Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 9, Number 39, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 29 March 1879 — Page 6

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

THE CHILDREN'S CHAIRS.

Wlieu day, wi-h its toils and burdens,? Has paired, and the calm eventide Brings the tollers, one oy one, homeward

To the rest of the quiet fireside— If one Joy can outvie ah the pleasures Love's pi

I gram age ever has known,

It must be when the evening fire shioeth On little chairs close to oar own.

Por what is fame's triumph and glory To the touch of a soft, rosy hand What are worldly defeats and disasters

To the trast of the dear household hand Head and hand crown and sceptre may covert,

But the heart craveth love for Its guest, And the heart that can bask in love's sunllght

Finds everyday sweetest and best, f1

With the toddler's wee feeton the fender, •ad the little chairs close to our own, We covet no rank and kingdom.

And envy no king on his throne. Too soon children hear the world calling, And Jrom home ties eagerly stray But. whatever our loss in the future,

Our children are *lth us to-day.

And when the years ripen their harvests, And life's fields are whitened with snow, The firelight each eve will still brighten

These little chairs all in a row We shall fancy we hear the gay laughter, And list for the feet on the stairs, If oniy our loot eyes are resting

On these oherl»hed, these dear little chairs.

SHE WAS NOT MUCH IN LOVF.

Springfield Republican.

They were straying by the seashore In the twilight's purple glow Listening to the so.t sweet music

Of old ocean's ebb aud flow.

441am

thinking, love," he whispered, "Of a cottage by the seaOnly sea aDd sky above us,

What a happy life't would be!

"If you're ever near me, darllnj, 1 can care for nothing slnc« fou are all the world uuto me—

I'm as happy as a prince!"

Then she answered, hesitating, In their conversation's lull "Yes, my dear.lt might be pleasant—

But 1 fear it would be dull."

THE SINGED CAT.

BY E. H. CLOUGH.

I.—THE CAT SEKKS A NEW GARRET.

J^"Wboa baw! Whoa, Buck!" The obedient oxen stood in their tracks, and the tall, guant driver, throwing the point of his "gad" forward upon the "but," intently watched aa approaching cloud of duet. '•What's the matter now?'' shrieked a Shrill voice from the interior of the "prairie schooner."

The tall man did not reply, but continued to gaze at the yellow cloud as it rose above the hillock just ahead. ••Wbat're ye stoppin' In the middle o' tbe road fur?" and the speaker opened the rear flap of tbe wagon covering, dis playing a bronzed face, half owlish in its expression—it resembled tbe front of a hawk in every other respect. "Halnt fell in a fit standin' up, bev ye?" she asked with an asperity almost amouBting to sarcasm.

Still no replv from tbe immovable statue looming beside the nigh ox. "Silas, chuck Buthin'at yer dad, he's gone deaf, dumb, an' blind agin. What air we stoppin' fur?"

These remarks were addressed to another tall man—a young fellow seated opon a raw-boned gray horse. "He's wailin' lur somethin' to rise the next bill," he replied, without taking his own gaze from tbe flying dust. "I reckon tbe ole booby's afraid it'll skeer and won't rise ef be speakB to a body. Pern this pesky rag of a dress, I wish—" and tbe woman tore tbe skirt from a nail upon which it had caught vrben sbe attempted to leave tbe wagon. As sbe stood in tbe dnsty road, her figure would have served admirably as a study for a caricaturist. She was nearly as tali as ber husband, and quite as gaunt, ber angularities displaying themselves tbrougb a dingy calico gown. Her fiery red hair was coiled at the back of ber head, and it only required the wings to complete the resemblance already mentioned, ber beak-like nose and large blue eyes according well with tbe other characteristics.

She was followed from the wagon by her counterpart, a young female, also unnaturally tall for a woman, also hawk like and owlish in features, aud red haired, wearing a dress which was probably made from the same dingy piece of calico that adorned her mother's scraggy frame.

The group was a picture. A tall, roughly attired, tawny haired man, leaniug upon his ox-goad, beside two yoke ot heavy limped steers, attached to a canvas covered wagon: a fae simile of the driver seated upon a horse on the other side of the team and the two women leaning against the wagon bows—all gazing patiently, but not very curiously at a cloud of dust rising up in front of hem.

Around them swept pine-fringed hills and blue mountain peak? on the left a deep, gloomy ravinf a long, dusty road behind, a gentle slope before them, and steep bluffs to the right. "Thar he comes," said the young man, as a horseman appeared at tbesummltof a bill, "Dust enough for a twenty mule team," remarked the father. "Was that what ye stopped fur? Did ve think yo couldn't pass it?" sneered the elder woman. "Mostly-—mebbe," replied her hnaband, shifting his goad into the hollow of bis arm, »o that tbe point covered that portion of the road not occupied by his team and family, thereby blocking the further progress of the rapidly approaching traveler.

The movement had the desired effect, for when the horseman reacbe 1 tbe of! ox of the team, he reined in and looked inquiringly at the tall man. His gaze was returned, but with such an idiotic expression and immobile cast of feature that the stranger could not refrain from laughter.

The grotesque looking individual who barred nis passage did cot even smile, neither did he by word or action show signs of anger at the other's boisterous mirth. His family seemed to respect his silence, for none or them uttered a sinsle word or even changed their posiious \Vell, old pine sapling, have you got a mortgage on this highway? I see that your ladies have a lean on the caraYin,

The traveler laughed again, a loud, aggressive laugh, but not hearty or contagious. "Mammoth City?" sentontionsly inquired the ox-driver, pointing ahead with the long goad. "Mammoth City,"answered the horseman, imitating the other's toue, and carioaturtug the movement of the goad with a little riding whip which he carried. "How fur?" asked the driver. j-yFive miles," replied the man.

Tbe driver raised his ielt band above his eyebrows, and looked at the declining sun. Then be drove the sharp point ot bis goad into the flank of hia nigh ox. muttering aa he did no tbe single word: "Get-!"?, fit

Tbe patient animals now made an ef fort, and the wagon creaked with the strain. "Haw!" The lumbering vehicle began to move. '"Whoa-o-o-haw!" and the driver tapped the off leader with tbe goad. "Say, old man, you've cross examined me and parsed tbe witness, s'pose you allow tbe re direct." "Gee, Buck, gee Grub, whoa o-o haw Buck," was ail the reply vouchsafed by the driver. "I object," shouted tbe man on horseback "this case isn't decided yet. Look here, you old giraffe, stop your team, I want to talk to you."

But tbe oxen were tugging up the "rise," and tbe man seemed absorbed in his efforts to urge them forward. Not so bis wife. "Ye might ez well shout to that nigh ox, stranger he won't answer ye." "Who is he?" "He's my ol' man, ef thet'll do ye any good." "I don't doubt it—it's a case of long standing affinity apparently. Wbat do you call him?"

Hiram Inch—is it good 'nougb?" "Ob, yes, but it is scarcely appropriate. If I had bad the honor of naming him, I would have chosen some such patronymic as 'Tower' or 'Reed' 'Long might do on a pinch—but then what's in a name, anyhow? Where do you hail from?" "From the lakes, down Tulare ways." "Are you going to locate in this vicinity?" "I reckon we will, ef it suit* if it don't we can travel. But I say, stranger, now mebbe ye wouldn't mind iuterdoociu' yerself, as ve've bin so chipper pumpin' me." "There's my card, madam, and if—" "Mister, don't madam me I ain't no sioh —I'm plain Samantha Inoh—nothjni "All right, Mistress Inch, don't get angry at me. I meant no offense, I assure you. I suppose you observe by my card that I am an attorney at law, and if you should ever need my services, you will know where 'I can be found." "The ole man will—ef he ever wants ye, but let me tell ye now, stranger, it ain't lawyers he hunts—it's lawyer's as bunts him, w'en there's lawiu' to be done. He beats creation witnessin' for eourts—he's a singed cat, sure's you're born." "A wbat!" "Jest what I said, a singed cat." "Aud pray tell me, Mrs. Inch, why is he a singed cat?" 'Cause he's a derned sight smarter'n he looks. Mind what I tell ye—you'll be humpin'arter him afore he shouts fur you. Come, sis, let's ketch up— dad's waltin' on the hill an'

Silas bez got

clean out o' sight. Good day, stranger, an' mind what I'm sayiu'— Hiram Inch ain't no sardine."

The woman and her daughter struck into tbe long swinging stride so common to border citizens, whether male or female, and left the lawyer musing by tbe roadside.

He did not move from his position un tii tbe singular nomad and his family had disappf ared over the brow of the hill. Then he jerked the bridle ot his borse, and summarily cut short that animal's scanty meal of autumn withered grass. "From tbe southern -vSHrties," he muttered. "Patent wit: singed cat —smarter than he look-.—just the man I want tbeo'd woman's right I shall need this lei low. I think 1 be^in to see my way clear out of that Browser case. A sinsred cat—ha, ha, ha! All right we sba)l see about that. Get up, Blackstone."

And the mountain road once more offered free passage for the cotton tail rabbit and the ground squirrel, who, with the chattering bluejay and the cbippering quail, lain perdu in the underbrush while the scene described was in progress

II.—THE CAT CATCHES A MOUSE.

Mammoth City is one of those half decayed mining camps in tbe Sierra, which has long since passed through its boasted "paiiny days." Being the county sea% and the centre of a truit raising and agricultural district, it has retained more of its pristine vigor and importance than the surrounding towns—a healthy ghost of what it had once been. In perfect keeping with this dead-alive condition were tbe gleaming limoston6 boulders in tbe adjacent gulches and flats, looming blear and bare, like tombstones erected in memory of the departed prosperity of the once favored local ity.

Why the oitizens remained, or what attraction there was for immigration, must ever remain a profund mystery. And yet, at the period of Inch's arrival, the place contained a comparatively large population—a congregation ol isolated egotists, whose sole occupation seemed to bo gossipping and fighting flies on the shady side of the main street in summer, and throwing snow balls, or drinking hot whisky in the bar rooms during the winter. It was near this town that Hiram Inch concluded to lo cate for tbe time being. He camped in what was designated tbe "Tigre '—the Mexican quarter—and the next day he mounted nis horse and scoured the country in search of a suitable plaoe of residence.

He astonished all with whom be attempted negotiation by his sententious questions and laconic answers or persistent silence, and exeited their mirth by his simple, grotesque appearance and awkward manners. None of the places wbioh he surveyed seemed to suit him— tbe prices were too high, the location unsuitable, or tbe appurtenances not exactly wbat he wanted.

As he was returning home in the evenii g, he observed a long, low, barnlike structure, toUeilng to Its fall on a

dreary

flat about three miles from the

town. He rode up to thedoor and ascertained that the place was vacant, and that a uttered, weather beaten sign gave notice that tbe building, and surrounding desert containing two hundred acres, were for sale—"apply to Henry Fogle." A grunt announced Hiram Inch satisfaction, at the information which the announcement gave him, and he galloped back to his camp as fast as the weary horse could carry blm.

Arrived in tbe bosom of bis interesting family, he sat down to a frugal meal ef fried pork and potatoes, without volunteering a word, even to his wife. As soon as he had filled his mouth with pork and potatcee, Mr*. Inch handed him a note, which, she remarked, had been brought to tbe camp "by that galoot we met down the road yesterday." It was addressed to "Hiram Inch, E*q., Present—personal," and was as follows: "MAMMOTH CITT,July 28,18—,

Meet me at my office to-night 8 o'clock on important business.

HKIVRT FOOLS."

Inch betrayed no sign of pleasure or

Jsill

TERHE HAUTE SATURDAY -EVENING MAIL

annovance at this summons, but passing tbe note to his wife, fln ahid bis meal and strode to the wagon. After a momentVsearch, hedi»w lorth a little box which be i-arried to the camp fire and opened. He exau.iurd several packages of papeis which tbe box contained, and finally, telrctinK one, placed it in hia pocket. Locking the box, be returned it to the wagon, and left the camp in the direction of tbe town, without speaking a single word.

He had no difficulty in finding the office of Henry Fogle, and entering without knocking, seated himself in a chair in front of the lawyer as nee re-' moniously as if be owned tbe entire csnoern. Tbe attorney elevated his shaggy eyebrows a trifle at this abrupt entrance of bis visitor, and remarked: "I perceive that you are on time."

Inch made no repiy. "Do you drink? Here's some good whisky."

Saving which, Fogle shoved a black bottle and a glass across the table. The other simply nodded a refusal of the proffered hospitality, and looked at Fogle out of bis sleepy eyes. "You area queer one, and no mistake. I suppose you are anxious to come to buaineaa. "Well, so am I.'* "My biasness," answered Inch.

Yo»tr business!" "Mine fust." "What is your business.?" "Thet shanty out tbar be pointed in the direction of the two hundred acre deseit. "Sure enough. You want to buy old Stagbart's place, I see you can't lay around iu tbe open air like a gipsy all the time. Well, I guess we can make a trade. We ask five hundred dollars for that place, and it's dirt cheap at that, tQ0i»» "Too much." t's. "Too much! Why, man, it's three hundred dollars less that we were offered a year ago." "Two hundred and fifty dollars." "Can't do it, Inch. If it was mine I'd do it willingly, but old Stagbart drives a close bargain." "Three hundred dollars, cash.'^ "I can't think of it." "Ht'll take it." ••Who? Stagbart?", "Yes." "I'll "bet you five dollars he don't." "Shake." "What for?" "It's a go." "Oh! the bet—all right how'll we decide it?" "Fetch him." "I'll see if I can find him," and Fogle left the office.

Inch sat twirling his bat and blinking until he beard footsteps approaching, when he closed his eyes as if asleep. loud, double laugh mounded on the utside, and Fogle entered, followed by short, thick set, fat faced, red whiskered man, whose nose seemed to curl with a chronic contempt for everything that was not in accord with his own opinion. "Ha, ha! good joko—three hundred dollars Blast me, Fogle, if I'd a come with you, if I didn't know that you've get a bottle of prime old bourbon here. What does the fool take me for— a Chinaman? Never mind, he'll amuse me, anyhow." And the nose appeared to climb higher than ever. "Mr. Inch, Mr. Stagbart," said Fogle. "Happy to know you, sir delighted, I assure you," said Staghart, with mock politeness, grasping the limp, but gigantic hand of Inch.

The latter only grunted. "So you think of buying a place, eh?" continued the fat faced man. "Well, I don't know as you can find a better or a much cheaper place than mine—five hundred dollars isn a bagatelle to its real worth. "Tain't worth more'n three hundred," growled Inch. 'You couldn't have it for that if I never sold it." "How much to boot, an' throw in the shanty," said Inch, handing a package of papers to Staghart. "What are th^se? 'William Staghart, debtor to Fillup & Stirrit, drinks, ten dollars.' H— "'Whisky, seven dollars and a half.' What's this! 'My darling' —Wbere'd you get these? Who are you? By the living eternal, you shan't hold these over my head anyhow," aud Stagbart tore the papers into minute fragments, and threw them into the fireplace, his fat cheeks glowing with an unnatural crimson, and his eyes betraying the full trepidation of his soul.

Fostle did not attempt to conceal his astonishment at this scene, and Inch only grunted ai Staghart threw tbe fragments into the fire. As soon as the blaze had fairly enveloped tbe troublesome documents, tbe imperturbable man coolv produced another packet, with the remark: "Originals "Originals!" yelled Staghart. "Then, what in tbe name of Satan and his imps are those?" he asked, pointing at the fire. "Copies," replied Inch. "How much will you take for those •originals?' asked Stagbart, now thoroughly overcome as the evil which these papers might accomplish dawns upon him. "The shanty, the ranch, and a hundred cash," answered Inoh. ••I ll do it. Here, give me the papers. I havn't got tbe money with me, out I'll pay you in the morning." ••Now!" The tone was decisive, and Staghart put his band in bis pocket, groaning as he did so. After placing a quantity of gold and silver on the table he counted it. "There, take that it's all I've got," he said, waving his hand at the money. "How much?" "Seventy eight dollars." "One hundred." "It's all I've got, I tell you." "The ranch," replied Inch. "Now, look here, Mr. Inoh, I'm payIng you too much for those papers, six hundred—" "All right," interrupted Inch, sharply, at tbe same time returning the papers to his pocket. "Well, take tbe ranch, too. How'll you have it? Do you suppose I carry that around in my pocket, too?" "Tbe deeds."

Stagbart groaned again as be looked at Fogle, who in answer to the glance opened a safe and produced thenecesary blanks, while Inch was transferring tbe money to his pockets. A few stropes of the pen and the barn with its contingent desert had become the property of Hiram Inch. "Now, hand over those papers," said Stagbart, as soon as everything had been arranged.

Inch looked inquiringly and sald: "Your note." "My note—what for?" "Twenty-two dollars." "Oh, that's all right, Mr. Staghart's good for anything he owes," said Fogle.

Inch passed the package to Stagbart, who snatched it convulsively, and Broke the string with which it was tied.

An oath escaped him, and genuine anger overspread his countenance, after a hasty glance at tbe papers. He dashed them upon the table, and striding to the chair where Inch sat, shook his fist in his face.

"You've deceived me—those are not tbe papers—where are tbe originals?" Inch pointed to the fireplace.

You lie, you thief, you lie. You've got them in your possession." Throwing bis hands up, Inch motioned to Fogle to search him, preserving his cool demeanor in spite of the oaths and epithets which Stagbart heaped upon him during the process. "I guess he's right, Bill," said Fogle, after a thorough examination. "Here's a scrap you've dropped on the floor perhaps you can recognize tbe handwriting."

Stagbart took tbe fragment, and after a moment's scrutiny pronounced it genuine—it was certainly bis own writing. "Give me another drink, Harry, aud I'll leave yon," Baid Staghart, in a calmer tone bnt don't you trust that— that—" "Singed cat," said Fogle, laughing. "I don't care what you call him, but don't trust blm, I say."

With these words, Staghart swallowed bis whisky and left the office, slamming the door behind him. "Served bim rigbt, the old ground bog. He'd squeeze a dollar till tbe eagle sqnealea, and it will do him good to meet his match once in a while," said Fogle. "Inch, you deserve the name your wife gave you, you area singed cat, sure enough." "Ready?"said Inch, stretching out his hand. ,. "Ready for what?" "To pay." "I don't owe you anything, do I?" "The bet." "Ob, I didn't think of that five dollars, I believe. But, by the way, seeing that you are so sharp yourself, I think I'll split hairs in this transaction, and enter a demurrer. You bet that Staghart would lake three hundred dollars. He didn't get anything but a lot of old papers, and he undoubtedly considered them worthless, for he threw them into tbe fire. "Profit and loss?" inquired Inch, blinking so idiotically as be asked the question, that Fogle could not help laughing. "Yes," he answered, "I guess that's the account you will have to enter it on —profit for you, and loss for Staghart. But, now for my business."

The consultation botween Fogle aud Inch lasted several hours, and it was almost dawn when tbe latter returned to bis camp in the "Tigre.".v

III.—A DISSIPATED KITTEN.

It did not require many hours for Hiram Inch to to transfer his family and bis property to bis own residence. With ready ingenuity and mechauioal ta jt he soon had the old rookery in comparative repair, rendering it as comfortable as bis hardy family desired. These necessary duties attended to, the chronic itching for money making returned with two fold force. He rambled around the various claims in the vicinity, and without asking any questions, closely observed the methods pursued by the miners. For a time he seemed undecided whether to devote his energies to quartz mining or seek for the gold of the gravel beds. After considerable prospecting and calculating, he decided in faeorof the latter, and selecting a spot about two miles west of bis home, proceeded to lay his pipe, arrange for water, and drive hari bargains for tbe necessary material and toola with which to prosecute his work.

While all these preparations were iu progress, Silas Inch totally ignored his rather, except when he wanted a meal or sleeping accommodation, preferring to associate with the wild young sports of the town. He joined the fire compay, and speedily became a prominent member. He frequented the lowest saloons and doggeries, and spent his time and money at cards and for liquor. Night after night his shrill tenor voice would be heard issuing from the low dens of the Tigre, pitched in drunken notes to the words of some such bacchauallian song as—

My aame it is Joe Powers, I have a brother Ike, I'm jist from ol'Missouri

I'ai all the way from Pike."

Thus singing, drinking, gambling, and occasionally fighting, this young reprobate passed his time, and his father apparently took no noi-ice of the wild course of Lis son, but pursued his own occupation without remonstrating with or counseling the youth. Strangely enough, for along time he supplied the prodigal with some small sums of money wheh«ver the young man asked for it, makirg uo remark and asking no questions in regard to the purpose for which it was used. The mother and sister acted differently. They scolded, pleaded, and threatened, but all to no purpose. The young man heeded them as little as he did tbe moaning of tbe autumn wind across the paternal Sahara. Among the men with whom Silas associate were two who afterward played prominent parts In the history of bis family. One of them was the little Polish Jew named Levi Marks, one of those cunning, grasping men whose every thought centers upon dollars and dimes. He kept a cigar store, in the rear of which a poker game was in progress nightly. This, at last, became a favorite place of resort for Silas, and as be played an average game, and was acquainted with most of the common short card trickeries, he managed to •keep even' against his opponents, and sometimes "made a killing," as he expressed it. The other acquaintance bo termed his runnibg pard," and is accom panying young Inch to every disreputable place he wished to visit, assisting him in his nightly dissipations, constituted "a running pard," Bob Ikes could certainly claim tbe distinguished honor. Ikes was a "shoulder striker," a blustering bully, who loved to domineer over all with whom became in contact, and at tbe first fire which occurred after Silas joined the Cataract Engine Company, attempted to take the pipe away from tbe new member, who bad fairly earned it. A fight eusued, in which Ikes was not victorious, although not whipped, and, observing that Inch would not be imposed upon, made overtures by which a compact was entered into between tbe two, both offensive and defensive as regards the balance of tbe community. They "played into each other's bands" at cards, and by remaining together continually, kept their victims at bay whenever the latter imagined that their losses required redress. The crowd, of which these two young men were the leaders, was known as the "Hounds," a name applied to them on account of tbe peculiar barking sound with which they rent the midnight air when on a spree. They were not only an annoyance, but a positive infury, to tbe town, and at the session of every grand jury there was serious talk of indicting the entire gang, as a nuisanee.

Time rolled on, and Silas, meeting with losses at cards, called more frequently upon bis father for money, and finally met with a positive refusal. Tbe boy was compelled to appeal to his companion, Ikes, for advice, and that staunch friend informed him that Marks often loaned small sums to tbe boys for a consideration. Young Inch Interviewed tbe Jew, and succeeded in negotiating a loan upon a shotgun, and in due oourae of time lost it or spent It, and

bad to pawn other property to replenish his exchequer. In a short time be had no collateral to offer, and as a forlorn hope, asked marks to accommodate him for a few days without tbe usual pledge.

A singular smile illuminated tbe sallow face of tbe old man when he beard the request, and much to Inch's surprise, be granted it, oniy stipulating that Silas should "gif cier node baber." This was readily agreed to by Inch, and twenty dollars was transferred from tbe till of Marks to tbe pocket of tbe speudtbrift. These transactions were frequent, and Marks soon had a considerable quantity of Inch's "node baber," tbe wily old Hebrew always insisting that some witnesa should be present at each transaction. This witness was invariably Inch's "ruuning pard," Bob Ikes, and it was highly amusing to hear tbe young scapegrace revile the old man for being so particular, and cursing bim for a grasping. copper-squeezing bloodsucker. "You blasted old vampire," be would exclaim, with honest indignation, "I believe you would make your mother pay eighteen per cent. You're too mean to live, Marksey. Can't you take an honest man's word?" "Vy. Iksey, ol' poy," Marks would reply, "who ish der loosber? Our frient gits der moonisb, and Marksey gits der baber. Vasb baber so goot osb der coin, hey? Wob'sh der vambire now, eb? Dwendy-von, dwendy-doo, dwendydree, dwendy-vour, dwendy-vive— dere's der moonisb, my poy. Now, you vash lishen terme, Inchey, don't you go bokerin' mit dot Ikesv. He vash too Bbmart like bail. Don't ye do it."

Iu the meantime, Hiram Inch was rapidly acquiring wealth. His gravel mine was the source of a fair incomesufficient, with tbe economy of his domestic arrangements, to afford him a large profit iu coin. In addition to this he was an inveterate trader, and somehow or other always succeeded in getting the best of those with whom be negotiated. His interviews and consultations with Fogle were frequent and pro longed. The object of these counsels became apparent during the following summer, when tbe political conventions met for the purpose of nominating county officers. Under the shrewd management of Inch aud the iugenious trickery of Fogle, the latter obtained both tbe Republican and Democratic nominations for district attorney, thus assuring his election. By tbe same manipulation of tbe primaries, were sent to tbe Democratic Convention men who considered Inch himself the best man for sheriff. The Republicans, through the same influences, were induced to nominate against bim the most unpopular man in the country—William Stagbart.

rv.—THE

CAT INCUR8 THE &ATRED OF A BULL DOG.

One day while Hiram was assisting Fogle to further bis political ambition, and at the same time feathering his own nest, a little dapper man, dressed in gray, strolled through the iront gate ol tbe Inch estate, aud was met at the door by Mrs. Inch, fresh from her domestic duties, her fiery tresses concealed beneath a soiled towel, and bearing in her talon-like fingers a well worn broom. "Hiram Inch lives here, I believe," said the man, placing his band against tbe door post. "W'en he's at home he does, answered the lady of the bouse,' speaking in her usual supercilious tones, and bringing the broom to a "rest arms "Is be at borne?" asked the stranger. "No, he ain't," replied the woman. '•Anythin' more partick'lar than common?" "Peisonal business He was thinking of having his life insured, and I am the agent. You don't know where I could find him, do you "No, I dou't, unless he is down to Fogle's office he's mostly round thar w'en he aiu't out 'lectioneering." "I inquired for him there, and they thought he bad returned home. I'm going away in the morning, and I thought 1 would call on him here. He must be examined by a physician, you know, and there isn't much time to spare. When he returns, 1 wish you would tell him that I will be at the City Hotel during the afternoon and evening."

With these words the agent bowed and leisurely strolled through the gate again, Mrs. Tnch gracefully bringing her broom from a "rest" to a "shoulder" by a turn of her supple wrist, and closing the door.

When Hiram returned late in the afternoon, his wife informed of the agent's visit, and Inch scarcely waited to hear the full particulars before be had mounted his horse and was galloping toward town. Immediately adjoining the hotel, iu a low brick building, was Marks' cigar stora, and as Hiram rode by he heard loud voices issuing from the rear, and among them be distinctly recognized tbe strident tones of his own son. He reiued in, intending to investigate the cause of the quarrel, but the noise ceasfd just then, and as Marks, who was sitting on a tobacco case in front of the store, waiting for customers, seemed wholly unconcerned, he walked his horse to a hitching post in front of tbe hotel and dismounted. His business with tbe agent required considerable time, atd it was dark before all tbe arrangements had been completed. Passing out of tbe hotel, he was about to mount, when Marks ran out of his store, shouting: "Mishter Inch! dot Silas ish kickin' oop hail mlt mine broberdy "Where?" asked Inch. "Vere? vy, in mine sbop. He keeks der dable ofer and vants der gill dot Ikesy und Ikesy don't vash mettle mit 'lm at all. Poot Mm out, Mishter Inch, or he damage minegoots, und who bays me der pill?"

By this time the liot in the rear of tbe store bad attained such proportions that it was attaracting the attention of tbe passers by on the street. A dozen rapid strides brought Inoh to the door separating tbe store from the rear room. Dashing it open, be caught sight of two men, in the dsrkness, locked in each other's arms, struggling against tbe opposite wall. Hiram did not wait to ascertain whether either of them was Silas, but •prang forward, and grasping each by the collar, with one powerful wrench flung them apart and held them. "Stop it Inch's voice was sharp and decisive. "Who are you?" shouted Ikes, endeavoring to release tbe hold upon his collar.

cut Silas, recognize bis father in tbe darkness. "Stop it 1" repeated tbe elder Inch.

At this moment Marks entered with a light, and Hiram released his hold upon the belligerents. "The Singed Cat exclaimed Ikes. "Dad!" ejaculated Silas. fkf

And each of tbe young men hastily concealed a glittering weapon. "What's that?" asked Inch. "Nothin', replied Silas. "Hand it over," ordered the father. '•He's got one, too," growled the son, passing a long Mexican stiletto to his

'[Ctmtinued on Seventh Pnytf.]

BROWNS

Theouly reliable remedy for all Throat and Lung Diseases, is a scientific preparation, compounded from the formula of oueof the most successful practitioners in the Wastern country. It has stood the test for the last twenty years, and will effecta cure after all other cough remedies have failed.

Read the Following:

4

HALLOF RKPRE9K»TATIVES. IVDI~NAPOI.IS. FND., teb 15.1871.

DR. J. H. BROWN:—we have used yoor "Brown's Expectorant," and take pleasure in saying that we found tt the best medicine ever used lor Coughs, Colds aud Hoarseness, and cheerfully recotnmenl it to all wbo may be troubled with Throat and Lung affections.

Win Mack, Speaker House Rep, Zenor, Rep Harrison county, Cautborn, Rep Knox county,

Montgomery, Rep Johnson county, Tsrlton, Rep Juhnson and Morgan counties, F.Schell, Doorkeeper House Rep, N Warum, Rep Hanoocn county, CHP Abbott, Rep Bartholomew county & Calkin-, Rep Fulton county, Jno WCopuer, Rep Montgomery oounty W UNeff, Kep Putnam oounty.

It Acts Like Magic.

OFFTCB and r. R. R.Co.,

JEFFBRSOXYILLK. IND., APRIL 6,1871. DR. J. H.BROWN waving suffered with a severe oough for some time past, I was induced to try one bott of yoor "Brown's Expectorant." I unhesitatingly say I found it pieasant to the taste, aud to act like aiaglc. A few doses done the work for tbe oough, and I am well,

DlLLARD RrCKETTS,

PRESIDENT J. M.and I. B. R.

Bead What Gen. Kimball Says.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.,Dec.30,1869.

DR.J.H.BROWN After having used your "Expectorant Syrup" long enough to know and appreciate Its good qualities, I can cheerfully bear testimony to its uniform success in curing the •i. ostobstlaate cases of Ceughs, Colds, etc. I have frequently administered the Expectorant" to my children, and always found it the very best, as well as most pleasant remedy of Its kind.

JNaTHAN

KIMBALL,

Treasurer of State.

What a Case of Consumption Says.

David A.Sands.of Darlington, Montgomery county, says: "My wife has been afflicted with consumption for anumber of years, and during that time has tried most ail the medicines recommended for that disease without affording any reMef. I was induced by therec immendations of Dr. Kirk, druggist at Darlington, to try'Brown's Expectorant Syrup,' and I am now happpy to say that my wile is so much improved I am confident it will entirely restore her health by Its continued use." .1

It Cures Bronchitis.

EDINBURGH,IND., August 28,1871. This Is to certify that I have used 'Brown Expectorant' in my family since Its first introduction. It has never failed to givesatIMaction. My wife i- subject to Bronchitis, and I have Jound no remedy equal to "Brown's Expectorant I recommend It as a safeand reliable medicine.

J. T. BHENTOS.M.D.

la For Sale by All Druggists

A. KIEFER, INDIANAPOLIS.

"OH! MY

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A TORPID LIVER

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