Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1912 — Page 7

My Lady of the North

WHEN WILDERNESS WAS KING " jff nhistrafioßSbMrihurTAX tVliamsOTV —II I •

CHAPTER IV. A Woman With a Temper. I think we must have been fully an hour at it, riding, at no mean pace, and with utter disregard of danger. Although I knew little of where we were, and nothing as to the condition the path we traversed, yet so complete was my confidence in Craig that i felt no hesitancy in blindly following :he pace he set. Then a black shape ;oomed up before us so suddenly that It was only by a quick effort I prerented a collision. Even as I held my horse poised half in air, I perceived It was Craig himself who blocked the way, “What is it, sergeant?” “A picket, sir, at the end of the road,” he said, quietly. “I kinder reck-' pned they’d hev some sort o’ guard '|r. so I crept up on the quiet ter be sure. The feller helped me out a bit by strikin’ a match ter see what time ’twas, or I reckon I’d a walked over him in ther dark.” “Had we better ride him down?” I asked, thinking only how rapidly the night hours were speeding and of the importance of the duty pressing upon us.

“Not with ther woman, sir,” he answered in a low, reproachful voice. “Besides we never could git through without a shot, an’ if by any dern luck It should turn out to be a cavalry outpost—an’ I sorter reckon that’s what it Is—why, our horses are in no shape fer a hard run. You uns better wait here, sir, an’ let me tend ter that soger man quiet like, an* then p’raps we uns kin all slip by without a stlrrin’ up ther patrol.” “Well,” I said, reluctantly, yielding to what I felt was doubtless the wiser course, and mechanically grasping the rein be held out to me, “go ahead. But be careful, ’ and don’t waste any time, if we hear the sound of a shot we shall ride forward under spur.” , “All right, sir, but there’ll be no j fuss, fer I know Just whar ther feller Is.” Time seems criminally long when one is compelled to wait in uncertainty, every nerve on strain. “Hold yourself ready for a sudden start,” I said, warningly to my com-] panion. *Tf there is any noise of a i struggle yonder I shall drive in the' spurs.” As I spoke I swung the Sergeant’s ; horse around to my side, where I could control him more readily. There was no reply from the woman, but I noticed she endeavored to draw together the flapping cape of her cloak, as though she felt chilled by the wind and her figure seemed to stiffen in the saddle.. It came at last —not the sharp flash of a musket cleaving the night In twain, but merely the tall figure of the sergeant, stealing silently out of the gloom like a black ghost, and standing at our very horses' heads. “All clear, sir,” he reported In a matter-of-fact tone. “But we shall hev ter move mighty quiet, fer ther main picket post ain’t more nor a hundred yards ter the right o’ ther crossln’.”

He did not remount, but, with reins flung loosely over his arm, led the way slowly forward, and carefully we followed hjm. What had become of the sentinel I did not know, respecting Craig’s evident desire for silence; but as we drew nearer the "White Briar road I sought in vain to pierce the dense gloom and note some sign of a struggle, some darker shadow where a body might be lying. There was nothing visible to tell the story. The sergeant walked without the least hesitation across the open space, directly Into the deep shadows Aopposlte, where the cross-road continued to hold way. Crouching low in the saddle, we followed him as silently as though we were but spirits of the night "Up the road I caught the red gleam of a Are almost spent, and a black figure crossed us, casting an odd' shadow against the fgce of the rock where it was lighted by the flickering red blaze. It was all over in a moment, a mere glimpse, but It formed one of those sudden pictures which paint themselves on the brain and can never after be effaced. I recall yet the long shade cast by the man’s gun, the grotesque shape of his flapping army overcoat, the quick change in the silhouette as he wheeled to retrace his beat. But there was no noise, not even the sound of his footsteps, reaching us. Even as I gazed, lying open at full length upon my horse, we had crossed the open, and a perfect tangle of low bushes hid us as completely as if we had entered the yawning mouth of a cavern. A hundred yards or more of sharply curving road densely lined with shrubbery on either hand, and then Craig swung into saddle and again gave spur to his horse. “We must ride for it now,” he said, tersely. “When thet patrol makes their round, them fellers will be after us hot.”

Tiff LOVE STORY OF A GRAY JACKET

by RANDALL PARRISH

I urged my tired horse to a gallop, pressing upon Craig’s heels as closely as I dared; nor did I glance back, for I knew well that a dead picket was lying somewhere by the cross-roads, and that his comrades would be heard from before dawn. We were moving bravely now; for the road under foot grew better as we advanced, and gave back the dull thud of soft earth Instead of the rattling clang of the rocks we had been so long accustomed to. Then, suddenly, my horse was jerked almost to a standstill, the hand upon his bit seemingly as hard as my own, and I wheeled in the saddle, pressing my knees tightly to prevent being thrown, only to perceive the woman tugging desperately at the lines. * “What now?” I asked sharply, and in sudden anger I forced her to release her grasp. “We must ride, and ride hard, madam, to be out of this cordon by daylight.” “Ride where?” She faced me stiffly, and there was a slight sting in her voice, I felt. “Where?” I repeated; then partially gathering my scattered wits: “Why, to the camp we are seeking, of course.”

I was conscious that her eyes were striving anxiously to see my face in the darkness —that her suspicions were now fully aroused; yet her quick retort surprised me. “You lie!” she said, coldly. "That was a Federal picket he killed.” It was no time for argument, and 1 knew It. Craig, noting our pause, had ridden back, and reined in beside us without a word. “You are right,” I said, tersely. “In one sense of the word ybu are a prisoner, for the time being, at least, but not through any wish of mine. We do not make war on and your being in this situation is altogether an accident. However, be that as it may, we must, first of all, protect ourselves. I would very gladly leave you with your friends, if possible, but as things have shaped themselves there remains but one alternative —you must ride as I order.” “You—you are not Major Brennan's friend then? You were not sent by Frank to meet me?” The questions burst from her lips so rapidly that I scarcely caught their Import. “I am Captain Phillip Wayne, —th Virginia cavalry, at your service, madam,” I said, calmly, “and to the best of kny knowledge I have not the pleasure of Major Brennan's acquaintance.”

She suddenly lifted the heavy riding whip that was clenched In her right hand, struck me with it full across the face, and then, as I quickly flung up my own arm to ward off a second blow, she sent the lash swirling down upon the flank of her horse. With one bound the maddened animal wrenched the reins from out my hands, nearly dragging me from the saddle, and swerving sharply tc the left. There was a shock, a smothered oath, a moment’s fierce struggle in the darkness, the sharp ping of the whip as It came down once, twice — then silence, broken only by deep breathing. “I’ve got her, captain,” chuckled the sergeant, softly, *b*ut dog-gone If ] know what to do with her.” There was small sentiment of mercy tn my heart as I drew up toward them, for my cheek burned where the lash had struck as though scorched with fire; but when I saw her leaning helplessly forward on her horse’s neck, all bravado gone, her hands pinioned behind her in the iron grasp of the sergeant, my fierce resentment died away within me. “Let her hands go, Craig,” I commanded, briefly. She lifted her body slightly from its cramped, uncomfortable posture, but her head remained bowed.

“Madam,” —I spoke sternly, for moments were of value now—’’listen to what I say. We are Confederate soldiers passing through the Federal lines with dispatches. In order to save' ourselves from discovery and capture we were compelled to take you In charge. It was the fortune of war. If now we could honorably leave you here we would most gladly do so, for having you with us adds vastly to our own danger; but these mountains are simply overrun with wandering guerrillas who would show you neither respect nor mercy. We simply dare not, as honorable men, leave you here unprotected, and consequently you must continue to ride in our company. Now answer me plainly, will you proceed quietly, or shall we be compelled to tie you to your horse?” I knew she was crying; bu.t with an effort she succeeded In steadying her voice sufficient to reply: “I will go,” she said. “Thank you,” and I gravely lifted my hat as I spoke. “You have saved me a most unpleasant duty. You may ride on, sergeant; this lady and I will follow, as before.” She scarcely changed her posture as I spurred forward, riding now so close to her aide that I could feel the

I Quickly Flung Up My Arm to Ward Off a Second Blow.

flap of her saddle rise and fair against my knee. Whatever of evil she may have thought of us, I felt that she was sorry enough now’ for her hasty action, and I forgot the pain that yet stung me, and longed, without well knowing how, to tell her so. (To be Continued.)

BIBLE STUDY COUPON.

Bible and Tract Society, 17 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Kindly send me the Bible Studies marked below:— “Where Are the Dead?” “Forgivable and Unpardonable Sins.” “What Say the Scripture* Respecting Punishment?” “Rich Man In Hell.” “In the Cross of Christ We Glory.” “Most Precious Text.”—John 3:16. “End of the Age Is the Harvest.” “Length and Breadth, Height and Depth of God’s Love.” “The Thief In Paradise.” "Christ Our Passover Is Sacri> 1 ficed." "The Risen Christ.” “Foreordination and Election.” “The Desire of All Nations.” "Sin’s Small Beginnings.” “Paradise Regained.” “The Coming Kingdom.” "Sin Atonement.” "Spiritual Israel—Natural Is. rael." “The Times of the Gentiles.” “Gathering the Lord's Jewels.” “Thrust In Thy Sickle.” “Weeping All Night.” “Every Idle Word." “Refrain Thy Voice From Weeping" “What Is the Soul?" "Electing Kings.” “The Hope of Immortality.” “The King’s Daughter, the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife.” “Calamities—Why Permitted.” “Pressing Toward the Mark.” “Christian Science Unscientific and Unchristian.”. “Our Lord’s Return.” "The Golden Rule." “The Two Salvations.” “Liberty!” Name . Street City and State. Upon receipt of the above coupon we will send any one of these Bible Studies FREE; any three of them for 5 cents (stamps) or the entire 35 for 25 cents. SEND AT ONCE TO THE BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY, 17 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

A Rare Bargain In Envelopes.

The Democrat has just got in a bargain lot of about 100,000 envelopes in all the latest private correspondence sizes and colors, made from the finest bond papers, in linen finish, wallet and Gladstone flaps, which we will close out while they last at only 5 cents per package of twenty-five. These envelopes always sell at from 10c to 15c per package, but we bought the lot at a bargain price and can offer them to our customers at a like bargain. It will pay you to lay in a good supply of these fine envelopes before they are all gone. See display in The Democrat’s front window.

Lumber.

We want to sell you that bill of lumber you are figuring on getting. No matter how much or how little it may be that you want; of course you want the best and most that your money can buy. Our stock is complete and our prices as low as you can get. Estimates cheerfully figured.-—Rensselaer Lumber Co.

Read The Democrat for news.

Rosebud Farm and Mill, two ‘‘ miles east of Parr Phone 507- * B (Jasper Co.) Rensselaer Esr- • change, P. O. Parr, Ind. FOR SALE Clover hay in the mow, sl3 per ton. Purchaser must get It out. —AMOS H. ALTE£ & 1 SON, Parr, Ind., R-l,

COULD NOT SAY NO TO ADELAIDE

Major Atkinson, according to his wife's testimony, doesn’t know how to say no to Adelaide, his niece. This assertion is borne out by the fact that when Adelaide asked him to appear in Juvenile costume at what she called a “kid party,” which she was to “-give at his summer home, he consented with an outward smile and an inward groan. “I wish,” he said to his wife in private, “that Adelaide hadn’t insisted upon my taking part in this ridiculous affair of hers. In fact, I don’t see why she wants to give such a nonsensical party." “Why do you aid and abet her?” demanded his wife. “When I suggested that she think of something newer and more dignified, you immediately said, ‘Let her have any kind of party she pleases,’ ” “Well, one doesn’t like to be always interfering with her pleasures. There’s no particular harm in her having a child’s party, is there? But I know I shall feel like a perfect idiot dressed in the little girl’s early Victorian costume that Adelaide has picked out for me.” He glanced into the mirror and sighed as he stroked his graying Vandyke beard.

The afternoon of the party Adelaide, after tying the strings of a quaint little sunbonnet under the major’s beard, drew away and surveyed him from the top Of the sunbonnet to the tins of his white stockinged and black slippered feet “Uncle, you’re certainly the most excruciatingly funny sight I ever beheld,” she declared. “I’m so glad I found those pantalettes In grandma’s old trunk. They’re perfectly killing. You’ll make the hit of the evening.” “I suppose I’m what you’d call a screaming success,” said the major, somewhat wryly. “You don’t think I’m too complete, do you?” “No, you’re just—just lovely,” Adelaide squeezed the large sun browned hand of her uncle, half of which was neatly incased in a white lace mitt. “But with that cigar In your mouth you’re a sight to behold.” “Well, I must have a little smoke before your guests come, Adelaide. I’ll Just take my magazine and read and smoke on the lawn until the festivities begin.” A little later, as Mrs. Atkinson and Adelaide were putting the finishing touches on their own costumes, they saw a striking looking couple alight from a motor car and approach the major, who rose with his accustomed courtliness and greeted them. “Good gracious, Adelaide! Your uncle appears to be absolutely unconscious of his absurd attire,” exclaimed Mrs. Atkinson. “He is taking those people around the garden as unconcernedly as it he were dressed in a business suit. They must think he Is crazy! Here, I’ll slip on a long coat over my short skirt and run out and explain.” The major welcomed his wife with a smile. “I’m glad you joined us, niy dear, for I wish you to meet Professor and Mrs. Lee of the university, who have heard flattering reports of our garden and have come way out from |he city to see our rare roses. We are honored, I’m sure.” “I think,” said Mrs. Atkinson to the visitors, after acknowledging the introduction, “that you aye seeing something else quite as rare as our roses.” She laughed and looked at her husband.

“By Jove, I’d forgotten this fool fig,” exclaimed the major, with some temper. “I wonder what you can have thought of me.” “Well,” laughed Professor Lee, “the friends who told us about your roses said that some of your neighbors considered you rather eccentric to devote so much of your time to flowers. When we introduced ourselves I thought you were perhaps a trifle unusual in your dress.” “Unusual! I should think so,” exclaimed the major. Then, turning severely to his wife, he said: “I can’t see, my dear, why you ever permitted Adelaide to ge up such an idiotic party. I fear you give that girl her head too much.” He glanced down at his costume again. “This is really preposterous. Is that you calling, Adelaide? Yes, we’ll be there at once. You see, Mrs. Lee, the party is beginning and I’ve promised my niece to be In the grand march. You’ll join us, won’t you?”—Chicago Dally News.

Pet Funny Stories.

Authors are not above having a pet story to be told over and over again on occasion—and off, too. ' Emerson Hough, who in his novels deals with extremely serious topics, has a keen sense of humor and never tires of telling about a guide he once had on a fishing trip In the Adirondacks. This guide had also been employed by Grover Cleveland, and Dr. Henry van Dyke of Princeton university. ' Shortly after the birth of President Cleveland’s little daughter the chief executive went on a fishing trip and was delighted to learn that his guide had also become a father. “How much did your baby weigh at birth?” asked Mr. Cleveland. “Twenty-two pounds, sir,” answered the guide, “Twenty-two pounds!” exclaimed the president, in amazement; “why, my baby weighed but seven.”

Welsh Language Dying Out.

The decadence of the Welsh language Is evidenced by the statement that about 85 per cent, of the people of Wales know some English, while nearly 50 per cent speak no other language. ..

Mr. William A. Radford will answer questions and give adv tee FREE OF COST on all subjects pertaining to the subject of building, for the readers of this paper. On account of bls wide experience as Editor, Author and Manufacturer, he Is, without doubt, the highest authorityon all these subjects. Address all inquiries to William A. Radford, No. ITS West Jackson boulevard, Chicago, 111., and only enclose two-cent stamp for reply. Home building is a topic of perennial interest, for around it center all the tenderest and sweetest things of life. No higher aim has ever actuated the human heart or stimulated human ambition than that of establishing and owning a home. A Comfortable and roorjjy cottage like the one shown in the accompanying perspective and floor prans would cost only about $2,500 to build complete. This house is designed 26 by 28 feet in the main portion, with a story and a-half extension of 16 feet in the rear. When it comes to laying out good, large, square, sensible rooms, you have an advantage in a plan like this, because you have nothing to interfere with the principal living rooms. The extension is nicely laid out Into the different accessories belonging to the household workshop that are so beneficial in houses where families are large. Besides a good kitchen 10 by 15 feet, we get, on one side, a splendid pantry, and a porch where the Ice box looks perfectly at home, w’hlle on the other side there is a large bathroom and a good storeroom. At the entrance to the dining room, a sideboard Is built In, having an opening looking into each room. This large sideboatd Is built flush with the dining room side of the wall, and it is handy to the pantry—which is worth a great deal to the housekeeper. It works all right from the dining room side, because Lt does not break into the symmetry of the room. This is a style of house that takes well in the country, where a good deal of kitchen room and pantry room is needed, and where the kitchen is often used for a second dining room. In the country, conditions are different. Be as careful as you may, more or less mud or dirt is sure to be tracked into the house from the garden and the roadways. By having the bathroom and washroom away back

in the corner like this, the dirt is confined to the smallest possible section of the bouse. Generally the woman of the bouse occupies the bedroom on the first floor, where she can look after the meals and the necessary housework without a great deal of running up and down stairs. In country places especially, houses should be built with a view to making work as easy as possible for the mistress. It is difficult to get help, and this arrange-

First Floor Plan.

ment will be recognized as a great la-bor-saver. It would be difficult to plan a large house with so many conveniences for doing the work, on any other lines. There is an individuality about most houses. Some o* them are convenient and comfortable; while others are turned wrong way about, so that In doing the work you feel left-handed because everything comes the wrong A woman takes a good many steps a the course of„a year Just to over-

IDEAS FOR HOME BUILDERS

BY WMARADFORD

come faults in the house plan; but houses are, nevertheless, improving all the time. There has been a great change for the better in the last few years. I can see an Improvement every year. The public are demanding more comfort with less show than formerly. Plans are selected to fit climatic conditions and the circumstances and needs of the family aa never before. Many modifications are brought about by changes in the prices of building materials; but, upon the whole, houses are better and

Second Floor Plan.

more comfortable because of these changes. Lumber, in some sections of the country, is very scarce and highpriced, while cement and some other building materials have improved in quality and decreased in price. We have learned and are learning how to use lumber substitutes. Part of the exterior of this house, is covered with stucco instead of clapboards. Shingles etill retain their popularity as a roof covering; but there are other things that are recognized as being cheaper and quite as as good, if not better. , ' This house contains five bedrooms, which is unusual; but there are many families where five bedrooms are needed. It gives an opportunity to as-

sign rooms to boys and girls as they grow up, which is very desirable. They take an interest in their own rooms, and appreciate home Just that much better in consequence. it is not a very expensive house, either. With careful management, It may be built, under favorable circumstances, for abodt $2,500, which Includes hardwood floors and cement wainscoting for both kitchen and bathroom. This, of course, means that the 16-foot extension is floored with hardwood before the partitions are put in. It is a good, comfortable-looking house, appearing much like a solid, old-fashioned homer—and looks go a long way to make up the value of a piece of property. Sentiment depends in great measure upon looks, and sentiment controls values to a greater extent than is generally recognized.

Refreshing Bit of Devotion.

Some children were grouped about a rough looking huckster, whose horse had picked up a piece of bright paper. The huckster was quietly and tenderly removing it, and as he had finished he patted the animal's head and said to the children: That’s the finest little lady in Chicago. She’s my best girl—ain’t you, Nellie?” And he gave her a bit of sugar, while the children looked on in wondering admiration. Such a refreshing bit of devotion to see In the heart of a busy, hot city!— Chicago Tribune.

Woman a Prolific Inventor.

Mrs. Anna O. Hagestedt Is the only woman in America today who holds an aeroplane patent of ary bind, says a writer. She Is also the only person in the world who has a patent for a combination aeroplane, boat and motor for the land, water and the air Her inventions are the result of a lifetime of study, inspired by witnessing a balloon ascension when seven years old.