Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 37, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 March 1874 — Page 6

'WWW|IU 11

Ttf* 6HOST THAT JIM OA W% Kinm FMifle Railway, Why to that," said the ta(to««r, W Oboats ain't things we are apt to fear, Spirits don't fool with l#vcn much, JLad throttle-valves don't take torn#*.

A ud a* for baa— SI&'s VbaihapMSMlloMa

Wmone-half fen and T'other ball whim! RoBbt»| one nlghton thai In*. heeaw A booaa aa plain as the moral law— Jul by tbe nooalii tauik and ibenee Came a drunken man wWn wb««*0»

Tiiu to diop on tl» fall, ijpUbi mi tuui.

A* Jim drove by wlUt tb« mid night mall. Down went tbe pat ^la. -Mwwtnid, Too late for th«r« t»^»i .HI Ittt eor**lB Aa bis fireman, tin :n .*• with aim, Kinder ctartM in Um

And says, W bat now Mays Jim.'What now

I've Just ran over a man—that Vhow!' Tb- flreniea stared at xtnu They ran Back, bat tbey never loan nor man— Mary a shadow within a t: ii «, Jim tori: jwUe, but tie tmu to smile— on bo tore,

Ten tii* asor more,

Jn quicker than he'd made nfore. Would yon believe U! -the very next night Up rose that tat in the inooul' white Out come* that ipand drojx*- jfore, Down goee the bra! and the rest encore—

Andaa,lnf" Each night that act

Occurred, until folks aware that Jim was cracked. HumphI Let mem now It's a year now, most, That 1 met Jim, east, and says, 'How's yoarglwU?' That gboti eoo't trouble me again

I thought I shook That ghost when 1 took

A place on an eastern line—out look: What should I meet tbe first trip oat, Bat that very boose we talked about. And that self-same uau! Well,' »ays I, '1 lt^tlme to stop tbla foolishness,'

Ho I crammed on tt««nir When there cume a scream

From my tire man—and it broke my dream. You've killed somebody 1' says 1 'not much rvebeentbar often and thai no such. And now I'll prove It.4 BacS w« ran, And—dara my ilk In -but tfcar waa a man

On the rail, dead, 8ma»bed lu the head-

Now I call that meanness I' That's all Jim saldl" —{Bret Harte lu N. Y. Times. ^»i •i-t-M*' [From H-trper's Baxar.j

My Wife's Maid.

3The series of burglaries which start lad the public in tbe autumn-and early winter of tbe year 1865 was of a deserlption to alarm any household. Tbe general features of each robbery were the same. In every case a gtng of from seven to eleven masked men had broken into an isolated dwelling containing an unusual amount of silver or |ewels had intimidated tbe inmates by threatening them with fire-arms mas tered them, secured them, gagged them, then qnietlv proceeded methodically to strip the house of all the valuables it contained. Their intelligence of the

Srawers

remises was never at fault. Secret and sliding panels, supposed to be known only to the family, were sought and opened at once, and sales whether built into the walls or exposed in closets, were equally at their mercy, and easily forced by means of drills and gunpowder.

Tbe police seemed indefatigable in investigation and pursuit, yet five of these audacious and astounding robberies bad suooeeded each either without a single arrest taking placer. Plenty of rumors were abroad that the gang were in tbe hands of the authorities, bat such statements oontained not a grain of troth, for the detectives were absolutely to the dark.

My own position filled me with anxl ety. My boose is six miles from town, set in the centre of wide grounds, remote from any habitation but the gardener's cottage at tbe gate. Both my wife and myself had inherited a large amount of bulky family plate, and besides this useless metal, wbioh never came out of tbe safe, I had several costly services presented on the oceasion of our marriage, three large Severs, etc., testimonials from societies of which I had been an active member, to say nothing of a complete and .varied assortment of atrial! articles in silver and gold. Then my wife's possessions were those of a princess, for she had been the daughter or a millionaire, and all ber life a spoiled child of fortune. Besides plate and Jewefo, ottr boose oontained a valuable collection of statuary, paintings, and bronxes,and I was only too conscious of having expended a fortune upon tbe surroundings of our daily life, and waa inspired witn grave doubts as to its safety, llrooding over such thoughts, and reading tbe news papers, filled with speculations concerning these mysterious burglaries, I soon became the victim of an exaggerated disquietude. Had my own wishes been carried out, every ounce of silver and every jewel we owned would have been sent into town to my bankers', bat my wife objected, laughed at my apprehensions, and begged me not to worry.

But I continued to worry, sod per plexed myself with conflicting plans for safety, and ene day while In town I went to the bead-quarters of tbe police, aad isquired for Betts, the detective engaged on this caw.

Be admitted me into his private room. I asked for the latest news. H*d sny body been arrested? No. Wtm any body to be arrested? 'Be shrugged bis shoulders. Was say bodvsuspected? ,^4

He chuckled soft!* lo himself. •My dear Sir/ said be. 'we suspect every body.* •Then,* eried I, 'arreat every body on anepioion 1 6ood God! I Mm not sleep in my bed, for something sssures we my turn will oome next* 1 oan't decide what to do, BeUs. My wife won't let tbe silver and tbe diamonds go out Of tbe house, and this very night I msy be awakened to find masked mtft standing ov me, with loaded pistols, who will rob my house under rny ttrf eyes I*

Betts shook bis bead moserf a little with bis legs crossed sad his left forefinger pressed ioto his cheek. By-1he-bye,' said be, presently, *bow many, servants bsveyou, Mr. Powers? Ptass# toll me about them individually.'

I went over their names, and the toetive obecked them off In his memo-randum-book as I gave toe ftwXe «m*» neoted with them, saundem, the butler, had been with o« seventeen years the cook,five years eooebmsa and groem, seven $ and tbe chamber-maid, three nil flxtorcs in the household but Marie, my wife's maid, who bed come within the last four weeks. 'All!' sxoisimed Bsus, 'where did youketMarfe? Wsssbe well roeommended?' 'Oh yes she is French, and bssjoet eooie to this country with a femily by tbe name of DeSturgea. She waa nnrss to ohlid who died on tbe passage, aad waatbas thrown oat of employment she advertised, aad my wife saw her, liked bar, aad engaged her.'

Too oontinue to like ber •Capitally abe* a perfect genius, with effective magic In her fingers.' *Ditfjrouse«lier

Yes

ehatty, eable i«o»i means, spparently, and are goiqg to settle in Saw OrW*a»,' •Describe I it you pif***,' Belts, with a ka« which surprised me. *Oh,' Li JdeO, I stared at him, 'give m» leave to l" curioua.'

With all my heart. Mane Is small, black-eyed, black haired, compactly I i, with remarkably nest bonds and ft*.. She has a aaucy, laughing face, and her bair is short, crisp, and curly.

How sl» her voice?' •Very ©!''r and ringing. Sbe does not -j"«k English fluently, but understanua every word that is said to her*'

Now about ber little ways.' A thorough Frenchwoman, with a knack or pleasing every body. I don't know when I've seen such an artless, go d, happy little girl.'

Betts Wugbed uneasily, then bent bis head on hia band, his elbow resting on

Mr. Powers,'aaid bs at last, looking up wltb a peculiar Sash in his eyes, 'I am going to take vou into tny confidence, but you must be discreet, or you will ruin ine. I've sworn to see this thing through, or resign my position. I'm sick of this Infernal foolery of calling myself a detective and letting Satan reign night and day all over the eity. Tbe newspaper* drive me mad! They know nothing about the obstaclea we oontend wltb, and goad ua Into premature steps,

which cost

He drew a large book from his desk 'Here,' said he, 'is the full testimony in all five cases. Run your eye over it, and you will see that the general facts all coincide. Tbis small man gives directions and leads every body.'

Probably some London cracksman. Betts nodded, winked, then leaned forward, and whispered in my ear, •I suspect it's a woman.' •Impossible! no woman has tbe nerve.' 'A she-devil, then—something in woman's form at all events. Now for the facta on which I base tbis belief. Tbe rest of the gang are as free and easy with each other as you please, yet no one ever lays a finger on this little one, bat all draw back to let him pass. He gives orders, exerta himself wben ingenuity Is required, but when strength Is nee^Ssd he looks on while the others fall to work. Besides, young Stewart, who was brought down stairs in his night-shirt the night of their robbery, told me jokingly that he believed there was a woman among the thieves, for one of tbem took offense at his bare legs, and ordered them covered up with the piano spread,' 'Still a very airy hypothesis this about tbe woman.'

You have to jump at conclusions sometimes, and find (acts to suit. As soon aa I bad mastered these details, I was impressed by the conviction that ene of tbe thieves bad been on tbe

fremises

f'at

before. At Mr, Stewart's, for

nstance, the safe is built into tbe wall, and a false paneMn tbe wainscot is tbe enly opening to it yet the first place tbe burglars approached waa that panel, which the little fellow slid aside at once. So I set to work looking for a suspicions character in the house, and found all satisfactory till I came to a French governess who staid with them six weeks last spring. Now, sir, in eaob house entered by these masked devils there has been daring tbe past twelve montha some similar transient Inmate. At Ware well'» it was a French cook, in a white cap and apron at tbe Lewies', tbe young India' page, a clever But tons at tbe Pratt*', a protege of the children, a handsome vagrant Italian boy, with a violin. And now, Mr. Powers/continued Betts, bringing his hand beaviiy down n)on my Rnee. |I am ready to swear that yon have this dangerous inmate nnder your own roof in the nbftnufter of your wile's maid.'

I started as If I bad been shot. Impossible 1' I grasped 'impossible/' But why, sir, impossible?'

The idea la monstrous. Marie is sweet little girl, playful as kitten.' But, Mr. Powers, you area, manor the world, and know that a woman is not proved honest because she be witches yon*'

But, Beits, admit tbat though I nm an old fo»l my wife la a ho rough wo*iao,and. as a rule,suspects all hor own sex. yet *he is positively fond of Marie.'

Marie it a clever little pass. Wherever she baa lived, ae man or women, the whole family nave adored her. I have always tboogbt,' b« went on, with a sort of obaekle, 'that no fact about women is »or«$ damning than that the

ood ones ace, asa rule, the dull ones, sparkle, intellect, into any one of them, and sbe is certain to play the devil. Hss Msrte shown any interest In these bnrglariea?*

Tberaeoaki bo nodoobt of her having questioned me concerning them with intense eagerness, and If 1 spoke to mf wife about my apprehensions while she waa present, Matte never lost 4

Does she know aboat yoarsilver? Has sb* any onarge of yoor wife's diamonds?'

I started. Tbat vary morning 1 had shown ber my safes behind a false book case In my study, and asked ber opinion whether any one oaald mistrust those ionocent looking encyclopedias, or anspecttbeexlatenoeof cioeet six feet square between my room and the 11 brary. I was ashamed of my own greenness, but made a clean breast of It to Betts, who was good enough to refrain from expression of hie opinion of my discretion,

(My

word for it,' be cried, 'she has

been waiting to find out tbat secret,and now sbe will leave your boose within forty-eight boars. Her pretext will be reasonable one, and ana will promise to return, but when she doee return, •be will bring Iter gang at ber heels to rob yonr bones foryoa.'

The idea of connecting oor pretty Marie with suob outrages filled me with horror. I rejected It atrenaoosty.

Believe or not as yeu like,'he returned, wltb aahrng, *so iong aayon only follow my advice. tart out of eurloaIty, take home a little dog wjth yon, and see If Marie doee not set to work to

It at once. Then the moment

LieSturg** Htiti b» wife— sbr speaks of leaving your bouse, teU« eable people* of some: arapn to ma.' Our interview lasted another bo*r.

ua our reputation,

and end iu failure. I've been working in tbe dsrk tbeee nine weeks, but, by Heavens, I believe you've shown me a glimmer of liKbt.'

His manner mdloated intense excitement his words came spasmodically, his face worked, and be bad to draw his hand two or three times aprons his mouth before he oould go on. Then producing a note-book, he opened it at well-warn leaves. 'There have been,' he began, looking at me with a sort of smile, 'five great robberies within the last six months, and each one has these special featwrvs, characterising it as tbe work of the same hands as the other four:

First, tbe combination of *even to eleven masked men, all adroit burglars seoond, aa Isolated bouse is attacked sure to contain ample provision for a sucoesslul robbery third, the thieves know tbe premises fourth, the leader of the gang is a small man, of active habits, with a clear, shrill voloe.'

He stopped and looked at me. I did not know there was arecognis ed leader,' 1 remarked.

'." VAvi 4^^

Whan I left him I went to a dog-fanci-er's, and bought a little yelping biaak-and-tan spaniel, and oarried him home with me. It was approaching dinner time when I arrived, and my wife was In her room sitting before the mirror with Marie braiding bar bsi?. I entered, aa was my habit, and aat down by the fire, and let the girl draw off my boots and bring my altppers In her uansl way. It seemed an unmanly treason to saspeet ber as sits moved about me with her bright smile and easy grace. She rarely spoke, unless equally addreesed, but her intuitions of any one's wishos amounted absolutely to genius. 'Whom did you see in town?' Inquir ed my wife.

Don't speak of it,' said I, looking fearfully about, as if I he walls bad ears, 'but 1 was with Betts, the detective, You must not repeat what I say Marie.' "Never, monsieur!' cried Marie. 'The fact is

51proceeded,

sinking my

voice into a sepulchral whisper, 'that

Jracedof

iang masked burglars have been to New Orleans, and may be arrested by this time.'

Then I hope, dear, said tny wife, laughing, 'ihat you will again sleep souudly in your bed. After you got up last sight for the fourth time to promenade about, pistols in band. I decided it might he better to eatoif pewter and wear French gilt jewelry than to lead such a life.'

I too laughed, aad stretched my legs comfortably. 'Yea, I mean to sleep like a Christian ueiearter besides, I have brought home a dog.'

A dog exclaimed Murie, startled Yes.' I turned and looked at her attentively. Don't you like doga?'

She protested vehemently that she loved nogs better than any thing in tbe world and when Jingle, the spaniel, was produced it was so pretty a sight to see ber playing with blm that I was freshly luoensed with Betts for potting his cursed suspicions into my bead. She took tbe little* beast to bed wltb her, I believe, and next morning be would obey ber lifted finger.

Tbat very day she received a letter from Madame De Sturges, her former mistress, asking ber to come in and

(eft

lass a few hours with her before she for New Orleans. Marie oarried tbe letter to Mrs. Powers. 'Madame wish es to talk to me about Mile. Helena, pleaded the girl, with tears in her eyes 'To-morrow will be the birthday or the pauvre ange, who lies at tbe bottom of the cruel sea.'

Poor Madame De Stnrges,' exclaim ed my wife, touched at tne thought of tbe sorrowing mother 'you must spend to-morrow wltb her, Marie 00 in at nine o'clook and come back at five

Marie was grateful, and told melting stories about the pauvre ange—her beautv, her piety, her intelligence— and nothing coula equal my wife's sympathy, and when the girl went into town next morning she actually oarried a note to Madame D6 Sturges, written in my wife's very best French.

Mean while I had telegraphed Marie's proposed movements to BettB, and now with some nervousness,awaited events. The detective had warned me tbat sbe would win the dog's directions that Bbe would leave the house, promising to return, but would not return. Two of these predictions, were already verl fled but if Marie came back I oould laugh at his suspicions, and regard them as futile.

But Marie did not return at five o'clock a telegram arrived in her stead from Madam De Sturges, saying tbat sbe had kept the girl, and would write at length and explain. Next morning a letter was received from that lad. Sbe told my wife' she was ill, yet obliged to travel homesick in a strange land, without a familiar woman's face near her, and that she had persuaded,almost forced, Marie to remain and set out with her and her husband for New Orleans that very evening. An incoherent, tear-blotted note from Marie a& oempanied this, filled with protestations of sorrow at tbe necessity of thus deserting us. She was torn by conflict ing feelings of love toward Mrs. Powers and her sacred duty to the mother of little Helene, the angel child, whom shebad so dearly loved, and whose voice she now beard calling to her from the spirit world, biding her re main and comfort tbe lonely mother.

While my wife read this to roe with tears, I stood aghast at Bett'a predic tions.

Theories are fascinating, .but wliou speculations turn into threatening certainties, and there stares you In tbe face conclusive prcof that your house is about to be robbed, you experience small pleasure in tbo accurate fore knowledge of any prophet.

I instantly telegraphed to Betts that 1 would meet blm at my son-in-law's offloo at twelve o'clock, then proposed to my wife that sbe should go to town and spend a couple of days with our daughter, and offered to drive her in myself. We setoff within an hour,-and after leaving her up town I hurried down, eager to see tbe deteotive. It was on the stroke of twelve when 1 en tered the office, and 1 thought at first tbat Belts had failed me, for uo one waa there but a ponderous old gentleman witn gold glaasea and white aide whiskers. I am not used to intrigues and masquerades' and when I recognized Betts in this disguiss I could hsrdly refrain from exclaiming at his cleverness but his own coolness kept me within bounds, and I sat down beside him, and began reading my paper. Presently, with his eyes still fastened on his Herald, he edged toward tne, and dropped these sentences Into my ear: •It's all going besutifully.fol-

lowed tbe glri fn yesterday.........Went lo hotel ....The De Sinrgoses booked tbere all atralgbt.... Whole

Kit

rty lelt Jersey City at nine o'clock night, ticketed and luggage checked to Washington Slipped out of tbe cars at Newark, all three lu men's dress, and were bsrJt here before mid* nigbt.....~«Met efcbt follows I know at saloon id Street, and I can spot all eleven of 'em this very minute... They're at a den In Street getting ready to play their little game some where tonight.'

At my bouse I cried. He shook his head. Dtinno,' aaid he, looking atralgbt into tbe fire.

Look here, Bella,' I wblapwedt 'this may be flan to you, but, though I tn no oowsrd, it's death to me. Why not arrest 'em now

Yen, fost so,' he returned, irritably .• why not Where's yoor evidence? Now, Mr. Poweiii, Jurt look at this matter aenslbly. You know aa well as 1 do that half tbe tbtevea we caleh get off beoau*« no oue will aaear to tbsir Identity at their examination. Now I'm anxiona to make a sure thing of It for once, and take my oath that I eaugfat tbem in tbe act,'

You mean to arrest tbem while they are robbing met* I do.

8 A A N IN MAIU MARCH 14, 1874.

sue bad gone down to sero but be disguised his contempt, and went on to 14-11 me thst be bad dispatched one of hla men, Jobmoa by name, to my plaoe to inaka a reconnaissance, nnder pretense of trimming my evergreens. Upon this maa'a re purl, and upon two or three other epen questions which be did not think it worth while fo explain depended hia programms fbr to-night, If by any possibility there was alike libood of my bouae being entered at onoe, I wus to know it by dintiier-time, tbat I might be prepared far lbs bur glars. I was meantime to go kome quietly, and apend my time, in my asusl manner, so as to exoite no comment among tbe s»rvanta, and, reoelving no word trotn Betts, I was to rest satisfied, and consider my house safe for another twenty-four hours.

I went home according to directions, and set about spending my day, in my ususi way, but the house was so still, and seemed so deserted, I lound it impossible to read, even to sit quietly in a chair, for more than five minutes at a time. So I called tbe little dog, Jingle, and set out for a wslk about the grounds, feeling some curiosity to get a glimpse of the deteotive, Johnson. It wasa black December afternoon, ssbiverlng wind In tbe tree-tops, snd leaden olouas promising snow berore midnight. The bare ground Was fro sen bard, and a few dead leaves eddied about in gusta tbat rose and loll at uncertain intervals. I ueard the sound of an axe thrcfajgh the sombre stillness, and Jingle frisked forward and barked at a man backing ai tbe firs in tbe shrubbery. I addressed bim regarding bis work, and be winked back hla appreciation of our mutual sharpness then I wenton, reconnoitred a few minutes longer, and again turned in. The day seemed endless, and I was glad wben Saunders lit tbe gas, and shut out the shivering landscape and funereal clouds with the heavy curtains. Din-ner-time came, and brought with it a semblance of occupation, and when I WHS half through my meal I suddenly remembered Jingle, and sent for bim to keep me company. He wss not in the house. It flasbea upon me tbat I had not seen blm alter passing Johnson in tbe thicket, and I dispatched tbe coachman to call him in but only echoes answered tbe cry. He had evidently remained out in tbe grounds with tbe policeman, and I dismissed the subject from my mind, finished my dessert, and went back to my library fire. No word bad come from Belts, hence I was safe for to-night, at all eveuta, and I breathed freer, and stretched my legs and dozed until ten o'clock in comparative comfort. Then, rousing myseir, I lit a lantern and went out'thedoor and along the aide piazzas to speak a word wltb Johnson, who, Betts bad arranged, was in any case to keep a watch under the covered carriage-way.

He was not there. I did not understand it. Had be got drunk, or had Betts taken him away Perbaps, however, he was still loitering at tbe edge of tbe grounds accordingly, 1 walked out on tbe lawn, and swung my lantern two or three times. Then, as it was bitter cold, and was beginning to snow, I turned in, and finding tbat it was almcst eleven o'clock, I ordered Saunders to close tbe bouse and send the servants to bed, and to bed I went myself.

But as soon as tbe light was out, and my bead touched tbe pillow, I was freshly impressed by the mystery of Johnson's disappearance, and accordingly I got up, opened my pistol-case, took out two rovolvers, and putting tbem and a sword-cane within easy reach, I returned to bed.

Deuce take tbis suspense 1'said I, as again lay down. 'I sba'n't sleep a wink.' But after tossing a few times, and assuring myself I could not close my eyes, I fell asleep—at least, after a time, 1 was awakened by a bright light shining full in my face.

Good God!' I cried out loud, 'they've come to-night.' For three men, with black oambrio masks ooncealing their faces, stood over me, each pointing a pistol at my head.

Please to get up, Mr. Powers.' said one of tbem, in a cool, civil way 'please to put on that dressing-gown and those slippers. You shall not be harmed in the least if you will only be quiet and obey directions.' With three pistols aimed square in his eyes, any man will be docile, I suppose at least I got up, and put on dressing-gown and slippers. Then one of the men caught my arms, drew them behind, and manacled tbem another gagged me with one of my own silk handkerchief* ttnd thus rendered harmless, I was led down stairs, where my household, in various stages of night attire, gagged and tied back to back, were awaiting me in the diningroom. I was put in an arm-chair, and fastened to it by feet and bands, then was left aloue to stare about me. Maddened, desperate though I was, when I discovered tbat the sixth of the prisonera was Johnson, the detective, I recognized him with a keen sense of tbe ridiculous, and only wished that Betts— whom I was mentally anathematizing with corses not lond out deep—were in his place, and tasting some of our humiliations.

Besides the three masked men who had mastered me and brought me down tbere were five others in the diningroom. Two were left as sentinels over us, snd tbe rest at onoe fell to work in a way tbat meant business. A small, active man (waa It oor Marie?) motioned toward the sideboard. It was wheeled sside, snd stepping Ibrward. he pressi id lng panel, and disclosed tbe

sed the closet where the silver in dsily use waa kept, sad tbe shelves were at onoe stripped, and the contents piled on the table.

The bedrooms upstairs were next visited, tbe locks or drawers and wardrobes wrenched spsrt, and tbe oontents thrown pell-mell on the floor for the chief expert to decide on what should be carried off. Tbe upper rooms gutted, they osme down with their spoils, wbloh tney piled hlgb before our eyes on tbe table, and tbon leaving us sgain alone with our sentinels, tney went through tbe entry Into my library.

It was a dark hour, I leaned back my bead and closed my eyes, and felt that fate was cruel to me. Only one consols tion illumined the blackness of my despair—my wile bad oarried ber jewels to town with her, and I was spared the humiliation of telling her I bad loat tbem for ber through my Idiotic felth In Betts There waa along alienee now, which I understood but too well It was followod by thr« muffled explosions thst shook the bouse like sn earthquake, and almost simultaneously was beard tbe noise of a souffle, and 1 opened my eyes to see tbe room filled with policemen, snd hear pistol-shots exchanged, while our two sentinels were thrown down, disarmed, and pinioned before our eyes.

I looked and listened, mentally stunned, without clear comprehension of tbe meaning of tbe uproar, fbr. with tbe noise of fl re-arms, the clang of manacles and tbe beat of heavy feet, the tumult somewhat terrifying.

In leas time thsn It takes me to deasribe It, tbe eituatlon bad been revers-

All risbt—only I should prefer to rd, and now Bstta, the delective, ap bave tbe row la anether man's bouse.' pea ml lu tbe door at the head of his I saw at once that Betta*s opinion of I po»«9 of men, who brought In eight oft

the cwptured burglars, two of tbem wounded aad bleeding profusely, while tbe rest showed signs of having maintained a stout resistance all bad lost their masks tn the melee, and disclosed sullen aad bratal vtaagea. flow are you, Mr. Power* inquired Betts, oeming forward and releasing me. 'I hope you're not hurt. I beg your pardon for taking possession of yonr bouse in this way.'

Wby did you make me tbink I was safe for to-night, Betia?' Because,' he replied, wltb a shrug,

I discovered you were just little upset at the prospect, and I felt afraid of von.' He ran bis eye over the group beside me, and wben be aaw Johnson, be grinned, and going up to hint, knocked his manaclea off. 'You're a pretty detective, ycu are,' said be, 'to be caught and tied up by the very fellowa you were in waiting for I'

Still, Betts was in too high good bamor to be angry even with the humiliated Johnson. Meanwhile I was peering into tbe faces or the thieves, fearing to find Marie among them.

Betts,' I gasped, suddenly, 'you bsven't got tbe little one.' He gave a tigerish cry. and glared from one to the other of bia prisoners.

You are aure there was another?' No doubt ot it,' 1 returned 'any oue of these fellows is four inobea taller than tbe leader of tbe gang.'

In another moment be had aei picked men at work searching both bouse and

8rounds

but he never succeeded in

nding even a trace of the eleventh of the par' of burglars. Not even after tbe conviction and heavy seatenoe of tbe other ten, would any one of tbeui confess the secret of their leadership. I had easily identified M. and Madame De Sturgea— both swarthy and robust Frenchmen—among tbem, but in spite of all my eflorts, neither one oould be induced even to acknowledge tbey had ever heard of such a person as Marie, or tbat tbey had ever masqueraded under the respectable disguise of ber employers.

But when the snows melted off in tbe spring, one little silent witness came to light, and told his pitiful story against her it was tbe dog Jingle, found dead In tbe shrubbery, bis throat cut, snd bis frozen eyes still upturned In re* proschful agony.

A PRINCES IK THE HAREM.

,An Interesting Egyptian Female.

Mme. Kibrizly-Mehemot-Pusba, French-Levantine woman, baa published a book on harem Ufa in the eaat, which is full of extraordinary details upon this interesting subject. Tbe following is ber account of her visit to tbe daughters of the the celebrated Mehemet All, the Egyptian Pash, who had expressed a strong desire to see to ber.

I informed my husband of the invitation, and be said, "you are obliged to go tbe invitation of a person ot such high rank is tantamount to a command." Taking with me my daughter, Aicbeb, two slaves, an eunuch, and accompanied by tbe messenger of the princes*, I proceeded to Jaffa. Then I embarked for Alexandria, where the carriages of her bigbness Nazly-Han-um were welting for me. The.carr'.ages were all covered with velvet oordered with gold.

There was a gilded lattice to each one, We soon arrived at the palace in Mahmoudieb, whicb, situated near the Nile, in tbe midst of magnifioent gardens, has quite an European aspect. I passed at once through the vestibule and up a handsome staircase to tbe apartments ou tbe second floor. On each side were ranged slaves dressed in silk garments of brilliant colors and adorned wltb jewels of great value. To do me greater honor tome of the slaves put their hands under my arms, while the eunuchs lifted the train of my feradje (long robe.) At tbe top of tbe staircase I was received by tbe princess tT' asurer, who led me to a Bplendid saloon. where I might taite a short rest. Presently she came in agsin to announce tnat the Princess Naxly-Hanum was waiting to receive me. I found ber seated upon her divan and smoking a leng chibouk. Sbe arose and bade mo welcome. She was a woman of middle size, and quite a brunette. Her features express uncommon energy, and her penetrating eyes sparkled with intelligence. I bowed low before ber. Sbe saluted me graciously, aad indicated by a wave of tbe hand tbat I was to seat myself opposite to ber on the divan.

Around tbe apartment were a number of old women, whose duty it was to amuse her highness by relating storiea to her. A chibouk was brought for me, snd the princess began the conversation by paying me several compliments. Then we proceeded to talk upon general subjects. Naxly-Hmnm appeared to me to be most thoroughly acquainted wltb Oriental affairs. While we were talking they brought in some sherbet, and afterward some coffee. At tbe end of about half an hour I retired for a short time to the apartment whloh had been prepared for me. Shortly afterward dinner was announced, and I had the honor of dining with the princess alone. Tbe table was covered with embroidered silk, and tbe various srticles of food were served In silver dishes elegantly chased: even the spoons were ornamented with precious stoned After dinner we went into the garden to smoke and take coflee. Toward 10 o'clock fruits and sherbet were brought in vessels of gold enriched with diamonds. The princess having drunk wine and brandy began to talk more femtllar with me then sbe called some of the women to draw nearer. One of the women played tbe role of a loverof the princess, and tbey practiced all sorts of gallantries. During this scene, whloh became more end more demonstrative aa the drunkeneas of the two principal acres* increased, some of tbe young slaves danoed about tbe apartment, clapping copper oastanete, while others aang. They appeared to be very much fatigued, and one oonld see by their looks tbat they did not have eaough sleep. But tbey were obliged to endure without a murmur all that waa put upon them, otberwtee their mistress wen Id beat tbeui pitilessly. Several bad died nnder the cruel treatment Inflicted on tbem by the princess. I became at last tirod of scenes of debaucberv and ejwit«w so revolting,and toward 12 o'clock begged permission to retire. The woman who bad oome to seek me at Jerusalem reconducted me to my apartments. I begged of ber to remain with me a little time, and then I beard some particulars about Naaly. "You have seen our mistress," she remarked "Sbe passes all her nigbte as she began this one. She generally rises about midday. During tbe day sbe pays visits, takes an airing in tbe carriage, drinks, and amuses herself according to ber fancy*

Although Egyptian ladles are much lesa free than those of Turkey, abe finda mean*, in oonsequenoe of tbe frequent sbeeaoe of ber husband, to introduce ber lovers wltb Impunity Into tbe harem. TO sssure herself or their

rmpfw^m

2Ski I j.

silence she used to bave them killed,

THE liKHEADERH,

A Parisian Sensation of the Time tfLomx Fourteenth.

Within tbe last few months it appears tbat in tbe very heart of Paris young men, chiefly of the clerk or small uuder class, have auddenly disappeared, and no trace of them has since been discovered, The Paris Figaro, in connection with these disappearances, revives tbe following old-times sensation:

It la an old Circumstance that something of the kind occurred in Partf toward tbe end of tbe reign of Louis 2C1V. In a space of about four months no less than twenty-six young men disappeared. Theywere between 17 and 26 yaani of age. The intelligent multituoe immediately got up a atery tbat an illustrious princess, then or mature years, and suffering from a painful oomplalnt, resorted, as a desperate remedy, to baths of human blood. Riots were the consequence a few of the ringleaders were banged, but tbe disappearances continued, snd tbe "lieutenent de police," the celebrated La Regnie, was finally threatened with a lettre de cachet and the Bastile if tbe mystery were not forthwith cleared out. Among bis detectives be bad a very sharp fellow, whose name has been immortalizad by Emile Gaborian—one Leooq. This Leooq was promised abigb reward if ho cleared the matter op, and under the double stimulus of gain and professional amourpropre, be set to work in right earnest.

Lecoq had a boy of about sixteen, whom be bad brought up to tbe same business as himself—a tall, broad shouldered, handsome youth, looking older than bis years. He dressed bim up in fashionable clothes, supplied blm plentifully with money, ana directed bim to mix freely with what is now called le monde, ou rons'amu&e' snd the whole detective staff was set to watch his movements. One fine afternoon the decoy, lonnging along the terrace of tbe Tuilleries, was engaged in conversation by aypung person of surpassing beauty, accompanied by an elderly woman of deoent appearance. Tho youth was told that the young lady was a Polish princeas, etc., and to make along story snort, a meeting was arranged for tbe following evening. Tbe old woman was to meet tbe youth at a church near the Louvre, and conduct bim to the trystingplace. Lecoq, duly apprised of this, was in attendance with a large body of well-armed policemen, and followed his son and bis guide to a house of splendid appearance in the Quartier St. Antolne.

It bad been previously arranged with tbe youth tbat he should take an early opportunity of slipping bandcuffc on tbe "Polisb princess," snd then give admission to his father and his band. However, tbe voutb. with characteristic foolbsrdinWs, did not carry out the plan. Either be had one of IiIb own, or else he wss not insensible, to tbe influences of beauty and wine, and thought possibly that it would be much nicer to be a Polish prince than a tipstaff at the Cbatelet. In short, be supped very merrily, and forgot all about Leooq senior and his followers waiting outside. Presently, however, the prlneess rose from tbe table, and withdrew a few moments: The youth's sus-

{onnd

ilcion'srevived be tried tne door, but it looked tben another, it was locked, too hd forced it open, and then staggered back, perfectly palsied wltb terror.

Tbe door waa that of a cupboad, and there, neatly arranged on allver-plat-ters, were twenty-six human heads., embalmed by some mysterious process tbat enabled tbem to retain their lifelike appearance. It is probable tbat yoang Leooq's would bave speedily 'formed an addition to this grim collection had not his father at tbat very moment broken into tbe house. Tbe Polish princess was found to bo in league with a obosen band of cut-tbroata. Tbey sold the bodies of the kidnapped yontba to medioal students, and tbe beads were dlapatobsd to Germany, where, Figaro assures us tbey were wanted for the study of phrenology. Tbe "Polish princess" and ber band were all hung, after being duly tortured according to the la w.

SKTH Gaaaw now proposes to frog culture for food. He says: "We have many stagnant pools about the country that are useless in their preaent state, and believing tbat there ia nothing made In vain, 1 do not know of any other use for them than to make tbem into frog ponds.

but as these murders began to be noised abont she wsa compelled to renounce so perilous a pastime. We are all very p1 unbappy under ber rule, for abe la as capricious as abe la cruel. Her busbaad onoe said to a aiave girl who wsa pouring oat some water for bim, 'enough, my lamb,' and tbis simple expression, being repeated to the princess, nearly drove ber out of ber mind. Tbe young girl's throat was cut by her orders, her head stuffed with rioe snd baked ia the oven and wben tbe prince returned this strange entertainment wss served up. Take a bit of your lamb,' sbe aaid to him. Thereupon be threw down his napkin and rushed from the room nor did he return to the pslsoe for along time afterward. He never seemed to have any affection for ber after this occurrence. He would probably have separated from her, but bo likes to keep ber wealth snd retain tbe influence which be possesses aa a relative of Mehemet-AU. The jealousy of tbe princess extends to all her slaves, aad at tbe leaat knspicion of infidelity sbe has tbem cruelly whipped or nfurdered." I went to bed full of strange reffectious upon all that I had seen snd heard.

also be

lieve it would make tbe man wealthy who could raise a million frogs and get them to market.

All I

would claim la

glviag him two yean* experience in experimenting.

CentaarlialniMt The (rrcat dlsoovevy of tb# age. Th«x* Is no pais which the Centaur Llfilaaent will not relieve, no swelling whtob it will notsubdae,ana no lameness which it will not ears. Thta la strong language, bat it la true. It is no nnmbas the recipe is fviat(MfK ed around eaeh bottle. A drouutr oon$a!nlng certificates of wonderful cures of rheumatism, neuralgia, locktaw, sprains, swellings, burns, soalds, eakeobreMU, poisonous bites, frosen fee •.gout, salt rheum, ear-ache, Ac., and the recipe the Liniment will be aenigratls to »oy one, It la the most wonderful healing and paln-v relieving agent the world ha*' «jer Pjjjo®4)? ed. It sella a* no article evwtwlbredld sell, and It sells beeause It does JMt *hat It extends to do. One of ta a a worth a hundred dollar* ft* strained ergalledborwand mule^andfor ^«^aSb^T£ t^ wUhoot ^Centaur J, Be 4 WW XOTK. bwt® t# for Oastor Oil. U}* the only existence whloh Is sure to regulate tee bowels, care wlnd-collesJBd prpdnes^natural seep. It is pteasaat to iake. Children need not ery ana sssUmb• may sleep*

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