Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 11, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 13 September 1873 — Page 2

-HP

Ipsie.

BT II. A. DJSKTOJf*

Efc:-: £i -$

The dty of Biggin's Bend offered superior Inducement* to those who loved tranquility and retirement. In front and to the right and left, lay tho yellow Mississippi, on either bank of which as far as the eye oould reach, was a thicket of Cottonwood trees. When the river was low, a band of brown mud separated the changeless yellow of tho water from the unvarying green of the oottonwoods when the river was high, the brown mud disappeared, and less than usual of the green was visible. No other diversity of landscape was noticeable or possible,

When one turned from the natural features of the Bend to its society, tho same convervatism was found. 'I'd-in-habitant*, exclusive of animals and chickens, were—Saui Kavvery, Mrs. Kavvery and their daughter, Mary Jane.

Once in a while Sam went bunting, once a month ho wuiked to L*rkey Cross Roads, fivo miles off, to trade skins, furs and cotton for sugar, coflee, whisky, tobacco and other necessaries of life occasionally he cultivated a littie corn and cotton, and killed a pig but tbo few people who cauie to the Bend were pretty sure to find 8am on a bench in front of the house smoking serenely aud tenderly cherishing one knoe

Mrs. Kavvery, with a cob pipe in her mouth, could generally be found before the lire, watching the cookery (when any was going on), and reading Benson's Commentaries, and other good books, when she was at leisure.

But Mary Jane, nicknamcd Ipsie. was not a creature of much admirable regularity in fact, her mother occasionally remarked with some impatience, 'Stonishin' tbo places that gal kon find to be in when she's wanted for anytbin'!' There wore no neighbors within live miles so Ipsie had formed a confidential acquaintanceship with certain of the dogs aud chickens. She examined her father's fish lines half a dozen times a day, and threw them out again in frightful tangles sat in her father's skiff, and caught the rollers sent in by ppss* ing steamboats carvod gourds into bird-houses, and climbed into all sorts of breakneck places to locate them and made lively use of the few remaining resources of the Bend.

Whore Ipsie found the lUht of her ryes, and the bloom of her cheeks, and the tender lines at the corner of her mouth was a mystery but girls are always finding such things in out-of-tho-way places perhaps they wero'given her for the purpose of proving that, unlikely as inav seom, the Lord had really visited Higitln's Bond. It was equally a mystery where sbo learned what liitl she know. Tlie'Cross Roads Gonfalon'—blessed by scissors !—occasionally told her of ladies clothed unlike herself, and of men different from tho angular tobacco chewora, who occasionally staged into the Bend. And once in a while, at night, some en torprhing engineer would drivo hia boat staggering past the Bend, with two great yellow sparkling streuniers trailing across the silver aud black of the sky, leaving Ipsie's great dark eyes dreaming for a week. Occasionally bout would touch at the Betid to take or leave a passenger belonging at tho

Roads aud then from behind a friendly tree Ipsie would seo, perhaps, two or three pretty children playing on tho guards, perhaps a lady with a dress not of calico or tho Cress Roads style, or perhaps a bride, with eyes and hair like her own. leaning on the shoulder of some one who did not look tho least bit like any of the boys at the Cross Roads.

For several years there had been slowly working, through the miasma and tobacco sinoko which enveloped 8am Kavvery's mind, tho idea that his daughter might bo in need of advan tngonnot afforded at tho Bond and the effect of long thought en tho subject worked Sam up to such a pitch that he one day took his pipo out of his mouth and said

M'rlar, somothln' ort to bedonofor Jps.' I know it, S.wn,' replied the wife.

Then, after the manner of most peo-

Jbit

)lo acquiescing in any statement, they «s if they had done their duty. But tho ideas are roatlcs*, even on the Mississippi, and the restless power of truth was demonstrated by the fact that six months later Sam Kavvery took his pipe from his mouth, and said:

M'rlar, eomethiu' ort to be done lor Ips.' And M'rlar again replied, 'I know it, Sam.'

Sun puffed a few moments longer, nnd then astonished the echoes of Biglln's Bend by asttlng—'What's it to gtn* be?'

And. M'rlar again fac«kl the institution, nnd said: 'That's tho question.' M'rlar want further she gave vent to an opinion that she had held for many years, by remarking— 'She needs religion.'

Ills wife's words awoke in Sam's inind the memory of gambler*, steam* boat captains, tlatboatmen, ami others he had known and a mental view of I pain standing* among these affected bim so powerfully, thai he concentrated a great deal of indignation, pity and contempt In the single word—

Meboe.' Mr*. Kavvery had no idea of arguing with her husband but to stay her own tout in the faith, aho repeated aa solemnly as a cracked voice would allow—

.V

by

All mankind is boru in ain, an natur under the wrath—* Ham Kavvery astonished his wife by actually speaking before she had finished her quotation.

M'rlar,f said he, 'that *tm writ for deckhands and the boys at tbe Cro*s Roads but Ipsie ain't mankind at all. She's a woman, or goin' to be and some day she'll want a husband, an* she ort to'hev a good 'un. lier mother got a gi«d-fur-nothing shote, and one In a family fat—'

Just here Sam was interrupt} fer love, whom wings seem aa much at home in tobacco smoke aa in tbe perfumed air of roso-gardens, prompted Mm. Kavvery to get up and lay a great kbo right across her husband's

^Kf she ei good a man her mother did, she'll do wsll,' said Mm, Kawerr, aa soon aa her lip* ware diseng*g«Mi from tboir rather unusual occupation. "An* yet,* sfee continued, her dim eyes looking a shade mora weary than ever, 'I don't want no daughter o* mine to epfnd all her days ea mine baa been. 'Taint no fault o' yonrtuSara.'

But Sam felt guilty and, never having studied logic, be did not know bow to ferine himself oat of his seme of wrong no his contrition moved to press the ftuihfal old bead close to his breast, A rap at the door ended this cor\jugai tableau, and 8am sboutod-

Gome in The door opened, and aa liSuStfxl looking young man appeared. He bad blue eyes and light hair, and a smooth, clean face while his dress, though of common material, waa suspiciously dean. Sam promptly determined that

iit iK ix

he was neither a Cross Roads man, a boatman, a gambler, nor a peddler and, aa Sam knew no other phaaea of humanity but theee, hia conjecture bad drifted into wonder, when the stranger abruptly said:

I am"a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, and am seeking for the lost sheep of tbe bouse of Israel.'

Sam looked appealingly at hia wife. It seemed to him he bad heard somo such words wbeu be was young,'and hung about the meeting bouse door at nigbi but if they were holy, hia wife was the Bible

reader

of the family, and

must know. Mrs. Kavvery relieved be husband's mind by devoutly saying:

Bless the Lord for sendin' ye •Certainly.' replied Sam, quite briskly. 'Chuck yer traps in the corner, captain bev a cheer Here's tobakker. Mother, pass out tbe demijohn.'

Thank vou!' said tbe stranger, 'but I neither drink nor smoke.' Sam looked disgusted, but a bright thought striking bim be hurried to a closet und took down a pack of cards, His pious wife flow at bim iu au in stant. 'Sam said she, in a reproachful undertone, 'one 'ud think you'd been raised among heathens, preachers don't play keards.'

Sam looked humbly into the face of superior wisdom, and meekly asked Don't thoy, though?'

1

No, nur drink nur smoke, nuther.' Well,' said Sam, resignedly laying down the curds. Theu he rejoined the young man, looking at him with a hungry expression wuicb solitary peo pie always bestow upon a now face, aud said--

Well, mister—mister.—' Breeton,' answered the stranger •Walter Breeton, circuit rider aud member of the East River Conference. •Well, Mr. Breeton, what's the news?'

I do not keep pace with the march of events,' answered the preacher. 'To save souls for iny Master is tbe one object of my life. Are there any professors in this house?'

Sam jerked his thumb toward his wife, inwardly wishing tbe preacher had side which a :nan could get at some way.

Ah, sister,' said the young man, you area follower of the Lamb?' Folieriu' afar off, as it were,' tearfully replied Mrs. Kavvery. 4 wish my light shined better, so Sam an' Ipsie might come into the folds. I've labored hard with both ot them, but their eyes seem to be darkened, p'tie'larly Ipsie's.

Ipsie?' queried tho pieachor. Yes, sir—our gal she's' Further explanation was rendered unnecessary by the appearance in the door of Ipsie "herself, and her sudden disappearance.

Musn't mind Ipsie, Brother Bree ton,' said Mrs. Kavvery. 'She ain't used to strangers'*, an' she ollusgits out. Sho'U come around in the evenin'.'

Woll,' Raid tho young man remarking to himself, 'I sincerely hope sho will-'

4

Cross

Guess we'll have a bite pooty soon,' said Mrs. Kavvory. 'Sam, seo if ther's anything on the lines.'

Sam hurried out and found a line young cat Ash and while he was clean Ing it Mrs. Kavvery put some cornmeal dough into a Dutch oven on the hearth, and a lot of biscuits into another Dutch oven and some slices of bacon into a frying pan, and put the flali into tho same pan, and made cof lee, and brought out a dish of hon ey and a tin cup of persimmons, and was soon proudly contemplating a la bio loaded with ail tho luxuries of tho land while tho mingled odors of fried bacon and warm saloratus drovo the Rmell of tobacco entirely out of the room. Tbon Sam wont to the door and blew a born, and in a moment or two Ipsie appeared. fpsiu,' said her mother. 'This is Mr. Breeton that's come down here to save sinners. I hope he'll do yer soul good.'

The young preacher hoped so too, as henoticod Ipsie's bright eyes and blushlug cheeks.

Como, stranger, hev a bite,' said Sam, who felt that his chance fwr partaking in tho conversation was growing small. 'Hev plenty of ham fat with yer flsh

Sum cried Mrs. Kavvery. Sam dropped his knife and lork and appealed from under the lowest hairs of his eyebrows.

A»k a blessing, brother Breeton,' said Mrs. Kavvery .looking sorrowfully upon her partner.

WalUr Breeton asked the blessing of the Lord on the food before them, and Ipsie, who bad never before heard anything of the sort, stared In such astonishment thAt when tho preacher coneluded and cast his eyes toward her, ber eyes wore so llxed that she could not withdraw them until she had done a groat deal of painful blushing seeing which Mr. Breeton blushod himself by vowing to strive to transplant this lair flower to the garden of tho Ixird.

Sam,' said Mrs. Kavvery, 'p'raps tbe preacher ken tell

Very true,' replied the young minister. 'She should of all things be taught of the spirit but every yonng person Is benehtted by secular education, no matter how little.' 1 guess tbat'a so,' said Sam, thinking that anything with some big words and lbs ti tie rlnu must be correct, 'but how's she to get Ibis sic—sic—whatd've call it education Tber' ain't no schools here, an' I wouldn't hev her go to the Cross Road* every day.'

Our Conference Seminary would, give her an excellent education at a moderate price, and afford her the in estimable advantage of the constant ministry of tbe word.'

Mod'rit price, eh?' said Sam, wickedly oblivions to what had followed. •What's the damages?'

I believe that two hundred dollars year includes*— •Two hundred dollars! Judas snd Mrquckets!' exclaimed Sam. 'Why, that's more money than I have seen this four year.'

It is a great pity said the preacher that filthy lucre should come between a precious soul and its education. She might take a course of study at home, with the help of her parents.'

Dou'fle,' said Sam. 'Readin', writin' an' doln' sums is all me an' M'riar knows, an' Ips knows them a'ready.'

For a tew moments Walter Breeton regarded the edge of his plate so thoughtfully that his hostess was in agony lest a red aat ventured upon the crockery. Finally the minister raised his eyes and said—

I have had some experience in teaching and I might give iter a preparatory course myself. I am going to hold a two weeks' protracted meeting at the

Cross Roads, and I might come over here

for

I should not consider it trouble/ aaid tbo young preacher, quickly, 'to peradventure, enable intelligence to make straighter tbo path of the Lord.'

Well,' said Sam 'it's a bargain tboo, ef you'll let ine purvlde a critter fbr ye torldo back and forth on.'

To this the preacher assented. As for Ipsie aho failed to exhibit a laudable pleasure in prospect of education. 'The Gonfalon's' scissors frequently found stories whoso heroines had lately escaped from boarding schools, and who wrote gushing letters descriptive of tbe horrors of knowledge getting. And yet the young preacbor seemed us if he couldn't be very dreadful, Every tlmesbe caught bis eye, or be caught hers, he seemed pleasanler than before aud when, after reading a chaptor in tho Bible and offering a prayer, tbe young man bade tbo family good by, to return in tbe morning, if one of Sam's friends (to whom the preacher bore a note) could supply horse, Ipsio almost wished for morning and school time.

I'm afraid I don't know what you mean,'said Ipsie, timidly. I mean,' said the young man, with a pitying sense of his superiority over the ignorant girl, "that it will be uuto vou an ark ol safety into which you can flee.'

Ipsie still looked unenlightened I Do you not comprehend my meaning?' said Breeton with a far more patience than ho usually exhibited toward stupidity. 'I meant it teaches you of Christ, uud how, by faith iu him, you will be enabled to pass from death nnto llle.'

Teaches me what?'said Ipsie, with a timidity paiul'ul to witness. Teaches you of the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world,' said tbe preacher, his face lightening up with enthusiasm.

Ipsio burst into tears. Tbo young reacher exclaimed, 'Bless the Lord! to, ow, at last, he has graciously been pleased send conviction.' But Broeton's ardor was suddenly cooled for the weepin girl exclaimed—

FT Nc

um

what to do for

Jps?' S*m drew his knife through a piece Of corn-bread with more deliberation than be usually displayed at tho table, and be looked as If he thought the mat•er extremely doubtful. Siill his wife „.id commenced the subject, and bo couldn't get away from it. So he finally said— •'P'raps so. Fact, ia minister, Ips Is a growiu'up, an' ort to hev a chance.'

I know I'm awful stupid, but I don't understand a bit what you say." Broeton sighed, 'My poor girl,' he said, 'you must ask God for light you must lay hold of tbe horns of ihe alter. Wrestle* with tbe angel, and do not let bim go.' 1 don't make that out oither,' sobbed Ipsie. •That Is because the Adversary is striving to retain dominion over you,' said Breeton. 'But by faith lay bold of the protnifw sand make yourself Jointheir with Him, of eternal lift?.'

By tbis time Ipsie's mortification had thrown her into such a violent fit of crying that she was unable to proclaim her ignorance any further and Breoton knelt and earnestly besought tbe Lord to caat ticales from the eyes of the sorrowing oue, to wash ber in blsod of the Lamb, and to feed ber with the bread of life. Then he mounted his horse and rode sorrowfully back to tbe Cross Roads, musing on tbe dominion the Prince of tho world had over tbo souls of bis subjects. The thought stimulated htm to more earnest eudeavor,- and though in bis sermon that night he innocently clouded tbe Lord by amass of verbiage, which even those who knew it best comprehended but dimly his earnestness prevailed upon many, and «d them to seek Him whose power is best manifested by tbe ease with which be makes himself visible—despite the chick veils which men place between him and his creatures—to all who really wish to find him. And in the morning he rode back to the Bend, believing that vbe Lord was with bim, and that be would make straight tbe way of his band-maiden.

Sam Kavvery gaaed upon the young man with plainly visible disfavor. Mister,' said Sam, *Ipe hex been a aakin' mother an' me what some of the thlnga you've been a-sayin' to her means, an" neither of us can tell her though mother tells her they are all right. Now, I hain't got no objections to her bevln' Blblo learuln' but wbat I want to know is, ain't there no plain English in tbe Bible nowhar? or is it writ only for tellers that's been college? 'Pears to me a good deal like taikln' Dutch—the Dutchman under-! stands It themselves, bat nobody else does.'

Just tben there sauntered oat of the house a middle-aged well-dressed man, who bowed to Breeton and said—

TERKE-HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL, SEPTEMBER 13. 1873.

aoouple of hours each morning

and teaeh her from auob rudimentary volumes as I may be able to procure at tbe Cross Roaaa. I aboufd charge nothing for my services.'

By gam, mister!' cried Sam, 'that's wbat I call religion: but we wouldn't think of putting you to so much trouble.'

Tho air of the noxt day bad barely been scented by Sam's first pipe, when tbe clatter of hoofs announced tbe approach of tbe preacher. Ipsie immediately retreated to the corn field, from which she was promptly dragged by her mother to find Mr. Breetou unwrapping some books.

I have brought,' said be, 'works ou geography, history snd elocution, besides au introductory treatise on grammar, and I believe with fair atteution your daughter will In a fortnight be able to continue these studies without assistance. But as every good and perfect gilt cometh from above, let us first iuvolco the divine blessings on our oftorts.' And he made a short prayer, after which Mrs. Kay very disappeared, taking her husband with her, and leaving Ipsie and her new tutor alone.

Waiter Breetou soon discovered that his pupil was incumbered by no false principles or iucorrect teachings so be delightfully prefaced the lesson on geography with the Mosaic account of the creution condensing the history of the Jews, the Church aud the Reformation, before beopenod the textbook on American history and read chapters ot laaiab and of St. John's Gospel to illustrate clocutionaty principles. And tho pupil sat in muio, open-eyed wonder it seemed to her he must be a hundred years old, he knew so much. She was not a bit afraid of him though, for he was not at all like teachers in books. 1-Ie asked all question* in tho gentlest of tones and with the kindest of look and when she siid,

'I

don't know,' as

she was compelled to do in answer to most of bis questions, he acted as if it wus the auswerhe bad always been accustomed to.

As for Breeton himself, ho found his pupil more intelligent and attentive thau auy be had ever taught for, in tho graded school of his native village, ho had taught only classes of small boys, whose grades were mostly of stupidity. But Ipsie's great dark eyes seemed to be taking iu everything be said and it was decidedly pleasant to have such eyes fixed on oue, and such close atteution given to instruction. Why could he not teach her the wisdom of all wisdom? He closed the books, looked earnestly in ber eyes and said

My dear young friend, the teachings of these books ure not to bo despiseu but let me impress upon your mind that importance of the book of books, and the value of its teachings, may it be light under your feet and a lamp unto your pathway/

Going by tbe boat, sir No, sir,4 replied Breeton. I am,' said the stranger, 'and I suppose I can wait a day longer in tbis confounded old hole

I am a minister of the gospel,' said Breeton, 'and at present tutor to our hosts daoghter.'

Indeed)' said tbe stranger. *1 sympathise with you for eighteen months after I loft Yale—'

Yale interrupted Breeton 'you must have enjoyea rare spiritual advantages.'

Um—ob, yes, certainly!' said tbe stranger. 'But somehow they never seemed to benefit me much. The fact is I was so puzzled and confounded about religious matters that I nover knew what to believe and I don't know to tbis day,' jfr began Breeton.

Hartinger,' said the stranger. •f? Mr. Hartinger, would you object to Join with us iu prayer •Not in the least,' replied Mr. Hartinger.

Breeton called the family together and delivered a abort but earnest prayer. Sam's strictures were still fresh in bis mind and be found in attempting to pray in different language from what be usually used, be made several awkward and painful pauses. After tbe prayer,Sam and Mr. Hartingeradjourn ed to the bench to smoke, and Mrs Kavvery sought tbe cotton patch Breeton approached Ipsie, and took ber hand tenderly.

My dear girl,' said ho, 'has the Adversary left you 'I guess not,' said she 'leastwise I've been puszliu' my head all night, aud haven't got anything for my pains. If religion is intended for everybody wby isn't it ever talked about so any oneoan understand it?'

In his prayer Breeton bad realized that language, except as bo habitually used, was not convenient to his tongue. He bad determined to prsctic? the utmost simplicity of speech, and bis in tention was powerfully strengthened by the sight of Ipsie's face, always handsome, but now, under tbe influence of trouble, made expressibly tender and womanly and pure. For a few moments Breeton labored as he bad never done before yet only to clothe simple truths in simple language. In those few moments she found that^luring his ministry, bo had fondly repeated sentencos which bad no meaning to most of his hesrers had been using obsolete figures of speech bad been making references and drawing similes which no one but a theologian, or a Jew skilled in tbe literature of bis forefathers, could have com prebenaed and had sealed up tbe fountain from which lie implored people to drink.

My child' said ho at length, slowly, 'God made the world and us, and everything we have or need. Hoasksnopay of us cxcept our love and bo asks us to prove our love by doing right. The Bible tells us a great deal about right and wrong our conscience tell us a groat deal and our experience constantly instructs us. God wants us to regard bim as a father, and lie showed his great love for us by sending Christ to live on earth, like other people, and to die for our sakes. God is a real being and though we cannot soe him, we can become acquainted with him, if we show by our thought aud actions we want to be. And he wants us all to go to him when we die, and be with him forover.' •That's all plain I understand all that,' said Ipsie. 'Then you understand all I can tell you,' said Breeton.

But the horns of the altar, and the ark of safety, and passing from death to life, and the blood of the Limb, and a wreetlin' with tho angel, and—' •Tbeyall mean only what I already told you,' said the minister, blushing guiltily under tho half-indignant look the wondering girl gave him 'out I have been foolish enough to suppose these figuresof speech were as familiar to others as to mo.'

But there's free will and election, and all those things mother's bij black book tells about,' said Ipsie. •Tbose matters are God's business and not ours,' replied Breeton 'and persons never gained any thing meddling with them. He does not expect you to know everything, but rather to iovo with all your streugth. Do you suppose your father and mother love you any less because you do not kn*w all they do?' 'No,' said Ipsie, with an absent look in her face which made Breeton think she would for a little while be herown best company. As he stepped out of tbe bouso, Sam Kavvery confronted bim. •Mister,' said he 'the doorbeln'open I heerd all you've ben a sayln'. Do you mo»ui to say that's all? that Ips, or anybody else, don't need to go rollin' on the groun' at camp meetin' or have a tremendous 'sperience some wav, 'fore they're safe. Ain't there notbin' to do 'zept make up your mind to turn aroun', and row 'tother way?' •That Is all,' said Breeton, 'except that after turning you must row, and keep at It, and not let yourself drift witn the current.' 'Shouldn't wonder then,' said Sam, strolling slowly away, 'If I could be a Christian myself.'

Breeton was offering a silent prayer, when a slap between tbe shoulders interrupted him.

Breeton,' said Hartinger, 'I was myself an unintentional hearer of your littlo sermon, and I must thank you for the clearest religious statement I have ever beard. But. if this is all, what becomes of the articles of faith and which is tbe one true church?'

I am too young a convert to answer many questions/ replied Breeton 'but houest opinions do not of themselves institute religion: and, as for the true church, it is in tbe hearts of His people.' •Noble young heretk consistent young Christian I' exclaimeo Hartinger, ae iaing Breeton's band.

It was time for Breeton to start for tbe Cross Roads, yet be was very loath to go. He bad learned more within an hour than in bis seminary course snd while he was reverently thankful to the Great Teacher, be left considerable human gratitude toward Ipsie. He started to find ber, and to express his thankfulness. He re-entered the house and found her still sitting where he had left her.

Ipsie,' aaid be, In a tone, which, though very tender, startled the girl. •I b«ve attempted to teach you but

S•on

have given me tbe most valuable I have ever had yon have taught me to speak plain English. But I shall have many relapses into my old habits, and I know of no one who will correct me. Will yea do it— for lite?'

Jpeie said nothing, bat blushed. The young preacher looked appealingly,

and her blushes grew deepe asid nothing bat as, when Mrs. Kavvery came Into the room, she found Ipsie's head on Breeton's shoulder, and tbe young man not the least bit ashamed of It, it seemed evident that Ipeic had accepted the situation.

Ipsie waa never made professor of English iu a theological seminary bat she did the world good service revising ber husband's sermons, and did flu-

more for God and humanity than did any other member of the East River Co I ere nee.

Ceciie.

Algiers is tbe Paris of Africa, or, rather, uot a portion of Africa, but apart of France, that bad been created by tbe armies in times of peace as it had been conquered in a war by tbo French arms. Algiers is Paris, ot course, but in becoming French it bos not lost ail its Oriental peculiarities, and in tbis it ia as muck uioro attractive tban Paris as romance is to real life.

When I was ordered to remain in Algiers with my regiment comiug from Marseilles, I came with most delightful anticipations. I was a young lieutenant then, aud my success with the fair sex in various garrisou towns where I bad been gave me most brll liant ideas in regard to tbe adventures thst would befal me in Algiers. Houris, with eyes like stars, enveloped in cashmere, covered with diamonds, living in palaces with fountains of rose water, and bowers of orange flowers, rose before me. Indeed, the officers talked so much and so eagerly about tbe charms of tho Eastern women, their passion and tholr devotion, that I felt ready to risk iny life to obtain a sight of one of tho loyely creatures who haunted my dreams.

Now this was to be the romanco of my life. The reality was already all arranged andsottledin Europe—and to tell the trutb, though my imagination was in Algiers, my heart was in France with tbe girl to whom I bad been betrothed since my lufancy. Liko all Frenchmen, I knew that I could marry only the young lady who would be thought by my parents to bo suited to me in station and fortune I knew that only suoh a wire could suit me, and had not ihe slightest idea that my Eastern romanco would interfere with auy of my engagements, not even with my love.

For I loved my betrothed, though I bad not seen her since sbe was a child The daughter of an old friend of my father's, sho had been brought up by ber mother in tho strictest seclusion and in my wandering, soldier's life, bad not seen ber for six years. But tbis was my last year's probation at tbe close of the autumn I was to return to Marseilles Cecllewas to come with her mother beneath my father's roof, aud we were to be married.

The passion I intended to feel for one of the Orientul bouris bad nothing to do with the holy love for my future wife— for tbo future mother of my children. She was encased in tbe holiest temple of uiy heart—the very altar fire of iny life tbe Oriental episodes were but as tbe lightuing flashes of a summer storm, brief, brilliant, and evanescent

It so happened that at oue of the cafes I made the acquaintance of an intelligent, rich old Jow merchant, who, from the lirst, appeared to take extraordina ry imerest in me. Ho amused me with details of Oriental life and manners told me the legends of tbe country and in iact, seemed to be a living page from the 'Arabian Nights.'

In return, I told him all the circum stanccs of my life, my military adven tures, and even, iu a moment of extraordinary confidence, Went so far as to tell him about Cecilo and our future inarrluge. This was done rather to give him an idea of our European customs than with any idea of confiding in bim. I scarcely felt tbe indelicacy of talking about Ceciie, because be was so utterly a t-tranger to her.

I had been some weeks in Algiers watching auxiously for au adventure, when one day note was put into uiy hand. It was highly perfumed, and lied, instead of being sealed, with a gotd thread. It was written in a most elegant hand, and was in the purest French, and it bade me repair at nine o'clock to one of tho mosques, where a most important revelation would be made to uie. Here was an adventure at last. In tbe excitement of tbe tuomeut I rushed to the Jew.

What am I to do? What does tbis mean It means thai you are a handsome dog und that some of tbe women have fallen in love with you.'

What am I to do?' Go to tbe rendezvous, of course.' •Will tbero be danger? Must I go armed?'

It would be more prudent.' At nine o'clock, as the clock struck, some oue touched me on the sboui der.

You are exact—that is well,' and as I turned I beheld an old woman, dress ed iu tbe costume of tbe country standing uear me.

Are you Lieutenant Raoul Ducbeue?' said she, speaking in French, and with a slight sccent.

Yes.' You are lately from Marseilles?' •Yes.'

You remember Ceciie?' *V •Ceciie,' I cried—'Ceciie Velaze?' 'Tlssbo who has written to you.'

Ceciie, my betrothed she is in Bordeaux, with her mother.' She was, but she is uow here a slave in Algiers.'

But tbe letter Is not In ber haodwriting.' 'Not as you knew her writing for merly.'

True, slave—Cecil a slave? How did she know 1 was here?' Sbe saw you from behind tbe gra ting of ber window.' fako me to ber enclosure.'

Not until you have given me your word that you will save ner.' At tbe risk of my life but how, in Heaven's nsine, did sbe get here?'

She will tell you all to-morrow, when you meet.' Let me see ber to-night.'

Impossible.' 'To-morrow, then. I shall not rest till then.'

To-morrow but remember, silence an indiscretion might ruin all!' I was obliged to be satisfied, bat my excitement was so great that I could not restrain it. I confided all to my friend tbe Jew.

Be very prudent,' said the Jew, 'and remember that the French Government allows the natives tbe exercise of their religion and the freedom of their own special trades. To interfere between a merchant and bis slave would be dangerous.'

I listened, of coarse, to no srgnments, and at nine o'clock toe next night was at the place the Arab woman bad indicated. Ceciie, my Ceciie, tbe pure and gentle yoang girl in the power of a Mahomedan, it was horrible.

Follow me,' said the old woman, and we entered a low gate, and after various windings found ourselves in a white marble ball, moat brilliantly illnminated.

Here Is the danger. Once we can get tbroagh here into Cecile's apartment we are ssfe.'

We crossed the ball without impediment. We entered the apartment, which seemed dim U» me after tbe hall but bright, indeed, all appeared when, from an inner apartment, a lady advanced.

She wore the costume of the country,

and the heavy silver veils with which tbe women are concealed in Algiers fell over her.

In another instant sbe raised her veil, and I beheld the lovelieat creature? I bad ever seen in my life—her large, brilliant, yet melting eyes, fixed on me.

I threw myself at ber feet. Do I then see you again 'Raoul,' she replied, iu a lew, soft voice, 'have you not forgotten me? Do

to my assistance.' This very nigbt we will fly!'

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1

you not love me still Love you still! Never have you been out of my thoughts but how are you here? Here and a slave! How did you leave your hsppy home? How did vou come in tbis man's power?' 'Listen to me, Raoul, and you wills see how naturally I fell Into the lolls, three years, ago. A young Arab was^ sent to Bordeaux to complete his education. He foil In love with mo. A|s?. marriage between us was, of course,p impossible, even bad I uot been bo-|? trothed to* you. Hassan uuderstoodt tbis, and seemed to have abandoned all: tbe feelings of love he had entertained., forme. A month since be anuouuoed to us bis departure for his native eoun-^ try, and, as a last proof of bis friend-? ship, asked my mother to honor hitn^' with a visit on board the vessel that was to take him from us—a oondcscension be called it. My mother couseut-s ed. Wo went, accompauied only by^ Hassan, who came to fetch us. It was| easy to separate us, both curious as wo were to see tbe various parts of tbeKs* 1 ship. When at last I tried to rejoin myg mother, sbe was gone. Wbat became v. of ber I can uot tell you. All I know is, that tbo vessel sailed, while I fell iu a swoon at the feet of Htssau. When I recovered, he told mo that bo had determined that I should be his he bad saorlficed everything to obtain me. So I' am here, and Provldonce has sout you(i

That cannot be. I should be mlssodj traced, and again captured. No, Raoul, you must talce me hence to a French* vessel ready to ssil that very night.'

But I cannot go with you. I daresfi not leave Algiers without leavo of ab-1 sence.'

I can reach Marsoilles in safety.^ There I can await you. Only get mo|si beyond the power or theso poeplo.' if

Weweroin the street: I dared brings.'' no conveyance. We had to walk with rapid steps down to the quay. On wo rushed, when suddenly a man darts from one of the dark porticos, and ,istands before us. W

S/|

I swore to free her—to otey her sheF was so leautiful, so tender, so sad, thatv-f I would have dared anything for herf deliverance. Each night, introduoedfl# by the Arab woman, came to her.ifv She was more lovely oven tban I bad ever dreamed. She had grown into a as different being from the one I had cherished in my heart often, in our short interviews, did I refer to our oarlydavu, but tbe remembrance seemed too.v sad for ber to hear the names of those we lovod, ber family—mine, all brought jl! tears to her eyes.

Thore was au Ineffable joy to mo in these Interviews, stolen and dangerousvp* as they were, and but of a few minutes''# duration still I burned to free ber from^ tbe power of this Hassan, even at the pain of not seeing her. I would have' tried the French authorities, but whatv'4 had I to prove the truth of my story or withe identity of Cecilo? Then the Fronoh authorities are chary of interference, with the native customs in fact, as' Ceciie said, our only safety lay in herfe secret flight. Hassan was away. Oncen Cecilo had been in his power, he bad^,made no effort to forco her love lie ^'s trusted to time, to absence from all"' other ties, and to bis devotion, to ulii-s*: matoly obtain her love. •At tho thought of this my heart beat( witTi rage and terror. I resolved to do-'',,' lay no longer. Vessels were sniling every day to France, but I wanted notu it vessel full of pusMHigera, but sotne^i small merchant vessel, where none,,, would know even of Cecile's presonce,"'

At last it was found, and all wus arranged. A European dress was procur-^ ed and conveyed to Ceciie. In thoso one nigbt, without any interruption, sbe passed out of Hassan's palace the" way I entered It.

It was my friend, the Jow. •You are pursued,' said lie 'her flight is discovered. Trust her to mo hero is my bouse. I can shield her. No one will suspect me. You can save her (4' only thus, and only thus save yourself^ the disgrace which, as an ofllccr, will fall on you.' •Disgrace!' cried Ceciie, starting!# from me 'take me, lead me anywhere. Raoul, fly.' •With me she is safe comojto morrow sbe will be ready.'

But she will miss the vossel' it sails to-night.' ii There will bs another, tben but I hear footsteps fly.'

Tbe Jew and Cecilo disappeared into ouo of the houses, and I, bewildered and deeply mortified, weut slowly.to my quarters.

The uext day there wss a great rumor In the town—the French authorities had been appealed to—a daring robbery had been committed one of the favorite slaves of tbe dethroned Dey had escaped from his palace with jewels of enormous value. She was a European. too—some dancing girl be had picked up from tbe French theatre in Algiers sbo bad sailed for France, it was supposed, but where and how, and who bad been her accomplice, it was impossible to discover. uv

I beard tbis with indifference and as soon as I deemed it safe, proceeded, racked with anxiety, to tbe Jew's house.

I reached it, and on tbe threshold stood the Arab woman, Ceciie,' said I. 8be presented me with a note without speaking a word.

I tore it open. ., *, ,» 'I am safe vou will not botray ine, sr,: for if you do will swear that you are my accomplice. I have long been waiting tbis opportunity, and I thank you for helping me and the Dey's jewels oflT together. I sm merely the Dey's slave —a Parisian with only her beauty attd her wits. Now I am rich, and will pray for yoo. my gallant end credulous cavalier. You should not have confided your secrets and your love to tbe Jew. He is with me, and we will not forget you. 'C

armen.'

1 stood ss if turned to stone. 1 could not collect my thoughts. Ceciie an impostor! No, not Ceciie at all and I tbe dupe and accomplice of tbis bold, bad woman.

My first impulse was to denounce ber At all risks—to tell tbe trutb. But tbe fear of ridicule or the dreed of disgrace at last restrained me, and made me consent to endare the terrible complicity.

Carmen waa never found, nor were tbe Jewels traced. Probably she had sailed from France for America, and so evaded thepolioe.

As for Ceciie, six months later I found her by her mother, pore, fresh, and innocent and not until we had been married two years did I relate to her.myjadventurefin Algiers.