Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 February 1906 — Page 6

The Yellow Holly

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. CHAPTER I—George Brendon, a young Londoner, visits his friend. Leonard Train, who has lodgings in the boarding house kept by Mrs. Jersey. Among the boarders lean elderly maiden lady. Miss Bull. Mrs. Jersey is startled by a piece of yellow holly worn by George. 11—George, whose real name is Vane, tells Train the story of his life. He is an orphan and the grandson of Lord Derrington, but the latter refuses to recognise the marriage of George's father (Lord Derrington's son), who had eloped. Brendon desires to establish his position as Lord Derrington’s heir in order to marry Dorothy Ward. The place of marriage of George's parents is known only to Mrs. Jersey, formerly maid to George's mother. His mother died at his birth, and his father had been murdered In San Remo, Italy, years before. Hl—ln the night Mrs. Jersey is killed with a stilleto by an unknown person. IV—Miss Bull takes charge of the house in behalf of Margery, neice of the murdered woman. The house has been leased from Lord Derrington. V—Mrs. Ward, a heartless society woman, mother of Dorothy, is opposed to Dorothy's marriage to Brendon. The yellow holly had been given to Dorothy by her mother and by the girl to George. Vl—Mr. Ireland, George’s former guardlun. tells him of his mother's marriage and death and his father's murder. The latter was killed after leaving a masked ball in company with a woman s blue domino — who wore a sprig of yellow holly. VII— George, seeking a confession known to have been left by Mrs. Jersey, visits Miss Bull and learns that the dead woman received an annuity from Lord Derrington. George saves a Mr. Bawdsey from death and learns that the latter lives in the Jersey house Vlll—Lola Velez, a dancer, is in love with George and is loved by Bawdsey. Lola's parents lived in San Remo at the time of the murder of Brendon’s father. IX and X—Mrs. Ward invites Trhin to dinner. Ho meets Lord Derrilngton. George visits Dorothy and makes a favorable impression on his grandfather. Mrs. Ward learns from Train that the latter found a yellow holly berry near the body of Mrs. Jersey. CHAPTER XI. UNDER the rule of Miss Bulltor Margery was a mere figurehead—the house in Amelia square was much more lively, but In spite of the air which certainly pervaded the house all things were very proper. Miss Bull was a lady and saw that things were kept decent The boarders feared her bright black eyes and her sharp tongue and were always glad when she retired te her sitting room. But Miss Bull was also liked, as she was a very affable hostess. Margery was now, as ever, her docile slave, and Miss Bull governed with a roti of iron.

Among the new boarders Miss Bull took most notice of Buwdsey, who occupied the mwius formerly inhabited by Train. On his arrival he had asked particularly for these rooms, saying that he had once lived in them when he stopped with Mrs. .Jersey many years before. After some thought Miss Bull remembered the man. He had boarded in the lu»use and had been a great favorite witli madame, but had later gone to America and for some time had remained away. lie expressed the greatest sorrow for the death of the old lady, but declared that he was very pleased with the house as managed by Miss Bull. The little woman liked him, as his conversation was amusing and he was most polite, but had she known that he was a private detective she might not have approved of him so much.

What Bawdsey was she never inquired, as she was the least curious of women. His habits were certainly eccentric, for sometimes he would remain away for a week ami at other times would stop constantly in the house. He often remained in bed for the day and had his meals brought to him. This he called his bed cure ami stated that he suffered from nerves. He told Miss Bull quite gratuitously that he had a small Income. "I am simple in my tastes.” said Mr. Bawdsey, “and what 1 have keeps me in luxury. But a man even of my age must be up and doing. Better to wear out than rust out.”

Miss Bull assented. She liked to hear Bawdsey tell of his travels, and frequently asked hinUinto her sitting room for that purpose. He seemed to have been everywhere and to have seen everything. It appeared from his own confession that he began his travels at the early’ age of seventeen, when he went to Milan. And the man talked freely about himself—so freely that Miss Bull, in spite of her suspicious nature, never dreamed that all this chatter was for the purpose of throwing dust in her sharp eyes. A week after the little dinner at Mrs. Ward's. BawdSey sfrnt a note to Brendon asking him to call on a certain afternoon, and when George, anxious to continue the acquaintance and curious to know how Bawdsey hud procured his address, arrived, he was shown up to the well known room. Bawdsey welcomed him with enthusiasm ami much in the same style us Lola did, but in a less theatrical manner. “My preserver!” said Bawdsey, shaking hands vigorously, and George laughed. “You put me in mind of a lady I know,’’ he said. “She uses the same term—quite unnecessarily, as It happens.” “I don’t agree with you,” answered Bawdsey, to the astonishment of his visitor. “When a woman is rescued from starvation she has a right to call her good Samaritan the best of names.” “Oh,” said Brendon, taking a seat, “so Lola has told you.’’ Bawdsey nodded. “I guess so,” said he, with a pronounced American twang —somewhat too pronounced, George thought “She told me all about your visit the other night” “Did she never speak of me before?” . "Why, of course she spoke. I tell

By FERGUS HUME,

Author of “The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,” Etc.

you, sfr, that the girl is just bubbling over with gratitude.” "Yet you said when last we met that she meant me harm.” “Jealousy, Mr. Brendon, sheer Jealousy. I heard her talking of you and wishing to marry you. You see, I love her.” “So she told me.” “Quite so, and she informed me that she had informed you. Well, I was a trifle jealous, as I'd lay down my life to make that lady Mrs. Bawdsey. But when I learned that you admired and were almost engaged to Miss Ward”— "You seem to know a great deal about me,” said Brendon, nettled. “I made it my business to find out, sir.” George looked at him helplessly. He found it difficult to understand what all this meant. “Of course I know, from what Lola said, that you are a private detective," he remarked, with hesitation. “Vidocq & C 0.,” said Bawdsey briskly, “23 Augusta street. Strand. That’s me, Mr. Brendon, but you needn’t mention it in this shanty.” “Will you answer a few questions, Mr. Bawdsey?” asked George. “Yes. Fire ahead.” “You are a private detective?” asked George. “That’s so. Vidocq & Co.—an attractive title, I guess." “And you were employed by Lola to watch me?” "I was. Love will do anything for the object of its affections.” “Humph! There are different waysof looking at that. But you were also engaged by Lord Derrington to watch me?” Bawdsey did not display the least surprise. “That's very creditable to your observation, Mr. Brendon. It’s true.”

“How did Lord Derrington find out that I was passing under the name of George Brendon ?” “Well, sir, if you will shove advertisements into the paper asking about the celebration of the marriage of Percy Vane and Miss Rosina Lockwood you must expect to be dropped upon.” “And you looked me up?” “Quite so. I have had you under observation for the last six months. Any more questions, sir?” “Only one.” replied George. “Will you tell me exactly you are doing here?”

“Certainly. "You shall have the w’hole story, Mr. Brendon, but in the first place I shall ask you a question in my turn. Do you know why I asked you to come and see me today?” Brendon shook his head. “I have not the least idea,” he confessed. “I’ll enlighten you,” was the other man's reply. “To warn you that you are in danger of arrest.” “I in danger of arrest?” George jumped up. “What do you mean?” “Oh, my meaning is clear enough. There is a chance that you may be accused of having murdered Mrs. Jersey.” George dropped back into his chair with a white face. “You must be mad to say such a thing. Who accuses me?” “Lord Derrington.” “On what grounds?” “On certain information he obtained from Mrs. Ward. She is your bitter enemy. You lee, Mr. Brendon, it is not her game that you should marry the daughter. Mrs. Ward knows that you are a clever man with a will of your own and that she will not be able to twist you around her finger, which is what she wishes to do with any son-

"My preserver!”

in-law who may come her way. She will stick at nothing to get you out of the way.” “But she doesn’t know that I claim to be Lord Derrington’s grandson?” “Indeed, she does,” replied Bawdsey quickly. “Derrington told her all about it” “Why?” “Now, that,” said Bawdsey, shaking his head and looking puzzled, “is one of the things I can’t make out” George thought for a moment “I was at Mrs. Ward’s the other evening,” he said slowly. “Lord Derrington was there. Did he know then that 1 was hl* grandson?”

“He did.’ He has known ever since you put the advertisement In the paper and I looked you up." “And Mrs. Ward knew also who I was?” Bawdsey nodded. "Yes. And after that evening she came to see Lord Derrington to suggest how you should be got rid of.” “Ah!” George was now perfectly cool as he saw that Bawdsey, being so frank, was ready to be his friend. “And how did she propose to do that, Mr. Bawdsey? By having me arrested”— “With the alternative that you should give up all attempts to prove your birth and go to Australia.” “And surrender my claim to Miss Ward’s hand?” “Of course. It’s a case of threatening, Mr. Brendon.”

“Was Lord Derrington agreeable to this suggestion?” “Yes. He hates you and told me to see you and put the matter to you. You have a week to think over it, and at the end of that time, Mr. Brendon, if you don't leave England you will be arrested.” “No,” replied Brendon calmly, “I will not be arrested. Setting aside the fact that there is no evidence which implicates me in the crime, Lord Derrington, for his own sake, will not have his grandson arrested and his , dirty linen washed in public. Whether there was a marriage or not, I am his flesh and blood. Why does he hate me?” , “I can’t say, sir. He never explained, but he does hate you.” “Humph! I see no reason. A man can’t help his birth, and I am quite as presentable as Walter Vane.” “Much more so,” said Bawdsey quickly. “He is a fool and a miserable little beast. He sent a bracelet to Miss Velez.” “Oh, and naturally you think the wofst of him. Well, it is no use my conjecturing the reason of Lord Derrington’s dislike, but I can well understand why Mrs. Ward wishes me out of the way. On what grounds does she accuse me of being concerned hi this crime?” “On the strength of a story related by a friend of yours, who”— “I knew it,” Interrupted Brendon, starting up and beginning to pace the room. “That was why she asked Leonard Train to dinner.”

“She got out of him that you had been in the sitting room of Mrs. Jersey at midnight.” “That is untrue,” began George violently, when Bawdsey stopped him. “So it is, to Mrs. Ward, to Lord Derrington and to the public; but, so far as I am concerned, Mr. Brendon, it is a fact. You were in Mrs. Jersey’s room about the time she was murdered.”

“How can you prove that?” asked George quickly and very pale. “Oh, I can prove it easily enough, and I will soon. But confess.” “That I killed the woman? No; I never laid a finger on her.” “I believe that,” said Bawdsey. “If I thought you were guilty I should—no, not even then. You saved my life, and I’m grateful.” “I believe you are my friend,” said George gloomily, sitting down. “You would have been arrested by now were I not, Mr. Brendon.”

“No. I tell you neither Mrs. Ward nor Lord Derrington will go so far. They will try to intimidate me, but they won’t succeed.” “You'll fight them?” George set his face. “While there is breath in my body.” “I knew you were a plucky one,” said Bawdsey admiringly, “but you must be aware that your position is perilous.”

“One moment.” said Brendon. “Why does Train believe that I w-as in Mrs. Jersey's room?” “He found beside the table a yellow holly berry, and you wore”— George started. “I did—l did,” he muttered. "It must have been brushed off the sprig when I stooped to touch her.”

"Ah!” said Bawdsey in a voice of triumph. “Then you admit you were in the room?” “Yes, to you, but to no one else.” “I’m glad you trust me so far," said Bawdsey, genuinely pleased. "Your confidence is not misplaced, Mr. Brendon. And you saw Mrs. Jersey?” “I saw her body. She was dead.” “At what time was that?” “About 12 o’clock.” "Why did you not give the alarm?” “What?” George smiled derisively. “You think I have put the rope round my neck?” "No, but—well, no matter. We can talk of that later. But as to getting out of this room when the door was locked?” “I didn’t get out of this room. Mr. Bawdsey. I” “Wait a bit. Come into the room you slept in,” said the detective, leading the way. “I have made a discovery.”

The bedroom was in the same condition as when Brendon had last seen it, witli the exception that the wardrobe was moved to one side. The wall at the back, which divided the room from the passage, appeared a blank, but on touching a spring a masked door opened. Shelves were revealed and it was evident that this door formed the back of a cupboard that was in the passage-a cupboard used by the housemaid, as was apparent from the dust shovel and brooms lying within it. For a moment Bawdsey left the door open and looked at Brendon with quiet triumph. Then he snapped the door to aud the wall appeared in its former blank condition. No one, without making a close examination, would have suspected the presence of that secret door. “A housemaid might open the cupboard door in the passage at any time,” explained Mr. Bawdsey, accounting for his action, “and it would never do for her to look through the back of the shelves into this room. She might talk, Mr. Brendon, and then

there would be trouble. Yes”—Bawdsey rubbed his nose and locked at the aston i shed George—“l am sure there would be trouble.” [TO BE CONTINUED.]

Cuban Land. I am not a land agent, but I can tell you where I bought land last year that has already increased in value ISO per cent. This ia because thousands of Americans are investing there, building railroads, sngarmllls, saw-mills, and other things necessary to develops new and fertile country. Land that is producing SSO to *75 clear profit per acre yearly In sugar cane. Land that is producing $750 per acre net profit yearly in ordinary cocoanuts. Land that is producing *4OO per acre yearly in oranges, lemons, pineapples and bananas. Land where rich grass grows higher than a horse’s back, and on which cattle fatten with no other food, ready for the block. Land with a perfect climate, cooler in summer than it is in Indiana, with no frosts, and plenty of rainfall. Richer land than you ever saw. unless you have been there. Land covered with forests of great commercial value, such as mahogany, sabicou, juiqui, etc. I can introduce you to a man who makes a practice of backing these statements up with his pocket-book—he will give any responsible party his certified check for *3OO, and If this party should, upon Investigation, find any of these statements untrue, he shall go to the bank and get bis *2OO, which pays his expenses and leaves (50 for his time: but if everything is as represented he shall hand the check back, and he will buy land, all he can pay for, just like I did. This won’t last always, and “the early bird,” etc. Parties going to Cuba every month. If you want to know more, see me. or write. Rensselaer. Ind. E. J.WILCOX,

Wabash Special Bargains. Look! Only $25.10 to New Orleans aod return, and (23.70 to Mobile or Pensacola, Fla., via the Wabash System, account Mardi Gras, Tickets on sale Feb. 31 to 28, inclusive, limited to March 3, with provision for extension to Meh. 17. Direct connection: through fast trains, luxuriant equipment. For details, call on or address, Thos. Follen, P. & T. A. Lafayette. lud. Wabash Tourist Sleeping Cars to Loa Angeles. You can save 50 per cent, in cost of sleeping car fare by taking through Tourist Sleeper over Wabash and “Santa Fe,” leaving St. Louis 10:15 p. m., December 11, and every fourth day thereafter. Ask for tickets so as to reach St. Louis on dates of departure. Special Rates to Nashville, Tenn., Via the Wabash System. Rate *10.90 for the round trip. Tickets on sale Feb. 26 inclusive/and limited to March 9. For further information apply to THOS. FOLLEN, P. A T. A., Lafayette, Ind.

Big Public Sale. As I am going to move to South Dakota I will sell at public sale, on the Jeff Smith farm, 4 miles Southeast of Mt. Ayr and six miles West of Rensselaer, commencing at 10 o'clock, a. m., on Friday, February 9, 1906, Theffollowing property, to-wit: 11 HEAD OF HORSES AND MULES, consisting of 1 blaek mare 11 years old, in foal by Coach Horse; 1 bay mare twelve years old, in foal: 1 spotted mare in by team matched black * colts, coming 2 and VM 3 years old : 1 spotted 11; . filly 6 months old: 1 draft colt 6 months old: 1 draft colt 8 months old, 1 bay yearling filly; 1 sorrel driving colt 1 year old, sired by Berryanss: 1 span matched mules coming 3 and 4 years old, broke. 17 HEA D OF CATTLE, consisting of 6 head of good milch cows fresh in February and March ; 6 head of coming twoyear old steers; 3 steer calves and two heifer calves. 15 HEAD OF HOGS, consisting of 6 full blood Duroc sows in pig by full blood boar; 9 head of fine shoats. FARMING IMPLEMENTS, consisting of 2 good Carriages, 1 McCormick corn binder. 2 Harrows, 1 Riding Cultivator, 1 Walking Cultivator. 1 Spader used one year, 1 Disc, 1 Saddle. 2 set single harness. Stoves, etc. A credit of 11 months will be given on sums over 110 with approved security; 6 per cent, off for cash. BVERAL J. SMITH. T. J. Clynb, Auct. C. G. Spitleh, Clerk. V Hot Lunch on the grounds.

Big Public Sale. The undersigned will offer at Public Sale at his residence on the John Makeever farm 3 mi es West and 1 mile North of Rensselaer, commencing at 10 a. m.. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 9 HEAD HORSES AND COLTS, consisting of 1 coming three-year-old Mare. wt. 1200; 1 Bay Mare four years old, wt. 1200; 1 Bay Mare, driver, with foal to standard bred pacer; Bay two filly, trotting bred; 1 Bay two-year-old Sinking SfegXW Colts out of Morton’s draft horse. 18 HEAD OF CATTLE, consisting of 5 Milch Cows, will be fresh in March; 2 yearling Heifers; 8 Steer Calves; 2 Heifer Calves; 1 Pure Bred Hereford Bull, a good one. FARM IMPLEMENTS, WAGONS, ETC., Consisting of 1 Sixteen inch Riding Plow, good as new; 1 Disk; 2 Walking Plows; 1 twosectlon Harrow: 1 Mowing Machine; 1 Hay Rake; 8 Walking Cultivators; 2 Farm Wagons: 1 New Rubber Tire Top Buggy ;1 steel tire Top Buggy; 2 SFt* Work Harness; 1 Endgate Seeder and Cart; 15 bushels of yellow Seed Corn; 15 Ton* of Timothy Hay. TER MS :-A credit of 12 month* will be given on sum* over $5 withqut Interest; all sums of $5 and nnder caah; 0 per cent off for cash. MARY E. ROBEY. Fred Phillips, Auctioneer. C. G. Spitleh, Clerk. Chas Grant, Hot Lunch.

Edward P. Honan, ATTORNEY AT LAW. I-sw, Abstracts, Real Estate, Loans. Will practice in all the courts. Office over Fendig’s Fair. RENSSELAER, INDIANA < Judson J. Hunt, low. (bsiracß, lans oik Reni Mt RENSSELAER, IND. Office up-stairs in Odd Fellows annex, opposite court house. Wm. B. Austin. Arthur H. Hopkins. Austin & Hopkins, Law, Loans and Real Estate. Loans on farms and City property, personal security and chattel mortgage. Buy, sell and rent farms and city property. Farm and city fire insurance. Attorneys for American Building, Loan and Savings Association. Office over Chicago Department Store, RENSSELAER, IND.

J. F. Irwin 8. C. Irwin Irwin & Irwin, Real Estate, Abstracts. Collections, Farm Loans and Fire Insurance. Office in Odd Fellows' Block. RENSSELAER, INDIANA.

U. M. Baughman. Geo. A. Williams. Baughman & Williams ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Form loans, nasirocis and insurance. Loans on improved Farm Lands and City Property a specialty. Collections and Notary work promptly attended to. Office over First National Bank, ’Phone No. 829. Rensselaer, Indiana

VKAHK VOLTS. O. O. SVITLBR. KARST «. KUSRIB Foltz, Spitler & Kurrie, (Successors to Thompson A Bro.) ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Law, Real Estate, Insurance Absracts and Loans. Only set of Abstract Books In the County. RENSSELAER, IND.

Geo. E. Herahmaa. * W.F. Hodges. Hershman & Hodges ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Will practice in all courts. Will give careful attention to any and all kinds of legal business intrusted to us. Office up - stairs over Murray's Store. RENBBELABB, - INDIANA.

N. Littlefield, Real Estate Dealer. Immigration agent for Manitoba and Western Colonization Company; 50,000 acres in the famous Red River Valley. Office in I. O. O. F. building. Opp. Court house. Rensselaer, Ind.

Ira W. Yeoman, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, Remington, ... Indiana. Law. Real Estate, Collections, Insurance and Farm Loans. Office uostairs in Durand Block.

E. C. English, Physician & Surgeon. Office overlmes’ Millinery store. Rensselaer. Officb Phons 177. Absiosnob Phonb, lie.

M. D. Gwin, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Office opposite Postoffice. In Murray's new building. 'Phone 205, day or night.

W. W. Merrill, M. D. ideciic Phjsicioii mil Sum. RENSSELAER, - - INDIANA. Chronic Disease* a Specialty.

H. L. Brown, DENTIST. Office over Lars h’s drug store

H. O. Harris, E. T. Harris, C. H. Mills, President Vice-Pres. Cashier. Rensselaer Bank. Deposits received on call, Interest Bearing Certificates of Deposit issued on time, Exchange Bought and Sold on principal cities, Notes Discounted at cunent rates. Farm Loans made at 5 per cent. We Soiled a Share of Your Business.

THE FIRST NATIONAL RANK OF RENSSELAER, IND. Addison Parkison, Pres. John M. Wasson. Vice-Pres. E. L. Hollingsworth, Cashier. SUOOSSSOR TO THS BUSIHSS* Of TH* OOMMSROIAL STATS SAHA. Opened March 2d, 1902, at the old location, NORTH SIDE PUBLIC SQUARE. A genera) banking business transacted; deposits received, payable on time or on demand. Money loaned on acceptable security. Drafts on all cities at home and abroad bought and sold. Collection of notes and account* s specialty. B osr esnt form loans. Your business solicited. I have a number of Barred Plymouth Rock Cockerels and Pekin Ducks for sale; all are extra fine. For prices call on or address, Thomas Reed, R. F. D. Remington, Ind. Independent ’phone, 2 on 79

Jordan Township. The undersigned, trustee of Jordan township, attends to official business at his res! ?i e^ Ce .? n »b* e S “ l L lrd !? ol each month: also at the Shide schoolhouse on the east side, on the third Saturday of each month between the hours of 9 a. m . and 8 p. m. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves, accordingly. Poetoffice address. Goodland. Ind. R-F-D. CHAS. E. SAGE, Trustee. Milroy Township. The undersigned, trustee of Milroy township, attends to official business at his residence on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves accordingly. Postoffice address. McCovsburg, Ind. W. C. HUSTON, Trustee, Nowton Township. ?. nd S r8 “< ne l s hra* l ** ot Newton ‘ownshlp, attends to official business at his residence on Thursday of each week. Persons having business with me will please govern Uiemselves accordingly. Postoffice address Rensselaer. Indiana. Phone 36-A Mt. Ayr Exchange. W. B. YEOMAN. Trustee. Union Township. The undersigned, trustee of Union township, attends to official business at his residence on Friday of each week. Persona having business with me will please govern hemse ves accordingly Postoffice address. Rensselaer. Indiana. R. F. D. 3. HARVEY DAVISSON, Trustee.

Gillam Township. The undersigned, trustee of Gillam township. attends to official business at his residence on Fridays of each week. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves accordingly. Postoffice address, Medaryville. Ind. THEODORE PHILLIPS. Trustee. — • ——* Trusnt Officer. The undersigned Truant Officer for Jasper County gives notice that he will be in his office upstairs in the Forsythe block every Saturday for the transaction of business of his office. Teachers and others having business with me will please call on such day. N. LITTLEFIELD. Truant Officer.

FRANK C. ECK General Auctioneer Goodland, Ind.. R.-F-D, 1. If you are going to have a sale I believe I can make you money. Satisfaction guaranteed and ptices reasonable. ’Phone 63-D. Use any 'phohe in telephoning for dates, and I will pay charges.

Half of the Battle in holding a successful sale is to secure the service* of a real Good Auctioneer. Dates and terms may be made at The Democrat office for one, A. J. HARMON of Rensselaer. Let us win the other half of the battle by advertisyour sale.

S. U. DOBBINS Livestock and General Auctioneer and expert in handling a sale and getting you good prices and giving you satisfaction at a reasonable price. Gome and see me. MY OFFICE IS WITH Ferguson, Hershm an & Ferguson Law and Real Estate. West Side Public Square, RENSSELAER, IND. S.lmm,enihusiiism. Will be found in all sale, conducted by Col. E. H. MORROW, Auctioneer, Thoroughly Posted on Pedigrees. Can handle your sale in an up-to-dst* manner and satisfy you svery time. REGULAR RATES. USE ’PHONE AT MY EXPENSE. COL. E. H. MORROW Remington, Ind. Wanted for Cash.— All kinds of household and kitchen furniture and stoves, at the Second Hand Store, telephone 195, Rensselaer, Ind.