Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 36, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 1 March 1884 — Page 6

dm •i.

THE MAIL

A PAPER

8»

FOR THE

PEOPLE.

TJVom the Author's Advance Proof Sheet*.]

Mike Patchett.

Romance of the Gold Fields. BY B. L. FARJEON

E

FARJEON.

of "Blade o' Grass," "Grif," "Bread •ad Cheese and Klases," "Joshua Marvel," Ac.

J!#

ftiie

story

of "Mike Patchett" was oom-

loed In this paper Oct. 27th. Back nan will be sent to any address on receipt of ftva cents for each oopy.]

A E II

TMOOY DESERTS

HIKE

PATCHETT.

On Pegleg diggings scandal drove bat poor trade, perhaps because of the scarcity of womankind, and the disease „of making etber people's business your «wn had not, as more civilized countries Jseen cultivated into fine art. Thus, Vben it became known in Pegleg that Slike Patchett's daughter had suddenly disappeared it was hardly a nine days' •wonder, and excepting by those few who were immediately interested in the proceedings of this young lady, the aflair was soon forgotten. fe It occunect on the third morning after

Jiike Patchett's accident. Peggy ex* pressed her dissatisfaction with the doctor who attended her "dear old dad" and I declared ber intention of proceeding-at once to Melbourne to obtain better professional advice and assistance than Peg could afford. To Horace's suggestion that this could be done as well by a trusty messenger as by herself she turned deaf ear. Madge said nothing. Between her and Peggy scarcely a dozen words had been exchanged since the 'night of the accident.

Early in the morning Peggy left Peg leg by the coach, bidding a cordial goodbye to Horace and scarcely looking at Madge. A cart conveyed her trunk to the coach office. The trunk was so laeavy that it was as much as two men -could do to lift it into the cart. "Why do you take that heavy trunk with you asked Horace. "My dear," replied Peggy, with a con-

Udentlal smile, "must 1 not sleep in ^Melbourne to-night and to morrow, and do you for a moment suppose a woman can do without a thousand things of whiob an equisite like yourself can know |nothing whatever? You area simple laid goose."

Then she tapped him playfully on the :«beek and mounted into the cart, and twas driven away over the hills to the township, where the coach was waiting lor her. Horace stood at the door of the bouse on the bill, and gazed at the cart 111 it was ought of sight. Returning to .he bedroom in which Mike Patchett was lying, still in an insensible coudiJM found Madge sitting by the bedside, with her head oowed upon the bed. He spoke to ber and she did not reply. He LtoMc1, jd ber Bhoulders and discovered

(*po

tna

if she was asleep. For two days and three nights she had waited incessantly •j

Upon

MfitA P*tch«tt» (flllnwlnw

vw*te,

"Si

a

do°-

instructions, and exhibiting tothe sick man a patience and devo*hich touched Horace's heart. Inhe had already been drawn tothe gentle girl, whose modesty jCidvweetness shone all the brighter A-Kine of the contrast presented by irar&^'s loud manners. From the hour

MUta^atchett was borne into the house 1 reld upon his bed, Madge had not tken off her clothes and had not even 4*d a few minutes' sleep. But now she •»uld no longer resist the demand which iiature made upon her for rest, and sleep Iield her so firmly tbat even if Horace Ibad had the hoart to attempt to waken her he could not have succeeded, Raising the form of the slight girl in his Arms, he carried ber into the sitting room j»ud laid her upon the sofa. Covering jer with a rug, he stood in silence for a few moments gazing upon her fair face. "Upon my honor/' he thought, "I almost feel as if I were falling in love with her."

But, indeed, the feelings he entertained for her were of a tenderer nature that^ *•1, he would have cared to confess, and tbat respect and esteem for her were not *. wanting was proved by bis reflections as be stood by her side. "It will never do," he thought, "for me to remain alone with her in attend-** ance upon the poor fellow lying within there. It would be placing ber in a false jpoeition. And yet she cannot stop here ""lout protection." ike Patchett could not proteot her.

For nearly sixty hours he had not apoken, and had scarcely stirred. The doctor had staled tbat his best chance of recovery lay in his present state of unoonsdousness. "Were he to wake suddenly," the dootor said, "and become couscious of surrounding things, the likelihood is that be would die. As it is there is a chanoe for him, though his reason I fear, will always be impaired, even under the most favorable conditions."

Thinking over what was best to be done. Horace's mind turned to a digger and his wlfo who occupied a tent in the gully at the foot of the bill. The digger Sad been stricken with colonial fever, mad was now slowly recovering, but vas not yet strong enough to work. Horace went to the tent, and made a proposition to the couple, the result of which was that in lees than four hours, with the ami tan ce of a few miners, the tent in the gully was struck and removed to within a dosen yards of Mike Patchett's IIOQM.

The wife was engaged to assist

Madge in attending to Mike Patchett. and her husband to do any odd jobs and to proteot the dwelling. Matters be*ng thus completely arranged, Horace felt eider in his mind.

During the'time occupied by the earvying out of these arrangements Madge was in a sound sleep, ana her gratitude was deep when she awoke and was told of what bad been done by Horace's fore-

area true friend," she said to

Mm. "Well," said Horace, "in return you aa perhaps appease my curiosity." "In what way she asked. ••You will not think me Impertinent*" "You are kindness itself I can never

S» sufficiently grateful^to u.' "There, again," said Horses, with a whimsical air, "yoor very tone increases ay cariosity. It is as though you were aot entirely as a stranger., To speak aaors plainly, it Is as though you had a (stronger Interest In the poor fellow whom we both are desirous to help to the best of oar ability, than what anight reasonable be expected from one who came to the oriiny simply la the position of a maid to his daughter."

She raised her face to his frankly and

I have the strongest interest in him, and I pray most ferventl^that he ma" be restored to health. foe opinion have beard yon express of him has inspired me not only with hope, but with distrust of myself. Do«not ask ms to say more than this at present I hsve my reasons. "But one other question. There is a mystery in connection with your presence in the colony, who left in the morning to seek more skillful advice in Melbourne T" "Yes, there is a mystery connected with both." "Does the young lady referred to know of it?" "I cannot say. I think not."

It was in the afternoon of the same day that Horace made a discovery which startlea him. Looking at the wall at head of Mike Patchett's bed, upon which the Sacred Nugget had hung, he was surprised to see that the mass of gold was no longer there. He directed Madge's attention to the circumstance, She knew nothing of the disappearance.

Was it there last night?'' inquired Horace. The room has been kept darkened by the doctor's*orders, and lean scarcely remember whether the nugget was hanging there yesterday." "I did not observe it," said Madge "I was too much fatigued, I think, to take notice of anything." "It is certain, however, that' it has been taken from the wall. Perhaps Miss Patchett has removed it, deeming it unsafe there." '*p6rh8ps«" "Suspecting that one of us might run away With it. Well," said Horace, with a keen glance at Madge's pale face, "being Mike Patchett's daughter, who can have abetter right than herself to guard his property?"

Madge did not reply the question appeared to be lost upon her. All the energies of ber mind and body were occupied in ber devoted service to the helpless man whose life might be said to be In their hands.

Horace grew still more serious after this conversation, and in the evening he apoke again to Madge, with what was rare to him, a settled purpose. "I am beginning," he said, "to have some dim comprehension of what is meant by duty. Do you think you could spare me for three or four days." "Are you going awav?" asked Madge, in evident distress at the suggestion. "At the call of duty Ideemed it imperative, and believe me," he added, taking her hand. "It is from no selfish motive. It is to serve a friend who has served me." "To serve Mr. Patchett?" .•/. sr "YOB." "Then I must not detain you, though I shall miss you." "Really and truly?" he cried, with more of animation than was usual with him. "Really and truly you will miss me?" "Indeed I shall. It almost appears as if I bad no other friend upon whom to rely." "I'will return soon it is with the idea that I may avert a grave mischief that I go to Melbourne." "When shall you leave "At oiice—this very night. I propose to go in the saddle, and by changing horses three or four times on the road I may reach Melbourne by noon to-mor-row. Then, my business being done I can return immediately and can rejoin you on the following day, so that I shall not be absent quite two days." "But you forget—you must sleep." "What you can do," he said, with tdhderness, "surely a man can do. It is

gl"^es,"

•s"£rrt«b«:

ing like myself, I do not leave you quite alone the woman we have engaged will assist you in the house, and her husband will protect you."

He left ber then and went into the township, and at seven o'clock in the evening he presented himself to her again. He was booted and spurred, and his horse was at the door. "Is there no danger in your traveling through the bush at night?" she asked anxiously.

He smiled gaily and showed her a revolver, which frightened her. She covered her eyes with her hands, and be drew.them gently away. Standing face to face as they were, with her hands clasped in his, he was bending down to ber, when be suddenly straightened himself. "Good-bye," he said, with a slight tremor in his voice "I will not be absent an hour longer than is necessary."

The next moment he was gone, leaving behind him a heart that was lightened by his sympathy. Hia own heart was not heavy as he galloped through the woods over the soft bush roads. The night was calm and lovely, and the air was sweet. "Horace, old fellow," he said with a glad spirit, "this is almost your first taste of enjoyment in this wild land across the seas."

As he anticipated, he reached Melbourne within a few moments of noon on the following day and drew rein at the door of the Colonial Bank. Entering the building he sent in his card to the manager, and he was at once admitted. "1 have come to you upon a strange business,"said Horace. "You are the custodian of gold belonging to Mike Patchett, the man who found the Sacred Nugget aad opened up the Pegleg Dig-

said the manager, "Mr. Pat­

chett's gold is deposited in the bank." "Can any person bat himself withdraw it, or any portion of it? You may answer me freely, for I am herein his interests, though without his knowledge. You may have heard that he has met witha serious accident on Pegleg." "No, I have heard nothing of any accident." "News travels slowly, then. He was being drawn up a shaft, over a hundred feet deep, when the rope broke and be fell to the bottom. When be was brought to the surface hs was much injured, and is now lying unconscious in his house on Pegleg." "Is be not likely to recover?" "There are hopes, bat nothing Is certain as yet. I have private reasons for inquiring whether any person but himself can obtain possession of the gold he has deposited with yon f' "No person but himself can obtain possession of an oanosof it." "Could not his signature be forged

A singular smile appeared on the manager's face. "To few besides yourself. Mr. Blakensee, would reply to snch questions, but I know yon to he a man of honor. Mr. Patchett's signature could not be forged." "Why could It not?" "For a dear reason. He eannot write."

This was a revelation to Horace, and made a deep impression upon him. The time was soon to come when these simple wards were to recur to him with terrible significance. "Upon his confession ss much to me, oontinued the manager, "I pointed out to him the risk there was in ft. He corrected me by saying there was positive safety In his Ignorance, for that be wishad to set his cross to a paper, which I was to sign for him, patting It oat of the

Sraw

'Sr-,

"s -f

ower of any man bat himself to with the gold he left on deposit. It to absolutely necessary that he should coma personally to the bank before it can

leave our possession." "And in the event of his desth?" "The right of bis heir or heirs to the iroperty would have to be established iy law." "My mind^is relieved," said Horace, rising, "and I must apologize for troubling you." "Not at all. It is 1 who am indebted to you for the information you have given me." ^Horace left the bank, and visited first the office of Messrs. Law and Pardon, and afterwards the Criterion Hotel, where he had been in the habit of lunching. As he walked alony Collins street he thought of the da? Mike Patchett first introduced

and stately man, descended from an old family of honored reputation, demanding from all with whom he came in contract a recognition of his immeasurable superiority—a gentleman who looked down upon the lower classes as an order humanly and divinely inferior to those who had been born, as he had been born, in a higher scale—who would not admit tbat between these higher and lower grades there was any shadow of equality—necessarily a Conservative, regarding the world as having been made fo' his especial benefit and those of his order. Mike Patchett, a rough, common, ignorant man, who could not even write bis own name, impressed with just such a sense of his inferiority as would recommend itself, in its truth and propriety, to the elder Mr. Blakensee. That these two should now be in Horace's mind without the common man suffering by comparison suggested itself to the young gentleman as very strange and singular. "Whether it be," he thought, "tjiat I am turning Radical, or tbat I have fallen under the evil tendencies of a species of humanity which I cannot avoid believing to be tender and true—or tbat there is a probability from some hitherto hidden cross in my nature, of my not being really worthy of .an honored parent—whatever may be the cause, it is certain that I have for Mr. Mike Patchett a regard which, were my father to become conscious of it (with a jroper knowledge, of course, of its object would cause him to hold up his hands in hofror of my back-sliding. It can't be helped, though he should not have sent me out to this demoralizing country, where all the sacred theories appertaining to caste are flung aside and trodden upon."

In this somewhat vague strain he was musing when two men brushed past him without seeing him. He recognized them the moment they passed. Antonio and Spotty. Fresh fool fer thought. They had left Pegleg, then—must have left it almost the same time as Peggy— perhaps with her. If so, and if they were in association, what did it protend? Mischief, .undoubtedly—danger, probably. Then came the pretty face of Madge, and all the memories of her modesty and gentleness. Danger to her! -in-*' •oly^fcrotector.

Now, what is the meaning of all this?" (This was a question which, with others to follow, he was putting to himself.) "Why should I constitute myself her protector? If she need one—the need being chimerical in all probability, and barn of a certain hazy apprehension —can she not find him in another quarter? Then about this apprehension —why should I be apprehensive concerning her? What if I bring myself into trouble by perplexing myself about other people's affiyrs? Ah, that reflection settles the matter agaiust myself and in her favor. I might as well at once confess to being afraid. No, I will not desert her, snd I am not going to bother myself about consequences. It will be much easier, and infinitely pleasanter, to let matters take their

If he bad any intention of following Antonio and Spotty he could have not carried it out, for they had disappeared almost on the instant, and he saw nothing more of them.

Th«

j.iiat night he was in the saddle again, riding toward Pegleg, with the image of Madge beckoning him on. "You see," he said to her, when he dismounted on the following.afternoon, "I am as good as my word. How is the dear old fellow?" "Still the same," replied Madge, giving him her hand, and thrilling at the ressnre of his. "There is no ohange. 'he doctor ssys he' irfay remain so for many days yet." "jElO tAK6S food?^ "A very little, but sufficient to support him, in the doctor's opinion. His wounds show signs of healiag. "Tbat is good. Ml«s Patchett has not returned?"' "No." "Nor has any doctor from Melbourne arrived?" ••No." :i "Well, we must wait events." "How fatigued you must be!'' said Madge solicitously. "I am really tired out, and when I have seen to my horse I must sleep for a few hours. I met some friend of yours ia Melbourne—my once fellowclerk, whose proper name is William Freshfield—much more euphonious than Spotty—snd Antonio the Italian." "Did yon speak to them?" "No I saw them but for a moment, and then they vanished. Of the highspirited and affectionate young lady I saw and heard nothing, 1 may as well tell you that my mission in Melbourne was to protect Mr. Pstchett's gold, which lies deposited in the Colonial Bank. It is safe I am happy to say. But you—there's a look of care on your face, Is it from any fresh trouble?"

She hesitated a moment before she replied, and then she said. "Some private papers have been stolen from me. My box and desk have been broken open," "Sinoe I have been away?" be asked. In deep concern. "No. for it was only an hoar after your departure tbat I discovered it." "Were the papers of importance?"

Again she hesitated before abe replied. "Once I thought not now they may be. Do not question me furthur. It I decide to confide fally in yon let it be of my own free will, and not from any prompting on yonr part. I scarcely know as yet whether I have a right to speak freely of the aecrsts of my fife tljey concern me not alone. I thank yon from my heart for all yon have done for me."

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

MHI PATCHBTT SDOOTIBS THI IMS OF THS SACYXD IUQOIIT. Both the hopes and the feats of the doctor who attended Mike Patchett were

TEREH HAUTE SATOMAT SVWflW} MATT.

bitoaei

into the shipping office to make inquiries concerning the Pride of the South, in which Peggy was a passenger. The picture of the cart full of roses came to bis mind, and snatches of the conversations be had held with the lucky gold digger recurred to him. In these reminiscences, and in others with which Mike Patchett was associated, there was much which seemed to endear the simple minded man to him. "Upon my word," mused Horace. "I could not think more tenderly of him if he were my own father."

And then the contrast between bis

realized. Thanks to the temperate life he bad led, the terrible wounds he had received were slowly healed, and in four weeks he was able to rise from bis bed. But bis health was sadly shattered bis hair had grown almost white, and he walked with uncertain steps, Indeed, he found it difficult to move about with freedom, and it was truly fortunate for him tbat he had by his side a nurse as tehder and considerate ss Madge. His reason was gone, and from the time he was raised from the shaft down which he had fallen he had not during this period a lucid interval.

Nothing was heard of Peggy. She had disappeared from the scene. Anxious to lesrn the exact truth of Mike Patchett's mental condition, Horace consulted the best medical advice that was available, and it was pronounced, while there was a likelihood of bis occasionally becoming sans for a abort time, that there was no possibility of his ever permanently recovering his reason. In these circumstances taking counsel from lawyers, Horace, with the consent and concurrence of the officials of the Government mining camp, made arrangements for the disposal of Mike Patchett's interest in the various claims of which he was either whole or part owner. The business was advantageously concluded a company was formed in whose prosperity Mike Patchett would share, and the promoters of which paid down a large sum of money as a bonus. The amount placed at Mike Patchett's credit by this transaction was thirty thousand pounds, which was deposited at.a fair rate of interest, in a sound bank.

Perhaps the strangest phrase of Mike Patchett's condition was that up to this point he bad not uttered a single word. His life was carried on by signs, and Madge quickly learnt to interpret them and to anticipate his wishes. When she was out of his sight be was restless and uneasy the moment she appeared he became calm. He was like a child in ber hinds, and he would often rest his head upon her shoulder and fall asleep.

Thus passed another month, when a change took place. He was observed to wander through every room in the house, gazing perplexedly at the walls, and touching them with his fingers. Eventually be remained in bis bedroom for several minutes, passing his hand repeatedly across his forehead. At length nespoke and Madge and Horace, who were in the room with him, beerd him mutter as he taced that portion of the wall upon, which the Sacred Nuggett had hung: 'It was there—it was there. I put it there myself."

An idea striking him, be knelt by his bedside, and, stooping, pulled out the safe from beneath his bed.

?ears

IL

was locked

and he searched in his pookets, muttering: "The key—the key I Where's the key? I wane my luck—it's gone from the wall, and I want it. ghat's happened to me My head is dizzie like, but I give her the key to tske care of. Tho Itey of my luclf—Mike Patchett's luck, -the man from Pegleg—you know, Peggy, my gal. It was the shadder of tbat there cross that lay across my claim when the sun wss setting—it was tbat shadder as brought you to my mind after all them

that I forgot yer, A long time, eggy, for a father to forget bis daughter, but I'll make it up to yer, my gal. I'll do my best—I'll do my best there ain't a wish of yer heart as shan't come true. There's a wish of my heart, my gal, as I've never whispered to you— never having the courage, Peggy, never having the courage, i'll tell it yer virkur

irage.

yer

now." He rose anadrew Madge to feet gentleman, every inch of him. If only it could be—you and him together! I'd go away, thousands and thousands of miles, so as neither of you should ever see me agin, and yer might takeover ounce of gold and enjoy ysrselves. He owes me sometnink, mind yer, through his fsther, though he don't know it snd I've been thinking to myself that it's in this way be might pay the debt without ever thinking of it. He's gentleman—yes. yes, he's a gentleman, but ou're a lady, Peggy, and my child, .fever forgit that, my gal—you're my child, mine, Mike Patchett's, or Purdy, by right, though I dropped tbat name the Lord knows how many years ago, when I took another man's troubles on my shoulders Yes, you're a lady—nobody. could mistake that, nobody, nobody. But where yer diamonds, my gal, as I bought for yer There's none on yer neck, and none on yer fingers. Go and put them on this minute, or Mr. Horace might think yer was common, and turn his back on yer."

lim.

While those wandering words were being spoken Horace had stood in the background, and was unseen by Mike Patchett. Something of sympathy for Madge was expressed in bis face when Mike Patchett referred to hirn and her, but this was instantly replaced by a certain perplexity and uneasiness at the strange reference to bis father and to a debt that was owing which he might repay. Mike Patchett had for the time forgotten all about the key of bis safe, but now, after a brief silence, returned to the subject. "Didn't I ask yer for the key, Peggy Go and get it for me. What's the matter with yer? Have I spoke onkind to^er?

you've lost the key. Why,

Mayhap I must git my luck, or bad days '11 como to both of us."

what signifies? I'll break the safe open

He ran out of the room, and before Horace and Madge could decide what was best to be done, was back with hammer and axe and a long steel bar, with which he strove to break open the safe. In bis haste he cut his fingers, beedlees of which he was continuing his tas£ when Horace stepped to him snd said "Mr. Patchett. do you know me?*'

Mike Patchett looked at bim with a beaming smile, and answered: "Know yer, Mr. Horace? Why, when and where wouldn't

I know yer, and be

grateful to yer, sir, for the kindnees you've shown me "Give me those tools, then," Mike Patchett gave them up immediately. "I will get a smith to open the lock, so as not to spoil it—for you'll want anotber key made for tbe safe if the right one's lost." "Of course I shall, Mr. Horace of course I shall." "What does tbe safe contain "What should it contain, Mr. Horace, belonging to me, tbe man from Pegleg, as found tbe Sacred Nugget—what should it contain but tbat sign of lack as was sent to me from heaven, and power of gold besides "All tbe more reason,then, for not letting It be loose. Ill go and get a smith. But first look me in tbe face. That a right, old man. What pawes between as is Mr and square, isn't it "For you, Mr. Horace, to be anything but fair and square Is about tbe impoa* si blest thing as ooald happen. I'm not worth counting." "Then answer me, man to man. What kind of debt is it that my father owes yon In the past V*

Horace could not bat pity Mike Patchett as be observed the look of anguish and bewilderment which flashed Into his eyes. "Who spoke of a debt?*' be mattered ink* Patchett. "Not me—not me." "Yea, yon."

"I don't understand—it's all a dream. There's no debt—there's no past. Mr. Horace, there's a weight here"—and he

ff

ressed

bis forehead with hia hand—"as a steel band was round me, and a score af men were tightening it."

Fearing the conssqaences, Horace, la deep compassion, dropped the subject, ana taking Madge's bands said: "Your little hand will relieve him. It will cease the pain—it will remove the weight."

Madge passed her soft fingers again and again backwards and forwards over Mike Patchett's forehead, and the trouble left the man's face. "It's going, mygal your hand is liks a angel's hand. How shall I ever pay yer There was a time as I thought yer cold and hard Peggy, but it was me as was cold snd cruel for thinking so base of yer. Wasn't we speaking of a key, in place of one as was lost? My luck—I must git my luck! Ah, Mr. Horace, you are here sir Was it you as premised to git the key "Yes, yes. Wait patiently awhile. I'll soon be back."

He returned in a very few minutes with a blacksmith, who cut the hinges of the door and laid the safe open. Then, the blacksmith being gone, Mike Patchett dropped on his knees and searched the safe. There were some bags of gold which he threw carelessly aside, muttering as he did so. "Yer welcome, Peggy, my gal, to what you've took. It is all yourn, every -weight of it. Yer eld dad'll not

rudge you." For though be was slowly relapsing into a witless condition, he had the sense to know tbat much of tbe gold he had

Sut

into the safe had been abstracted. ut he did not find what he bought the safe was empty, and the Sacred Nugget was gone. He stood upon his feet, and bis eyes wandered aimlessly around. He did not speak, but bis lips were working with an iftward trouble it was not possible for him to express. Madge's tears fell fast as his head dropped upon her breast.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

•fjtlS SHADOW OF TJ9K ?OLDKN CB0SS

POINTS THE WAY TO KSQLAHD. "I must leave you It was Horace who thus spoke a few days afterwards. The overland mail had arrived, and Horace had received letters from home.. "I must leave you!"

She gazed pleadingly at him. As she was Mike Patchett's anchor, so was Horace her's. It was as though all the light in the world was dying away. "I have no option," he said, softly "I am called home." "Home!" she echoed drearily. "So far away." "Here are letters"—and belaid them in ber lap, but she did not read them, it would have implied a doubt—"which tell me my father has been suddenly ill. It is a serious illness, and tbe worst is feared. My mother implores ms to take tbe swiftest steamer to England without an hour's deUy. What must I do?"

You must go," she replied. "Selfish that {.am, I think only of myself. Yes, you must go."

I shall never forget you," he said "you have taught me lessons which will make abetter man of me than I should otherwise have been. All my life I shall be grateful to you. I shall be grateful to you." "Though we may never meet again," she said. She looked at him, J»ut she could not see bim through ber^Kars. .... Ull/JUy •a-JMA*-he asked. "Mr. Patchett is rich

are

you

his only home, his only trust. He has accepted you in. plsce of the'daughter hs believes he has lost"—he paused, and repeated tbe words—"in place of the daughter he believes he hae lost. Whether it be, or be not, a delusion, is not for me to say. I must not force your confidence, but it is my firm belief tbat you are his rightful help, his rightful pr.de, his rightful support. Tell me as much." "Yes, I will tell you. I, and no other woman, possess the rigbt.of being by bis side." "I thought as much. You can confide in me more fully in the future." "In the future!" "Yes, iu the future. Why should he remain in the colony. Why should he not return to his native land, where, happily, bis reason may, after all, be restored? Lead him gently toward this project, if you can make him understand you. Then, we shall meet again. I cannot say whether I shall be then as I am now ray mind is as tbe mind of a man who is walking—as indeed it seems to me I have been walking all my life— through the dark paths, at the end of which he sees a light, which was never more visible to him. Thst light, should I ever reach it—God only knows how it will be!—may be the opening to a glade cf gladness and happiness.- I dare not say more it would be neither just nor msnly in any present state of mind. If we should meet sgain, and if. I have fallen back into my careless and selfish moods—which may be so natural to me tbat I cannot resist them—do not entirely condemn me. I am donbtfuland distrustful of myself. I leave my address with you." He laid a card upon the table. "And now I must go. A steadier leaves to-morrow for Southampton, and I have barely time to catch it. Is Mr. Patchett in his room "Yes: he is asleep." "I will not awake him allow me to go in for a moment to wish hfm a silent farewell."

She accompanied bim into the room. Mike Patchett, in a deep slnmber, was lying on his bed. Horace gently pressed bis band. .... "Good-by, Single-beart," besaid.

4

"To Melbourne!" "And further—across the seas, to England. If nowhere else, I shall find itthere. Come!"

With hope, with joy so great that her heart almost burst its bounds, she placedfc» her hand in his, and said. "I am teady." [COHTINUICD KKXT Will.]

SAlrln

The many great improvement in the manufacture of the -1 Watch Case, have led to si' ents in the making of sit !r the old methods, each] ^ase was made of several metal^*Alered together, reqiyrir amount inputting and soldering. ,4 jtal and gave it the pift ian the elasticity of silfe roved methods, each

It

is you also I desire to meet again, and in tbe old land, for there is a mystery which links yonr life and mine, and I shall not rest until It is revealed."

Then he left the room, and stood at tbe outer door of the house, with Madge by his side, looking out upon the bills. "Good by," besaid. "Good by."

He raised her hsnd to his lips *qd kissed it. Her bead dropped upon her breast as though sbe would hide her tears. When she looked up again be was gone. a a a a a a .a a

She did noi go to bed that night. So troubled was ber mind, so dark appeared the world, that sbe knew It would be useless to seek rest in sleep. Sbe remained awake during tbe long and weary boars, now listening to the irregular breathing of Mike Patchett, now

bathed in rosy light, an3 sbe stood watching tbe golden clonds. Suddenly •be found she was not alone. Mike Patchett, dressed, stood by ber side. "Look yonder," be said, and extended his band. Sbe looked and saw nothing on usual. "It's tbe golden sbader of my luck— and yowa, my gal! It points—where, do yon think *1 do not know." ••I tee it aad I shall fiad Stl There It la—tbe shadder of tbe cross It points te Melbourne." AU. DRUGGIST* IIU|

rer

S

Hfi

Tn very best remedy tbat can becompouaded from our present knowledge of drugs, coughs, asthma, bronchi ts and other long diseases, is Dr. Wistar's Balsam of Wild Cherry. It haacured many cases of consumption whoa all otber remedies had failed. A aimple spoonful will cure an ordinarycough or cold and give iustaat relief to asthma. It is sootbiag, healing and strengthening to throat and lungs and is very pleasant to take. 2 7

immmmmmmi

When a man has suffered from Rheumatipuonlyallttievrhne,andisrelieved from his pain, he is happy and delighted. But suppose he has Suffered for more than a third of a century.

Grim, of Vale, Town, writes

"ATBLorHoaot ha* me ruueh. The p*in In mj Limb# is *11 kouo, but BOinelam®. 9

Sfor

now 1a left ret, wud well then ralKht be,# pj'.. I hvra been troubled for thirty .five# yean with Rh*umatiBm.n

Mrs.

A.

B. Baker, of Chicago,

Had rheumatic pains In iter back for fifteen years,

and Mr. Baker had been the victim of Khca-1 matlara until his head was drawn down over his left shoulder. Mr. Baker writes:

S"Half

a bottle of

ATBLOPDOROS made

ma rood n«w. My wife haa taken# the other half, and haa not complained of hor baek aiuoe. She aaya her back never WM so free from pain and ache as it haa been BINE* the haa taken the

ATHLOPHOBOB."

There are many people who think thatbecause they have »ufiered so long, and have tried so many medicines in vain* they must suffer on their three score years." But you see what

ATHLOPHOROS

ATHLOPHOROS CO., 112

has doneu-.

However 01 year Case However Sever* yoar Fains? §jf. However Great year Dlaappaintiaentf* MP" Try Athlophoros "W If you eannotget ATHLOFHfsosof yonr droggiafc, wa will aend it express paid#on receipt of regular price—one dollar per bottle.»We prefer that yon twr it from jour druggist but if he hasnH it, do pcrHuadcd to try something from us as directed.

but ordar at'

WALL

ST.,

NEW

•..sssaasssisss.ss.ss 1.

(CbnHnutdJSrom hut week.)

JA"

Mow Watch Cases are

Watch "Case

readily a'lJjii

:nows that hammed while Bold&ring soften periority of the Keys take one of 3 oz. we

[arcly in the center when cl not give, while a case of ,ny other make will give ei he crystal., The Keystone ise is made only with sili joints.

Brad ,, _it itiap I* Iffitai,

WiUh

C*M Fawrl)

Itlpklt, Pt^br kaadMB* lllwtralcd Paapfcletr Iamm ttaf aad K*plm Cum art aud* (7b b* continued.)

WftlMsh Scratches andr Is cured in thirty minutes by the appU. nt WOOLFORtVS SANITARY LOl. BQVI by Buntln A Armstrong.

NEVER FAILS.

•'Ton claim nek for SAMAM Vtnvittn, says a skeptic.'

Hov Jow can ono medicine be a specific for EpUea-»

R.5SHBSS?

Oplam Eatlig, Rbeamatiaa**'

HnftrmatorrbK, Seminal Weakness* and fifty ether e«B.plalnt«f» We claim it a tnedfie. nlmply. becanse the virus of ail diseasesarises from the blood. Its Nervine, Kcjolvent, Alterative *nd Laxative properties meet all the conditions herein referred to. It's known vorUt

It quiets and composes tbe patient—not by tbe? Introduction of opiates and drastic cathartics, but by the restoration of activity to the stomach, and nervous system, whereby the brain la relieved of morbid fandes, which are created by the causes above referred to.

To Clergymen, Lawyers, Literary men. Merchants, Bankers/Ladles andall those whose sedentary employment causes nervous prostrattoa. irregularities of the blood, stomach, bowek or kidneys or who require a nerve tonic, appetiser or stlmulanUUiUBiTA* If savors is invaluable Thousands proclaim 11 the roost wonderful la vigorant tkat ever sustained the sinking sy st«nal *7-11.90. Sold by all Druggists. The DR. 8. A. BXCHlfOWD HZD. CO., Proofs. gt. Joseph, Mo. (44)

For testimonials and circulars send stamp. Lord, Btontenborgh A Co., Agents, Chicago