Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 18, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 27 October 1883 — Page 7

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

Mike Patchett.

Romance of the Gold Fields.

BT B. L. FARJEON. a

Aadur of "Blades o' Graa#," "Grif." "Bread and Cheese and Klmm," "Joshua' k'X^ Marvel," Ac.

Continued from Sixth Page. CHAPTER IV.—COKTIWOEB. Mike Patchett paused a moment before answering the flippant puestlon, and said lmpnmirelf "Its almost like Daniel, or one o' fcgn other prophets, a-puttlng that question ate—as though you saw through things. I 414 reqalrelt, the sign and the light. Thank yar for asking. It's friendly of yer. When I tome across that sacred nugget, I trembled 41 over. Never a leaf that dropped from a JKm shook as I shook as I looked at It and it '•wssa't because the lump of gold would bring

Ik a lump of money. If anybody tells yer feat, don't believe it. But the most slnler ftaft of the discovery is to eome." "Lookhere,my man,"said Horace. "lam BS»Uy, in any matter of business, the very -4 all est person you oould appeal to. You Might search Australia through, and you .jrsuldnt find a duller. I am not, as a rule, Aftven to strong assertion in a matter that I esaoerns myself, being like the leaf you so

Jtsetically referred vo Just now, at the fnercy •M alrcumstances and not at all sure what aalght happen to me at any moment but it fcenly lair to you that I should endeavor to upon you that you are addressing venr dullest business man you ever met mith. Then, you are propounding to me a Aries of enigmas which I am not clever

FT** to follow or understand. I give them my constitution won't stand them. Let •u parsuado you to take a more capable

Into your oonfldenoe. It will pay you jersonl 'Too cant purxuade me," said Mike Paohett, shaking his bead, "and it wouldn't

foS're

»y me better. You're olever enough for me. a gentleman, and it's a gentleman I want. As to op lamas, Is that another word tor conundrums?" fes, my man, I was never good at guessthem even as a child, and when they 1 to tell me the auswers. explaining when was not a door and when a nose reibled a vegetable, I used to be still more

Bwlldered." "it ain't fair," said Mike Paohett remunlIvely, "to run yourself down ilka that. If I 1 any other man do it of yer I'd take it "mm warm. As to asking yer conundrums, it's •e last thing I come here for. I wouldn't

J»k* suoh a liberty with a gentleman. I'll make myself plain, and I won't bother you more nor I can help and I'd like yer to believe, If yer'd be no good as to believe It, that Pm not an ungrateful ^nan. Fur from it. I qrus telling yer o' the Sacred Nugget that a't a conundrum. It's a real solidiump of 4eld, twenty pound weight. The most 4tfng'ler part of that discovery, as I was saywas that laying right aside it for all the qyarld like a baby lust born, was another •mgget, a very little 'un this time, of a similareous shape, if It had been out out by iuuid. It wotghs only two ounces three ^pennyweight—the prettiest llttlo thing you ever sor. Perhaps you'd like to see It." "There's no act of Parliament," said Horace ••Jsgelturt your showing It to me, if it Is In any ftr oonneoted with your business. I may as well see it as not I suppose."

Mike Patohett inserted his hand inside his rnsey shirt and diving deep down, exratted from fk hidden pocket a chamois ithar bag, tied at the neck. Loosening the *tn his teeth, he poured upon the jrptle of nugget*, about forty ounoes 1 front which fie selected a small cross gold and handed to Horace. It was 4s*otly'e* Be had described It, a perfect cress yhioh toiait have been fashioned by the "A beauty, ain't ltf" he asked. "Wot at all bad," said Horaoe, •ondescendbestow some attention upon It "For

M9ot

likely,.my son. Pardon again. It'd nlniirt me Oaifyou'd give me a name to call yaabr.t •Bay Mr. Horace." ."Thank yer. For sale, Mr. Horace? Mo. ihe money alnt made that'd buy that cross. .PM Its weight In diamonds agin it. and that jjjddn'tt}oy Look gritty, won't it, hang-

That* urall Put Mr. Horace," said Mike Patahett reflectively. "But there can't be a 4»ubt on It that It's a pretty gal and a pritty t, though the father mayn't be much to

Aon. Butthe mother made up for it she a beauty—the outside of her. Yes, yea— pritty gal and a pritty nook. I see it a iweislng.there, and ahaasiulllngat me, with Mrndilas and white toethl" There was a f*tsi(ul r»g In his voice, as though he yeam«S for the assurance of a hope In which ho

Indulged. Receiving back the cross of gold from Horaoe's hands, ho was about to sweep fee nuggets Into the bag, when he stopped Mil said. Perhaps yer'd like a few."

Would I like to buy a few—Is that your •Manlngt"

MMUen

k,And

wPfobfcbly»M

"Does that mean that there might be a 4Mbt on It?" IT* It fcald Horace, with cool Indiffter«IOP.means,"

"that may know you again, or may aot know you again." "It alnt fixed enough.** "Put it that way. Ttw "I thought as much but dontdoTf tell yer. 8ure it is, and sore It most be. I ain't gotnarto let any thief come hare and pass hlsself otf for me. It'll be bad Ibr htm lfhe trie*! I'm MUro Patch*tt,and Mike Patchen% m«. IT# got property to «)aim In one of your clipper*, and 111 have •M life of any man what trim to do me out afltl I will, as I am a living man, standing •for* ywr this minute! Ill have his lifer

—take my advloe and cool down. It's more refreshing and agreeable. Of coarse you've got the bills of lading and all that. What Is the name of the ship?" 'The Pride of the South'—the clipper as you made the bets on with Pimply-face. Mr. Horace, if yer win them bets, and Pimplyface dont pay yer, I wilL He don't look like oneof the paying sort, dont Pimply. 111 do more. If ne wins the bets, 111 payem for yer. Yoo shan't lose either way. What do yer say to that?" "That yoo must be afflicted with an uncommon complaint—having more money than you know what to do with. Pray dont trouble yohrtelf about my bets I can look after them without your assistance. Your property In'Jhe Pride of the South' must be Dr6fiiOQI "Precious!" cried Mike Patchett with a snort at defiance, implying a challenge to man hind in general upon the point "It's the

Sc,

reciousest property an ever crossed the PaciHhow me apreclouser If yer can." "What kind of property islt?" "Notsofast. I alnt going to let on till things are fixed. And the first thing you've got to fix is me." "We wlU say, than, that you're fixed," said Horace, still pursulug his languid course. "Not that I have the slightest idea of your meaning. But dont agitate yourself you're "It'll ha?0 to be aone," said Mike Patchett with calm determination, "in a way as we both on us understand. What do yer make of me? Reckon me up-short." "Clay "Correct Clay it Is, from my puddling machines In Pegltg. My guernsey, now. What should you Kay to the »lor of It?" "Once on a time** said Horace, potting his eyeglass to his eye, "its color, I presume, was blue." "Bloo it Is. Pot it down." "Put it down where?" "In writing. That sheet of paper alnt large enough, Mr. Horace. Take a larger."

Yielding passive to his fate, Horace, with a comical sigh, placed a sheet of paper on the counter and wrote, "Guernsey, blue onoe upon a time. At the present writing, caked with clay "That's it, eh?" said M£ke Patchett, looking over the paper. "That's it,".said Horace, reading the words aloud. "I'll have to take your word for It" "Dont do that," said Horace, banding him tile paper. "Take your own word for It"

Mine Patchett turned the sheet of paper this way and that, and passed his finger slowly across the line, with a deeply studious all, saying at length as he returned the paper to Horace: ^... I

Then

from It. Would yer like a few as a

MtV Yer hearty welcome, and it'd oblige ate." And he pushed toward Horaoe four or Ave of the latest pieces. "Ton overwhelm met" said Horaoe,push tag them back "I really ooutdnt think of •depriving you of them.'* "Wont take them as a gift?" "Bather not.*

MikePachett, not at all surprised at this reSS murmured to himself for the seoond "A gentleman, even' Inch of him." from the manner In which he swept the sanets—with the exception of the oross—Into fee bag and tied the string, they might have *een to much drees.

now," he said, "is It fixed? Have ver

got hold on It so as not to lose sight on It?" "Have I got hold of what," said Horaoe,re(MMlog Into his languid raood, "so as not to SSe sight of It? "My name. The name I took the liberty of Mentioning." •Oh, yes. What did you say it was?" "Mlchae -H "To be sure. Michael—" "Paohett" "Certainly. Michael Patehettn •That's it, Mr. Horace. Michael Patchett, «mm Peek*. Him as found the sacred nogt* and the baby cross. If I've been a bit

Mty, put It down to my ignorance. You're itcholar and can afford to make that excuse tar me. Look at me—straight"

Horaoe did so. and MlkoPfcchett Instantly son Wed Into his features the unrecognisable expression whloe men assume when they are tUng for their portraits. "Well?"said Horace, L^J -it .. «Y®rMl know meae*ln,"«ald Mike Patchett lowing his features to resume their natural expression, "when yer see ma,"

"have oct objection."* it dont do—It

There was no loud paction In Mike PstchettH vokxs which was not raised above k« natural level, but he fairty trembled with excitement made his dwdamUon.

CHAPTER V.

mkx PATcacrr

HWCXARW

aim ixrorno*

OJf mt IJtAVHTO HORACK T1IJU KB B(nU9K»S tSMHTttB. "Iookh««,-Mikl Homce, nndtsttirbed by fee detnonstration,"don't wrolje yourself It ti WMh *a wastoi Nctody will take row property from yoo if It to on on* of ear him try," said Mike Panebett, threatenlc^dy, "that's all I've got to nay. Lit him

Srr

wlU be taekna hU.trytng, sooooldown

lf

"Could It be drawed?" "Drawed 1" •'Yes, drawed—like a plcter.'V "My education," drawled Horace, "formed the subject of much anxious discussion In ray youth, and was certainly not neglected by anybody but myself. I must do my people the justice to Bay that I did everything In my power to frustrate their good intentions. The vaticinations of m.v lady mother respecting my cureer soared far above the a'itude of an admirableCrlchton and my esteemed father firmly believed that on the page of history Pitt would have to knuokte under when my name was mentioned. This brief but fatiguing ay nopals will enable you to understand that everytulng was done for me that could be done notwithstanding which, I do not think, I really do not think, that I am capable of drawing an Intelligible representation of a guernsey shirt that once was blue, and Is now caked with clay from your puddling machfnes in Pegleg." And having given utterance to this elaborate statement, which was listened to by Mike Patchett with profound admiration, Horace reviewed it mentally with amazement, an a most prodigious effort for a man of Indolent temperament to have made. "If it can't be drawed," said Mike Patohett reluctantly giving up the point, "it must stand as it Is. NOW, my hair." 3 "Gray'it Is. But that down."

Horace put it down, and Mike Patchett watohed the traveling of the pen over the paper with the Bame deeply studious air, flavored with a dash of suspicion, despite his oonfldenoe in Horaco—as though some other evidence than that which education oould supply waa necessary to prove that he was being fairly dealt with. The words being written, he said: "My neckhandkerchlef?" "Yourneckhaudkerchlef Snuff color." "Well perhaps," said Mike Patchett, doubtfully. "I bought It off a mate as had wore It long. I oouldn't take my Bible oath what Its rt color was."

It is not at all probable Ithat you will be called upon to take your Bible oath on the potent. But It's not what It was, Its what It .""Right yoa are," salcf Mike Patohett with an approving smile. "It's not what It was, its what ft is. Well said, Horaoe, well said. Put It down." sp* a

Horaoe put It down, i, "Now, my trousers." "j^htaftaln. Patltdo#n." Horaoe put it down. "My hat. What should you say of my hat?" "So venerable In appearanoe," remarked Horaoe, "that it might have been worn by the Ancient Mariner." "Aseafaring man?" "k "Very much so." it "Never heerd on htoa." "Not surprising. Should I toe far out In guesting that your hat Is or was cabbagetro6?" "If* aright guess. I had it given to me by a soldier 01 the Fourteenth, and he didnt lose by it Down it goes. And my boots lifting oue of his feet on to the oounter. "Wattertlghts." "Right onoe more. Watertlghte. iJopbl^ tipped and double tongoed. It\down taft?

there's this belt and what's In It A fomioklng knife (pall it a bowls and yer'll toe the mark) and a Colt's revolver, with a Mand a scratched on It Then there'amy shoulders—you can see with arf an eye they are odd 'uns."

He walked up and down the offloe twice, In confirmation "Now you've got what you can see of me. Wind up with my name." "Done with a flourish, my man. Mlohael Patchett." "From Peeleg. Spell it out, and write it dev."

Horace spelt it out and wrote It clear. Once more was Mike Patchett's mind disturbed by doubt "I spell it," he said, "with a 'k.' M-i-k-e-1." •"If you've a fancy for It, you oan have lt that way. It 1s a matter of perfect indifference to me." "111 have It both ways. Put It down. M-i-k-e-t"

Horace obeyed, and looked at his watch. "We're getting on," said Mike Patohett, with a hlton-up of his lower shoulder, denoting satisfaction at the progress made, "but we'll fix It so tight that there's no chanoe of any other man getting my property but me. Before I give yer ray oaasword, I swear yer to secrecy. Out with your Bible.* "Dont deal In them, my man." "Never mind thls'll do as welt." He held out the baby Cross and said, "touch this, and repeat after me. I swear—''

He paused to allow Horaoe time to repeat the words. Instead of doing so, Horaoe laid aside his pen, and fell back a step or two. "Look here, my man. Doesltoocur to you, or might it not by tome remote pomlblltty ooourto yon, that there la other business aa w«ll as yours to attend to in this office?" "Now yer mention," said Mike Patchett, cheerfully, "I suppose there is but Itn free to con fen that Zoldnt think of It before. Howmanydayrdoyer make 'The Pride of the South' to beoutr" "Fifty-three, I believe." "And yer cant lose the tint of them there bets with Pimply-face till the fifty-eighth. There's p'enly of time I oan wait. If yer»ve got anything else to look arter, look arter It: It sint for me to stand in your way. I alnt going back to Peglee tlll that ship oomes In with mj-property. When you're ready for me, Mr. Horaoe, I'm ready for yoo. If yoo cant do what 1 want till shut op time comes, w*H do It afterwards, yoo and me together. It's my intention not to leave yer UH in settled "It is,!* It?" "It Is," replied Mike Patchett with a number of pleasant nods. "Dont hurry yerself wjnl yerself out on my account I can

Horaoe taeitiy accepted the implied challenge, and leaning against the wall, proceeded with the trimming of his nails—an apparently interminable tank. There were eom« packing oasm of goods piled op In front of theolttee,atid upon the tallest of these piles Mike PKlehett swung himself, and sitting there, dangling his legs, fixed his ey« Uw yoang antknua whom b* had Into hte coondanoe.

CHAPTER VI.

A RAWK RAONNSIONCAK A

vff&angy£nr

rronow.

It hsppen49d.a few mtnntes afterward, that for a quarter of an hour there was quite a ru«h of teslaeas in the oOee of Messrs. Law A Pardon, and that at taut a score of persons passed in and oat. Fortunately for them the nonentities ^returned in time to attend to them, for bad tt depended npoo Horaoe the?

TEKRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVlMliSTG TVfATTi.

would have Cared badly. His manner of receiving them and listening to what they had to say was so careless and oontem ptnons that those who addressed him were quickly glad to leave him to himself, a proceeding which entirely aooorded with nis humor. The nonentities did his share of work as well as their own without murmuring, toey aocepted his constitutional indolence with a wonderful grace, and did not onoe murmur against this superior being, to whom anything in tin shaoe of exertion was evidently so distasteful.

Completely engrossed in their particular business, and transacting it as though the fate of tbe coontry wouldle Irretrievably inlured by a moment's delay, the various cal era paid no attention to the clayey figure of Mike Patchett, perched in the air at tbe top of the packing cases. Now and then Horace looked languidly at him, without however, exhibiting the Slightest recognition of the man from Peleg. He,x»n the Contrary, every time their eyes met,. nodded at Horaoe repeatedly and confidentially, and never tired of conveying thus silently the asBuranoe that he was perfectly willing to wait all day and all night till the young gentleman was ready to attend to his business. "Never mind me," he seemed to say "look arter yer nails, and dont over fatigue yerself. There\ plenty of time afore us, and I oan wait When you're ready for me I'm ready ^Qtrtfe as Clear wife the determination expressed in bis silent watch not to leave the superior young clerk till the business he came upon was settled.

Horace was not at all angry he was simply bored—which did not prevent him from extracting a certain enjoyment from the singular proceedings of Mike Patohett

At the end of a quarter of ah hour the office was quiet again, and Spotty made his appearance. He was wiping his lips as be entered. having been steadying his nerves with a nip from his,flask. "Hallo!" he cried, glancing upwards at the patient form at tbe man from Peglee. "Hallo to you," responded Mike Patohett, glancing blandly down at 8potty.

It yer happen to drop in when I am at home,' replied Mike Patchett. 'II let yer know.'

Not to be outdone in an Interchange of badinage, Hpotty asked, in atone which he intended to Desarcastio. •Comfortable up there, Humpy?' 'Tol-lolllsh, Pimply,' said Mike Patchett 'What'sthat you said?' cried Spotty, In a towering passion. '1 said,' repeated Mike Patchett with a patronising smile, 'tol-lolllsh, Pimply.'

Spotty, debating within himself whether he should take a strung view of this impertinence, and then and there drag the man with the dahlias in his guernsey from his perch, and inflict upon him personal chastisement, was wandered by an expression in Mike Patchett's face to adopt ((wiser course. •I'll settle with you/ he said, loftily, 'by and bye.' 'Yerll find me ready,' said Mike Patchett. briskly, 'man and money, at any minute of the day.'

Spotty finding that nothing was to be made out of Mike Patchett, addressed himself to Horace. 'Have you engaged that lump of dirt as a figure-head for one of our ships? If so. I'd advise you to get him well washed first.'

Horace did not reyly, for the reason, despite the way in which he had been bored, that he had no wish to assist In making Mike Patohett an object of ridicule. 'Kscort from Ballart lust in,' said Spotty. •How many ounces?' asked Horace. •Twent»three thousand. Bushrangers tried to stick it up in the Black Forest. Got more than they bargained for. Two of them shot dead. One of the troopers left behind with a buliet In his chest. Twenty-three thousand ouncesl Worth going for. Wish I had it locked in a safe on a homeward-bound steamer!' •Tired of this country, eh?! 'Sick of it. Cursed place! Not fit for gentlemen. What the devil brought you out to it beats me hollow.' 'There's only one country,' continued Spotty. 'England: and only one city, London. It sets my blood In aglow to think it. Ifs tbe magnet of tbe world. Ah, sweet oily of fegsi when shall I tread your snowy streets again? If only a bit of good fortune would fall in my way. This Is a state of affairs not to be borne. I shall make adesperate plunge

Eere

resentiy, I shalU The idea of vegetating for the remainder of ones natural existence is altogether too horrible make me shudder to contemplate it.' Some fellows— common fellows, too, who would acoept a half pint or a kick from a gentleman at home, and touoh their hate for it—have all the luck o? it in this infernal hole. Tbe gold escort brought the news of a rare find in Pegleg. There's a man there who found a nngget some months ago in the shape of a croas it weighed over two hundred ounces. You remember the papers were full of it, and •ailed it the Sacred Nugget' •It is my misfortune,' said Horace, not deigning to look in the direction of Mike Patchet.'to be compelled to set you right In many of your statements. I do not rem em-ber-it happened at the time you speak of that I had not made my appearanoe in the exceedingly hot country—hot, my dear fellow in more ways than one.' •It doesn't matter. The man found It, and it became known as the Sacred Nugget. You would hardly believe that he was oflbred a thousand sovereigns for it, and was fool enough to refuse. The Sacred Nugget! Pd sacred it if I had it Melt it down lite a shot The story goes that when he found tbe nugget, he dldnt have as mnoh money in his pocket as would pay tor a oakeof cavendish, that in the last few months he has taken out of his claim more gold than a horse oan draw, and that he's about as ignorant a blackguard as you oould meet with In a day's nfaroh. Well, that same man came upon a pocket of gold in his olalm last week which made it look like a regular Jeweler's shop, and in less than six hours he washed out, and picked out, over two thousand ounoes. That was a pretty bltoffluok. wasn" H, to fall to ttte lot of a low-born thief, while gentlemen-gentle-men like us—are left out In the oold? Is there anyjustioe In this infernal world, tell me that Horaoe?' "Dent worry me with your growling," said Horaoe, with a light laugh. /'Take a p§ok and shovel, and try your luck at some digKings or other. Better men than you have done it. and are doing it Or. if you have any pardcular grievance against the man in Pegleg and acquaint him with it. I have no doubt he will see how badly he has treated you In any light jrou choose to represent it, and that he will Unmedlately hand you over halt a cartload of hlsgold. Itis only fair that he should divide it with you. You are such a deserving party—such a particularly engaging party—such an unen vious party—suoh in insinuating, generous,whole-sou!ed party! Upon my word. If 1 were In your shoes and felt as you do, I would start immediately for Pegleg, and lay his villainy before him In the

^afll I'd like to be in his

shoes for a dayf All the lines In Mike Patohetfs face broadened into merriment as he looked down upon his watertight boots, and contemplated themfora brief spao^ "Not a bad notion, though, of yours, going to Pegleg and hunting up this low born thief. It has given me an Idea.* "Treasure It, treasure it!" murmured Horaoe. «To carry it out I should want .a mate, cut in your pattern. What do you say. sweet youth? Will you go into partnership wife me for a month of two?" "Dont think I can he tempted." said Horace, in a weak tone. "In a partnership there are accounts to keep, are there not-books an re an a & at "There wouldn't be much of that in this affair of mine. It* a gentlemanly sort of scheme nothing vulgnr about" "donnds weliTnut am afraid the connection would not be agreeable to one of us. Out of consideration for your your feelings, I will not say which one." "Make your mind easy," said Spotty, with a lame attempt to torn the tables. "I will look over yoor little failings, and I promise that tbe connection will be agreeable to me. Tberet moo«y In It' 'I think I shouM prefer going la for glory.' •Well, go In for It-the gkry of winning.' •Pray excuse me, I really dont place any apon,.-Wb« y*u win, rve never sera yon unwilling to

'You do,'s«ld Spotty, stirred up into admiration, 'like a gentleman. IH aay that of

the

bono.* •Yoo are exceedingly complimentary,' yawned Horaoe. 'In this proposed partnership—for soggerting which I cannot sufltalenUy thank you—tot then, then, a prospect of winning money?' 'Kw This

•odneniy maae ncn, wui nacunuiy oe with a desire tor the society of fenttomen, and will }umpat the chance of pa*«lrtg himself off as one. Tb«y area! way* ashamed of their belonging*, these fellows when, by a torn of the wheefof fortune, thegreometoto money. The wmtloa of hnviog a five pcMUftd note In their pockets diives lhem out of Iheti wits. We 99 to Poeleg. and make his

acquaintance he will see that we are gentlemen, and he will be proud of our society. We will adopt him, educate him, take him home if he wishes, tog him out, make him a member of a ci ub or two, show him the ropes, introduce Lim to fashionable life, make a swell of him, teach him hazard, lnitate him into the mysteries of roulette—' •In other words,' interrupted Horace, 'you suggest that we snail pluck the pigeon.* ^Precisely. Some one wffl pluckIrim. Why not you and IT •Its a delicate process—requires an apprenticeship. Have you served?* •Served!' cried Spotty, enthusiastically. *1 should say have. I know every move on the board.' 'It would be presumption to dispute it,'said Horace, putting nis eyeglass tp his eye and sailing at Spotty in his usual indolent fash10m 'Do you propose this to me seriously?' 'Never was more serious in my life.' •You are not hard of hearing, axe you?' •Not a bit of it. Can hear a pin drop when I'm asleep.' 'Yet yon could scaroely have heard my question,'said Horaoe, letting his eyeglass fail a#d twirling his handsome mustache between Ills forefinger and thumb, his usual indication of great earnestness. is not often I give advice, bat I am inclined to warn you to consider before^ yon repeat yottr attewer. A^tq J^ask yoo* do yon propose this to me

Spotty was shrewd enough to take the hint •SerlouBly!' he echoed with an awkward laugh. 'You mart be soft lf you think so! Hang it! Dont quarrel with a man because he fried a joke on you! You dont want a monopoly of all the fnn,|lo Sou?* •I had a dim impression,'said Horaoe in an unconcerned tone, 'that iron were joking in this matter—thatls, so Tar as regards myself and I would point out to yon that is sometimes dangerous,when yon arenaaslng a jest, to be too much in earnest Yxra see I am naturally dull and I often find it difficult to read between tbe lines. It must be about time tor my lunch.' He looked at his watch. •Yes, itia. If either Of the principals ask for me tell him I have gone to the Criterion, and that I may be a little later than usual. The air of this office is altogether so close and stlfllag that it is really unhealthy for one whose lungs are not over strong.' •I wouldn't try that on again, Spotty/ said one of the nonentities when Horace had taken his departure. •Do you know what happened to the man who dldnt mind his own business?'growled Spotty. 'Take care it doesn't happen to you.

Ana he applied his lips to his flask. His nerves must have been much shaken, tbe pull he took being so very long and deep.

The story of '"Mike Patchett," ana his "Sacred Nuggett," his business with Horace, hispropertyln the incoming ship, will be continued in Tbe Saturday Evening Mail next week. It will be found of absorbing interest w-

A SHOP GIRL,

A LESSON FOB SOME FOOLISH! VIRGINS.

Myra Sydney was sitting in the window of her little parlor waiting tbe slow rising of a storm over the opposite sky. Even city streets have their opportunities. street in which Miss Sydney dwelt was in the outskirts of a suburb, where building plots were still generously measured. It ran along the ridge pf a suburb, and Miss Sydney's house had ihe further advantage of standing opposite a group of vacant lots, beyond which, above the roofs and chimneys on the lower streets, a line of blue hills was visible, topped with woods and dappled with cloua shadows.

The dlook struck seven. The black cloud bad crept to tbe senith, and now a strong gust of wind swept from beneath if, bringing on its wings the drop

-B8

Miss Sydney rose and sh#t t|ie

of rain, window.

At that moment the door mil

t's two girls with a parcel, Miss [yra," said Esther, the parlor maid. They'd like to speak with you, they iv. Miss Sydney went out into her little entry." The girls, abodt the same age, were of tbe unmistakable shop B^rltype

You are from Snow A Aabers I think?" she said, in her courteous voice. "Yes'm. Mr. Snow said he wasn't sure Which of the nnderwaista it wa* that yon took, ao he sent both kinds, and you wUl try them on please?" "dertalnly. Are you to wait for them?" "Yes'm."

Miss Sydnmr made what haste she could, but before she returned the raiO was felling in torrents. "You must wait till it slackens," she said. "You'll be very wet if you don't. Have you fa* to go?" ••She has." replied one of the girls, with an emoarrassed giggle. "I'm pretty near by, and the horse oar runs just in front of the door. But Gary has to walk quite a long way, and her shoes is thin, too. She'd better wait, I gneMk but I must go, anyway." [.

Mis* Sydney glanced at the shoee-v cheap, paper-eoled boots, with a dusty velvet bow aewed on the toe of each, and she, too, concluded that by all means "Cary" must wait. "Oonae in here," she said, leading the way into the parlor. Esther had no# lighted the lamp. A little? fire sparkled on the hearth. Myra drew an easy chair close to it. "Sit down and have a thorough warming," she saiL*~4fIt is a chilly evening." "Y«rm*"

The girl thrust the velvet-bowed shoes, which gaped for lack of buttons, out to tbe lire, and, half held up a hand to 1" a small hand, wit gem on the forefLall bitten to the qplcki ticed.

The floe shad an pretty. ThebL forward, honest rather sweet, the modeling, lust wbich gives so early American women was a face which so. a low knot would su. taste of her clan,

MI

ment, It was

Theinat Sydney no-

handwnt not e£da*n%htthe fetiafe was that tfelicacV of ag oa fragility, 'ooth of so* many Meeting fehaftn. It ,ly banded bilr and bnt with the bad ify^had adopted

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the style of coiffure khtcfc became her least. All the front «hal* 'Was fan unkempt tangle of "batw.'*! At the back was amass of late switches, braided and surrounded with a gilt oOmo, and on top of the erection was perched straw hat lined with blue, and

drnimepte§

with a

bedraggled cock's-tafl. The dress of cheap material was bhM, also, and was frilled and flounced into a caricature of the prevailing fashion. A raffle of soiled lace surrounded the girl's neck, beneath which, over a not over-ciean muslin tie, hung a smart locket of yellow metalvery yellow. Bangles clinked round tbe slender wrists. Beneath the puffed and ruffled skirt, a sbabbypettiooatof gray cotton peeped out. Though the weather was chill tbe girl wore no wrap. Miss Svdnev noted these details in half the time it has taken to describe them, and stirred with a pity that was half in-

^Mychlld, bow "coold you think of coming out on such a day as this, without a abawir*

havent any shawL" "Well, a jacket, then." ••I havent any jacket, either, that matcbea this drees," glancing complacently down at tbe Waffled skirt. "Butyon would rather wear a jacket that dMnt match your dress than catch a cold, wouldn't you?" "Yea," admitted tbe girt, In rather an unwilling tone. "But the only one I've got is purple, a»d it took* horrid In this blue." jSottng dtweSit in hercompanjtont face, she added: "We poor girls

1 cant have a wrap for every dress like rich ladles do." "No" said Miss Sydney, gently. "I know it. I never attempted to nave a different wrap for each dress I wear. I cannot afford It. either. "Cary" stared. "How queer!" she began, then changed it to, "But you and us are quite different, ma'am." -There was something wistful in the face, which touched Myra Sydney. "It will be time wasted, I dare say,"shesaid to herself, "ntill I should like, just for onoe, to argne out the dress question with a girl-like this. She is one of a great class, and, poor things, they are so dreadfully foolish and ignorant." She made no immediate reply to her comtea,"

panlon, but rose and rang the bell "I am going to give you a cup of she said. "Hark, how it rains! You can't go yet, and you will be less likely to take cold when you do go, if you start well warmed. Besides I want to have you stay. I should like to have a talk over this question of dress, which is so interesting to all of us women."

She smiled brightly at her guest, who, as if dazzled, watched the entrance of the tray with its bubbling kettle, its plates of thin bread and butter, and crisp dainty cakes watohed Myra measure tbe tea. warm the pot of gay Japanese ware, ana when the brew was ready, fill the thin-lipped enps, and drop in sugar and cream. ••How niee!" she said, with a sigh of satisfaction. Her heart opened under the new, unwonted kindness afid comfort, and Miss Sydney had little difficulty in learning what she wished to know. Cary Thomas was the girl's name. She nad lived "at home" until two years ago. Did she like the cityf Yes she liked it well enough, but it was not like home to board. She and another girl that worked at Snow A Asher's bra a room together out in Farewell street. They had pretty good times when they were not too full of work, but in the busy season they stayed so late that they didn't wan't anything when they got home exoept to go straight to bed. They got seven dollars a week, and more wnen there was extra work to do. "Oan yon lay up anything out of that?" asked Miss Sydney. "No, ma'am not a cent at least, I dont. There are some girls in the store that do but they've got sick friends to save for." "Now," said Miss Sydney, having thns felt her way, "to go back to the jacket quession. As I told you, I cant at all aflbrd to have one for each dress."

(iCan'tyou,

ma'am and what do you

do then?" "I buy one jacket which will do with everything I wear." "But that isn't a suit," said Cary, doubtfully. "No but is it absolutely necessary that everything should be a suit?" "The girls at our store think so much of suits/' she said, in a duzzled tone of self-defense. "I know some people have a fancy for them, and they are very pretty sometimes but dont you see that they cost a good deal of jnoney and that working people—you and myself, for instance— ougntto manag* more carefully?" •vDo you work, ma'am?" "Ttobesureldo. You look surprised. Ah. you think that because I have a little nome of my own and live in rfpretty room, I must be a fine lady with nothing to do. That's a mistake of yours. I work nearly as many hours a day is you do and earn the greater part of my own lnoome, and I have to consult economy to keep my home and make it pleasant and among the things which I oant afford to have are suits." "I wish you'd tell me how you do, ma'am." "I will, though I am not in the habit of talking quite so freely about my affairs but I'll tell you, because it may give yon an idea how to manage better for yourself. In the first place, I keep two «r three oolora. I have a blaok gown or two, and an olive-brown, and this yellowisb-green that you see. and some lightor on«, white or pale yellow. Now. with any one of these the same bonnet will.do. The one I am wearing now is black, with a little let or pale yellow, and it goes perfectly well with all my dreestt, and ao does my black cashmere Jacket, and my parasol and gloves, which are yellow also. Don't you see there is ah economy is this, and that it I had a purple dress, and a blue one and a brown, I

should want a different bonnet for each, an^diflferent gloves and a different ^"Why, yes, it does seem so," said Gary, drawing along breath. "I'd like to do aometlung better myself, but I don't suppose I'd know how "Would you mind lf I told you what I think?" asked Myra, gently. "No'm, I'd thank you." "It seems to me that the chief trouble With girls who work in stores Is, that they care more for being what they call •stylish' than for being either neat or

pretty. A young girl can look her best Impte drees, if it hi well put on and

in arii becoming." "That's what mother used to say. And Mark, be always likes me best in a white bib-apron. To be sure, he never saw me in city clothes"—she stopped, blushing. "Is Mark your brothen" asked Myra. Then she smiled at her own stupidity, for such a deep flush aa mantled in Cary'a cheek is seldom evoked by tbe mention of a brother. "No'm he's just—a friend. His folks and mine live opposite." "In Oilmanton, and he is a farmer "His father farms, and Mark works for him but his time is out in the spring, and then he calculates to set op for himself." "Does he ever oooae to the city "No, not once since I was here but be speaks some of coming down along toward spring, and that's one reason 1 like to

look

as stylish as lean, so's not to

be different from the rest, when Mark cornea.'' "I think in bis place I should prefer yon to be different," said Miss Sydney, decidedly. "Now, Gary, don't be offended, nut What you girls aim at is to look like the ladies who ctfme to the shop—'stylish,' as you would say "Yes, I suppose it Is," admitted Gary. "WelLtben, I must tell yon tbe plain truth. You utterly fail in your attempt. No one would mistake ajprl, dressed ss yon are at the moment, for a lady nobody—but"—disregarding the dew flush on her companion's cheeks—"if I went into a shop, and saw there a young lady as pretty and as delicately made as you are, Gary, with hair as smooth ss satin, and a simple gown that fitted exactly, and a collar and cuffe as white as snow, and perbape a Made silk apron or a white one,aod with neat shoes and white stockings—if I aaw a girl dressed lifcs^ that, wuh nothing costly, nothing thaf any girl can not have, but everything frean and neat and pretty, I should say

mm ifMn Ika

came to town and saw a girl like thai among tbe crowd of untidy ,over-drossoa ones at Snow A Asber's, 1 think tbe contrast would strike him as it would j-ney paused, half frightened at her own daring. Gary looked steadily into the fire with out speaking. The

rain had ceased. Myra rose and threw back the blind, revealing the moon struggling through the edges of clouds. CaryTollowed her to the window. Her cheeks were a deep red. hut there was frank and grateful look in her eyes as she said: "I must be going now, ma'am. You have been ever so good to let me stay. I shan't forget it, and—I guess you're about right." "1 wonder iLi said the right thing, or have done the least good queried Miss Sydney, as she watched her guest depart.

It was some weeks before she bad occasion again to visit Snow & Asher's, and she nad half forgotten the little incident, wBen one day entering the shop in questof something, her attention was attracted by a face which beemed with sudden smiles at the sight of her. It was indeed Cary, but such a different Gary from the draggled vision of the wet evening! She still Wore the blae dress, but thefiouuees had been ripped off, and the front was hidden by a black silk apron. The tangle of hair was smoothed like ordinary waves a white collar with a knot of blue ribbon was round her neck one of the objectionable rings had disappeared, and so had the yellow locket. So changed and so much prettier was the little maiden that Miss Sydney scarcely knew her, till (he blush ana smile pointed her out.

She waited on her customer with asslduity, and under cover of a box of ruffles they exchanged confidences. Did Miss Sidney think she looked better? She was so glad. The girls bad laughed at her at first, but not so much now, and her room-mate, Ellen Morris, had got herself an apron like hers. Miss Sydney left the shop with a pleased amusement at her heart. She meant to go often, to keep a little hold on Cary, but circumstances took her on to Florida soon afterward, and it was late in April when she .'/ returned. "That girl from Snow A Asher's was here to see you about a week ago, ma'am," said Esther, tbe evening of her arrival. "I told her you were expeote Tuesday, and she said she would com again to-day, for she wanted to speak to ou particular, and she was going away. 'here she is now."

Cary indeed it was. with a steady, manly-looking voung fellow by her side. "It is Mark, *Miss Sydney," she said, by way of Introduction. Later, when Mark nad walked over to the window to see the view, she explained further, in a rapid utterance: He came down about two months ago, while you were away, ma'am. I came to tell you, but you were gone and day after to-mor-row I'm going back with him to Oilmanton. I tola him he must bring me out to-night, for I couldn't leave nere without saying good-bye to you." "You are going to be married?" "Yes"—with a happy look—"to-mor-row morning. And oh, Miss Sydney, what do you think Mark says? He says lf he'd found me looking like the rest of the girls at the store, with false hair and jewelry and all that, he'd never in the world have saved me at all. And I did look just like that, you know. It was what you said that rainy night that made me Change, and except for that nothing would nave happened that has, and I shouldn't be the girl I am." "Bread on the waters," thought Myrp, as a little later she watohed tne lovers walk down the street. "Such a little crumb and such wide waters, yet it haa come back! How impossible It seems, or would seem, if one did not have to believe that what we oall chances and accidents are God'sopportunities, by which He allows us to lend a helping band ija His work, not quite understanding what we do, but knowing that guided by Him, the smallest things end sometimes in great reaults." ,,,,

PSA YIBO FOR PAPA,

HOW GOD ANSWERED A LITTLE QIBL "MOST A3 QUICK AS THE TELEPHONE."

Detroit Tribune.

but habit was stronger than love for wife and child, and he eluded their ten-

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A few nights ago a well-known dtisen of this town, who has been walking for some time in the downward path, nft^riA out of his home and started down town with a night of carousal with some old companions he had promised to meet. His young wife had besought him with Imploring eyes to spend the evening with her, and had reminded him of the time when evenings passed in her 4. company were all too snort. His little daughter had clung about his knees and coaxed in her pretty, willful way, for "papa" to tell her some bed-time stories,

1

der questioning by the special sophistries the father of evil advances at suoh times from his credit fund and went his way. But when be was blocks distant from his home he found that in changing his coat he had forgotten to remove his wallet, and he could not go out on a drinking bout without money, even though he knew that his family needed it, that his wife waa economizing each day more and more in order to make up bis deficits, and he hurried back and crept softly past tbe windows of thelifctie nome, in order that he might steal lm and obtain it. without running tl*

untlet of either question or caresses, something stayed bis feet there was afire in the grate within—for the night was chill—and it lit up the little parlor and brought out in startling effects tbe pictures on the wall. But the*) were ss nothing to the picture on the hearth. P' There, in the soft glow of the firelight, knelt his little child at her mother's^ feet, its smsll hands clasped in prayer, its fair head bowed, and as ite rosy lips uttered each word with childish distinctnees. The father listened, spellbound to the spot. "Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Sweet petitionl The man hlmseJf. who stood there with bearded lips shut tight- $ ly together, had said that prayer once at bis mother's knee. Where was thatf ,' mother now? The sunset gates bad long^,

Sit

unbarred to let her pass through. the child had not finished be beard her "God bless mamma, papa and my own self,"—then there was a pause, and

she lifted troubled blue eyes to her mother's face. "God bless papa," prompted tbe mother softly. "God bless papa," lisped the little one. "And —please send him home sober"— he could not hear tbe mother as she said this, but the child followed in a clear, inspired tone: "God—bless papa—and please sendr-v him—home—sober. Amen." Motler^ and child sprang to tbe feet in alarm when tbe door opened so suddenly, but they were not afraid when they ssw whs it was returned so soon but tbat night when little Mamie was being tucked up in bed after such a romp with papa, she said in tbe sleepiest ana most contented of voices: "Mamma, God answers mostesquiek ss tbe telephone, doesn't be?"

Bigotry Is an outgrowth ci misguided seal,

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