Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 8, Number 35, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 23 February 1878 — Page 6

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TH KIM AIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

CHICKENS.

Three long week has tbe mother hen Sat on her neat In the hay, Kowahe tarns her ejtgs wirh careful claw,

For the chicle will hatch nj-day. Little ehl In the egg ts not very old Of course he's not very wise, And he views what litiieiife he's had

With discontented sarprlss.

••Surely this 1* not my proper spherfc, I've no it ore room to

rtow, ,:

I, a ehtcken, wl?b wings ami feet, To be cramped in a hkrd shfll so!

Of what possible use are beak and eyes, Totne, doubled up like a ball? »ru torture to know 1 hav« the things

Whea I cannot use th«-m at all.

Never was any creature, I'm sure, 3o soreiy fettere and preased (Bow should he know that a dozen more

Lay under hit own mother's breast?)

Bis murmurings end with a lusty peck At the shell whic'i h»:ld him fast, When lo! the wondrous light breaks in

And he tinds hlmsHf free at last.

Balancing on his feeble claws, He gazes above and below v* "Was it for «uch a world as tills ,,

That I was shut up to grow

''t

He nestl«« under his mothers wing, Thinking little enough. ween, That her love bad sheltered hiss all the while,

With only a shell between. f-* And so, dear friends, when things are wrong Or seem to go 111 not well, Let us trust in the love ^, That is brood ng above,

And wait till we chip the shell.

Harper for March.

Matches Morganatic.

AN EPISODE CONNECTED WITH JOHN MORGAN'S RAID IN OHIO.

BY CONSTANCE F. WOOLEN.

During the indolent summer days a little party was rusticating in one of the midland counties of Ohio. Mrs. Betts came to the farmhouse for the benefit of her daughttr's health her niece, Kate Allen, came because she was tired of eitylife her brother, sturdy John McCook, came because he knew she would need one sensible person to manage things Dr. Leander Marie came because his system needed recuperation after the severe strain of bis professional duties and Benton Montgomery came because be bad nothing else to do. At least so Ihey said.

Jacob Stahlen's farm was one of the best in the State. Broad County is not in the dead level lowlands of Ohio, and rich as are those grain covered plains through which the straight roads run for milea unbroken by any rise of ground, or nven by a stone, the eastern part of the State witb its gently swell fng hills, possesses advantages for pas ture, as well as lor a variety of crops. Broad fields there are in Broad Copnty, covered with thick standing corn, but they are bounded by hill* upon whose sides cattle grtizn, and from whose hearts the farmers dig their own (Mai. There are few towns, but snug farm: ouses dot the landscape, each with its greit red barns with rows of painted green windows, the roofs ornamented with fancy vanes, a gilt horse or ox and sometimes quite a llttlo menagerie of golden animals—signs of thi. owner's .wealth and W ithetio taste. The houses are generally built of red brick, with green blinds tightly closed in front both above and below, the blister-d door, the trim, unused gravel walk leu-ling down to the front gate, showing that "com-

Erings

any," the only 'open, sesame,' that them iuto use, Is a rsre event. Mrs. Betts, a widow of easy fortune, bad long been accustomed to procure country supplies from J.iuoh Stahlen's farm, and in this year of 180.1 sr.e had decided to try afew weeks of country air at the same place. With some dilflculty Frau Stahlen was persuaded open the darkened front of her large house, and the city ladies, after banishing the feather beds, found their rooms very pleasant in spite of the high old fashioned bedsteads, patchwork quilts, rag carpets, and the great blue iars ornamented with oroeodiles, and filled with withered rose leaves faintly fragrant. The quiet life had its charm: it was so novel to go to bed at nine o'clock and rise at five, so quaint to eat in the kitchen and use two pronged forks, so delightful to be free from visits and elaborate muslin dresses, and wear calico all day long.

Six o'clock saw the family assembled for the evening meal in the farmhouse kltohen the stove stood in a shed beyond, but in every other r*ap ct it was a genuine kitchen. The long table was covered with coarso white linen, and the crockery was of that small figured blue pattern copied from antique china, which makes it difficult 'or anyone brought up in the oountryto realise the preciousness of the imported ware. Jacob Stahlen sat at the head of the table, below on either side came the city guests, and farther down a number of farm laborers Frau 8tahlen and her stout handmaiden acted aa waiters, and all joined In general oonveraatlou with democratic impartiality. 'Another cup of coffee, Mina,' said Benton to the stout handmaiden. 'Oof fee becomes ambrosia with such cream as this, Aunt Am.' 'Cream is the idealisation of nutrition,' said Mrs. Betu. 'Leonora, my love, pray endeavor to taste it it will bring back the rosea to your cheeks. Will it not, Bonton

But Benton was listening to Kate, and did not hear his aunt's appeal. Although be

called

her 'aunt,' he was only her

half nephew, if by such a term can be understood the child of a half aiiter. 'Surely. Miss Leonora, roses weuld be superfluous when the lilies are so beautiful/ aaid Lender Marie, laying down his Knife and fork, and staring solemnly at the delicate Miss Betts, who sat opposite •I am too pale,' lisped Leonora, with a languishing look, of her dark eyes. *1 have always known that, Dr. Marie.' «"Call it lair, not pale/'' replied Lean* der making the quotation with alow accuracy. *Give me a cup of coffoe.' Kate was saving, 'and I defy the world.' «I trust the feminine nature is not capable of defiance, Katharine,' interposed Mrs. Betu. 'I only use the word in a Pickwickian sense. Aunt Am. Tea I despise. Show me the man under fifty who drinks tea from choice, and I despiae him also. Such a man would be capable of going alelghriding in a tall bat.' 'It is a mysterious circumstance thai in private fife I never see coffee urns with their lamps lighted/said Benton in amusing tone. 'They all have lamps— indeed, the lamps are their chief gloiy— bnt to the prosaic mitculine mind they are somewhat unsatisfactory.' 'Lumps are not save,' observed Fran Stahlen, as she brought ins fresh supply of apioe oakea 'dev bursts up.'

'If one baa auythlng, let him enjoy it,* said Kate, decidedly. 'Life is short. Let us have our coffee hot and our sofas free from covers.' •If I have rightly understood the current literature or the day, metboda have been devised for transmuting decayed barrels and boxes into choice articles of furniture far superior to those obtained from the best furniture dealers,' aaid Leander Marie. 'I never can rea] any of tboseartides. said Leonora, languidly. 'Whenever I see 'Take a barrel,' I always skip.' 'Just aa I do when I see anything about the aucient Romans,' said Bsuton. 'And I, when I see any Sootch words like 'Hout awa,'' said Kate. 'But surely, Montgomery you do not contravene the generally received opinion regarding the grandeur of the Roman nation T' began Leander, gravely. 'I dou't contravene anything, Marie but I was crammed with ancient Romans when I was a boy, and of the modern Romans I saw enough last winter.' •But tbe Italians are renowned for their dreamy beauty and large lus'rous eyes, are they not?' said Mrs. Betts, whose own orbs bad once been called 'Tuscan' by an organ grinder of superior tact. ,, •I don't know I am not interested in handsome men,' replied Benton, laughing. 'Beauty is despicable in a man,' observed Kate. 'It is a positive misfortune, whereas, bona fide ugliness is fascinating.'

Now Benton's manly face, lighted by beautiful brown eyes, the color of all others tbe most bewitching, could lay no claims to ugliness, while Lesndef bad what is called an interesting countenance—straight black bair, light eyes veiled by spectacles, a long pale face, and a great display of forehead he wore a black coat and prunella shoes, and his throat seemed to exceed all other throats in length, so that his collars bad the appearance of being what ladies call 'low necked.'

By this time Farmer Stahlen had finished his Abendessen, and leaning back in his chair, he surveyed the company with silent stolidity, until Benton's words attracted his attention. 'So you haf been in Europe, young man he asked in his slow way. 'Yes, I spent six months in Germany —your father land, I suppose,' said Benton. 'So said the farmer, interrogatively. 'Yes and I liked Germany better than any other country.' 'So,' said the farmer again, tbis time affirmatively. 'If you had been here instead of in Europe, you would have entered the army, I presume,' said Mr. McCook, finishing his bowl of bread and milk. 'Yes but it is not too late, now, sir.' 'Oh, Benton, you surely would not fight against the gallant Southerners!' said Leonora, with graceful enthusiasm. 'Thou pretty traitor?' exclaimed Mrs. Betts. 'See, Benton, how she blushes!' 'I haf a son who wanded to go, but he gets married instead/ obssrved Farmer Stahlen. •Your son does not reside with you,' observed Mrs. Betts to tne farmer.

No. He lifs below here 'bout dree mile down the valley.' 'It must be pleasant for you to have a daughter in-law bettled so near yon/ said Mrs. Betts to the farmer's wife, with an affable smile. •So? Christina ees not bad but she haf not head. Sbe leaf morning work any time and run out to make a hen house, a swing, a—I know not what,' said Frau Stahlen, with a shake of her head. 'You have no daughters, I believe?' 'No. I had one niece, but she gets married last year. Her man is joost good fur nodings at all.' •What a pity! Could you not have prevented her'marriage?' 'Ah, no. Sbe baf no besser chance and she was old—d wendy dwo year alt' 'See how near you are to hopeless spinster hood,' said Benton to Kate. 'I know you are over twenty-one.' •So?' said the Frau, incredulously, as sbe overheard this side remark 'but you haf your hair and your teeth yet, miss.' 'In the name of pity. Mrs. Stahlen,' exclaimed Kate, in the midst ol a general laugh, 'you don't consider me in danger of losing them, I hope.' 'Womens gets old quiok best not wait too long,' replied the Frau, seriously, at which there was another general laugh. 'Age is a mere matter of comparison,' said Mrs. Betts. 'You, Bentou, are twenty-two, five years older than Leonora and Dr. Marje is twenty-six, five years older than Kate. There should always be that difference between bus band and wife. Mr. Betts—my Albert— was five years my senior, and we were, oh so happy Here the widow applied her delicate handkerchief gracefully to her eyes. 'You have a fine lot of stock, Stahlen,' said Mr. McCook, who always headed off his sister's sentimental remiulacences with determined energy. 'Yes,' replied the farmer, with proud compiacency, 'dey's good beasts.' 'You have some fine horses, I see.' •Yes. I spend dwo dousand dollar for dem. I gets more when I sells.' 'I should like to go over the farm with you it is the best in the country, I hear.' 'I takes you some day. To-morrow I goes to idsville with de boys to get a mash-een.' 'Shall you stay all day •Yes. On® day to go, one day to come back de mash-een must be drove careful.'

After tea the visitors strolled down the grassy lane toward the river, all but Kate, who went up to her room to finish a letter. A fiat bottomed skiff was moored under a willow on the bank. •Do you care care to go out, my love,' said Mrs. Betts to her daughter. 'There are water lilies around the bend. Benton would be delighted to take you, I know/ 'Or I might attempt an oar/ said Leander, briskly. 'Ob, no,' said Benton, as Jie caught tbe young doctor's wistful glanoe toward Miss Betts. 'I couldn't think of forcing upon you such an uncongenial task, Murle. I will escort Nora, and yon can stay and talk philosophy with Aunt Am. I know you will like that better.' 'Delighted/ murmured Leander. as Benton helped Leonora Into the skiff, and pnsbed out upon tbe moon-lit stream 'but may there not be danger of miasma, madam Miss Betts is a fragile flower.' •Tbe happiness of tbe heart overeometh all noxious ills,* sighed the mother. 'Who should kuowtbat bettar than If My happiness was groat, but 2 feel that I deserved'it, Dr. Marie. I never held out false hopes to tbe suitors who flocked around me: I considered il a duty to veil my smiles, lest unconsciously they might inflict Irremediable barm.' •Yonr principles do you honor/ said Lsander, a%bla eyes followed tbe lessening skriST.

Mr. McOook found a ooOi fortable seat on tbe mill-race lock, and lighted bis cigar for an evening smoke. Un. Betts and her companion strolled along tbe

lilii#

IERRE HAUTE S ATURD A iCV EM IJSvj MAIL.

dike—on one side, the broad low grass, mesdow, with wild roses climbing up tbe stones on tbe other, tbe brosd slow river, with beds of yellow lilies stretching out from tbe shore into tbe dark waters, for the Ohio waterssre d«rk with the overfertiiity of tbe

Soil

through

which they pass. 'My dear Leander, has not tbis been a charming season of repose from the severe labors of your profession saH Mrs Betts, pausing to pluek a rose. 'Yes, madam. I bave enjoyed it In due measure—I might almost say intensely/ replied Leander, carefully wiping his glasses. •1 knew it would so, Leander, when I urged you to come. I knew I should bring congenial hearts together in tbis romantic valley, and watch tbem open like tbis ftfr rose. Ah! when older grown, and far from this simple retreat, yon will often think of its beauties, and remember that it was here you learned to know your own heart. Fpr I am not wrong in thinking your heart is touched, Leander?' 'Truly, madam—indeed, I hardly know,' stammered the grave young doctor, blashing deeply. 'Oh, I force no confidences,' continued Mrs. Betts, arably, as sbe tapped Leander with her fan. 'The dear girl, on ber side, has not as yet told me her secret. But I know something of heart*. Having been so happy in my own married life, I long to see others happy also. Dear Leander, you have my best wishes. But, oh if you could only know what it is to be a widow 'I do not think that is possible/replied Leander—'at least not at present/ he added, a vague idea of politeness causing tbis misty conclusion.

When Kate had finished her letter sbe walked down to the river. She found Mr.McCook atudying a diagram showing Gilmore's operations on Morris Island. 'Fighting by moonlight, Uncle John/ sb* asked looking over his shoulder. 'Yes, child, and groaning over the wretched incompetency that rules our army and nation. Anyone with ahead can see the weakness of this'hollow rebellion. Why, one plucky regiment ought to be able to sweep the whole South into the sea—arset of rascaily land loupers.' •Strong language, uncle,' said Kate, laughing. •Not too strong for the subject, child. I can not imagine what has got into our armies—marching and countermarching over the same ground. They talk about protecting our border! A rebel would no more dare to cross into loyal territory than to jump into a volcano. Dare, indeed! I should think not. A set of tag-rag and bobtail!' 'With all their fau.ts, they are at least brave, uncle.' 'Don't you be childish, like Nora, I beg. She favors the rebels. And why? Because she thinks it aristocratic. Aristocratic! I've been down there, and I know. And now you say they are brave. Brave! Why, I myself, at my age, could put to flight a whole company of rebel militia. Don't say one word, child. I've been down there, and I know.'

John McCook was working himself into a heat, as usual. Obstinate with the obstinacy of confirmed old bachelorhood, prejudiced with the prejudices of a self made man well to do in the world, be had once spent some weeks among the poor whites of the Carolinas, and never could be brought to believe that all Southerners were not.just like them. The war had roused all these feelings iuto new vioience, and all his acquaintances had learned to avoid the subject to save their ears from a word storm. Kate Allen, however, rather enjoyed stirring up the young gentleman and wheu a rainy day came, sbe was sure to bring out Lee's photograph, or sing Stonewall Jackson's lay as a challenge to a spirited combat. This evening, nowever, her thoughts were elsewhere. "Where are the others?' she asked. •Montgomery has taken Nora out on the river, and your aunt is walking on tbe dike with Dr. Marie.' 'I thought Nera did not like the water.' 'Montgomery wanted her to go that was enough, I suppose. She's a pretty little puss, if she is silly/ said the bachelor uncle, remembering his sister's bint of an impending engagement between the two. He was Leonora's real uncle, but with Kate the title came from long usage merely, since sbe was the niece of Mr. and not Mrs. Betts, although as she had always lived in tbe family, tbe dis ti notion was forgotten.

The next day passed quietly. Early in tbe morning Jacob Scahlen and his men started toward Dodsville with tbe heavy wain to bring back tbe masheen.

As the day wore on tbe beat increased. It was toward the last of July, and the son seemed to burn wherever it struck the trees stood motionless, tbe birds were silent, end the continuous singsong chant of the summer insects filled the air. Leonora had created a sensation by coming down to breakfast in a shimmering muslin dotted with rose buds. •I thought we were to wear calico here,' observed Kate, dryly. 'Ob, pray forgive me Kitty, bnt the heat is so intense,' said Nora, with one of her gentle smiles.' 'Don't call me Kitty, then/ said Kate, shortly.

Kate wore a dark brown calico. During the blazing afternoon no one was visible but when the sound of the supper bell brought tbe gnests together again, Kate sauntered in, a mass of snowy puffs and ruffles, two dainty high heeled boots below, and a high drawn knot of golden curls above, finishing off tbe airy draperies, while floating ends of blue ribbon here and there brought ont tbe color of ber eyes and deepened tbe hue of her cheeks.

They bad just seated themselves at the table, when suddenly a breathless girl burst into tbe kitchen. 'He's a coming! he's a coming! over the Addleburg road!" |sbe cried. 'They stopped down to Smith Four Corners, and Sandy Jim be seed 'emu and be rod* home like everything to tell us. Bat they'll oome this way: they'll be Jftere before long, and murder us all.' 'Who?' 'What?' cried the audience, rising from the table in alsrm. 'Morgan—J#bn Morgan and his men,' said the child, still panting. 'I can't stay. Mother made me run over and tell yer. We're all going to hide in tbe coal pit.' Before tbey oould ask another question tbe little barefooted messenger was gone, and tbe city gnests were left face to face witb this unexpected emergency. 'I dou't believe one word of it,' said Mr. McCook, decidedly. 'The rebels would never dare to cross the Ohio.' •Tbe papers have contained no information regarding a movement northward,' observed Leander Marie. 'I am inclined to think the rumor based npon an error of tbe young person called, I believe, Sandy Jim.' •Our papers are more than a week old. We should not hear anything in tbis out-of-the-way place, even If Morgan actually was across the river/ said Benton. 'At any rate, we must lose no time, bnt be ready for him if be comes this way.' 'Oh, Benton, what shall we do cried Mrs. Betts, sinking into a chair and wringing ber hands.

rssff-

Frau Stahlen bad stood as if petrified in the middle of tbe room, but now sbe too took u) ber lament. 'De re be dey oome, snd my man not here. Dey burns de bouse snd steals de horses. Jaoob oome back, and dere ia nodings left at all any more. Nodings but asb/ •I don't believe there la a rebel soldier in tbe State, except those in tbe Sandusky prison/ ssid |Mr. McCook 'but even if a whole regiment was coming up the road, we are more than a match for tbe rascals as we are, women and all.' 'Have you any arms or ammunition in tbe house said Leander Marie to Fran Stahlen, as he took ofl his glasses and rubbed tbem vigorously, in readiness for sanguinary preparations. 'If any one touches a gun I shall certainly die of fright/ cried Mrs. Betts. •Ob, to think that I should live to die in a Southern prison!' •Oh, mamma, shall we be carried Soutj) said Leonora, turning pale witb terror. 'I thought you admired tbe gallant Southerners, Nora,' said Kate. 'For my part, I want to see Morgan. If he has really crossed the river be mu9t be the very prince of bold riders. Perhaps he will ask me to join his band. W-ouldn't I make a good vivandiere? 'Oh, que j'amle lesmilitalres!'" sang Kate, keeping time with her littla boot heels. •He will be more likely to ask you to cook his supper/ said Etontoiv 'Whatever we do we must do at once. Aunt Am, do stop crying. There is not tbe least.danger. Raiders have neither time nor inclination to murder anybody all they want is plunder. In tbis case I suspect they are after horses.' •Ach, Himtnel! dey costs dwo dousand dollar,' cried Frau Stahlen, wringing her hands. •But your husband took six horses with him/ said Benton. •Yes, but he baf six more, de best in de State—dwo dousand dollars' vort.' 'I don't know what your opinion may be, sir,' said Benton to Mr. McCook, 'but I think we ought to try to save those horses for Stahlen? •Of course, of course. If I can find an old shot gun it will be easy enough/ •John, If you touch a gun I shall die,' cried Mrs. Betts, clutching her brother's arm wildly. •There is no question of guns, Aunt Am/ said Benton, impatiently. 'You see, Marie, of course, that tbe only way is to run those horses off to some out- f-the-way place as soon as possible,' be continued, turning to the young doctor, as if to find one reasonable coadjutor.

Leander was slow but sure. 'I agree with you, Montgomery/ be said, calmly. 'Bear Glen would be an excellent place of concealment.' 'The very place,' replied Benton. 'Dootor, you area trump. Tbe horses are in tbe stable, 1 suppose, Frau Stahlen? Where is that boy 'Ach, be haf gone to mein son's, dree mhe down •We cannot stop to go after him,' interrupted Benton. 'Come, Marie. We can ride two and lead the others.' •I intend to go witb you,' said Kate quietly. 'I shall ride one of the horses myself.' 'It is not your intention to abandon us, Benton?' cried Mrs. Betts. 'You cannot mean to leave us to the mercy of tbo^e marauders 'I shall be here. Amaranth/ said Mr. McCook, witb an important air. •What do yon wish to do, Miss Leonora?'asked Dr. Marie, approaching tbe little heap of pink muslin cowering on a sofa. •Ob, I don't know. I am afraid to go I am afraid to stay. I am afraid of the soldiers, but I am afraid of the horses, too/ said little Nora, her eyes filling with tears as she brought out her hesitating words. •I do not think it will be best to leave tbe ladies here—at least tbe two young ladies/ said Leander, as the pink muslin sank down on tbe sofa again. 'Mrs. Betts and Frau Stab.en can stay, of coarse but as regards tbe others, Miss Leonora and Miss Kate—" *1 am going to ride one of tbe horses, I tell you,' interrupted Kate. 'Oh, I can never be left here alone!' cried Mrs. Betts, with an angry glance toward the unconscious Leander. 'My dear Albert would never have allowed it. But I see I must put up witb slights, now that be is gone. Oh oh 'Well, perhaps you are right, doctor/ said Benton, ignoring bis aunt's lament ations. 'We'll take tbe girls with us, then. But you will bave no time to obange yonr finery, Kate. I am going to get the horses out immediately.' 'Benton Montgomery, what do you mean to do at this awful moment?' demanded Mrs. Betts, seizing her nephew's arm as he turned to leave tbe room. 'Save tbe horses for Farmer Stahlen, Aunt.' •And am I no more than a horse to you, Benton Montgomery

SDlendid

we are enabled

These

prices

5,000 good quality unbleaobed muslin, 4

ant|i oar

'For Heaven's sake, Aunt Am, do be reasonable. There is nO danger. |If Morgan is really in Broad County, he is on a dashing raid, with no time to spare, and beyond food, forage, and borses, he will not be able to do mnch dattiage. I presume even now he is poshing eastward toward the river, and our troops from Cincinnati must be close on his track. I should advise you to help Frau Stahlen to set oat all the cooked provisions in tbe house, and then yon had better both go back to tbe oak grove, and stay there until tbe soldiers bave

Kassed.

Perhaos you had better go too,

Ir. McCook.' 'No, sir. I do not turn my back upon an enegay/ replied tbe old bachelor, warmly. •I shall not survive tbis night,' moaned Mrs. Betts, walking up and down the room with her handkerchief to ber eyes. 'We can see the bouse from the hill, Aunt Am, and as soon ss the raiders bave passed we shall come back,' called Benton irom outside. 'Very likely we shall not be gone more than an hour or two.' 'Trust Miss Leonora witb me, madam/ said Leander Marie, appearing in the doorway 'I will guard ber with my life.' 'Ah, you will have Kate. But Benton will protect my child—Benton will defend her,' said Mrs. Betts, reviving a little under the stimulus of romance.

In the meantime, with Leander's as sistance, Leonora bad managed to climb into her saddle, and tbe cavalcade set off, each man leading an extra horse as well as keeping watch over the lady under his charge. They did not go on to the main road, but, turning through the fields, took a path toward tbe hills that led to Bear Glen—a wild ravine hemmed in by steep banks on three sides, with a narrow opening toward the south, an unexpected fissure, such as are sometimes seen even in tame level Ohio. It was about seven o'clock when they started, and as tbey traveled slowly, ft was dusky twilight when they reached Bear Glen. •How still it is!' said Leonora, as tbey paused at the entrance. 'Would you have it noisy?' said Kate. 'How odd you are, Kitty! I only meant that it seems so strange to be here in the woods after dark. So strange and dreadful!' 'Now that the horses are safe, what are you going to do?' asked Kate, as Le ander came back. 'Stay here and watoh them, I suppose/ answered Bentc n, fanning himself with his straw hat. •It is so dismal hera. I feel so nervous,'said Nora. •The moon will soon be up, Miss Betts. Her oalm, peaceful light will subdue your fears,' said Leander, in a low tone. 'I am tired of staying here,' said Kate, after a time. 'Let us walk up to the outlook on the hill where the old road crosses the path we can see the farm house and the road from there, and watoh for the raiders.' 'Some one must stay here to see to the horses,' said Benton 'they are not securely fastened.' 'I will remain behind. My sight is somewhat defective in the evening, which produces a painful amount of stumbling,'said Leander Marie. 'Ob, don't go, Kitty/ pleaded Leonora. •Let us all stay here together.' 'But we did not come out to spend the night in the woods in our thin dresses, I suppose, Nora. How shall we know wheu the raider* have passed Besides, I want to see tbe bold rider. Even the tip of his plume in the moonlight will be something to remember.' 'Plume! More likely an old s'ouch hat tied down witb a bit of twine/ said Benton, contemptuously. 'But'you are right, Kate. We had better go where we can watch the road. If you are afraid, Nora, you can stay here. We shall be in sight up there on the bill.' 'Oh, I should never dare to stay/ said Leonora, glancing nervously around at the high dark bar ks. 'Then come witb us,' said Kate. •Oh, I should never dare to go. Tbe soldiers might see us up there on the bill.' 'Well, I itn going/ said Kate, impatiently. 'You'can ao as you please.' So saying, she turned away, and Benton followed her.

Leonora half rose 'Oh dear, what shall I do?' she iaid, plaintively. 'Pray trust yourself In my care, Miss Betts/ said Leander, earnestly. 'Believe me, my life shall fall a sacrifice ere tbe slightest barm befall you.'

Leonora sat down again. •Do you ste them on tbe bill?' she ssked, sfter a few moments. •My visual powers are limited, Miss Betts. I could not see them evea if they were there.' 'My eyes are too far sighted/ said Leonora. 'Those deep dsrk orbs are, then,touch* with human infirmity. But they are

An entire season of impassable roads. The disastrous effects everywhere seen. Business Paralyzed and bank?, bankers, insurance companies and leading merchants failing by the hundreds.

For nearly four mont'as we have had an uninterrupted reign of mud throughout the entire West. The immense crops of last summer are still unmarketed. Last fall the merchants of the West, encouraged to expect a heavy trade because of the prosperity of farming communities, laid in unusually heavy stocks and still have their unpald-for goods upon the shelves bought at prices Learly double those which now prevail. It is under just such circumstances as these that our

organization tells the most powerfully in our favor. Witb two members of eur firm at all times in the New York market

to make dally purchases, and thus avoid buying heavy stocks at tbe opening of the season, when

roods are at their highest figures. During the past 30 days we have purchased some of the greatest bargains we have ever given to the people of Terre Haute and vicinity. But the flme for oar semi-annaal clearance sale has arrived, and, in consequence, even these goods, bought at such ruiuouely low prices, must go still lower. 'r

Grand Special Sale at Mud Blockade Prices"

Sale Commences Saturday Morning, January 10th, 1878.

Tell your neighbors and friends about it and remember tbat earliest buyers will bave the best assortment from wbictt' to select. Avoid tbe crowd bjy making your purchases in the morning whenever convenient to do so.

Grand Smash Up in Prints. Handsomest Styles of the Season.

mo varda beat Merrimack Prints, 5c. 5,000 yards best Wamsutta Prints, 4c. 3 casea best Cooheco Prints, 5c. 150 pieces yaraa ptcl&c Prints, 6c. 200 pieces Gloucester Prints, 5cts. 5,000 ysrda best American Prints, Sc. Al l. BEST PRIMTI of whatever make and of the latest and most desirable atyles, A CEBITS A lARD.

are simply unprecedented and unapproachable. These same goods were always sold at 10c a yard before tbe war. The other dry goods establishments of Terre Haute are getting 8c a yard for tbem.

3 prices are simply unprecedented and unapproachable. The other dry goods establishments of Terre Haute are We have Slaughtered Prices In every Department. Nothing Held Back.

Good robe prints, 4 cents. Job lot of dress goods, 7c and Oe. 40 pieces elegant suitings, \2% cents, •old early in the season at 26 cents. Handsomest goods you ever saw at 20o, 25s and 30o. Tycoon Repps, 12% and 15 cents.

ChUdsrwi's io0 mostln hose, 8c and 10. Doable fold waterproof cloth, 50 oents. Handsome felt skirt, 50 cents. •"r' Red all wool flannels, 15 cents. ^. .. Good Canton flannels 7c and 8a Entire stock of best prints, 5 oents. a ttt Iff ATT PI? This great special sale will commence on the morning of Saturday, Jaa. l®ta» and continue 1A JUb flvl MAJIA

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all the more lovely for that touch, since other wise tbey would be too heavenly perfect for the dull earth/ said Leander, fervently.

Leonora blushed, and trifled with some leaves by her side. 'Your banda are like my mother's. Mies Betts—so ethereally fair. Will you let me tell yon of my mother, of my childhood?' 'I should like it of all things, Dr. Marie.'

Leander took off bis tall hat, wiped bis glasses, and began. The moon had risen over the trees, the night was balmy, and be enjoyea the situation and relation to the very tips of his nervous fingers.

The story was long. Little Leonora forgot her terrors. She could not be insensible to the young doctor's tender glances or to the Increasing fervor of bis voice. Time passed. A faint sound from tho hill brought Leander back to earth. •What can that be?' said Nora, in alarm. 'I cannot imagine,' said her companion. 'Oh, where can Kate be? Oh, I wish I had gone witb them! oh, I wish I was back with mamma!' said Nora, half crying 'Fear not I will protect you,' said Leander, diawing himself up in a martial attitude, and putting his bat firmly on his bead. 'If the miscreants are near I defy them. Let them come.'

But nothing came, and gradually the old atmosphere renewed itself, and Leonora was lead on to talk of her ohildhood ard schooldays, while Leander listened witb rapt attention. •Precious confidence*/ be exclaimed, raising his eyes toward tbe moon. •Would I were deemed worthy te Lear more!' •But there is no more Dr. Marie.' •Ah, yes. There is tbe record of your young lady life, the first unfolding of tbe lovely bud. Could I but know the histoty of your heart during tbe last year—the past month!'

A sound in the woods close by interrupted tbis ap'peal. 'It is some wild beast, I know,' cried Leonora,springing up on a log. *0b,wbat shall I do?' •Do not be alarmed there are no carnivorous animals in this vicinity,' said Leaifder, coming nearer. •Oh, Miss Betts, in spite of the unpleasantneas of your situation, I can not but feel this to be the happiest moment of my life. Have you notdevined the state of my heart, the expansion of my emotional nature?' 'But I thought that you—I mean, that mamma said—t hat is you wish me to infer your attachment to Kate,' said Nora, with a little tremor. •Not to Kate, but to tbe gentle Leonora/ Baid Leander, tenderly. 'I too have been led to suppose tbat your heart was given to Benton but I will not give up hope until life is crushed out of me, and my bones lie bleaching in a desert of despair. Ob, Miss Bett,«, you do not, you can not bave the cruelty to tell me that you love another?' •Never!' replied Leonora, descending with dignity from the log 'Mamma has been laboring under a mistake. Mr. Montgomery is nothing to me. He has not that deep Intellect, that grave demeanor, tbat—Ob, there is a snake!' sbe added, with a shrill scream, climbing up on the log again with astonishing rapidity. 'Where? where?'cried the near sighted Leander, brandishing a stick. 'You must have been miataken, Miss Betts— oh may I not say Leonora?' 'No I saw his back he was striped, and he went over my foot. Oh, I snail die!' •Dearest/ said Leander, still beating tbe ground wildly with bis stick in the hopes of decapitating tbe unseen monster, 'pray trust yourself in my care. My lire is at your service.' •Yes but you can't see him, and bo may bite me first. Ob, Dr. Malre, if you will only help me up this tree. I should feel safer there.' •Climb a tree! But Miss Betts—Leonora—oh, may I not call you my angel 1 eonora?' •Yes, anything, if you will only help me up/ said Nora, who was standing on one foot, with gathered drapery ip ber trembling bands. 'I can climb very well if you will help me.' 'Precious one! Anything you like/ oried Leander, ardently. So, standing on the log, Leonora, with tbe aid of tbe young doctor's band, made'a desperate effort to reach tbe lower branches of tbe tree, but without suooess. 'I am afraid I can not do it/ she said, panting despairingly. 'Excuse me, Leonora: but perhaps if I should assume a kneeling position, on what boys call 'all fours/ you might be able to make a stepping stone of back/ suggested Leander, scarlet at his own audacity. [Continued on Seventh Page.]

Nice fur muffs, 75 cents. Beautiful sets at $1.50 and fl-75. Good Undershirts 25 cents. Good prints, 4 cents. $10 clcaks down to $6. $20 cloaks down 12. I $40 cloaks down $14 SO.

|mmen»e winter stock is all disposed of. We bave been enabled to give but a few

nricss. bnt the cut we bave made extends to every department. Don't delay buying until your more active neighbors have bought us ont of some of these extraordinary bargaina and then find fault with ua for the results of yonr own tardiness.

FOSTER BROTHEES, Great 5few York City Store, 418 Main St., Terre Haute, Ind.