Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 115, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 May 1913 — Page 2

Molly McDonald A TALE or THE IKONTIER

SYNOPSIS. Major McDonald, commanding an army post near Fort Dodge, seeks a man to Intercept his daughter. Molly, who is headed for the post. An Indian outbreak is threatened. Sergeant "Brick" Hamlin meets the stage in which Molly is travel- . ing. They are attacked by Indians, and 1 Hamlin and Molly escape In the darkness. ' Hamlin tells Molly he was discharged from the Confederate service in disgrace and at the close of the war enlisted in the regular army. He suspects one Captain Le Fevre of being responsible for his disgrace. Troops appear and under escort of Lieut. Gaskins Molly starts to join her father. Hamlin leaves to rejoin his regriment. He returns to Fort Dodge after a summer of fighting Indians, and finds Molly there. Shots are heard in the night Hamlin rushes out, sees what he believes is che figure of Molly hiding in the darkness and falls over the body of Lieutenant Gaskins, who accuses Hamlin of shooting him. The sergeant Is proven innocent. He sees Molly In company with Mrs. Dupont, whom he recognizes as a former sweetheart, who threw him over for LeFevre Mrs. Dupont tells Hamlin LeFevre forced her to send him a lying note. Hamlin declares he has been looking for LeFevre to force him to clear his record. Later he overhears Dupont and a soldier hatching up a money-making got Molly seeks an Interview with amlln. She says her father seems to be In the power of Mrs. Dupont, who claims to be a daughter of McDonald’s sister. Molly disappears and Hamlin sets out to trace her. CHAPTER XXl—Continued. He tramped along the brightly Illumined street, and out upon the dark road leading up the bluff to the fort, his mind occupied with the events of the evening, and those other incidents leading up to them. There was no doubt that Miss McDonald and her father had returned to their home. But what could he do to assist her? The very knowledge that she had voluntarily appealed to him, that she had come to him secretly with her trouble, brought strange happiness. Moreover his former acquaintance with Mrs. Dupont gave him a clue to the mystery. Yet how was he going to unravel the threads, discover the motive, find out the various conspirators? What were they really after? Money probably, but possibly revenge. What did the woman know which enabled her to yield such influence over McDonald? What was the trap they proposed springing? The Sergeant felt that he could solve these problems if given an opportunity, but he was handicapped by his position; he could not leave his troop, could not meet or mingle with the suspected parties; was tied, hand and foot, by army discipline. He could not even absent himself froip the post without gaining special permission. -He ewore to himself over the hopeless-

“May I Ask if Major McDonald Has Returned to the Post?”

neas of the situation, as he tramped through the blackness toward the guard-house. The sentinel glanced at his pass, scrutinizing it by the light of a fire, and thrust the paper into his pocket Hamlin advanced, and at the corner saluted the officer of the'day, who had just stepped out of the guardhouse door. “Good evening. Sergeant” the latter said genially. "Just in from town? I expect they are having some dance down there tonight” "Yes, sir,” hesitatingly, and then venturing the inquiry: "May I Major McDonald has returned to the post?" "McDonald? No,” he glanced at his watch. "He had orders to go east to Ripley on the stage. That was due out about an hour ago.” "TO Ripley? By stage?” the Sergeant repeated the words, dazed. "Why—why, what has become of Miss McDonald?"

TOUCH OF COUNTRY IN CITY

pqukrrels In Indianapolis Accorded Freedom and Made Pets by All Ciasaea of the Citizens. In several parts of the city It Is noted that there are more squirrels in evidence in the parks and about the lawns than ever before, and that they have little or no fear of any one. even boys having come to treat these Interesting relics of the primeval forest with kindness and conslderatlob.

By RANDALL PARRISH

Author of "Keith of the border; My Lady of Doubt? Mv Lady South’.’ dc.efp., ' . Illustration# tins Y.LBaracA COf*y*KSHT 1912 BY AX.M C CLURG & co.

The officer smiled, shaking his head. "I’m sure I don’t know, my man,” he returned carelessly, "Come back with Barrett and his ladylove, likely. Why?” suddenly interested by the expression on the other’s face. “What’s happened? Is there anything wrong?”

CHAPTER XXII. A Deepening Mystery. Startled and bewildered as Hamlin was by this sudden revealment, he at once comprehended the embarrassment of his own position. He could not confess all he knew, certainly not the fact that the girl had met him secretly and had vanished while he was endeavoring to turn aside Mrs. Dupont. He must protect her at all hazards. To gain time, and self-control; he replied with a question: "Did not Connors drive them down, sir?” “Yes, the four of them.” “And Major McDonald knew then that he was ordered East?” “No, the order came by telegram later. An orderly was sent down about ten o'clock. But, see here, Sergeant, I am no Bureau of Information. If you ha Ye anything to report, make it brief.” Hamlin glanced at the face of the other. He knew little about him, except that he had the reputation of being a capable officer. "I will, sir,” he responded quickly ; “you may never have heard of the affair, but I was with Miss McDonald during a little Indian trouble out on the trail a few months ago.” The officer nodded. “I heard about that; Gaskins brought her in.” *■' “Well, ever since she has seemed grateful and friendly. You know how some women are; well, she is that kind. Tonight she came to me, because she didn't seem to know whom else to go to, and told me of some trouble she was having. I realize, Captain Kane, that it may seem a bit strange to you that a young lady like Miss McDonald, an officer's daughter, would turn for help to an enlisted man, but I am telling you only the truth, sir. You see, she got it into her head somehow that I was square, well, that I cared enough to help her.” "Walt a minute, Sergeant,” broke in Kane, kindly, realizing the other’s embarrassment, and resting one hand on his sleeve. "You do not need to apologize for Miss McDonald. I know something of what is going on at this post, although, damn me if I’ve dver got on to the straight facts. You mean that Dupont woman?” “Yes, she’s concerned in the matter, but there kre others also." “Why couldn’t the girl tell her fa.ther?”

“That is where the main trouble lies, Captain. Major McDonald seems to be completely under the control of Mrs. Dupont. He is apparently afraid of her for some reason. That is what Miss Molly spoke to me about We were on the side porch at the hotel talking while the dancers were at supper—it was the only opportunity the girl had to get away—and Mrs. Dupont and her husband came into the parlor —” "Her husband ? Good Lord, I thought her husband was dead." “He isn’t. He’s a tin-horn gambler, known in the saloons as ‘Reb,’ a big duffer, wearing a black beard.” “All right, go on; I don’t know him.” “Well, I stepped into the room to keep the two apart, leaving the girl alone outside. We had a bit of talk before I got the room cleared, and when I went back to the porch. Miss Molly had gone.” “Dropped over the railing to the ground." “That’s what I thought at the time, sir, but what happened to her after that? She didn’t return to the hotel; she was not at the dance hall, and hasn't come back to the post." "The hell you say! Are you sure?” “I am; I searched for her high and low before I left, and she could not get in here without passing the guard- < house.” Kane stared into the Sergeant’s face a moment, and then out across the parade ground. A yellow light winked in the Colonel's office, occasionally < blotted out by the passing figure of a sentry. The officer came to a prompt decision. - ——..

"The ‘old man' Is over there yet, grubbing \at some papers. Come on over, and tell him what you have told me. I believe the lass will turn up all right, but it does look rather queer.”

Many of these squirrels are lively young fellows, born last April, who in the early spring will set up housekeeping for themselves. These squirrels are Chickarees, which sounds much like the name of a tribe of red men This variety is found from Maine to Minnesota, and through the middle west and as far south as Tennessee and Virginia. It is the hardiest of the American squirrels and seems to enjoy the winter. It may be seen tunneling under the snow, shaking Its fur clean when it emerges, as if

The Colonel and the Post Adjutant were in the little office, busy over a pile of papers. Both officers glanced up, resenting the interruption, as Kane entered, Hamlin following. The former explained the situation briefly, while the commandant leaned back in his chair, his keen eyes studying the younger man. .. "Very well, Captain Kane,” he said shortly, as the officer’s story “We shall have to examine into this, of course, but will probably discover the whole affair a false alarm. There is, at present, nd necessity for alarming any others. Sergeant, kindly explain to me why Miss McDonald should have come to you in her distress?” Hamlin stepped forward, and told the story again in detail, answering the Colonel’s questions frankly. “This, then, war the only time you have met since your arrival?” “Yes, sir.” "And this Mrs. Dupont? You have had a previous acquaintance with her?” “Some years ago.” “Yot| consider her a dangerous woman ?” “I know her to be utterly unscrupulous, sir. I am prepared to state that she is here under false pretenses, claiming to be a niece of Major McDonald’s. Ido not know her real purpose, but am convinced it is an evil one.” The Colonel shook his head doubtfully, glancing at the silent adjutant. “That remains to Jbe proven. Sergeant. I have, of course, met the lady, and found her pleasant and agreeable as a companion. Deuced pretty, too; hey, Benson? Why do you say she masquerades as McDonald’s niece?” "Because her maiden name was Carson and the Major’s sister married a man named Counts,” "There might have been another marriage. Surely McDonald must know.” “Miss Molly says not, Colonel. He has known nothing of his sister for over twenty years, and accepted this woman on her word.” “Well, well! Interesting situation; hey, Benson? Like to get to the bottom myself. Damme if it don’t sound like a novel. However, the thing before us right, now is to discover what has become of Miss McDonald.” He straightened up in his chair, then leaned across the table. "Captain Kane, make a thorough examination of McDonald’s quarters first. If the girl is not found there, detail two men to accompany Sergeant Hamlin on a search of the town." "Very well, sir; come on, Sergeant.” “Just a moment—if we find the trail leads beyond the town are we authorized to continue?” "Certainly, yes. Adjutant, write out the order. Anything more?” “I should prefer two men of my own troop, sir, mounted.” "Very well; see to it, Captain." The two men walked down past the dark row of officers’ houses, the Sergeant a step to the rear on the narrow cinder path. McDonald’s quarters were as black as the others, and there was no response from within when Kane rapped at the door. They trlbd the rear entrance with the same result —the place was plainly unoccupied. “Pick out your men, Hamlin,” the Captain said sternly, "and I’ll call the stable guard.” Ten minutes later, fully equipped for field service, the three troopers circled the guard-house and rode rapidly down the dark road toward the yellow lights of the town. The Sergeant explained briefly the cause of the expedition, and the two troopers, experienced soldiers, asked no unnecessary questions. Side by side the three men rode silently into the town, and Hamlin swung down from his saddle at the door of the dance hall. With a word to the guard he crossed the floor to intercept Mrs. Dupont. The latter regarded his approach with astonishment, her hand on Captain Barrett’s blue sleeve. “Certainly not,” she replied rather sharply to his first question. “I am not in charge of Miss McDonald. She is no doubt amusing herself somewhere; possibly lying down over at the hotel; she complained of a headache earlier in the evening. Why do you come to me?” “Yes,” broke in the Captain, "that is what I wish to know, Hamlin. By what authority are you here?” “The orders of the Colonel commanding, sir,” respectfully, yet not permitting his glance to leave the woman’s face. "You Insist then, madam, that you know nothing of the girl’s disappearance?” "No!” defiantly, her cheeks red. "Nor of what has become of Connors, or your ranch manager?” She shrugged her shoulders, endeavoring to smile. “The parties mentioned are of very small interest to me.” “And Major McDonald,” he insisted, utterly ignoring the increasing anger of the officer beside her. "Possibly you were aware of his departure?" “Yes,” more deliberately; "he told me of his orders, and bade me goodbye later. So fas ar Connors is concerned, he was to have the carriage here for us at two o’clock. Is that all, Mr. Sergeant Hamlin?" "YOu better make it all," threatened

coming from a bath, it is on the alert from dawn to sunset, and on moonlight nights such as we now have it may be seen having high fun disporting itself under the trees. It does not hibernate, and while It may have mapy enemies in the forest it has in the cities practically only one, the cat —lndianapolis News.

Didn't improve Situation.

There was a certain master of foxhounds in one of the English shires who was greatly angered by the awk-

the. Captitn belligerently, "before I lose my temper at this infernal impertinence.” Hamlin surveyed the two calmly, confident that the woman knew more than she would tell, and utterly indifferent as to the other. “Very well," hji said quietly, "I Will learn what I dffelre elsewhere. I shall find Miss McDonald, and discover what has actually occurred.” “My best wishes, I am sure,” and the lady patted the Captain's arm gently. "We are losing this waltz." There was but one course for Hamlin to pursue. He had no trail to follow, only a vague suspicion that these plotters were in some way concerned in the mysterious disappearance. Thus far, however, they had left behind no clue to their participation. Moreover he was seriously handicapped by ignorance of any motive. Why should they desire to gain possession of the girl? It could not be money, or the hope of ransom. What then? Was it some accident which had Involved her in the toils prepared for another? If so, were those unexpected orders for Major McDonald a part of the conspiracy, or had their receipt complicated the affair? The Sergeant was a soldier, not a detective, and could only follow a straight road in his investigation. He must circle widely until he found

"I Am Not in Charge of Miss McDonald.”

some trail to follow as patiently as an Indian. There would be tracks left somewhere, if he could only discover them. If this was a hasty occurrence, in any way an accident, something was sure to be left uncovered, some slip reveal the method. He would'trace the movements of the father first, and then search the saloons and gambling dens for the two men. Though unsuccessful with Mrs. Dupont, he knew how to deal with such as they. The stage agent was routed out of bed and came to the door, revolver in hand, startled and angry. “Who?” he repeated. "Major McDonald? How the hell should I know? Some officer went out —yes; heavy set man with a mustache. I didn’t pay any attention to him; had government transportation. There were two other passengers, both men, ranchers, I reckon; none in the station at all. What’s that, Janfi?" A woman’s voice spoke from out the darkness behind. “Was the soldier asking if Major McDonald went East on the coach, Sam?" “Sure; what do you know about it?” “Why, 1 was outside when they started,” she explained, “and the man in uniform wasn’t the Major. “I know him by sight, for he’s been down here a dozen times when I was at the desk. This fellow was about his size, but dark and stoop-shouldered." "And the others?” asked Hamlin eagerly. "I didn’t know either of them, only I noticed one had a black beard.” “A very large, burly fellow?” "No, I don’t think so. I didn’t pay special attention to any of them, only to wonder who the officer was, ’cause I never remembered seeln’ him here before at Dodge, but, as I recollect, the fellow with a beard was rather undersized; had a shaggy buffalo-skin cap on." Plainly enough the man was not Dupont, and McDonald had not departed on the stage, while some other, pretending to be be, possibly wearing bls clothes to further the deceit, had taken the seat reserved In the coach. Baffled, bewildered by this unexpected discovery, the Sergeant swung back into his saddle, not knowing which way to turn. (TO BE CONTINUED.)

Land of Small Opportunity.

Census reports from the Panama canal zone give the population there today as 63,810, of which about 42,000 are employes of the canal commission, the Panama railroad and of the various canal contractors. Generally speaking, the soil is not suitable for farming. It Is not likely that Americans will be attracted 1 , and since other occupants than Americans, for obvious reasons, are not desirable, Colonel Goethals Is in favor of the depopulation of the zone, except so far as it will occupied by canal operar tlves and by the military necessary for the protection of the canal

wardness of one of the gentlemen who invariably rode over the hounds. At one of the meets the M. F. H. rode up to the awkward hunter and, in the most chilling tones, said: "Mr. So-and-so, there are two dogs in the peck today. Snap and Tatters, which I am especially fond of and I would esteem it a favor If you would avoid killing or maiming them with your horse's hoofs.” "Certainly, my dear fellow," replied Mr. So-and-so, "but, as I do uot know them will you be kind enough to put tags on them for me.**

TURNING THE DAIRY COW OUT TO PASTURE

By P. L. Roberts,

Purdue University Agricultural Extension.

Kentucky Blue Grass Forms an Ideal Ration for a Dairy Cow When Supplied in Abundance and of Good Quality.

All dairymen welcome the time when the cows can be turned out on pasture, for it is then that the largest and best results are expected from each animal and the labor and expense connected with winter feeding are done away with.

Pasture is a term which means various things. It may mean the old virgin fields which have been allowed to remain in native grasses from year to year without any attempt at improvement through cultivation or rotation of better forage plants, or, it may mean the more succulent and nutritious crops of alfalfa, cowpeas, clovers, soybeans, oats, rye, corn and other similar forage plants. The amount of forage produced by native grasses is very small and if the price of land is high, it is poor economy to allow the soil to lay idle, since by a proper system of rotation, the production of feed material can be increased from ten to one hundred times and thus Increase the economy in the production of the milk. Not only is the amount of forage increased, but it is in a better condition to be assimilated by the cow and turned into milk, because it is in a more active stage of growth, is more succulent than the native grasses, which begin to turn brown and dry up in the late summer and hence do not tend to keep up the flow of milk. As stated, a large variety of forage plants may be pastured, but the most nutritious of these and the most effective in making milk are the legumes, providing sufficient caution is exercised to prevent the bloating of the animals. In changing from the winter ration of dry feed to the succulent grass, great care must be exercised, especially in the case of heavy milking cows, not to make the change too abruptly. Tfie first periods of pasturing should be rather short, about one hour per day for the first few days, at the same time cutting down the roughage fed at milking time. About one week to ten days should be taken to make the complete change from dry feed to pasture. The young immature

INDIANA AGRICULTURE

By G. I. Christie,

partment of Agricultural Extension, Purdue University.

( Indiana agriculture is making rapid advancement. A study of present conditions causes one to feel that the demand of rapid and ever increasing population for a food supply at a reasonable price will be met by a greater and more economical production on Indiana farms. Farmers throughout the state are following improved practices and are getting results. In a corn growing contest the past season in Tipton county, thirteen' farmers each grew more than 100 bushels per acre. This work Is demonstrating the possibilities of corn growing. It is es* tablishing a higher standard and no longer wttt the farmers be satisfied with a yield of 40 to 60 bushels. Of course, these farmers gave this ground extra cultivation and in some cases fertilized and manured it heavily, but in a statement following the contest the farmers stated that they had done nothing to secure these high yields that they could not afford to do on every acre of their corn land. While Indiana has had in 1912 one of the largest crops of corn in its history and while the average yield per acre has Increased more than five bushels in the past eight years, may we not hope that the work just started may bring returns In the immediate future. During the past seven years a campaign for a better agriculture has been waged In Indiana by the press, the state agricultural associations, Purdue university and the United States department of agriculture. Much has been accomplished. Not only have the soils been improved and the crops Increased but the industry has been surrounded by a more desirable atmosphere. The problem has not only been that of demonstrating how more money could be made on the farm, but also that of dignifying the profession, an<f developing a spirit and a life in the country that would enlist more of the young people In the agricultural work.

Department of Dairy Husbandry, Purdue University.

Superintendent* De-

grass, such as we have in the spring, contains a large amount of water and! a small amount of dry matter and it is almost' impossible for a heavy milking cow to eat enough of such feed to supply the nutrients necessary for her normal functions.

This same fact during th® entire pasturing season, to a certain degree and hence, the necessity of supplementing pasture with a grain ration. There is no question but that a cow will produce more milk if fed grain while on pasture, and, if a| larg® yield is of more importance than economy of production, grain should certainly be fed. The feeding of grain during the pasturing period enables the cown to store up a considerableamount of body nutrients which are available for her use in producing milk when the change back to the winter ration is necessary. Cows which are fed grain along with the pasture will go into the barn for winter feeding in better condition than cows having received pasture alone. Where only a small amount of grain is fed to the cow on pasture, corn is as well adapted as anything else where it is cheaper than other feeds, since, on account of the comparative narrow nutritive value of grass, the corn does not unbalance the ration. In the case of heavy milking where as much as five pounds or mor® of grain per day are required k to supplement the pasture, then feeds con. taining more protein should be used, such as bran, gluten meal, oats or cottonseed meal, in combination. Since as has been stated, the feeding of grain in connection with pasture is not the most economical method of producing milk, some successful dairymen have found it feasibl® and profitable to supplement the pasture with’ a feed of silage kt the tim® of milking. The addition of silagecompensates for any shortage in pas. ture and aids in maintaining a constant milk flow through the dry, hot months when pasture is naturallyshort and less nutritious.

The nation as well as the state is awake to the need of agriculture and an attempt will be made this winter to secure needed assistance for the furtherance of movements now under way. On August 23, 1912, the house of representatives at Washington, D. C. passed unanimously the Lever bill, which provides for an appropriation for agricultural extension In each state and territory. The work provided for in this act would consist of practical demonstrations in agriculture and domestic science among the people of the state. The above bill was referred to the senate and was reported on favorably by the agricultural committee and now awaits the vote, which it is hoped, will be taken soon. In line with this measure In congress, the agricultural and industrial commission of Indiana has recommended to the legislature the passage of a bill which will provide for an agricultural expert in each county of the state.

Already Mr. L. B. Clore is serving as county agent in Porte county. He has an office in the courthouse, where farmers gather to consult relative to various farm problems. The county furnishes an automobile, and Mr. Clore spends four to five days each week visiting the farmers and the schools and giving such help as he can. Montgomery, Parke and Steuben countjes are organized and will start county agents within a weeks. Indiana has more than 220,- t 000 farmers. These men are in actlvd service and cannot go to college. The proposition is to take the best information to them and assist them In mak, ing a direct application of the principles in their every day farm work. An increase of five bushels per acre iu the corn crop of the state at fifty cents per bushel would mean an increased annual Income of 112,500,000. Indiana has 600,000 dairy cows. If the net Income of this herd could be increased 110.00 per cow, it would amount to $6,000,000. During 1912, Indiana lost from cholera alone more than 500,000 hogs, valued at $4(000,000. This loss could have been largely avoided by care and attention on the' part of the firmers. Similar facts and figures could be shown in animal husbandry, horticulture and other lines of agriculture. '