Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 September 1902 — Page 2

A SISTER'S VENGEANCE

By CEORCE MANVILLE FENN

CHAPTER Xll.—(Continued.) Humphrey could not hear all that was said, but a word fell upon his ear from time to ■ time, and as he pieced these words together it seemed as if the speaker were declaiming against tyranny and oppression, and calling upon his hearers to help him to put an end to the state of affairs existing. • Then came an excited outburst, as the speaker must have turned his face toward the door, for these words came plainly: “The end of it will be that they’ll escape, and bring a man-of-war down upon us, and all through his fooling.” A murmur arose. _____ “He's gone mad, I tell you all; and if you like to choose a captain for yourselves, choose one, and I'll follow him like a man; but it’s time something was done if we want to live." Another burst of murmurs rose here. “He’s mad, I tell you, or he wouldn’t keep him like that. So what’s it to be, my lads, a new captain or the yard-arm?” CHAPTER XIII. The time glided on. and Humphrey always knew when his captor was at sea, for the severity of his imprisonment was then most felt. The lieutenant, Mazzard, was always left in charge of the place, but Bart remained behind by the captain’s orders, and at these times Humphrey was sternly ordered tp keep to his prison. Dinny came and went, but. try him how he would, Humphrey could get nothing from him for days and days. The tide turned at last. “Well, sor,” said Dinny one morning, “I’ve been thinking it over a great dale. I don’t like desarting the captain, who has been like a brother to m«; but there’s Misthress Greenheys, and love’s a wonderful excuse for a many things.” More days passed, and every stroll outside his prison had to be taken by Humphrey with Bart ns close to him as his shadow. Dinny kept away again, and the plan to escape might as well have never been uttered. Bart always went well armed with his prisoner, and seemed unusually suspicious, as if fearing an attempt at escape. Dinny’s little widow came no more, and the hours grew so irksome with the confinement conseqnent upon the captain’s absence that Bart longed for his return. One qiorning Bart’s manner showed that something had occurred. His sour tace wore a smile, and he was evidently greatly relieved of his responsibility as ibe said to the prisoner: "There, yon can go out.” “Has the captain returned?” Bart delivered himself of a short nod. “Tell him I wish to see him. Bid him come here.” ''What! the skipper? You mean, ask Slim if I may take you to him, and he’ll •ce you.” “I said, Tell your skipper to come kere!" said Humphrey, drawing himself «p as if he were on the quarterdeck. “Tell him I wish to see him at once.” Bart drew .« long breath. "Then, smiling grimly, lie slowly left the place: The buccaneer, who looked anxious and dispirited. was listening to some complaint made by his lieutenant, and angry Words were passing which made Bart •s he heard them hasten his steps, ind 3ools sharply from one to the other as he entered. Black Mazznrd scowled, his face being TilUinous without. “Well,” he said aloud, “I’ve warned you!” aud he strode out of the old chamber which formed the captain’s quarters. “You two been quarreling?” said Bart, •harply. “The dog's insolence is worse than ever!” cried the captain, with flashing eyes. “Bart, I don’t want to shed the blood of the man who has been my officer, but ” “Let someone else bleed him,” growled Hart. “Dick would; Dinny would give Anything to do it. We’re 'bout tired of ihim. I should like the job myself.” “Silence!” said the captain, sternly. “No, speak; tell me, what has been going on since I’ve been away?” “Black Mazzard?” The captain nodded. “Half the time he's spent In the south Tuins preaching to the men.” “Preaching?” “Yes, with you for a text. Just in liis old way; but I've been too busy with the prisoner. He wants you!” The buccaneer sprang to his feet. “He wants me—he has sent for me?” be cried, eagerly. “You'll go?” “Yes. Perhaps he has something to •ay in answer to an offer I rnade.” “An offer?” “Yes, Bart, to join us, and be one of — my lieutenants.” - “Join ns. and be your lieutenant?” cried Bart. “Yes. my friend. I like him for the sake of his old generous ways, and I like him for his present manliness.” “You—like him?” “Yes. It is not impossible, is It. that 1 should like to have a friend?” “Friend?” “Yes!” said the captain, sternly; “another friend! Don't stare, man, and think of the past. Mary Del] died, and Abel Dell still lives—Commodore Junk, seeking to take vengeance upon those who cut that young life short.” “Look here,” said Bart, who gasped •s he listened to his companion's wild utterances; “arc you going toad?’ “No, Bart; I am as sane as yon.” “But. you said ” “What I choose to say. man. Let me believe all that if I like. Do you suppaw I do not want some shield against the stings of my own thoughts? I choose to think all that and it shall be so. You •ball think it too. I am Commodore Jnnk. •ad if I wish this man to be my friend, sad he consents, it shall be so!” Humphrey was beginning to feel the thrill of returning strength in his veins, «*d it brought with it his old independence es spirit and the memory that he had bees trained to role. His little, cpiaade with Bart that morning had roused him a little, and prepared him for bis •■counter with the buccaneer captain, ■poo whom he felt he was about tp contor a favor. :

A smile played about his lips as n step drew nearer. The buccaneer entered the chamber. He stood gazing down at the handsome, manly figure of his prisoner. Then a frown puckered his brow, and he said, quietly: “Asleep?” “No,” said Humphrey; “no, my good fellow. I was only thinking.” The buccaneer frowned a little more heavily as he listened to his prisoner’s cool, careless words, and felt the contemptuous tone in which he was addressed. “You sent for me,” he said, harshly, and his voice sounded coarse and rough. “Well,” said Humphrey, with insolent -contempt, “how many ships have you plundered—how many throats have you cut this voyage?" The buccaneer’s eyes seemed to flash as he took a step forward, and made an angry gesture. But he checked himself on the instant, and, with a faint smile, replied: “Captain Armstrong is disposed to be merry. Why have you sent for me?” “Merry!” said Humphrey, still ignoring the question; “one need be, shut up in this tomb. Well, you are back again?” “Yes, 1 am back again,” said the buccaneer, smoothing his brow, and declining to be angry with his prisoner for his insulting way. “It is but the pecking of a prisoned bird,” he said to himself. “And not been caught aud hanged yet? I was in hope that I had seen the last of you.” “1 have heard tell before of prisoners reviling their captors,” said the buccaneer, quietly. “Revile! Well, is it not your portion?” “For treating you with the consideration due to a gentleman?” said the buccaneer. whose features grew more cairn nud wbc.se eyes brightened as if from satisfaction at finding the prisoner so cool and daring, and in how little account he was held. “I have given orders that the prisoner should be treated well. Is there unything more I can do?” The harsh, grating voice had grown soft, deep, rich and mellow, while the dark, flashing eyes seemed to have become dreamy as they rested upon -the prisoner’s handsome, defiant face. “Yes,” said Humphrey, bitterly; “give me my liberty.” •The buccaneer shook his head. “Curse you! No; you profess to serve me —to treat me well—and you keep me here barred up like some wild beast whom yon have caged.” “Barred—caged!” said the buccaneer, raising his eyebrqws. “You have freedom to wander where you will.” “Bah! freedom!” cried Humphrey, springing up. “Curse, you! why dou’t 1 strangle you where you stand?” At that moment there was a rustling among the leaves outside the window, and Humphrey burst into a mocking laugh. “How brave!” he cried. “The buccaneer captain comes to see his unarmed prisoner, and his guards wait outside the doorway, while another party stop by the window, ready to spring in.” The buccaneer's face turned of a deep, dull red —the glow of annoyance, as he strode to the window an 3 exclaimed fiercely; “Why are you here? Go!” “But ” “Go, Bart,” said the buccaneer, more quietly. “Captain Armstrong will nut iujure me.” There was a heavy rustling sound among the leaves and the buccaneer made as if to go'to the great curtain; but he checked himself, turned, and said, smiling sadly: “Captain Armstrong will believe me when 1 tell him that there is no one out there. Come, sir, you have sent for me. You have thought well upon all I said. All this has been so much angry petulance, and you are ready to take me by the hand —to become my friend. No, no; hear me You do not think of wbat your life here may be.” “That of a pirate—a murderer!” cried Humphrey, scornfully. “No,” said the buccaneer, flushing once more. “I am rich. All that can be something of the past. This land is mine, and here we can raise up a nation, for my followers are devoted to me.' Come! are we to be friends?” “Friends!” cried Humphrey, scornfully—“a new nation —your people devotedwhy, man, I sent for you to warn you!” . “You —to warn me?’ “Yes. One of your followers is plotting against jhu. He has been addressing your men; and if you don’t take care you will be elevated over your people in a way more lofty than pleasant to the king of a new nation.” “I understand your sneers, sir,” sajd j the buccaneer, quietly; and there was I more sadness than anger in his tone, j “They are unworthy of the brave man I who has warm'd me of a coming danger, , | and they are from your lips, sir, not from j the heart of the grave adversary I have > vowed to make my friend.” I Humphrey winced, for the calm, re- ! proaebful tone roused him, and he stood I there frowning as the buccaneer went ! on. “As to the plotting agaipst nre, 1 ans al-ways-prepared for that. A man in my position makes many enemies. Even you have yours.” “Y>s—you,” cried Humphrey. “No; lam a friend. There, I thank you for your warning. It is a proof, though 1 yeti do not know it, that the gap between |us grows less. Some day. Captain Armstrong, you will take my hand. Wo shall be friends.” Humphrey remained silent as the buccaneer left the chamber, and, once more alone, the prisoner asked himself if this was true—that he had really bidden fare^ [ well to civilisation forever, and this was to be bis home, this Strange compound of j savage fierceness and gentle friendliuess his companion to the end? CHAPTER XIV. Humphrey Armstrong walked on blindly further and further into the forest, for he was moved more deeply than ever he bad been moved before. The presence of this man was hateful to him, and yet he seemed to possess an influence rhat was inexplicable; and his soft, deep tones rang in his ears now he was away. “Good heavens!" he cried, “what an

end to an officer’s career—the lieutenant M a wreached pirate king! New nation! Bah! what madness!” He sat down with his head resting upon his hand, gazing back along the narrow path, when, to his horror, just coming into view, he saw the figure of the buccaneer appoaching_ with head bent and arms crossed over Bis chest, evidently deep in thought. Humphrey started up and backed away round a curve before turning, and-walked - swiftly along the path, looking eagerly for a track by which he could avoid another encounter, when for the first time he became aware of the fact that he was i nthe way leading to an old temple which bad (men formed into a mausoleum, and, unless he should be able to find another path, hound for the ancient structure. He climbed up the doorway and looked back. All was silent and dim as he stooped and entered, stepping cantionsly on, nnd then, as soon as well sheltered, turning to gaze back. Just then the buccaneer came into sight and walked slowly toward the old temple. There was no time for further hesitation. He must either boldly meet the buccaneer or hide, He chose the latter course, stepping cautiously into one of the recesses behind a sitting figure, where he could stand in complete darkness and wait till the buccaneer had gone. The latter entered the next moment, and Humphrey felt half mad with himself at his spy-like conduct, for as he saw dimly the figure enter, he heard a low, piteous moan, and saw him throw himself upon his knees beside a draped coffin, his hands clasped, and his frame bending with emotion, as in a broken voice he prayed aloud. His words were incoherent, and but few of the utterances reached the listening man’s ears, as he bit his lips with anger, and then listened with wonder at what seemed a strange revelation of character. “Oh, give me strength!” he murmured. “I swore revenge —on all —for the wrongs —for tire-death —loved —strength to fight down this weakness—to be—self—for strength—for strength—to live —revenge — death.” The last word of these agonized utterances was still quivering upon the air as if it had been torn from the speaker's breast, when the dimly seen doorway was suddenly darkened and there was a quick movement. \ Humphrey Armstrong’s position was one which enabled him, faint as was the light, to see everything—the draped coffin, the kneeling figure bent over it, and a great crouching form stealing softly behind, as if gathering for a spring. There was the dull gleam of steel uplifted by the figure bending over the buccaneer. Assassination, without douljt. The moment of peril had come, lightly as it had been treated, and, stirred to the heart by the treachery and horror of the deed intended, Humphrey sprang from his»place of concealment, struck the buccaneer’s assailant full in the chest, and they rolled over together'on the temple floord. “Quick, lads, help!” shouted the man whom Humphrey had seized, two companions rushed in for a general melee to ensue at terrible disadvantage, for the assailants were armed with knives and those they assailed defenseless as to weapons. Humphrey knew this to his cost in the quick struggle which ensued. He had writht-d round as he struggled with the would-be murderer, and contrived to get uppermost, when a keen sense of pain passing through one of his arms, made Mm loosen his hold for a moment, end the next he was dashed back. He sprang up, tbqugh, to seize his assailant, uti/ng by the pain into a fit of savage as he clasped an enemy, be found that it was not his first antagonist, but a lesser man, with whom he closed fiercely just as the fellow was striving to get out of the doorway- a purpose he effected, dragging Humphrey with him. The passage was darker than the inner temple, where hoarse panting and the sounds of contention were still going on, oaths, cusses and commands uttered in a savage voice to “Give it him now!” — “Now strike, you fool!”—“Curse him, he’s like an epl!”—and the like came confusedly through the doorway, as, smarting with pain and grinding his teeth with rage, Humphrey struggled on in the passage, savagely determined to retain this one a prisoner, as he fought to get the mastery of the knife. How it ill occurred was more than he could afterward clearly arrange in his own mind; what he could recall was that the pain weakened him, and the man with whom he struggled wrenched his left arm free, snatched the knife he held from his right hand, and would have plunged it into Humphrey’s breast had not the latter struck him a sharp blow upward in the face so vigorously that the knife fell tinkling on the ground, aud the struggle w*s resumed upon more equal terms. It_ was a matter of less than a minute, during which Humphrey fought less for life than to master his assailant and keep him a prisoner. They had been down twice, tripping the stonestrewn pavement, and once Humphrey had been, fenced against the wall, but by a sadden spring Tie had driven his oppo-" nent backward, and they were struggling in the middle of the opening, when a wild shriek rank out from the inner temple—a erf which seemed to curdle the young officer’s blood—and this was followed by a .rush of someone escaping. His retreat was only witnessed by one, for the struggle was continued on the floor. The two adversaries, locked in a tight embrace, strove to reach their feet, and, panting and weak, Humphrey had nearly succeed in so doing, when his foe forced him backward, and he fell to cling to the ragged stonework. For as he was driven back the flooring seemed to trumble away beneath hit feet; there was a terrible jerk, and he found himself hanging by his bands, bis enemy clinging to him still, and the weight upon his muscles seeming as if It would tear them apart. In the hurry and excitcnu-nt Humphrey conld hardly comprehend bis position for the moment. The next he understood it too well, for the stone which had given way fell with a hideous, echoing noise, which came from a terrible distance below. Almost in total darkness, his hands cramped into the interval between two masses of broken stone which formed part of the debris of the roof above, hanging over a hideous gulf at the fall stretch of his arms, and with his adversary’s bands fixed talon-like in garb and dress as he strove to clamber up him to the floor above. At every throe, as the man strove to

grip Hmapßrey with his knees tp4 climb up, some fragment of stone rushed down, to fall far beneath, splashing and echo* ing with a repetition of sounds that robbed Mm es sneb strength as remained to him, and a dreamy sensation came on apace. “It is the end,” thought Humphrey, fOr his fingers felt as if they were yielding, and in another minute he knew that he must fall, when the grip upon blip increased, and the man who clung utteved a hoarse yell for help. “Quick!” he shrieked. = ‘l’m letting go!” But at that Instant something dark seemed to come between him and the gleaming wet stone away above him in the roof, and then there was quite an avalanche of small stones gliding by. (To be continued.)

WISE AND UNWISE COACHINC.

Superiority of the English Method Oyer the American. The Englishman perhaps understands better than the American that in endeavoring to get the best possible work out of men In athletic training, care must be taken not to make them nervous. The English “coach” talks pleasantly to his men, and in the course of an afternoon on the river they get a fairly good idea of the required stroke The American, according to John Oortoin, the author of “An American at Oxford,” is likely to be brusque, if not violent. He says: When I tried for the freshman ejew in America, I was put, with seven other unfortunates, into a huge clinker bwrge, in charge of the sophomore coxswain. On the first day I was told to mind the angle on my oar. The third day the coxswain wrought himself Into a fury, and swore at me for not keeping the proper angle. When I glanced out at my blade he yelled: “Keep your eyes in the boat!” again with an oath. This upset me so that I forgot thereafter to keep a flat back at the finish of the stroke. When we touched the float he jumped out, loSkretb at my back, brought Ms boot against it sharply, and told me there was no use in trying to row unless I could hold a flat back and swing my body between my knees. That night I sat on a dictionary with my feet against the foot-board, and tried these injunctions until my back seemed torn into fillets; but it would not come flat. I never went down to the river again, and it was two J'ears before I summoned courage to try another sport

ANNUAL SLAUGHTER

On American Railroads Exceeds Number of Casualties in Two Wars. In the first three months of the year 813 persons were killed and 9,958 wounded by railroad collisions and accidents of all kinds. Of this total 53 passengers only were killed and 826 Injured; all the rest were railroad employes. This large crop of deaths hnd wounds was the fruit of 1,220 collisions and 838 derailments. These figures are made public by the Interstate Commerce Commission. They cover only a quarter of a year. Multiplied by four, wa get these as the probable totals for the full year: Killed, 3,252; wounded, 39,832. v That is to say, a larger number of persons are killed every year on our railroads than were killed in the war with Great Britain from 1812 to 1815 and the war with Mexico from 1846 to 1843 added together, and five times as many are wounded as were wounded in both those historic conflicts. Yet if these figures for 1902 are not exceeded they will be a marked Improvement over those for 1900, In which year 7,855 persons were killed and 50,320 wounded on United States railroads, which exceeded the combined totals of the Union soldiers killed and wounded in the terrific battles of Antletam, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. Surely peace hath her sacrifices no less shocking than war. Is it not possible to make railroad operation less destructive of human life nnd limb? —■New. Yofk World.

Enthusiasm of a Dying Scientist.

The first penguin we met, says Prof. C. E. Borchgrevink, the Antarctic explorer, In Leslie’s Monthly, arrived on the 14th of October, 1899, at Cape Adair, in South Victoria Land, thus long before the Ice had broken up. I killed him at the request of my zoologist, who was dying at the time. The man knew that his death was only a question of hours, but he had looked forward to the arrival of the birds, and the news of this first arrival excited him. He begged us to kill and dissect the bird before him, although he himself was to follow the bird into the mystery of death half an hour afterwards, and he knew it. He showed the utmost Interest In the operation, and dictated scientific notes ns he watched It till within fifteen minutes of Ills dissolution.

Doubtful.

“No,” said the capitalist, “I shall not invest in your Invention. I very seriously question its practicability and Its importance.” “For what reason?” “Because no one has come forward with a claim that you stole it from him.”—Washington Star.

Fuel Scarce In Mexico.

One of the greatesft drawbacks In Mexico Is the scarcity of fuel. Hopes are placed In the probable discovery of oil In paying quantities. ,

A Natural Accompaniment.

Oaths were constantly in society In London 100 years ago. With the Introduction of golf they are again becoming fashionable. When two cats pull off a fight after

CROP AVERAGES HIGH

GOVERNMENT MONTHLY REPORT GIVES FIGURES. These Ape Well Above the Ten-Yekr Level—Corn Percentage Is 84.3—The Outlook Is Bright, bat Much Yet Depends on the Weather. The monthly report of the statistician of the Department of Agriculture shows the average condition of corn on Sept. 1 to have been 84.3, as sompared with 86.5 on Aug. 1, 1902, 51.7 on Sept 1, 1901, 80.6 at the corresponding date in 1900 and a ten-year average of 78.8. Except in Kansas and Sonth Dakota, which report a decline of 12 points and 10 points respective!jr during August, no material change of condition is reported from any of the principal corn States, and except those of the South and the State of Michigan they again report condition averages in excess of their respective averages for the last ten years. The report continues: * Notwithstanding its marked decline since August, Kansas reports a condition of 91, or 25 points above its ten-year average, while Nebraska and Missouri exceed their respective ten-year average by 85 and 22 points respectively; Indiana, OMo, Illinois and lowa by 16, 11, 14 and 10 points respectively, and Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota by 6, 4 and 3 points respectively. The crop, however, is so late that throughout the entire northern portion of the belt predictions of more than an average crop are invariably made contingent upon the immediate advent and continuance for some days of the most favorable conditions of weather. Condition of Wheat Crop. The average Condition at harvest of winter and spring wheat combined was 80, against 82.8 last year, 69.6 in 1900 and a ten-year average of 78.0. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois report 13, 18, 15 and 21 points, and North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri 20, 24, 25 and 25 points respectively above their ten-year average; the condition in Minnesota differs only one point from the State’s ten year average, while Pennsylvania and California repjrt 5 points below the ten-year average, lowa 12 points below, and Kansas, with a condition of 49, 23 points below the tenyear average of the State. The average condition of oats when harvested was 87.2, against 72.1 last year, 82.9 in 1900 and a ten-year average of 79.7. While correspondents report the harvesting of an exceptionally large crop of oats, there are indications that the crop will be very deficient in point, of quality. This, however, will be more fully reported upon in December, when the final returns as to the yield per acre are sent in. Of the ten States having 1,000,000 acres or upward in oats lowa alone reports a condition comparing favorably with its ten-year average. New York reports the phenomenally high condition of 107, t)re highest reported from that State since 1877 and 24 points above its ten-year average; Wisconsin, 100, its highest since 1882 and 15 points above its ten-year average; Ohio, 100, its highest since 1883 and 13 points above its ten-year average; Michigan, 99, its highest since 1884 nnd 17 points above its ten-year average; Pennsylvania, 98, its highest since 1895 and 16 points above its ten-year average; Indiana, 96, its highest since 1894 and 10 points above its ten-year average; Minnesota, 95, its highest since 1895 and 11 points above its ten-year average; Nebraska, 86, its highest since 1897 and 20 points above its ten-year average, and Illinois, 86, or 6 points above its ten-year average, but not an exceptionally high condition for that State. Report on Barley and Bye. The average condition of barley when •harvested was 89.7, against 83.8 last year, 70.7 in 1900 and 82.0 the mean of the averages of the last ten years. The condition at harvest of winter and spring rye combined was 90.2, against 84.9 last year, 84.2 in 1900 and 85.4 the mean of the averages of the 'last ten years. The average condition of buckwheat on Sept. 1 was 86.4, against 91.4 on Aug. 1, 1902, 90.9 one year ago, 80.5 on Sept. 1, 1900, and 84.7 the mean of the averages for the last ten years. Seven of the principal tobacco States show conditions ranging from 1 to 14 points above thei*. ten-year averages, while in Kentucky, New York and Tennessee conditions are 2, 5 and G points respectively below snch averages. The average of clover seed has been oensiderably reduced since last year, only two of the principal States —Maryland and Ohio—reporting even a small increase. The'other important States, except Kansas, in which State the area is the same as last year, report deermses. In California, Utah and Colorado conditions are below the ten-year averages, while all other States except Maryland, in which State the condition is the same as the ten-year average, report conditions above such averages. During August the condition of hops declined 1 point in Oregon nnd 8 In New York, and improved 2 points in California, while the condition in Washington remained unchanged during the month. Of the States having 4,000,000 trees and upward in apples eleven report an improvement in condition during August. All but six of the important apple-grow-ing States report conditions ranging from 7 to 32 points above their ten-year averages; in Ohio the condition agreed Avitb such averages, while Indiana, West Virginia. Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky report conditions below such average. Reports as to the production of peaches as compared wish a full crop In the important peaoh-growing States range from 10 per cent in Illinois to I*9 in Oklahoma. In all but eight of the States h:r ing 2,000,000 trees and upward in 18S9 a production exceeding the ten-yoar average is probable.In all the States in which the production of grapes is of more than local importance the condition is equal to or above the ten-year average. There is a decrease in the number of stock hogs now being fattened as compared with the number a year ago in every"important hog-raising State except Pennsylvania, where an increase of 1 per cent 4s noted. Reports as to sise and weight of stock hogs indicate a condition above the ten-year average in but four of the principal States— Illinois. Missouri, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

RECORD OP THE WEEK

INDIANA INCIDENTS TERBELY 1 TOLD. - / •*—— Queer Things Found in Klwood Woman’s Btoniach Clingman Must Stand Trial—Oldest Convict Dies—Engineer Goes Insane. Strange conditions were discovered when surgeons examined the stomach of Mrs. Susan A. Spaulding of Elwood daring an operation which had been expected to result in the removal of a tumor. Instead of a tumor the surgeons found the following encysted in the walls of the stomach: Bunch of sugar cane fiber resembling a cow’s cud, ball of masticated thread the size of a bird’s egg, piece of shoe string seven inches long with a knot in one end. Mrs. Spaulding was unusually fond of sugar cane when she was a child and she used to chew large quantities of it. She has had a habit of biting off thread and chewing-the ends while sewing. She is 37 years old. She lias been treated for fifteen years for cancer of the stomach. Engineer Becomes Insane. William Slago of Fort Wayne, who was at the throttle of the Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive which a few days ago struck a little girl named Kline in Marshall County, has become insane. Slago has become the victim of the delusion that his own daughter, who is the same age as the Kline child, was the victim, and that her body has been carried to the graveyard, Slago is one of the best known passenger engineers in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Thirty-four Years in Cell. AVilliam Lee, the oldest convict in point of years of confinement in the western prison, died at the age of 56 years. He was convicted when 22 years of age for murder, near Lafayette. His conviction was secured on circumstantial evidence and he had always protested his innocence. He had a petition for pardon before every Governor from the time of Hovey and always lived with the hope that he might be fated to spend the last years'of lus life outside the walls. Must Answer for Murder. Stewart Miller, aged 62, a prominent Walker township land owner, who was shot by his son-in-law, Rolla Clingman,’ in a quarrel over domestic affairs, died from his wounds. Mrs. Miller and a son. George A. Miller, who were wounded by, the same shot that killed Stewart Miller, have about recovered. -Clingman was released on bond, but is again in jail, held for premeditated murder. His plea is self-defense. He has retained COugressman Watson as his counsel. Negro Murders His Employer. Matthew Alexander, a negro stableman' in the employ of Thomas Burke at Terrer Haute, went into the latter’s sleeping room and when Mrs. Burke arose in bed! at seeing him slashed her in the face with a razor. Bprke, awakened by the commotion, turned in bod nnd the negro! cut his throat, killing him instantly. Tire negro tied. ' He had been in Burke’s employ for five years and had.been drinking for a few days.

State Items of Interest. J. K. Hartman and wife celebrated their golden wedding at Itosedale. Fire caused a loss of $12,000 at Sfriekland’s store in Kokomo. Covered by insurance. General store of John Hacker of Kreps was destroyed by fire. Loss $3,000, small insurance. James Skinner, bailiff of the Wayne County Circuit Court for thirty-four; years, has resigned. Thieves ransacked A. Kehl’s jewelry store at Connersville and carried off SIOO worth of goods. <’ At Frankton Mrs. Nora Adams, 23,' committed suicide by taking paris green. She quarreled with her husband. Clive Bannister, aged 20, sou of a Liberty township farmer, was crushed td death by a log he was unloading at Wabash. Walter L. Payton of Mount Olive was instantly killed at Rocklcdge quarries at Bedford by a large slab of stone falling upon him. Lawrence county council ordered built at once a SIO,OOO jail, to be of stflne, on account of the many recent escapes from' the old building. Mart Collier Was declared sane by a formal court of inquiry at Bedford, and will have to stand trial on the charge of poisoning a family. George A. Bell, treasurer Of the malleable iron works, fell dead in his office at Marion while at work Tuesday. Heart disease is given as the cause of his death. A rear-end freight wreck -occurred at Logansport on the Pan-Handle Railroad. Conductor William Gay was killed instantly and Fireman O. P. Murray lost a leg. Night Agent Callahan fired at and drove away two burglars who demanded the valuables in the Adams Express office at the Pennsylvania station in Logansport. 1 Financial and domestic troubles caused Isaiah Vernon, n traveling salesman for the Deering Harvesting Machine Company, to commit suicide by shooting at Logansport. A Peter Barney aged 48 years, connected with the Valparaiso College for sixteen years, committed suicide by hanging himself in a coal shed. His wife found hia body while looking for him to come to dinner. •Andrew Hays, 22 years of age, a wealthy Marion farmer, took his own life by hanging himself in his barn. Ha was recently married to a charming young woman, seemed to be happy and no cause is known for his act. The safe in the Freetown postofficc wag Mown open and wrecked, S3OO worth ot stamps, all the loose money aud two registered letters being taken. An election for voting on the CMcinnati, Richmond and Mancie RAilrbsd subsidy of $24,500 to sccare the company’* division headquarters at Pern resulted in a victory for the proposition. While Mrs. WiUiam Carry was visiting s neighbor with her 3-yeanHd daughter Josephine at East Chicago, the latter, unnoticed, removed a phial of carbolic add from s taborette and drank the contents. The child died inside of fifteen minute^