Daily Wabash Express, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 24 February 1889 — Page 3

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Mrs. Miller was still at the bedside of the former when Dr. Bayard nerved himseir to matte the neoeaeary call. To his great relief the young soldier had fallen into a fitful doze and was unconscious of his presence. Mrs. Miller in low tones described his condition and the doctor was content to go with out other examination, though he left directions with the attendant as to what was to be done when the patient awaked. Next he repaired to Mrs. Forrest's rooms and was measurably soothed and flattered by her appreciative reception. He bade her pay no attention to the rumors rushing through the post and dinned into her affrighted ears by Celestine as to the probable fate of Hatton and his little command. He pointed out to her, as he had to other ladies whom he had been summoned to attend that gruesome afternoon, that it was not the first time Mr. Hatton had been "corraled" by the Sioux, and that he had always successfully kept them at respectful distance and his own command under cover until the rescuers in shape of cavalry could reach the scene. It is true that in this instance the attack seemed to have been fierce and sudden and the courier gave the names of two men who were killed instantly but, said he, as that attack was repelled and Hatton lost no time in getting his men into a little hollow, he believed and Major Miller believed that they could "stand off" the Indians indefinitely. The cavalry would certainly reach them early in the morning, and that would be the end of it. Forty-two hours wasn't very long compared with other sieges these infantrymen had sustained in escorting trains through this Indian country, and it they only had water for their wounded, all would go well Ther# woo the

A STORY OP FRONTIER ARMY LIFE.

CHAPTER XV.

For a man who prided himself oil the ease and self possession which made him BO distinguished a feature in society. Dr. Bayard could not but confess to himself that the sudden orders which sent his assistant away left himj in a somewhat, embarrassing position. The care of Week's patients now devolved upon the senior, and among these patients there was one who much needed his atttention, but whom he shrank from seeing—Randall McLean —and another whom he greatly desired to attend, but who shrunk from seeing him—Miss Forrest.

maiu tfivut/iC)

doctor. What with th© Niobrara and the Rawhide and the little streams running into them, and the spring at Box Elder, close to the road, there was so much water along the route that possibly they had neglected to fill the barrel on the wagon and the canteen carried by each man. If that were the case and the Indians had surrounded them some distance from any spring or stream, then the wounded might, indeed, have to suffer a day or two, but he anticipated nothing worse. He had talked it all over with Miller before setting forth on hie rounds, and knew just what to say.

Most women were reassured and rendered hopeful, but Mr. Forrest's spirit* were at low ebb, and she required consolation in double allowance. Bayard lingered with her, nothing loth, hoping that Miss Forrest might come into the family sittingroom to hear his version of affairs at the front. Even after Mrs. Forrest was talked out and the font of her ready tears was nearly pumped dry he held

Bayard winced not a little at the invidious comparison on the score of age, but. now that the subject was opened, he desired to "prospect" a little. There was another view to be taken and one far more flattering to his amour propre. Possibly, in the coyness of a woman who had recognized the lover in his lookB and language, Miss Forrest had tacitly admitted his claim to be regarded as such by summoning another, not a lover, to attend her professionally. If this hypothesis proved correct he would have some grounds for hope. Two things, however, he greatly desired to know before taking the plunge. First—was it probable that Mr. Courtland proposed leaving her a lump of his large fortune? Second—was it possible that she had already given her heart to another? He well knew that on neither point would Miss Forrest be confidential with BO weak a vessel as her sister-in law, but

on the

other hand, and the doctor rea

soned well, he felt sure that in order to reconcile her to having Fanny as an inmate of their household Captain 1- orrest had been compelled to tell her why he had withdrawn his sister from her luxurious surroundings in ISew \ork and brought her to share his humble fare as a 6oldier

OF -BEDLAM

BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING, UNITED STATES ARMY,

Author of "The Oubmcl'* Daughter," "Th* DettrUr,,' "From the Ranks," "A War Tim* Wooing" Etc.

[Copyrighted 1889 by the Autbor.J

He had heard from a dozen sources how Forrest almost painfully truckled to his querulous wife, always pleading, explaining, conciliating, always fearful of saying, or doing, or leaving unsaid orun done something, the doing or neglecting of which was sure to wound her sensitive soul and bring on a flood of tears and reproaches. "If she were my wife, said blunt old Bruce, "I'd pack her off home to that doting father shes always prating about, and I'd keep her there until she arrived at years of discretion. It is simply pitiful to see a big, stalwart, soldierly fellow like Forrest led around by the nose like a ringed bull by that ridiculous and lackadaisical creature." Beyond doubt there would have been far more happiness all around if Forrest had firmly set down hie foot and refused to be longer the victim of her Whims and caprices. There would doubtleoa hare been a few days of sore lamentation and desp«»iE»g appeals to be restored to her father's arms (where she was not at all wanted—that estimable ecclesiastic having only recently taken thereto a successor to her sainted mother)—but in the end she would have respected him far more and been hap pier in obeying him. Like many another husband poor Forrest was, at times, conscious of his duty in the case but, like most others, shrank from the ordeal. Bruce himself, so savagely critical of the weakness of other spouses, was notoriously subservient to the wishes of Mrs, Bruce, but she never had to resort to tears to accomplish her object, and was thoroughly in unison with her husband in his condemnation of Forrest's weakness. "Poor, poor fellow!" she was saying to herself this very day. "With such a fool for a wife and Buch a—such a sharper for a sister!"

So confident was Bayard of his ground that he had decided, days since, on his plan of attack. He would not ask direct questions, for her husband had doubtless pledged her to secrecy. He would delicately but unhesitatingly Bpeak of Miss Forrest as though he had full knowledge of her past, and he felt assured that he could read in his patient's face, even in the unlikely event of her silence, whether or no his theories were correct. Besides, he had ventured an inquiry or two of an old New York associate and club-fellow, a man who had known the Courtlands well. '•We must not judge Miss Forrest harshly, dear lady," he soothingly remarked after a moment of deep thought and apparent hesitation. "I confess I felt a little aggrieved at first when she saw fit to summon Dr. Weeks, despite the fact that I was in the house as your physician two' or three times a day but after thinking it all over, her motives were apparent and—quite natural. You probably did not know that I was well acquainted with Mr. Courtland, did you?" "No! were you?" asked Mrs. Forrest,

JAV Jt'l-i.' 4t A 1

im before coming

cx him umvio

hi*

ground, examining Maud and lckie juvenile tongues and dandling baby Hal, to that youngster's keen delight. But no one came along the hall whose step sounded like hers and at last his patience gave out. "And how is Miss Forrest this afternoon?" he asked. "Still confined to her room and bed, doctor, but she says she means to get up and dress this evening. Now, do you think it prudent for her to go out in the night air?" "On general principles, Mrs. 1? orrest, answered the doctor, slowly and impressively, "I should say no, but I have no knowledge of the merits of this case. You will remember that my services were virtually declined by the young lady in favor of those of the assistant. "I know, doctor, I know. Fanny is simply the most incomprehensible creature I ever met. I cannot understand her at all, and it's useless for me to talk to be"- I told her that you were the family physician, and pointed out to her that a simple regatd for the proprieties ought to show her how much better it would be to call you in instead of a gentleman so much younger but she pays no attention to what I say. She never has."

West.

'v—

loag before, and it was only Beeing, bat Bayard did not care to explain this, tie wished to convey the idea that his acquaintance with the old gentleman had been recent and confidential, and he succeeded. ,, "How strange that you should be here-where she is. I'm sure Captain Forrest has no idea of it, doctor. did you ever speak with her about—the Courtlands?" '•Yea—once. Of course she aid not care to talk of the matter at first. It was only when shs found that I knsw Mr. Courtland BO well that the became at all communicativs." "And did she talk of her affair—of

Mr. Courtland—the younger one, I mean?" ,. "My dear Mrs. Forrest! We could hardly expect a young lady to be communicative on such a topic as that. yi course there were soms things I could not help knowing, and that is why I say we ought not to judge her harshly now. Her experience of last year was not calculated to make a girl look upon the world with kindlier eyes, and the coatrast between the life she leads now and that she led under her kinsman roof is enough to dishearten any woman. "I'm sure I do everything I possibly can to make hsr content and happy, impetuously exclaimed Mrs. Forrest. "And it's all her own fault if she isn t. Sheshe needn't have come at all. Mr. Courtland told her and told Captain Forrest that it should make no difference, but she is self willed and obedient and nothing would do but she must quit his roof for ever and come and be a burden on her brother, who has quite enough to stagger under already. Hum. thought Bayard at this juncture. "How little shs realizes the truth of that as ssrtion!") "Mr. Courtland had been devoted to h»r from her childhood, had lavished everything on her, had educated her, sent her abroad, provided for her in every way and—she rewarded him by taking this silly prejudice against his son, whom she ought to have sense enough to know he expected her to marry." ,.

Bayard's pulse gave a leap, but bis fine face made no sign. Professional imperturbability alone expressed itself. She paused one instant for breath. Then it occurred to her that psrhlps she was broadly trenching on forbidden ground and revealing that which her husband had bidden her keep inviolate. Bayard read her like an open book and promptly took the initiative before she could question. "And yet, Mrs. Forrest would you have had her—a woman of such superior attainments and character—would your husband have had her marry a man to whom she could not look up?—whose character and, pardon me, whose habits were so, let us say, unsettled. •'Then she ought to have left before. 1 know she says she never dreamed of its being her uncle's plan or hope—never dreamed that the voung man was earnest. It was all nonsense to say she couldn't marry a man whom she did not look up to and respect. He is only a year younger than she is, and lots of girls marry men younger than themselves—especially when such a fortune was involved. Why! Mr. Courtland would have left them everything ne had in the world if she would only have consented." ., "But women form their own ideas, dear lady, and she may have had in view

a man

on the far frontier.

whom she did look up to, honor,

and love. Is it not a reasonable theory And the doctor's eyes, full of sympathy and deference, watched his impulsive patient narrowly withal. How well he

w»«ya«fiaiSS,*i8S5®kiti-:-=-*y'.- MS^k-^ .ti ^dO**&L&.s.' ^2&f. -. %&&•

THE TERRE HAUTE EXPRESS. SUNDAY

knew her! She fell instantly into the

tf"But

she hadn't! I could forgive her

easily if that were so, but she told the captain it was purely and simply that she could not and would not marry Philip Courtland or any man like him"But I fancied from what—from vanous circumstances—that the young man was very dissipated—dangerously so, in fact. Would you counsel your sister to marry such a man?" "Well, why not? He has been wild. 1 know. My husband looked into the whole case, and, of course, he sustains her. Phil Courtland had to go into a retreat once, but I believe it was because

she

treated him so. His father

was sure that she could reform and make a man of him, and he almost implored her to take pity on his gray hairs and save his boy. I tell you I think it was sheer ingratitude. Even if she couldn't have reformed him, there would have been all that money." And Mrs. Forrest sighed pathetically at the thought of the thousands her hard-headed, hardhearted sister had refused. Bayard, congratulating himself on hia success thus far, had still another point on which he deeired information—a vital point. "What seems ao bad about the whole matter," he said after a sympathetic echo of the lady's sigh, "is the disappointment of old Mr. Courtland. No doubt, despite their eousinflhip, this has long been his cherished scheme—and jt must make him—at least do not won der that

again

with dilating eyes. "And Fanny knew and did not tell me—" "I am heartily glad to know ahn in

makes him a trifle bitter

her."

"Why, doctor, that is one of the queer est things to me! One would suppose that any girl of ordinary gratitude would try and repay and appreciate such devotion as has been lavished on her. She simply repels people who try to be loving to her. I'm sure I've tried everyway in my power. Of course at first he was very bitter and said some severe things—at least she BO told Captain Forrest—but she has no right to treasure them up against him. He said he had reared and educated and cherished her purposely to be the salvation of his wayward son, and as she would not have the son she said she could not live under his roof. Then he had always given her a liberal allowance, besides paying tbe most extraordinary bills, and she hurt him fearfully—I know she did—by refusing to accept it afterwards. He has sent it to her even here and she almost hurls it back at him—and here are Maud and Vickie without a decent dress to their names," wailed Mrs. Forrest in somewhat irrelevant conclusion, and the tears welled again from her weary eyes.

Bayard was again silent a moment, waiting for his patient to recover her composure and her tongue. It was comfort to think that, at least, Mr. Courtland's munificence was still a fact. But now about the future? "Anything that might tend to widen the breach between them would of course be deplorable," he presently said, "but I infer from the fact that he continues to Bend her allowance to her that he will be apt to provide liberally for her in his will." "He would do anything for her. I've no doubt, despite her ingratitude, but she has told Captain Forrest that after what has passed she can not and will not accept a penny from him. Now, what can one say to a girl like that?"

And this question the doctor could not answer. After a few moments' thought he arose as if to go.

"y-tt—.V-i.iin--.- MB.-Ja-a-.TM1 -auxmua trays iw air k'uiTitlo ilUb uu ue

Tt was vsry wondered at that so many of our lodiee

It was very wonaere

are"prostrated. Will you kindly say to her that I called to inquire after her and am rejoiced to think we will so soon be able to welcome her out again? And, Mrs. orrest, you might say to her that it would gladden my little girl if ehe would come over and sit with her or

As he descended the stairs with characteristic deliberation and dignity, Celestine came forth from the dining-room and met him at the foot of the stairs. "Mr. Holmes is come, doctor, she said, showing her white teeth. "Specks he'll be glad to find Miss Nellie sittin up again. T'warnt no use 'n Miss Fanny t' try to catch him n' I told her so when she was writin' to him. He's out yahnder along with Major Miller now."

And though the doctor frowned majestically and strode past the gabbling hussey without a word, it gave him an uncomfortable stant to hear her words. What had happened that Fanny 1 orrest should be writing now to Roswell Holmes? This was something to be looked into.

CHAPTER XVI.

It was nearly two days before authentic news came in from the Niobrara, where Hatton's little command had been "corralled." Just as at first reported the Indians, in overwhelming numbers, had suddenly charged down upon the detachment from behind a ridge that lay full half a mile to the east of the road,—while others, crouching in a dry water course had picked off the leading soldiers—the two men thrown out to the front to scout the trail and secure the main body against sur prise. Hatton, all told, had only twenty men, and the fall of the two far in the advance had for an instant flurried their comrades back at the wagons. There was no time to run these lumbering vehicles, empty though they were, into the familiar old "prairie fort," in square or circle, but while some of the teamsters sprang from their saddles and took refuge under their wagons,.othersjseized their arms and joined the soldiers in a sharp fire upon the charging and yelling warriors with the usual effect of compelling them to veer and wheel and scamper away, still keeping up a lively fusillade of their own. One mule team and wagon went tearing off full tilt across tbe prairie pursued by a score of jeering, laughing and exultant braves, and waa finally "rounded up" and captured by them a mile away to the west, and Hatton had promptly availed him self of this episode to make a rush with bis entire party for a little hillock three hundred yards east of the road

He had marked the spot before and knew its possibilities for defense, and there in less than five minutes he had his men sheltered in an oval "dip" along the crest and yet commanding the approaches in every direction. From here they not only successfully "stood off" every attack until dark, but prevented the Indians reaching the bodies of the slain and securing the coveted trophy of their scalps, and covered the teamsters who were sent down to unhitch and secure the mules. When night came a half breed scout slipped away with news of the "corral" and Hatton found that two of the men were severely

UIV1W VMW1 W.

Major

BRy

Bing

Elinor has been very

to her.

low-spirited

to-day,

owing} no doubt, to the fact that Jeanfcie Bruce has been in tears much of the time since Hatton left. Good afternoon, Mrs. Forrest. Good-by, little ones. And the courtly doctor took his leave.

Miller and Dr. Bayard, after

brief consultation, had decided tbat the young surgeon's ideas were sound. The stockade was well guarded and pro visioned. Medical and surgical supplies were promptly forwarded under strong cavalry escort, and the same day the entire cavali^ battallion struck its tents and moved away northwest over the route Hatton had taken. Once more was Laramie left with only a handful of men and hardly a company officer for

(*l(!)ld

Bruce turned out, despite his

rheumatics, and announced that he was game for any garrison service under the circumstances. Roswell Holmes, who had stowed a box of wine and several boxes of cigars in the

2£S£&y$@88i

MORNING.

NtttibChaiicI _J»d itftheir 1 ,-%bout tea been sent what waa going on at running back pieathgone!Every

ock eit-

a oou

|a glare of flame arose, and the became, for a moment, visiincing, capering, naked forms tnei

southeas wliketoj ble, and around U$£m, and then the cotton duck aft*acted the elfter, fiery tongues and in another moment the flames ssemed to leap high in the air, but the per'formers in the aboriginal ]bailet scurried for shelter. The soldiers sighted their riflss.for nine hundred yards And the little hill blazed and sputtered half a minute with a rapid discharge that sent leaden messengers whistling through the burning wagon covers and humming about the ears of the revelers.

Fifteen minutes later Hattoa resolved on a bold move. Mounting his wounded men on mules and leading his little party, soldiers, teamsters and quadrupeds, he slipped away frpm the hillock, and keeping well to the east of the road, groped through the darkness back to the high range overlooking the valleys of "Old Woman's Fork" ef the South Cheyenne and Hat creek to the eastward, and morning fouiid him bivouacked at a little spring not ten miles from the stockade. Thither, of course, the Indians trailed and followed at daybreak. Ther* again they attacked and besieged and were repulsed, again and again, and thsre at dawn on the second day, after anjall night march, the trumpets of the cavalry rang the signal of rescue, and the charging troopers sent the Sioux whirling in scattered bands over the bold and beautiful upland. The little detachment was safe, but its brave commander was prostrate with a rifle bullet through the thigh and an other in the shoulder. Dr. Weeks declared it impossible to attempt to move him back to Laramie, and in a litter made with lariats and saddle blankets the men carried their woundsd leader back to the stockade at the head of Sage Creek, and there, wrote Weeks, he might have to remain a month, 8nd there, unless otherwise ordered, the other woundvised iiuld noHinlil.

supply

wagons,

with his compliments to Dr. Weeks and his patients, and who had remained at Laramie instead of going to the front solely because of an odd turn in local events, now declared that he must be considered a brevet second lieutenat, and beeought Dr. Bayard's termission to visit his patient, Mr. Mcjeau, to solicit the loan of his uniforms, sword, etc. Major Miller laughed gleefully at the idea and all the garrison was beginning to pluck up heart again, for Hatton's wounds w^ro jronounced not dangerous, though pa nul, and all the infantry people were proud of the way he ana McLean had upheld the honor of their corps. Jeannie Bruce and Elinor had had long hours of who knows what delieious confidences and tearful exchange of sympathy. McLean was reported doing very well Blunt was improving Miss

Forrest was taking the air on her gallery. Everybody seemed in better spirits despite a certain constraint and mystery that overhung the garrison— everybody with one exception, Dr. Bay ard. "Mr. McLean is recovering so rapidly that he is able to sit up already and will

need

his uniform himself," was his response to Holmes' laughing suggestion, but both Major Miller and the gentleman addressed looked at the speaker with surprise. One might have hazarded the assertion tbat it was a matter of regret to the poet surgeon that his patient was on the mend. Miller eyed him narrowly. Ever since the strange conversation held with the doctor the poet commander had become almost distrustful of his motvives. What could he mean by intimating that McLean was the guilty party in these recent myster ious larcencies? What could have put Buch ideas into his head? For the first time in several days the major was tempted to reopen the subject which he had practically forbidden his wife to mention again. He longed to know what she would say or think if she knew that the

surgeon

was

trying to divert Buspicion from Miss Forrest to the wounded and unsuspecting officer. Now that the cavalry had gone out to the front and more troope were marching up from the railway all anxiety as to his immediate surroundings was dispelled and the major could not avoid drifting back to the strange complications in which two of the prominent people of his military bailiwick were involved. He had taken a great liking to Mr. Holmes, and had striven to open the way for that gentleman in case he had the faintest inclination to speak of his losses, but though the civilian instantly saw what the single-minded old soldier was aiming at he changed the subject and it presently became plain to tbe commander that he would not speak about the matter at an.

Miller could not well seek his advice without telling of the other thefts of which b*~ believed Mr. Holmes to

wounded and that Caw of them had uy I know nothing, and yet he felt that water in their canteens. The river was I commanding officer it was hia duty to though stunned. Then elowly relaxee fall six milee to the Booth. Neither I say to the visitor how much he regret- the clasp of hia arms and turns drearily stream nor spring was cloee at hand and tea the occurrence and how earnestly he away, covering his face with hia handa. with characteristic improvidence, the I wae striving to discover the offender. "Mv God!" he manna. "Thin i« rotriteamsters had failed to all their water I Bat Holmes would not give him a barrels at the stockade before starting. I chanoe. He was doing a little ferreting "What waa the ufe, with the Niobrara I on hia own account. only a few hoars' march away?" Bitterly I As for the doctor, two things had condid Hatton reproach himself for his I spired to make him bine ana onhappy. neglect in having left ao important a I Miss Forrest waa up and out on her gal matter to the men themselves, bat there I lery as had been said,, but was never ir was no MMJ in fretting over the past. I her sister's room when the doctor called, Something had to be done at once to I declined hia profsssional services with pre Thi

irovide water for to-morrow's siege. I oourteoua thanks and the assuranoe that ley heard the exnltaat whoepe of the I no physician waa necessary, yet begged savages, who, under cover of the dark- to be excused when he sent a message nees, had crept oat and sucoeeded scalping the. two dead soldiers. They knew that very soon the Indians would be crawling oat to the wagons in an Attempt to run them away or fire them. Hatton himself ventured down to examine the water barrels and found not more than half a barrel of dirty, brack *11 AatfAMti) Hh aII

VWAOI VI UU I/1W

ish, ill-flavored fluid in all. The darkrn grew black and impenetrable. Heavy clouds overspread the heavens, and a moaningirwind crept out of the

•v vavhmu wuou Kw. message by Oelestine asking if she woald not see him. Then he wrote her a note and, remembering her antipathy to the mulatto girl, he sent it by Robert, charging him to take it to her door if she not in the sitting-room, bnt to deliver it in person and wait for an an awer. Robert found her with Mra. Poet on the

people who had been sa Post had nothing to do inaon were aurprised

Everybody knew that Miss Forrest declinedHtsee Dr. ii:

murmuring Qpoinoc_ uJ fidences which he was in no mood to appreciate and with which he could feel no sympathy whatever. Then in came Holmes from the sunshine of the parade and he heard him cheerily enter the parlor, and in hearty, cordial tones, announce that he had just come from Mr. McLean's room, that the young gentleman was doing finely and would be able to sit out on the piazza in a day or two, and that Mrs. Millar waa nursing him like a mother. For a time the chat went blithely on—Jeannie Bruce and Holmes being the principals—and then came a message which called that young lassie homeward.

Presently Bayare heard the manly voice growing deeper and softer. The words were indistinguishable but there was no misjudging the tone, such was the tremor of tenderness of every syllable. Faint, far between and monosyllabic were Nellie's replies, but soon the father knew she was answering through her tears. It did not last long. Holmes came to the hall turned and spoke once more to her—no touch of reproach, no tinge of pleading—but with a ring of manly sympathy and protecting care in every word: Bayard could not but hear one sentence. "It makes me only more firmly your friend, little girl—and his too." And then he strode forth into the breeze and sunshine again and no man who met him knew that he had tempted his fate and lost. Something told him days before, that Miss Forrest's words were prophetic—Nellie Bayard would prefer one nearer her own years.

It was to satisfy himself that Randall McLean was that enviable somebody that he had sought this interview, and though she had admitted nothing, and he had not questioned, he had read in her tears and blushes a truth that only recently had ehe tremblingly admitted to herself. Now he saw his way clearly to the end.

But to Bayard the abrupt close of the murmured interview meant a possibility that filled him with double dismay. That one hope should be dashed to earth this morning was an evil sufficient unto the day That it Bhould be followed by the conviction that his daughter had utterly declined to consider this wealthy and most estimable gentleman as a suitor for her hand was a bitter—bitter disappointment but that she should have refused Roswell Holmes, with all his advantages, because of Randall McLean with—what?—wae more than he could bear*

Just as she was hurrying to her room

still weeping, he interposed. "My little Nell—my precious! he cried in tenderest tones as he folded her in his arms. "Is it so hopeless as this/ Is it possible that my little daughters heart has been stolen away—right un der my eyee—and I never saw itr

For an answer she only clung to him, hiding her bonny face weeping the more violently. Speak she could not "Nell! Nell!" he pleaded, "try and tell me, dear. You don't know what it means to me! Itou don't wh*J fears your silence causes me My child —tell me—that it isn't Mr. McLean.

No answer—only closer nestling only added tears. "Nell, my own little one! If you knew with what awful dread I waited. If you knew what this meant to me—to you—to us all. Speak to me, daughter. Tell me it isn't that unhappy young

1T1^n

And now, startled, shocked, she lifts her brimming eyes in wonderment to her father's face, gazing at him through the mist of tears. "Why unhappy?" she almost gasps. "Why—why not Mr. McLean, papa?"

-1' 'i'iif??ir:

FEBRUARY 24, 1889

ansding

p,and

Mra.

at Rob-

growing in

timacv between them now. Robert pre--ented the note with a grave and courtly Virginia bow, then withdrew to a little distance and respectfully awaited her 1 answer. Over at the Gordon's group of ladies, old andyocuig, watched the scene with carioda and speculative eyes.

mountain range an across the now and loping beat were closely adel, and at sergeant, who pie of men to the wagoas, less. fTfee w' _— .T„ oneofcSim hga been ran off by the In-1 garrison flocked to inquire for Nellie in dians under cove^r of the wind and dark-1 her invalided state, nobody went to see

Every

Bayard during her

_verybody had noted that be entire feminine element of the

Fanny Forrest. Now what*could this

strange girl be doing with letters from "Dr. Chesterfield." Even Mrs. Poet watched her narrowly as she hurriedly read the lines of the doctor's elegant missive. Her eyes seemed to dilate, her color heightened and a little frown set itself darkly on her brow, but she looked up brightly after a moment's thought and spoke kindly and pleasantly to the waiting messenger: 'There is no answer, at least not now, Robert. Thank the doctor and tell him I am very much better."

And so, empty handed, he returned to his master, who waited expectant in his study. The message was almost an affront—such was his pride and self-es-teem—and for nearly an hour he sat there pondering over the strange characteristics of the girl who, despite the story of her poverty and dependence, had so fascinated him. It cut him to the quick that she should BO repel him when he knew well that between her and Mr. Holmes there had been an exchange of notes, that Holmes had seen fit to preserve a mysterious silence as to this significant circumstance and finally, that apparently by ap—intment, Mr. Holmes had called at _jdlam the evening after this arrival and had enjoyed a long and uninterrupted conversation with Miss Forrest out on the upper gallery. Now what did this portend It was

Celestine who gave

him this very interesting information as he entered the lower hall, and despite his repellant mien, that enterprising domestic was sufficiently a judge of character to venture on a low and confidential tone of voioe in addressing him. He had scowled malignantly at her and had bidden her hold her peace he passed her by, but Celestine was in no wise dismayed. She knew her man. It was on his return from his visit that he sent his note and then in the gloom and silence of his library pondered over the palpable rebuff. Over across friend, JeanT^fg

*ii«v

For a moment Bayard stands as

'My God!" be moans. "This is retri bution, this is punishment! Blinder than the veriest mole have I been through it all. Nellie!" he cries, turning suddenly towards her again as she stands there trembling and dismayed at hia melodramatic misery. "There is no engagement! There has been nothing said, has there? Tell me!" "Not a word—from me," she whispers low. "He sent me a little note yesterday through Jeannie. Indeed, you can eee it, papa—but I have not answered. It doesn't ask anything." "Then promise me no word shall go, my child! Promise me! I cannot tell ?ou why just yet, but he is not the man 1 whom I could ever consent to give you. My child I my child! his name is clouded—his honor is tarnished he stands accused of crime. Nellie—my God! You must hear it eooner or later."

But now she draws away from him and leans upon the balusters, looking into his face as though she doubted his sanity. "Father!" she slowly speaks at length, "I could no more believe such a thing of him—than I oould of you."

A quick, springy step is suddenly heard on the wooden walk without—the rattle of an ihfantry sword against the stops—an imperative rat-tat-tat at the door. Elinor speeds away to hide her flushed cheeks and tearful eyee in the solitude of her foom. Bayard quiokly compoess his features to their conventional calm, and feoedee to the gloom of the library. Robert majestically stalks through the hall and opens theaoor. "Dr. Bayard in?" asks the brusque voice of the adjutant. "Ah, doctor," continues that officer, marching straightway into the den, "Major Miller is at the gate, and on bis way to visit Mr. McLean. He begs that you will be present at the interview, as it is on a matter of much importance." "Very well, Mr. Adjutant," answers Bayard, gravely, as though divining the solemn nature of their errand. "I am at your service at once."

[CONTINUED IN THE SUNDAY EXPRESS.]

SCIENTIFIC FACTS.

No year since 1879 has bad so small an amount of sunshine iu "England as 1888.

Thick brass wire has been made as brittle as brass by being kept extended and subjected to vibrations.

It has been determined that crystallization may occur during the period when fused matter begins to solidify.

Four negatives were recently taken of a cannon ball that occupied only onethird of a second in passing a given space.

The tensile strength and elastic limit of certain classes of iron increases during

reBt

after stress beyond the elastic

limit. Between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees centigrade was found to be the temperature of a molten mass of lava in the island of Hawaii.

The Deloro mine in Ontario was too expensive for working as a gold mine, and has been worked for the arsenic

contained

or»*fr'

yoinaa of

Snowfiakes are said to be the result of low-lying air currents whose temperatures were much lower than those of the earth's surface.

Microscopic examination of emmencifo J^»viWT,ffijpI(jyive, tends to confirm high speed"with a consumpfib'iT 'orone and one-half to one and three-quarters pounds of coal per horse power.

The standing half of the mountain in Japan cleft in two by tbe recent earthquake, surrounded by steam, is described as being far grander than the geysers of Iceland.

Sperrylite, anew discovery, is said to be the first mineral yet found containing platinum as an important constituent other than the natural alloys with various metals of the platinum group.

The great improvements in the construction of apparatus, and the application of the microscope to lithology, have resulted in successful attempts at the reproduction of all modern volcanic rocks.

The region covered by Professor Pickering's experiment for enumerating nebuke photographed in a given portion of the heavens was about .004 of the entire sky, and resulted in the discovery of twelve new clusters. ^Etiology is taid to deal not merely with functions in a balanced state in the individual and perfected adaptation between races, but also with the origin of both of these in the temperament of the unit organism and of the sum of organism.

Card Telegram*.

Anew scheme of card telegrams is being tried in Hungary for use in districts having a postoffice, but without a telegraphic service. Cards sold at the postoffice at the price of 35 kreutzers for five words, excess to be paid for by additional postage stamps, to be affixed at the corner. The telegram can be put in aay letter box and is forwarded to the nearest telegraph office, and from there it is dispatched without further delay or charge. It is not so generally known to the public as it might be that in England telegrams can be posted at any pillar box and will be sent on from the nearest telegraph office. Some such scheme of special forms for this purpose, in the shape of card telegrams, might render this of greater practical utility, and the example of Hungary is worthy of the attention of the postoffice authorities.—[New Tork Telegram.

Rlddleberger'g Steady Aim.

A fact not generally known about Senator Riddlebeger is that he is the dead shot of the senate. This fact was recently developed by some of. his exploits in a shooting gallery not far from the capitol. The senator and some friends had dropped in for a few minutes' quiet sport with the rifle. The others of the party, after several scattering shots which endangered the lives of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, gave way to the senator, who gave a superb exhibition of marksmanship. He broke with comparative ease the glass balls spinning about on an axis, and smashed clay pipes in reckless profusion. His favorite sport, however, was the breaking of gilt balls about an inch in diameter, which were thrown into a fountain and danced about on top a jet of water.

Pansy PoInU the Way.

Three-year-old Pansy asks her mother to read a story. Mother replies: "My eyes ache. I cannot read today."

Pansy: Don't read wif your eyee read wif your mouf." F. H. Brooklyn, N. Y.—[Com. toN. ^. World.

'"tp-

BICYCLES FOR LOVERS.

Special Correspondence ol the Express. CHICAGO, February 14.—The new

boulevards laid out in the southern part of the city, especially through South park, the most ifeportant of Which is Drexel boulevard, a thoroughfare that promises to rival Euclid avenue in its magnificence, are thronged every night with hundreds of wheelmen and wheelwoman. The safety bicycle has come to stay. As long as the girls can leairn to ride it, it is not at all likely to go out of vogue. Next to the single safety bicycle that a girl can riae as well a man, the tandom designed for lovers is most popular. It is not much larger, but some stronger than the single-seated safety. Over the rear wheel, which is slightly longer than the other, the young man has his seat. Upon him developes the propulsion and guidance of the machine. In front of him with a convenient seat a little longer than his, and with strong, steel arms which she can hold firmly, is the young lady's seat. She assists in running the machine, her wheel being geared to the rear, by a steel chain running over cogs.

Mounting is something of a difficulty with tbe tandem. The lady takes her seat first, giving herself no concern whatever about the center of gravity or her own equilibrium. Those are the responsibilities resting upon the young man. He throws himself astride of the rear wheel, after giving the wheel with its fair burden a slight push, a run, and then get his feet planted in the pedals, grip the guide bar and take advantage of tbe start. A healthy young couple who have no pedestrian capacity whatever on one tandem can easily make fifteen miles an hour and then not overtax themselves or ride BO fast that they cannot exchange sweet pleasantries as they flit along. Chicago! girls, pretty darlings, as they are, take to the bicycle as a fish does to water. It puts a rosy glow in their cheeks, an elastic sparkle in their eyee, and makes them good-natured. Many a future matron, instead of having the old, old story told to her on a buggy seat, in her papa's parlor, or while Btrolling through parks, will hear it while she and her future lord are buzzing along astride a tandem bicycle, while her blushes are invisible to him, and the anxiety upon his face unseen by her. Truly the tandem is a benificent invention.

Fire Ways to Stop a Cold.

1 Hnfhn tlia fflnf ir* Kr*f wntAl* ntiil warm room. 2. Bathe the face in very hot water every five minutes for an hour. 3. Snuff up the nostrills hot salt wa-, ter every three hours. 4. Inhale amonia or menthol. 5. Take four hours active exercise in the open air. A ten-grain dose of quinine will usually break up a cold in tbe beginning. Anything that will set the blood actively in circulation will do it, whether it be drugs or the use of a buck-saw. But better than all* it your cold is inveterate or serious, consult your family physician, and at once.

A Singular Couple.

Twenty-five

years ago a couple were

married in Brockton, Mass., and lived together for five years. Then they separated, and for twenty years have not lived together, but they have not been divorced. The odd thing about it is that every Sunday night he calls on his wife and spends the evening with her.

SUPERSTITIONS AND FIGURES.

Virgil tells us that the gods esteem odd numbers. Miraculous powers are supposed to be possessed by the seventh daughter.

There were seven wise men in antiquity and seven wotoders of the world. Nine grains of wheat laid on a fourleaved clover enables one to see the fairies.

It is an ancient belief that a change in the body of man occurs every seventh year.

Falstaff says: "They

Bay

there is a

divinity in odd numbers, either by nativity, chance, or death." In the Faroe islands there is a superstition that

Beals

cast off their skins

every ninth month and assume the human shape. The number three waa the perfect number of the Pythagoreans, who said it represented the beginning, middle and end.

Among the Chinese heaven is odd, earth is even, and the numbers 1, 3, 5, and 9 belong to heaven, while the digits are of earth the earthy.

The Siamese have a regard for odd numbers, and insist on having an odd number of doors, windows and rooms in their houses, and that all staircases must have an odd number of steps.

WHEN TO CHOOSE A WIFE.

If in September, discreet, affable, and much liked. If in May, handsome, amiable, and likely to be happy.

If in July, passably handsome, but with a sulk) temper. If in June, impetuous will marry early and be frivolous.

If in November, liberal, kind, and of a wild disposition. If in August, amiable and practical, and likly to marry rich.

If in October, pretty and coquettish, and likely to be unhappy. If in February, a humane and affectionate wife and tender mother.

If in March, a frivolous chatterbox, somewhat given to quarreling. If in April, inconsistent, not very intelligent, but likely to be good looking.

If in December, well proportioned, fond of novelty, and extravagant. If in January, a prudent housewife, given to melancholy, but good temper.

,¥•