Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 12, Number 20, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 12 November 1881 — Page 2

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A PAPER FOR THE

TKRKE HAUTE, NOV. 12, 1881

LIFE VENTURES.

I Htoixl and watched my ship* go out, Each one by one, unmooring, free, What time tfie quiet harbor fllli

With flood-tide from the aea. The first that soiled, her name was for !f- She Kjiread & smooth,white, ample aaii,

And eastward drove with bending spars, Before the singing gale.

For Joy was caught by pirate Pain, Hope ran upon a niadden reef, And love caught fire and foundered fast

In'whelming seas of grief,

Faith came at last, storm-beat and torn She recompensed me all my loss For as a cargo home she brought

A crown linked to a cross.

The Novelist.

Redno, the Dwarf

—OB,—

THE

One mile up tho river is another ranch, three-fourths being woodland. The house is less imposing thau the one below, and Giles Worland seldom speaks of his'upper neighbor, except in tones of cou tempt. Notbecause Nathan Wilder is less forehanded than himself, for Worland, though a man of intensely family pride, has a kindly heart and friendly grasp of the hand for bis pooreat neighbors.

For many a yoar a bitter feud had •existed between the Worlands and Wilders.

In moving to tho far western border, Worland hoped to be free from his .hated neighbor.

Vain hope. Three years after Giles Worland's settling on'his Westorn farm, Nathan Wilder came and settled on a tract of heavi-ly-wooded land, only a mile from his •old enemy.

For three years these two families had .lived in close proximity, during which time no word had passed between Giles and Nathan.

Faith Worland had met and spoken to Leono, Wllder's ouly child, a young lady of remarkable beauty and attainments, and this raised mich a storm in the homo of the Worlands, Faith dared, or rather cured axil to arouse her father's ire by rejireitiug the offense.

Tlflbro wus one member of Cedarvalo, as Worland's ranch was named, who could not b© freightened so easily, as we .shall presently see..

A quiet afternoou in early summer. A faint breath of air stirring the leaves on the oaks, and dimpling the tall grass into tiny wavelets on the prairies.

At the foot of a long range of hills some two miles north and wost from Wllder's unpretentious dwelling, rode a single horseman a tall, well built man, -of six and twenty, with a frank, open •oountonence, and clear gray eyes.

A heavy blonde moustache adorned his upper lip, and when he smiled two fows of even white teeth were visible.

This man was clad in a gray huntingsuit a light rifle was straped to his back, his belt containing huutiug-knife and revolver.

The horse he bestrode was a small, fleet-footed gray gelding, and the especial pride of his owner.

The young man was riding along eastward at a brisk canter, under the shade of a strip of woodland, when, turning & sharp spur of the hill he came suddenly upon a young equestrienne, a woman with face of girlish beauty, seated on the back of a mettlesome black pony.

A more bewitching sight never mM the eyes of Kent Worland. as the mustang reared back on his haunches with a wild snort of alarm, causing the lady to ding close to the saddle to keep

A petite figure, delicately chiseled featares. with hair and eyes of midnight blackness, the maiden 'was indeed a fit person to ride the fiery black mustang.

A long, (lowing, dark robe covered the maiden"s form the heavy -waves of mid-night, hair were surmounted by a dark straw hat, from which a large ostrich feather swept backward to her shoulder.

Sho reined in her steed almost at the aide of the young hunter. Their evos met, the light of recognition dashing from them mmultanec y. "Whither now, Leone?" quest^ued the ycung man, laying his hand on the pommel o! the maidcxPs saddle. "For a aoamper through the hills," returned the girl with a Ustht laugh ••Poet and I always exerds© during pleasant weather. You've been trying

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The next that salledlher name was flopo No cargo In her hold she bore, Thinking to find in western lands

Of merchandise a store. «, Another sailed, her name was I/xve She showed a red flag at the mairt, ft"3A flag as red as blood she showed,

And she sped south right fast,

The last that sailed her name was Faith Slowly she took her passage forth. Tacked and lay to at last she steered

A straight course for the north,

gallant ships, they sailed away, Over the shimmering summer sea I sat and watched for many a day,

But only one came back to me.

FAMILY FEUD.

BY DAYTO MULOKOVE.

CHAPTER I.

THE SEALED PACKET.

A narrow, winding river on either shore high bluffs rising like immense earth-works.

Beautiful prairie land, extending southward, clotted hero and there with patches of timber to the north and west the timber thickens, and a few miles touches forests of white birch, cedar, hemlock, etc.

4

This is the garden land of the Northwest. A large house, surrounded by a beautiful garden, stands on the edge of the bluff.

The fertile lauds for more than a mile southward and half a mile westward belong to this estate.

Giles Worland bas been hero for tix yean?. He comes with a small fortune, gained from the pine forest of Michigan, and has made himself a model home where the prairie and woodland hold equal •way.

Tho country is new, and neighbors few and far between. "Time will open up the country, and these wild lands will one day bloom and blossom like the rose,"

'Ytaa.** "With your usual luck V* "My usual luck," be said with a. grimace, "You see, Mi** Wilder, the "rtoaand timber rrwea the gra..:.* tr of Xhciw 1 ww nearly always successful.!

1 hmve 11,6611 here in tIlis

I I—I \/J Z\ I I gion for a year now, and haven't even 111 JL—v iVlx ll had the laefc to draw blood from anything that might be termed same."

Baid*

Mr.

Worland confidently to his sou, not lona after their comfug to their present abode.

"Arable re-

PcriDT I "You are indeed an unlucky mortal," LUi Lr« T^vinA "Wnll Rnot trA mnst

returned Leone. "Well, Poet, we must jog along." Kent Worland wheeled his horse and followed at her side.

She reined her mustang suddenly, and a troubled look came intp her black eyes. "What now, Leone?" "I will not troudle you to accompany me, Kent. It may be* late before we return, Poet and I." "You know it's a blessed privilige, not a trouble, for me to ride in your company, Leone," be said, a faint tinge of red dyeing bie cheeks. "But I prefer to be alone this afternoon." "Very good. Of course I will not intrude wher® I am not wanted."

The young man drew rein. "The maiden did the same. "You are offended, Leone?" he said suddenly. "No, not offended, Kent but to-day I'm.'not in the mood for companionship. Poet and I must have a scamper through the hills to urive off the blues."

He regarded her fixedly. "Leone be careful," he finally said. "It's hardly safe for a young girl ride out alone in this region. The stage ten miles west of here, was robbed a few days ago. I have an idea that these hills affora excellent hiding places for banded robbers."

There was a slightly contemptuous curl of Leone's slip. "I do no£ fear them," she said. "Poet will carry me out of all danger. Besides, what nonsense to suppsse that a robljer would Care to molest me. I haven't money, nor am I exquisitely pretty, the world knows. No, there's no danger, so don't worry, Kent."

With a little laugh she touched her pony with the riding-whip, and darted swiftly away over the undulating ground.

Kent Worland rode slowly homeward, with contracted brows and troubled heart.

He was desperately in love with this bewitching little piece of female loveliness, and was wondering what his father would do and say when he brought her home and announced her as his wife. "There'll be a tremendous storm, I tell you," he mused, "but I can not givelier up to gratify any mere whim of father's. I shall marry her in spite of his opposition."

Kent Worland possessed a large share of self-conceit. lie had as yet not told his feelings to little Leone Wilder.

However, he never imagined for a moment that she would refuse him when be put the momentous question.

In the meantime, Leone rode her mustang at a furious pace up a long hillside, through groves of stunted cedars and birch.

Finally, sho came to a deep gorge, on either side of which the hills rose to the height of a hundred feet.

The bottom of the gorge was covered with pebble-stones and fragments of rock. It had the appearance of having leen the bed of a stream once upon a time.

Down through the narrow defile the maiden cantered Half a mile brought her to a dense grove of cedars that grew in profusion half way up the hillside.

Here she drew rein so abruptly that she was almost thrown from her saddle. A man rose suddenly from a clump of bushes and approached—a stout, darkfeatured man, with heavy black beard, dressed in a neat hunting costume* "On time, I vow, Ay little Leone 1" said the man, witn a disagreeable laugh.

A frown mantled the maiden's brow. Evidently she was displeased at the familiarity of his address. "I am always punctual to my appointments, Burk Lawder," she said shortly, "Are you prepared to fulfill your part of tho contract "To the letter my charming girl."

An angry fire flashed from the maiden's eyes. "You will please me by speaking a little more respectfully," said Leone angrily. ••Oh, you're on your dignity, miss. One would hardly expect so much haughtiness from a "Stop, sir!" cried Leone. "I'll brook no allusions to the past. This affair, about which I have ridden so far, is a a simple matter of business. You promised to deliver iuto my hands important papers."' •"For a consideration "Yes, for the sum of one hundred dollars." "Exactly," growled tho man. "But I'd ought to made it double that amount since you could well afford it." -I can ill afford the small sum."

A low, peculiar laugh oozed from the man's lips. ••You cnu't wool my eyes, Leone," he muttered. "I understand the game you're playing too well. Kent Worland's a gander worth picking, and you're the one to do it. I think I'll add as a proviso, that after you hook Mr. Worlsnd I'm to have an extra hundred. Eh? how'd that do?" "Have done with nonsense, man." she cried, with a gesture of impatience.

Its been a hard matter for me to raise a hundred dollars, I have it safe now, however. I demand the papers.", "Ah, you make a demand?" "I do." "You are overconfident, my pert LUISSE** "Those papers are mine. You have no moral or lawful right to them." "Yet might makes right In this case I have a mighty power over you, for good or evil, while I hold these documents. 'I'm half inclined to cling to

Burk angri­

ly. "You have deceived me into trusting to your honor as a man. May the cur*e of a wronged woman fall on you to the end of your life 1" and with that sho wheeled her mustang to depart. "Holdl" ho cried, springing forward. "You misjudge me. I was only playing on yeur feelings. lie re are the papers now let me have the money and the thing's done."

The exchange was quickly made. A minute later a sealed packet was safely ensconced in (he folds of Leone's riding-dross, and she was speedily and rapidly riding homeward.

A queer little hunchback met her at the gate when she reachod her father's house, and led the mustang to the stable.

Safe in her room, Leone drew forth the packet, which waa worn and stained it a "Free at last!" she murmured "free, and my good name vindicated."

Shequlcklv tore open the packet. A cry of anguish fell from her lips as her eyss rested on the content®.

It was a package of blank pager! "Deceived! cheated! robbed!" moaned and and covered her face with her trembling hands*

vii

your 'luck on the prairie^ I sea, Mr.f£jaolM, in a voice of bitter chagria worland. despair, as she sank into acEalr "V* 1 Uk I ...V

^ii^v

LISP'S fffe

CHAPTER IL

TBK tritT P!/TTWB».p|| «hadow of the overhanging

Under

TERES HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

cliff, not a hundred rods from the dace "What am I to understand from that, of meeting between Leone Wilder and Kent?" Burk -Lawder, on the afternoop in I "I love Leone Wilder, a fact which, as question, sat five men, four of them yet, she may be in ignorance of. I will engaged in a game of cards, a large flat make her my wife if that love is returnstone answering the purpose of a table.• ed. You see she is everything or nothing

Three of them were young men, two

of middle age. They were dressed in hunting costume, and well armed. A stranger would have pronounced them a "hard set" at first glance.-

They bad come from the East alout four weeks previous to the commencement of our story, for a Summer's hunt on the prairies, and in the forests of the North\vest.

They were men selected by Burk Lawder, a desperate character, who had more than once given the city detectives good cause to seek him for bold and daring crimes.

Naturally, such a man would select boon companions for his little hunting party, bound for the Western huntinggrounds.

While the men were busy with their game, a cracking of twigs reached their ears.

The next moment Burk Lawder appeared. "Hello! Cap, where have you been?" cried Jim Blaisdell, the odd man of the five. "Stretching my legs out a bit. Fve a boss thing planned, boys," said the leader, with a knowing inclination of the head.

The four men threw their cards into the center of the stone table and waited for their captain to proceed. "You know, boys, we hain't had a big run of luck since coming West."

A\ff.that we do. It's been about the dulldnF tithe I ever experienced," said Blaiddell "You're all in for something,

Blaisdell scratched his head. Presently he looked up wi clamatlou of satisfaction. "It's the plan I've been thinking about, but I hardly dared speak of it to the boys, lest they'd go agin it." "I'll fix that/' returned ^ffwdcfcr aey in It for all of us if we "There's money: only work our cards right "That's a fact," muttered Cobb. "Some night wo'll visit Cedarvale and nab thegirL I've apian that'll wtrk to perfection, I think," said Lawdef. "Are you all agreed to it?" I.

There was a unanimous exclamation of approval. 'ir still

Ifc$»as quite late in the afternoon when Kent Worland rode slowly up to the gate CcdftrvftlOi

He had been meditating deeply, and in consequence his horse had not exerted himself beyond a walk.

In the large front room Kent found his father pacing the floor with long, nervous strides, his gray head bowed upon his breast, his hands clasped behind his

The moment his son entered, the old man ceased his walk, and confronted him with flashing eyes and trembling form. "So you have been to Nat Wllder's again?1'' said the old man sternly, an angry glitter in his steel-gray eyes. "Not to-day, father." "Not to-dayf" questioned Giles Worland, suspiciously. "Where have you been tarr.

to.™e-

7

tbat

paj'B." "You've hit us there, Cap." "So I thought," returned Lawder. "You remember my speaking of that rich old cove down at Ceda^vale." "Yes." "I've been hanging around there a bit, and have found out someGtltag of importance to us." ,"*V "Blaze away." "The old fellow's got a nice httlo sum of money stowed away somewhere. S'pose we crack the crib and see what we make of it?" .4 "That's the talk, exactly." I ,,

Blaisdell frowned. "I tell you what 'tis, boys," he said, "that game's mine, aud I won't see you fellows stick your fingers In the pie without trouble." "Hello, Jim! What's the matter with you?" "Matter enough,"exclaimed Blaisdell, who was the beau of the party. I've got the inside track on Worland's girl, and if you chaps don't spoil my cake, I'm all right there. I won't agree to robbing the house." "Bother the girl," muttered Cobb. "But I say there'll be fun in earnest if you attempt to harm either her or the old man." "So you're sweet on Miss Faith, eh?" said Burk Lawder. "How does she take to you?" "Like a fish to dry land, or a hen to water." "Exactly," laughed Lawder. "Now, I can help you a bit, and at the same time fix things for the boys.",, "Well?" ..

rs

"You are in love with this girl?" "Pretty near it, I believe." "Now, what do you say to stealingthe girl? You can take her to some sw mont south, marry her, and turn and claim your rights as law."

spiciousiy. "wnere nave you •ying so late? tell me that, boy?"

"Ihave been out hunting." "Whereis your game?"

The old

sis

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J(

tY1*n

l-'u

"I have none. Fm unlucky hunting

on these prairies. Very likely. So yo jue Wilder to-day?"

ry I 1 Wi

Leone

So you have not seen

Not so fast, father," said the young man, quickly. "I said not "Ha! then it is as I suspected as I have been informed, yeuhold clandestine meetings with this woman." "No I have met Miss Wilder frequently, sometimes at her father's hooae, and iu other places. Iam not ashamed to own so much, either. Leone Wilder is the meet charming young lady I ever met," said the youth, proudly, folding his arms.

trembled at the audacity

exhibited by his son. "Kent, are you crazy!" cried Giles Worland. "Bewitched, perhaps, is the better word to express the true fasts in the case. Leone Wilder is very pretty and fascinating, yet underneath it all is the spirit sf the serpent. You are not the first mm she has entangled, to his ruinl"

Kent's face flushed with indignant fire. "Stop, father!" commanded the young man. "Yon are too old a man to utter accusations against a woman, even though she be the daughter of an enemy. "Very true, indeed. I would rather die than utter an untruth to the injury of any person. But, Kent, you must not mistake me. Leone Wilder is not the woman for a son of mine to form aa alliance with." "Leone is a true gentlewoman. No one dare breathe aught against her name. No one dare to do so in my preseace," retorted the young warmly.

Giles Worland commenced pacing the floor again. He seemed deeply agitated.

Finally be paused once more is front of his son. "Kent, tell me the truth," be said, and distinctly, ss if word.

slowly and distinctly, as If weighing 'What fe Leone Wilder to you

Nothing—everything.'

You have not yet committed vourself?"

"Then you ilMer Shall.*

4

r'K

The young man was greatly surprised at the feeling thus exhibited by his parent. "I am quite sure that I shall, and that ere many days pass," returned Kent, decidedly. "No, Kent, you must not—you shall not. Leone is a sharp, wily schemer, but she shall never win the heir to my broad acres—never!" declared Giles Worland, emphatically. "You do not know her as I ao, my son. Only a year has passed since you met her. then in all the glory of mature womanhood. I do not wonder that you lost your heart. I was afraid of it all the time. "You do not know the Wilders as I do, Kent. I knew Nathan before he was married. In our young days we were classmates together. Then he wronged me terribly, a wrong so bitter as to rankle in my Dosom still. I ought to have killed him then, but I did not out of regard for his poor mother. "From that day to this I have held no interviews with nim or his. I never even allowed you to suppose we had been friends. I was careful to keep you away from contact with the vile race. You never knew Nathan Wilder and his family until a year ago." "I never met any member of the family. I had heAd you speak of them, however." "Yes, that's true. Just before they moved here I sent you away on a mere pretext, on a voyage for your health, you remember. Well, that was for the purpose of keeping you from sight ot Leone. I know her power. As I said before. she has wound her poisonous meshes around more than one heart. She is cruel and relentless, Kent. 1 could say even more—could reveal that which would cause you to shrink from her in hate and loathing. I will forbear, however, hoping that you already know enough to place you on your guard." "You are strangely severe, father. Your enmity towara Leone's father has made you suspicious regarding her," said Kent, not willing to give up the maiden he had learned to love so deeply during the past year. "Her father is a villain, Kent, a blackhearted villain yet even his wickedness has not equalled Leene's.", "Father!" "It's true, though you do look Incredulous. Leone has disgraced even her family name, which was sunk pretty low, in my estimation, before she committed a grievous sin."

The youth turned hastily from the apartment, and the old man paced the floor for several minutes after his departure. "Yes, if the boy persists in his determination to win "Leone for a wife, I will announce the truth to him. He shall not run blindly Into the trap she has set for him," muttered Giles Worland, thoughtfully, earnestly. t0

CHAPTER III.

THE ABDUCTION FRUSTRATED. Several days after the events narrated in the last chapter had taken place, and just at the close of a damp Summer day, an old, feeble-looking man applied at Cedarvale for a night's lodging. "Where did you come from?" asked the proprietor of the ranch. a,"From down the river." "Where going?" "I'm looking for the house of Nathan to£#^WqUeSti°n0d

Yes he lives a mile'ftorn here. Yoi^ can move on," said Giles Worland, sternly. "But I'm all shook up," groaned the old man. "My old bones can't stan' another mile's travel.* Please let mestop for the night. I won't give you the least trouble."

Just at this time, Faith, Worland's brown-eyed daughter, appeared. "Let him stay, papa." she ploaded. "Surely you would npt turn an old man away, and at night, too?" "He's a friend of Wllder's," muttered Giles "but I won't Interfere. If you can find him abed he may remain." "Many thanks, tny dear Miss. An old man's blessing will alwaj's be with you for this kindness," a greedy, covetous look, flashing from his keen black eyes as they rested upon the levely face of Faith Worland.

The apparently feeble guest was shown to a room.

It was past midnight. The stars came out in myriads, twinkling like fire flies through the blue arch of Heaven's dome.

The old man who had sought shelter for the night, occupied a room on the ground floor, next the kitchen, a door communicating between the two.

After midnight, when the whole household was apparently wrapped in slumber, the old man rose from his couch and crept cautiously across the floor.

He had not temoved his clothes, for he bad a sinister purpose in view, as we shall see.

Passing cautiously out into the kitchen, he paused to listen. No sound reached his ear. "They are all fast asleep." he muttered. "I believe the girl's room is the first one at the head of the stairs. At any rate, I'll take a peep in there."

Opening a door at tbeend of the kitchen, a stairway was revealed, and he crept cautiously to the landing above, and stopped to listen at the nearest door.

No sound came forth. "She sleeps like an angel," muttered the prowler, and then turned the knob, and to his delight found the door yield to his touch.

There was no moon, but the bright starlight without shed a dim ray through the window.

The man crept cautiously to the bed. He could see a white face on the pillow, framed in masses of soft brown hair.

He had not mistaken the room. Faith Worland was before him, sleeping quietly the sleep of innocent girlhood.

With the quickness ef a cat, the Tillain placed his hand over the sleeper's month, and winding the light quilt about her slight form, raised her in his arms.

Of course the sudden seizure awoke the girl, and her brown eyes dilated with terror.

She struggled and tried to scream, but the heavy hand of the villain kept back the sound, and only a stifled moan dhine forth.

The outside door waa locked, but the key was there. In his efforts to unlock the door, the villain's hand was moved from the face of his burden, and the next Instants piercing scream filled the house, startling every sleeper to wakefulness.

The abductor flwng wide tbedoor, with a muttered oath, and sprang to the ground outside, when a dark form rose almost at his side.

"Curse you, Cobb, you've blundered like a fool!" cried the man, angrily. "Give me the girL",

The abductor yielded his prize to hU companion. "Hurry, Blaisdell, or we'll get into a pretty muss."

The two men sped rapidly across the prairie-land toward the ri Li]

rairie-land toward the "river bluff. ghts flashed out from the house, and the sound of feet was soon heard in pursuit.

Kent Worland occupied the next room to his sister. He bad been roused by a suspicious sound before Faith screamed, and had donned his clothes and grasped As revolver just as his sister's voice*rang through the house.

Like a flash came the thought of the old traveler, who had sought lodging for the night.

Kent had presence of mind in an emergency like this. He took iu the situation intuitively.

Bounding down the stairs, he had gained the outside of the house before the abductors had gone many rods, snd Kent went rapidly in pursuit.

It was light enough to see obiects for several rods, and the two abductors found that tney were discovered, and could not escape without a struggle. "You'll have to wing that tellow," cried Blaisdell. "Ay, that I will," growled Cobb, drawing his revolver and firing at Kent. The shot went far wide of the mark, however.

A ball from Kent's revolver wss better aimed, and went crashing through the giant's shoulder.

Encumbered as he was, Jim Blaisdell saw that he would soon be overtaken, for the young hunter had bounded past Cobb, who had sunk to the ground, and was close upon the abductor's heels, With a muttered curse, Blaisdell released the girl and darted rapidly away.

Otner steps were now heard, and the voice of Giles Worland was resounding on the air. "What's the matter out there? Ho! Kent!"

Kent Worland caught his sister in his arms. She had fainted, and lay limp, aud apparently lifeless.

When Mr. Worland ^reached the spot Kent explained, as best he could, what had occurred. "I shot one of the villains," he said. "I think you'll find him not far off."

A search was made, but the wounded rascal was nowhere to be found. "I'm sure I bit him," said Kent. "I saw him fall." "But beseems to have got away," returned the father. "He was only wounded. We will make a search In the morning. Have tho miscreants injured Faith?" "I think not. Sho has fainted. We must hasten back,:' returned the young man, striding hurriedly toward the house.

By this time several men had gathered about the door, employes of Mr. Worland, who had been aroused by the pistol shots, and had hurried from the board-ing-house, some thirty rods distant.

Kent bore Faith to her room, where she soon came to herself, and related what had happened, as best she could.

Giles Worland went at once to the room occupied the fore part of the night by the old traveler, to see if his suspicions were correct.

Hurrying up stairs, he related the discovery he had made. "I cannot conceive what obiect these villains Jiad in abducting Faith," said Mr. Worland.

Faith, who sat up in bed, pale, yet more calm, raised her brown eyes to the face of her father. "I am sure that I recognized one of tho men," she said. "Ah, who was it?" questioned lier father.

James Blaisdell."

fc

"The young villain who has been banging around hero so much for the past two weeks," cried Kent. "He claims to bo wealthy, and that ho Is out West, hunting ana fishing for his health. By the powers! but his health will suffer instead of improve, if he attempts another outrage of this kind. I have seen several of bis companions, 611 the prairies, and a more villainous set I never laid eyes 011. Doubtless they intended to rob the heuse too." "I think Faith will be less sympathetic in the future toward poor, travelworn old men," said Mr. Worland, with a meaning smile. "My confidence was sadly abused," returned Faith. "I think as you do, that I shall be more careful in tho future."

The men below dispersed, after Mr. Worland assured them that all was well, and that their services would not bo required that night.

On the following- morning, search was made for the man whom Kent had shot. A few spots of blood on the stones and grass were discovered, but no traces of the villain. "We must Ie on our guard constantly, in thefuiure," said Mr. Worland. "That young Blaisdell is a villain, and he may make another attempt to secure Faith. I little expeetedto see this country infested with such rascals when I first set foot on these virgin prairies."

Kent said nothing in reply, but resolutions were made for important and vigorous work. $

Leone Wilder sank forward upon her hands, hot tears coursing down her cheeks. "Deoeived, and. robbed of my bard earnings," sho moaned. "Oh, Burk Lawder! what a villain you are. No wonder Martin refused to trust you, bad though he was himself."

The open packet lay unnoticed on the floor. Leone was of a passionate nature, given to strange freaks. She suddenly sprang to her feet and paced the floor, the tears brushed away, an angry flame leaping from her midnight eyes.

Her small whit the full red lips the even teeth.

te hands -were clinched, compressed tightly over

"Corses on you, Burk Lawder!" she finally cried, stamping her foot angrily. "When I felt that the long night of my discontent was drawing to a dose, that was to dawn

this is not the end. Burk Lawder shall

mc.M| COFFFEES,

pay dearly for this, even though my good name go down forever." Just then a soft, timid rap was heard at the door. 0m "Come in!" cried Leone, fiercely. 1

The wild passion in her eyes died out suddenly as she saw who* it waa that opened the door. "Come iu, Rednot" said Leoiie, in a subdued undertone.

A strange little figure it was that entered. A boy of ten, his shoulders drawn out of shape, his Bmall head seeming to set baak almost from sight. He was small for his age, and his distorted form gave him a clumsy, unpleasant appearance.

There was a look of keen intelligence in his dark eyes, and the curling, dark brown hair shaded a broad, pale brow that betokened a strong brain for one of his years. "Reano, you have stabled my horse?" "Yes, Leone." "Rubbed him down?" "Yes, sister."

She started slightly as he he uttered the familiar word. To be called sister by this ugly specimen of humanity was not pleasant, perhaps.

He was an adopted child, having been an inmate of the Wilder household for years. He seemed to take to Leone, and was her most stubborn defender always.

Of late he had adopted the habjLt of calling her "sister," a thing that seemed to worry her not a little.

The girl took the hand of the dwarf and led him to the window. The shades of evening were beginning to fall. "How have you amused yourself today, little boy f" questioned Leone, ift a tone touched with a strange sadness. "First-rate," said the dwarf, "except I was lonesome part of the day 'cause you didn't come home."

His eyes sought her face with a loving expression. She bout down and kissed his pale cheek, a tear falling on his hand. "You area good child, Redno," she said softly. "I try to be to please you, sister. But what makes you feel bad?" he questioned, with boyish sympathy. "What makes you think I feel bad, Redno?" "Because you are crying." "Crying, oh, no," with a little forced laugh. "But I felt a tear on my hand. Aro you sick, Leone?" "No, but notexactly well. You may go now, Redno, and amuse yourself with your bow aud arrows. You are getting to be quite a marksman, I hear." "Yes, I can hit a bird 011 the wing sometimes. Do you want uie to go?" said the dwarf.

1

"Yea, I wish to be alone." He turned and walked to the door, but here he paused aud looked back. "Leone, there's something makes yo feel bad, I know won't you tell me what it is?" "Not now, Redno." "If it's that man from down tho river I'll fix him, see if I don't," said tho boy. "You mean Kent Worland?" returned the maiden, smiling. "Yes, the good lookiug fellow that comes to see you so often. Tell me, honest now is it him "No. Ho is my friend, Kedno."

A pleased light overspread tho face of the hunchback. "Then he's my friend too, sister. I'm

61adhim

he ain't made you feel bad, for I ke first-rate. He's good to me always."

With that tho dwarf disappeared from the room. [TO BE CONTINUED.]

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It has been ascertained that the most inveterate cases of Neuralgia aro cured by Fellows' Compound Syrnp of Hypophosphites.

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TABLE StPM,Kl

El