Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 November 1893 — Page 10

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THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL, WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 1, 1893-TWELYE PAGES.

SHOD WITH SILENCE.

A Tale of the Frontier.

By EDWARD S. ELLIS, AUTHOR OF "THB tOO CABIH SEIB9," "DKEBfOOT RIBS." FUOM THB THBOTTL TO TUB PRESIDENT'S CHAIR," "INDIAN WABS OF THB UNITED HTAf&S," BIC. ETC.

CHAPTER XV Continued. Something gleamed through the tanpled wealth of coarse. Hack hair. "The "Panther had not turned his head, but he knew the Irl was studying him. Glancing sldewavg, he fixed hi3 serpent fcyes on her. for with the strange subtlety of his race he caught the meaning of that pitying stare from the door of tile cabin. He was past master in- the cunning of his people. Still rigid, motionless and mute, he heaved a sigh which spoke more eloquently than words of his woe fend despair. This touching confession of grief fixed the course of Agnes Altman. Without Fhifting her position in the slightest she reached her right hand backward and to cue side to the oblong box, in which the knives, forks and spoons of the emiprar.ts were kept when not in use. Was it not the gentle directing power rf heaven- that caused her fingers to rest b.t the first groping upon the short handle of a keen-edged knife, employed in carving meat? It was a formidable implement and nothing could have served her purpose better. She hesitated. Where were Kenton, lier father. Mr. Ashbridge and George? The heavy breathing near at hand revealed where Jethro lay unconscious, but tor the moment she could not account for the absence of the others. It must be that, wearied with the loss taf sleep and with the turmoil, they, too, liad lain down to rest. "If I set him free what will he do?" was the query which checked Agnes after she had partly lef .. the cabin. Surely he could do nothing except to lot himself over the side of the boat and feilently swim away. Perhaps, if her friends learned what fehe had done, they would chide her, but the could well afford to bear their temporary displeasure for the sake of the 3ife of even a wicked man. Possibly, if spared, divine mercy would tring the Shawanoe to repent of his Tnibdecds and find that favor which is Jiever refused the truly sorrowful. Put, if all the rest were asleep, how irould they learn what she had done? Purely The Panther would lose no time In seeking his own safety. His captors would believe that in fcome way he had removed his bonds and worked himself over the. gunwale and Jiad either drowned or floated off in fcafety Again the cunning chieftain heaved a sigh. Not once were his piercing eyes removed from the willowy figure tint row emerged from the shelter and fclowly advanced in a crouching posture toward him. He read the workings of the maiden's brain as plainly as if they were translated into his own tongue. When barely a couple of feet separated them The Panther suddenly turned his countenance toward her. It was as if he had been awakened, not by any rustling sound, for there was none, but Vy that inexplalnable Intuition which cften warns one person of the presence of another. . Agnes started at the knowledge that the Indian was looking at her. For a moment she was on the point of withdrawing into the cabin. She would have done so, frightened iy her own purpose. That hesitation even was instantly comprehended by The Panther, who knew the critical moment had come. Bending his body slightly forward he shifted the hands, bound at the wrist, to the left, bo as to bring them from behind his back and into the sight of the tgirl. "Hurt hurt," he whimpered, "good paleface cut. Wa-on-mon feel bad, cut, g-ood paleface; Wa-on-mon feel good." No more effective appeal could have Veen made to Agnes, but Bhe was a tremble and frightened over what she had et out to do. Holding the sharp knife In her right Jiand and raising her left, she uttered a warning. "Sh!" ti Stranere act for a maiden to admonish a veteran chieftain to remain silent, but lie nodded his head to signify he understood and would obey. His face, now turned toward her, was fully revealed in the moonlight. She noted the white cross that had awakened singular emotions in her heart, and the darker tracings were dimly shown on nou?, cheek and chin, all framed in the border of luxuriant black, coarse, dangling hair. Agnes Raw these, but from and through the wealth of hideousnes, one emblem shone out as If with a beneficent liffht of Its own; It wan the spotless white cross in the middle of the dusky forehead. Its mute but forceful appeal could not puss unheeded. She was now certain that no on was awake on board beside herself and The Panther. Her tumult of emotion pro vented her reasoning clearly, or she would hava known that such a condition of affairs wa3 Impossible. "Wa-on-mon feed bad much hurt." "Whimpered the Shawanoe, fearing that she would draw back when on the threshold of action. It was a truly feminin instinct that led Asrn-s, even while reaching her trembling hand forward to whisper In Jower tone than those of the Indian: "Wa-on-mon, you will not tell what I do?" The grim, painted fare shook quickly from sld to tdde, flinging the enveloping hair over It In front, but It Instantly eettlM about th shoulders again. "No, no, no, Wa-on-mon no tell; good girl nrvich good girl." The extended hand that had trembled f much as to threaten the success of what Agne had In mind beme an rigid ua Iron. The bright blade, recently harpered, gleamed in the moonlight, and the razor-like edgj waa held poised over the hemjwsn thongs that Inclosed and held the wrists together. A brief downward cut, a slight drawing back and forth, during which sh took care not to hurt him, and the corda fell apart. Tie hand 4 of the captive were fr"d. The maiden glanced at the thongs which wer tightly wrapped about the ankl. llf-r work remained unfinished until they were Revered. "Much good girl; Wa-on-mon be friend; be rut clem." And N-fore phe divined his purpose he drew the knife from her hand and Jtt-rated himself. Th- Panther was now without the fclkhtt Impediment to fn-e movement, except p-rhnpa th slight tramping redlining from the long constrained jytttr Hoi-ling the wenpon In his graap. the Shnwn sat motionless for a few -onds with his basilisk eyes fixed upon hT who had thus given him his liberty. Wht-ihT It was irratltud that Inspired the burning gluw or the consum

ing hatred of a demon that led him to meditate .striking the one fearful blow that would end all. let us seek not to know, for to know of a certainty we cannot. With no suspicion of his possible thoughts, Agnes moved silently back to the door of the cabin, and as on the point of entering, happy in the reflection of the merciful act she had Just performed, when she recalled that The Panther still possessed the knife, for.which he had no further use. "How shall I explain its disappearance if he takes it away?" she asked herself. Turning about she approached him again and whispered: "Let me have the knife, Wa-on-mon; it is not mine." "Soon bring It back," he replied, retaining his hold upon the implement. She was disappointed, but entered the cabin so gently as not to awaken any of her friends. The Panther gazed after her for a few seconds. Then his frightful countenance glowed with a baleful light, for he had decided to postpone his flight from the boat until he should wreak full vengeance upon certain parties that had treated him ill. He set out In quest of Jethro Juggens and George Ashbridge, and the path to both was open before him.

' CHAPTER XVI. The Creeping Shadorr. Inasmuch as the conversation between Kenton and GIrty was in the Shawanoe tongue, eveiy word was understood by The Panther, though unsuspected by the white people on the fiatboat. The prisoner, therefore, knew the meaning of the canoe's departure with Its three occupants, and foresaw the issue as clearly as did the ranger himself. He comprehended also the situation in which he was left. The women and children were asleep, as was the negro, against whom he nursed a venomous hatred, because of the savage handling received from him. The only person awake was young Ashbridge, who sat down on a box near him es if with the purpose of keeping watch upon his captive. Had the youth continued this vigilance, that which followed could never have taken place. But the youth was in a fever of nervousness over the result of the expedition to the other boat for the purpose of punishing flirty and the Shawanoes. He keenly felt his disappointment at being left behind, but there was no help for it. Glancing at the bowed and rigid form of The Panther, Ashbridge reflected: "Kenton knows how to tie a knot; The Panther can't work his hands and feet free in a week; he might push himself over the gunwale and fall into the water; tied and bound as he is he would probaly be able to keep afloat, for I have done it myself without moving a limb, but he knows I would hear the splash and would shoot him before he could get away." This train of thought ended In the conclusion that it was not necessary to mount guard over the prisorer, so the youth walked to the extreme end of the boat, which pointed slightly toward the Ohio shore, and consequently in the direction of the other craft. There he kept the standing posture, with rifle In hand, leaning lightly on the sweep, and gave his attention to the movements of his friends and the result of their enterprise. He followed with his eye the shadowy canoe until It was absorbed In the gloom. Calculating to a minute the time required to reach the craft his anxiety became painfully Intense. Thus he failed to take note of what was passing immediately around him. It is hard to imagine the exultation that filled the heart of The Panther when he found himself not only free from his bonds, but with a deadly weapon in his grasp. In addition he had a full comprehension of the situation in which he was placed. Had this dreaded Shawanoe and enemy of the white man followed the simple dictate of prudence nothing would have prevented his escape. He could have slipped over the side and stern of the boat, where the youth would not have observed or heard him and swam away at hie leisure. nut to do this was to fling aside the sweet opportunity of vengeance upon the people against whom he had sworn undying hatred and a merciless war to the end. The negro (whom all Indians seem instinctively to destest) was unconscious, hardly a dozen feet from where the chieftain was crouching. He could not leave Jethro alive after the-mortal indignity suffered at his hands. The hight of pleasure would have been to torture him at the stake. Since that, however, was Impracticable, the knife must do the deed. Peering over the obstruction in front. The Panther saw young Ashbridge standing at the prow, gazing through the dim moonlight at the other boat, and as unconscious of what was going on near him as If In the depth of the wilderness. Ills side was turned toward the Shawanoe, who must needs steal across the craft and approach his victim from the rear. A singular mental debate held the chieftain motionless; It was whether Jethro Jugjrens should receive the knife before or after George Ashbridge. The former plan was the ensler, since the African lay within reach, while the white youth was some distance off. A couple- of steps forward, a quick downward drive and It would be all over with Jethro. But if that were done, a slight noise, probably an outcry, would follow. The other would be Instartly warned. He had a loaded rifle In his grasp and would us It before The Panther could reach him. No, the risk was too great. Ashbridge must be the first victim. Meanwhile, the dusky youth could not escape him. Like a creeping shadow the Shawanoe stepped carefully beside the form of the dusky sleeper. He spared him when he was at his mercy, because the rls:ht moment had not come to strike. "Shod with silence," as may lw said, he emerged at thenar of the piles of boxes cl'we to the other side of the boat and behind the statuelike form of the youth at the bow. He was not Immediately to the rear of him, but In what may be termed a three-quarter direction. Nevertheless!, It would serve his pursue equally well. First the left moccasin wa thrust forward and the weight of the chieftain followed. Then the right foot did the same and hi lody was advanced. No more than four yard.V space lay between the two. Another step and still another and the distance would be reduced' one-half. Still George Ashbridge stirred not and seemed scarcely to lirathe In hi profound absorption of mind and anxiety for his friends. The Panther was standing with his left foot advanced and his body polaed on both limbs. The right hand rigidly rrasped the knife at his hip, the arm slightly bent

at the elbow, and the muscles set for the terrific blow that was to end all. He had now but to make a single leap to clear vthe space and bring down the weapon with vicious and resistless force. At this moment a bright light flashed from the rear of the other- flatboat. The flame spread fast and wrapped the cabin in its glare. Kenton had applied .the torch and the craft was on fire. The sight was so striking, so unexpected and so strange that The Panther drew his gaze from his victim, relaxed his viselike grip on the handle of his knife and turned his head to learn the meaning of what had burst upon his vision. Still George Ashbridge saw nothing of that dark figure stealing forward and almost uport him. His attention was riveted rira Intensely than ever upon the Other flatbo.it. And ihe Panther, secure of his prey, also saw and dreamed naught of an equally noiseless form that was close behind him. Atmes Altman had returned to the cabin, serepely nappy in the belief that she had saved a man, even though unworthy, from death. Lying down she murmured: "I think I have done right; if not, God will forgive me." But she was in that mood of nervoTis intensity that sleep was Impossible. Suddenly a pang of doubt pierced her mind. Had she done right? Had she not committed a blunder that would bring sorrow and death to her beloved ones? The remembrance that The Panther had persisted In keeping the knife after freeing himself caused her an increasing misgiving. "He does not climb over the side of the boat." she reflected, peeping out at the crouching figure; "he hesitates, he cannot shrink from the venture; the way is open; what does it mean? O. heaven!" She saw him pass from sight between the boxes. Then she read his awful purpose; he meant to slay those that had despltefully used him. The first impulse of the girl was to utter a warning cry to her friends, but she dreaded they could not be awakened in time. Believing all were asleep, as was Jethro. she was certain the Shawano would be upon them like a lightning stroke before they could be aroused. Had she been certain that the faintest outcry would have been sufficient her voice would have rung out on the instant of her fearful discovery, but she did not know that. Some other scheme must be devised. At the instant The Panther passed from sight between the piles of boxes, on his way to slay young Ashbridge. Agnes emerged from the cabin and crossed In absolute silence to the other side, thus taking a course parallel to that of the Indian. Moving slightly faster than he, because the way was more open, she came out only a few paces behind him. Had The Panther cast a single glanre over his shoulder he would have seen the Dale-faced crouching maiden advancing like a phantom at his heels, but what possible thought could come to him of such a thine? All his imaginings were of the sweet revenge now within his reach. . Agnes saw. too, the figure of the youth., one arm lightly supported on the long sweep, the other hand gently clasping the barrel of his rifle, whose stock rested on the floor at his feet. She saw the miscreant was making for him with the frightful knife in hand the one she had brought forth and used to sever the thongs at his wrists. She was In that täte of mental exaltation when one crosses the boundary of misgiving and nervousness and becomes as cool, as collected, as set of purpose as a man of iron. There was no tremor of nerve or limb. Georpe Ashbridere. The Panther and Agnes were equidistant when the Shawanoe pnused and for the moment turned his attention from the victim to the blaze on the other boat. He stood still, but the maiden did not. One tinv foot was thruct forward, renting like th:tt of a fawn on the planking, and then the second followed. Once more and she stood directly behind the Shawanoe, in whose black heart raged the flanles of hatred and vengeance. He paused, with grip relaxed, and stared across the water, which reflected the Increasing glare. A few pulse beats more and the muscles would become rigid again and with one bound he would crash down upon the head and shoulders of the youth like an avalanche. Agnes Altman could touch the chieftain in front of her. Stooping slightly, she reached her right hand forward, closed her dainty fingers around the handle of the knife Just below where The Panther loosely grasped it, and with marvelous deftness whipped it free and flung It behind her, the implement falling with a ringing sound in front of the cabin. At the same Instant she called: "George, George; the Indian means to kill you!" The youth whirled like a flash, but quick as he was The Panther was quicker. With no weapon to use, his only thought was to save himself. Comprehending this astonishing trick that was played on him. he would have stricken down Agnes without any weapon had he dared to pause to do so; but Intent only on flight, he dashed for the rear of the boat Intending to leap overboard from the furtherest point so as to disconcert the aim of the youth who was desperately seeking him. Ashbridge darted forward, meaning to fire the instant he caught sight of the redskin, who. Instead of taking a direct line or pluncring over, when the chance was his. dodged and dashed back over the course taken a moment before. Then it came about that by one of those strange coincidences which now and then take place in the affairs of this life, The Panther, with no time to measure his pace or to note where he placed his feet, stepped upon the stomach of Jethro Juggins with a force that drove the breath from his body. Instinctively the startled African threw up his arms to protect himself, and, by a movement purely voluntary, seized the ankle of the offending foot. "I'll be hanged to gracious!" he called out, grasping the situation quicker than usual with him, "If dat painted heathen ain't trying to put his foot In my muuf agin! Dis am Kettln' too obstraneous to be put wld any longer!"

tflAPTKIl XVII. ." "Delii)N Are Ilnnareroas. It certainly was a curious coincidence that The Panther, In his furious effort to elude the young pioneer, who was at his heels with loaded rifle, should place his foot upon the sleeping Jethro Juggens with an emphasis that drove the breath from his body. Had It been the first time the dusky youtfh was disturbed. In that aggravating manner his anger would have been Justified, but since It was the second outrage of that nature his wrath was boundless. "I know yo' aimed for my tnouf wld your foot," he called, "and missed It by de most narrercst chance ebcr knowed." The. throwing out of the arms may have been Instinctive, but when one hand cloned around the ankle of the fleeing Shawanoe the African held on with a grip of steel. . He meant that that business should be stopped so summarily that another repetition would be among the Impossibilities. Several furious wrenches failing to release the Imprisoned member The Panther whirled and struck the negro, who was gradually struggling to hi feet. Although the blow landed It effect 1 nothing, for It wao stoped by Jethro's skull. A kick with his free foot was no more succcnsful In freeing the fugitive. "No use! I've cot yo dls time, suah!" It Is awkward for a man to make use of one foot when the other h off the Kround. l)ean!ta the dexterity of the Shawanoe, he Ml beside Jethro, and was thus placed more helplessly In his power. It took Ueorge AhbriJjfo but a econd

Unlike ttie Dutch Process

No Alkalies -OROther Chemicals are used in the preparation of "ST. 15AKER & CO.'S akfastCocoa which absolutely pure and eoluble. 1 It has more than three timea I thestrrwjth of Cocoa mixed I with Starch, Arrowroot or Sugar, and Is far more eco nomical, costing less than one cent a cup. It is delicious, nourishing, and easilt DIGESTER. Sold by Grocer Terrwher. 7. BAKER & CO.. Dorchester, Mail. or two to dash upon the scene. He much preferred capturing to shooting The Panther, and. seeing that an obstacle had checked his flight, he passed his rifle to Agnes, now at his side. "Keep that." he exclaimed, "and if I call to you shoot the Indian." "I will." she replied, accepting the weapon. She meant what she said too, for the revelation of the chieftain's purpose had wrought a change in her feelings. Instead of succumbing to the mental strain, she was brave and strong as ever. "De idee ob tryin to shove bofe feet In a gemnian's mouf am too cospecuous to be allowed!" added Jethro, his indignation reaching the boiling point. "I'll teach yo dat if yo can play dat low down bus'ness on some folks, yo' can't on me, which my name am Jethro Juggens. Take ?t!" And he left lly with his brawny fist, throwing his whole force in the blow. Had it landed it must have been effective, but the combatants were struggling in a gloom made deeper because the boxes immediately surrounding them shut out most of the mconlight. Instead of colliding with the bronzed skull Jethro crushed his kuckles against the boards just above the crown of the Indian at whom he aimed. "Gorrynation, but your head am tough!" muttered the youth, unconscious for the moment of his mistake, though he felt the stunning effects of the failure of his aim, "I'll try anoder!" "What are you doing?" thundered Ashbridge, as he received the blow on his shoulder. "Tryin to smash dis heathen; I've purty near done it, and dis one'll finish him." "Don't strike again!" shouted the other, who knew the force with which Jethro could drive a blow; "the next time you'll hit Agnes." It was the incessant movement and the Inimitable dexterity of the Shawanoe which saved him from these unpleasant attentions. He had ceased to fight now and strove with his utmost strength to wrench loose before his position became hopeless. It is certain that if the, two had been left alone The Panther would have succeeded in freeing himself, despite the superior strength of the African, but G.-orge Avhbridge spt-edily became a factor in the business. The youth received a thrilling shock wben Agnes Altman warned him of his peril. Turning on the instant he caught a glimpse of the skurrying Shawanoe, but retained his coolness, and his sight of the struggling bodies was sufficient to Identify thorn. He flung himself upon The Panther and bore him backward in spite of his furious resistance. "Leave him to me." he called to Jethro the instant his hold was secure: VI'll manage him." "Be mighty keerful. Marse George, or he'll get bofe feet in y ur mouf; dat's what he tried to do wid me." "Bring me the rope and help me tie him again; I can master him." The Panther was flat on his back, with the youth astride of his breast. Though the position was favorabp to the bitter and unfavorable to the former the latter did not cease his struggling. During those few moments the heart of the prostrate warrior must have been gnawed with chargrin at the thought of his hairbreadth failure to carry out his scheme of revenge. It was Impossible to come any nearer and yet fail of accomplishment. "If dar's any shootln to be done," said Jethro, rising to his feet and addressing Agnes, "better let m doot." "Do nothing of the kind." warned Ashbridge; ''he'll be certain to shoot me." "Most likely I would; leastways I'd be sartln to hit one ob yo,' which am better dan mlssln bofe." Knowing where the prisoner had sat after his first binding, the African hurried across the brief distance to that spot. The moonlight showed him the coils lying where they dropped when severed by the knife. He picked up the pieces and surveyed them in astonishment. "Hain't dat heathen got sharp teeth to chaw 'em off dat way?" he mused. "Hello! somebody has sot de rlbcr on fir-." In the struggle with the prisoner Jethro had not noticed the burnlnar flatboat, but the glare that now spread over the Ohio, and was reflected on both shores, filled him with amazement and awe. He forgot for the moment the errand that brought him thither, and gazed upon the impressive scene. The craft was wrapped in flames from stem to stern. The fire had burned the rope holding the anchor, and the released craft began slowly moving with the current. The glow lit up the calm surface cf the river, while the Hm1s, trees and leaves on both shores stood out bold and clear In the yellow Illumination reflected against the heavens. Once more the women were aroused, though not curiously, perhaps, little Mabel Ashhrl'lge continued sleeping as serenely n.s If on her mother's bom. The women purhel their way to the side of Jethro Juergens, who, with the pieces of rope In his hand, was staring with open mouth at the burning flatboat. "What Is the meaning of that?" asked Mrs. Altman. "Guess somehody has upsot de stove tryin to warm hlsself." Itut across this sea of Illumination the caroe containing the three men were seen a plainly ns If at midday. Their appearance suggested the truth to Mrs. Ashbridge. "Kenton has paddled them over to the flatboat which they have burned." "Hut what hns become of those that were on It?" asked Mrs. Altman. "All burned up." was the promrt Information of Jethro; "I heered 'ein yel lln and beggln to lx let off, but Kenton told 'em It warn't no use dey would hab to go." "What are you doing with those pieces of rope, Jethro? Where Is that Indian that was bound? What has become of Agnes?" wer tho startled questions of the girl's iiother. "Jethro!" called young Ashbridge, "what keeps you so lon?" "Dar! '1 knowed I'd forget sumfln! I'll be dar, Marse George." And he scrambled over the luggage to where the others were uwnltlng him. The youth wns quick to note tint th rope had lecn cut. Naturally tie had been wondering how the captive not only released himself, but secured un effective weapon. The severed thongs and the presence of Agnes at the critical moment explained matters, but lie made no comment. The pieces being much shorter Increased the dlttkulty of tlng The panther, a .dlinculty made greater by the vicious struggle of the SIuiwiihk to twlwt hlniKlf free. "Marse CJeorye. shan't I sot on him to hold him still? Yo' know I'm heavy." "Try to keep his legs still until I fasten his hands." Kxertlng nil his strength young Ashlrldse Hperdlly secured the rrtn of ' The Panther behind his back. Then he ' gave his attention to the lower limbs. Meanwhile Jethro had carried out his I design of sitting down on the fi-et of the prisoner. It guve to the latter hi

it a

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only chance toward a partial payment of the score between them. "I've got him fast!" called Jethro, when he felt the two moccasins beneath him; "I'm sottln' down heavier dan eher before and de heathen can't breav " Both feet were jerked from under the African and the legs straightened out with the suddenness of lightning. As they did so the moccasins struck Jethro's head like a couple of piston rods. He would have been hurled overboard but for the planking which interposed to check him. As it was. he turned one somersault and part of another, stopping when his head was beneath his body and his legs over the gunwale, with his feet nearly touching the surface of the watT. He narrowly missed Agnes in his involuntary flight and was so stunned that several seconds passed before he was able to extricate himself. Brief as was the interval it was sufficient for several things to happen. The Panther attempted the same thing against young Ashbridge, but the youth was a more skillful wrestler than the negro and quickly placed the nimble legs beyond the power of further mischief. If the knots were tied closer than before and there were more of them It was boause the increased pieces, their shortness and tho resistance of the prisoner called for extra precaution. "There, I think he will stay awhile," remarked Ashbridge, rising to his feet and stepping beside Agnes. "Thank you for taking care of my gun. I'll relieve you of it." "George, can you forgive me for cutting the cords which bound him?" asked the girl in a voice dreadfully close to a cry. (Continued Next Week.)

PKTRIKACTIOS OR SOT. Smithsonian Scientists Are Skeptical, lint Less So Than Tuesday. The scientists at the Smithsonian institution found a i.ew subject for investigation Wednesday, and some of them are a little shaky in beliefs they have heretofore held respecting petrification. Each received a letter from the proprietor of an alleged petrified woman, extending a cordial invitation to call and Investigate. There- are few scientists who do not believe that petrified human beings are pure humbugs. One of the very scholarly men said he had been searching in his books all day and could not find a single instance on record of petrification. The authorities at the National museum have had many offers, chiefly from the West, of petrified objects, from tree trunks to snakes, but have generally refused to have anything to do with them. The opportunity was so good in this instance that a quiet little party of the curious, including several universal skeptics, set out for the place of exhibition, at 1343 Pennsylvania-ave., as soon as the clock struck 4. They found the mummy in an upper chamber of the building, laid out on a bier of black, and contained within a glass case. They came, like the wise men of the East, and, after scrutinizing the remarkable object closely, one of the mineralogists present made arrangements for amost conclusive test Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. The chief skeptic said that he did not usually arise at that hour, but he might make a special effort to be present. The pet ri 3 cat ion is curious, and those who paw it uie inclined to believe that it is genuine. It is the body of a woman about thirty years of age, and weighs now 321 pounds. It was found on the bank of a mountain stream in Fresno county, California, in June, The form is as perfect as in life, and shows that the woman must have died suddenly. The texture of the skin, especially on the hands, is remarkably lifelike, so much so that it would be well nigh impossible to imitate it. A portion of the teeth is visible where the lip has been removed. The eyebrows and the hair can be seen under the microscope. The woman was probably a working woman and a Spaniard, and was buried without a coffin. The pressure of the bandages upon the head and of the clothing on the body is visible. Anatomically the body has been declared correct by prominent physicians. The proprietor, Mr. E. J. Taylor, thoroughly believes that the lwxly is genuine and has extended every facility to the scientists of the Smithsonian to make a thorough investigation and chemical test. He has a long list of testimonials from prominent chemists in the West who have examined It. The mineralogists here propose to get at the interior of tne petrification by boring, and perhaps they can settle the much-mooted question of petrified bodies once for all. Washington Post. A Strange Story Told in Court. The probate court today decided a curiously romantic will case. Thirty years ago Mary E. Wallace was engaged to marry an old schoolmate. They quarreled and parted. The girl, after her lover's marrige to another woman, In the course of time became the keeper of a notorious house in Lincoln under the name of Lydia Stewart. Four years after his marriage her old lover's wife died in giving birth to a daughter, and the lover dying two years later the child wo 3 placed in a home for waifs In Chicago. The facts came to the ears of Miss Wallace. She went to Chicago, and, formally adopting the child, placed her in the hands of friends, the girl being afterward educated In a convent, all knowledge of her foster mother's vocation or her own parentage being carefully kept from her until she accidentally learned of It when she married J. E. Klotz of Omaha two years ago. In August last Miss Wallace died after a long illness, during the latter part of which she made a will giving Mrs. Klotz $1.000, the balance of her $30.000 estate being given to the testator's sister, Mrs. Bailey cf Chicago. Mrs. Klotz began a contest and today the court decided In her favor on tne ground that the sister had used undue Influence when the testator was mentally decrepit, and that the contract of adoption stopped her from disinheriting her adopted daughter. St. Louis Republic. Six Sclent Hie Hnmons Settle It. Our old weather prophet. Loron Cushman of Plymouth, makes the prognostication that the coining winter will be the most severe one for this section that we have had since Dennlson was hanged in 18.U He bases this forecast on the following grounds: (1). The husks on corn are much thicker than usual and are of a deep orange tint Instead of a light lemon hue. (2). The hogs melt runs Jagged Instead of smooth. (3). The Rooee bone taken from a May-ralscd fowl shows larger and whiter spots than customary ami they resemble the canals of Mars. (I). The crop of nuts of all kinds Is Immense and the squirrel and chlpmonks are laying In prodigious stores early In the season. (.r). The partridges and woodcock are lighting In bams and outhouses Instead of trees, and ducks are flying In U-shaped Instead of V-shaped flocks toward the South. (.) The green frogs are changing their skins unci are even now seeking cool wells and springs for their winter quarters. These signs. Mr. Cushman avers, never fall, and he stakes his reputation upon their accuracy. Norwich Sun. The Oldest Tree In the World. The Island of Ceylon claims to possess the oldest tree in the world. This Is known as the bo tree, a species of tho sacred flg. U I held in the greatest reverence by all professors of the Huddhlrt faith, one of the oldest religions In the East, becausu they consider It a branch of the sctual fig tree under which Gautama Buildha. the founder of tho faith, sat as he thought out the doctrines which he afterward preached. Sir James KmerHon Tcntmnt hcllevod ttiHt the tree was planted In 2SS U. C, 2".r years after lluddha's death, so that It would now he 2,1X0 yeaiH old. The tree being too sacred to be touched with a knife. Its leaves are collected as they fall and given for a consideration to pilgrims, who tarry them away as treasures.

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S03IB - IXTERESTIXG COMPARISONS MADE AT THB FAIR. An Indicator Ilea-lsters Aecnrately the Number of Pounds Required to Hnnl a Load Over Different Sorts of Street and Roadway. To the Editor Sir: I have read with interest your many articles advocating the improvement of roads, especially ' country roads. Your article of yesterday's issue under the head "Road Matters" reminded mejthat I might give your readers some demonstrated facts in that connection, which but few have ever had, except conclusions arrived at by observation. At the world's fair recently, as one of the Judges in the transportation department I had an opportunity to learn exactly and by scientific demonstration, exemplified by a wonderful machine, the precise amount of force required to move 6,000 pounds over various kinds of streets and roads. The machine, called an 'Indicator," was ono of the exhibits assigned me for examination and report to the executive committee on awards. This proved to be the most delicate and interesting exhibit that came under my charge, if not the most interesting one to the group of Judges to which I belonged. The machine was constructed under the supervision of Prof. J. M. Howard of New York City, assisted by some of the finest manufacturers of mathematical instruments in America. It was on a fourwheeled gearing arranged in such a manner that any number of horses attached would pull direct on three heavy spiral springs that moved the vehicle. The springs connected with a very elaborately constructed mathematical instrument Inside the box. which was worked automatically by the team. Beside the machine was a large cardboard upon which a pencil securely attached to the mathematical instrument denoted the precise force applied to the springs in sections of one mile traveled over any kind of road the vehicle was drawn. During the earlier part of the fair this indicating machine tested twelve different kinds of streets and roads in and near Chicago in practically level mile sections, with the result as shown on tlyj test sheet. This test showed the following result, giving the amount of average power required to draw the vehicle over the twelve different sections: Over one mile of steel tramway, 7.5 horse power. Over one mile of asphalt pavement, D.3 horse power. Over one mile of brick pavement, 10.4 horse power. Over one mile of best granite, 10.6 horse power. Over one mile of new cedar block, 11.3 horse power. Over one mile of best macadam road, 12 horse power. Over one mile of ordinary granite, 12.6 horse power. Over one mile of wet cedar block, 13 horse power. Over one mile of ordinary macadam 15.5 horse power. Over one mile of ordinary' hard earth road, 18.S horse power. Over one mile of very muddy earth road, 34.5 horse power. Over one ndle of very sandy road, 49.6 horse power. In explanation it is proper to say the vehicle box was loaded with square Iron bricks beside the mathematical machine to give .the weight required. Also that the horse power calculated is 125 pounds, which has been demonstrated as about the amount the average horse can stand to pull against scales for ten' consecutive hours. Of course a horse can pull much more for a spurt, but 125 pounds is the amount used In this comparison. To further explain the comparisons it took the force of 230,000 foot pounds to draw the machine one mil over the steel tramway (street car track), while a force of 1,637,500 foot pounds' was expended to draw it over the mile of sand road. The precise amount of force to draw a vehicle loaded with a given weight up inclines or hills on the various kinds of roads cannot be graven in this article, but can be readily determined from data made by this automatic indicator in the same manner, and is accessible from demonstrations already made with it. These figures show the great economy in horse flesh there is In drawing heavy loads over hard roads compared with soft ones. B. C. SHAW. Indianapolis, Oct 24. 1SD3. The Sndrlch Inland Lepers. Dr. Leonard Freeman of Cincinnati has been on a visit to Molokai. He speiu two days In the leper colony and In the course of a long account of his observations he says: "There are several other churches In the colony besides the methodlst, Including the catholic church and a mormon church; but the catholics seem to be doing the most of the real work. The others take it out largely in talk. "There are nine sisters of charity, all from Syracuse, N. Y., and two fathers. The buildings in which they live are neat and clean, and are surrounded by gardens and banana trees. These noble women are sacrificing their lives to a great and loving work under the most discouraging circumstances. How sweet, good, and gentle they were to the lepers! Some have been In the colony five or six years without having once left It." The priests are Fathers Conrardy and Wendelln. They have taken up the work laid down by Father Da mien and are carrying It on with the same aids of divine grace to the same end. Catholic Mission. An Old IlnHleflelcl. The nofteit whisperings of the Keen ted South, And rust and roses In the cannon's mouth. And where the thunders of the fiijht wore born The wind's sweet tenor In the tinkling corn. W'ltlT sonRS of larks, low lingering In the loam, And blue skies bending over love and home. But still the thought: Somewhere upon the hills. Or where the vales ring with the whip-poor-wills, Rid, wistful eyes and broken hearts that beat For th loved Kotind of unreturntng feet; And when the oaks their leafy banners wave, Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave! Atlanta Constitution. Couldn't Pool the liny. IV. llanford of New York wn much annoyed by a small boy eddllng peanuts who called frequently at his ofli. e. One morning the dx tor saw the boy coming with his basket of peanuts, evidently Meeting In his direction. AIove his fflee denk was a case containing a Kkelelon which for convenience was so arri'iiged that by a nllght pressure the man of bonea came out into the room as natural ns life. As the boy opened the door and yelled "Peanuts," the doctor, without looking around, pushed the button and the grinning skeleton promptly reHponded. With one scream the boy dropped hn bucket and lied. The kindhearted doctor picked up the basket and baMtencd after the fteetnff boy, who waa half a block away. "Here, boy, come and get your peanuts,'' cried the doctor. With one scared look over Iii shoulder the frightened boy replied: "Not much; I know you If you have got your clothed on." California Review.

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READY RELIEF The most certain and safe Pain Remedy In the world that Instantly stops the most excruciating pa"3- It 13 truly the great CONQUEROR OF PAIN and has done more good than any known remeny. FOR PAINS. BPriSE55. BACKACHE. PAIN IN' THK CHKST Oil SIDES, HEADACHE. TOOTHACHE OR ANY OTHEIt EXTERNAL PAIN, a few appli cations rubbed on by the hand act liks , masie. causing the pain to instantly stop. I CURES AND PREVENTS C, Hülfe k tat, MliHft, tals, till 1. Tl .1 mm m Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Lumbago, Swelling of the Joints, Pains in Back, Chest or Limbs. The application of the READY REEIEP to tfce part or pirts where the difficulty or pain exists will afford e;-:e and comfort. ALE INTERNAL PAINS. PAINS IN BOWELS or STOMACH. CRAMPS. SOUK STOMACH. SPASMS. NAVSKA. VOMITING, HKAKTHUKN. NERVOCSNESS, SLEEPLESSNESS, SICK HEADACHE, DIARRHOEA. COLIC. FLATULENCY. FAINTING SPELLS are relieved instantly and quickly cured by aking internally a half to a teaspoonful of Ready Relief la half a tumbler of water. MALARIA, Fever and Ague, RADWAY'S READY RELIEF. There is rot a remedial agent in th world that will cure fever ani ague and all other maiarlous. bilious and other fevers, aided by Rad way's Pills, so quickly as Radway's Ready Relief. 50 cenfs per bo. tie. Sold by Druggists. pi Mm m MUIU h SarsapariHian THE GREAT BLOOD PURIFIER, A remedy composed of ingredients of extraordinary medical properties, essential to purify, heal, repair and invifrorate th croken-down and wasted body. Quick, pleasant, safe and permanent in its treatment and cure. For the Cure of Chron.c D sease, Scrofulous. Hereditary or Cortag ous. Not only does the Sarsaparilla Resolvent excel all remedial agents in the cure of Chronic. Scrofulous. Constitutional and Skin Diseases, but it is the only positive cure for KIDNEY AND BLADDER COMPLAINTS. Urinary and Womb Diseases, Gravel. Diabetes, Dropsy. Stoppage of Water, Incontinence of L'rine." lirlght's Disease, Albuminuria, and all cases where there are v, ... . . r Hunt r a t.r thA tt'atpr la thirlc. clouay. mixea with substances like the I . . - M . I 1 111,. ...V.l. A I Wnlte Ol an e(C& OI unraua line limn silk, or there is a morbid, dark, bilious appearance, and white bone-dust deposits, and when there is a prickling, burning, 1 moisn iL'Han niisQinp water, find nain Drunauvu ....v... - - - n w in tne smaii 01 nir uatu uu muni) uw loins. Sold by druggists. Price, One Dollar. Always Reliable, Purely Vegetable. THeGreat Liveranä StomacIiKeinear AN EXCELLENT AND MILD CATHABTIC PERFECTLY TASTELESS. Over Forty Years in Use and Never Known to FaJ. Tossesg properties the most extraordinary in restoring health. They stimulate to healthy action tlie various organs, the natural conditions of which are so necessary for health. Grapple Ith and neutralize the impurities, driving them completely out of the system. Railway's is a Compound Pill. One of their Ingredients will attack the l.izv I.IVKH. another will rouse up tha another will attack the SKIN, and still another will hurry up the KIDNKVS. This Is the beauty of thlr effective operation; whilst they have a specific action on the IJver, they have a reflex or reflective action on this same organ by their other specific effects oi the orBans of the system; whilst they force with the one hand they persuade with the other, till all tlie organs are broucht to harmonious action ani perform ttu-lr required functions. RADWAY'S PILLS rrtve out all diseases, from whatever cause thy may be making Inroads or your system; delay no longer; the remedy is at hand; a dose or two will convince you of the truth. To thousands now suffering we Fay, jou have the remedy In your own h;:nds. Padway's is a well-Known Pill, containing the tulii-t f-xtract takf-n from the VeR-eta-ijl" Kingdom only, compounded In the most fH'lP'itllle proportions, which were found by Dr. Rad way to te the best Hdapted to nilmulate and rewtoro to healthy action the disordered organs. They contain no mineral or metals or th'lr salts nothing poisonous enters into thdr composition, and thev are perfectly safe to inks. To those who are looking for a Health Restorer we cannot too strongly recommend a well-tried. sat and ctticl.nt remedy ucl as Is presented In R.idway'8 Pills. I OH Sick Headache, Female Complaints, Indigestion, Diliousncss. Constipation, Dyspepsia an n All Disorders of the Liver. Full printed dlrcctlonn In each box: SS ! cents a box. Bold by oil drugfjlsta. Radway & Co.-Hew York

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