse in solitude upon the strange events that had that night transpired.

CHAPTER IV. Another day's reflection found Harry Sutherland troubled and doubtful with respect to the course he should pursue. He had quitted his father's house with a firm determination to enter it no more; but that resolution was formed in a moment of indignant excitement; and now, when that all died away, he became convinced that his feelings would not support him in the measure. At length, however, his determination was formed; the vain spirit that lost heaven to the angel lost him his home; and abjuring it altogether, he directed his steps toward the environs of the city, in order to comply with the promise exacted of him by the captain of the privateer. But when he had arrived at the wharf the ship was nowhere to be seen. Another individual occupied the wharf, and to him our hero directed himself. The stranger was attired in the garb of a common mariner, a black silk kerchief was knotted loosely about his neck and a tarpaulin sat carelessly upon one side of his head. He was, perhaps, twentyfive years of age. "When did the privateer go to sea?" asked Harry Sutherland. The sailor turned sharply about, and.

I eying the questioner distrustfully, he ex

claimed: "Wnat privateer" "She that rode at anchor off here day

before yesterday." "Your eyes must have been in an eclipse when you made that ship out a privateer." "True, true," rejoined Harry, recoMecting his promise to the captain. "I was mistaken. The merchant vessel, I mean, that swung at anchor here two days since." "If you have reference to a rakishrigged black ship, she dropped down yesterday in the afternoon." "That is very strange!" exclaimed Harry. "I don't think so," replied the sailor; "she had a leading breeze, and there was every indication of fine weather. She couldn't have picked a better time to sheet home and hoist away; so you see, young man, we differ on that point." "You misunderstand me altogether," said our hero. "May be so, may be not," said the sailor, with a significant smile, and at the same time producing a packet from his bosom, he asked the youth if he knew the person to whom it was directed. "It is intended for no other than myself," said our hero, glancing at the superscription and breaking the seal. "Sir When you receive this epistle I shall be perhaps beyond the capes of the Delaware. Be not surprised at my sudden departure; after the covenant that was made between us you may consider me unfaithful; it was at first my wish to enlist you in my service, but reflection has since convinced me that you may be better employed elsewhere. You are young, fearless and ambitious; you would be a sailor; the navy, then, is your future field. If you are wanting in influence to procure an appointment, deliver the enveloped letter to the person to whom it is directed. He will do everything to assist you, and but few men in the United States have more authority at the department." Such was the contents of the letter addressed to himself; the other was sealed and directed to William Hamilton, Esq., Philadelphia. Harry Sutherland, after a second perusal, raised his eyes to question the bearer, but he had left the wharf unobserved. Half an hour's walk brought him to the residence of Mr. Hamilton. On entering the parlor he found himself in the presence of a man of perhaps forty years of age, and one whose appearance was noble and dignified. He perused the letter with unusual interest; his brow worked, but not with anger, and he seemed evidently troubled with the perusal. "Mr. Sutherland," said he, when he had finished, and at the same time extending his hand, "it will afford me pleasure to aid you in this manner, but first inform me candidly if you know the person who gave you this letter." "Certainly, sir," responded Harry, astonished at the question. "I could not have obtained a letter of the kind from an utter stranger; my acquaintance, to be sure, was very lately made, and has been of very short duration, but it was sufflcient to obtain the confidence of Captain Manly." At this reply the countenance of Mr. Hamilton at once brightened up. "Enough, enough, sir," replied he; "your wish in this matter shall be gratified; I will write to the secretary this very evening in your behalf." The calm, frank manner of tne youth won at once the heart of the other; he was highly pleased with the simplicity and beauty of his address, and after numerous protestations of assistance and friendship he invited him to remain at his

home until his appointment was received.

While they were conversing the door opened and a creature in the flower of girlhood entered the apartment. On perceiving a stranger she hesitated, but a smile and a word from the father brought her to his side. "Anna, this is Mr. Sutherland," said the host; "he is a friend of mine and will remain with us a while. You must make his time pass as agreeably as possible." "I will endeavor to do so," said the little girl, courtesying to our hero and blushing beneath his ardent gaze; for her singular beauty had so fascinated him that ho continued to look steadfastly upon her. j

"And Mr. Sutherland, yon will find my daughter tin am-i-nug companion, provided that shf- wiJ) take tb pleasure in entertaining you that she does in pleasing me. She in a guy little thing, but, like the rest of Iw-r s Kt he must be lumored somewhat or she ceases to be agreeable." "Oh, father, how can you say so?" said the daughter, playfully. "The fact is," said Mr. Hamilton, kissing her pretty lips, "she has been spoiled by some deceitful persons who have delude her into the belief that she is handsome." The few days that our "hero spent under the roof of Mr. Hamilton rolled away in ineffable delight, and when his appointment came he took it with a sadness that he could but ill conceal; during that time he seldom quitted the house, but devoted his whole time and attention to the society of the beautiful daughter of his friendly host. If he was captivated upon first acquaintance he was trebly enchanted when that acquaintance had become matured; for every day he beheld the development of some new grace or beauty in her character. Mr. Hamilton could not be insensible to the attachment that was growing between his daughter and protege. It was too evident to be mistaken; he discovered it in the bud and marked its blowing with pleasure; and even then he looked forward to the time when that affection, strengthened by years, and confirmed by experience, should be productive of their union, with something like a prophetic impression. He smiled approval 'upon their partial intimacy, for he perceived in Harry Sutherland the germs of a noble mind. Seven days dawned and closed, and Harry Sutherland was still the guest of Mr. Hamilton. Twice he had resolved to proceed to New York, where he was or

dered to join the ship for which he had been drafted ; but when the appointed moment came, his heart failed him, and he procrastinated the event until another and another day. Sentiments of filial affection conspired to render him unhappy; he could not reconcile himself to the idea of embarking in his new profession without seeing his father once more. But, however strong his desires might be in this case, his pride was still superior, and one of the dearest wishes of his heart was crushed by its indomitable spirit. Harry and Anna sat upon the portico. It was evening, and the last flush of a beautiful day had deepened into the darker hues of night; the lights of heaven were twinkling hi their spheres, and the breeze blew cool and fragrant. "Anna," said our hero, breaking a silence that had existed for some moments between them, "I must leave you to-morrow." "To-morrow!" replied she, sadly. "Oh! no! not to-morrow, Henry, not to-morrow." "I must," said our hero, bitterly; "a further delay would ruin me! I trust that we shall meet again, Anna." "We will!" "But when I am absent you will forget me!" "Oh! never," said she; "you, I fear, will forget, not I." "Anna, if you knew my feelings for you, you would not say so. Anna, I " He hesitated; he could proceed no further; he trembled; his manliness had all deserted him. That little form had inspired him with an awe that completely unnerved him. He sighed, but left the sentence unfinished. On the following morning Harry Sutherland set out for New York; he would not consent to see his father, although urged to do so by Mr. Hamilton, and he left with a heart aching from more than one cause. (To be continued.)

Virtues of the Straight-Back Chair. When our grandmothers were girls, and straight-back chairs instead of cushioned divans were the usual rest-' places, says the Public Ledger, the young women held themselves with a straightness that was almost stiffness.! Then when they grew old they still held themselves like duchesses. For it is the way one sits rather than the exercise one takes that determines the. erectness of the figure. A prominent physician says that the proper sitting position requires that the spine shall be kept straight and that the support needed for the upper part of the body shall be felt in the right place. Therefore it is necessary to sit as far back in the chair as possible, so that the lower end of the spine shall be braced against the back of the seat. If this back is straight the shoulders will also rest against it; but even if the shoulders have no point of support, it will be found that they do not need it when the base of the spine is supported properly. This position makes no strain upon the ligaments of the spine. Every organ of the body is properly fixed by this attitude. The feet should rest squarely upon the floor; thus perfect equilibrium and rest are secured. The

arms should never be crossed, for that position causes a strain upon the spine.

places a weight upon the stomach and

diaphragm, and thus greatly increases

the labor of digestion and respiration.

Dancing Eleven Miles in an Evening An average waltz takes a dancer

over about three-quarters of a mile;

a square dance makes him cover half a mile. A girl with a well-filled program travels thus in one evening;. Twelve waltzes, nine miles; four other dances at a half-mile apiece, which is hardly a fairly big estimate, two miles more; the intermission stroll and the trips to the dressing-room to renovate her gown and complexion, half a mile; grand total, eleven and a half miles at the least estimate.

HUSTLING flOOSIEBS.

ITEMS GATHERED FROM OVER THE STAT fi

ll) Intercotlnc Snmmarj of the Mora law pertaut Doing of Our Neighbors Wod dings and Deaths Crime. CaaoaltiM, ud General Indiana New Not.

A love-lorn poet says it is better to have loved a short girl than never have loved a tall.

Minor State Items Terre Haute is having a flurry of spiritualism. Mayor Eagan of Greenfield, says no prize fights go there. William Arnold of Bloomington, was killed by a falling tree. The first natural gas well drilled in' Indiana was at Eaton, in 1886. Frank Horwat was instantly killed by a Lake Shore train at South Bend. Martin Haines, living near Muncie, had three ribs broken in a runaway. Frank Cox, a young farmer living near Rockville, was found dead in bed. James Robinson, a farmer near Bedford, fell from his porch and broke his neck. Municipal electric light and water plant is making Goshen $200 to $300 a month. Elkhart County Council has been called together to borrow money to get the county out of the hole. Absalom Miller, near Bedford, shot a golden eagle. It measured seven feet from tip to tip and weighed twelve pounds. Mrs. Mary Harding, of Saline City, who shot Henry Wellman during a quarrel over a pig, was released on $6,000 bond. Marion Cycle Company is arranging to begin operations with a full force of men

in thirty days. It employs more than 200 men. Indiana oil is $1.12 and there is a scarcity of men and teams to continue operations. Indications are that oil will be $1.25 by spring. Cattle thieves are at work in Tipton County. The other night, a bunch of eighteen was stolen from the Kenipton neighborhood. El wood Magden, an early resident of Kokomo, who had not been heard from in thirty years, returned from Cape Nome, Alaska, worth $10,000,000. Northern Indiana and NortflEvestem Ohio theater managers will meet in Decatur, next month, to discuss means of eliminating "barn storming" companies. Charles Carlson and Fred Wiggins of Bremen, started hunting, and Wiggina threw a gun across his shoulder and it was discharged, fatally wounding Carlson. Flora citizens have been paying town tax in advance, and they are going to take the question into court, claiming that town taxation should be on the same basis as county. The first free rural mail delivery route to be established in Wabash County has been ordered, and the service will commence about. January 15. It runs from Wabash about six miles northwest. The 5-year-old son of John Hart, near Bedford, was mysteriously shot while playing in the yard. Thirty-two shot have been picked from the child's body, and more remain. His condition is critical. The report of Adjutant General Gore shows that companies of the Indiana National Guard have been reorganized at Terre Haute, Frankfort, Vincennes, New Albany, Indianapolis, Evansville, Madison, South Bend, Martinsville, New Castle, Muncie and Attica. Edward Dragoo, in the insane hospital at Richmond, climbed into a box car at Kansas City, some time ago, and was locked m. The car was opened a week later in San Francisco. Dragoo had been without food or water the whole time and his mind was derangeci. He was brought to Richmond for treatment. While Pierson Loer, a farmer, living near New Castle, was feeding fodder into a horse-power cutting machine, his arm caught in the cogs, and was crushed to the elbow. Benton Beall his brother-in-law, being unable to turn the wheels back, cut the arm off just below the elbow, with a butcher knife, to save the man's life. Edwin P. Hammond, Jr., of Lafayette, son of Judge E. P. Hammond, was instantly killed at Roachdale, on the Monon Railroad, while in the act of boarding a train for home. He was associated with his father in one of the leading law firms of Lafayette. He graduated from the law department of Indiana University, class '97. Three forged checks for $100 each, on A. B. Hatfield, signed by Joe R. Voris, cashier of the Citizens' National Bank of Bedford, have turned up at Bedford. They have passed New York, Philadelphia and Louisville banks. No attempt was made to imitate the signature, and there is not a man in Bedford by the name of A. B. Hatfield. An east-bound passenger train was ditched ten miles east of Crawfordsville by the fire box of the engine falling. The entire train left the track, but it did not turn over. Baggage-master Kelly was hurt by a trunk thrown against him, and Expressmessenger Kramer sustained injuries from being dashed against the end of the car. Several passengers are under physicians' care, but are not seriously hurt. There was a wild panic in the jail at Kokomo recently. Turnkey Bowen went up town, taking the keys with him after locking all the doors. During his absence the water pipes burst, filling the cells with water and hissing steam. The inmates, a good bunch of "drunks," thought the jail was on fire and pandemonium reigned fox half an hour or more, until the doorkeepei could be hunted up and the cells and apartments unlocked. The prisoners were released, with no further injury than a steam bath. The flood started in the women's

department, the only occupant being Mrs.

Edith May Quick, under indictment for

poisoning her husbond.