Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1907 — Page 2

THE SPY

BY J. FENIMORE COOPER

"A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION

CHAPTER 11. (Continued.) "Have you heard that Major Amir* has been hanged?” Captain Whnrton started, and for a moment fiances of great significance were exchanged between him and the trader, — : - “Does his execution make much noise?” asked the father. “People will talk, you know, ’squire.” “Is there any probability of movements below, my friend, that will make traveling dangerous?” asked Harper, looking steadily at the other. Some bunches of ribbons fell from the bands of Rirch; his countenance changed Instantly, losing its keen expression in Intent meaning, as be answered slowly ; "It is some time since the rig'lar cavalry were out. and I saw some of De Lancy’s" men cleaning their arms as I passed their quarters; it would be no wonder if they took the scent soon, for the Virginia Horse are low in the county.” “Are they in much force?” asked Mr. Wharton. “I did not count them." Eraneea waa tha ouly- miiscrvcr the change in the manner of Birch, and on turning to Harper, he had resumed a book in silence. She took some of the ribbons in her hand and, bending over the goods, so that her hair, falling in rich curls, shaded her face, she observed, blushing with a color that suffused her Deck: ”1 thought the southern horse had marched toward the Delaware.” “It may bo so,” said Birch; “I passed Ibe troops at a distance."

CHAPTER 111. On the afternoon of the succeeding day the party were assembled in the parlor around the tea table of Miss Peyton, when a change in the weather occurred. The alrwas mild, balmy and refreshing; la the east clouds, which might be likened to the retreating masses of a discomfited army, hung around the horizon in awful and increasing darkness, while in the west the sun had broken forth and •hed his parting radiance'on the scene below, aided by the fullest richness of a clear atmosphere and a freshened herbage. “What a magnificent scene!” said Harper, in a low tone: “how grand! how awfully sublime! May such a quiet speedily await the struggle in which riiy country is engaged, and such a glorious evening follow the day of her adversity!” Frances, who stood next to him, alone heard the voice. Turning in amazement from the view to the speaker, she saw him standing bareheaded, erect, and with his eyes lifted to heaven. They were lighted into something like enthusiasm, and a slight flush passed over his features,. - • - - ' . —— ~ ' “There can be no danger apprehended from such a man.” thought Frances; “such feelings belong only to tlfe virtuous.” The musings of the party were interrupted by the sudden appearance of the peddler. “Fine evening.” he said, saluting the party; “quite warm and agreeable for the season.” The valley in which the residence of Mr. Wharton stood ran in a direction from northwest to southeast. A small opening, occasioned by the receding of the opposite hill and the fall of the land to the level of the tidewater, afforded a view of the sound over the tops of the distant woods on its margin. Some dark spots were to be distinguished, occasionally rising into view, and again sinking behind the lengthened waves. They were unnoticed'by all but the peddler. He glanced his eye with marked tufeasiness on Harper. and then said, with great emphasis: “The rig’lars must be out from below.”

“Why do you thin; so?” inquired Captain Wharton, eagerly. “God send it xnay be true; I want their escort in again." “Them ten whaleboats would not move no fast unless they were better manned than common.” “Perhaps,” cried Mr. Wharton, in alarm, “they are —they are coutineutals returning from the island." Harvey seemed to be soliloquizing, as he said in an undertone: “They came out before the gale—have laid on the island these two days—horse are on the road—there will soon be fighting near *v US. As Birch concluded Harper turned to his host, and mentioned that his business would not admit of unnecessary delay; he would, therefore, avail himself of the fine evening to ride** few miles on his journey. Every preparation being completed. Harper proceeded to take his leave. To Sarah and her aunt he paid his compliments with ease and kindness; but when he came to Frances, he paused a moment, while his face assumed an expression of more than ordinary benignity. His eye expressed a blessing and the girl felt her cheeks glow, and her heart beat with a quicker pulsation. There was a mutual exchange of polite courtesy between the host and his parting guest; but as Harper frankly offered his hand to Captain Wharton, he remarked, in « manner of great solemnity: “The step you have undertaken is one of much danger, and disagreeable consequences to yourself may result from it; in such a case. I may have it in my power to prove the gratitude I owe your family for its kindness.” “Surely, sir,” cried the father, “you will keep secret the discovery which your being in my house has enabled you to make.” Harper turned quickly to the speaker, •nd then, losing the sternness which had begun to gather on his countenance, he answered mildly: “I have learned nothing In your family, sir. of which I was ignorant before; but your son is safer from my knowledge of his visit than he would be without it.” ‘ He bowed to the whole party, and without taking any notice of the i>eddler, other than by simply thanking him for his attentions, mounted his horse and, riding Steadily and gracefully through the little

gate, was soon lost behind the bill which sheltered the valley to the nor hvard. j v . "Captain Wharton, do you go in tonight ?” asked the' peddler. “Mr. Birch, would yon have me leave such company so soon?” “I- -rather- guess,”. continued the peddlcr, coolly; “now the storm is over the Skinners may he moving; you had better shorten, your visit, Captain Wharton.” “Ob!” cried the British officer, “a few guineas will buy off those rascals at any time, should I meet them. No, no, Mr, Birch, here I stay until morning.” "Money could not liberate Major Andre,” said the peddler, dryly. “1 brought myself out, aud can take myself in,” -said the captain, positively ; "our bargain went no farther than to procure my disguise, and to let me know when the coast was clear; and in the latter particular you wera mistaken, Mr. Birchi” “I was,” said the peddler, with some interest, "and the greater is the reason why you should go back to-night; the pass I gave you will serve but once.” “Cannot you forge another?” The pale cheek of the trader showed an unusual color, but be continued silent until the young man addedi with great positiveness: “Here I stay this night, come what will." —“Captain Wharton,” said the peddler, with great deliberation and marked emphasis, “beware a tail! Virginian, with huge whiskers! he is below you to my knowledge.” “Let him beware of me,” said Wharton, haughtily, “but. Mr. Birch. I exonerate you from further responsibility.” “Will you give me that in writing?” asked the cautious Birch. “Oh! cheerfully," cried the captain, with a laugh. “Cirsar, pen, ink aud pa-

HE WAS SOON LOST BEHIND THE HILL.

per, while 1 write a discharge for my tlusty attendant. Harvey Birch, peddler.” *> The implements for writing were produced, and the cifptain wrote the desired acknowledgment, which the peddler took, made a sweeping bow to the whole family, and departed as he had approached. “This Harvey Birch, with his knowing looks and portentous warnings, gives me more uneasiness than I am willing to Own.” said Captain Wharton. "How is it that he is able to travel to auc fro, in these difficult times, without molestation?” inquired Miss Peyton. “Why, the rebels suffer him to escape so easily is more than I can answer,” returned the other; “but Sir Henry would not permit a hair of his head to be injured.” "Indeed'.” cried Frances, with interest; "is he then known to Sir Henry Clinton?” “At least lie ought to be.” “Ho you think, my son,” asked Mr. Wharton, “there is no danger of his betraying you?" “Why—no; 1 reflected on that before I trusted myself to his power,” said tile captain, thoughtfully; “he seems to be faithful in matters of business. The danger to himself, should he return to the city, would prevent such an act of villainy.” “1 think,” said Frances, “Harvey Birch is not without good feelings; at least, he has the appearance of them at times.” "Oh!" cried his sister, exulting, “he has loyalty, and that with me is a cardinal virtue.” * - ”1 am afraid," said her brother, laughing. “love of money is a stronger passion than love of his king.”

CHAPTER IV. The family were .parly in assembling around the breakfast table; and Miss Peyton, with a little of that, minute precision which creeps into the habit of single life, had pleasantly insisted that the abscuce of her nephew should in no manner interfere with the regular hours she had established; consequently, the party wore already seated when the enptain made his appearance. "I think I did much better,” he cried, taking a chair between his sisters, "to secure a good bed and such a plentiful breakfast, instead qf trusting to the hospitality of that renowned corps, the Cow- ■ kop’k ' ■ y ■ “If you could sleep,” said Sarah, "you were more fortunate than *Franees and myself: every nturimy of the night air sounded to me like the approach of the rebel army.” “Why,” said tfc; captain do acknowledge a little inquietude myself —but how was. it with you?” turning to his younger and evidently favorite sister, and tapping her cheek ; “did you see t anners in the clouds, and mistake Miss Peyton’s Aeolian harp for rebellious music?” ; "Nay, Henry,” rejoined the niaid, looking at t UJm affectionately, “much as I love niy'rmaf country, the approach of her troops just now would give me great pain.” „ i*. The brother made no reply, but returning the fondness expressed in her eye by a look of fraternal tenderness, he gently pressed her hand in silence; when Cmsar, who had participated largely in tha anr-

iety of the family and kept a vigilant watch from ohe of the windows, exclaimed, with a face that approached to something like the hues of a white man: “Run —massa —Harry—run:—if he love old Ca?sar r run —here come, a rebel horse.” “Run !"> repeated the British officer, gathering himself up in military- pride; “nq, MV. Caesar, ’running is not mv trade.” While speaking, he walked deliberately to the window, where the family were already'collected in the greatest consternation. At the distance of more than a mile, about fifty dragoons were to be sCen. In advancefrith an officer was a man attired in the dress of a countryman, who pointed in the direction of the cottage. A small party now left the main body and moved rapidly towarff Tlieobject* of their destination. The Whartons continued chained in breathless silence when the party, having reached the dwelling of Birch, made a rapid circle around his grounds, and in an instant his house was surrounded by a dozen sentinels.

Two or three of the dragoons now dismounted and disappeared; in a few minutes, however, they returned to the yard, followed by Katy, from whose violent gesticulations it was evident that matters of no trifling concern were on the carpet. A short communication with the loquacious housekeeper followed the arrival of the main body of the troop, and the advanced party remounting, the whole moved toward the Locusts with great speed. As yet none of the family had sufficient presence of mind to devise any means of security for Captain Wharton; but the danger now became pressing. Ilis sisters, wiih-trembling hands, replaced his -original—disguise,—tbo instruments of, which had been carefully kept at hand by Ciesar, in expectation of some,. sudden emergency. This arrangement was hastily completed, as the dragoons entered the lawn, and in their turn the Whartons were surrounded.

Nothing remained now but to meet the impending examination with as much indifference as the family could assume, The leader of the horse dismounted, and, followed by a couple of bis men, fle approached the outer door of the building, 'which was slowly and reluctantly opened for his admission by Crnsar. The heavy tread of the trooper rang in the ears of the females and drove the blood from their faces. —. A man, whose colossal stature manifested the possession of vast strength, entered the room, aud removing his cap, he saluted the family. Ilis dark hair hung around his brow in profusion, and his face was nearly hid in the whiskers by which it was disfigured. Still, the expression of his eye, though piercing, was not bad, and his voice, though deep and powerful, was far from unpleasant. “You have no cause for alarm, ladies,” said the offi'cer'; “iiiy business will be confined to a few questions, which, if freely answered, will instantly Temove us from .tour dwelling, lias there been a strange gentleman staying with you during the storm?” “Th i s gentleman—here—Tavored .08 with his company during the rain,, and has not yet departed,” answered Mr. Wharton. “This gentleman !” repeated the other, turning to Captain Wharton. “I am sorry for the severe eotd you have in your head, sir.” “I!” exclaimed the captain, in surprise ; “I have no cold in my head.” “I fancied it then, from—seeing you had covered, such handsome black locks with that ugly old wig; it was my mistake, you will please to pardon it.” Mr. Wharton groaned aloud. The captain moved his hand involuntarily to his head, and discovered that the,trepidation of his sisters had left some of his natural hair exposed. The dragoon watched the movement with a continued smile, when, turning to the father, he proceeded: “Then, sir, I am to understand there has not been a Mr. Harper here within the week.” “Mr. Harper,” echoed the other, feeling a load removed from his heart —“yes—I had forgotten ; but he is gone. To me he was a total stranger.” (To be continued.)

A City of Caravans.

The first of November is the official beginning of winter in Paris. Then, no matter what the temperature be, fires are lit in the schools and public buildings, and the janitor turns on the heat for the sad race of fiat dwellers. Then all the smaller shows which cannot pay for a "stand" in the streets or squares go into winter quarters. Where? 1 found a city of them out in the waste lands by the great gate of MontVouge. In an empty Tot were shores of caravans drawn up behind the wooden palisades, ranged so as to form veritable .streets, named after this showman or that. Dogs, chickens, rabbits, children, swarmed everywhere. Corkscrews of smoke rose from the chimneys of the wagons. Gaudy rags were drying on lines. Will you look in one of the vans? It has two rooms. Iu one are the beds. The other is for eating. On all sides the walls are lined with closets and drawers. A little stove glows near the door. Here they are born, here they live and die, the enternal dynasties of the voyagers.—Vauce Thompson in Outing Magazine.

Ambiguous Literary Criticism.

Ascutn—Did Crittick say something nice* about your book? Ititer —I’m not sure, but I'm a little suspicion s; =*— -—■**= A scum—How do you mean? Ititer —He said there were “some things in it that are decidedly original and some other things that are quite clever.” —Philadelphia Press.

The New System.

I remember. I remember, the house where I reside — A pleasant little cottage with a porch along 1 the side. The road, too. I remember —once its name I could repeat; But blamed if I remember how my number, bouse or street! —Cleveland Plain Dealer. * The supposedly witty man who fails to impress others U apt to consider them half-witted.

FARM AND GARDEN

Do not whip a frightened horse. It .only adds to his fright. Sheep require a clean place to eat and , must have it or else their health will be impaired and food wasted. Regularity is perhaps more important withother animals, for sheep are naturally regular in their-habits. While a small bunch of sheep can be kept on any farm to good advantage, they serve a double purpose, as they enrich the farm and bring a cash income at the same time. —The majority- ofThe-high-roads in Belgium are now planted with trees along the way, to the great pleasure of travelers and to the advantage of the country. In a total distance of 4,775 miles there are no less than 800,000 of these roadside trees. Among them are Included 300,000 elms, 170,000 oaks, 70,000 evergreens, 70,000 ash trees and 4!,<)<jO maples. There Is no better way of weaning lambs than by allowing both they and their dams a couple of weeks’ run of the rape field and then removing the ewes away to some poor pasture out of their hearing. The run of a second growth clover pasture and a little grain in conjunction will not come amiss, especially where pure-breed sheep are considered. Experiments made in France with the sunflower gave a return of 1,778 pounds of seed from an acre, yielding 15 per cent of oil (about 120 pounds) and SO per cent of cake. The product varies, of course, with the kind, the climate and the soil/ The common oil is used chiefly for woolen dressing, lighting and soap-making in Europe. The purifie d article is largely employed for table use, and is considered by some as equal to olive oil, ~

For very large hanging baskets the maderla vine Is very satisfactory. It Is best not to give it very rich soil; its growth will not he so strong, but the leaves will be closer together and also be more attractive. Pinch it back mercilessly until the basket or trellis is covered with foliage. After that let a few vines grow, allowing some to droop and others to train up along the wire or strings, suspending the basket. Keep the glossy leaves clean and the result will be a handsome basket, and a charming plant. Rye for Pasture and Sailing;. Rye is not half appreciated by the American farmer. It is very hardy, will grow on the poorest land, makes good winter and spring pasture and if sown early enough makes good fail pasture. It is a good early spring soiling crop. It makes a fair quality of hay If cut In bloom or before, and it always sells at good prices and makes the best of bedding for cattle and horses. It is also an excellent green manure crop for turning under in early spring. While it does not add nitrogen, as the clovers do, it makes a great deal of humus, and thus improves the texture of worn-out soils. It will grow in any section that can grow any of the small grains. Where corn or potatoes or cowpeas are grown after corn, rye may be sown in the corn at the time by “laying by” or may be sown on the stubble after the corn is cut and be plowed under in the spring for any of the crops mentioned. —W. J. Spillman. Solia tor Tomato Hailing. Almost any soil from sand to clay will produce good crops of tomatoes, says a Maryland bulletin, but here again extremes should be avoided and except under special conditions, such ns where very early markets are to be supplied, it will be better to avoid the very light sandy soils. The soli must be in & good state of cultivation. Manures, fertilizers, lime, and the growing of clover or other legumes all help to briDg about this condition. If a sod field Is to be used, plow In the late fall oclearly spring and replow, cutting but a shallow furrow, In time to prepare for planting. Do not plant tomatoes on a piece of land which has had corn upon It the previous year, but rather let corn follow the tomatoes and later wheat or some other grain crop with grass and clover. Many farmers expect to get good tomatoes upon thin, sour land. Blight and disease In unfavorable seasons are always rampant upon such land and the grower becomes discouraged and la convinced that his soil is unsuitable for the crop when. In reality, the failure Is due to a condition readily rectified by the application of lime and manure. Uk*r SsTla«na Crop Or»wi»*. At the meeting of the National Aseo platlan of Agricultural Implement and

Vehicle Manufacturers, the statement was made that in hours of labor were required in growing a bushel of wheat', but that in ISt)G the labor required amounted to less than ten minuets; that a bushel of corn represented four and one-half hours’ work in ISSO, and forty minutes’ work in 1904. Modern machinery plants and harvests crops at a cost of one-lialf what was paid fifty years ago, though the men who operate the machines receive double the wages. American machinery Is being introduced into the Philippines and is a continual wonder to the natives. Last year a steam rice thresher was imported. The natives who used the thresher got so much more grain than those who'did not use It that many of them conceived the Idea that rice was hidden inside of the saparator, and allowed to flow from the spout of the machine.

The I.ogan Berry. This hybrid berry, originated some years ago In California, bids fair to displace in'"the markets of the Pacific coast the old Lawton blackberry, and to some extent the red raspberry. The hybrid Is a cross between the two, and Combines the good qualities of both. It is very popular with housewives, the vines are enormously prolific and propogate readily, and the cultivation on an extensive scale for the markets of the Pacific northwest is planned. This berry shows a wonderful evolution in the fruit industry within a few years. While the strawberry has no rival as an uncooked table berry, an abundance of logap berries would make is possible to do without blackberries and raspberries—-even including the wild blackberry without missing them. The development of this berry and the rapidity with which it has come into market would be phenomenal had not the experiment of Luther Burbank in the plant world during the last ten years have made anything possible in this line. —Oregonian.

Early Green Foods for Live Stock. Corn is an excellent fodder crop, but tlie be&f fodder crop is that consisting of small, tender stalks, which are usually juicy and “sifcculent. In order to add to the quality the fodder,should be sown thickly in rows, and cut when quite green. Some prefer to cut corn todder when the corn is in tassei, and others at the time the young corn begins to fill out, when it is cured, stored and fed, after being cut into small lengths. It is suggested, however, that corn can be cut when about three feet high and tied in bundles. The advantage of this method is that two crops may be sown the same season, and if properly cured and stored it does not crumble so readily. It Is an excellent, clean fodder for horses, and may be fed in the bundle, or cut into short lengths. Peas answer best early in the season, and are suitable for cattle and sheep. They are usually sown with oats and fed directly from the field to the stock, in the yards, under the soiling method. Such a crop may be fed and gotten out of the way for a late corn fodder crop, or for turnips. In attempting to grow two crops on the same location, however, the land must be manured heavily, or it will be injured, though the exhaustion will not be so great as when such crops are allowed to mature and produce seeds.

Fertiliser, for Potatoes. Potash is the principal plant food preferred by the potato crop, and phosphoric acid is likewise an indispensable necessity, that is, so far as tubers are concerned. But the tops are also to be made, for without good growth or vine the difficulty of producing a large yield of tubers will be greatly Increased, potash existing largely in the vines. The manure, as stated, should be well rotted, as in that condition It becomes more available as plant food. Fresh manure, as all should know, Interferes with the keeping qualities of the tubers, engendering disease and decay ; not only while they are In the ground and growing, but also after being harvested and stowed away. Chemical fertilizers are better for potatoes than for any other crop, as such fertilizers are surer and cheaper in the end, and conduce to better quality of tubers. For an acre of potatoes, a fair proportion will be about 75 pounds nitrate of soda, 200 pounds muriate of potash and 200 pounds superphosphate, but these proportions must be varied to suit the soil. If the soli Is fertile less quantities will suffice, and in other cases the nitrate may be increased If preferred. This fertilizer may be broadcasted on the surface, and after the land has been made ready, and after the potatoes have been covered up. Then go over ail with a light harrow, and before the young plants are very high a healthy appearance will denote the telling effects of the fertilizer, though the use of fertilizer In the hills or rows Is preferred by some Before planting the tubers, cut and roll thfcm In plaster. Cut a week before planting and they will sprout the sooner for It. In using parts green for Hie bugs let It be mixed with plaster. Wood ashes may also be used liberally on potatoes, broadcasted on the surface. Keep down tho grass and weeds, as they rob the potatoes of moisture at all times. (Rye plenty of room to each plant In which to grow, and keep the cultivator busy.

A SOCIAL LEADER OF KANSAS CITY Attributes Her Excellent Health to i Pe-rv-na. flBgL ’% «§IIS 1 HR X - y a- :. . S •,X y \\\ ;•.** •• MRS. W. H. SIMMONS. Mrs. w. h. simmons, 1119 e. Bth St., Kansas City, Mo., member of the National Annuity Association, writes: * “My Jiealth was excellent until about a year ago, when I had a complete collapse from overdoing socially, not getting the proper rest, and too many late suppers. My stomach was in a dreadful condition, and my nerves all uo • strung. “I was advised by a friend to try Peruna, and eventually I bought a bottle. I took it and then another, and kept using it for three months. “At the end of that time my health was restored, my nerves no longer troubled me, and I felt myself once more and able to assume my social position. I certainly feel that Peruna is deserving of praise." There are many reasons why society women break down, why their nervous , c /-stems fail, why they have systemic or pelvic catarrh. Indeed, they are especially liable to these ailments. No wonder they reqqjre the protection of Peruna. It is their shield and safeguard.

Pellisson’s Little Adventure.

rellisson, the famous French historian, was frightfully ugly. Oue day as he was walking down the street a beautiful lady took him by the hand and conducted him into a house close by. Dazzled by the lady’s charms and flattering himself that this adventure could not possibly entail any unpleasant consequences, he had not the strength to offer any resistance. His fair captor introduced him to the master of the house, saying: “Line for lino, exactly like this,” whereupon she took her departure. Pellisson, on recovering from his astonishment, demanded an explanation. The master of the house, after sundry apologies, confessed that lie was a painter. “I have undertaken,” he added, “to supply the lady with a picture of the •Temptation in the Wilderness.’ We have been debating for a couple of hours as to the mode of representing the tempter, and she ended by saying that she wished me to take you for a model.” —Revue Auecdotique.

Examining Railroad Men's Vision.

According to some new regulations the employes of the railroads in Prussia—which are government property—must have their eyesight tested when they enter the service, again when they enter another branch of work which makes greater demands on the eyesight and again when appointed to an official position. Besides this the eyesight must be tested anew every five years, at which time the men are also to be examined for ocular and constitutional affections and also for injuries to the head.

ROMANTIC DEVONSHIRE.

The Land Made Famoni by Phllpotta’ Novel*. Philpotts has made us familiar with romantic Devonshire, in his fascinating novels, “The River,” “Children of the Mist,” etc. The characters are very human; the people there drink coffee with the same results as elsewhere. A writer at Rock House, Orchard Hill, Bideford, North Devon, states: “For 30 years I drank coffee for breakfast and dinner, but some 5 years ago I found that it was producing Indigestion and heart-burn, and was making me restless at night. These symptoms were fallowed by braiu fag and a sluggish mental condition. “When I realized this, I made up my mind that to quit drinking coffee and having read of Postum, I concluded to try it. I had it carefully made, according to directions, and found to my agreeable surprise at the end of a week, that I no longer suffered from either Indigestion, heartburn, or brain fag, and that I could drink It at night and secure restful and refreshing sleep. “Since that time we have entirely diacontinued the use of the old kind of coffee, growing fonder and fonder of Postum as time goes on. My digestiveorgans certainly do their work much better now than before, a result due to Postum Food Coffee, I am satisfied. “As a table beverage we find (for all the members of my family use It) that when properly made it is most refreshing and agreeable, of delicious flavor and aroma. Vigilance is, however, necessary to secure this, for unless the servants are watched they are likely to neglect the thorough boiling which It must have In order to extract the goodness from the cereal.” Name given by Postum 00., Battle Creek, Mich. Read the little book, "The Road to Wellerne," In pkga. “There’s a reason.**