Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 16, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 17 October 1874 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

THE LAST.

BT OJWJtQBCOOm. Th« Iwt kiw,—

Vhoie tond lips will (tve lit Tbe laat joy,— What blest heart viU live 11?

The iMt mora,—

What bright eyes will •ee that? The IMt man,— JWhat poor *oui will be that? •. -,p-i The last Mut.— ., Whtwwd bettrt will knov It?

The last nxnlle,—

What fair feoe will shew It The law Jxku,— Who will ifive thi« kindly?

The last fault,—

Who will pass that Mindly

The last hope.—

Fancy drops tlw eortaln Of things la*t Only two are certain: a Tlve last aid,—

This will be a trw man's The last word,— That will be a woman's!

The Romance of a Tin Box.

A. ROBERTS.

Mr [Flora Upplncott's Magazine.} 'haVo an Indistinct retsollectlofl of having read an English story somewhere concerning the adventures of a tin box, bat this is a very different box. That, if I mistake not, was a dispatch-box, on the way from Downing street to an ambtiSttdor on Uao ceatinent, or on the* why from the ambassador to Downing Ktfrei, perhaps I caAnot say which. Bnt do matter I Only want it underntfopd at the atari thai this is not the name old box.

This affair occurred in 1865, some time in September. We fellows in the "pay office** had growled all summer because •we could get no vacation. The war was just over,you remember, and we were doing an uncommonly lively business in settling up with the paymasters of volunteers, who were being mustered ont every day. Not a mau of the regular force could be spared, and not only that, but twenty or thirty extra clerks were put on temporarily.

But by September the worst of the rush was over, and two or three of the bevs, who had got in their applications llrst, were granted a month's vacation. Among these was Frank Wills, who lived up at Cumberland, and who had be£n in a stew for the last three months to get off and no wonder. Ho had contided in the strictest confidence to nearly every man in the office the secret that he was going up home to marry "just the gayest little girl ymx ever saw." .There was a detachment of regulars up at Cumberland and Piedmont that summer, as it happened, guarding a lot of government stores in those towns, and through somebody's negligence they had been overlooked and had received no pay for six months. At the ©nd of that time the lieutenant in command took the liberty to send in a respectful reminder to the department, and the paymaster-general, with characteristic promptness, immediately gave the roils over to Mayor Bramley, and directed him to go up and pay off the men without delay. iioW, Mttfor Braoiley, as well as W ills, belonged in Cumberland, and he was glad enough ot this opportunity to run up there-and spend a day or two at home. He lost no time in getting ready to start, and in the course of the afternoon looked in to see Wills and ask hiui if he had any word to send to his mother. He was surprised to find that Frank was going up too, and wanted him to go along that night. That was Thursday night, and Bramley's idea was to get up to Cumberland so as to have a full day at home Friday, pay off the troops on Saturday, and then have another day at home Sunday. Frank, however, didn't want to go tilt morning. He had written to tao gayest little girl that you ever saw that ne would be there nday evening, and he didn't care about putting: in an appearanco before he was due.

Well, then, Frank," said the major, want you to do me a little favor. I don't quite like to carry this box along with me at night. I want to sleep, so as to feel fresh to-morrow and I never eonid sleep with this box on my wind. I would nt daze do it, any way. Now you'll go through by daylight, when there won't be the slightest chance of any mishap. So, what I want you to do is to bring it along to-morrow. I'll call up at the house in the course of the evening and get it."

All right!" said Frank. "But come up before eight o'clock, will you I may be out after that tune." "Sure enough!" said the m^Jor, lowering his voice to the eonOdential key.

When is it oorning off?" Monday rooming. You must wait and see me through. I'd have asked you long ago if I had thought there was Che slightest chance that you could oome. 81 John's, at nine o'clock, won't you f" "Of course I will, old fellow,* said the Malor, "with all my heart! Well, then, 1 y°« to-morrow evening. Duat forget this box, whatever you do. You'll be a little excited In the morniss. vou know. Now I must be off."

Hold on. Major," said Frank "what's In this box?" Nothing bar the pay-roll and the sash—there's about forty-eight hundred dollars.*

AH right!" said Frank. 4 Frank carried that box home to his room at Mrs. Portiuan's as unconcerned ss if It had been a box of tigs. This was not the first thing he had undertaken to carry with htm the next day to oblige a friend, by the way. Mrs. Green hay had asked him only that morning to take a cage of linnets to iter sister, who Ityodin Cumberland, and of course he had conseated* And Mr*. Portman, who had taken a great fancy to Frank's mother when thai lady had come down recently tor a week's visit to her aon, proposed to gfrnl Mrs. WiU» a little (lowering plant tfiiii the latter had greatly admired on occasion, if Frank would be so kind as to take it. It is needless to say that Frank was so kind ss to promise, without a moment's hesitation, to do so but mornop to

t,

safe

JVWBI,

MM mm

thing

had a stalk about two feet high, ana weighed, pot and all, wft lw* than fifteen poundp. 80 wlwn ho was finally *eady to *t*rt fcr lonud that r• was a good deal tt uf bis !w than there was of bin: -•wteessi'.uHv si. least fcurbesides 4hes« several hu«e ntvors of bis friends he hatl a big trunk and a vsliaa of his «nvti. f|% :OOa»9'i v.t:-il ,:0gOteVC#yf!i n:? vniiNy y.\t

*r .1 ttot .t l-«' r'.« i»*u s: .s:1 h* fui how hvav.

lM

crowd tfclegs a little more. B\& pen What oouid he jput in itT i^ot the bird csgei certainly, nor yet the flower and Jfajunley box, of eouras ft won do tq put that In. It would go In, On the whuie, why no* put it in? body knew whet was in the did" tbi There couldn't possibly be any 1* And so In it weal Then he fjot dteck, and rushed off to get his seat but atiother briglit idea strnck hfan, fcld he rushed back aud checked his valise. So now he bad nothing let! to carry but his birds and Ids flower. By the time be had got fkirly seated he discovered that be had no pocket-handkerchief and, leaving his birds and his flower to keep his seat, he rushed out to get one from his trunk, if possible, fie found his trunk on a truck, with twenty or thirty others on top of it, but the baggagemen, with unparalleled kindness, snaked it out for him. Just as Frank had got its contents pretty much nil spread out upon the floor—for of course the handkerchief were all-at the very bottom— the men told him to hurry or they would all be too late. He threw things in rather promiscuously, and rushed for the train again, keeping an eye on his trunk, hewever, which lie aaw sail into the baggage car just as the train began to move. He drew along breath at that, and resigned

to hia birds and bis

himself

He had not more than got hlnffidtf feorfifortably settled in his seat again, however, when he began to have miisgivincs as to his 'entire prudence, atter all, in trusting that cash box out of his bauds and alter assuring himself that he had his two checks solely lodged in bis pockotbool^ he resolved to avoid any possible risk of mischance by looking out ibr his trunk and making sure that It was not put off by mistake at a wrong station. Accordingly, every time the train stopped he stopped out and tfslked forward to see tlio baggae exchanged. All went smoothly enough till Baltimore was reached, but there he got Into a peek of trouble. In the first place, when he looked In at the baggage-car door for his trunk it was 110 longer visible. In the next place about forty trunks were tumbled out on the platform at once, and among them he presently discovered his own, as he vould have sworn. He was just on the point of making a disturbance about it, when he observed en one end of the trunk the letters "H. L. 1$.," very black and distinct, and instantly drew in his horns. By this time the baggage had been whirled on the trucks auU was rolling awav in various directions, so that he could pursue his critical observations no iurther. But Frank was not accustomed to borrow trouble, and he went bsck to his seat, reflecting that, as he had traveled thejsame road twenty times and never lost a trunk yet, there was 110 sort of reason to apprehend that be was going to lose one now. Nevertheless, he did not relax his vigilance, but was out at every station to observe the exchange of baggage, as before.

When at last the train reached Cumberland, and he caught sight from his car-winaow of just the gayest, etc., on the lookout for him, his soul instantly soared above baggage, as you might suppose. He made shift to remember his birds and his flower, it is true, and approached his lady-love appropriately tianked by those romantic emblems. The first greeting over, he descended trom the clouds long enough to give his checks to the driver of the ''baggage-ex-press," and then went cooing home with his

sweetheart.

Arrived at that enchant­

ed abode, he was beguiled into taking tea there before going to his own home, which was half a mile farther on.

When he did get home at last, it was quite dark and there was so much talking to do that he never once thought of his trunk till Bramley came in to get his box. "My baggage came up, didn't it?" said Frank to his mother, just a little anxiouslv.

Yes, dear, and I had the man carry it up to your room." All right! I'll give you your box hi about a minute, Major," said Frank starting up si sirs.

Do you mean to say yon leftthat box to be carried up by a truckman?" asked the Major, astonished. "Oh, it's in my trunk," replied Frank, as if nothing could bo more satisfactory.

In your trunk! Well, by George, Frank! money weighs lightly on your mind, I must say." "Frank is to be married Monday morning, you know," said Mrs. Wills with a smile.

But Frank had gone on up stairs, and esctiped both these shots. In abont a minute he cacao down again, a good deal taster than he had gone up. His faca was as white as this parier—just about,

Mother, that infernal fool has left the wrong trunk here!" he cried. "Didn't you know that wasn't my trunk?"

No, my boy, I did not but wouldn't get into a passion about it. You can find the man, can't you, and have him correct the mistake

Frank and the Major started off on that quest without delay, you may be sure. The man was found in less than fifteen minutes. All he knew about the matter was that ho passed Frank's checks to the baggage-master, and took the baggage that the latter gave him and that was the only baggage ho carried from the train.

Must be some mistake about the checks," said he. "Better go to the bag-gage-master. I've known such things to happen before now."

Frank was beginning to fed hot and cold by this time. But neither he nor the Major ventured to say a word till they had found the station baggage-mas-ter. That functionary went ovsr his check-straps caretully, and iouud that bis cheek* all matobed.

Mu*t have got the wrong cheek at Washington to start with," said he. "I've known such things to happen where a lot of baggage came in late, and forty or lilty men were all howling at you for «tbeir eheeks at once. Passengers are so unreasonable! Better go bsck to Baltimore ami get KejiUngor —he's the gt-noral baggage agent—to telegraph over the Sine for your trunk."

1

A --t.fi. is nun. r, immwii#: r. Th» rin trunk fcrwwiJng, 1. uiy had to go through it and

Why mnt you do that?" asked the

Well, I amid, and I will if foil say so, but, yea se», we fallows dvm mind eseh other* orders over abarp. But a word trom Keplinger would aet us all on to

Major «w

The Major and Frank stepped asido and eonsidemi the matter. They agreed that it was best m»t to intimate that the trunk contained anything particularly valuable, and that on the whole they had better go bsck on the 9 dock r.i to Baltimore, and see the baggage ...as early as poasibls on the next

i- a glum ride that, as yoU may j£t -4, for both ol them. Though they both wei! 10 bed, I don't think either of thetn tnueh.

Fortunately, tb« baggage agent proved »nly pout^ ar a railwmd

to fttati. v.vld to

l"

ms station,

titan i.

half m,ko**tn ft® W'^'SWiftg *rr •::-. -***r^ taaS4er ii it

•, jr trunk, I wiiUirito wyr v«*Ti. B«t it i« a -utple of days. We (ken't often

ti if* a ..apw 01 aayj*. iMkfci a mistake of this kind,

but such things will happe* aGMBioaally, aid then tbs least we can do is to correct our blunder as promptly af gpaaible"

Here be turned to his desk and began

lie asked, turning to Frank. Well, it's a pretty large trunk, atid contains a lot «f shmii and ba»dkerchie& msrked witb niy teitiala, S. Wn "Oh, no matter what it contains. 1 can't order all the pretty large trunks oh the line to be opened to see what they contain, yon know. Just describe the outside, was it marked with your name or initials?"

No, sir." Well—was there snything about it to distinguish it item other trunks

I thought so. Not one man in a hundred takes that simple precaution. Yet the men who check your baggage are only human like the rest of us, and it isn't strange that they make a mistake now and then. And when a'mistake is made, down comes the passenger on us without the least mercy, nutting all the blame on our shoulders, wnenby merely comparing bis checks at the start all trouble would have been avoided. Now oan't you tbink of some sort of peculiarity about your trunk f" "It had a spring lock. I hare the key here." "If I could only telegraph that key, now!" said the agent, with a smile just a trifle sarcastic.

Frank was nonplussed. I wonder how many of us, if we were suddenly called upon to render a description of our several traveling trunks, could do it satisfactorily? Frank was obliged to admit that he could not describe lus. "Well, then," said the agent, "we shall be spared the trouble and expense of hunting It up for you. I wonder if you coula identify it if you should see it he asked Frank. "Yes, I could," said Frank. "And now I'll tell you just what I believe 1 believe that trunk has been stolen, and I'll tell you why. I saw a trunk put oft' at Baltimore that I would have taken my oath was my own but just as I was going to speak about It, I saw some letters on one end of it that were not on mine, and that staggered me, and I said nothing. Now, I haven't said anything to anyoodv about this before, but I've been thinking about it all the time and the more I think of it the more thoroughly I am convinced that that was my trunk. Yes, sir that trunk wap stolen, and I'll tell you how. Th«"thlef, whoever he was, checked a trunk of his own, tilled with sawdust or something of that sort, to Baltimore. Then, before the baggage was put on the train, he managed to transfer the check 011 his trunk to mine, and the one on mine to his own. Don't yon see? Then when the train stopped at Baltimore all he had to do was to claim my trunk on his check and make off with it But he had to provide against another contingency the owner of the stolen trunk might happen to catch him at his little game and so he stencils those letters, 'H. L. B.,' on it in order that he might point to them to prove that the trunk was hifj own. Those letters would floor any man, as they did me, at first sight. Now, I don't know how this may strike you. Mr. Iveplinger, but I know that trunk was mine."

Mr. Kepiinger said nothing for a minute, or so, and then asked, suddenly, Where is the trunk you received on your check?"

It's at home—in Cumberland." Bad! I wish it. was here. Your supposition inav be right, and it may be wrong I'm inclinedt®think myself itB all moonshine. But I'll tell you what I'll do. You telegraph home and have that trunk sent on here to-night. I'll open it, and if it proves to be a bogus affair, evidently put up for the purpose you suggest, I'll accept your theory and act upoil it. But if it contains ordinary baggage, what then That will knock the bottom out of your theory, won't it?"

Frank was onStratned to admit as much, though he still insisted that the trunk marked "H. B." was his own. It was just possible that it might have been marked by mistake somehow, he said.

Hardly," said the agent. "However, I have another motive for wishing to open the trunk you are going t* send for. Its contents may show to whom it belongs. In that case it will bo safe to concludo that thcro has been only a mistake in checking, as I have all along supposed and we shall

TERRE TTAITEE SATURDAY SVMIKG MAILT

1 mo-

I can't think of anything at this 0161) It is astonishing," said the agent, how negligent passengers are, as a rule, sbout marking their baggage. And their negligence doesnt end tner^, either. Now, I venture to aay that yen never thought to take the precautions, when you got your check, to compare it with the one on your trunk. Did you "No. You're right.**

then

knowjy!io

has got your trunk, and can wistiy hunt him down and make things straight. I shouldn't be surprised, indeed, to get a dispatch at any moment inquiring about the trunk you've got. But come round to-night, when tho lfc*t tmin comes in, ana we'll see what we'll see.

Frank having telegraphed for the trunk, ho and the major beg^n to consider what they should do to kill the afternoon. Just then the 11:30 express arrived, and Bramley decided to rati down to Washington and return in the evening. It occurred*to him that it might be well to goto the office aud explain the state of things as early as practicable. This was Saturday afternoon and he must either go now or wait till Monday.

It was well he acted as promptly as he did, for about five o'clock there came a dispatch to the paymaster-general's office from the lieutenant up at Cumberland, saving that Mnjor Bramley had called 011 him tho day before and told hltn lie should pay off Ms men that day, bttt that, Instead of doing so, be had

th^^re^bJugft^to duty t" «pSt thjeimiinstance without delay to headNow in tbe majofs abseKOd this would have had an ugly look. But hfe had slreaay s*eo the Oeneral and explained the matter to him frankly admitting bis fault in trusting the Money out Of his own hands. That wfts all he «d®lddo. j*

The General was a man of fowr words, but Bramley could see that he wns setiouely annoyed. ''Yon may remain here forthepreMait^lje^aw. **t l»ad expected, O^nernl to go baefe to Baltimore this evening to look after the mastter, but-**'

V«w» may remain here for tho pceteat. Thin WiHs-what kind of a joaag

||e Js etnpioyed b» the orttae he*#. CftmeraK He is a friend of mine, and-^ "What kind of a young man fa he ««perft*-fc|y hanest, so far as I know. He id about (0 be married to a daughter of Colonel Markely at (Mmborland. You may know thefarailv?" «1 know Lionel Markely. Ha* VV iOs mx mea»«, asido from hi« salarv?"

The voung lady has ex wotatlorif I1M Wills any meana, a?4do ftomhla

^^l^ank? Well, I know but little of

his oo»wctioas,bHtI think he depends joined upon his salary entirely at prwent?' gether He could not main good this loss, The

gwd

fOhn#! Impossible!" «He is at Baltimore to-day, I tWnk, you said?" .. "Trying to find bis trunk—yea,»i*."

WU1 you do me the fiivor to «rry this to theaasiSant secretary said the general presently, handing Bramley a note.

With pleasure, general." This closed the interview* The maSsr was under a cloud, yon perceive, and nia only oonsolatloo. lay in the reflection that he had dena his duty according to his light. "And now let the heavens fall if they moat," he said to himself.

And Frank? Well, his first thought after being left alone was to write a hurried letter to that gayest little girl of his, explaining his absence and promising to return by the Sunday evening express. This letter he get off in the afternoon mail, and ha could depend upon Ita ing delivered Sunday morning. done, he wandered about the street prey to unpleasant reflections. It infernally awkward to lose that suit particularly, and be obliged to married in the toggery he had on. If were only to be a quiet wedding home, it wouldn't matter so much, in church! Lord! what would think etc., etc. As for Brain's money that was simply awful I Awful 1 If could only get his 'fingers on that, rest of the traps might go and no questions asked. Yes, sir! Of course Brain was responsible, and not he but then, as be had undertaken to carry the money, be ought to have been more careful. It was Just awful! Awful 1 Bat he firmly believed that tho trunk marked

1 beThis

fU

dress be it at "But they vT* he the

H. 1L B." was his trunk, and if so it oertainly might be found, But then if it be found the money would be

geshould

one most likely, and the deuce would to pay, after all! Awful I Awful! He was obliged at last to go back to the hotel, still a prey to unpleasant reflections. Arriving there, he found that Bramley had failed to come back on the evening train as he had proponed, and this circumstance added considerably to his gloom.

He was sitting in the reading-room about eight o'clock in the evening, pretending to read, and already exciting himself in anticipation of seeing that trunk opened, when a gentleman evidently from the country, who had been quietly reading for the past half hour, laid down his paper, took off his spectacles, rose and looked casually about the room. There was nobody iu it except Frank and himself. After looking at Frank sharply two or three times, he approached him and exteaded his hand. "I don't think I can be mistaken," said he: "you're from Cumberland, aren't you *l*r-

My home is there." I thought so. Your face looked natural the minute I set eyes on it."

You are acquainted in Cumberland, then said Frank. I should tbink so! I live about two miles north. My name Is Maitby

I don't se-tm to recall it." Well, like enough. Fact is, rm hot an old settler only been there about three years."

And I've been in Washington nearly as long as that." Oh, well, then, of course you wouldn't remember me. But I've seen you about there, certain. I reckon you know the Markelys, and Wills, and Bramleys, and such They're old families in that region."

I know them all. I'm a .W ills myself." Indeed! Your father lives—"

My father is not living. My mother lives about half a mile east of town." "Yes, yes—the widow Wills: I remember. I didn't know but that you might belong— Yea, yes. By the way, if you know the Markelys, I'll lay a levy now you've got your eye on that girl of theirs—eh, old fellow?"

Frank was obliged to blush "I thought so!" continued Neighbor Maitby. "All right! I wish you luck! I tell yon what that girl—I wouldn't say this before my old woman, you know, but between me and you and the gatepost, that girl— Well, if I was a young fellow I'd show vou what I think of that girl."

This last remark of the old man appealed irresistibly to Frank's strongest weukness, and ho proceeded to unbosom himself without reserve on the subject Of his relations to that girl. His newfound friend congratulated him iu the heartiest manner upon his good luck in winning such a prize, and Frank returned the compliment by inviting him to the wedding 011 the spot.

If I could ouly be there said the old man dejectedly. "But I can't get round home before Tuesday. Ah, that's a rare girl! But look'ee here, my boy," said be in an oracular tongue, "have you counted the cost? It's a tremendous expensive luxury, that sort ol a crea tnr'! I've got a daughter of my own about the age of that Markely girl, and as sure as you're born it takes the heft of tho profits off about two hundred acres to keep her afloat, year In and year out." "I don't trouble myself about that sort of thing," said Frank loftily. The old man had hit him in another tender spot.

I'm glad to hear you say so," was the response. "I'd be sorry to see a girl like that bitched on to a poor man. It would be the worse for both of 'ein."

Frank had nothing to say to this, so he only shrugged his shoulders. "You're 011 the way up there now, I reckon said the old man.

Frank proceeded to explain hit situation at length. Singularest thing I ever heard in my life!" exclaimed Mr. Maitby as Frank concluded his story. "Do you mind if go along and see that trunk opened?"

I wish you would," said Frank. And ao he,did. And what do you snpposo the trunk 'contained It was crammed full of public document*.

If that Isn't a put up job," exclaimed Frank triumphantly, "then I'd like

to

know what it is!" Tho agent was not quite 86 sure about it. but he owned thero was ground for suspicion, especially as the trunk itself was both new and cbeaft. tTpon reflection he resolved to give Frank the benefit of the doubt. "I'll telegraph Monday morning," said ha. "and find the drunk yoti claim if oossible. What was the mark?" •MIL. 11"

Do you want to tfcke the responsibility of having the party in ppwesslen of it arrested if he can be found?" jjy all means 1" exclaimed Mr. Maltby. seeing Frank hesitate.

Yes," said Frank, thus etteour&red, "arrest hint. I know it's my trunk.1* Well," said the agent, look in tomorrow evening or the next morning.

right!" said frank "Good­

night!" And he and Mr. Maitby stsrted baek to the hotel. They had gone but a little way, however, when the okl man suddenly remembered that he wanted to a«k the ag*nt about^a connoctinn somewhere, and hurried back to the office for that purpose. He was gone but a minute or so, when he re-

t»ther to the botel and retired. The next morning Neighbor Maitby, who was an officer in tho government secret service, as yon may have guessed, quietly invited Frank to return to Washington with him, and the young man pMsed the following two or three day* in strict seeiuaion. It appeared that somebody—I think myself it was the General—had undertaken to account for the loss of the money on the supposition that Frank had stolen It. This theory didn't hold water very loag, though, and be was soon released. When he went to bis room he dlseevemNl there had been a search-warrant there lu his absence, and he had the pleasure of tacking dawn hi* carpet andjantting things to rights generally. When be went up home the next day he found M« mother's house had been fevered with a similar visitation. There had even been a proposition to investigate Colonel Mark ley's premises, but that old soldier had armed himself and objected, and the officers thought batter of it. He was» not disturbed.

I should have said that Frank bad presence of mind enough, after he wan arrested, to send a line by the up-train that morning to the gayest little girt explaining his lamentable situation, and exhorting her to bear up for his sake, and so forth. Of course she would see that the wedding, appointed for the next morning, was "off," as the horsemen say, till things should clear up, (With the view of avoiding an anticlimax at the end of my tale, which I abhor, and which can only be averted by prompt measures, I beg to be allowed to say at this point that two weeks from the day flrsz appointed the nuptials of Mr. Wills and Miss Markely were duly cele rated with much cckit. The groom's costume, in conformity with the prevailing custom in the best society, wss restricted to the black frock coat and white cravat, while the charming bride, whose beauty, as was universally remarked, shone yfith peculiar splendor on this toyous occasion, was attired in a lovely rode of pale green passementerie, trimmed with very elegant coiffures of purple valencieimes Jailing to the floor. Her hair, arranged in simple bandeaux iu the style of Catherine de Medicis, was decorated with rouleaux of orange flowers a to mode. It would be pleasant to ao on with this thing if the compensation were adequate. But it isn t, and life is short: let us resume.)

The next morning alter his arrival home Frank was summoned back to Baltimore to identify his trunk. When he reached there, Mr. Kepiinger read to him a dispatch received two days before from St. Louis. It said "Trunk marked 'H. L. B.' forwarded to your address last night. Party claiming it in custody awaiting requisition from your governor." "The trunk arrived this morning," said the agent. "Here it is. Do you recognize it Is it your trunk "It certainly is," said Frank. "But I never put that strap on it. And the lock has been changed too," be added as he tried to unlock it. "You're getting nervous," said the agent. "Let me try." But he had no better success than Frank. Are you sure this is tho right key?" be asked. "Yes.M "Perfectly sure Look at'it again." "Perfectly sure." "Very well, then, this is not the right trunk." "I tell youit Is my trunk,"said Frank doggedly. "Open it and I'll convince you." But no matter what he said, he was by no means so confident as he had been before the trunk was shown him. To tell the truth, at the fleet sight of it his knees began to weaken, and now he was quaking all over with dread lest he had made an awful blunder. "There you are!" said the agent, throwing up the lid.

It needed but a glance to show what the trunk contained—a lady's and baby's wardrobes nicely packed. Frank's condition at this discovery was deplorable to behold. "You know what you've done, young man?" said the agent, looking through and through the poor fellow with his suarp eyes. "You'veinvolved this company in a suit for damages that may cost them thousands of dollars." "I confess that I'm down," said Frank: "I haven't a word to say lor myself. You've been very obliging, and I thank vou with all my heart. You can do what you like with me." "Then I'll give you apiece of advice The next time you start on a journey compare your checks. Good day, sir!"

Frank backed out and took the next train for home. The agent started the trunk back to St. Louis at the earliest moment possible, telegraphed an order for the release of the party in arrest, and tendered to that party on behalf of the company, the amplest apology for the blunder that had been committed. It was reported afterward that the matter was compromised at an expense to the company of about eight hundred dollars.

The very next morning Mr. Kepiinger received a dispatch from Chicago inquiring for a missing trunk "checked from Washington for Pittsburg September—, contents valuable. Party received wrong check at Washington. Trunk his check calls for is here. Identify our trunk by

4D.

H.,' Jeffersonville, 111.*

written with pencil on riglit hand end a Having read this dispatch, he drew out the humble receptacle of our national literature from bis closet, turned the right band end to the light, and there, in dim and crabbed characters, beheld the legend, "D. H., JeffecHonvilie. 111." How his heart warmed to "D. H." for even that unsatisfactory token of a passenger not wholly depraved!

He started the trunk with Its "valuable contents" on its way to Chicago without delay, telegraphed his action to the baggage agent tuere, and requested that gentleman to forward the other trunk to him at once.

It arrived lu due time, and Mr. Kepiinger had the pleasure of telegraphing to Frank a second time to come and identify his trunk.

Frank went this time prepared, naturally, to be cautious about committing himself. Trying his key, however, and finding that it fitted the lock perfectly, his misgivings vanished, and be expressed his emotions in a series of exclamations that must be omitted heroHe withdrew the key without so much as raising the lid, rat himself down upon the trunk, and declared his maintain that position till ley could be brought ashi"81""• The agent kindly telegraph^ toe Major, who was graciously J*

"Omatheavenal" exalalmed tbf «genL^ "and yotipaeked that box in a tmnkf and that trunk Without a scfBtfh do ft to show who Owned iti" "And! want y»u, Mr. Keatingec^ continued Frank, unruffled by bat ge»tleman's apostrophe, "to witness that Major Bramley takes possession of that box here in broad daylight, and that I refuse to touHi it." "Go on!" said the »»t

Frank lilted the lid and foil back, Bramley dived intotbe trunk up to his shoulders, andi same up—empty-handed. 1 He glared at Fkank. speechless.

Frank, also speechless, steo dived, and •ho came up—empty-handed! The agent took his tura, fished coolly and careflslly, and came up—empty-

The Malor was as pate ss a spectre. Fraask had quietly settled himself down on the csrpet with a view to dying comfortably if he must die. "Wrong trunk again, eh.?" shouted Kepiinger, jerking him up on bis feet, as they do the dead man a the pantomime. "It's my trunk—oh yes," said Frank, settling down again, exaotly like the dead man iu the pantsoiisae.

The agent, having reached the fruition of all his labors in this case in the finding of the missing piece of baggage, eould well be pardoned for a rather cool contemplation of the consternation of his companions st the loasof the money, with which he bad ne eoncera. Th# Major's rigid fose relaxed at last, and Frank came to lift suddenly—as the dead man does in the paiitomime. "M^or," said he, "somebody has stolen that box I told you so." "I begin to suspect as much," said the Major cuttingly.

But his arrow missed its mark, for Frank had turned his eye upon the serene Mr. Kepiinger, and the next moment, addressing that gentleman^ exclaimed, "The man who nas had possession of this trunk must be arrested instantly." "In that case," said the agent, still serene, "you will find a copy et this dispatch serviceable, as furnishing a clew to his identity." And he handed Frank the dispatch from Chicago.

uDo

you mean to tell me," said Frank,

growing red in the face,

box,

open

8

leave of absence, and in throe hours ho stood beside the roomentous trunk "I was determined that I wouldn't touch vour infernal old cash bsx again ifl had to sit hero for a month," stud Frank. *1*11 Open tlie trunk now, and I want you to get that box out of tny right jdst as qfick as you can." "Dont disturb yourself on that soorer said the Mitfor. "Now, Mr. Kepiinger,*' said Frank to tfcesirfettt* *Hhere a flash box in this trunk which belongs to Major Bramley, and which contains—bow much does it contain, M^jor?" "Forty-eight hnhdred and twentynine dollars and seventeen cents."

Wj

4*that

you are

not going to help me any further?" "Can't, possibly," said the agent. "I have found your trunk: there my duty ends. But stay! I don't mind aiding you with a suggestion. It strikes me that a man who describes congressional documents as 'valuable' wouldn't be likely to hanker much after mere greenbacks." "And it strikes me," said the Major, "that the best thing you can do is to go book with me ana make a clean breast of it to the general."

Frank, failing to perceive any course more feasible, acquiesced in the Major's ition. ut mind you, Major," said he, "I'm not going to crawl. I'll just tell him exactly how tho thing stands, aud then lie may do his worst. I know one person who'll stand by me, and—" Here his emotion got the upper hand of his vocal organs. He said no more.

When they reached the Washington depot they were obliged to wait a few minutes for the arrival of the horse car, and as they were standing on the platform a railroad man Hepped up and touched Frank's elbow. "See here, young man," said he: "didn't you go east about ten days ago, and wanted to do something with your trunk after they'd not it on the truck, and they pulled it off for you "Yes I did," said Frank, pricking up his ears. "Just come along with me," said the a ad an "What do you want with me," said Frank, grown a trifle wary since his experience with neighbor Maitby. "Just come along with ine,' said the railroad man.

The major expressing his willingness to go along with Frank, Frank went along with the railroad man without, further ado. The railroad man led the way to the desk in the baggage room. "Do you know anything about this asked the railroad man, setting down a dustv cash box under Frank's nose. "I rather think I do," said Bramley, Seizing it with a grip of sleet 5^ "Frank stood transiixed.

The major whipped out his key, unlocked the

ran over its eonteuts

and locked it again in about one minBte and a quarter. "It's all right, Frank," said he to the lifelike statue of that young man standing beside him. "I reckoned you'd bo after it before this time," said the railroad man, addressing the same inanimate object. "You rec'lect you opened your trunk for something? Well, you forgot to put that box in when you shut it up again, aud I didn't notice it till the train was off. (If I'd onlv a knowed what was in it, now!) So I just set st up here on the Shelf, tiiinkin' when you missed it, you'd tie a-seudin' for it. And 1 never thought of the old thing again till I saw you outside there jest now." •'-wv

ALIA) WING CHILD HEX TO PLAY OK SUNDAY.

If the play of little children Is Tn' Itsfelf innocent, and not of a natnre to disturb others (I mean seriously, for seme people are much too easily disturbed), why not let them play 011 the Sabbath But iboexample, says one. The example? It Is just what it should be. It is an example of "sweet reasonableness," worthy of imitation. It is not an example of worldly buying and selling, or reveling, or unseemly rioting. Ss far from conflicting with the grand aid fundamental rule of love to God and one's neighbor, it may and should be made a of promoting both. The plays of children are their best •pportuinties of learning the Golden Rule while, on the other hand, let any parent strictly forbid playing of any sort, and enforce an unnatural quietness of conduct, "because it Is God* holy day," and the unreasonable little soul straightway rises in

rebellion. "Oh! I wish it was Monday. I bate Sunday, because 11 «au't ao anything I like on Sunday!" In polemics whenever an argument 1 proves too much, it proves nothing and fad to tho ground. So in the settlement of tho Sunday question, a Jewish or Puritan interpretation in behalf of the little ones is only a stone of stumblinf and a rock of offense, a bar to all rea settlement of this momentous question Who that ponders this, subject docs mt feel forebodings as to tne Sunday of the future And, as the children of to-day will, to-morrow, hold in tiiei hands tho power over these que^ious of tho morals of America lot us ho wist* enough to implant in their hearts a genuisie love, and therefore true reverence for jiat pearl of all days. Let us "take hood[that we offend not on® of these littld ones. —{Independent,

were

I

If

charged. A

ing the landlord made out the amoiuit Af dminw and presented it at. Alter henad glanced ovtr it latter hK&edtbe landlord in thr

m-

1

An Irfsnman recently slopped at a hotel in Dcs Moines, Iowa, wiiere Pretty high bills

:,n.i

e*-

oittittMsd: "Ye put me in maid oi a snipe." "Why t" asked the landlord. "Because ye*re very nigh ail lull.