Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 33, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 9 February 1884 — Page 6

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885#§0®if IA PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

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Mike Patchett.

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Romance of the Gold Fields.

BY B. L. FARJEON.

Author of "Blade o' Gram," "Grif," "Bread |uid Cheese and Kisses," "Joshua Marvel," Ac.

fThe storjr of "Mike Patchett" was commenced in this paper Oct. 27th. Back nunwben will be tent to any address on receipt of iv or a

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CHAPTER XXXII. ii

A RIDE FROM PEGLEG. During the whole of the day, in the course of the long ride from Pegleg to Melbourne, Mike Patchett had thought of nothing but Peggy. On the diggings in which he bad made bis "pile" he was naturally a notable character, and when lie put his name down at the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle as passenger by the next morning's coach, Levy, the driver, who directed those matters, said upon looking down the list of names, "Keep the box seat for Mike Patchett." Levy, with the rains in bis band, was as absolute an aristocrat as the captain of a vessel on the high seas, and when be directed that the place of honor should be reserved for the fortunate gold-digger it was in the expectation of having a good time on the road. But. contrary to expectation, Levy found Mike Patchett tbe very dullest of companions-. It discomposed him, for he wax fond of a charitable mate. The drive through bush and forest was in his estimation a very dull affair and needed enlivening, and be knew that Mike Patchett had much to tell worth the listening to. Of bis own free will, however, Mike Patchett needed no information. He sat on the coveted box seat completely engrossed in bis thoughts, which, to judge from Sis face, were not entirely of an agreeable nature.

The drive commenced in a manner.- In the early morning, while the horses were being harnessed to the ooach in front of the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle, Mike Patchett, accompanied by one of the men who worked for him at bis puddling machines, drove up in a rough puddling cart, and, calling Levy aside, asked bim if be bad many passengers. Upon being told that the ooach was not full, he said: "Then I'll book for two more places," and did so accordingly, paying the taoney. "Who for?" asked Levy, for it was usual to give the names of the passengers. ""Oh, it's not for men," replied Mike Patchett: "it's for that box." Pointing /, to a small box be bad brought with him in bis cart. "That isn't worth speaking about," said the driver "we'll take it charge." "It couldn't be expected," said Mike

Patchett, "considering that it's not far abort of the weight of two men." "What's in it, m^te?" tl "Gold."

It'was heavy enough in all conscience, and when a stout rope was slung around it, it needed two men to pull it to the top of the coach, where it was stowed snugly away. "It's at your risk, you know," said the booking the office to Mike

clerk in Patchett. "All rlgbt,"said Mike Patchett. "Levy and me '?1 be able to take care of it."

Levy nodded carelessly and looked to the two revolvers he carried with him. Mike Patchett also examined his revolvers. There were bush-rangers about, to whom such a haul would have been too tempting to resist. But the affair bad' been kept secret to the last summer. The box contained the result of the washing-up of the auriferous earth belonging to Mike Patchett during his recent breif visit to Pegleg. It was his whim to take the gold himself to Mel bourne to show Peggy, then to deposit it in the Melbourne Bank. "All aboard!" cried Levy.

The passengers clamored to their places, tne driver gathered up bis reins, cracked his whip in the air and shouted "Hi!" and away tore the four horses through the township with a clang and a clatter which arousal every living being within hail. In five minutes the ooach was whirling through the bush, and then Levy settled himself to a comfortable chat with Mike Patchett. To bis discomfiture be found the gold digger exceedingly taciturn, and received scarcely any out monosyllable replies to his remarks and questions,' "Fine morning." "Yea." 4 «r If* "Long spell of summer we're going to have." "Yes." "There'll be hot winds, blast 'em and we shall have the creeks dried up in a week."

Ehad

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/.U

No answer. "A new team that," flicking bis whip. "Yes!" "Yes." And waited for Mike Patchett's praise of the cattle that were bounding merrily along. They were in the forest now, windiug in and out the trees in a manner so skillful as to excite the unbounded admiration of the passengers. To the timid ODW, however, who were ignorant of the fame of the driver, there was a sense of decided danger in this ra drew a long were once more on the clear bush roads.

rapid disentanglement, and tbey a long breath of relief when they

Levy glanced at Mike Patchett. The matter of the Sacred N saw nothing before and around him, was heedless of danger and blind to ail that was passing. His thoughts were npon the journey's end, and upon one being he would soon afterwards hold in his arms. Peg-

His P«vgy—bis child—for whom waitedso long, for whom he waa ready to sacrifice himself and his gold, if only she would give bim the love he had yearned for. what she bad already given him—was that love? Were the cold caresaessbe had bestowed npon him what he had looked forward to with such intense desire? For a tew minutes Levy was silent, then he commenced again.

Heard the news of the Dead Man's Shaft?" "No." "It happened three hours before we started. Been deserted for nigh upon twelve months, I should say." "Yea, about that.'* "Two brother*—the Oonnolley*. You know the Connolleys "Yea.*' "Mmrkwd out a claim at midnight and took In the Dmi Man'* Shaft. They believe there's a reef at the bottom of It."

"Like enough." "Well, they rigged up a windlass and down they went, sixty feet. What do you think they found t" "Can't say." *, "The bod[y of Pat Molloy, their own cousin, who went away from Pegleg a fortnight ago—that is, it was supposed be went away, but as be was murdered and thrown down tbe shaft, of course it couldn't have been." "Of course not." "They brought up the body, and it's lying on tbe billiard table in the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle, waiting an inquest." "Ab." "Calling that shaft the Dead Man's Shaft was a bit of prophecy, wasn't it?" "Yes."

This listless indifference hurt Levy in a sore point. What had happened to Mike Patchett to make him so silent and indisposed for social converse? It was so different from his usual moods, which were free and companionable.

Mike Patchett, indeed, scarcely heard the remarks addressed to him by Levy, and his replies were almost mechanically given. Peggy—his child—bis daughter all that he desired was silence to think about her. It could not be that she did not wish to bid him good-bye when be left her to go to Pegleg it could not be that she thought it a trouble to show him this slight mark of affection. No— it was a pure accident that she was asleep when he softly crept out of Victoria Lodge. She had intended to be vfith him, and had sat up all the night in her bedroom so as not to miss the hour of his departure and, wearied out with waiting and watching, had fallen asleep against her will. Yes, that was what bad oacnrred. This ideal chain of events in connection with the little matter was an inexpressible comfort to him, and the coach, pulling upat awooden shanty where horses were to be changed, Mike Patchett asked Levy to have a drink. Encouraged by this promise of sociabiliLevy, when they were again on the coach and rattling along, opened up conversation again. "That is real fine wash-dirt of yours in your original claim." "Yes." "The best that ever was found, Isheuld sav." iw,. *-'1

l'As

good as the best."

"Ordinarily a claim like* yours would have been worked out long ago." "Yes, long ago." "But yours ain't worked out by along way." "No." "The deeper you get the richer it seems to be." "Yes." "There must be more than one lead in it." "Yes, there is." "It is tbe junction of a number of leads, I'm told." "Yes, it is." "Then there's quartz running through it?" "Yes." "A kind of rubby quartz with the gold sticking in it everywhere. "Yes." "It must be a regular basin of gold." "It is." "If it'aa fair question, how much do you reckon you've washed out of the claim altogether ,. "I haven't reckoned." "You had a washing-up yesterday?" "Yes." "What did it amount to?" v" "Over two thousand ounces." "It's in that box, I suppose, you've got on the coach. "Yes." "Something like a claim, your." "Yes."

Fairly disgusted with tbe exhibition of unfriendliness, Levy gave Mike Patchett up, and inwardly vowed, when the lucky digger traveled with bim again, it should be as an inside passeager. Tbe highest in the colony—even judges—had sat by bis side, in the seat now occupied by this silent man, and had not been too proud to hold converse with him. His dignity was touched, and he retired within himself.

It exactly accorded with Mike Patchett's humor. It left him free to think of Peggy. The glow of comfort reflection of Peggy sitting up aaleejj

which the: eggy sitting for him in her room and falling aslee ray their positions been reversed, bow dif-

had afforded him was dying awa\

ferent it would have been! Sleep, health, life itself, what would he not cheerfully have given for his child Then, should she not have shown him this small mark of attention? She might have left her bedroom door unlocked and have asked Mrs. Whitmarsh to awake her. That was easy. It would be a natural thought to occur to a loving mind. He shuddered to a loving mind! Was Peggy so wanting in affection that the simple thought of what would give him pleasure should not occur to ber? He had never been given to reasoning on things he tsok them as they came as a rule, and and allowed himself to be driven this way or that without any determined action on his part to shape or guide the course of circumstances. There was a time in bis life when at a grave crisis, perhaps as grave as ever had occurred to man or woman, be had accepted with resignation—even with some kind of

Eave

leasure—a fate which most men would struggled against with all the might of their souls, He thought of that crisis now. Having it. in his power, would he act differently at the present time if happened now instead of then The question confused him. It could not occur now bis life, his surroundings, circumstances were so changed. It was associated with bis wife, and his memory traveled back to her. That Peggy did not remind him of her—that his daughter's ways were not the ways of hi? wife

traveled back to her. That Peggy did aaind ays that their features, their voices, their tricks of expression were dissimilarsomewhat distracted bim. It was the first time it had occurred to him, and he did not permit it to disturb bim long. "Because my Peggy," he said to himself, "didn't jump up out oi ber sleep and kiss me before I went away. I'm begining to think hard of her. That ain't reasonable, Mike Patchett's it's onreasonable, and onjust, and onfair. My Peggy! What has she done to me tbat I should be bard on her? If she shows me her true nater, shouldn't I be grateful for it—yea even if it gbea agin myself, shouldn't I bo grateful for it? 8he*s done every thinkI asked ber to do. She's come out here alone, thousands and thousands of miles, across tbe wild seas, which I crossed ones, but in a slightly different way from hers she takes meaa her father, and never throws in my teeth a bitter word about her past, which she might well do. believing me to be what everybody as knew me in tbe old country believed me to be she pats up with my lowness, and commonness, and never as much aa breathea a word to give me pain. And here am I, like an onthankful old cuss, a-findin fault witn her without reason. Low and common! Yes. I am that, and there's no disputing of it. And she's a lady—yes, my Peggra! a ladv, and because of that I'm mean enough to throw stones at her. Yer don't deserve her, Mike Patchett, yon don deserve her. And there—there's, my very name! Sbe never sea to me, 'Daddv, why Patchett? Why not Partly, as I've alius been accustomed to—Purdy,

as was my mother's name, and is mine and yourn, onless you're somebody else?' No sbe never ses that to me. Ana why? Because sbe thinks it might hurt me, because she believes in me, because she trusts me. If ber ways area little colder (which may be only fancy after all) than I'd like 'em to be—if she doesn't kiss and hug me aa I hoped my danghter'd do—what does it matter if her heart's all right? And it is all right—I'll take my oath on it—her heart is all right, or I might have real cause for sorrer. She might tell me to my face—not knowing the truth whfch only me and another man is aware on—that I was a disgrace to her and that I brought shame on her. It's a disgrace and a shame that money can't buy off—no, it can't do tbat—and sbe never cast it at me. Peggy—my dear, brave gal! what money cau do it shall do for yer it's the least yer can expect from a common, low man like me. And I'll put up with anythink and not ask too much of yer, my gal—and take yer as yer are, with yer outspoken mind and yer loving heart, and'll go down on my knees this night afore I go to bed and thank the Lord for bringing into my common life a bit of sunshine as my ongrateful sperrit'd throw a sbadder across. But it shan't no, as I'm a living man, it shan't—for it might throw a shadder over your life, Peggy! I've wronged yer enough, my 'gal, I've wronged yer enough."

This was tlje sum and substance of his musings during that long drive from Pegleg, and it was not until the coach was within three or four miles of Melbourne streets tbat be aroused himself from them and allowed tbe thought to intrude that, as a mate and comrade, he had fallen short of what reasonably might have been expected of bim by Levy, tbe driver. "I hope," he said, suddenly addressing Levy, "that yer don't mind my being dull to-day." "Why should

I

In those days no man, who had been tempted to tbe colonies in the hope of making a fortune, ever spoke of the country to which he had emigrated as his home. Home was far away/ across the seas, and the thoughts were constantly and wistfully wandering thitherwards it was only by slow degrees that men grew accustomed to look upon Australia as a land in which they were to live and die. "Is your daughter here or at home?" then asked Levy, and added before bis companion had time to reply "I

TERRS HAUTE SATURDAY EVESCLtTO MAIL

mind?" asked Levy,

stiffly. "I've been thinking a lot—" "Like the parrot." "You're a married man, Levy?" "What of that?-' "And you've got a daughter." "That's no news." "Well, I've been thinking of my daughter. That's what's kept me so quiet." "All right, mate," said Levy, becoming more cheerful, "no occasion to say another word." "You brought your little girl once in the coach." "That's

90."

5* A pritty little thing. I sor hei "You did "Yes, and

I

sor how fond she was of

yer, clinging toyer with her little bands as loving as heart could desire."

Mike Patchett, having it ready for the et of gold, worth

1s

hand.

or yer little gin,'.* no said, apologetically "have it made into a brooch for her."

This method of setting himself right was a favorite expedient of his. The offering of astray nugget served many purposes, and it was invariably made with such an absence of ostentation— nay, frequently with so much humbleness—that it seldom, if ever, failed in its purpose. The mind of Levy, the driver was mollified, and the heart of Levy, the father, was melted, by the gift and the manner of its bestowal. "Is your daughter here or at home?" ho sflkod*

thought

you were a lonely man, mate?" "I was," said Mike Patchett, "till a little more nor a week ago, when my gal came out." "Oh, she's here, then! That's a good bearing she'll be company for you. Are you going to take ber to Pegleg?" "Yes. the day after to-morrow. I must book places for us when we get to the Melbourne office." "You'll be too busy with your daughter," said Levy. "She'll be there to meet you, of course' I'll book your places." "Thank yer," said Mike Patchett, with a sinking heart.

He had no hope tbat Peggy would be at tbe coach office to meet him, and yet the driver, who had a loving daughter of his own, had mentioned it as the right and proper thing for a daughter to do. If Peggy, then, did not come in from St. Kilda to give him welcome home. Sbe was wanting Doth in love and duty. He shook his bead with an angry motion at this reflection. The driver did not know that his daughter never in ber life, till the lost few days, received a father's love. What right, therefore, had he, Mike Patchett, to expect from Peggy those evidences of affection which a cnild who had lived from her birth with a fond and loving parent would naturally proffer? "A tree don't grow in an hour or a day," thought Mike Patchett. "I must wait for Peggy's love Imustearn it I must show as I'm worthy of it." Thus did he place Peggy on a height far, far above nim, andnimself gazing up at her humbly and beseechingly. How much greater, therefore, was his jey when, after rattling merrily through the Melbourne streets, the coach drew up at Cobb's office, and he saw Peggy and Horace waiting for him? A look of delight flashed into his eyes. His pleasure was the sweeter because of the surprise. It was an added pleasure, also, thAt Horace had accompanied bis girl. "Is that young lady your daughter?" inquired Levy, in astonishment, tbe contrast between tbe fashionably dressed beauty and tbe rough gold digger was so striking. "Yesjj'said Mike Patchett, "that's my

"Shouldn't have thought it," said Levy, throwing the reins to the men who were waiting to take tbe horses to the stables. "Why, she's a perfect lady!"

Mike Patchett climbed quickly down, while Peggy threw kisses to him. These kisses were like dew and sunshine to a drooping flower but tbey also brought a sense of guiltiness to Mike Patchett because of tbe Injustice he had done bis Peggy in his thoughts during the day. Never mind, he would make it up to her, and would never think of her in that way again. This, was his inward resolve.

Peggy flew to hi* arms, and kissed him, and the tears ran down his face as be returned her kisses. He was dusty and begrimed from tbe long day's drive, and his tears did not improve his appearance. Horace stood aside and looked gravely on. "What a time you've been away!" exclaimed Peggy. "I thought you were never coming back." "You've missed me, then?" aaked Mike Patchett, with pangs of lave and remorse.

"Missed you daddy!" cried Peggy. "I've been as dull as an owl, and have almost cried my eyes out. What's in that little box? Is it yours? It seems heavy." "It's mine, Peggy, and it's full of gold."

Shaking hands first with Horace, Mike Patchett saw to the placing of the box in tbe carriage in which Peggy and

ible. When sbe was in tbe carriage she stooped to raise tbe box, but could not move it. "Why, daddy," she exclaimed, "I can't lift it." "No wonder, Peggy," said Mike Patchett, "considerin' it weighs more nor two hundred weight." "Whatis it worth, daddy? How many sovereigns, I mean?" "Perhaps ten thousand, Peggy." "And have you got all that since you went away "Every ounce of it. Not a bad wash-ing-out, is it, Mr. Horace "It is altogether too marvelous," replied Horace, languidly "sounds like a fairy story." "I brought it on myself," said Mike Patchett to Peggy, "to show yer. We'll empty tbe box on the table when we get homQ. So you've been dull, Peggy, without yer old daddy." "Never so miserable in my life, daddy. Haven't we been wretched dull, Mr. Bl&kensee "To say," answered Horace in his Ynost provoking draw, "that we have been on the briuk of despair would not be speaking tbe truth." "I've got the house all ready for yer, Peggy, my dear, and the day after tomorrer we'll go to Pegleg. You ought to come with us Mr. Horace." "I intend to," said Horace. "Existence without the society of Miss Patchett—"

pardons.

society of your charming daughter, Peggy, existence would not be bearable indeed it would not. There's nothing to keep me in Melbourne. An idle, aimless fellow like myself is well anywhere as—" he paused and added vaguely—"as anywhere else."

Peggy could not keep her eyes from tbe box ot gold, and sbe experienced something like a feeling of hatred towards Madge as she thought that her maid, and not herself, was the real heiress to all this wonderful wealth. "I'll get as much out of him as I can,", she thought. "When I have to cut and run. it shan't be empty handed."

During the ride to Victoria Lodge she debated with herself whether it would be wise to get rid of Madge, and not allow her to go to Pegleg, ana she decided that it would be too dangerous to let that young woman out of her sight. Sbe kept close to Mike Patchett on the way and put her hand in his. Never in his life had he been so happy. His dream was realized his daughter was by his side, and she loved him. What could man hope for more

Later in tbe nigbt, when the box of

f•eggy,

old was emptied on tbe table, and with little screams of delight, lifted a handful of the precious metal, and allowed the golden shower to fall though her fingers, he said. "You've been so dull while I was away, Peggy, that I cught to make it to yer." "Yes, daddy," she said, "you ought." "Buy yerself a present, then,"be said, "with a double handful of that there gold." "O, my!" she cried, with glittering eyes "I wish my hands were as large as yours."

Shejoined her hands, and with infinite care plunged them into the treasure, and lifted them full of gold. "Hold up my dress, you dear old daddy," she said, "so that I can drop It in. And now I am going to give you your six kisses, because you're the very kindest father in all the wide, wide world."

CHAPTER XXXIII. THE RIVALS.

The Government of Victoria bad ordered a census to be taken, and the returns had been sent in. Of all the gold fields, Ballarat stood first in point of numbers, Bendigo second, Pegleg third. The papers prepared for Pegleg showed a population of 7,963, the proportions being as follows: ...

Male children 25 A Female children 32 Adults, males 6,842 Adults, females 62 I There was, therefore, one female to every 110 males, not reckoning fractions. Easy to imagine what a valuable commodity woman was on tbe gold fields. Sbe was not ouly an influence, sbe waa a power and she ruled the roast. Verily, the man who possessed a wife posse seed a treasure, if only to take in washing at twelve shillings a dozen all round.

All the women were wives. Some seven or eight bad entered Pegleg single but were not allowed to remain so for longer than a week. The men were after them like shot, and though one was cross-eyed, and another had a crooked nose, and another was a spinster of forty, each of them could have picked and chosen from a couple of hundred suitors. Could those things have been definitely appraised during the few days of single blessedness which remained to them when they made their iirst appearance on Pegleg, a table might have been drawn up somewhat resembling this:

A kind look—one ounce of gold. A smile-two ounces, ditto. A pressure of the hand—three ditto, ditto. A kiss—ten ditto, ditto. What chances were lost in those days by thousands of hopeless maidens across tbe sea!

Unnecessary, therefore, to describe the excitement caused in Pegleg by tbe introduction of Peggy and Madge. Mike Patchett bad made it known tbat they were coming and the crowd about tbe Rose, Shamrock and Thistle an hour before tbe coach was expected to arrive was immense. There were others besides gold diggers. The gold fields warden and his secretary, and the resident magistrate, and other Government officials (all single men—at least in Pegleg) were there to welcome them, and scouts ran into tbe township from the main road, exclaiming: "They're coming—they're coming!" All the stores in the High street hoisted flags. Mike Patchett himself was a man well liked, for he was not a niggard with bis gold, and every public movement whicn required funds received its most liberal subscriptions from the rich digger Wuo, had discovered and opened up tbe gold field. Bat it was the single" women be brought with him to whom the honor was paid. Tbeir introduction waa really an event of tbe highest importance, and tbe next week's number of the Pegleg Advertiser contained a column and a half of description, written in the best and most appropriate style, and also a leading article by tbe editor, who waa a bachelor who aspired to matrimony. "What a crowd of people!" said Peggy.

Mike Patchett knew tbe cause of the gathering, but he bald his tongue. He

1

was a proud man when he stood at the coach door and looked on while Horace handed out Peggy and Madge. Horace had been prevailed upon to accompany them. Not that he needed much persuasion, but he would have followed afterwards, had not Mike Patchett, and Peggy herself, urged him to give them his company.

There was a buzz of admiration as Peggy and

and silk, and looked like a queen gazed upon the throng of rough men who stood a little apart. Madge, on the contrary, was very simply dressed, but! did not look less a lady on that account. Comments were made by various men' among the onlookers. "That's never old Patchett'8 daughter. Why, she's a regular swell!" "Looks like a star actress." "Sbe's a lucky oue, anyhow. She'll make old Patchett's money spin." "She's made it spin alt eaay. Justlook at her dress and her feathers and her diamonds and gloves. Couldn't be beat ia Regent street." "I like the little one (meaning Madge). She's good enough for me. The tall girl is one of your proud beauties

And so on, and so on. Horace excited no attention whatever. Anything in the shape of a man toas of utter insignificance in the presence of two such women as Peggy and Madge.

The gold fields warden came forward and begged for an introduction. Peggy was very gracious, and, anticipating the gold fields warden's intention of patronizing her, patronized him instead. Madge stood in the background by tbe side of Horace. Altogether, Peggy's first appearance on Pegleg may be pronounced a success. Before the week was out a ball was given in the government camp, and Peggy and Madge were invited. it was a very grand affair, but the opinions were divided as to the relative merits of mistress and maid. -Of the two Madge certainly showed more pride and self-respect. Horace danced once with and three times with Madge, /ery well, sir," said Peggy to him "I will punish you for it." "Don't be nonsensical," said Horace "what I do is out of consideration for myself. If I were to attempt to monopolize you, I shouldn't wonder if I was shot by the scores of men who are running mad after you. Now, Madge is a different sort of a creature, and they allow me to pay ber attentions without treating me to scowls and dark looks."

It was a week of such excitement that Peggy scarcely bad time to think, and it was only when Antonio presented himself that she was brought back to tbe realities of ber position. He would have been more swiftly in pursuit of her had it not seen that he was mad at the trick Flaxman bad played upon him of taking his hundred sovereigns and giving him a blank paper in return. He searched and bunted everywhere in Melbourne for the man who had cheated him, but he searched in vain. He could not find Flaxman, and, hearing that Peggy bad left for Pegleg, he feared that along absence from her would jeopardize his chances, so he followed her and arrived on the diggings the day after the ball at the government camp.

He and Spotty, who accompanied him, put up at the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle, and the first acquaintance they met was Horace, who bad engaged a reo'm in the hotel and was living there. "Ah, Horace," said Antonio, with an affectation of •ordiallty, "who would have thought of meeting you here?" "You," replied Horace. "No, no, indeed," remonstrated Antonio. "We will not arguftlt," said Horace. "And Spotty, too—yowhunt in couples. What brings you here? Do you intend to wield an honest pick?" "That's my business," said Spotty. Mind your own." "I will. Those bets I made with you —or rather, that you made with me— upon the arrival of the Pride of the South. Has it slipped your memory that I won them, and that you haven't paid me?" "You'll have to wait," said Spotty. "You can't get blood out of a stone "1 rue. Bat remember, you stipulated that they were to be paid in cash when they were dicided." "Ob, I'll pay you, don't fear. If you are frightened you won't get your money, I'll give you a bill for it. I have taken yours, you know. What

food

for the goose is good for ihe gan-

"Not to be disputed. And as it would reallv be a pitty for tbe cordial relations which exist between us to be disturbed, we will settle the matter here and now. I'll take your bill. Come, let us sit down and drink a friendly glass. I'll play the part of goose in this transaction."

Thereupon Horace called for a bottle of sparkling Moselle, and taking out bis pocket-book extracted a bill stamp. "I seldom travel without Kites," he said laughing. "How many months shall we say? Three?" "Six." "Six let it be. I never was particular in money matters. Shall I draw upon you?" "If you like." "Will you make it payable in the colonies or at home?" -p .' "In London." "I am content. You can accept It payable wherever you like in London^"

He sat down to draw out the bill, and Spotty drew Antonio aside. "I don't like his looks or his tones," be said to tbe Italian, in a whisper. "I have had a longe' experience of bim than you have. He means mischief." "To wbem?" asked Antonio, also dropping bis voice. "To me, or you, or both of us! "We will find out," said tbe Italian, complacently. "I think I know what it means. If be crosses me he will have to look to himself."

By tbis time the bill was drawn, and Horace banded the pen to Spotty, who wrote across it, "Accepted paysble at at Messrs. Fresh field A Co., Threadneedle street, London,—WILLIAM FBESHFIBLD."

William Fresh field was Spotty's proper name. Horace read the words and said— "At Messrs. Fresh field & Co., Threadneedle street? A bank?" "Stock brokers," replied Spotty, "relatives of mine." "Your people?" "Yes, my people." "Really," said Horace with an agreeable smile, "I had no idea yon were so respectably connected." "Do you mean to insult me?" cried Spotty.

W

in my nature to be serious." "It may happen that vou shall be againt your will." "You wish to quarrel with me," said Horace, very languidly. 'saveyourself the trouble. I decline to quarrel. Say what you have to say in your softest and most agreeable manner, and then I shall be able to understand you." "You shall understand me." 1, "Have I not said that I shall be able to if you are gentle?" "You are here on the diggings of Pegleg." "Uuless," murmured Horace, "things are not what tbey seem, I am most assuredly here on the diggingsof Pegleg." "With a purpose in youi mind." "Eh asked Horace. "I repeat- with a purpose in your mind."

Horace filled bis glass and held it up to the light. "With a purpose in my mind. This is interesting. That I should have myself revealed to myself by one I esteem and honor so much is really interesting. Proceed, Antonio." "Nay, it is for you to proceed. What is that purpose "Pardon me. It is you who have made the discovery. It is you who credit me with a certain intention. It is for you. then, to throw light upon it." "I will throw light upon it. You love —or pretend you love—Mai-gnerita I''

If it were assumed, the expression of blank amazement with which Horace regarded Antonio proved him to be an admirable actor. "I love," he said, "or pretend I love, Marguerita. Receive my thanks. But who is Marguerita "You shall not play with me—"

Horace raised his hand, deprecatingly. "For heaven's sake do not speak so fiercely. Let me endeavor to make you understand me. I have no wish for a scene, and especially-for a violent scene. What is made, friend Antonio, I will be no paity to it. Your excited actions are drawing attention to us. I have a horror of notoriety. Speak gently, and I will listen to you. Speak as you have already spoken, and leave you. Who is Marguerita?" "You will know. In English it is Peggy—in my country, Marguerita." "O, Miss Patchett! Well, say I love her, which I do admit, what then "It then remains between you and me," said Antonio, his heroics being divested of every atom of dignity by the

necessity imposed upon himof speaking

in a modern tone.

"Not so. It remains with the lady. That is tbe fashion of our country, to which you must conform. You have assumed, rather roughly and upon no produced evidence, that I love the young lady in question. Upon direct evidence as presented at the attitude you have assumed in this interview, I concluded that you love her." "Yes," said Antonio, striking his breast, "I am not ashamed to say that I love her." "To say that ^ou are not ashamed of confessing as much is somewhat disparaging to the object of your affections. Go to her, my friend, and tell her what you have told me. You have my free permissidn and consent." "Will you also come, so that Bhe shall hear both you and me? You shall hear from her lips that sbe despises you." "It is an excellent idea. I will coma with yo.u,JAntonio, with all my heart.'^ [TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WBI

No other medicine is so reliable as Ayer's Cherry Pectoral for colds, coughs, and all derangements of the respiratory organs tending toward consumption. In all ordinary cases it is a certain ci/re, and it affords sure relief for the asthmatic and consuriiptive, even in advanced stage of disease.

(OonHnued/rom Uut wedi.)

How Watch Cases are Made,

It is a fact not generally known that the James Bom/ Gold Watch Cases really coar tain more pure gold than many solidw gold cases The demand for these watch cases has led to the manufacture of a voiy poor grade of solid gold watch cases— low in quality, and deficient in quantity* These castes are made from 4g to 10 karats, and a 5 or 6 karat case is often sold for 12 or 14 karats. It is NOT economy to buy a watch case so poor in quality that it will soon lose its color, or one so soft that it will lose its shape and fuil fo shut tight, thus letting in dust and damaging the works, or one so thin that a slight blow will break the crystal, and perhaps the movement It IS economy to buy a James Botu? Gold Waitfk Gm, in which KONE of these things evfer occur. This watch case is not an cxperiment—it has been made nearly thirty years.

HAZbKTOK,

Pa.,

Oct. 34,1888,

I sold two James Bom' Gold Watch OaneH thirty yearn ego, when tliey first ctme out. and they are in good condition yet. Osa of them la carried by a carpenter, Mr. L. W. Drake, of Hazleton, and only ehows the wear In ono ojr two places the other by Mr. Bowman, of Cunning-bun, Pa. and I con produce one or both of tbeee cams at any time. 8TZ.TXSTS& Emolb, Jtutlvr. Srad S ml Mmb to Kef'toac Wilfh Caw fvtorln, Philadelphia, wr bMitxMHv lllntnlrd P*Bphlrt h««laf towJIMIM'M4 K«7«toa» Wal«h Caw* ar* au4«. {To be Continued.)

tisfiv#

[HE

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"Nothing is further from my intention. Come, join me in a glass of sparkling Moselle, and let us drink good fortune to ourselves and our enterprise.

Antonio raised tbe glaas, and saying. "To myself and my enterprise," drained it and broke tbe glass against tbe table. "Upon my honor," said Horace, indolently, that is bad form. I asked you not to break glasses, but to drink wine with me." "I can pay for my fanciea," said Antonio. with a lofty air, throwing money on the table. "A word with ypn in a serious spirits. "lmpoosible!' said Horace. "It is not

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