Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 16, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 16 October 1875 — Page 6

,*«

.? v.

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

I WHS UN'I VERSA LA NO UA V&

BTUdUlHOBH.

3*he language universal, (.hi Arth and above, •A I* 'l'.- uesrtV palpations—

We have named It Love! In each and every nation iit» eVr the mtavi Though ev«sry f. dbrh atlen I

A beloved's* li.:u

The French flows very easy tOti.clo not deceive). It j* smoothly flowing, very: i.j^«*%titn#r,c'«*|vi vi*5*.«* ji I §. I t.Firmer, ttxl y*t hue: ft* lirl -i likeclear,sweet mn*lc: "i i^ulfln, lch bindeln:"

The Latin is nwwt—RArePt^lOU! win. could *wwli'r be? «, Hear lunwe** cautanta "Jigoauiote!"

But stronger and far dearer la the »axon true: Lotff pria strength tender:

Darling, love you

TheUm ^ige universal, On eai

HI

and above,

I* the heart'* pul*i»t!onsW# have named it Love!

Ycn, Indeed, grandma." And young llarley han boon to Europe?" •Tora long litue, I believe, grandma."

It used to bo more the fashion than at present. Wllliatn liyrd, of NVo«tover, As away for many years—ah ho wa.s very elegant. They have hi* portrait at Wwtover. and Evelyn Hyrd too, your uuHin and your imniewike, my dear—a verv gooi likeneHa and very pretty." "It is exquisite, grandma. 1 have Hoen it. You know Colonel liyrd very •vroll.I suppoae."

Uh yen! it aeemn strange bntl was yOnng onee, and we wore all boys and girls together."

Grandma took up a stitch.! r-t •'Ah!mv dear," ahe oontinued, "we had a delightful «ocloty in Virginia when I was a girl—a little too much givfth, perha|w, to merry-making, and rather thoughtless, but a friendly, kindly «Ai of »oople." "What could bo better? Anl I Ktjrvs you arc enough to make anybody fAll In lovo with that generation, you dear, old grandma! lo yon know I think we are growing stupid, and the voungmen awkward? Positively not ine cm danco tho minuet now decently."

It l* a pity no dance Is more stately and I kivt'v some admirably graceful p* rfortners In old times, Edmund Randolph **i faiiKus for his gra*«, and H-)w»« Henry llarley, of Iltintsdon, the mthcr of y«»iir friend."

14

He mast have been an elegant person, grandma." "Very elegant. Indeed—tall, distlngulahtHl, and remarkably cordial iu his manners. Mr*. Harlev—she wan his tKKjond wlfo—was Ellen Hart right, a younger sister of Mr.tieorg*1 Hartright twautlful vonng girl. The young mien Justin and St. Ueorge llarley arc iherchildren. HI. George, I rememt»er, was a lovely l»ahy, and Justin was al ways noted for his goodness."

You rr Quern bar all the kind thing* abnttt peop'e, dear grandma, and that ltec.*u*e yon yourself are so kind. And »o the returned traveler (Mr. Justin llarlqy) was a very good Ijojt, was

^e,4?A aortd ebdd andgiod hot." What Is h»a grandma t" Ijet me s*s». lit* mother died In—no in—well, my poor memory filing. But the young man must u».rty, I

wu,r

,*n. ft isUmn he should be mutrrled if he 1 .loing to be.^' Marri- Al ways something about marriane J" sabi voice behiml the votinaTatl^. and Mlwinementina Bland name Int.. the nxra, gently waving a larae ftm, her inseparable companion «ll M«SR\ er w)4. MfaR 'l#me!) tina W.w ,*KuIinc 1-fcfly Of "flnf-tuin Mf!-" I«»t that I -1 -M "Ot prev- nt to"r tfrom jvtving atUr :. neittai rcorati«m. Her hair was idabur ii- ly c«rV1 also elaborately nakilr i«i i»d*ltljlwo rilver Lmwsand «l—.r«?,.i with astelnKOl |n !»d'btio». »i t»eek. which waa a han ad and nn»r» M«l Tippets andnu* Wmtis riLb' n^. atelv.—the rd bm d#wrH»e«be*• «. ^Uoni-as -ugh entering a saloon niM

W

Hh«N*»r *y -.1 »|p»sirbo:n were ti *p"^» •hUd r'ssMd Misw (. i«?u.iinUna, vwi-i ,iu

o/Mr.

41

htarrld young man I

V*

7

TIN HARLKV

A ROMANCE OF OLD VIRQ IS 1 A.

UV JOHN ISSTKX COOKK,

Auihurof "l»«v V#nfJyk«r "Hurry of Eagle's '4The Virginia Comedian*, vV-t*.

CHAPTER X. THR VISIT.

Kvelvn B|aml came down on this morrtinj?1« charming neglige, which mad« her undeniable beauty more attractive than usual. From head to foot theyoung lady wn»da«?.Uog with youth health ris'.I loveliness. The morning dross which shew ore clearly definesI the f|ne outline of her slender tip:ure the small -which peeped out from the skirt of Ivor dresw were dad iu morocco Tlllpp#*, with Itigli heels and largo retl •ruKctU*, and lifjr head was a cluster ot brown cur!*, beneath which appeared :t pair of red check*, rosy lips, and the de«*p blue eves, tinted with purple, iVhieli luokodiiitu your own with an expression of candor Hnd Innocence, which hi ado you love her, and look upon her iiH yon Imik upon a bud from the tlowerborder, fresh with the dews of morning.

She raj iuto her grandiua room—a ••Ihrgo spartment on the ground-Hour of lilandlleld—and found that aped lady long Mtiv'O Up, in ber great elbow-ch'-ir. with the roomy seat and high b*«fk, busl!v knitting. Judge Bland was riding out on thoc«tat« tho chamber was already to"rights, and grandma was looking from beneath bin-silver spectacles on a small host of yonng and old Afrit-ntis, cuttinnf out and* basting "fall clotb" for tho Borvants' clothes. "(Jtod tnornlnc, (h.'ar!" Mid the tall. tiLmtgbl, gray-haired old lady, her black dresS, and smiling sweetly a-* she 8|Mikn her voico was as sweet an her tMQlltf. and had a silvery intonation. "Oooa morninfif! And how has tny little fflrl Hleiit?" "As well o« couhl Iks exacted, after our terrible accident, grandma."

Evelvn nut her arm* anuud thoag lady's iieo'c and kissed her an she spoke. ""Yes, yes! my child, very terrible! And you'wero aaVotl by young llarley

Yos, grandma." "A very line-looking young mm when rmnemborod him it wa» t«n years ago I think. Was it ten years? Ilowlitne doeHllv!"

He saved my life!" exclaimed Bvo-

l*''

Ah 1 Well, I auppoae ho did make himself useful. What has be come back fit an Europe for? Has he brought bis wife with hina?"

His wife!"exclaimed Evelyn, laughing.

4-Yon

do not mean, aunt, that he

Is married?" "I really don't know. Wasnt he married?*! must have beard the report somewhere. AU men are alike and all women geese! Hut there breakfast."

And forgetting berlndlgnatlon against the institution of uiia-et and those who gave it count in her fondness for tea, Ml» itv.it-ntina waved hor fan with graceful alliteration before lier face, sailed fmtu tb« room, and proceeded In thedir ion of breakhuit.

The mornisg pa^-'d on. Evelyn sp 'lit it in Idleness, strolling Indolently fi .i.u room to room—from tlio drawingroom to tho porch—find looking do* the avenge.

What was she thinking of? And was bIjO expecting anyIjody It is ditlicult to follow tlio tfnin of thought the mind of a nlaldeti of nineteen. It is */r,-»n p'rhaps, it seldom suppresses itself. Evelyn IMaml was plainly expecting somebody, and at about one o'clock this souifiUidy came—r^ustiu Harlev.

Thereupon Miss Evelyn disappeared sho liad wen him as he enteretl the great gate, and going quietly to her chamber bt .an a rapid toilet. In the midst tlierc -l. tho step of the visitor was heard upon the portieo a servant came at his summons, and Evelyn, listening, beard Harley ask for Judgo island.

She ldft the window and threw herself upon a lounge, with au expression of decided ill-Uumor and an elaborate pout. It was unpardonable! Who could have believed it! A (/cuttenan to violate In this manner every rule of good so-ciety!-not to ask for the ladles-was unheard of! and Mr. Justin Harley miht amuse himself as he could cer tainly sho would no? inflict bcr&tupiu society upon him!

Meanwhilo llarley had been shown into tho druwing-roain and Judge /tlahd, who had been busy with some law papersin his study, eainedown iin mediately.

Miss Ev«lyn Bland was piqued, and in a defiant state of mind, but curiosity •onquered. Site opened her door very •1 ghtly, leaned against tho frame-work, tiid listened. There was no diuieulty hearing tbo voices. The cordial old judge greet id Harley with great warmth uttered a few looting words in referenc to tho accident, and llarley instni mentality in saving tho lite of one ven dcac to h'lm, and then tho conversation passed to politics, neighborhood new.., the prospect of trouble with the Ihdians, and other topics, which Miss Evelyn Bhind evidently regarded as intensely weai lsome. for she dosed her

door,

and taking up a book, proceeded to pout at it, and read it upside down. At the end of two hours, llarley rose, and declining tho hospitable urging ol Judge Bland to stay longer, went toward the door. All at otire ho stopped and'bowed. Into the apartment sailed Miss Clementina, who smiled s\yeoily uiioit the visitor, and began a H.«w oi talk which paralysed him. llarley would have frit disposed to i.idulgc in a satirical laughter if any one had sin. that he could not leave an apartment at any moment that it was agreeable to'him to do so. And yet on this o.-casion he attempted four distinct time-* to riso and take his departure, and each time

Miss

Clementina literally

miked him down into his seat again. Dreadful was t!i£ flow of it ft ceaseless

inverted from one subject, Miss Clementina instantly flowed onward in the new direction. When any one attempted to intrude an observation, she drow-ed the speaker's voice by raising her own, and plunging into a new subject: and Harley began to feel a sjeeies of paralysis, when the dinner-bell rang.

Evelyn was comix lled to apjwar her absence was l»eeoming din-ourtesy. She oune Into the

drawing-room,

anproach-

ed Harlev with tho most cordial unQmstraint, h'eUl outher hand, and said with a smile: ,, am very glad to see you, Mr. Harley." ii

Harley bowwl. I onght to thank you,"saul Evelyn, for saving niv life but I suppose you knight-errant people take P11^'!TCH' ouiill: Kirls. I ain vory much obi iged von Indeed, »nd I aiii afraid I nearly suffocated you in tho water, when I clntu to you. I was very much frightened, and feared I was drowning.

Judge Hland came up, smiling.

41

Come,

absorbed in the vivid

and charming conversation of Judg# Bland,

who,

switecl

upon

one of the rus­

tic seats ou the lawn, spoke

oft','\^th®r

of Harley. and the great men of Mn ay. Harley listened with deep attention. Thore was something dellgntful to him ...tho talk of this elegant and trulshrd gentleman. They were talking still, towartl twilight,

A^gentlemsn of the highest distinction," he said, "and a happy household. Is lucky when marriage comes to that. A beauty, that Miss Evelyn, (as the world goes.) and seems siueero. wonder! But what matter Before 111 think again any woman—

He left the *i»utencQ ttuttn»?hfd4 and rode on.

CHAPTER XI. 0T. J.BOKn,

llarley uttered the words recorded at »,« end of the last

'b»Pt*r

in

'onp

which left doubt of bis meaning. W!xmww» had an-een this antipathy? Fr»»m some dhwppointment In love, as Clemeodtm had *sserlel It was posnibic ui«-."t i^NnlllsHties of the man were I e*»h»lnsn!, ami mt»m(xl bare bad their origin In some personal e*p« rjctK* of a more serious character

What Itiij.r. pei-f.i? «v-»t forcit!v. at iirwi sight ot Hartey, gloom composure. lie attemp' plainly bid* this melancholy u»L a phlcgtnatkextarior there could a love-aHatr, teaultlnu unfortunate jv hftrtouiDCNl tidftf Ti seamed doubtful- Tb* m'a m! a* plainly strong, le«''hfu», w«ll-p l. th» leaM tender tto

nr

mAwm, twi 7*{ ''-"t**** .ins On Ms fnnd. l» M* kI elesrljr Wui gtvomy, and ... ii«d bis Sunshine, A bappy roan, Jiiii im lii&iZiS ta arjrai

TERHE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING

him, laughs, plays with children, jests with his friends, lolls, talks of the weather, and is oommonplaoe and natural in his moods—grave or gay. Justin llarley bad not the least tendency towartl "any one of the proceedings here mentioned. Ho did not laugh he did not jest be took no interest In the little home details of life. He moped.

Ho had acquired in Germany the habit of smoking a short black pipe, and used jx-werfal tobacco. The irginia weed," as It was onco called, is a mild and pleasing narcotic to mind and body, with most persons, bringing cheerful reverie and golden moods but it seemed only to deaden llarley, making him duller. This statement already made sums up all. He seemed to have something on his mind, and this something strained tbo oboriU of his brain, producing lassitude and unrest. Ho was never long out of the saddle, and rode as often at night as by day. Often he could not sleep, and read and walked and fro in his roam until daylight—a habit which probably explained the pe culiarity mentioned by Judge ltland that lie would never sleep without light in his apartment. Tho outline here drawn of a man possessed by some thought over-present to his consciousness, and unaolc to banish it, may seem a distorted and exaggerated one to those uxcellout and fortunate persons with good digestions, happy friends, and th

gushing' newspaper but humanity none the leas subjc

is

jcct, lrom accident (if

there be such) or their own fault, tthese moods. The physicians tells you in a matter-of-fact way, that it is the liver.

From this digression wo cotno back to Justin Harlev, and add that, ten days after his visit to Bland Held, ho spent nearly the whole night walking up and down his chamber, and at daylight rang forhiso^cl body-servant—a gray-liair-l African—and ordered his horse to IK* saddled, also tho hounds to be unloosed, lie was determined to have a fox hunt

Having taken a slight breakfast, chief, iy consisting of some very strong tea, Harlev mounted, called his tawny pack around him, started on bis hunt, and half an hour afterward tlio distant cry of the hounds indicated that tho fox was unoarthed. ww hours afterward, a young man o! about twenty-live, elegantly clad, and riding a line English hunter, rode up to the fr nt door of Huntsdon, and, calling to servant passing by, asked if t^i* kvas the residence of Mr. Justin llarloy. The reply was a respectful afllrmativc.

Where was Mr. Harley?"' lie was hunting—toward tho river." What river?" They called ittlio Blackwater river." The servant pointed in the direction of the stream as ho spoke, and, allei Hesitating a moment, the visitor rodein tii© direction indicated.

Harlev followed his dogs for four hours, riding liko the wild huntsman. The exercise' brought some color to his '•heck-s and, better than all, seemed to liavo banished the moody thought which had strained to high pressure Ills mental machinery. Nothing stupolies like a gallop, or rather, nothing diverts and exhilarates so much. Every 1«.»nco cleared took a part of tho load from his mind, ami the ditches were so deep and dangerous often, thatke had to think o( them.

A gray fox is a tough ad versary. This was circled over twenty miles, and came back (his tail up, with long leaps, and apparently uufatigued) to the spot from whence he had started. Harley and the •logs were coming, but they had not mine, Tho horseman -who had stopped at Huntsdon, and then followed in the direction taken by llarley, was riding along ft narrow road on the banks of the Blackwater,not far from the pond which had been tbo scene of Judgo Bland's misadventure, when the cry of the hounds was heard in tho distance. It steadily approached, and then tho fox darted across the road, and made through a lield beyond, toward a brushlence surmounted by a high bank, formed of the earth thrown up from a very deep ditch.

The sight of the game, and tho close cry of tho hounds, ever approachimt nearer, excited the horseman. Ho wheeled, put spurs to his hunter, and rode on tho track of tho fox. Before he had gone twenty yards, ho found that his horso was in no condition for a run. But excitement mastered him. The dogs burst from the bushes, and shot by him, wild at sight of tho fox, which leaped tlio ditch and tho fence. The horseman dug tho spur into his animal,

Cunter

tuy dear,dinner is waiting,

h°Three

hours afterward, Harley was

still at

Blanddold,

ushed him at the ditch and fence the rose to tho leap, but his hind-feet slipped he pawed tho air, reeled backward. and fell on his rider, who rolled under him in the ditch.

The unlucky horseman was striving to avoid the heols of the kicking and terrified animal, and extricate hlmnolf, when he felt a strong grasp on his shoulder. Ho was dragged from under the horse, and a volcwsald,

44

when

tho harper

chonl was touchtnl, and Judge Bland

"••There Is Eveljn. You must make

Harlev n»e, went to the harpsichord, iiJh of polity asked the young lady to sing. E\elyn did not seem to observe tho tone, smiled in her sweetest manner, and sang a Scottish ditty, with such tenderness In her clear young voice, that Harley lost his indifference, feeling something like breath of youth revisit him.

An hour afterward he was on his way back to Huntsdon. He went *1°"* tnnslng, allowing his horso to walk

St. I,eeer! Is It posssble! Yon In Virginia?" "Precisely, mvdear Harley, and hurt a little, I'm afraid. That worthless animal—'' He turned sofnowhat pale as ho spoke, and said,441 think the brute has dislocated my shoulder."

You need a carriage!—wo will talk afterwards. What good star sent vnu hero? But come!—yonder Is a cabin. You stay there until my coach comes and takes you to Huntsdon!''

Harley's face glowed. Ho passed his arm acound his friend, supported him as he walked, and thoy reached the cabin. It was a rude hut, apparently a trapper's or fisherman's. In a sort of gash In the hills, and in front of the door sat a girl, mending a hand net. The girl seemed to be about fourteen, though she was not, probably, so old, and what impressed one, at first sight, was the singular contrast between n**r dross and surroundings and her appearance. She wore the plainest homespun, but had the air of a little princess. She was an exqusite blonde, with venr larp blue eves, a complexion delicately fair, and a'flgnre as graoctu! as though she had moved all ber life in saloons. When she turned ber head to look at Harley and his friend, her attitude—the bend of the neck, the droop of the sbouldein— all was so perfect, as to muse Harley the utmost astonishment. In this rude on bin seemed to have bloomed a flower of the woods more delicate than those of tho most carefulIy-cultivatcd garden.

One circumstance Harley afterwards recalled, with some surprise, as it recurred to him. The bearing and expression of the girl had been calm, gentle, and perfectly composed, as they came her Urge, soft eyes surveyed them without surprise or fear but all at once the mi in ber cheeks disappeared, her eyes Quad with sudden fright, ami ber gsse w*» ri ed upon the young man called St.

k^What lathe matter,my child?**said Harley, struck by thl* look. Blood I—there i» blood said the girl, shuddering. ,„

44

Oh it's nothing—* mere trifle, my pretty maid!" said Irfger. Harley a*»Mt*d htm Into th cabin, explained why they had come, nod then, returning to hi* horse, who v. u. gracing where be bad dismounted,?' back rapidly to procure the eoseh.

The young stranger wss left with the mm busied tkmlt arrangfag the

"•mm

T',!

pillows on a little white bed, in a small room behind the cabin. This room was evidently her own. Everything about it was spotless, some books were on a small rude table, and a flowering vine festooned the window. This nest was th* haunt of a girl as plainly as the main cabin* with its rudo Couch, and nets, and Ashing-tackle, was the lrnunt of a man. The stranger declared with a

light, frieudly laugh, that he could uot disarrange the boa but tho girl begged him, in a very sweet and earnest voice toliodown. He yielded, and then, as

as her eyes loll upon the blood lrom the brufcje on his blioaider. The young man closed his eyes thero was something delightful in the touch of the dclicato fingers. When ho opened them again, he taw bending over him tho fresh, tender face, framed in its auburn hair, with tho ljirge eyes looking into his own. IIo acain closed his eyes, and fell into a de licious reverie. He was aroused from it by the sound of wheels, and opening his eyes agaiu, became conscious cf something which made him laugh.

In a purely unconscious manner, one of his hands had fallen at his side, had thero encountered one of the girl's which was hanging down, had closed around it, and she, fearing to wake him, had left her hand in his own.

Hurley came in, and informing his friend that thocoaenliad arrived, assisted him to rise and walk to it. St. Legor turned his head and held out his hand to the girl. "I am told that In Virginia everybody shakes hands," he said, laughing! The girl gave him her small hand with perfect simplicity and grace.

And now your name, niv little guardian angel. I would li«i to have a name to think of you by, .w.i know?"

Mv name is Fanny, Mr." And your father's Puccoon," she said. llarley turned round.

44

Puccoon, tho hunter and rapper, my child?" Yes. sir, he went out hunting this morning."

Ho i.* an old friend of mine, anil yon must tell him that I have come back. My name is Justin llarley, and he must come and see mo at llfintsdon."

Tho girl promised to deliver themessage. Following his friend into tlie coach, Harley demanded an explanation of his sudden appearance.

Nothing easier, my dear llarley," returned tho joyous young fellow, "and yen shall have the* narrative, with the brevity of a military dispatch. You know! left diplomacy for tlio career of arm's of that is, to* become ensign in the Royal Guard, "The Iilnes," which of all tlio tiresome—but I wander! WeJl grew weary thirsted for travel-. I usVed rnv unelo, the earl, who is a minister, to givo me dispatches to some part ol tlio world. Ho laughed liko the jolly old boy ho is—said, 'Would j-ou like Virginia?''Ofall things!' I said. And behold mo in Vilginih, with orders- for his Excellency the Governor. He was absent on my arrival, in pursuit of Indians, st 1 thought I would look at tlio country, and 1 had heard there was a strange spot called tho Dismal Swamp, south of James river. I took a hunter from mj' lord's stable crossed tho river rode on, spent the night at an ordinary saw a fino house on a hill this morning heard that it was Justin Harley's thought it possible, barely, that he might be in Virginia, and ascertaining that fact, with the further fact that ho was out hunting, followed, and—you know the rest."

You aro the prince of vaGOnleiir.s," said llarloy "you como to the point. I am happy, to the fullextontof my power to bo happy, at your coming, St. Leger. Yonder* is niv house. Welcome 1 knew should bo welcome, and your house is admirable. I like all in Virginia—down to our little princess of the hills yonder, who is as delicate as a duchess,"and far prettier."

A boautv—and, strangely, lias a rough trapper for a father. But hero we aro at Huntsdon." 1 jr-

CHAPTER XII.

¥X Ti THE NIOHT-niJKT. *f* ft Ilenry St. Leger was the younger son of an English gentleman of ancient family, and had an uncle, an earl, in the ministry. He was placed at an early age, through tho Influence of his noble relatives, in the diplomatic career, which bo had pursued as secretary of embassy at Paris, thon at Vienna, then at Berlin when, weary of rod tape, and dancing at tlio embassy balls, ho had sought and obtained (through pureh so and influence combined) the commission ol ensign In the Guards, then called tho "Blues," the most select and aristocratic of corps. As the headquarters of the "Blues" were necessarily in Ixmdon, St. Legor had an excellent opportunity to study military affairs but the routine of doty was dlsagreoablo to hitn he lunged "for movement, adventure, hew soonoe, and thought often, with a sort ol craving regret, of days spent in the wilds of Hungary with a friend whoso acquaintance he had first made at Vienna—Justin Harley, of Vlrginla.

Ho had met narley many years before, and an lntim«cy had sprung up between them. One was cold, the other was Impulsive oue was twenty-odd, the other nearly thirty, snd older In character than In years. Hence the Intimacy. The almost severe reserve of Harley had strange attraction fbr tho young and Impulsive St, Icger, and the warm cordial traits of the younger person had lor Harley an even greater charm. They speedily becamo intimate, and then they were separated. St. Leger was transferred, by that unseen machinery which regulates the English diplomatic service, to Berlin, from which city he pained back to England, and entered the Guards. Harley continued to reside at Vienna, contemplating, meanwhile, a campaign, under the Russian flag, to the Caucaaus, when one day he received bis uncle's letter and returned to Virginia.

The circumstances leading to the visit of St. Leger have been mentioned. Weary of the routine of guard-fluty, he bid been offered the mission of dh»p*tcbbearer to the Governor of Virginia, had readied Williamsburg ridden out to look at the country, gone fox-hunting, and been succored by his oh! friend Justin Harley, whom be bad left at lenna.

In so unexpected a manner bad the two Mends, patting tn Vienna, met once more (tv Virginia.

St. Legrr's bruiass were painful, but proved trilling. A servant w« dispatched back to Williamsburg with the Governor's banter, and then St. if&F* doned himself, with an airof tberreahe»t enjoyment, the pursuits of rural life, determined, be s«d, to inake the moMt of the few day* be ntawin with his friend. There never was a greater contrast than that between the two friends. Harley plainly looked opon the visit as an unexpected good lortuno but hi* grsTlty vas too decjv to readily yield to mere 5mpm*-

Leger, on the contrary, was yonth and fwlie incarnate. Everything him

'-.be­

MAIL.

seemed to laugh—his eyes, his Hps, and tbo tones of his voice. He allied Harley, inquired about everything, declared Huutsdon a superb old oastlo, and his friend a grand siegneur, and asked what game there was to hunt and what young Iadios tbera were to see in the Virginia wilds.

44There

are foxes, deer, partridges,

pheasants and woodcock," said Harley. "Of tho young ladies I know nothing, my dear

St. Leger."

*4 Tho sameold Harley!—turning your back on overy woman you meet! What has hapiiened to you

Nothing," returned Harley.

44

There was uot a duchcss in Vienna that could get a second look from you and I venture to say there are a dozen beauties around yon here, without you knowing it. But they can Wait! Hunting first! What can you offer me

Something you liavo never tried— deer-hunting oy torchlight."

44

By torchlight?"

44

The light of a portable flrv—auiuiug upon their eyes, and so directing your aim."

The door o]*ned. Pucooon, sir," said a servant.

14

Ah! show him in. Hero is your man, St. Leger. The best huntsman and trapper in tho country.

Harley went to the door, cordially greeted some one, and said, "Come in! como in Puccoon!"

My service to you, squire," said a voice. Thereupon the owner of the voice came in, and stood attentive, lie was a man of about forty-five, half-clothed in deer aud otter skins, and holding in his hand a cap of racoooi) skin. His face was ruddy, his figure stout, and he bad an independent air, tempered by deferference. He and Harley weio evidently old friends, aud their talk now was ou thO'subject of hunting, and the proposed night-hunt for deer, to amuse St. Lger.

Ready when you givo tho word, squire," said l'uceoouN "But game's gittin' scarce now."

44

Why is that?" "Weil, I don't rightly know, squire, but I havo my idees. There's somebody huntin' all tbo time in tho swamp." »Ah!" t:i I t. "Somebody who lives (here."

Lives in t*ho swamp lo you mean the Black water?"

44

Jest so, squire, and all I can do, I can't get a near sight of him." Rather mysterious, Puccoon. Who is the stranger, and what do you know of him

Well, all I know is that I havo seen him mor onco in his boat at a bend of the river, near the swamp, squire, and tried to git near him, and niakoout his look, but couldn't.,"

Hum He fishes and hunts, and shootshalf the deer, and somethiii' worse, squire, leastways somethin* 1 like loss.

44

What is that?" lie hangs around my cabin. Often, on a moonlight night, I've seen him go by in tho bru^h liko a shadow and In tho dark, I can toll by my dog's barkin' that he is lookin' through tho window."

Puccoon knit bis brows. IIo seemed reflecting. "Tho thing Is en my mind all the time, squire," he said. "I've slopped laughin'."

That is an isnphilosophieal proceeding," said Harley but perhaps wo may unearth your unknown tormentor. Somo vagabond and trespasser, no doubt, hunting game to sell. Bo ready, Puccoon let us say to-morrow night. Wo will havo a deer-hunt by torchlight, and will meet at vour cabin. •4 All right, squirv. My service to you, and glad to seo you back, squire— mighty glad."

Puccoon then executed a polite movement with bis bead, and retired. The night for the hunt came, and was as black as Erebus. Harley and St. Leger reached tbo cabin of Puccoon al nightfall, and every preparation was made. Fanny had just provided her father's supjier, and assisted him now by bringing his long fowling-piece and other accoutrements—a vision of loveliness which appeared strange in the rude cabin.

As darkness descended, tho three huntsmen entered tho swamp, Puccoon leading the way over tho devious and insecure paths of the bog. At every step the feet sank, and tho boughs struck the fa^os of tho party. But at the end of a quarter of a mile they reached firmer ground, and advancing

All at once he stopped short.

44

At

were llftoA In that quarter, and the moon, large, blood-red, and weirdlooking, slowly rose above the delicate tracery of the cypress leaves.

Its light showed a singular spectacle. Through a vista in the clumps of blaok gum, with gnarled trunks scattered over the expanse in front, and between the towering cypress trunks, werosecn the waters of a considerable lake, which must indeed havo oovered several hundred acres. Thoy pressed on, reached the western shore of this body of a ater, and then a magnificent alght was seen— the bloodv furrow made by the moonlight In the dark waters, which a broese began to cover with ripple«. llarley was looking carefully at the large expanse of water, with no idea more romantic than drainage in his mind, when Puccoon, who bud carried with him a brand from his cabin. Ill therewith a piece of "light wood," as tho hoart of a species of pine, heavy with combustible resin, is ealled, and the flame soared aloft a huge torch. The party then followed tho hunter, who plunged Into the Jungle again, pausing at each moment to listen, and waving his torch above his bead.

Look, squire I" he said, pointing to the copee on the right. Two bright eyes, resembling stars, were seen stationary in the jungle, ilarley touched St. Leger.

44

There Is a good shot," he said —a deer—you have

This

Lrger raised his rifle, fired, and a heavy body was heard bursting away through the vines then they were torn and trampled then the body was heard falling, and battening to the spot, tbey found a fall-grown stag., shot In tbo eye, and writhing In the death-agony.

Poeooon drew his hunting kolfeacross the animal's throat, twisted a cord around his hind legs, and swung blm, head down, to a bough. "Superb!" cried St. Ieger.

44

44

44

a waving shadow, I think. Neverth*."" less, wo will go aud reconnoitre." They proceeded around the lake to the spot where the shadow had bten been, but found nothiug whatever and although tho hunt led them later to and!* fro through tho swamp, bo human being was encountered, and no trace seen of any population. When finally, at dawn, they emerged from the swamp, after killing a number of deer, Harley. had quite forgotten the shadow—in hU eyes a mere vagabond poarhor, if a real being, and not worthy of attention. Ho had indeed kept in his mind constantly his project of drainage: had looked with satisfaction upon the large open tracts covered only with bulrushes aud a few* inchwof water, and had said to himself

44

Yes, I shall certainly clear this land. It is tho riches: part of my oatato. 1 shall not reap the advantage, but my dear Sainty will."

44

Well, you saw squire?" said Pucooon. "Yes tho loam is black and strong enough to bring anything."

Puccoon stared. I moau the man of the swdmp."

4

"My dear Puccoon, said llarley, "there is no man of the swauip, or if there is, he is a mere tramp, depredating upon a piece of property from which I havo derived no advantage. Let him hunt on he is welcome. I shall havo to spoil his sport by cleaning his 'preserves but meanwhilo he may remaiu. And now, hero is tho cabin—thero tho horses. You will bring out tho deer, you say, Puccoon. Good-night I"

Harley and St, lxger rode back to Huntsdon, and retired to rest, not! spending another thought upon Puccoon *s unknown plague. The trapper had less success in getting to.sleep. IIo sat down on tho rudo bench in front of his hut, supported his shaggy licaid with both hands, and grunted "Tho squire don't believe in the man o' tho swamp! But I believe in- tho varmint. There'* goin' to bo trouble. A man ain't a hound liko me, not to know 'f gamo dang'rous. 1 see him lookin'outside tho torchlight! lie was lolleriu'! Who is b*- I ain't found yit, but jus' goin' to find!" [TO BK t*XTJNVKD.]

INCIDENT OF '1*1 IE 17L STORM. (From the tinlwstoii JVxhm News A gentleman fliring up the bay s:iys that a negro man with his wife ami four children were forced to take ft tree to save themselves during the late storm. Tlio tree swayed to and fro with tho violence of the wind, and threatened to fall with its heavy burden. The old eouplo concluded that somo one must be sacrificed to ksvo the rest. Alter a consultation tho old woman said sho was not prepared to die, and urged tho old man to drop hiniM'lf into eurnity. Hut he, too, was not ready, and the matter was compromised by launching iho two youngest children into the surging waters. A few hours after they were rescued, and tho old negro told 111«• story himself to those who slaved him.

AN ACCOMMUDA TING 'JO

ll'-V.

.. (VlckUmrg licrald.J Xs'ah innocent-looking old h"itiY'\Vas going up. Washington street yesterday, a drayman nodded at him and asked "Waiit a dray, .Mister?" "No—o, I guess not," replied the old man, "I'm too fur lrom home, and can't pay Ireigbt on it. Much obloogod, though. Vle.ksburg is a powerful nice town. A fellow back there asked me If I didn't wanta coat,' another inquired if 1 wanted a hack, and now you otler mo a dray. I wish I lived here."

4

4.Cherry Time" "Lily of the Field."

We are now ntvlug to every c-.W yearly subscriber a choice of th« above ChruiiiOH. They are caUdogued and wild In tho are stores at M.00 per copy but will be Riven to all persons wh« send UK their name* IW HUIHcribers enclosing Si.OU tho price of the paper for one year. Thu*o pictures nro perfect copies In every delicate tint and color of magnificent piUutlugH costing hundreds of dollars. All who have any Idea of or love of art fall In love with them at first night,

fei Workers Wanted

To Introduce The Hnturdsy Evening Mall: printed at Terr* Haute, lnd., Into every household. Its low pricc («.00 a year) and the elegance of its Piesentatlon Cbroinos, "Cherry Time" and "Lily of th* Field," makes It perfectly Irrcslatable! The cotnmlmion given agents Is liberal, and offers lucrative and agreeable boslMes to those* willing to give It proper attention.

-Look at the Offer.

1

m*+ ma

All

eyes to stride you."

44Your

bunting is Incomparable, my dear Harlev! Nothing like it!" ^ueooon grunted. That worthy was In an indignant state of mind.

The man of the swamp has nigh I a id

Where Is v*ur frfcetid I" said Harley. "I begin to think, Puccoon, that you have dreamed ail that story."

Look!" cried the hunter, oulckly. Harley looked In tbo direction Indicated, and saw, or thought he saw, a sort of shadow pass across a distant arm of the lake, and disappear In tho deeper shadow of a clump of cypres***.

There he is s*$ Pur—Mi, "t&9 varmint,'* ,inr,

44I

see nothing, said Harley. *Tbere wit something yonder, but It was only

s-

To every new yearly subscriber l« Tho: Mall, and to each old subscriber who ronews, ts glvea a magnificent chromo, usually sold at $4, and the paper, costing VI, making W worth in all, for only *2. Tell your friends about It! Oct the best paper published In the Htale for one ye%r, and an uxpcnslvo picture—all for 12.

Oet Both ChromoH.

Any person wishing to secure at onco iHjth of our new prumlum Chromos can do no by subscribing for The Moll two yoam In advance, paying IIN 1 therefor, or we will' send tho paper for one year and belli hromon mounted for the sum of W, or we will neod The Mall one year and both pictures handsomely framed In walnut and gilt for *V».

st

Extra Chromo Free.

We will send a copy of either of our premium Chromo* to every p*r*on sending us the nsmesof three new yearly subscribers with the money, six dollars, also giving the* pictures to each of the three subscriber*. Almost any one can In this way secure this., beautiful work of art without It oostirig them anything.

r-i Traveling Men Engaged In ailjr business can make their traveling expenses, by putting In an occalonat word for The Saturday livening Mall, where they may stop. ,St**'

Ladies at Home

Can earn from 110 to WO a week, canvassing? fmr the Saturday Evening Mall and Its Charming Chromo*. Hee prospectus In another column, and «nd for circular of Instructions. Or better sUll, send Two Dotbus fsr outfit and commence work Immedi- f. aieiy )«•-,-

Cier&yramT"

4

Can earn a few dollar*, ntvl Introduce a Ana-class paper, by canraw for the Hutur.lay Evening Mall. Lii» ral commit.on* given. The paper and Chmmi tak«* on right. Jfcsnd forclreular of I ra tions.

Men fho Ha?© Other Kindness Are wanted to add tbnt canvassing for The Mall. Liberal «••mm:v*l-.ns. Hend for & ctiwiarotf UwUrucUoww