Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 34, Number 20, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 June 1888 — Page 1
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'VC V VOL. XXXIV-NO. 20. INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 1888. ONE DOLI H PEIt YEAR.
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BY DORA RUSSELL, Author of "FootrnixTS ix the Snow," "The Brokes Seal," "The Vicae's Goveexess," "Annabel's Rival." CHAPTER XIX. THE MOTHER'S GEIEF. SHE next morning Nora awoke with a confused sense of anxiety and uneasiness from disturbed and painful dreams. She started up, she rubbed her eyes, and then she rememberedremembered tho last look on Malcolm's face as he turned to leave her, his message to her mother, and the bitter task that lay before herself to-day. And scarcely was she dressed when this was forced upon her. She had not, indeed, left her bedroom -when Palmer entered, carrying a message from Mrs. Fraser of Airdlinn, who was below, and wished to know if she might come up stairs and speak to Nora at once. Nora could not quite hide her agit ation from Palmer's quick eyes, as she listened to this request. It was, xi course, very well known in the household that something unusual had Kin going on last night Mr. Biddulph's lato arrival Alfred's mysterious disappearance, for he had only returned at dawn, and would give no further account of himself, except that Miss Stewart had sent him on a message. Palmer was highly offended by this reticence, and had scarcely spoken to Alfred at breakfast; but the young man, having the pleasing knowledge that ho was the Happy possessor of -0, part of which ho meant to ppend on a prese nt for his sweetheart, had borne her coldness so amiably that Palmer thought it was quite time sho was making up to hi m again. Still Paliner was intensely curious to know what it was all about; ami- Mrs. Conway-IIopo was more, if possible, curious still. Therefore Palmer noted how, with quickened breath and paling cheeks, her young mistress heard that Mrs. Stewart was below, and wished at once to see her. And Kora felt fhe could not reruse this request. This poor mother must hear the terriblo news before the day was over, and it was lest to break it to her now. Therefore Jsora bade Palmer to bring Mrs. Fraser uprtairs, and a few minutes later Mrs. Jock entered, looking fresh, smiling and well. "How are you, my dear?" she said, going up to Xora and kissing her face in her kind, motherly way. Nora often thought afterward how 31 rs. Jock looked at this moment so rosy, eo happy, a matron in her comely prime, with her eyes, blue as poor MaL-olui's, brimful of content and good nature. "I am not feeling very well," hesitated Nora, with her eyes cast down. "My poor child, I am sorrv for that. But it's nothing ?erious I hope "Oh, no? ghat's all right, then; and, Nora, my dear, what have rou done with my boy? I never was so astonished in my life w hen the housemaid told me this murningthat last night, after Jock and I had retired to bed, that Alfred had arrived with a letter from you for Malcolm, and that Malcolm went back with him to Rossmore in the boat. Did he stay all night here, or go to his uncle Alick's?" "He did not stav here," faltered Nora. "Then he's at uncle Alick's. Jock felt a bit unea?y about him, as Malcolm has not been looking well lately, so he proposed, as soon as breakfast was over this morning, that we should cross the water nd inquire about him. But I told Jock he was quite safe in your hands;" and Mrs. Jock laughed. Poor Nora's task seemed to be growing more difficult every moment. She turned away her head; she gave a little gapping sigh, and the mother's quick ears of love heard it. "There is nothing the matter, is there?" ehe asked sharply "nothing with Malcolm?" Upon this Nora caught her large firm hand in her own cold trembling one. "Oh, Mrs. Fraser," she said, "1 I sent for Malcolm last night because he has got into some trouble because just now he is better away." "What do you mean?" Mrs. Jock's voice was almost stern as phe asked this question, and she lixed her eyes on Nora's changing face with some Euspicion in her glance. "It is terrible to me to have to tell you," went on Nora, "most terrible, but," Mrs. Fraser, it was Malcolm who tired the shot, who killed that unhappy woman in the Glen." "Malcolm V cried Mrs. Fraser, a sudden flush passing over her face, and pushing Nora's clinging hand away ia her quick BSritaion. "I don't believe a word of it. "Who haa been telling you this, Nora Stewart?" "It is only too true, Mrs. Fraser only too true," answered Nora, turning away her head, and her eyes tilling with tears. "This is a bitter task to me, but you must know, and Malcolm, I hope, is . safe. By this time he is far away" "What do you mean? I ask you, what do you mean? You have not sent tho boy away, have you, to hide himself, as if he had done some fearful wrong? Where is he? I ask vou, what have you done with my son?'r "Mrs. Fraser, last night news was brought me, such news as almost broke my heart. I was told it is no invention that the woman's death in the Glen had been traced to Malcolm, and that to-day this information would bo given to tho police, and Malcolm would be arrested." "It ii an invention!" answered Mrs. Fraser, with strong indignation. "What bad Malcolm to do with this woman! Nothing? A woman he never Baw a woman, the wife ot another man?" "It was by accident he killed her; but " "Then, why did you send him away? Why did you not let him faoe any inquiry that could bo made? My boy Mould e peak, the truth ; if he shot the woman by accident, he is not one to deny it." Nora's distress was now very great. It seemed too dreadful to destroy the poor mother's proud confidence in her darling ion. "Where is Jock?" said Nora, greatly agitated. "We had better send for him' "He is at Alick Frascr's. Yes, send for his father, and Jock will tell you, as I do, that wo have not taught our boy to run away and hide himself, whatever ho has done." Nor rang the bell and sent Alfred for Jock Fraser, and in tho meanwhile Mrs. Fraser continued in a state of strong exritement and indignation. Sho began walking up and down the room, glancing Kcasionally angrily at Nora. "I suppose," she said presently, "that Ik, BiddulpU ia at the bottom of tkU ?
He wants to shift suspicion from his own shoulders to those of my boy." Nora did not speak. This was too unjust, she felt; but her heart was so full of pity for the unhappy mother that sho could not resent it. "This man haa brought nothing but mischief and trouble," went on Mrs. Jock. "But if ho thinks ho can make a scapegoat of poor Malcolm he shall find he is mistaken. Did vou hear this storr from him, Nora? I wfll hear tho truth." "Wail till Cousin Jock comes," said Nora, gently, "I can tell him better than I can tell you." "Why? Am I not his mother? Is his honor not mine? Answer me, Nora Stewart, is it this man Biddulph who has been blackening Malcolm's name?" "No, it is not," answered Nora, lifting her dark eyes to Mrs. Eraser's indignant face. "Mr. Biddulph has acted in this matter, as ho always does, with tho greatest consideration and kindness." "You think noono is liko him, that is the truth ! But hero comes Jock ! Jock," she added, going up to her husband, who at this moment rapped at the room door, "como in, and hear what Nora Stewart has pot to tell us. She says Malcolm our Malcolm killed that woman in the Glen!" Jock Eraser's brown face grew pale at these word?, and a look of fear camo into his brown eyes. "Malcolm?" he repeated, looking first at his wite, and then at Nora. "Yes, our dear boy; and she has got him to go away to hide himself, instead of facing such a lie like a man." "What is this, Nora?" now asked Jock Fraser, still with that look of uneasiness on his face. "Oh, Jock, all this is dreadful former answered Nora, taking her half-cousin's hand in her own. "But but I acted for the best; wheu you hear tho whole story you will think I acted for the best." "Where is Malcolm !" said Jock Eraser. "Far away from here, I hope, Jork. Do you know a mau named Sanford Hill a mau somehow connected with vour brother Alick?" "Of course I do. Sandy Hillwhy ho
is Alick a clerk at Glasgow. "Ho has been down here, then," continued Nora, "and when ho heard of the reward that Mr. Biddulph and the sherilf offered at tho inquiry. at Balla for information that would lead to the arrest of the person who killed that woman in tho Glen, he wont about spying and listening, as far as I can make out, and he heard Rub Mackenzie talking to his brother." "Rob Mackenzie!" exclaimed Jock Fraser, with a scared face. "Yes; the poor lad was talking to his brother, and meant no harm. Nay. this wretch overheard him say he would die, or something like that, before he would betray Malcolm. But these words made this Hill suspicious, and he followed the two Mackenzies to their cottage, and ho listened, and, oh, Jock, ho overheard much overcome. "Jeanie, poor Jeanie!" and he went up to his wife, and took her in his arms. But Mrs. Jock pushed him away. "And even if this were so," she said, trembling with excitement "even if this wretch did pretend to hear the boys Rob and iV.n Mackenzie talking, why should we believe him? It is for the sake of tho reward he has got up this story, and Malcolm must come back and face it." "And you told Malcolm, Nora?" asked Jock Fraser, who was very pale. "You sent for him last night, and told him what you are now telling us?" "Yes, I sent for him and told him. Mr. Biddulph came here about half-past ten. This Hill had jut left him, and Mr. Biddulph not to lay the information beforo the police until the afternoon of to-day. Then ho came here and told me; he wanted to give Malcolm a start, and and I sent for Malcolm, and he confessed it was all true and went away." As Mrs. Eraser listened to these words a crv broke from her whitening lips. "lie confessed ! What did he confess?" she asked wildly. "He did not mean to do this say he did not mean to do this, Nora Stewart, or I'll strike you where you stand !" But Jock Fraser caught tho uplifted arm of the maddened woman. "Hush, Jeanie! do not talk thus, and to Nora," he said. "I am sure Nora would mean nothing but kindness to Malcolm you know that. But if the poor lad shot this woman by accident, it was foolish of him to go away." "Jock, take Jeanie out of the room for a few minutes," said Nora, almost faintly, and then you como back to me. I I should rather Bee you alone." "Very well. Come along, Jeanie, my dear ; and then Nora and I will have a talk together, and see what it will bo best to do," answered Jock Fraser, taking his wife's hand and leading her to the door. And Mrs. Eraser did not refuse to go; she looked half bewildered, and tottered as she went. Her husband led her gently outside, and down tho corridor from Nora's room. .Half-way down this corridor there was a couch, and Mrs. Eraser sank wearily down on this. "Leava mo here; but promise me, Jock" and she seized his hand "to tell me all she has got to say." "Of course, my dear; and Jeanie," he whispered, bending over her, "pull yourself together a bit, for fear any of the servants como past here. For the lad's sake, don't let any one see you are put out." She nodded her head, and Eat there, still and cold, while Jock Fraser returned to Nora, who had been nerving herself to tell him the whole truth. "Now, Nora," said Jock, after he had shut the door behind him, "let me hear it all, my dear. Whatever the lad has done, it is better I should know." So Nora told him, and Jock Fraser listened in unmistakable emotion ; and when he heard that his boy, the handsome youth of whom he had teenso proud, had deliberately tried to shoot Biddulph, he groaned aloud, and covered his face with his hands. "This is terrible," he said; "it will kill bis mother !" "But he will be safe. They will never find him now; he will be out of England to-night, before anything can bo done." "Safe!" repeated Jock Eraser bitterly ; "a hunted felon ! And what are we much better," he added, "to let him go! I should rather have died ay, a hundred deaths than seen the old name dragged so low 1" "Oh, dear Jock, take comfort 1" eaid Nora, whose own eyes were full of tears, laving her hand on her half-cousin's arm. '"Comfort! What comfort is thero for us any more? Jeanie and I will never lift up our hcad3 again." And what could Nora say? To an honorable, upright man like Jock Fraser, this blow wa as he said, more bitter than dej th. But presently, with pitying tenderness, he remembered his wife. "I'll get her home before I tell her," he muttered, "and before these fellowa come to seek him. Nora Stewart" and lie wrung her hand "a broken-hearted man's Lltßöing wont do you any good, I suppose
the whole story, and and ho is going to give information to the police to-day "Oh. my poor boy !" cried Jock I raser,
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my dear, but still, you havo mine. Thank you for getting him away. It it would have been worse for Jeanie if he had stayed;" and Jock Fraser put hia hand over his face to hide his tears. CHAPTER 20. TUE BLOW FALLS. The same morning, as tho clock was striking twelve in tho hall at Dunbaan, a ring sounded at the house door, and w hen old Donald opened it, there stood Sandy Hill, spruce, dapper, with a brown paper under his arm, and a 6mile of satisfaction on his face. "Mr. Biddulph at home?" ho inquired affably. "Yes, sir." "Take in my card, then, please Mr. Sandford Hill. Ho expects me;" and, old Donald having complied with his request, Mr. Biddulph received his card with a grim smilo, and then looked at his own watch, which was one minute slow, there- I fore ho thought Sandy was before his time. "Sharp man of business," reflected Biddulph. "Show him in," he said; and a minute later Sandy, with a profound bow and a shullle, was ushered in. "Fine morning, sir," he said, "but seasonable. I'm up to time, I expect, Mr. Biddulph?" "You don't allow the thief procrastinanationto steal it from you, then?" ananswered Biddulph, with a smile. "No, Mr. Biddulph, 1 may candidly say I do not. Time means money gained or wasted, to my mind, and " "You like to pain it? ' interrupted Biddulph, ns Sandy paused a moment, remembering his errand at Dunbaan. "I do, sir; it gives a man self-respect confidence, I may say. A poor man I mean one regularly down, you know always inspires me w ith a wish to get out of his company somehow as quick as I can; I can't help it." "A very natural inspiration," laughed Biddulph. "It snows to me that he is a poor creature," continued Sandy, warming with his subject; "there's always a way for a fellow to get on if he only has the sense to find the right road." " 'The world's mine oyster,' " quoted Biddulph. "Well, sir, I don't know about oysters," replied Sandy, whose early education had been somewhat neglected; "oysters are rather out of my line they are too expensive, that's the fact, and I never pamper the inward man. But I repeat, sir, a fellow can make his way if ho uses his eyes." "And his cars, too, sometimes, eh, Mr. Hill?" Sandy burst into a giggle and grinned all over. "Very good, sir," he ßaid "quite o pro8. "Yes, it's very good," added Biddulph, with pretended gravity, "and, as you say, quite to the point." "You are a humorist, Fir a great deal of dry humor," said Sandy, flatteringly. "I am glad you think so, though I have neglected both my eyes and ears." Sandy was not the least offended; he grinneu even more delightedly than ever. "You W'-ro born to money, sir," ho said, "and that makes all tho difference. I've had to rind it as best I can, and therefore am obliged to uso my faculties to the ufinosi.."
"But you rather like the amateur detective business, don't you?" "I like the reward, sir," answered Sandy, so promptly that Biddulph laughed aloud, and put his hand into his pocket and drew out his note book. "Your answer," ho said, "is quite, as vou remarked before, Mr. Hill, apropos. Vell, here is your cheque you will find it all right, and I am very much obliged to you tor having removed an ugly and unjust suspicion from my name." Sandy rose and made his bestbow,holding tho cheque in his eager, trembling hand. "Mr. Biddulph sir," ho said, "I have only done my duty, an unpleasant duty in one sense, sir, considering my connection with Mr. Alick Fraser, and tho feelings of the family. But wo mustn't consider these things, sir. I may say I look upon this almost as a public duty, the removal of an unjust suspicion from a gentleman of your property and means yes, sir, it is a public duty," continued Sandy, waxing eloquent; "and the police, Mr. Biddulph, 1 consider a set of duffers." "Duffers to you, at any rate, Mr. Hill." A train Sandy bowed. "I thank you, sir; and I repeat. Mr. Biddulph, if you should ever feel inclined to dabble in business, sir, shares or the like, if you honor me with your confidence, I'm your man. I am punctual, straightfori'ard, and always have my weather eye open; therefore, if you have any spare cash, the amount of which you would liko to increase, drop me a line sir, r.ad I will at once let you feel the pulse of the market" "You are very good." It will be a pleasure to me, Mr. Biddulph ; but I will send you my business card the moment I have fixed on my new ollices. I mean to start on my own account at once ;" and Sandy clutched his chequo still tighter. "1'ray send me vour card." "I will, sir; and now, Mr. Biddulph, if you will excuse me, I wish you a very good morning. And I shall, with your permission, proceed without delay to place theso documents and ho tapped his brown paper parcel "in the hands of the county police." "But have some lunch first, Mr. Hill," said Biddulph, who felt an unaccountable wish to delay Sandy's mission. All the morning he had been thinking of poor Mrs. Fraser, and the terriblo blow about to fall on a happy home ; and now, when it was creeping nearer, he would fain have put oft" the evil hour. But Sandy was proof against all temptations. "No, sir; many thanks all the same, but my motto is, business first, and pleasure afterward. I shall, therefore, go at once, and catch the inspector w hen he comes in for his dinner at 1 o'clock. Good morning, sir; you shall hear from me soon asain, and, in tho meanwhile, I remain vour prate ful and obedient servant, Sanford Hill;" and with another bow Sandy vanished. Biddulph looked after him with a sigh. "Happy dog," he thought, "with a heart ot stone enclosed in tho hide of a rhinoceros. Theso are tho fellows who swim clear; no bumping up for them against rocks and shoals of passions and feelings. Yet there is something honest in his pure selfishness and open desire to xnako his way up in tho world. His master, Alick Fraser, is just as hard and cold; but he hides it better, or thinks ho does. But I wish I could have spared all this to tho genial Jock." But the day did not close before tho blow fell on the miserable household at Airdlinn. Jock Eraser, had, with some difficulty, persuaded his wife to go homo without again peeing Nora, and without hearing any further details of the terriblo truth. But when she did reach home sho would not be refused, and at last Jock, in broken and faltering words, tried to make her understand. But Mrs. Eraser would not believe it.
Sho stood thero with erect form and flashing eyes, fighting tho battle for her absent son. "Send for Hob Mackenzie." she said; "let tho boy come here, and see if he dare repeat this base lie beforo Malcolm's mother." "My poor Jeanie, it's no use," answered Jock with a groan, "if Malcolm's hands were clear, why did ho go away 7 And, Jeanie, I haven't told you, for God knows I never distress you when I can help it, but I've been uneasy about Malcolm ever since that woman;was shot in the Glen. I haven't liked tho looks of the lad ; I've had a sort of presentiment, I think, that he had something to do with it, for I knew that Rob and he were out on tho hills that day." "And what aro you going to do? Sit down and let a foul suspicion fall on him without trying to clear it up?" "Mv dear, best let us seo what they do; the longer this is kept quiet, tho better it is for Malcolm now. And beforo it was dark they knew at Airdlinn what "thru" were going to do. Jock was sitting with bent head over the breakfast-room fire, and Mrs. Jock walking up and down in uncontrollable agitation in her bed room, when a ring camo to the houso door-bell, which caused the hearU of both parents almost to stand still. Then tho houeem&'d came and told Jock that "somo of tho pollis aro here" and wanted to -peak to him; and with blanched face he rose and went into tho hall to face the accusers of his son. The same inspector who had examined the footprints in tho Glen of Balla, immediately after the woman's death had occurred there, now stood before Jock Erazcr and respectfully touched his helmet as he appeared. "Vera sorry to ha' to come hero on such an errand, Mr. Eraser," he said in his broad Scotch accent, and with a genuine look of sorrow on his honest face, "but fra' information received, I'm bound to do it." Then the agonized father had to hear again tho same miserablo story that ho had listened to in the morning from Nora's lips. Sandy had lost no time, and the police had lost no time; and Tarn Mackenzie, on pressure, had admitted the truth of Sandy's story. But Bob Mackenzie was not to be found. Still, on the strength of Mr. Sandford Hill's information and Tarn Mackenzie's confirmation of the story, a warrant had been already issued for the arrest of Malcolm Eraser, and tho police had arrived in Airdlinn to seek him. Jock Eraser, on hearing this, behaved with considerable firmness. "This is an extraordinary story, Mr. Andrews," he said, addressing the head constable; "but my son Malcolm is not here to answer your charge. Ho left for London last night." "Then, I suppose he got scent of this?" "That I cannot say ; but he is certainly not here," replied Jock Fraser. Tiie police consulted together for a few minutes, and then announced that they
would be compelled to search the house. "All right; do your duty," answered Jock; and he turned away, going straight to his wife's bedroom, who was standing in a state of almost distraction. "Jeanie" and he went and put his arm through hers "be a brave woman now, for my sake and tha r r lad's. The men are here." "To tike Malcolm?" whispered the poor mother, with white lips. "They can't take him, thanks to Nora Stewart, and I've put them on the wrong scent, the Lord forgive me. I told them he started last night for London, and you must 6tick to the same story." Mrs. Fraser gave a few gasping sighs, and held her husband's hand fast. The police found them thus, the husband and wife they who had been together through long years of sunshine, standing together in the storm and the head constable admitted afterward that he "nigh broko down at the sight." But neither in the mother's bedroom nor anywhere in the long straggling corridors of the old irregular house did they find the young heir of Airdlinn. But they found his rillo and his shooting-shoes, which the head constable measured with a significant sigh, and then took possession of. All his belongings were lying about his room his books, bis letters, his pipes. Everything, indeed, bespoko of a secret and hasty flight; and such was tho conclusion tho police came to. "He's been warned," they said to each other; "but ten to one he is hiding among the hills, with the lad Rob Mackenzie along with him. Ay, he'll be stealing homo in the dusk." And for many days they watched the house at Airdlinn, but Malcolm never came ; and Rob Mackenzie had also mysteriously disappeared. CHAPTER XXI. THE KIF.ST NEWS. "When Alick Eraser heard what had happened heard from poor Jock's pallid lips that, through information given to the police by Sandy Hill, a warrant wa3 out against Malcolm, his indignation knew no bounds. "The ungrateful scoundrel !" he roared. "Why did he not come, then, with tho story to me?" "It was the reward Mr. Biddulph offered, I suppose, tempted him," answered Jock, with a heavy sigh. Then Alick cursed Mr. Biddulph and the reward and Sandy all in one breath. "But I don't believe a word of it!" ho added. "It's a concocted story concocted between that villain Sandy Hill, who would do anything for money, and Biddulph. I have always believed Biddulph guilty, and always Khali." But Jock shook, his head. "It's no use trying to deceive ourselves, Alick," he said sadly: "poor Malcolm confessed his guilt to Nora Stewart but she's true as gold." t was a terrible blow to Alirk Fraser's vain, proud heart to hear theso words. His family pride was very strong, and his conscience, (which was not a tender one) smote him. He knew at least who, indirectly, had caused this heavy blow to fall on his brother's household, and ho left Airdlinn swearing to inflict condign punishment on the traitor Sandy Hill. But before he went he had a word to say to 'his brother which showed thero was somo good feeling left in this hard nature still. "If Malcolm actually confessed to Nora Stewart," ho said, "that ho committed this mad act, ho must never again set foot in Scotland. And he'll want money ; I am ready and willing, Jock, to provide him with funds, as I know you are not overburdened with wealth, so long as ho stays away." "Nora Stewart gave him a hundred founds to go away with," answered tho aird; "this, of course, I must repay." "Don't bother your head about it I'll pay the young lady : but if he's got a hundred pounds, that a plenty for him at present. However, I'll seo Nora Stewart, and will arrange with her how money has to bo sent to him. Ilia secret is safe with her, unless she tells that Biddulph." "But for Biddulph, poor Malcolm would have been arrested now," answered Jock, with a heavy sigh ; and Alick Fraser, after having flung a few moro oaths at Sandy's head, parted with hia brother and re
turned to Inisrno'fe, determined, as ho mentally expressed it, "to thrash that cur within an inch of his life." He grasped a heavy dog-whip as ho strode through his grand new hall, and inquired in a voieo of thunder where Mr. Hill was, and desired him to bo sent to him at once. But Sandy had leen too sharp for him. Instead of Mr. Hill himself, a note from Mr. was presently brought to thi angry master of the house, who was standing ready with his whip in his strong hand. "Deak Sir" (Alick road, in Sandy's neat cramped hand) "Important business has recalled mc to Glasgow this evening, thus preventing me being able to await your return. I shall communicate by letter ia a few days, and I remain, dear sir, "Your obedient servant, "Sax ford Bill." Alick Fraser waxed moro furious over this letter than can well be told. Ho swore he would carry his dog-whip to Glasgow the next morning; but by tho next morning wiser thoughts prevailed. Sandy, he reflected, might bring him up for assault, and, as already one member of the family was under tho ban of the law, it was as well that ho should remain quiet. And bad news, too, came from Airdlinn, both Mrs. Jock and Minnie Eraser being quite prostrated with grief. The most intense anxiety, indeed, prevailed in this miserable household during tho next few days, and also at Rossmore. But the police had quite taken up the idea that Malcolm Eraser was hiding among tho hills, and Alfred (Nora's young footman) had pioved himself to be entirely trustworthy. True, Nora had added a substantial sum to tho twenty pounds Biddulph had given him; but he really deserved this, for neither the wiles nor the frowns of Palmer had drawn a fringe word from him, and Palmer began to respect him accordingly, and treated him with much more deference than she had formerly done. The servants at Airdlinn were devoted to their young master, and one and all declared that they knew nothing of his disappearance. They did not, of course,
know where ho had gone, and they also luciiuea io tue iteiiei inai iuaicoim was not far away. Tarn Mackenzie, too, steadily denied that he knew anything whatever of his brother Bob's whereabouts. But three days after Malcolm's flight a letter reached" Nora's hand, which filled her heart with thankfulness, and she at once sent Alfred to request Jock Frazer to come to bei immediately. It was from Malcolm a few guarded lines, posted on the evo of his embarkation for America. It was unsigned, but Nora knew the bold, careless handwriting very well; and Jock Eraser, too, knew it, and his eyes grew dim as ho read the lines his boy's hand hud traced, and the message "to ths dear ones at homv of whom I sm always thi iking." Jock carried th se precious words away with him, kuowiug they would do moro goudtothe poor b.o ken-hearted mother than all the doctor's "physics." Ahl what tears were shed over "them, what fond prayers breathed 1 Malcolm had been the pride and darling of Mrs. Fraser's heart from the time he had stretched his lusty biby limbs in his Jittlo cot, until he had grown up to his handsome, imperious young manhood. "There is noue liko him," she had often said to her husband, gazing proudly nt the straight feature and blue eyes of this darling son.. And now it was very piteous, but at least he was comparatively safe. And these two, the father and mother, knelt down together side by side and thanked God for this. Over that great waste of waters their prayers could still follow him, and their love might guard him, though their eyes saw him no more. (To bo continued nczt wttlc.) WATERSNAKE STRATEGY. Submitting to Deglutition as a Means of Secnrinjj Victory. Until about two weeks ago the herrings which abounded in tho creeks of brackish water that, in all directions, carrv the tide of the Hackensack river through the low reedy "adoAvs that lie along the Northern rail.. .ad between Kidgeville and Fair View, N. J., finished food enough for the innumerable water snakes that infest the streams, but now the fish have almost entirely disappeared, and the serpents, which seem to suffer no inconvenienco when out of their native element, crawl from the channels and make foraging excursions upon dry land. They are not venomous, but their appearance is not attractive, and nervous people, and even those who are not nervous, dislike to meet them in the gloaming. On the marshy lands above the streams snakes of another description are very plentiful. They are great, ugly, black fellows with flat heads, that enjoy the reputation of being" harmless, but certainly don't look so. Poultry raisers complain they live chiefly on chickens and suck tho hens' eggs by the dozen ; but, however, this may be, Joseph AVeidiafl', an Italian who works on the railroad, asks credence for his story that he saw a water serpent meet a black snake in hostile encounter on Tuesday afternoon. He says that tho reptiles did not immediately clinch, but hissed wickedly and circled around each other, as if peeking for an opening. The water snake was much the smaller cf tho combatants, and he was evidently trying to transfer the battle to a stream some twenty vards away. The black snake showed a lively anxiety to prevent this. He pressed matters and the serpents beqjan to strike at each other with their tails, and in a few seconds the dry-land snake succeeded in getting the cautlal extremity of his opponent in his mouth, and, to preclude all possibility of an escape, ho commenced to cat toward the head. This was exactly what tho water 6nake wanted. It started on a straight line for the stream, and his consumer, following him and dining upon him instantaneously, was of course obliged to travel a little faster in the same direction. Tho water snake was a rapid mover, and the black snake a quick eater, and for a short time it seemed to be an open question whether one reptile or two would be visible when the stream was gained. About half of tho leading serpent's anatomy had been devoured, and the edge of the water wa3 only a few feet away, when tho black snake suddenly realized that a shabby trick was being played upon him at meal time. He hastily attempted to disgorge Iiis repast, but he effort was made too late. Not more that rive inches of water snake had been yielded up when both reptiles plunged into tho stream and sank at once. A hundred bubbles arose, and the only spectator of this uncanny contest is inclined to believo that the black snake's life floated to tho surface in one of them. Not So BIjsterious. Kansas City Times. Tiik Indianapolis Sentixel says of Gath that "it is a standing mystery why this incorrigible slanderer of democrats should be retained on the stafl' of a newspaper -which pretends to be democratic." A is not very mysterious to those who remember that Gath openly confessed that he edited the "republican corner" of the Cincinnati Enquirer. That's the principle ou which John McLean runs the G.m'rer,
EYSER'S LOVE WAS DEADLY
HE SHOT THE WOMAN AND HIMSELF A Tradegy In X.ow Life With Some llather Sensational Features The Lover is Dead und III Sweetheart Will rrobabljr Follow Him. From Wednesday's Daily Sentinel. "George has shot me." These were the words uttered in agonized accents by Belle Drown yesterday afternoon about 3:30 o'clock as she staggered to and fro from the effects of a pistol wound inflicted upon her by Samuel Eyser, better known as George Taylor, a former lover. The scene was at 251 Virginin-ave., the home of Mrs. Clara Hell, a colored washerwoman. The wonnded woman fled for safety to Mrs. Cell, who was ia tho front part of the house, but as her assailant approached she lied again into the kitchen of the squalid house and tdamcied the door tight and placed her form against it. Eyser, however, forced the door and a fearful struggle ensued. The woman sought to grasp the weapon in her hand, but it was discharged again and the ball entered the fleshy part of her thigh on the inside. She then broke away and ran into the front yard, where she fell from weakness. Another shot and Eyser had placed a bullet through his own heart, thus ridding the world of a worthless wretch. Kregelo's ambulance was immediately callrd and conveyed the wounded woman flirt to the city dispensary and thence to the city hospital, where her wounds wei pronounced fatal. Eyter expired instnntly after shooting himself, lie lay upon the floor of the kitchen surrounded with a pool of blood. His blouse had fallen open, and from its folds could be seen protruding the fehining handle of a brand new razor. Iiis body was removed to Kregelo's morgue. Eyser was a nan about forty years of age, and wn sent to the penitentiary tor one year under the name of Gevrte Taylor for Mealing a clouk. Upon his release he took up his residence at Mrs. Hell's house, on Virginia-ave., where he made the acquaintance of the lirown woman, who waj alno stopping at the house assisting Mrs. Bell. Eyser became very much Attached to the Hrown woman and paid aetsidious court to her, but his affection docs not seem to have been heartily returned. Several mouths ago he proposed to her to accompany him to l)ayton, U., where they m ould live as man and wife, but the proposition was not acceded to. This seemed to anger Eyser greatly and he was heard to remark irequently that if "Belle would not have him, ihe couldn't have anybody." Belle left the house about a month ago and moved to Eddy-st. Eyser went there one night three weeks r.go and sought to be admitted. This was refused hin and he then secured a warrant and had the houc "pulled" and the inmates slated for prostitution. Eyser failec to appear in the court to prosecute and the defendants were dismissed. Belle refused to speak to him after that, and she did not see him until yesterday noon when he went to the house, fclie did not answer him, and he then went away and returnea about 3:30. Belle was hanging clothes in the yard when he entered the gate, and taking his position under a tree, drew a revolver and opened fire upon her with the consequences as related. The crime evidently premeditated, as the following I t.er J was found in his pocket addressed to a r named Mrs. jiu.'iow Jores of Cri-'TKrds-vüle, Ind.: Indianapolis, Jutjg iMh Dear SUHr- I am rolnjraway, and I don't ever expet to see you atr more until judmient and I vot you to come and get my tbinn and jut money dup ion from fhe royernment is due next 'month. I have sent to Wash i rig ton and they will seud me a check aud I have rot the paper l.re that they ent me to u 51 Virginia ave to Mrs. Bell, fco rmm1 by to vou all. Vour brother feamucl Eyser. THE PRESIDENT'S WAY. He ? ever Neglect the Appeals of the Poor and Friendless. Wash. Cor. N. Y. Herald. Here is an incident which chows the president's habit of work: One evening last winter Mr. Cleveland sent for your correspondent at 11 o'clock to fpeck about a matter of public interest. The conversation lasted thre-juarters of cn hour, and as the president had .. .d a hard and long day of public reception" tn.i private consultations, I said to him on going i.vay: "I hope you are going to be ) ui on v- uiust be verv tired?" lie replied: "I am tired, but I haÜ hardlr get to ted beforo 2:.'$0. I must through Borne papers here," pointing to a large mass. "Why not leave them until to-morrow?" "I cannot do that. You see what it concerns. A man h? to be hanged, and there is an application for his pardon." "But what do you keep an attorney general for?" I asked. "The attorney general has gone over the ease carefully," replied the president. "Here is hia report, lie thinks the man ought to hang." "Very well, hang him," I rather hastily said, for I saw in the president's face that he was very weary. "Xo," eaid M-. Cleveland, "that will not do. This poor man has a wife and child rec who plead to me for his lib-. I must 1-v k into this matter myself. I cannot take body's word or judgment in a matter like this. Suppose he was hung and that hereafter some neglected or overlooked or improperly weighed piece of evidence should turn up to show that he ought not to have been hanged, what reproaches would not these poor people have a right to make me? Xo, you are wrong; this is a matter I must go to the bottom of myself if it takes all night" That is Mr. Cleveland's way. He is, they aay, often rough and peremptory to powerful politicians, but he does not neglect the appeals of the poor and friendless. Down With tlis War Tnxes. New York World. According to the tariff computation prepared by the senate committee of finance (Mr. Morrill, chairman) in 18S4, and printed officially by the government in compliance with a resolution of the senate, the average ad valorem rate of duty on dutiable merchandise at its highest point, immediately following the war, was as lollows(page 318): 167, 4t'.(i7 percent.; 1SS, 43.09; 18ti9, 47.36; 1870, 47.1.5. In 1882, when the republicans made their sham revision, the average duty was 42.70. Last year it was 47.S. It thus appears that the tariff is now within 1.C1 per cent of the highest point ever reached twenty years ago and is 1.38 hicher than it was when the republicans proposed to reduce the average duty '20 per cent in li. Overprotection must go. Tlfe war taxes must come down. Tried and Found Faithful. New York Times. Mr. Cleveland's ability to administer with fitting dignity the great office of president of the United States haa been tested. The record of his administration is open to the people. It has been scrutinized by friends and by foes alike with a minute attention which has left no defects unconcealed, and has made known many virtues which even his adversaries have applauded. It is faint praise of him to nay that he has been scrupulously faithful to the laws of the land, but he has been much more than this. He has been vigilant in the per formaiice of his duties to protect the individual from the oppression of ill-regulated power, corporate or otherwise, and to shield the people from an injudicious or wasteful eiercise of the legislative function. The Locust Invnmon. CniCAGO, June 13. Dispatches from several points in Illinois and Iowa say that the locusts which are making their appearance in such great numbers are not molesting fruit, grain and vegetables as yet The only damage done ia the killing of young and tender trees, many of which die from the incisions made by the iDseets In depositing their eggs. The secretary of the Iowa state agricultural society says he haa received information from Muscatine that there are millions of locusts in that country. 1 but no especial damage has yet been reported
It seems tj s the general opinion here that the locusts, in Eastern Iowa are not of tho seventeen year Tariety but of a harmless clasj that come around frequently, even years ago being the time of the last visitation. Why Cleveland Will be lU-elected. The untried man of J KM is the known states man and trusted executive of ltSo. His renom ination is the offer to the nation of a continuation of good government All the argument there always is "against a change merely for the sake of a change" makes for his re-election. Every one of the many meriu of his administration is a positive argument for its continuation. Nothing is put in jeopardy by the ideaof hi re-election. A conspicuous punishment to right doing would be administered by his defeat The vials of sectional distrust would b reopened. The hatred of the South by the North would be recorded. All the benign settlements of fraternity would be disturbed. The nation would go back from brotherhood to bitterness. The bufin?ss arrangements of the country would be displaced. The completion of the fabric of reconciliation would be arrested. The transition the republicis making from the traditions of war to the method of peace would be stopped. The hands would be turned back n the ii;d of progress. By the defeat of Cleveland republicanism would feel it had a warrant for rapacity and sectionalism, and democracy would be delivered to the domination of it worst element. The result would make for error and wrong ia both parties. I m The Grand Old Koman. Chicago News iu l. Of Allen G. Thuriuan it is almost impossible?" even for his political opponents to Fpeak without figuratively taking off their hats in honest appreciation of his ability, integrity, and lovableness. It is remarkable that a man of his gieat force of character, boldness of belief and utterance, nud absolute purity of life in a public career of nearly halt a century should be almost without an open political enemy. There are many men end interests in politics that hate Tiuirniau like poison, but none of them, dare stand in the open suulight without exposing soiiic motive that would redound to hia honor. He has been the victim of many a political intrigue within his own party and in his own stnte, but the victories that his rivals have won have brought to them no credit and to him no humiliation. No disappointment where he had a right to expect much of his party has ever drawn from this old Bo man a earth or bitter Mord. He has accepted slights which would have soured other natures as though they were benelits, and under all circumstances " has borne himself like a true gentleman.
Mialer Urigado Monuments. G ETTYSBnto, Pa., June 13. Members of Shaler's brigade association to-day dedicated ! four monuments to their fallen comrades. At 9 o'clock the regiments marched to Culp's hill and the ceremonies by the brigade began. William J. Bay introduced Gen. A. J. Shalcr as the orator of the occasion. He confined himself to riving a short description of the part played, by the brigade during the rebellion and especially the battle of Gettysburg. In the afternoon the veterans rode over the battle field and in. the evening a copiplimeat.iay ball and reeeptio was held in the rink. All the memorials are of granite suitably inscribed with the date and place the regiment was mustered into service, the part played in this battle, the various engagement participated ia and the brigade, division and corps to which it belonged. The coat of armsin bronre of the rejpecuve Et&tes ü also prominently displayed. äonie Anrieut ?T story. Post Dispatfiä. Ancient libtory is an nnchaacy we -non in the hands of pnrlie av d politicians, n&rri son's friends undervok to belabor G'"Hani withii. They dug up the fact that Gre ham. wis a knownotliin? in his callow days, some thirty years ago, and the further fact that he supported Br'sto.-- acainst Oliver 1. Morton ia the Cincinnati .ouV.vf- .: lS'.K. Thereupon. Greshani's friond rcuru 1 w.tn proof that Harrison, at the sa.je period of i...- life, was hurrahi.ig for his father, who was i.vice elected te congress as the hottest know ..othing in the state of Ohio; that Harrises ws nlso a strong? Bristow man in 1S76, and rt,m.:.ned on bitter terms with Oliver P. Morton to the end of the latteVs life, while Cresha-n made friends wi.U him and is now warmly suppor ed by Morton' son and brother-in-law. Th Tariff l'l -nk. New York Tim-.' This defines ihe issue as clearly as any one. could wish, and it was Impossible f."t rational j men culd have asked more. If there are "radical" reformers whom the declaration seems not to go far enouul. it is plain that theyi have little following in the democratic party oH in any other, and should have none. The pres- i ident having with great couratre and candop stated his own convictions, and the detnocrati-w majority in the hotise having in an orderly! and authoritative fashion f nutted a bill to embody go much of the policy of the president as is now practicable, the course of the convention ; is thereby clearly defined. It would 1 ae been absurd to go further; it would have been fatally weak and cowardly not to go 6o tar. Preparing for an Active Campaign. Chairman Jewett of the democratic state central committee is at the Grand, and will remain in Indianapolis during the campaign. He haa1 mapped out a scheme of organization and will conduct an active and vigorous Cavass from this time forward. Sec'y Marsh will arrive ia a day or two and enter upon his duties. The execut've committee, which will manage the details of the campaign, was announced yesterday, and is composed as follows: Charh s Jewett Isaac P. Gray, Joseph H McDonald, S. V. Sheerin, J. 0. Henderson, Charles B. Stewart and John P. Frenze 1 (treasurer). A ltogle Kxoreised. Brooklyn Eagle. Mr. Cleveland has showed that deraoeratia control lias not injured the country. The contrary was feared by a million alarmed citizens, whom demagogues had misled and scared. The allaying of that apprehension reduces the uIerstition of Americans, It releases their minds to reason and clears them of cant and humbug. Not one of the evils predicted has come to pass. Politics has been relieved of terror and removed from hypocrisy and comedy. The orator who recited now the budget of republican horrors would be laughed at even in a kindergarten. Kenpeet dray Hairs. Chicago Herald. The land is not given overmuch, indeed it if given all too little, to reverence of gray haira and long-garnered w isdom. The haste to acquire private fortune is not more eharacteri6tia of American life than the eagerness to push at early age for the public honors that in times of national quietude fall in other countries to those citizens whose worth haa been proven by a lifetime of devotion to the public service. Young America, selfishly impatient of what he describes as old-fogyism, is constantly struggling to push his elders from their stools. A Tribute to Thurman. Cincinnati Times-Star rep. There is no perceptible diminution in Lia mental acumen, in his rugged adherence to what he believes to be the right To the deFpoilers in his own party, the adventurers, the "expedient" men, he is as unbending aa ever, nud, naturally enough, his name excites theif hostility whenever it is ttentioned, whether in or out of a convention. Will Do V Credit. Richmond Democrat Simon P. Sheerin has been appointed a member of the national democratic committee. Mr. Sheerin is a gentleman in every sense of the word, and will represent the state ably. Ue will be a credit to himself and to his state. , Beginning Early. The Illlni.l ' First candid miss of ten "What do'yon think cf Allie Church? I think he's just splendid." j Second candid miss "He tried kiM ine hut I night" "And didn't he do itr' 'No, he let mo , getaway." i
