Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 50, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 9 June 1877 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

FATE. I

Two shall bo born the whale wild world apart, And sneak In differ, nt tongues and have no thought Each of the other's being, and no heed. And these o'er unknown seas to unknown lands Shall cross, escaping wnck, defying death And, all unconscious)v shape every act And bend each wandering step to this one end— That, one day, out of darkness they shall meet And read life's meaning in each other's eyes.

And two shall walk some narrow way of life, tio neany side by side that should one turn Ever so little space to lelt or right, 'Ihey needs must stand acknowledged face to fa»e And yet, with wistful eyes that never meet. With groping hands that never clasp, ana

CalllngPln vain to ears that never hear, They seek each olber all their weary days, Ana die unsatisfied, aud this Is fcate.

—SUSAN

M. CAMPBELL.

Applied ^Science.

0 VE STORY JN TWO CHA PTERS.

BY CHARLES BARNARD. CHAPTER I.

T!io village of Salmon Falls, in eastern Now England, consists of mills and factories, the railroad station, a store or two, and two hundred dwellings. Among these is the Denny mainsion at the top of the hill, where the road climbs up Irom the station and the river. I^is a largo square house in the old colonial fashion, with two wings at the rear and a garden in front.

It was a warm July morning when Mr. John Denny, mill owner and proprietor of the homestead, had his chair with some assistance from the servants, rolled out to the porcn, and reaching it on his crutch sat down in the shadow of Che great liouso and out of the glare of the hot sun. The vino covered porch and the wido piazza opened directly upon the garden and gave a full view of the road. Beyond ttiero was an outlook over tho open fields, tbo mills, the streatrf, and the viilago in tho valloy. liy the road there was a stone wrtll aud a wicker gate openin upon the grassy eidewalk outside. A table had been laid with a white cloth in the porch, and Mr. Denny sat by it and waited for tho coming of his daughter and breakfast. While ho sat thus he turned over a num!or of papers, and then after a while, he liegan to talk to himself somewhat in this wise: 'Expense! expense! expense! There seems no end to it. Bills coming in *very day, and every one larger than was expected. In my young days we built a shop and knew to a dollar what it would coat. Now tho estimates are invariably short. The batting mill has already gone a thousand dollars beyond tlio estimates, and tho roof is but just put on. Even tbo new chimney cost lour dollars a foot more than was expocfced. Thank heaven, it is done, aud •that expense is ovor. Could I walk, I might look after things and keep them within bounds. With my crushed foot I sit a prisoner at homo, and must leave it all to Lawrence. It is very fortunate that I have one man I can trust with my affairs.

Just horo, Alma, his only child, a bright and wholesomo girl of nineteen "years, appeared from the house. Fairly educated, very sensible and affectionate, but perhaps a trifle inexperienced by reason of her residenco in this quiet

{ilaco,

she is at onco the pride and the ightof tho house. 'Good morning, father. Are you well this happy summer's day?'

Tho old gentleman kissed his daughter fondly, and asked did shte pas* a quiet night. 'Oh, yos. I didn't sloep much, that is «11—for thinking.' 'Thinking of what?' ^Th«oxpected guest. To-day is the SHh of July, Hiid Cousin Elmer is coming.' 'Ah, yos—Elmer Franklin. had almost forgotten him.' *IIow doos he look, father? Is bis hair dark, or has ho blue eyes? I hardly know which I like best.' 'I do not romomber. I really have not seen tho boy since he was a more child, years ago. Ho haB beon at school since.' ,r 'Ho must be a man now. He is past twenty-one, and, as for school, why it's the Scientific school' and I'm sure men go to that.' 'You seem greatly interested in this unknown relative, Alma.' 'He is to be our guest,

fatlier—for

whole month. Corne! Will you have breakfast out here in tho porch?' 'Yes, dear. It Is quite comfortable here, and it will save the trouble of moving.'

Thereupon Aim* entered the house, in search of tho breakfast, and a moment alter Mr. Lawrence Belford entered the garden at the street gate. The son of an old friend of Mr. Danny's lamented wife, Mr. lid lord had been admitted to tho house soui? months since as confidential clerk and business man. He was a ruther commonplace person, about thirty yenrs of age, and his education and manners were very-good, if not ictnarkable. During his residence with the Dennys he had found ample tiuie to fall in love with Alma, and they had been engaged—and with Mr. Denny's consent. 'Good morning, Lawrence. You re just in time for breakfast.' •Good morning, air. Thpnk yon, no.

I have been to breakfast. I am just up from tbs station. •Have you seen anything vt the rail road coach? The train is in, and it is time for tho coach to pass, Our guest uiav be in it.' •N'o.slr, but I saw the express coming tip tho hill with an extra large load of

usf°here Alma returned from the house baring quito a largo tray of plates and breakfast things. The young people now greet each other very pleasantly, and Alma proceeds to lay the table. 'Now for breakfast, fkther. Everything -waits upon a good appetite. Will you not join us, Lawrence?'

Mr. Belford politely replies that he has been to breakfast. Mr. Denny takes cup of ooflfee, and while tipping it re marks: 'How many more window frames shall YOU requite tor the new mill, Law rencef' 'Ten more, sir. There is only apart of the fourth story unfinished.' 'Alma, dear, do you remember hew high we decided the new chimney was to be? Yes, thank you, only two lumps of sugar. Thank you. You remember we were talking about it when the Lawsons were here.' •Don't ask me. Ask Lawrence. I never can remember anything about such matter*.'

Just at that moment the express pulled up at the gate, and there was a knock at the door. Alma rose hastily and sail:

it®! TERES

•Oh! That must be Elmer.' She opened it. and young Mr. Elmer Franklin, of New York, entered. A man to respect, an open, manly face, clear blue eyes, and a wiry, oompact, and vigorous frame. A man with a sound mind in a sound body. He was dressed in a gray traveling suit, and had a knapsack strapped to bis back in his hand he held a stout stick which looked as if just cut from the roadside, and at his side was afield glass in a leather case. Immediately behind him came a man bending under the load of an immense trunk. Alma smiled her best, and the young stranger bowed gallantly, •Mr. Denny, I presume?' •Welcome, cousin Franklin,' said Mr. Denny from his chair. 'I knew you at once, though it is years since any members of our families have met. Pardon me if I do not rise. I'm an old man, and confined to my chair.'

Mr. Franklin offered his hand and said politelv: 'Thank you, sir, for your kind reception. I am greatly pleased to— Hullo. Look out there, boys! That baggage precious and fragile."

Another man appeared, and the two brought in trunks and boxes, bundles and parcels, till there was quite a large heap of baggage piled up on the grass. Alma and Lawrence were properly amazed at this array of things portable, and Mr. Denny laid aside the breakfast things to look at the rather remarkable

^llhe young man seemed to think apologies essential. 'I do not wonder that you aro alarmed I do not often take Buch loads of traps. I wrote you that my visit would be one of study and scientific investigation, and I was obliged to bring my philosophical apparatus and books with

'It is indeed a most wonderful train of luggage for one man to have. One would have thought you intended to bring a wife.'

Then Mr. Denny bethought Li:n of his duty, and be introduced his newly found relative to his daughter and to Mr. Lawrence Belford, and then bade him draw up to the table to liroakf-st The young man made tho motions suit able for such occasion, and then he turned to pay his exprossmau. This trifling incident deserves record as bap: pily illustrating the young man's noble chamctor. •Thank you, sir. Breakfast will be quite a cheerful episode. I've a glorious appetite, for I walked up from the station.' ... 'There's a coach, Mr. Franklin, and it passes our door.' 'I know that, Bir, but I preferred to walk over and see the country. Fine section of eonglomerate you have in the road cutting just above tho station.' 'Eh! What were you saying?' •I said that I observed an interesting section of conglomerate—water worn pebbles, I should say—mingled with quart sand, on the roadside. I must have a run down there and abetter look at it after breakfast.'

Mr. Denny was somewhat overwhelmed at this, and said doubtfully, •Ah, yes, I remember—yes, exactly.' •Are you interested in geology, Miss Denny?'

Alma was rather confused, and tried hard to find the lump of sugar that had melted away in her coffee, and said briefly, 'No. I didn't know that we had any in this part of the country.

Mr. Belford here felt called upon to

"Sfy dear Alma you forget yourself.' •Why will you take me up so sharplv Lawrence? I meant to say that I didn know we Had any quartz conglomerate hereabouts.'

Mr. Franklin smiled pleasautly, and remarked to himself: 'Mv dear Alma! That's significant. Wonder if he's spooney on her?'

Then he said aloud: 'The pursuit of science demands good dinners. Pardon me if I take some more cclTee.' 'Ye?, do—and these rolls. I made them myself—expressly for you.' 'Thank you for both rolls and compliment.'

Mr. Lawrence took up some of the papers from the table and began to read them, and the others went on with their breakfast. Presently Mr. Denny *aid: .... 'I presume, Mr. Franklin, that yoa aro greatly interested in your school studies?' 'Yes, sir. And the pursuit of pure science is one of the most noble employments that can tax the cultivated intellect.' 'But you must confess that it is not very practical."

Before the young man could reply Alma spoke: 'Oh! cousin Elmer—I mean Mr. Franklin—excuse me. You haven't taken off your knapsack.'

Taking it off and throwing it behind him on tbo ground, he said 'It's only my clothes.' •Clothes!' said Mr. Denny. 'Then what is in the trunks?' •My theodolite, cameras, chains, levi, tolescopes, retorts, .'and no end of scientific traps.'

Alma, quite pleased. •How Interesting. Won't you open one or tho trunks and let us seo somo of tho things?' •With tho greatest pleasure but perhaps I'd better take theui to my room first.' -r •Anything you liko. Llmer—Mr. Franklin, I mean. Our house is your home.'

Lawrence Belford here frowned and looked in an unpleasant manner for a moment at the young stranger, who felt rather uncomfortable, though he could scarcely say why. With apparont indifference he drew out a small brass sounder, such as is used in telegraph offices, ani begau snapping it in his tlngers.

In his mind he said: •Wonder if any of them are familiar with the great dot and line alphabet!'

Alma heard tho sound and said eager ly: •Ob! con—Mr. Franklin, what is that? •It is a pocket sounder. Do you know the alphabet?' 'I should hope so.' •I beg pardon. I meant Morse's. •Morses?' •Yes. Morse's alphabet.' •No. You must teach it to me.'

Thereupon he moved the sounder slowly, giving a letter at a time, and

-TJKU, A. That i. your name. Queer sound isn't it?' "Let me try. Perhaps I could do it.' •My dear Alma, your father is waitins. You had best remove the things.' •Yes, Lawrence. I'll call Mary.'

Hie maid soon appeared, and the breakfast things wera removed. Then Mr. Denny drew Mr.franklin's atten tlon to the new factory chimney that stood In plain sight from where they s&t*

The young man promptly drew out his field irlaa*. and, mounting one of the stops of the porch, took a*long look at the new shaft. •Not quite plumb Is It?* 'Not plumb! What do you meant* •It is impossible,' aaid Mr. with some warmth.

-,'• ••:•. V-- ."• "V-''

°n,y

FranWin,'

in„err/™y

lin—

any

his black moustache

Alma didn't appear to enjoy this incident. 'Not listening intentionally, you know. It was the telegraph I heard, not the people.'

Alma felt It etter. 'It was all by mere sounds, and it ran this way: 'The old fool is here again.' That's what she said—the operator, I mean. 'To Isaac Abrams, 1,607 Barclay street, New York I have secured the will. Foreclose the mortgage and reallae at once. Get two state rooms for the 25th—L. B.' That was the message, and it was so very strange I wrote it out in my—Oh! Beg pardon, Mies Denny. Are you ill?'

Alma's face bad assumed a sud&en pallor, and she seemed frightened and ill at ease. 'Tis nothing—really nothing! I shall be better presently.'

Then, as if anxious to change the conversation, she began to ask rapid queS' tions about the theodolite and its uses

Mr. Franklin was too well bred to notice anything, but he confessed to himself that he had said something awkward, and, for th© life of him, he could not imagine what it might be. He replied briefly, and then went on with hid preparation for some time in silence. Alma meanwhile looking on with the greatest interest. The theodolite having been put together, Mr. Franklin opened another box and took out a wooden tripod, such as are used to support such instruments. He also took out a fine steel ribbon, or measuring tape, neatly wound up on a reel. •You shall carry that, Miss Denny, and I'll shoulder the theodolite.' •Wait till I j*et my hat and the sun um brella.' •To be sure it will be warm in the fields.'

Alma was soon arrayed In a aainty chip. At least she called it a chip, and the historian can do naught but repeat ber language. Besides this, it was not bigger than a chip, and it looked very pretty tied under her chin. Over her fce*d she carried its real protection, an immense Japanese paper umbrella, light, airy, and genorous. 'Where are you going, Alma?' said

strag$cied*over

Belford

Al,

T'••"

*•••'.:•..:,•':*••'•"••':••-

HAUTE SATURDAY EV ENIIS MAIL.

•It looks so,' said the young man with ney, toweringnearly eig^yfeetinto itIam un fit his eves. the air above them. Its long snaaow •lull you it is impossible, sir. I built laylHte a stiffened snake upon the fields It mvself and I ousht to know.' and Elmer, observing it, said. .oEl »rfo? You *n Uke th. 'Goodl Wo an a~ U. .tadow, too. dam tndMifor vourself' and have doub'oproef.'

MglLit .11. I took tho 'Ho*!'Mid tho bright ooo, In. be.a

ye,K"d'y''°Ught

'if SSdJESiX foot long, O..K

•Allow' me to take your glass, cousin shadow three feet long, the shadow

said Mrf Seuny. He took another stick beside.it, at the same time the glass, bat quickly laid it down with

•J§y eyes are old and weak, and the high science.' ,,, glass does not suit them. I am sorry to Why did vou say how hear what you say. I would not have 'Because I didn think. Because

6y"

°U' "SifSSm not ohoice, .nd are

•I am sorrv I said anything about it devoid of truth. Here! stern duty calls.

?drtoI^*otknowtliecl,im,ieybelOBg" a2daisj,°iiSa.SB Alma was apparently much distressed will measure off the base line of our tri at the turn the conversation had taken, angle.

jSueiLii mitfd was" d£ sat on aXo J™ the brass ring of the t.jrbod.^e returned to tho chin.- ^Sn^SSCCS"^® 'i deslened it to be the tallest and

first course

finest chimney I ever erected, and I hint great everitg. Little did she th nk hope it is all correct.' that the plain brass

'It is, sir,'said Mr. Belford. 'Everything is correct to tbo yery csipstoues.' 'It is ray tallest chimney, Mr. Frank- ~r

eighty-one feet and six inches and vAolesome creature, and not that is just exactly two feet taller than romanie, she thought nothing about it

chimney in the whole Salmon Falls which was wis*. Her co^in, the vallev knight of the theodolite, set his instru Mr: Franklin, in an innocent spirit of ment upright upon the

scientific inquiry, put his glass to his ran the measuring line out to. its lull eyes and examined the chimney again, length. Alma began to feel ill at ease, and Law- All right! Let the tape go. rence Belford muttered a curse Under

•Eighty-one feet and six inches-the

iiv V1JO OOvlUwU »W "VV\* —v n"

man's remark, and presently Mr. Frank lin laid his field glass on the table, and taking out his brass sounder, he idly

taking out his orass sounaer, no iuiy t,. A «f» moved it as if absently thinking of bid, and the ribbon ran out again to its luuveu ii ou-c ft,ii |length.

something. Almasuddecly looked up with a little blush and smi le. Her eyes seemed to say to him: 'I hoard you call? What is it?'

He nodded pleasantly, and then. said. "A'oukl you like to see some of my traps?' 'Ob, yes. Do open oiie of your trunks.

Mr. Franklin took out a bunch of keys and went to one of the trunks. As he did so he said to himself: 'Deuced bright girl! She learned my call in a flash. I must teach her the whole alphabet, and then we will have some tall fun and circumvent that fool of a clerk.'

This remark was dpplied to Mr. Belford and was eminent for its touching truth.

While the young people were opening the trunk, Mr. Denny and Mr. Belford were engaged in examining the business papers spread on the table, and for several minutes they paid no attention to things done and said almost under their eyes.

Such a very strange trunk. Instead of clothing, it contained the most singular assortment of scientific instruments. Each was carefully secured so that no rude handling would harm it, and all shining and glistening brilliantly, as if kept with the most exquisite care. Mr. Franklin unfastened a small brass telescope, mounted upon a stand, with a compass, levels, plumb line and weight attached. •That's my theodolite. There's a tripod in one of my boxes. I'll get it and mount it, and we'll have a shot at the chimney.' 'What do yeu mean?' 'Oh, nothing? I'm going to measure it. Wouldn't you like to help me?' •With all my heart. Tell me what to do.' 'Presently. Wait till I've screwed things together then I'll tell you what to do. Oh! By the way, I must tell you an amusing episode that happened at the railroad station while I was waiting for my luggage. There was a young man sending off a message at the little telegraph station, and 1 overheard the message and the comments of the operator.'

Now for the shadow by way of proof. The theodolite, paper umbrella, and admiring crowd of children trotted severally and collectively over the grass till they reached tho chimney again. 'The tape measure, Alma. You hold th6 ring, and I'll unreel the string.'

It was surprising how quickly these two made each other's acquaintance.

the time the long shadow was measured, a stake set up, and the two shadows compared, they seemed to have known oach other for weeks. Such is the surprising effect of pure science when applied to love.

Had it come to this already? She wa* engaged to the confidential, the chimney builder. His ring glittered on her finger. True—all of it.

See them sauntering slowly (the ther momoter at 87 degrees) homewar .1 under the friendly shade of an oiled paper umbrella. They are indeed good friends already. They enter the house together and the cheerful dinner bell greets their ears. She folds her oiled paper tent and he sets bis instrument up in a corner of the great shady ball. She leads the way to tue chamber that is to be his room during his stay, and then retires to her own to prepare for the frugal neontide meal.

The exact truth records that tho meal was not severely frugal. It was otherwise and so much nicer.

The entire family were assembled, and conversation was lively, considering the weather. Near the close of the meal it grew suddenly very warm. The innocent son of science, proud of his accomplishments, made a most Incautious statement, and the result was peculiar.

Oh, uiidle you were saying this morniug that my science was not very practical. I tried a bit of it on your chimney this morning, and what do you think I found?'

I'm sure I can't tell,' said Mr. Den ny. I measured it and it is exactly seven ty-six feet, four inches high.'

If he bad dropped a can of nitro-glyc-erine under the table, th'e effect couldn't have been more startling. Mr. Lawrence Belford dropped bis fruit knife with a ruinous rattle, bis face assumed the color of frosted cake (the frosting to be exact), and he seemedthorougbly frightened. Mr. Denny looked surprised, and said. •What?'

Alma said nothing, but fished for the sugar in her straw berries and cream. •What did you eay, Mr. Franklin •I said that I measured the new chim ney, just for the fun of the thing and round that it is exactly seventy-six feet, four inches high.' •It's an abominable lie. •Lawrence!' said Alma, tvith an ap pealing glance. •Areyou sure, Mr. Franklin? Have you not made some mistake •You are utterly mistaken, Mr. Frank lin. I measured that chimney with a line from tbetop, and I know jour statement is entirely incorrect.' •I hope so,'said tbeold gentlemen. •It is so,sir.'added Mr. Belford and then, waxing bolder, hesaid, 'How could

^Obfoniv to the fields for a little walk, this young person,"just frona school know We'll be back presently. anything

of8"ch

The confidential clerk thought it very staging, or did he climb up the inside strange that the daughter of the house like a chimneysweep? should be so free with the stranger. Young Mr. Frank Un saw that be*"*d Bat tho yonng people were distant eon- in some innocent fashion started a most sins, and it would not have been polite disagreeable subject. Why Mr. Denny in him to have objected to the little should be so disturb^ and Mr. Belford so angry was part nis comprehension.

So the two, under the friendly shade At the same time Mr. Bedford's language of the big paper umbrella, went out to was offenaive and he replied with some see the new chimney, while Mr. Denny »PjWt ,, ... and the confidential cWk staid behind There is no need todimb the' chimney to talk business. or use a line. It is a trifling matter to as-

Tbe new chimney stood at the south- certain the height of any building with a east corner of the great four story mill, theodolite, as you probably know/ and close beside the little brick engine 'I tell you tar, it is false—utterly falsehouse. Alma led the youthful son of Besides you hare made some science oat of the gate, down the road the figures.

••%:,•-•.": •*. .r-- v, y\ -•v.v'r

yery

of bricks. Trifles sometimes

ring on^her

finger

was the hard truth of science that should shiver her gold ring to fragments and pale its sparkling diamond. Being a to

grass and

Alma took

steel

through

tallest chimney in the valley.' lowed it and joined her knight No one seemed te heed the old gentle- 'Once more, please. Hold the ring on

an„t.h

then

off the brass ring, and the

ribbon ran like a glittering snake

the grass, and she slowly fel

this bit of a stake that I've set up in the ground.' Alma, like a good girl, did as she was

Annthar staka was set UD.

full' Another stake was set up, and the theodolite was placed in position and a sight obtained at the top of the tall chimney. A little figuring in note book and.then the son of high sci ence quietly remarked •Seventy-six feet four inches—short five feet two inches.'

Just here several urchins of an inqui riuf turn of mind drew near and began to make Infantile comments, aud asked with charming freedom if it was a circus. 'No!' said .* Una, from under her paper tent. 'No! Kun away, children, run away.'

It was too warm for so much exertion and they wouldn't move. 'Oh! never mind them. They don't troublo me and even if it amuses them i's so much clear gain.' 'They are some of the factory child ren, and I thought they might bother you.' 'Inelegant, but thoughtful.' He didn' say so. He only thought it, whish was quite as well.

During this little episode the unpres sive facts that all this scientific exertion had brought out concerning the chimney were lost upon Alma. It was small consequence. She knew it woll enough beforo night.

matters? Did be build a

Y°a~y?uT

for a tow rods, aadtben they passed a tience with such boy a play. It sonly fit Mile, and took the winding path that for school children.

the pastures to the mill. 'Lawrence, said Alma, you are anOfoouree they talked volubly. This kind, I'm rare we meant no harm. I being the stern snd prosy record of ap- helped Mr. Franklin, andl m:bes plied science, it becomes as not to report right besides, we the chatterings of these two till they by

reached the base of the T«t brick chim- sUke.'

its

shadow, and both statements were

F~'

•Oh, if you've turned against me, I'vo nothing more to say.' Mr. Denny meanwhile seemed lost in deep study, and he hardly heeded what wassroingon. •What can that boy know about such things I tell yoa, It's •It seems to me, Mr. Belford, you are unnecessarily excited,' said Mr. Denny. •Mr. Franklin is a much younger man than you, but he showed a knowledge of this matter, and if bis figures are correct

'They are sir' said Elmer waruily. 'I can show you the base line,.and the the odolite is etill at the same angle. Alma saw me measure the base, apd she can tell you its length. There are the figures in my note beolc.'

Mr. Denny took the note book and examined the figuring out of this problem, and Elmer went into the hall for his instrument. Hor eturned with the theodolite still secured at the angle at which the sight had been taken. As he laid the instrument on the dining table, he said: 'I am very sorry, uncle, that I did anything about this matter. It was done in mere sport, and I wish I had said nothing concerning it. I would not had not Mr. Belford used the language he did.'

Mr. Denny ran his eyo over the figures in the book, and then, with a pained expression, hesaid, faintly, •Everything seems to be correct.'?*" •Damnation! I'll break fcis head for him, the intermeddling fool.' This lan guage was not actually used by Mr. Bel ford, but be thought as much. His eyes flashed, and he clonched his fists under the table. Alma's presence also re strained bim from something more vio lent. He appeared calm, but inwardly he was angry. This unexpected announcement concerning the chimney he had built, cast a heavy shadow overthim, and his conscience awoke with a sudden smart.

Alma was greatly disturbed, and ready to cry for shame and vexation She did not, for she felt sure this was only the beginning of a new trouble, and she well knew what heavy sorrows had already invaded the house. They needed no more.

Mr. Franklin glanced from one to au other in alarm. He saw that he was tread Ing upon uncertain ground, and be wise ly held his peace. After a brief and awkward pause, Mr. Belford rose, and pleading the calls of business, went out, and the unhappy interview came to an end.

It was a strange room. Its belonging* stranger still, a large square chamber, with windows on three sides and a door and a fireplace on the other. Just now the fireplace kad fallen from its high es tate and had become a catch all for the wrecks of much unpacking. There was a small single bed, two chairs, and an indefinite number of tables. Impossible to say how many, for they were half ob scured by numberless things scientific microscopes, a retort, small furnace, two cameras, galvanic battery, ceils ol wire and rubber tubing, magic lantern, books photographs, and papers: on a small desk a confused pile of papers on the walls a great nu ui ber of pictures and pbo

^^he*very den of a student of science Hardly room to walk among the wilder nese of traps, boxes and trunks. At the window the young man, just dressed, and taking a view of tho mill and its new chimney. 'Gad! how mad the fellow was over my littlo measurements. Wonder whut it all means? The girl's in trouble, the father has a grief, and the clerk—I can make nothing of him. What matter? My duty is with my books, that I may pursue pure science. The moment things become practical I drop 'em.'

Then he turned and looked out of the next window. 'Fine view of the river. I must have another try at it with the camera.'

He crossed tho room, and standing in the bricht morning sunshine, he looked about to examine the other that had been thrown eut from the back of the main building. •That's Alma's room, and the next is the clerk's, the chimney man. The window is opefl, and the place looks dark as a cave. I've a mind to light it up.'

So saying he took a small hand mirror from a table near by. Holding it in the full sunlight' he moved it slowly about till tho dancing spot of reflected light fell upon the open window, and leaped in upon the opposite wall of the room. The observer with steady hand moved the spot of light about till he had probed the room, and found all it contained, which was nothing save a bed and two chairs. 'Applied science reports tho man is lit for treason, spoils, and that sort o' thing. He has no pictures. His room is a sleepingden. Themanisa Hallo! Steady there?'

The door in the room opened, and the student of applied science turned quickly away with his back to the wall beside his window. Cautiously raising the mirror, he held it near the window in such a way that in it he could seo all that went on in the other room, without being himself 8een

turned

jPSW^.'i '**.•'. I. lJjl^''l?!',","..»»J-»~.:jlU)Wll|j|1''

lt.

Suddenly ho saw something in the glass. Some one appeared at the window, looked out as if watching for something, and then Withdrew into the bare little sleeping room. Then the figure in the mirror went to tho bed and carefully

all the clothes back. The stu

dent

of science watched the mirror intently. The figure bent over tho uncovered mattress and quietly opened the sucking and took something out. It sat down on the edge of the disordered bed and proceeded to examine the box or bundle, whatever it might he, that it had found in the bed.

Just here there was the sound of a distant door opening and closing. The figure crouched low on the bed, as if fearing to be seen, and waited till all was quiet again. Then it slowly opened tho box or package, and took out a folded paper. The student bent over the mirror with the utmost interest. What did it mean? What would happen next? Nothing in particular happened. The tieure closed the box returned it to its biding place in the bed, and then crept out ef the range of reflected vision.

Why should the confidential clerk hide papers in his bed What was the nature of the documents A strange affair, certainly, but it did not concern him, and perhapa be had better drop the subject. He turned to bis books and papers and for an hour or more was too much occupied with them to heed aught

elgfuddenly

m^Yes.

there was a brisk series of

taps at bis door, like this: &>'• •I'm here. Come in.' Alma the bright one entered. •What a room! Such disorder, El-

It ta quite a comfortable den.

I've unpacked everything, and—mind your steps—feel quite at home—thank

»I should say as much. Do look at the dust. I must have Mary up here at once.' •Madam, I never allow any female per son to touch my traps. Mary may make the bed, but she must not sweep, nor dust, nor touch anything.' 'Oh 1 really. Then 111 go at once.' ,, •Better not.' .».•„ •Why?* •*5'," 'Because I've many things to show—

L4. -J:

•Oh, Elmer 1 What is that—that queer thing on the table May I look at it?' 'That's my new camera.' •How stupid. I might have known that. Do you take pictures?' 'Photos Yes. Will sit!' •Ob, dear, no. I hate photographs. It's so disagreeable to see oneself staring with some impossible expression, and sitting in an impossible palace, with a distant landscape and drapery curtains.' 'Then I'll Uke a view for you. Find a seat somewhere while I rig things. See those two people sitting eu the little bridge that crosses the race beyond the mill? I'll photograph them without their permission.'

Alma looked out of the window when Elmer had raised the curtain, but declared she couldn't see anything. •They aro very far off. Take the field glass, and you'ii see them.'

Alma took the glass from tbo table and looked out on the sunny landscape. •I seo what you mean, but I can't make out who they are, even with the glass. It's a man and a woman, and that's as much as I can see.' •You shall see them plain enough in a moment,'

So saying, Elmer plaoed a long brass telescope upon a stand by the open window, and through it he examined the couple on the bridge. Meanwhile Alma gazed round the room and examined its strange conteuts with the greatest interest.

The moment the foc\is of tbe glass was secured, Elmer hastily took tfce little camera, and adjusting a slide in it, from a table drawer, he placed it before the telescope cn the tablo and close to the eye hole. Then, by throwing a black cloth over his head, he looked into it, turned a screw or two, and in a moment had a negative of tho distant couple. ••n-

,}ir

•Aren't you almost ready?' •In a moment, Alma, must fix this first. I'll be right back.'

Alma watcbcd patiently for a few moments, and then she took up the field glass and looked out of tho window. Who could they be They seemed to be having a cosy time together but beyond the fact that one figure was a woman she could learn nothing. She wanted to take a look through the telescope, but did not dare to move the littlo camera that stood before it. •Here's the picture,'said Elmer a3 he entered the room.

Alma took the bit of glass he offered her, but declared she could'nt seo anything but a dirty spot on the glass. •That's the negative. Let me copy it, and then I'll throw it up with thestereopticou.'

He selected another bit of glass from a box, and in a few minutes had it prepared and tho two put together and laid in the suu on the window seat. 'What's in that iron box, Elmer?' 'Nitrousoxi.de.' 'The same thing that the dentists use?' 'Yes. Would you like to tHke a wlilfl? It's rather j'Jily, uud won't hurt you in the least.'

Elmer capgbt up a bit ol rubber pipe, secured one end to the iron chest and inserted the other in a mouthpiece having the proper inhalation and exhalation valves.

Put that in your mouth lor a moment.' Alma, with beautiful confidence, put the tube in her mouth, and in a moment her prettv head fel) back against the back of tfie chair in deep sleep. With wonderful speed and skill Elmer rolled a larger camera that stood in a dbrner out into tho center of the room, ran in a slide, adjusted the focus, and before the brief slumber passed had a negative of the sleeping one. «Oh, how odd! What a queer sensation to feel yourself going and going, off and off till you don't, know where you

'It's rather queer. I've often taken the gas myself, just for fun. Now, Alma, olose the shutters, and make the room dark, I'll light the lantern and show you the picture.'

Alma shut the blinds, drew down the curtains, and closed all the shutters save one.

Won't it be too dark?' No. It must.be quite dark. You can stand here in the middle of the room and look at that bit of bare wall between the windows: I lelt that space clear for a screen. ,,

Alma eagerly took her place, and said with a laugh •If this is the pursuit of pure science, it is very amusing. I'd like to study science—in this way.' •Yes, it is rather interesting.' •Oh, Elmer, it's pitch dark. •Never mind. Stand perfectly still anu watch the wall. There—there's toe spot of light. Now I'll run in the positiV6/

Around spot of white light fell on the unpapered wail, and then two dusky shadows slid over it, vague, obscure and

"There are yo*lr people. Now I'll adjust the focus. There, look.' A heavy sob startlod him. 'Ob It's that hateful Alice Green!

Elmer opened the door of the lantern, and the light streamed full upon Alma. She was bathed In tears, and her shoulders, visible through her light summer dress, shook with sobs.

1What's

the matter?'

Nothing! Oh, it's—nothing—let me—

fTQ

With an impatient gesture she tried to brush the tears from her eyes, and then, without a word, she went hastily out or the room.

The student of pure science was surfprised beyond measure. What had happened What new blunder had he eornmitted? With all his deep study of things material ho was ignorant of things emotional and sentimental. This exhibition of anger and grief in nis pretty cousin utterly disconcerted him. He did not know what to do or think, and he stood in the glare of his lantern for a moment or two Tti deep thought.

Then he closed the lantern and turning round examined the shadowy picture thrown upon the wall. It represented a young man and a young woman seated upon the wooden rail of the bridge in the open air, and in most loving embrace. His arm was about her waist, and he was looking in her face. His straw hat hid his features, but the face of the young woman was turned toward the camera that ji had so perfectly mirrored them both/ She seemed to be a young and pretty girl in the mere lowly walks of life, and her lover seemed to be a gentlemen. What a pity he hadn't looked up! Who could be be? And she?

Alma's

remark plainly

showed that she at least knew the girl, and for some reason was hotly indignant

Thinking he had made trouble! enough already,

Elmer

took one more

good look at the picture, and then prepared to destroy it. Something* about the young man's bat struck him familiar. It was a panama hat. and had two ribbons wound round it in a fanciful manner that was not exactly con-. ventional*

He silontly opened a shutter, and the picture faded away. He drew np th0 curtains and looked out on the bridge. The young couple bad disappeared. [Continued on Seventh Page.]