Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1887 — Milleis Dailghiter [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Milleis Dailghiter

BY CHAS. A. DEWITT.

John Malcolm was a millet whose millwheel broke the stillness of a little valley deep among the vine-clad hills of Maine, ■ome three miles from the village of T—. The greater part of his custom was derived from the country-folks who resided ronnd-abont, for T , though village in name had but little to sustain the prelense, if we except the railroad and the buildings which that great leveler of time and distance necessitates. There was little in the town itself to occasion a visitor, and but •eldom did a stranger appear in the neighborhood. unless some rambler, drawn thither by the beautiful scenery outlying the town, condescended to honor it with a brief stay, or when distant friends deigned to smile upon some inhabitant. Kitty Malcolm, the miller’s only child, was a wayward young miss of seventeen summers, whoso beauty, grace, and sweet manners made wholly irresistible even her wayward disposition. She was the one being in th;it little valley aronnd whom centered the entire friendship of the people, a very oasis in_ the desert; a sunbeam in the midst of darkness, ns many a rnral •wain declared, whose heart had gone ont in nnsongbt admiration of the miller’s daughter. Now, Kitty Malcolm, though undeniably pretty, and, as is th> case with most young ladies possessed of more than ordinary beantv, was well aware of the fact, vet she, bad not lost that native Simplicity so becoming to youth, the springtime of which has been passed amid the familiar scenes of a country village, and among a people whose rustic hearts know not the fulsome flattery so common among that class of ■ociety which makes np the elite of the city world. Bom at the old homestead near the mill, bred in an atmosphere of absolute purity of thought and speech, reared in a household whidh equalled in religious zeal those ot the Puritans of old, the life of Kitty Malcolm had always been of the co-uimon-place order, except on occasions when the natural wiidness of her' disposition, which was the source of great anxiety to her worthy mother, led her into the commission of some mischievous prank or madcap feat, which often brought her more sorrow than joy, although she took great pleasure and pride in the act itself. Her nature was like that of a half-broken colt, Who, though he lias felt the bit. has not become enough accusiomed to its action but that he may at times feel it incumbent upon himself to maintain his rights by running away. One pleasant day Miss Kitty, who was an ardent lover of nature, though she scarce knew why, and who had oft expressed a wish which still remained ungratitfed, to be able to draw or paint the many beautiful •cenes which met her view among the hills, concluded to pm into execution a longcherished scheme, which was nothing more or less than to pay, a visit to a huge cliff of rock which overhung the valley from a hill-point a mile or more from her home. It was said by the few who had visited the place to be a most interesting and romantic ■pot, besides being one of the most dangerous in that locality, not only from the difficulty of obtaining a 6ufficieutlv firm footing to make one’s way in safety to the summit, but from the faet that it "bid been discovered that the immense promoniory was penetrated by small openings and caverns of considerable size, which made it a charming rendezvous for poisonous reptiles and numerous wild animals. But Kitty was light-hearted, careless, and unbelieving of existing danger, so when the opportunity offered on this beautiful afternoon came, she slipped away with the remark to her mother: “It is so pleasant, mother, that 1 think I will take a walk m the woods. " “Well, daughter, go for your walk, but come home early and stop at the mill for yonr father,” was the reply of Mrs. Malcolm. who, haiftihe dreamed of Kitty’s intended destination, would have peremptorily forb'ddeu her going. /: Armed with her mother’6 unconscious pet mission to go -where she chose, Kitty chose to visit “Black Point," as the ledge of rock-* was known. Setting out at a brisk puce she was soon at the foot of the bil; looking np at the hate mass of rocks katiciii d.nk and lowering overhead, their raggeJ outlines made still by the

scraggy growth which found Ufa In the ’dark crevices. But if shs was to visit the summit and get hoihe before nightfall, no time waa to be lost, so swinging her sunhat over her arm aba began Ihe ascent. Step by step she neared the forbidding mass, and cbe paused to thiuk of the many things she bad heard and read which seemed applicable to Ihe place. She could not help woudering what ahe should do were ahe to be placed in circumstances like unto those in which novelists sometimes place their heroines, for Kitty was a dreamer and possessed of dreamy ideas, and felt that soma time in her life would come a moment of unusual interest and power, sunounded with that romance for which the human heart so longs. Nearer and nearer she approached the base of the frowning rocks. She stood beneath their shadow and their damp struck a chill to her hitherto buoyant spirits for a moment. Then she discovered a curiosity

in the way of animal life which she had never seen, and, with an exclamation of delight upon-her lips she reached out lo grasp it, when she he ird near at hand a voice low and faint saying: , •For the love of God, if you are a human being, help an unfortunate creature!” ' Startled beyond measure, Kitty drew back iu the shadow of the rocks, and listened intently, when again came the words: “Help, help, in the name of God, for I am dying!” Roused now by the fact that a human being Was lying near at hand, in the agony of death, Kitty cried in a loud voice. “Where are you? What is the matter?” The answer came almost immediately from a dump of brush to the left of where she stood, and where the rocks were more rough and ragged than at any other point of the ascent: “Here, here, below you! I fell from the cliff and am badly hurt.” Kitty sprang forward, a'nd lightly stepping from stone to stone, neared the piece where the unfortunate sufferer lay. guided by the moans which, ever and anon, emanated from his palo lips. Reaching the spot, quite hidden from the casual eye by the thick undergrowth, Kitty saw lying at full length upon the ground the figure of a man who with almost superhuman efforts was trying to raise himself to a eitting posture by the aid of his left arm, his right lay limp and helpless beside him. The effort was too great and he fell back with a groan as Kitty reached his side. “What is the matter? How came you here? Are you much hurt?” she queried, almost in the same breath.

“I am a traveler and came through here to see the country, and losing my way came upon yonder rocks. While trying to find a place of easy descent I missed my footing and fell. I have been here since yesterday noon and have been unable to make myself heard by any one. I heard your voice and called out for help,” was the reply of the man, who certainly presented a pitiful sight. His face, which was that of one young in years and destitute of hirshute adornment, except for a wavy brown mustache which graced his upper lip, would have been called handsome had not its beauty.been marred by several bruises and cuts, one of which extended across the broad forehead, and his features were distorted with pain and suffering. “Where are you injured?"inquired Kitty, who, now that she saw-the helpless condition of the stranger, was fast gaining command over her nervous excitement, and whose evident suffering had "awakened in her that sympathy so natural to women. “My right arm is broken, I think, and I have little use of my limbs,” he replied, “for I cannot move.” “Then I must go for .help. Can you wait till I can send some one to remove you?” asked our heroine. “Necessity knows no other law than obedience,” responded the stranger, “and as I cannot help myself, I must wait for some one to help me.” So, after arranging the injured man as comfortably as possible, Kitty started rapidly down the steep hill, and was swiftly on her way home, calling back* as she went: “Be patient, and lie perfectly still. I will soon have assistance'for you.” She hurried ns fast ns her feet could carry hdr to the mill where she found he? father, and imparted to him the knowledge that a stranger had fallen from Black Point and was lying there badly injured. The miller hastened forth and soon made the circumstances known to a few of the nearest neighbors, and a rescuing party was' soon on its way to the assistance of the unfortunate traveler. Kitty was sent home to prepare a room, for the miller’s hospitable heart would not permit lxim to allow the stranger to be taken to other quarters than his own house. While preparing the room Kitty told her mother the history of her walk, and what had come of it, and that worthy woman was so much excited by the news of the accident that she neglected to scold her daughter for going to the place which she had timq>and again been notified to shun. Arrangements had scarcely been completed for the comfort of the expected guest when the miller and his party returned .with a litter bearing the wonnded mau. The doctor, a surgeon of the old school, who had been summoned from T——made- ae-examinaiicn qf the injuries, and pronounced it as his opinion that with rest and good nursing the patient would soon be able to attend bis customary vocation, unlees tbe bones which he hail set and properly adjusted were unusually slow in healing.

The duty of caring for tbe invalid devolved trpon Kitty and her mother, but the time of the latter being greatly occupied with her hou-ehold cares, Kilty found herself practically in charge of the sick-room, a position bv no means unpleasant since her charge had given evidence of rare conversational power<, and it needed only hex presence to awaken them into activity. When sonewhat recovered from the exposure and exhan-tion consequent upon the accident he had told -Ms host that Ms name was James Argyle, and that? as artist by profession, and in pursuance ol the 'Bohemian life be was wont to lead, lit had started overland to vißit the points ol

interest in their neighborhood when he met with the mishap that made him an uninvited gueat of the family. That he waa liberaiiy supplied with money he soon gave proof, ana his fine linen and the jewels which adorned it were certainly evidence that he had been no sluggard. One thing, however, dampened the enthusiasm of the miller when speaking of his guest, and that was the fact that never, by word or sign, bad he intimated where he was from or whether he had friends or relatives who would be anxious to know of his whereabouts. Neither had he shown any disposition to let the inquiring Kitty see any of his artist work, and the miller was often heard to remark in an undertone:-? " " y “It’s mighty queer, if he is well known, that he don’t waist his friends to know where he is.” \ Time wore on, and Mr. Argyle continued to improve so rupidly that ere two months

had passed he was able to walk about in the doorynrd, occasionally straying as far as the mill; then he would find his way back to the side of Kitty Malcolm. Ah, Kitty! The handsome face and distinguished boariug of James Argyle were playing sad havoc with the heart of the miller’s daughter, and when unobserved he would press her hand or whisper some tender word, the quick flush of her cheek and the glad light in her eye gave token that he was not unheeded. As the days flew by it was rumored that the stranger’s stay was being prolonged beyond anything needful by the bright eyes of Kitty Malcolm, and rural swains grew jealous of his presence. There was one among these to whom Kitty had given lunch encouragement, and he, more than others, resented the ariist’s attentions. Arthur Jones was the son of the poorest man in the neighborhood, but his own honesty and industry, coupled with his integrity of character, made him a general favorite. Though not remarkable for intelligence,' he was stable and firm as a rock, unswerving in devotion and selfsacrificing in purpose to the calls of truth and honor. Lovjng Kitty Malcolm with an earnestness seldom equalled, he was/inexpressibly pained when he heard that the miller had given his consent to the marriage of his daughter to James Argyle. Then,feeling that the life happiness of the woman he loved was at stake, Arthur Jones bent his whole energy to the task of proving to his own satisfaction that Kitty was not about to trust her life in the hands of one who would soon tire of her companionship, and to this

end began a systematic effort to unravel the past of his successful and more polished rival. Letters of inquiry were sent to all the principal cities, giving the name of James Argyle and his occupation of artist, but the invariable reply was: “We know nothing of the person you inquire about.” Fully one-half the country-side had been asked to witness the marriage, which was to take place on the 25th of September. As the time approached Arthur Jones grew more despondent, .and despaired of ever solving the mystery of the man’s life, if mystery it was. On the morniug of the day on which the wedding was to take place, Arthur had been to the village postoffiee, as was his usual custom, and was returning homeward when he was overtaken by two men, who questioned him closely as to the visitors who had been in the neighborhood of late, asking their names and a minute description of each. When the name of James Argyle was mentioned and his description given a look of meaning passed between the two, and when ~ told that he was to that day marry the belle of the village they thanked their informer and rode rapidly away. Arthur pbndered the matter for some time and being unable to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, dismissed the subject from liis mind and prepared to attend tfie wedding. The appointed hour cam 9 and the little ehapnel was filled with those who had come to witness the ceremony. The bride and groom stood at the chancel rail and the old minister was about to pronounce the words that would make them man and wife, when down the aisle strode...two men who approached the expectant groom from each side, seized and hand-cuffed him, while one of them said in.a loud voice: “I forbid the ceremony. This man is an escaped convict. George Howard yon are my prisoner.” Great excitement prevailed amid which the waiting bride fainted and was borne from the church to her heme. Afters the tumult caused by the unexpected interruption had somewhat subsided the officers, for such they were, stated that the prisoner,George Howard, alias James Argyle, had escaped from the New Hampshire State prison, where he was serving a life-sen-tence for the murder of his wife, a gill of about 18 years. They had traced him from place to place, and had luckily discovered him in the very nick of time, as the sequel showed. The people were so indignant that it was with the utmost difficulty they were persuaded to lot the law take its course. Cooler counsel prevailed, however, and the murderer, Howard, was given in charge of the officers who took him back to his prison. For many weeks the life of Kitty Malcolm was dispaired of, the shock having proven too much for her nervous system, but she finally recovered, and a year afterward was happily married to Arthur Joses, the strength qf whose devotion she began to realize. Her former dreamy ideas and romatic fancies were swept .away. and she settled down into a quiet, staid matron, whose whole life seemed wrapped up in her i love for her husband and children. She i never made anv reference to her narrpw S escape from being the wife of a felon, until i she read in one of the papers from the city , how he had been killed by a guard while again attempting to escape, when she ex- | claimed: ! “Thank-G-od-for bis kindness to me.” She is growing old now, and the past is I a sealed book, yet many, of the simple pco--1 pie never tire of telling their friends of the j jus- a when they were youug and saw the occurrences, here given, in the romance of “Kilty Mtlcolm, the Miller s Daughter.*

The Interpretation of Animal Act lons. Many of ’ the performances of the lower animals, if accomplished by men, would be regarded as indications of the possession of marvelous genius. In the brutes they are regarded as the outcome of “mere instinct,” by which is meant an endowment acting blindly anti incapable either of philosophic explanation or of modification. While the fact seems to be that instincts, as they exist, are the result of inherited experiences accumulated through considerable periods of time; that they may lie modified, and are constantly lieing mollified by new experiencesthat they may be lost or replaced, and mnch more that we have still to learn. Many of the instincts of animals are so far removed from any knowledge or faculty we possess that they are at present inexplicable. But man must learn to say “I don’t know” about a great many things still, instead of assuming the validity of explanations which are not true solutions at all, but mere assumptions. And at this point allow me to indicate a danger that should make us cautions and modest in attempting to explain the behavior of animals. We infer from our fellow-man’s behavior similarity of motive and mental processes to our own under like circumstances. We find, the more experience we have, that we are often at fault as to both. And when we are more free from the tliralldrom of so-called systems and methods in education we may learn that the activities of the human mind cannot be reduced in all persons to precisely the one plan, like so much clockwork. This may mar somewhat the completeness and beauty of our philosophy of education, but it may also in the end conduce to human progress by providing the greater freedom, and end in insurtiug an individuality of character which seems to be now rapidly disappearing.- Now, if individual men so differ in psychic behavior, kow much more is it likely that still greater differences hold for the lower animals! An objection may be based, however, on this to the whole study of comparative psychology. The objection holds to some extent even for human psychology, but as we infer similarity of behavior in men to denote similarity of inner processes, so are we justified in the same as regards the lower animals, though it must be conceded somewhat less so. We must always be prepared to admit that there may be psychic paths unknown and possibly unknowable to us in the realm of their inner life. But if we regard man as the outcome of development through lower forms according to variation with natural selection—in a word, if a man is the final link in a long chain binding the whole animal creation together we have the greater reason for inferring that comparative psychology and human psychology have common roots. — Popular Science Monthly.

“Are you much hurt ?” she qa cried.