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

THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM.

This was the result of the interview with Lieutenant McLean, a conference at which were present Major and Mrs. Miller, Dr. Bayard and the adjutant. Why Mrs. Miller, the wife of the commanding otlicer, should have been present in any capacity it is not the province of the narrator to defend. She had been assidiously nursing and caring for the young officer in his weak and wounded condition. She hail him where he could not escape her shrewd and relentless questionings. She was enabled to tell him much that Hattcn had told her and a few things she certainly thought he had and therefore said he had. She was further enabled to tell him of the letters from Robinson and all they portended, of Mr. Holmes' loss and what she had seen in the mirror of her owg meeting with Miss Forrest in the darkness of the doctor's hall of the registered letters sent away, when everybody knew Mrs. Forrest hadn't a penny except the captain's pay, and that she had openly and repeatedly announced that her sister-in-law had now come to be a burden, too, having quarreled with her relatives in the East. And so little by little she had drawn from McLean the story of Hatton's farewell words and the discovery of the card in the handkerchief. Then, fortified with this intelligence and firmly convinced that she could not be mistaken in the guilt of her majesty of Bedlam, Mrs. Miller reopened the subject and prodded the major into immediate action. She meant well. She intended no public exposure, no unnecessary disgrace. She merely wanted that Captain

A STORY OF FRONTIER ARMY LIFE.

CHAPTER XVII.

An odd dispatch was that which went by the single wire of the military telegraph line at Fort Fetterman late that night. It was known that a small escort would leave that point early in the morning, going through with a staff officer en route to join the field column now busily engaging the hostile Indians along the northern foothills of the Big Horn range. Major Miller asked the commanding ollicer at Fetterman to hold back a brace of horsemen to await the arrival of a courier just leaving Laramie, and bearing an important and confidential letter to the general commending the department who waa with his troops in the fiefd. It was over eighty miles by the river road the night was dark and the skies overcast. There might be Indians along the route there certainly were no soldiers, for, with the exception of eight or ten men, all of Captain Terry's troop were with him scouting on the north aids of the Platte and over near the Sioux reservation. All the same a single trooper, armed only wi'.h the revolver and unburdened by the usual blankets and field kit— riding almost as light as a racer—was to make the run and reach Fetterman the next afternoon.

Forrest should come at once compel his much alllicted sister (for, of course, kleptomania was the sole explanation) to make restitution and then remove her to some safe retreat in th« distant east. Miller decided to see McLean at once, taking his adjutant to jot down the Htatements made and Doctor Bayard because of his rank in the service and his professional connection with the ollicer in question. Mrs. Miller decided to be present because of McLean's great reluctance to tell what he knew and because she conceived it her duty to prompt him, and this was the quartette that swooped down upon the poor fellow in his defenseless condition late that sunshiny afternoon. Xo wonder his recovery was delayed.

The most stunned and bewildered man of the party while the painful interview was in progress was I r. Bayard. He had gone in the confident expectation that McLean was to be confronted with evidences of his guilt, and offered the chance of immediate resignation. Ilis patient was sutliciently removed from the danger line to enable him to sustain the shock and he had not interposed. It was too late, therefore, to put an end to matters on that plea when to his horror stricken ears was revealed the evidence against the woman who had so enthralled and piqued him. Miller ied him Bway in a semi-dazed condition after the close of the conference, aud then at last the doctor's vehement emotions found tongue. "And all this time you have been suspecting that poor young fellow!" said the major with a touch of reproach in his voice.

There was silence an instant. The doctor stopped short and leaned against the fence iu front of the adjutant's quarter, his face purple with wrath and indignation, his lips twitching, his hands clinched. Miller looked at him in amaze and then came the outburst. "Suspect him? By Heaven, sir! What it was before is as nothing to what I feel now! That in his depravity he Bhould have stolen was bad euough but that now, to cover his tracks, he should accuse and defame a defenceless woman is infamy! Look at his story and tell me could anything be more pitiful and mendacious. Her handkerchief was found in his bureau the night of the robbery. Where is the handkerchief now? He burned it! Hs found a note on a card from her hidden in the handkerchief she had given Hatton to replace in the drawer. Where is the card? He burned it! He purposely destroyed all evidence against her. A sham Quixote! Who found^ her handkerchief in his bureau? Who saw the burning? Who put the hankerchief iu the drawer? Wbo told him of her confession? Who heard her beg that you should be delayed in your investigationT Who, in fact, is corroborating witness to everything and anything he alleges, you can never reach again. Hatton is failing rapidly." "How could he have heard it? asked Miller, with mingled wrath and stupefaction in his face. Wrath at the doctor's contemptuous disregard of all other opinions, and stupefaction at this

BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING, UNITED STATES ARMY,

Author of "The Colonel* Dauyhter." "The DettrUr.,' "from the Ranks." "A IVar Time Wooing," Etc.

[Copyrighted 1889 by the Author.)

TH

suddenly presented view of the case. "The attendant, sir, was down at the telegraph office when the news came in and he had to tell McL^ao the latter insisted on being told the truth. Weeks fears blood poisoning and if that has set in nothing can save him. Then where will be your evidence against this most foully wronged lady?"

"Hush

"exclaimed Miller quickly with

a warning, sidelong glance towards Bedlam. "Come with me!" And following his commander's look the doctor saw, standing close together leaning on the southern balustrade and gazing down upon them in evident interest and equally evident surprise, Fanny Forrest and Mr. Roswell Holmes. Silently he turned and accompanied the major until he reached his own gateway and then stopped. "I presume there is nothing further 1 can do just now, and with your permission, sir, I will leave you. I want to think this all over." "Do so, Doctor. And, when you are ready, come aud see me. Let me only say this to you. You have hardly known McLean at all. We have known him nearly five years and he has ever been in our eyeB the soul of honor and truth." "The soul of honor and truth, sir, would not be writing love letters and destroying the peace of mind of a young and innocent girl when all he has to offer her is a millstone of debt and a tarnished name." And with this parting shot the doctor majestically turned away. "So, that's where the shoe pinches! thought Miller, as he entered his quartrs, where presently he was joined by his excited wife. "He isn't half as prostrated as you thought he'd be," she instantly exclaimed, as she entered the room. "Of course it wouldn't be Mac if he were not greatly distressed, but I have promised him that not a word shall leak out until Captain Forrest gets here and that then he is to see him himself. Isn't it dreadful about Mr. Hatton? Can nothing be done?" "I am to see Bayard again by and by. This affair has completely unstrung him for he evidently is deeply smitten I never dreamed it had gone so far. Now that letter must be written to the general and I am going to the office. You must not know a thing about it, or about this affair. Of course you will be besieged with questions." And so the major sallied forth.

Darkness was settling now. The sunset gun had fired just as they left McLean's. By this time the doctor should be entertaining his guest at dinner, and Miller wondered how even "Chesterfield" would rally to the occasion and preserve his suavity and courtliness after the shock of the last hour. But Miller had no idea that it was the last of three shocks that had assailed him in quick succession anK$yith increasing severity, that very day, and never dreamed of the gulf of distress in which poor Bayard was plunged. He had gone at once to his library and thrown himself in the easy chair in an attitude of profound dejection, barely paying attention when Chloe entered to say that Miss Nellie begged to be e^used from coming down to dinner, as she felt too ill. Then Robert entered to ask should heserve dinner or wait until Mr. Holmes came in. "Wait!" said Bayard, bluntly. But five minutes passed the dinner would be over done, so Robert slipped out in search of the truant and Miller saw him going over to Bedlam. But the upper gallery was empty Mr. Holmes and Miss Forrest had disnppeared the adjutant came striding up from the guard house and together the two officers turned away. "Orderly," said the major to the attendant soldier following his heels, "lind Sergeant Freeman,who is in charge of the cavalry detachment, and tell him I want him at once. Then go and get your supper."

Meanwhile, realizing that the dinner hour was at hand and knowing the punctilious ideos of his host, Mr. Holmes had somewhat abruptly bidden adieu to the young lady with whom he had been in such interesting conversation. "I must see you again to-night about Hatton, if possible, and just as soon as I have found out what this means. If all the four were together at McLean's room the mischief is probably done, but I'll see him at once unless it be forbidden." He was turning away without more words when something in her deep, dark eyes seemed to detain him. He held forth his hand. "Miss Forrest, I cannot tell you how I appreciate the honor you have done me in this confidence. It maybe the means of my making more than one man happy. One word, where is Cslestine now?"

She should be in the dining-room setting the table for tea. Good-bye, then, till tattoo. See him if you can." "Indeed I will," he answered, and bowing over the slender, richlyjeweled hand, she so frankly placed iu bis, he slowly released it and turned away. "In the dining-room, is she?" muttered Holmes to himself as he ran lightly through the hall and down the stairs. If that was not Miss Celestine I saw this moment ecurrying in from the directiftn of the woodpiles out yonder I'm vastly mistHken, and she was talking with a soldier there. I saw the glint of the sunset on the brasses of his forage cap. I thought they all had to be at retreat roll call, but this fellow missed it."

Turniug at the foot of the stairs he strode to the rear door and looked out through the side light upon the unpicturesquenessof the yards the coal and wood sheds the rough, unpainted board fences the dismantled gate, propped in most inebriate style against its bark-covered post and clinging thereto with but a single hinge. At this halfcloscd aperture suddenly appeared the mulatto girl, stopped, turned, gave a quick glance at the various back windows of Bedlam, waved her hand to a dim, soldierly form just discernible in the twilight, striding towards the northern end of the garrison, then she came scurrying to the door and burst in, panting. "Ah, Celestine! That you?" asked Holmes, pleasantly. "I thought to find you in the dining-room and stopped to ask you for a glass of water."

At sight of him the girl had almost recoiled, startled, but his cheery voice reassured her. "Laws, Mr. Holmes! I done thought 'twas a ghost," she laughed, but turned quickly from him as she spoke and hurried into the dinifig-room, tilled a goblet with a trembling hand. He drank the

water leisurely thanked her and strolled with his accustomed deliberation through the hall and out acroes the piazza, never appearing to notice her breathlessness or agitation.

Once

outside

the steps, however, his deliberation waa cast aside and with rapid, nerrous strides he hastened up the walk—out past the old ordnance storehouse and the lighted windows of the trader's establishment, turned sharply to the west, and, sure enough, coming towards him was a brisk, dappei^ siimbuilt little soldier in his snugly-fatting, undress uniform. Holmes stopped ahort, whipped out his cigar case and wind matches, thrust a Partaga between his teeth, struck a light, and as the soldier passed him the broad glare from the north window fell full upon the dapper shape and well-carried head. There was the natty forage cap with the gleaming cross sabers there was the dark face, there the heavy brows, the glittering black eyes, the moustache and imperial, the close curling hair of the very man he had seen peeping into the parlor windows back of Mrs. Griffin's little postoffice the night of his talk with Corporal Zook.

Ten minutes later and he was tapping at McLean's door. It was opened by the hospital attendant—slowly, and only a few inches. "Can I see the lietftenant? he asked. "I am very sorry," whispered the map, mindful of the visitor's prodigality in the past and hopeful of future favors. "I have strict orders to admit nobody tonight until the doctor sees him again. The lieutenant isn't so well, sir, and Doctor Bayard had to administer sedatives before he left. I think he is sleeping just now, though he may only be trying to."

HolmeR paused, reluctant and a little irresolute. "Is there nothing I can do or say sir, if he wakes?" asked the attendant. "Can you give him a letter and say nothing about it to anybody?" "Certainly I can. If it's one that won't harm him." "It will do him good, unless I'm mistaken, and he ought to have it to-night. He'll sleep better for it. I'll give it to you at tattoo. Ah Robert! I might have known you'd be in search of me and that I was delaying dinner. Say I'll be there instantly."

Meanwhile Sergeant Freeman had reported to Major Miller as directed and was standing attention, cap in hand, at that officer's desk while the adjutant was scratching away across the room— his pen racing over the paper as he copied the dispatch his commander had slowly and thoughtfully ^.dictated. "You say that Parsons Is the best man to eend, sergeant?" "I didn't say that, sir, exactly but he's the lightest man in the troop and has the fastest horse now in the post. I{e could make it quicker than anybody else, but—" "But what? Doesn't he want to go? Is he afraid?" asked the major impatiently.

The sergeant flushed a little as he promptly answered. "It isn't that, sir. He wants to go. There's no man in the troop, sir, that would be safe in saying he didn't want to go." "Then why do you hesitate?" "Because we don't know Parsons well, sir he hasn't been with usmore'n a year. He was Lieutenant Blunt's striker till after the lieutenant was wounded, but Captain Terry had him returned to the troop because we were so short of men and had «o much scouting to do. Then Pomona got into tho office ae oompfloj clerk, and that's where he is now, sir. He writes a fine hand and seemed to know all about papers." "Where had he served before joining you?" asked the major. "Nowhere, sir. He says he learned what he knows in the adjutant's office at St. Louis barracks, where they had the cavalry depot. He's been a barber, I think, on a Mississippi steamboat, but be can ride well." "Well, let Parsons be the man. If he wants to go I see no reason why he shouldn't. Tell him to report here mounted and ready at tattoo."

But it was nearly ten o'clock before Parsons was ready—a singular fact when it is remembered that he wanted to go—and Mr. Holmes,who had stopped a moment to speak with Miss Forrest as the bugle ceased playing tattoo, found sufficient interest in their chat to detain him until just as the signal "Lights out" was ringing on the still night air. Then a horse came trotting briskly into the garrison and over to the adjutant's office. Holmes caught a glimpse of the rider as he shot under the gallery aud through the gleam from the lower windows. That face again!

Ten minutes afterwards this inquisitive civilian was at the store and, singling out one of half a dozen cowboys who were laughing and drinking at the bar, he beckoned him to come outside. The others followed, for the barkeeper in obediance to post orders, was closing up his shop. Holmes led his silent follower beyond earshot of the loungers at the doorway. "Did you see the soldier who rode past here just now?" "Yes, sir." "Drake, I've picked you out for service that I can entrust to no one else. You've never failed me yet. Are you ready for a long ride to-night?" "Anything you want, Mr. Holmes." "That man's orders are to go with all speed to Fetterman and, after resting there twenty-four hourp. 10 take it easily returning. He'll go there all right, I believe, but what he does there and after he leaves there I want to know, if you have to follow to Cheyenne. Here's $50. If he jumps the track and starts for the railway after quitting Fetterman, let him go wire me from Chugwater, but don't lose track of him. I'll join you at Cheyenne or Laramie City, wherever he goec, and the moment you strike the settlements put the sheriff on his trail."

CHAPTER XVIII.

Three days slipped away without noticeable changes in the situation at Laramie. It was late on Tuesday evening when the courier rode away with his dispatch, and on Wednesday afternoon the wire from Fetterman flashed the tidings of his safe arrival there and the prompt transmission of the packet in pursuit of the escort that had left for the North at noon. Miller breathed more freely, as did his good wife, for nsw the onus of this grave source of distress would be shifted to other shoulders. "A family affair of much importance—no less than the more than probable connection of one of his household with a series of extensive thefts—demanded that Captain Forrest, if a possible thing, be sent hither at once," was the burden of the major's letter, and he knew that, if a possible thing, the general would find means of ordering the captain in on some duty which would give no inkling of the real nature of the ordeal awaiting him. Thursday afternoon, late, Parsona was

E TERRE HAUTE EXPRESS, SUNDAY MORNING. MARCH 3. 1869.

to start on his return, would probably rest or camp at the deserted huts of the ranchmen at La Bonte. possibly at the "Lapperell," as the frontiersmen termed the little stream the French trappers had years before named "La Prele," and should reach the fort some time Friday evening, though there was no hurry and he had full authority, if he saw fit, to rest his horse another night at Bull Bend, or anywhere he pleased. No one in authority waa (giving that matter a thought, but it was exactly that matter that kept Roswell Jlolmes on the watch at Laramie whes he would rather have gone away. To hia keen eyea it was evident that, despite all Bayard's efforts to appear jovial and courteous as ever, he was in eore perplexity. Nellie, too, was again keeping her room,

and

face and

Jeannie Bruce, with white

red-rimmed

eyes, was the only

companion she really welcomed. Thursday night had come, and the letter he was to have handed in for McLean's benefit and peace of mind was still withheld. Any hour might enable him to speak positively, whereas now he could only theorize. Meantime Mrs. Miller assured him that the young officer who "had been temporarily set back by the bad news from Mr. Hattoon," was doing very well under the influence of better tidings. On Thursday morning a dispatch from the stockade brought the welcome information from Dr. Weeks that Hatton's rugged constitution seemed proof against the enemy he was gaining again.

Meantime not a word did Miller, Bay ard or the adjutant breath'of that conference with McLean, and neither Mr. Holmes nor Miss Forrest could form the faintest, idea of what had taken place. They had their theories and had frankly exchanged them and what caused Mrs. Miller infinite amaze and the garrison anew excitement was this growing companionship between the Chicago millionaire and the "Queen of Bedlam." Thrice now had they been seen on the gallery tete-a-tete and once, leaning on his arm, she had appeared on the walk. To the ladies there was no theory so popular as the one that she was setting her cap for him in good earnest, now that Nellie Bayard was confined to her room and when Mrs. Miller met him she longed to speak upon the subject. She could well nigh thank any woman who could draw this formidable rival away and leave the ground to her wounded and deeply-smitten lieutenant but could she see him becoming entangled in the toils of Miss ForreBt, knowing what she did of that young woman's dreadful moral affliction? There was no way in which she could warn him. She had pledged her' word to the major that not a whisper should escape, and though Mrs. Bruce had managed to derive from a conversation with her that Captain Forrest had been sent for, it was accomplished by that feminine device, now so successfully imitated by the socalled interviewers of the public press, of making assertions and hazarding suggestions which could not be truthfully denied. The lady longed to take Holmes into her confidence—and could not and Holmes longed to ask her what allegations had been made againBt McLean and how he had borne them—yet dared not. Both to him and to the queen of Bedlam that was the explanation of the simultaneous gathering at the quarters of the young officer, of the commandant, surgeon and adjutant. Holmes boldly inquired of the doctor what had taken place, asserting that he was interested in McLean and wanted to help him if he was in trouble, and in great embarrassment tho doctor had begged to be excused from reply. He would not deny that Mclean was in trouble— in grave trouble—but there was nothing tangible as yet. Nothing was to be said or done until—well, until he was much better and able to be about.

Friday afternoon came, warm, sunshiny and delightful. At 4 o'clock the doctor's carriage, an open, easy, oldfashioned looking affair, rolled out of the garrison with Nellie Bayard and Jeannie Bruce smiling on the back seat, while Bayard himself handled the reins. There was a vacant place behind him, and, just as he possibly expected, Miss Forrest came out on the gallery and waved her hand and smiled a cordial greeting to the two girls. Instantly he reined in his eager horses, almost bringing them upon their haunches, and called up to her: "This is the best piece of luck that has befallen me since I came to Laramie. I've caught you when you could not be engaged, Do come and join us, Miss Forrest! I'm taking my little invalid out for a drive in the sunshine and it will do you, too, a world of good. Do come!"

But Miss Forrest's clear voice was heard in prompt and positive regret. It was impossible. She had an engagement that would occupy her a full hour, and while she thanked the doctor— thanked them all—for stopping for her, it could riot be. "I am so glad to see you out again, Miss Nellie," she called. "Now I shall hope to have you come aBd spend an hour with me over here."

The doctor could hardly conceal his chagrin. Again he begged. Again his offer was courteously but positively declined. Nellie gave but fairt response to Miss Forrest's greeting. Jennie Bruce looked fixedly away, and finally the horses received a sharp and most unnecessary touch of the lash and went bounding away frbm "Bedlam" in a style that reflected small credit on the merits of their driver, and that nearly bruised the backs of his fair passengers.

Reclining, half dressed, in a big easy chair Randall McLean heard the crash of the horse's hoofs and the whirr-r-r of the wheels on the gravelly road in front, and demanded of the attendant an account of the party. "The doctor, sir, an' the two young ladies—out for a drive."

McLpan was silent a moment. Mrs. Miller had gone home some time before on household cares intent and the doctor was by this time out of the garrison.' It left the patient master of the situation. "Get this chair out on\he gallery," he presently said as he slowly raised himself to his feet and leaned" for support againet the table. "Put a roba and pillow in it. Then come back and help me out."

The soldier demurred, and would have argued, but Mr. McLean silenced him and presently, in his best blue fatigue coat and with a white silk handkerchief around his neck and his fatigue cap tilted oyer one eye, the young officer, leaning on the attendant's arm, slowly made his way into the open air, and was soon comfortably ensconced in the big armchair again. Several of his company, smoking on the piazza of the quarters across the parade, arose, put away their pipes, and came over to stand attention and salute their popular lieutenant, and to say how glad they were to see him able to sit up again. It touched McLean's sad and lonely heart to see the pleasure and the trust and faith in their brown, honest faces, and the tears came welling up to his eyes as he held out his hand, calling them by name to step up on the gallery where he could see them better and give each man a cordial though feeble res pone to the hearty pressure of their brawny hands. Then

he bade the attendant, after a little chat about Mr. Hatton's condition and the more hopeful news, to take them in and give them a drink of Monongahela, but Corporal Stein promptly declined—he wouldn't have it thought they came with that hope when their sole wish was to congratulate their young officer, and, though one or two of them—not so sensitive as the corporal, doubtless took him to task at a later moment, they one and all upheld him now. They would not go in and drink, but presently returned to their barracks comforted with the reflection that they had done the proper thing.

Meantime Miss Forrest had seen their approach and, hearing the voices on the lower gallery, readily divined that Mr. McLean must be sitting up and taking the air. Five minutes after the men were gone, and as that young gentleman was wondering about what time the carriages would return he heard a quick, light footfall along the wooden floor, the rustle of feminine skirts, and, almost 'before he could turn, the cordial, musical voice of the queen of Bedlam. "Mr. McLean, how rejoiced I am to see you sitting up! This is simply delightful."

For an instant he knew not what to say—how to greet her. Heavens! what thoughts of that gloomy council went surging .through his brain! He tried to speak, tried to conceal his grievous embarrassment, but his gaunt face flushed painfully and the thin hand he extended in acknowledgment of hers was cold as ice. The nurse promptly brought a chair set it close by the side of the big arm chair then as promptly vanished as she gracefully thanked him and took it. This was a contingency that had not occurred to McLean for an instant. His whole idea had been to be where he could see Nellie's face, possibly receive a smile and bow—possibly a joyous word or two on her return. He had been able for the time being to forget all about Miss Forrest, and the part he had been compelled to play in surrounding her with that web of evidence and suspicion, and now, at this most inopportune moment, here stood this gracious and graceful girl smiling at his side.

For a few moments more it was she who did most of the talking Hattor^ Captain Perry's "Grays" and the fight down the Platte furnishing her with abundance material for blithe comment and congratulation. His constraint and solemnity of mien she attributed to physical suffering, combined with distress of mind over the charges she believed to have been laid at his door and, while avoiding all mention of that subject, it was her earnest desire to show him by every trick of woman's infinite variety and shade of manner that she had nothing but admiration for his soldierly conduct, and trust and friendship for him in his troubles. Poor Mac was but vague, unresponsive and embarrassed in his acknowledgments, and then —she noted how his eyes were constantly wandering away up the road, and, with woman's quick intuition, divined that he was out there for no other purpose than to watch for the return of the doctor's carriage.

Presently it came in sight, driving rapidly, and, recalling everything that she had heard from Mrs. Holmes in their recent talks of the doctor's distrust and antipathy towards McLean, Miss Forrest quickly arose and stepped to the end of the gallery. She had determined that the young soldier should not be balked in so modest a hope bs that of seeing and being seen by the girl he loved. She felt assured that unless he was signaled or checked in some way the doctor would drive by '•full tilt," and, with the quickness of thought, she had formed her plan. The sight of Fanny Forrest, standing at the north end of the gallery and holding aloft her white palm in the exact gesture of the Indian and frontiersman, signalling "stop," was enough to make him bring the powerful team back on their haunches directly in front of the steps, and before a word could be said in explanation, there, flushing feebly, was Randall McLean, striving to lift himself from his nest of robes and pillows, and salute the lady of his heart.

Lachlan stepped quickly forward from the hall and, with him on one side and Miss Forrest, smiling, on the other, McLean was half lifted to the railing, where he could look right into the bonnie face he longed to see. Nellie Bayard, sitting nearest him, flushed crimson at the first glimpse of the tall, gaunt figure, and her little hand tightly closed beneath the lap-robe on the sturdier fingers of Miss Bruce. A joyous light danced only one instant in her eyes and died out quickly as the flush upon her cheek at sight of Miss Forrest's supporting arm. Was this then the engagement which prevented her acceptance of the doctor's offer? Was this the way in which the hero of her girlish dreams should be restored to her—with that bewilderingly handsome and fascinating New York girl at his side, almost possessively supporting and exhibiting him? The sight had stung the doctor, too, and the same idea about the engagement seemed to flash through his head. "This will never do, Mr. McLean." he sternly spoke "you are in no condition to venture out I'll be over to see you in a minute. Get back to your room as quick as you can." And with these words he whipped up his team again, and the carriage flashed away. Nellie had not spoken a word.

For an instant they stood there stunned McLean gazed bitterly after the retreating vehicle a moment, then turned with questioning eyes to his silent companion. She, too, was gazing fixedly after the doctor's little party, her color fluttering, her eyes glowing and her white teeth setting firmly. Then impulsively she turned to him. "This is all my fault—all my stupidity Mr. McL9an—I might have known. Forgive me for the sake of my good intentions and depend upon it, good shall yet come of this, for now I have a crow to pick with Dr. Bayard, and I mean to see him before he sees you. Are you going in—at once?" '•Yes. There's nothing else to do," he answered, wearily, hopelessly, wretchedly, as he slowly turned away. "Mr. McLean!" she exclaimed, with sudden and irrepressible excitement of manner. "Stop—one moment only. There's something I must Bay to you. Lachlan, please Btep inside the hall," she hurriedly continued. "I'll call you in plenty of time before the doctor can get here. Now Mr. McLean, listen! I know something of your trouble. I know something of the toils by which you have been surrounded and how unjustly you have been treated but let me tell you that the very man you have most feared is the man of all others who stands your steadfast friend. Look! He's coming now. Coming fast, too,— from the telegraph office. I almost know what it is he brings. One more thing I must say while there is time. I could not help seeing how your heart was bound up in Nellie Bayard. Nay, don't turn away in such desptir. I read her better than you do and I know you better than you think. I_ tell you brighter days are near. Keep up a

brave heart, Mr. McLean. Remember your name, remember— "The race of Clan Gillian—the fearless and free'— tell you that were I a man I could envy you the truth I read in Nellie Bayard's eyes. All is coming out well, and there's my hand and my heart full of good wishes with it"

He took it wonderingly, silently. Great Heavens! Was this the woman who, through his testimony, stood accused of degrading crimes? Was it possible that she could have been the criminal, and yet, at the very time could write those mysterious words upon the hidden card—proffering aid and friendship? What manner of woman was this—now quivering with excitement at his side—her glowing eyes fastened on the rapidly advancing form of Roswell Holmes? What meant she by Epeaking of the man he most feared as his most steadfast friend?

Just as Major and Mrs. Miller, with Dr. Bayard, stepped upon the board gallery of Bedlam at its southern end and stopped in embarrassment at sight of the group at the other, Mr. Holmes had bounded up the steps, and, placing in her hand a telegraphic dispatch, held forth his own to Randall McLean. "Read it aloud!" was all he said and eagerly she obeyed.

CHUGWATSR, Friday, 4 p. M.

Itoswell Holmes, Esq.. Fort Ixtramie Parsons streaking It for Cheyenne. Has plenty money. Close at his heels. DRAKB. [CONTINUED IN THE SUNDAY EXPRESS.]

"Chic" and Slant.

To be "chic" in conversation is an attribute much admired in either the man or the woman of society. A generous sprinkling of slang is permitted to enliven the small talk of the hour, and a new phrase that is suggestive is welcomed with positive delight. The latest that falls on the ear with somewhat odd effect is "All in the soup." The expression is an elongated form of the hitherto popular "left." The unsuccessful suitor, the defeated political candidate, the "exploded" financial venture, the overturned market basket in short, mishaps and disappointments of all kinds are described as "All in the soup." The phrase, which is claimed to be novel, savors strongly of the old-fashioned "pickle," into whioh the good dames and sires of long ago used to be thrown descriptively, in cases of discomfiture, or the "stews" by which they expressed their hot moments of anxiety.—[February Table Talk.

The Death Roll of AlcoholUiu. Dr. Norman Kerr, an eminent physician of England, believing the statement of temperance people to be extravagant that GO,000 people died annually from the effects of strong drink began as early as 1870 a personal inquiry, in connection with several medical men and experts, expecting to quickly disprove the same. According to their deductions, the latest estimates of deaths of adults annually caused through intemperance is in Great Britain, 120,000 in France, 142,000 in the United States, 80,000, or nearly a half million each year in three countries aggregating a population of 112,000,000.

Sleepless Nights

celery

mm

For nearly a

month I was not able to sleep, but after uslngr PALNB'S CELERY COMPOUND lor two days, insomnia fled and strength returned." E. 6. SMITH,

Claussen, a

c.

11

have taken

only a part o£ a bottle ot Palne's Celery Compound, and it has entirely relieved me ot sleeplessness, from which I have suffered greatly." Mas. E. AUTCLIFF, Peoria, 111.

For a longtime I was so nervous and worn out that I could not work. I tried many medicines, but none gave me relief until I used Palne's

Compound, which at once

strengthened and Invigorated my nerves. HABLBT SHERMAN, Burlington,»t.

Paine's

Celery Compound

quickly quiets and strengthens the nerves, when irritated or weakened by overwork, excesses, disease, or shock. It cures nervousness, headache, dyspepsia, sleeplessness, melancholia, and other disorders of the nervous system.

Tones up the Shattered Nerves

Fortwo years I was a sufferer from nervous debility, and I thank God and the discoverer of the valuable remedy, that Palne's Celery Compound cured me. Let any one write to me for advice."

GEORGE W. BOUTON, Stamford, Conn. Palne's Celery Compound produces sound and refreshing sleep. A physician's prescription, it does not contain one harmful drug. Like nothing else, it is a guaranteed cure for sleeplessness, if directions are faithfully followed. $1.00. Six for $5.oo. Druggists.

WELLS, RICHARDSON & Co., Burlington, Vt.

DIAMOND DYES

Beware of poor ^Imitations.

LACTATED FOOD

achs. Best fur Invalid*-

For "run-down," debilitated and overworked women. Dr. Pierce'e Favorite Prescription ia the best of all restorative tonics. It is a potent Specific for all those Chronic Weaknesses and Diseases peculiar to Women a powerful, general as well as uterine, tonic and nervine, it imparts vijror and strength to the whole system. It promptly cures weakness of stomach,nausea, inaigestion, bloating, weak back, nervous prostration, debil itj* and sleeplessness, in either sex. It is carefully compounded by an experienced physician, and adapted to woman delicate organization. Purely vegetable and perfectly harmless in any condition of the svstem. "Favorite pre«crlp« (ionw is the only medicine for women, sold by druggists, under a positive guarantee of satisfaction in every case, or price ($1.00) refunded. This guarantee has been printed on the bottle-wrapper, and faithfully carried out for many years.

For large, illustrated Treatise on Diseases of Women (160 pages, with full directions for home-treatment), send ten cents in stamps.

Address, WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N. Y.

WARREN-SCHARF

Asphalt Paving Co.,

CONTRACTORS FOR

GEN0II8 TMIDAD ASPHALT SHEET PAVEHMT As laid in over Thirty American Cities, ranging in climate and other conditions trom hew

Orleans and Savannah to St Paul and Montreal, to the extent of

Over 4,000,000 Square Yards, OR 225 MILES OF STREET. Ten miles of stone block pavement have been torn up and replaced with Trinidad Asphalt tn Buffalo alonot nm.w. lW Street. New York, (•en unices

(23

Blymyer Building, Cincinnati.

Ask For Ayer's

Sarsaparilla, and be sure you get it, when you want the best blood-purifier. With its forty years of unexampled sue* cess in the cure ol

Blood Diseases, you can make no mistake in preferring Ayer's

Sarsaparilla

to any other. The fore-runner of modern blood medicines, Ayer's Sarsaparilla is still the most popular, being in greater demand than all others combined.

"Ayer's Sarsaparilla is selling faster than ever before. I never hesitate to recommend it."—George W. Whitman, Druggist, Albany, Ind.

I am safe in saying that my sales of Ayer's Sarsaparilla far excel"those of any other, and it gives thorough satisfaction."— L. H. Bush, Des Moines, Iowa. "Ayer's Sarsaparilla and Ayer's Pills are the best selling medicines in my store. I can reconuneud them conscientiously."— C. Bickliaus, Pharmacist, Roseland, 111. "We liave sold Ayer's Sarsaparilla here for over thirty years and always recommend it wlion"asked to name tiie best blood-purifier."—W. T. McLean, Druggist, Augusta, Ohio. "I have sold your medicines for the last seventeen years, and always keep tliern in stock, as tliey are staples.

There is nothing so good for the youthful blood' as Ayer's Sarsaparilla." R. L. Parker, Fox Lake, Wis.

Ayer's Sarsaparilla gives the best satisfaction of any medicine I have in stock. I recomniend it, or, as tlio Doctors say, I prescribe it over tlio counter.' It never fails to meet the cases for which I recommend it, even where the doctors' prescriptions have been of 19 avail." C. Calhoun. Monmouth. Kansas.

Ayer's Sarsaparilla,

PREPARED BY

Dr. J. C. Ayer & Co., Lowell, Mass. Price $1 six bottles, $5. Worth $5 a bottle.

Great Bargains

-IH-

BOOTS, SHOES

-AUD-

Slippers.

NEW stock

LOOK AT SOME OF OUR

PRICES

M*n'i 8MUB1«M Ooainn, 91.35.

Women's Kid Button 8hoes, ll.sr,

MlMM' Kid Bntton Shoes, |1.

Women's To* Slipper*, OOc.

Child'• Shoes, 4 to 7. 50c.

Children's Shoes, 7 to 10% B5.i,

Youths' Shoes, Hlch Oct, tl.

Handsoirie Souveiilrn

I

Wlven to at) Oar P»tro:\'.

It Will Pay You

TO T1UD* AT

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FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

INSURANCE.

You can get Hre Insurance or any other kind of Insurance of

Allen, Kelley & Co.,

665 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Ind.,

TKLKPHONK No. 248.

This agency represents the best Fire Insurance companies now doing business, also the best

LIVE STOCK INSURANCE

company In the state. All Lossses are ADJTMTKD BT csand paid within ONE or FIVE DAYti from date of same.

"ASSETS, $153,000,000.00.

Very Lowest Bates and good treatment, (ilve us a call.

ADMINISTRATOR'S SALE.

Notice Is hereby given that the undersigned administrator of the estate of William H. Scudder deceased, by order of the Vigo circuit court, of the February term, 1889. thereof, will sell at private sale for rot less than its appraised value, at the law oftlcfj of William E. Ilendrlch, room No. 2 in the new court house, at Terre Haute, on the 5th day of March. 1889, between the hours of 9 o'clock a. m. and 4 o'clock p. ni. of said day. the fee simple (Including the Interest of Anna Scudder, wld ow of said deceased) the following real estate In the city of Terre Haute, Vigo county, state of Indiana, to-wlt: Commencing at a point twentyeight (28) feet and nine 19) Inches east of the northwest corner of lot sixteen (16) of the subdivision of outlot numbe- forty-eight (48) of the original outlots of the town (now city) of Terre Haute, running thence east on the south side of Cherry street forty (Vs feet, thence south one hundred and forty (140 leet to the alley, thence west forty (401 feet and thence north one hundred and forty (140) feet to the place of beginning. The west line of said lot above described to run through the center of the building on said lot sixteen (161 as now erected. And If not sold at private sale within the time aforesaid he will offer for sale at public auction the fee simple of said real estate (Including the widow's Interest) at the south door of the court houte In Terre Haute, between the hours of 2 o'clock p. m. and 4 o'clock p. m. on the 26th day ot March. 1889. to the highest bidder for not less than two-thirds of Its appraised value.

Terms of Sale-One third cash, balance In two equal Installments, payable In six (6) and nine (9) months from date of sale, purchaser to execute his notes with approved security, bearing six (6) per cent, per annum, waiving valuation and appraisement laws.

FRANCIS V. BICHOWSKY,

Administrator of the estate of William IL Scudder, deceased.

iJMt'