Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 42, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 April 1876 — Page 2
fm
•SSIH
THE MAIL
PAPER
A
FOR T^E
TltMUOVSS O
[ColiJohn H«jr. ln^ii«Cast#fcn tells the story of a, ootw duke, wife fiff. ID the midst of »urroumling life.)
ccay
Jiot a hand ha* lifted the Latchet Since she went out of the door Kn footaU-p shall cross the threshold
Since she can come in no more,
There Is rust upon locks and binge*, -, And mold and blight on t-*e wads, And Bilfnce faints In the chamber*.
And darkmtM walU in the halls
Walts all things have been waiting, Since she went, that day of Spring Borne in her pallid uplendor
To dwell in the Court of the King j-
"With lilies on brow and bosom, ,, With robeaof silken sheen. And her wonderful frozen beauty,
The lilie8 and silk between.
Red rosea she left behind her.
With hints of womanly grace. And her image swims In the mirror That was to used to her ftece.
The birds make Insolent music Where the sunshine riot* outside, And the winds are merry and wanton.
With the numnu r't pomp and pride.
But Into tliUdeso'ate mansion. Where love has clo*ed the door. Nor sunshine nor summer shaU enter,
Hiuoe she can come in no more. [—LOl-IKK ClIASDLKR MOI'LTON.
Tim Arbuckle.
BY J. O. CV1.VER.
Tim Arbuckle was a small man with bright eves, a bald head, and a musical voice. Ho taught singing school in his young days, and plaved the violin with the skill of a master. Urn was so captivating that his rivals called him the slayer but he was himself slain at last lie fell a victim to a woman of brains, a woman with amission and progressive ideas. Tim soon took second rank in his own household, and was known as Mrs. Arbuckle's husband, and finally resolved to go west, away from old associations.
It was vears after he left the east that we find him standing on the wide piazza of a commodious farm he use that crowns a hill. Toward the west, an undulating prairie slopes away to the Mississippi nver. Not far distant stands the log house of a neighbor named Ferguson. This was a favorite resort for Tim, because Fergusoa was a bachelor, social and well informed. Before the bright fireplace he and Tim often sat in their arm- haira, smoking and talking their leisure time away, and bore Ferguson pondered in delightful dreamy reverie when alone. He had a compan ion, Professor McJimsey, who was ex
Eloring
western mounds in the interest saiu, of the Smithsonian institute. He used the spare room in the log house for his cabinet, where he stored curious stone implements of the pro-historic period, and also the bones that he exhumed. It was so full of relics, skulls and skeletons, that Ferguson sometimes felt nervous when he heard noises there in the night.
Well, professor," said Arbuckle,who had just walked down from his house, and stood looking out of Ferguson's window at a distant steamer, slowly working up stream, "how do you find things?" "Good developments," replied the professor. "(.Jot out some strong skulls to-day well defined, considering they are nature's first editions of humanity. We will have material enough to sketch an outline of pro-historic man. We shall show you that the original was unlike the modern, fashionable, faded-out, dyspeptic, spindle-shanked specimens, lie was a lusty fellow, who could crack butternuts with his teeth and not
The professor was clearing his throat for a long dissertation on hia favorite subject, when Walter, Arbuckle's hired man, entered, and informed McJitnsey that Mrs. Arbuckle would like to have him take tea there. He was always ready to adjourn the consideration of any "subject for something to cat, and presently disappeared in the direction of the house.
Ferguson," said Arbuckle, after the professor had left, "why don't vou marry and drive this hyena ami his bones out of your house? It smells horribly of dead Indians In there."
I know it doos," replied Ferguson, "and if I had supposed he was going to ransack the country for every relic and ancient bone
to
lie found, I should not
havo let him in. But what am I to do Who can I marry? Yon know I have very little to begin with." "Marry Katy, Ferguson, and you'll have more t^fbegln with than many know of. Ymi used ta act sensibly about this matter. I dont see what has chanced your mind," said Tim,
Her hair is too straight. I dent like the bow and-arrow-breod.
I'm afraid
the Indian would g#t control of the white blood in her veins aome day, and take the war natb, which, yon know, would probably lead directly to my scalp, *r.d one would kavo a prejudice against being acalpcd by the partner ©f his joys and sorrows. "Thatis all stuff. I •^optod KateL" replied Tim. "She is the grandchild of a missionary, a peaceable, la*y man, and there is not enough Indian blood in her veins to hurt you. A little of
it
adds a
peculiar richness and glow to th© white. It displaces the nassal twangand shrewishness with a sweet voice and a good disposition. A raw onion is as Intolerable to me as a real Indian is to you but a bit of onion in cookery give# to
A
dish «-no of the best possible flavors. Smoke is unpleasant to the eyes, bat* little of it in ham is delicious. Wky to not Indian blood good? There is no lurking disease, no poison from the vices of rccitty. Her blood is as pure as a fawn's. Moie than all this, she has grown up M»* frmlly. and I shall see ber well cared ftr. She sings like a bird, and the man who marries her will have June weather In the boose the year around. My wife treats ber Bke a hired girl, and I want to see hw married to one who will prnvkle a good home, and I wa.it to see yon well Axed In life."
Ferguson shook his bead and smoked in silence. "1 baven't any call to marry," he said, slowly, at laaL
Tall, nonsense every mafi fttth heart has a call to marry. Natnreaad revelation favor marriage," replied Tim.
Yes. I know that nature and the girls agreo on this subject, and It's a flood thing that they de but I oreHarton^ main single," said the bachelor.
Well, it's destiny.** said Tim, "and the longer you delay the gi ester the danger that you will marry a woman *f brains." Saying this, he shut the doot and walked up to his
houae,
laaving
Ferguson abaoroed with hia reflection* trf tbey trej* *»"t jea«ar*. wr he pnll-
7
ed a Boiled letter from his pocket, looked at it, and thruat it back again then took it out and deposited it in a drawer, whioh he carefully looked. 1 Timound the professor and Mr. Ar4uckle deeply engaged In a theological discussion. TtXOf the Rev. Mr. Jfjfcl ver his great terateti, gelled Old ^rub and New Man Bu$#rfly» end ®m •was urged to gO,£tt*®®' indisposed
'disposed.
lwtua!
1
The garment* »he left
$'
But they died long, long ago Twas the odoron%gho*t of a blossom That seemed through the dunk to glow..
meek
theshadows
Hinging
at
the top of his voice. v'ome in, Katy," said Tim, who saw her standing by the door. "The old flag always lias waved, and always will wave, in a fair fight. "Ive be®!1 think ing about our boys down at the front, and when I hear the old tune it seems as if I could not stay at home. It wasn't such a piece of music when I used to teach singing. There is more to it now thao there ever was before. Strike it up, Katv," said he, launching out again with voice and instrument, as he marched across tho room but just as he reached the door Mrs. Arbuekle entered. Probably the old fiag had never before been so quickly furled and hidden as it was then and there, in tho recesses of iSm's violin.
Mrs. Arbuckle was for the first time in her life too full for utterance but she looked the unbodiment of offended and unavenged justice.
Thi- is rour pretended indisposition is it?" said she* at last. "It isn't anew complaint, either it's as old as Methuselah." "I suppose," said Tim. "that it is a breaking out of that old, chronic disease, original sin."
Yes, I should think so!" she replied sharply. "It is breaking tho Sabbath, and if you are going to do that, I wish you'd go to thebam, or out into thw woods, and bowl, where nobody can hear vou. But, no! you must stay here and stir up the tomahawk and scalping knives in this horrid little heathen's blood," said she, Hying at Katy, who luckily escaped to the kitchen. "I know you were not expecting me," said she, turning to Tim again. "You didn't know the storm had taken out the bridge, of course. No thanks to you that it didn't take me with it! I suppose you'd da»ce and fiddle on the bank if
I
were drifting down the creek, crying for help, wouldn't you?—just as you fiddle about the flag now, without going and fighting for it like a man."
Tim had consigned the violin to its resting place, and put on his coat. "Now what?" said she, surprised at tho paleness of his face and the deliberation of his manner. "What are you going to do?" she asked, as he put on his hat.
He neither replied nor looked at her, but, walkinir to the kitchen, he said "Good bye, Katy, I'm going to fight"— and started down the road without looking behind him.
Mrs. Arbuckle sank into a chair and exhibited the premonitory symptoms of a fainting fit, so unexpected was her husband's course. The thought that she was to have no one to scold during meal times, au4 long Into tho night, and particularly on Sundays ar.d the fact that he had deserted her was too much for her nerves.- Scolding had been her tonic it braced her up, brought blood into her cheeks, and fire into her eyes, and gave nervous vim to her whole demeanor.
ESSE snssas?
St SiSiS?
passed. What was the mere flesh and blood existence of this skull T—at first new and firm in texture, then old, wrinkled and
ragged—then
dust. They
live wisest,** said lie—putting tho skull top downwards on the table and spinning it around on its organ of veneration—"who eat the beat food, drink the best drinks, and »it most in the sunshine, 'Not enjoyment and not sorrow, is our destiiMW end
OT
way,* the poet
gays but he should strike out the first word. We miss our end and way sometimes, it ia true, through obstinacy, but that to no excuse for saying that our destiny is not enjoyment. Our destiny fea-higber spl»«re, and atill a highar— not a dead plain, nor an up-and-down-hill road. I've no doubt the irplrit of this mound builder reached *h If her sphere ages ago, ««d we *hail f!«d our affinity whaul^a Mm bj the hand leads ns to hia shinlngjdtar. If veis our good angel, with trtgrant fflngi, sweef breath, and smllina oounfeenance. Time may Ue down and Bfcratty grow gray and witakML tat will stmb* as fresh iiit was in Eden." He rose from hia chair and sWpped to-
incident to a sobjec* wuflefc so atMoroed him, and was leaning, or sitting.oil
be asked, *atakly» KaiJ •sit and rose to her fwt, looking at hiss wm» gmtefnl eyes, as she told what had
occurred when Mrs. Arbuckle returned from church then she hurried out of the house witheut lookipg jit the piofeasor. L, I,
McJimsey walked back to his ®|ir with a look of secret triUJUtoh, dashed by a shade of disappointment. H® bad satisfied hlniaelf that he possessed a oertai subtle influence Kft jv
ruv, «uu uui Ferguson sat down in the chair die [lined he had j«»pt vaepted, and thought of Tims last Words to him, concerning her. l$e
a
good wondered what McJimsey had besta
e^h nexfmJrSnff talking about, that she should taw£•
Start, came ea ly when he rode off sorbed and overcome by it. Besides, to take br^akiwtj \rbuckle tbey her beauty had never before shone from toward cburoh ^ith M» Arbuckfe tnej
ber lfc dld when
had that ^m felt like ap «Ioke to him, and looked so kindly
elex ation that nm leu ime an Then he thought of the soiled let ."C«wtn".vetputunlt. Wlnfl«, ter locked In the drawer, and scowled
Sf'C'r whe"h"edi«! Arbuckle la a r.»l,»«M _McJl.n»y Mai-1 Tim "Well I guess I'll "to
let
Poor Tim' his eyes grew moist as he to henpeck.
drew [ho' oldfflSlltaf.sound fron.the "Tim has done katy^
ever clustered about binf. Sweet, loving faces of pretty girls they were, onee so real to him, but uow fading in the dim background to a sad regret. Tim leaned over the instrument and enjoyed the luxury of reviving old recollections, un til hia Augers strayed off into the na tional airs. When he drew the first long bow on tho Star Spangled Banner, he raised his head and ^rect. Ills heart 9\vell?d with enthusiasm as he played, and, rising to his feet, ho walked across the rooiu, keeping time, and
See here," said Ferguson, with unusual emphasis, "that girl does not understand science and mesmerism, and new theories about love, and I advise you not to try to toach her, whon Tim away." "Are you authorized to act as her gtiardiani?" asked the professor.
Every true man is authorized to speak and act in defense of a woman," said Ferguson, with flashing eyes. "I did not suppose that there existed a sentimental tenderness that would be wounded by my remark," said McJimsey.
You nocd not go iu there with such a thought in your heaa," replied Ferguson.
The professor closed tho door, and walked brisk 1}' up to the house. Mrs. Aroucklo on consultation with him, concluded that a letter sent clown by Katy and tho professor would be the best preliminary to negotiations.
Katy expressed a decided preference for tho company of Walter. They found Tim, and he read the letter leisurely, but sent no reply. The next day Mrs. Arbuckle went in person, and found Tim clad in uniform, and bearing a gun with a bright and dangerous-looking bayonet. No entreaties could avail now. Ho was in for the war, and when the day came for marching on board the steamer, Tim looked rather small down at the end of his rank, but his coat was as blue, his gun as bright, and his step as firm as the bestof them. He intended to count one in battle, as well as one on the muster roll and Mrs. Arbuckle shed some medium-sized tears of pride and joy, when the crowd cheered, and the soldiers swung their caps. Ttsen she felt so badly, in fact, that McJimsey while riding home with her administered words of consolation and as the exercise and excitement bad given them appetites, they picked out dainty bits of the lunch while they talked of .the horrors of war.
When they arrived home Katy brought some warm tea out on the piazza, to soothe Mrs. Arbuckle's anguish, while she
Rat
watching
What is the matwr asked Katy. coming out on the piazza. "I thought I beard her crying."
This is the matter," replied Ferguson, pointing to the letter "Tim Arbuckle is dead."
Poor Katy! he was her best friend. She sank on the steps and cried asifher heart would break.
Ferguson, feeling that he could do nothing there, went home like a man
&tv produced such a reaction that she man, consequently coarse, hard-hearted, lashed ber with all the bitterness of without tear-ducts, or the other fittings taunt and accnsation that malice could and furniture for genuine enjoyment of
,m,B,ne'
'""1 ",C" '"^."r^le. Her grief was
All, Katy, I'm "delighted to sco you," intense.but brief. As she could have said the professor, laying down a skull, only a heart full of tears, they soon ran as she entered. "Comeln, d®, and take out, so as to admit some drops of con--hair" solation—of hope, even.
She certainly did riot want to, and it She had been a poor wife for Tim, but seemedtXierthat she tried to decline made a^most interesting but there was something so peculiarly wives do. Why not A woman itf born fesdnating about his eyes, or the tone of to make some man happy, and if °U!"" his voice, that she could not resist the ber one Su? Jad Invitation courage. When, therefore, she had
Mrs. Arbuckld Would like to soe wiped ber eyes forgoodland all, and had »NN mIH K«tv" received the condolence of her friends, there .r» numy ladle, who and the happy would pleased wi'li that prlvlloeo," to fllckei-on J"" "Si^ vairl 1ia •*nut I think I am very pleas- shape of gay trimmings, sue was a antly situated at present," and heSook- younger ^king aud m^ fa^inating mi Katv in a wav to e«nvey a strong woman than she had been in lltns Sn«2S thihI ™tly^^admired he? time.
Her voice
beauty, "I synipatiS^w^tliTOU, Katy," ened by wmvA oftquminiT ft totio of fauiiHftrltY had developed fountain®of hutnansyniSLi,hh^Sherg "Youdon'thavehaft pathyandaWlon-iustsuch founUins a chance in life. Of course, life is but a *3 I erguson soul thirsted for, and.ho shadow, a dream, a breath and if we was on the piazza about as love truly it matters not bow life is the evening sunshine, and_ as welcome
I'KUHIO ATTTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.
she arose and
his wife get jealous of Ivaty. What
T.
,,
of a chicken's gratitude to the shell that once sheltered it. Her great passion, now, is love."
there by McJimsey's side,
the steamer with flags flying,
and band playing, until it disappeared in a bend of tho river. The professor brought regularly to Mrs. Arbuckle's table the consolations of his philosophy, and a good appetite, until tne superior attractions of a scientific exploring expedition which was to close with a convention attracted him. ^Ferguson, finding it lonely at his cottage now, and sympathizing with Mrs. Arbuckle, often called at the house on the hill, and was well received.
One August night, when they sat on the piazza talking- over a late battle, Walter came in with a letter from the armv—a very brief one. Every fibre of her "being trembled as she read, and dropping the letter she hurried into the house, leaving Ferguson bewildered.
and temper were soft-
Ferguson, of all men, fell a victim to a woman of brains. Katy was pale, sad-eyed, and Iovel}% but her misfreSs studiously suppressed her. A pitying look it was that Katy'* face wore, as she saw the growing intimacy between Mrs. Arbuckle and Ferguson. With the exception of this slight chill to his feelings, he appeared happy for MoJimsey was absent, snd deep in scieoce. He bad read a general paper on Bones In Western Mounds a jm£dal f*P«*
lh«
aro
Three Ems of
Mounds: also, Rsfloctions on the Hemiindistinct Traces of a Mastodon's Tooth (bund in Blue Clay also. The Articulated Skeleton of a Mound Builder, with Speculations on his Mental Characteristics, as shown by his Skull.
It was in the heat of the preparation of another paper, still more profound, on the TracKS of a Saurian, that he heard of
DEATH*
Th* moment Uito aUriliog Intelligence nwohed him, he unceremoniously hustled the articulatedmoundbuUder into
wjhM» HlssdentiflcbTtjthwu were s*r„rtMd at tbis sodden journey. Home Mated thai he must bson tba track of a IJodoT while others vMu*iy intimated thatTt might be a Megrfonyx Otw enthttsis* went ft^as to suggest the BOMibtltty of his finding tin wwi re£aln*ofi MegaJosaurns. Seieeee wa» pdenus with Jd^iflnej, sod he dod ',
if found in this region, would undoubt- Walter was washing his hands. edly be a prize but the professor was had seen Ferguson's horse not taking birds or fosslla^he wanted over the gat*, and folio-" something better and a wMlaw, wiUi a found Ferlarge farm, well stocked, wteagreet deal the moup better.
you?" asked Ferguson.
I am the pre-historic man, replied the figure, solemnly. Ferguson drew a very long breath indeed. and looked at him from head to foot, but couldn't help thinking what delight his dog Jingo would take in making tho intimate acquaintance of his friend's legs. "Do you know McJimsev?" asked Ferguson. the figure shook its head.
That's a pity. I'd like to give you an introduction. You couldn't go down and see him to-night, I s'pose? I think you'll find him in the widow's parlor, and it's a. nice, cosey place," said poor Ferguson, persuasively. "He's been looking for you some time," he continued, "and never found you in. He'd be glad to see you, even if you were a little unexpected."
The figure did not speak or move. "If you are tho pre-historic man, and can get Prof. McJimsey's endorsement, the Smithsonian institute will give you twenty thousand dollars for yourself."
What does that institute want of me?" asked the figure. Why, science wants you. The institute, as the handmaid of science, would take you to Washington and articulate you, of caurse, and put a nice steel rod up your back, and set .you in a mahogany case, with silk curtains inside, and a glass door with a gilt knob on it." "Ifs too high," said the figure. v'
It is pretty high," saidFerguson. "I mean no offence, but I myself wouldn't givo twenty thousand dollars for a whole gravevard full of pre-historic men—especially In Washington, where any one can get as many old fossils as he wants, already articulated to his hind, by simply paying their board and on inauguration day he can get 'em for nothing."
The figure did not appreciate this, and looked very solemn indeed. Are you a blank-verse ghost?" askod Ferguson, finding it not inclined to be
Th«
Ferguson looked around, determined to fly, but his fost were like lead. "My friend." said he, in a wheedling ton4 •'you've been around the world a good deal. I presume, and you must have known gr*st many widows now, be reasonable you j«*t think what you (k if vou had one all ooarted up ready to marry. »ud McJimsey should came along and Hit you out
We don't tit*re extnises," said the figure "you'rs started of yottr own free will, and you might aa well coma on at
°n"But I may chsnge going is polnt of Psei, I nave changed
"Comer' said the P. H. lt^ and
teamy nrflea. l« supposed, whBl h» fM ibriiklM with terror, Md strag •ling to extricate Wmsetf.
A*
the
5r J-
figure
Mnk
tumbled
Had ^1m Mmaetf xeti|it(elfl WTO bloody iinfottn, Ferguson woidd riot vW have boeh rriOte sorprtSsd than he at the sadden reappearance ofMoJipi' eey and. worst of alt, the professor supplanted'Felfeusori in the widow's re- air, .. sards is completely as Tim would have plenty of cold water. done. saw, through the window, Professor Mc-
At firsfPfcrguson shut himself un, but Jimsey seated lu ap arm-chair in the as that aggravated the evil, be neglected parlor, reading to Mrs. Arbuckle. It nfor the town, his farm fer the town, and took to drink On one of these occasions he not only moistened, but Boaked his clay, and started for home rather late. It was a dismal night. The wind had been blow ing a gale, and now came in fitful gusts
alter
his brain TOth Before he left be Professor Mc-
cooled
was a charming picture of social felicity, and sobered him off like a showerbath.
He was SO' in his log house, sitting by a fire raked from the ash heap, ana
ing a gale and now came in fitful gusts, fed by a few blackened ends of sticks, as if It sallied out on Ferguson from an Ho did not go near tho cabinet, and ambush, and then sank again into the seemed inclined to rush through his long grass with a ghostly, rustling whis- outside doer on to the prairie, whenever per? Not a star was visible, not a bit of he heard the rustling of rats and mice of sky but «uly a groat inky mass of among the dry bones on the shelves clouds'sbutting out all light! the horse there. He even thought he discovered knew and followed the road, when Fer- a striking family resemblance to the guson did not pull him out of it. Pres- Pre-histoilc man in the shadows that sently he passed through an open gate- flickered and danced along the wall, wav, and struck out fer a short cut He could havo sworn that ho saw tho hoino over one of Arbuckle's fields, haggard face of Tim Arbuckle peering 'G'long!" said Ferguson, jerking the through the window at him. Alonereins. The burse stopped and snorted, for even Jingo had gone—haunted, "G'long! I tell you. You needn't be trembling, and on the verge of delirium, scared I'm the one to bo scared, if any- be heard aHd imagined he s*w almost body is, 'cause I've got a soul, and you haint. It's a privilege, I guess, vou wouldn't enjoy much just now, either. G'long!" and looking up to learn what frightened the horso, Ferguson felt the wagon strike something, and he saw, to use his own description, "as many stars a9 you could pack into the sky, if you didn't put them more than half an inch apart." While he was wondering at this sudden change «f the weather, and trying to discover the reason for a peculiar smell like toasted cheese, he saw, standing directly in front of him, a figure with whose acquaintance he never before had been honored. Ferguson would have preferred a previous introduction, or, at least, an interview not quite so private tor the figure appeared to bo not only a stranger, but a foreigner. It was dressed in a loose sort of paper, or parclynent garment. A phosphorescent light flickered about the folds of his cloak, not bright, but sulficiently luminous for all practical purposes. He appeared much like a gentleman who baa been recently engaged in the match business, and had indulgod in the eccentric habit of carrying his merchandise about his person. I "Who
everything, until"quite exhausted he fell asleep, and awoke to find the morning sunshine upon his face, and Jingo scratching at the door.
Ferguson stepped out on the grass and looked across the fields to the river in the distance. It was a sunny morning, filled with the songs of birds, and was like anew world to Ferguson after the terrors of the previous night. A feeling of gladness filled bis heart, and set the blood tingling to his finger tips. He resolved to face square about. "Here you are, Ferguson," said be, "going cross-lots to perdition. "It won't do. You must turn back," and he did from that hour.
The people all wondered what had changda him so. He went to town no more. His crops were harvested, his cattle housed, and the place looked tidy. No waste ends were left to the wind and storm. All was tucked snugly away for "winter and rough weather," and rough it was, and roaring with hoarse winds over frozen river and snowy fields, this Christmas morning. A blazing fire burned on Ferguson's hearth, sending its sparks crackling and snapping up the wide chimney into the frasty air. On his table lay a white envelope with a large MeJ'. in German text on it. Inside was a card with the names of Professor McJimsey and A. Arbuckle printed on it in old English. They were to be married that evening.
Ferguson had been all day alone by his fire, and now sat leaning bis head on his hands, watching tho sun go down, angry and red, behind the cold clouds. Still he sat there, as the wind rose, and the lights glared from the Arbuckle mansion on the hill. He thought of woman's perversity and man's baa luck, and wondered what the guests would think because ho did not appear. He tried to analyze his feelings and find what it was that kept him away, just as if he knew nothing'about certain bowls of jelly that had been sent to the log house by Katy.
The wind tangled in the treos, tore at tho dry leaves clinging to the oaks by his house, then suddenly shaking itself loose, rattled his window and whistled through every crevice. It seemed to scream into tho key hole, "Hi 1 come out here, Ferguson! Let's have a frolic and charivari McJimsey and wife." Then away it went up the hill^whirling the snow in eddies, to rattle tho Arbuckle windows and chill the heart of
Eer
oor Katy, alone in the kitchen, where beauty could not be a foil to that of the bride.
This is the kind of a night for the pro-historic," thought Ferguson, "only his front aoor must be barred pretty tight by Jack Frost."
It was twelve o'clock, and Ferguson sat looking at the embers, when be beard a noise, apparently in the cabinet. The hair on Jingo's back rose up like porcupine quills. Ferguson hitched his chair along the hearth, gave the fire another poke, and all was still again. "If he would only" wait a few hours," thought Ferguson, "I should couslder him one of the best regulated ghosts of modern times. But he won't—they
or!riahin *4hoeauso ho added, ingenu- never do. It's a family failing not to ously, "most all the famous members of wait and he started to his feet, for the vnnr funiilv wrfl noise was at his window. He could
figure shook its head. just discover the dim outline of a figure Well, I'm glad of it for they are al- hovering outside the glass, looking most always abruptly breaking off an stealthily at him.
interview when they get cramped for the more fhmillar grew Jts haggard face ton-syllable lines. There's no small to him, thoughiIts "J?"J change in their talk. It's like a pack »nd its rags fluttered In the wiud likea age of ten-dollar bills—good at a bank, scare-crowds.
but not tho right size for a grocery, then eyld-rnKUt^tMiwto Are you traveling?" oontinued Fergu- approaching the wlndow put It lips to son, sfill anxious to keep up the convor- tfee^sssand sation "because, if you are, I was go- started quickly forward when be saw ing ti a8k y°u hadn't forgotten your ve ^£Sd he. nnfiaten-
Tbo Ogor. did not .pMk, «nO Ftogo- Ingthe door, m.d rteppjng l»c., '•BWson began to have vaguo fears concern- loo! Too precious old ncTs intentions. What said Fergvwwn, kicking Jingo toto the MSld%e^r^tforhh,Vrtto ghf The corner, "*d th,,,gM*,*Dd Arbllckie?lh.3 S'f.m
Wrgn-
"Testes..
be Jolly »ho-.ho do you do ebon, ,Lin ielnpo. Th- rtonrn did
not
and can't come?" He knows better. ou have already started for his place," said the figure, "and a few more drunken flta would take you there but he wants yon now. There are plenty of you winding along the circuitous routes through the vinevards, who will arrive In duo season but you've started across-lots, and It's a waste of time to linger: so corns op!" and he beckoned with his long, bony
Tho
Tho figure turned to go,
BDcnk Ve«. I'm in time. I was In time a
Suldn't ?ouin fflm1hai I'm busy, good many ye«» »£o, on «?othe'_oc«-
tation, though
released hta bold, and
with swhladng sound outof right, Ferguson heard the«»e words: "The ml#* jnfile, drunken wretch l" uttered In the ftemlliar voice of Mi*. Arbuckle snd opening his mh* fbnndhimsetflytig* muddy snd torn, on her kitchen Boor. Ka*y was holdings lantern, and
JVthro.
•vwi iiimi/ slon, when one of these parties was present, I remember. I am not so particular about this.
I
I
heard the news before
got here, but
I
haven't
had an
invi
I
shouldn't attend If I
bad." You don't say that y«u am going ttp there to klckhim out or the house," said fVrguson. "Yea, I do," replied Tim.
But she's your wife, and yon 11 break It up before they go any further with this rar-e, won't you?"' said *er-
^'•"NO the further thay go the better, If It Is only out of ibis country. I can stand it If McJimsey can, or if ne oant. The feci is," said Tim, lowering his voice to a re«pe«rtnil whin per, and pausing, "McJimsey and brains are not ber worst failing she la mi opium eater."
^"1 rather think he might," replied
to McJimsey to-morrow, and tell him in confidence that, instead belng kilkd I was wounded and taken prisoner. Then show him this deed, and saT«that von are aulhorieed topty Mrs. ArDuokle handsomely Jhr hersignature releasing her right't^ 4own. have, in bank, five thousand dollars, she proceeds of wheat crops. Here in atl order placing it to ber credit so sba can draw one thousand a year, and these two hundred dollars ready money she may need for traveling expenses. Now, give me something to cat, and I will go up into •our tittlcf chamber andkeep quiet until these clouds blow over."
The next day Ferguson found the professor assuming all tho dign'ty of a landed proprietor, at peace with the world, un vexed by srieuas, and careless of Dodo tracks, t'ergusou showed tho deed, and told him what, he proposed doing-
Tben this amounts to nothing'" said, the professor, recovering from his surprise but exhibiting much chagrin.
What do you mean I mean that I have uo title to the land. It seems as if a man ought to have something after all thia."
Why, you've got something—you've got the woman, haven't you Yes, but I cant keep her."
Do you mean you can't, or won't."' "Just as you please," the professor replied.
Because," said Ferguson, "if you' want to, 3 011 can for this ia a case where*' possession is nine points of law." "But the other point is the one I'mr after, for that brings the property. horse is a poor gift without something! to feed it, and must be looked in thef
mouth." But don't yott see if she signs the4 deed you will get some feed from me?"ff
Yes, certainly, that was very clear,v and he was not slow in going to thej house to see his bride. How he broko^ the intelligence to her this history doesL not relate. The fact that she was toif leave Katy in possession probably roueed her temper. The wonder is that shelHt did not stay to anncy Katy and Tim.t She would have done so, probably, had not the bridal kiss been so fresh on ber lips, and the fascination of McJimsey so
Kfore
tent. Wheh Ferguson laid the deed her, she signed it, and took per--sonal supervision of the money.
Tim's toy was manifested in many ways. First, he opened tho window-" blinds and let the sun shine on the carpet. This had never been allowed byt"*" his wife, for fear of fading it. Then Tim"" marched through the house, stopping at'" each door to loudly knock for admittance, and, on opening it, he would bawl at the top of his voice, which ho length-' ened Into a prolonged howl, the name McJimsey. After relieving his mind in" this way, he summoned Katy.
Bring in rnv first wife! I was a fool to ever think of taking any other," said
he, clasping his old violin affectionately. "Open all the doors, Katy I I want tho\ sound of her
VOIQO
I think I know a man who will do it," said Ferguson. But he must be a married man," replied Tim.
Yes," said Ferguson, slowly, "a married inan." And what's rather singular, his wile must be part Indian," said Tint, looking at the fire.
Yes. part Indian," said Ferguson to^ the fire, alao. And his bim\ man will bo named'Walter." said Tit*.
No," said Ferguson, with emphasis, going to the private drawer and sudden- ', ly reaching up to the clock caso.
1
This was followed bv much bustling about the house that clay, and the suecoeding night they left the Arbucklo place minus much fine linen, the spoons,^ and such other articles of intorest anafg value as could be crammed into four. trunks. Tlie articulated mound builder I got no further than tho piazza, where Arbuckle found it still standing op its^: ,f bead In a flour barrel, which ho kicked., over and rolled down tho hill, to tho immense delight of Katy, who was so?-, s? overyloyed at Tim's return that she had fits or laughing and crying for hours afterwards. &
1
to go through the
rooms, so that the household gods, to the remotest niche, shall know who is tm who."
After playing until he was tired, bo^ f. went down to the log house and seated "a, himself by the fire. "Ferguson," said he, after musing some time, "isyour\ pulse regular sv'i "Yes."
Because,"continued Tim, "I want.td\ talk about business. I'm going to get a^i* man to take my stock and implements, $ and work my farm 011 shares."
Why not Walter asked Tiro*' -1 Kfergosou handed him the valentine. I don't know what this means," said Vp Tim, looking and laughing. ft means/' replied Ferguson, "that Katy sent me a valentine by the hand of. Walter, and he changed It to his. Tbe& one she sent me was all right, but this one made mo think she despised 1110, ashe intended it should."
Tim leaned back and laughed heart)- 0 "Why, If it had been sent to Jingo, wouldn't have wondered, for he is naturally surly, suspicious and jealous, and would have some excuse for such folly as yon have been guilty of but a rational Doing ought to know Katy better than to think she wonld send such a thing to you. I rather like Walter, for having the taste to admire Katy, and for his strategy, too."
Ho can't practice it around my bouse," wild Ferguson. Well, if you are jealous, let him go but the wedding must be on New Year's^ day."
Ferguson agreed to this, though Katy
§uttestedwas
ro that it was ridiculous baste Tim inexorable. The rest of the time until New Year was spent in preparing for the wedding, whion wa* to De celebrated with all the feasting, music and hilarity usual in the bounteoas west. Tim invited in his old
fle
But couldn't she be cored aaked
"T^ml! Tou don't snptVwe even the ghost of her dead grandfather coqJd persuade or frigbteu her out of it* do
in
my resolution. We new were wu»y together, and never could be, fnd It la a kindnesa to both of us tolet her and MeJlmaey get what Httle from Ufii. You may think It lan right* but, under the circumstances, what can I do better If It werenot done womld not do It, but being done I do it. I am dead to her. I cairoot no
You^tnTnot going to let them have the property, are you jvo. Here Is a deed of the form. (Jo
loneer Maids from a great distance. got together a wonderful orchestra** of ancient mellow-toned violins—some that bad helped found counties, and make
life merry in the good old pioneer? days, It was a wedding long remembered. Katy was radiant, while Ferguson and Tim were proud and happy.
Nothing rises now from the motind on the Arbuckle place more startling to travelers than an Indlan named Mai//1, with a taasel in bis hat, and a rilken purse of gold In his pocket, and when the plowman "homeward plods his weary way" to the house on tne hill, bo usually finds Tim Arbuckle on the plazea, happy, with a Httle Katy Ferguson on bis itnee, and Tim's first wife, and bow, hanging handy behind the door.
'Cherry Time"
—AX»—
Jfe
/i
"Lily of the Field."
We ate now giving to every yearly eubeerlber a choice of the above Chrome*. They an eatalogued aad sOld in the are storesatHM P** ®°py *nl will be given to •B pecaotw wha send cut ttielr names sa «ub- .. fcrtbeis enclosing W-00 the price of the paper for one year. Then© pictures are perfect copies in every delicate tint and color of mftcntfleeMt painting* oonilnc htmdnria of dorter*. AU who have any ideaof or love of art ftill In love with them at first sight.
I
