Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 39, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 22 March 1884 — Page 6

6

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

JWorn the Author's Advance Proof Meets.]

Mike Patchett.'

Romance of the Gold Fields.

BY B. L. FARJEON.

Asthor of "Blade o' Grass," "Qrif," "Bread and Cheese and Kisses," "Joshua '*V Marvel," Ac.

gnu story of "Mike Patchett" was com menoed in this paper Oct. 27th. Back nunvlim will be sent to any address on receipt of Ave cents for each copy.]

CHAPTER XLVn.

MIKE PATCHETT'S WANDERINGS. Witless as be was, and incapable of Aoherent reasoning, Mike Patchett's aacvements, in so far as be was responsible for them, were prompted and controlled by a kind of instinct which some persons would have set down to cunning, others to wisdom. Thus, in bis Journey from Pegleg gold diggings to Melbourne, whether be or bis devoted oompanions walked or rede, he adopted precisely those precautions which were nost likely to prevent notice being drawn to them. He avoided the main goads, and whenever he observed that Madge was tired be obtained rest for her en the slow-going bullock drays which from sunrise till sunset droned their way painfully and laborously through bush and forest. If a person addressed him be did not answer indeed, it was •nly to Madge be spoke, and even to her his words were few. He seemed to have but one idea, that bis "luck," as he designated the Sacred Nugget, had gone before him and was beckoning him, for aome great purpose across the seas. Not that be had lost it, but that it had gone before and that at all risks be must follow it. In the pursuance of this design lie recognized in some dim way that danger was in his path. "Not a living soul must know," be said to Maage "it is a secret we must keop to ourselves. If it's blabbed about there may be death in it. The shadder •f the cross is forever afore me, and we'll foller it, you and me, come what may. Then, my gal, if you've got any thing in yer heart agin me, you'll know without any telling that yer old father is not so Dad as some might like to naake out. Not that they've any just aause to speak bad of me, for I've never wronged man or woman—no, as I'm a living man! When I get my luck back there ll be a clearing up of what has gone wrong in the past, and I'll swear the truth upon the Sacred Nugget If it'll help to make yer future bright. Nobody shall oast shame into my gal's face and she not be able to answer 'em. I'll clear the name 1 For it wouldn't do, my gal, It wouldn't do, supposing in the bright years to come you had a little daughter of yer own, that Bhe should grow up to think bad of me. If that was so/aad I was dead, I shouldn't be able to rest in my grave,"

This was the substance of all.he said to her, and though he spoke but a few words at a time,she gathered a meaning from them which brought to her mind a superstitious feeling that some mysterious power was leading him otfward in his course for his good and hers. Therefore, in their journey, and as to the best means of pursuing it, she submitted to he guided oy him and did not once attempt to thwart him. Even had she been so minded, how could she have opposed ber will to bis when every step ne took was leading her nearer to Horace In all other matters she ruled, without the slightest resistance on bis part. Indeed with the exception of this-all-pow-orful idea which was directing him to England's shores, he was a weak and helpless as a child, and but for Madge's ministering care be would most surely have broken down.

How, when tbey arrived in Melbourne he obtained passages for them in a sailing vessel on the point of starving, she never discovered, out she exhibited no surprise when he intimated to her that in three or four hours tbey were to go aboard. She quickly got together a few necessary things for the voyage and was ready to accompany him when be called npon her. It was a dark night as thev walked for the last time through Melbourne streets, and before sunrise the following morning the sails were set for England. The passages be bad taken were in the steerage, and she divined that he had done so in order to escape notice. But few persons in those days were traveling homewards, and there were no more than a dosen passengers aboard. Mot one of these nor a man among the crew, knew Mike Patchett, and thus, up to this point, devoid as be was of reason he had successfully accomplished his design. Not less fortunate was he on their arrival in England he and Madge left the ship absolutely unknown. No one suspected them and no one followed them. At a little distance from the docks Mike Patchett paused and gaxed around with a wondering air. "Are you thinking," asked Madge, where we shall sleep to-night "Nowhere, nowhere/' answered "we must follow the luck. "It will be best to wait till to-mor-row," said Madge "it is already evening and nearly dark. You will be stronger after a night's rest," "I want so rest there most be no waiting. Come, Peggy." "I am tired, father!" •3

1

1

IM

he hurriedly n«r ihn Itmlr

"Why, my gml," be said, changing at once, "then we must be up early. There's a deal to be dose, a deal to be done."

She had no difficulty in obtaining a deoent lodging, where they restei for the night. It was on this night she discovered that her father had put a trifle •f money in his possoseloa, not more than sufficient to last tbem for three er four weeks, but she was not uneasy besause of this, for she knew that she had bat to write to Horace, and he would befriend them. She would have written to him st ones to inform him of their arrival had not ber father Impressed her with a vague fear of the consequences •4 attendant upon the knowledge that he was in England therefore ahe determined not to communicate with Horads, snlees absolutely compelled by neees-

sity. She had another reason she had grown to believe that her father** morementa were guided by a higher than mortal power, and that they would lead to good end, whieb might be frustrated i. It

If she thwarted him. was strange, daring all the relations between them, from the time be had met with the aoddent which deprived him of reason, that no doubt bsd arisen In his mind that ahe was truly his daughter. It was surely merdfal that his mental affliction should have brought such solacs to him. Never «noe had be, even remotely, referred to the wonaa who had deceived Mid da*

serted him. That while he was in association with her he had been frequently wounded by her lack of affection was undoubtedly true, but that time and those wounds were as though they bad never been, and he had accepted Madge in Peggy's place with no thought or suspicion that they were two different beings. It was ss though Madge had always acted as his daughter, and had given him the love he had hoped and yeared for. He had reason to bless the affliction which had fallen upon him.

Early in the morning he knocked at Madge's door she was already awake, and she answered that she would join him very soon. It was with difficulty she persuaded him to tarry for breakfast but she pleaded that she iierself needed it. This was the kind of argument that invariably prevailed with him and which she bad learnt to use to their joint benefit. She observed that some new change in him had taken place during the night, and that the fancy had taken possession of him that the principal events of the last twenty years of his life had been a dream. There was, however, one thing in his sad and eventful history which stood out as a palpable reality. That was the Sacred Nugget. By what means it became bis, and in what way it had disappeared, and how it was that be was now in pursuit of it—ithese were details which evidently held no place in this new fancv. Breakfast over, they left their lodgings, ready for travel. for the first hour Mike Patchett walked briskly enough and without hesitation, leading Madge confidently through thoroughfares which she was entirely unfamiliar then he paused and looked

about him. His purpose, it seemed, had been served neither be nor Madge could find the way back to the lodging in which they bad rested for the night, and it would have been difficult for an interested person to have tracked tbem thence they were like two waifs thrown into the heart of the tortuous city. "You seem puzzled, father said Madge "do you know where we are?" "No. I don't know, Peggy but it'll come to me, my gal it'll come to me." "Shall I enquire where we are she ssk6di "No," he said, with some alarm in his voice, "Nobody must know, nobody must suspect. It's atween us two alone. It'll come, I tell yer I shall be led to it."

But by what direction was less clear than ever at the close of the first day, and still less at the close of the second and the third. Had be been anything but sweet and gentle and patient, had he been querulous and inconsiderate of ber needs, bad he not shown that she was the only person in all the wide world to whom he could look for sympathy and help, and had she not herself by this time grown to love the simplehearted, witless man with a love which seemed to spring from the very roots of her own loving nature, it might have been that she would have refused to follow or accompany him in his apparently aimless wanderings through the London streets. But she could not desert him now had such an idea suggosted itself to her she would have deemed herself base and unworthy of affection.

It was at the end of a week's fruitless wanderings that Mike Patchett said to Madge— "IPs onthinking of me, Peggy, to tire e'll ride far for yer to walk to-aay, ana we must get there afore the night. There's a rail to Gravesend, ain't there "Yes." "Find out what train '11 take us there and let ss go. It's in our own country, Peggy, that the luck '11 be found in Kent.where you was born."

yer out as I've been doing. We a bit, my gal. Gravesena's too yer to walk to-day, and we

So Kentwards tbey traveled, and both hearts were lightened at the taste of the sweeter air.

,. CHAPTER XLVIII..

PBGGT CONFBOKTS FRIBHD8 AND FOBS.

At the appointed hour Horace arrived at the Rochester station and found James Carden on the platform waiting for him. "Sharp to time," said the detective, cheerfully. He waB in blithe Spirits at (in

the prospect of bringing the business he bad in hand to a successful issue. Horace sodded. What had been revealed to him in the letters bis mother had given to him had humbled his spirit and his mind was now almost morbidly set upon discovering Mike Patchett, and standing side by side with Madge as his protector. The deteotive, being in the mood for conversation, and having really much to tell, continued: "We're-drawing the threads together pretty close. It is as great a satisfaction to me as a big reward would be to be able to inform you that the job you employed me on is coming to a good end. What I told you in my letter is right enough. I lay my hands to-night on our young friend Peggy. Now oomea something that pussies me more than a ring found her, and having the same time found that Italian scoundrel ^ntonlo. with his precious friend.tbc man with the pimples, William Fre&hfield, you know, sir—and ooming suddenly upon them, as I propose doing—. Do you see, sir, what it is that's puzzling met" "I do not," replied Horace. "Yet it lies in a nutshell. Being there, standing before the gang, holding every member tight in my band, so to speak, the puzzle is what's to be done with them." "Your principal anxiety," said Horace, "as I nave understood, is to regain possession of the Sacred Nugget, and this is venr nearly accomplished." "It ought to be, but difficulties have cropped up in my own mind, and if Miss Peggy is as clever as I give her credit for being, and as in reality she has proved herself to be, they are difficulties not easily to be overcome. I will explain. Ws pounce upon them all this very night we ssy to tbem, 'You are discovered, and we have the whip hand of you. The three of you have completed your

gland too hot to bold you (we say to the conspirators, for they are nothing less), 'we folly acquaint with

Sough

iur movements sndyour histories, and you are as three arrant sooandrsls—begging the ladyt pardon for including ber, but it cant be avoided— though you are thrfee as arrant scoundrels as can be found in a day's march, we are disposed to spare you if you im mediately hand over a certain famous lamp of gold known as the Sacred Nugent.' That is what we ssy, in effect, to these persons, and ws give them to understand that if we oars to proceed

Sminal

kinst them we can place them In the dock. Now, sir, when I got so far In my considerations of the matter —for what I have already said comes out of a number of special private rehearsals I have held with myself—«p popped the difficulties. *Ohsays Miss Peggy, •you want the Secrea Nugget, do you? Well, here it is, my very good fifauifta my possession, and in my possession it will remain till I ohooss to sell it and as good evening.' What an ws to do upon that? worm the bally—try to frighten ber—threaten ber with all sorta of punishment? Shell snap ber fingers at ss, and when ws tell ber that ws know she stole the lump of gold, shell call it a Uo—she's not at all particular in

her language—and say it was given her. Who is to prove the contrary? Mr, Patchett. Not Mr. Patchett without his wits, but Mr. Patchett with tbem and if she still sticks to it the only other way to get it from ber la to put ber in the dock. Now, with what -is banging against Mr. Patchett, is, that practicable?" "It is not imprscticable," said Horace "but you have overlooked a very simple plan of obtaining the nugget." "What is that, sir?" "If she will not give it up peaceably we must buy it of her. "Why, sir, do you know that it will cost a matter of a thousand pounds "Which I am ready to pay. I owe Mr. Patchett a debt so large that I doubt if 1 shall ever be able to wipe it off. Now enough of Miss Peggy for the present. My anxiety is chiefly about Mr. Petchett Have you no news of him

The best of news, sir, and because it's tbe best I left it to the last. I think I may say, almost to a certainty, that we have found hitu. Here is a note from Mr. Leander Smith, delivered to me by a messenger not three hours ago, in which he tells me to be prepared to see bim in company with Mr. Patchett and the young lady, bis daugbter, perhaps this very night. Mr. Patchett, it seems, sir, has been wandering all

search

SUss

over

ropo.«e to Introduce you and myself to Peggy."

While Horace Blakensee and James Carden sat over their modest chop and a bottle of claret, a more ambitious repast was being indulged in by Peggy and her two male friends in a hotel about a mile from the Crown. This was to be their last day in England, at all events for some months. They were about to depart for Italy, where, under the guidance of

Antonio,

a private gaming saloon

was to be set up, from which, he averred, a large fortune would be gained in a year. They had been talking of the scheme and were gay at the prospect held out. As most of the ready money Peggy had brought home was spent, the funds necessary for the establishment were provided by the temporary disposal of much of the valuable jewelry given to her by Mike Patchett, and by the sale of all the rough gold she possessed with the exception of the Sacred Nugget. At the suggestion of Ae Italian, Peggy had brought upon tbe table tbe whole of her wealth. She had lately begot a distrust for bank notes, and the money which, honestly or dishonestly, she could still call her own was represented by small rouleaux of gold each containing fitty sovereigns. Of these there were sixty, making three thousand pounds in all, and she oounted tbem over and over agal with eager eyes. Also on the table was the Sacred Nugget, bright and beautiful and glittering, which Antonio had just declared could be disposed of to one of his country's churches for double its value. "I shouldn't care to sell it," said Peggy "there's a queer sort of feeling on me that if I once part with it I should meet with nothing but bad luck." "Angel of mine, said Antonio, with a covetous look at tbe glittering mass, has it brought us good luck up to now? I hold it differently from you it needs to be sanctified before it can be tbesym bol of any but evil fortune. To us it would be better away our money has done nothing but melt, melt, melt—" "Say my money. Antonio," interrupted Peggy, with spiteful vivacity, "xou can't accuse me of being niggardly with it. can you "You are a princess, said Antonio gallantly he baa found it his best cue to give way to Peggy, and not dispute with her on minor points, "and shall he one. In a year from this day there shall be sixty times those sixty little packets of English sovereigns: but not, mark me. unless that accurged nugget is sold, and for ever banished from our house. Think of him who found it—has it to him brought good luck Lies he not at this moment groaning in pain on tbe Pegleg, or, what is more likely, in his grave That is the misfortune this Sacred Nugget has brought to his door. Manruerita, adored one—" "Oh, drop that," cried Peggy, petulantly "call me Peggy. That at least is a name I can call my own." "It has been present to my misd," continued Antonio, not at all ruffled by Peggy's ill-hvmor, "not once but many times, that you have a secret tenderness for our ill-fated friend Patchett, of the Pegleg." "Then you were never more mistaken In your life. I might pity tbe old fellow a bit—for, upon my soul, he wasn't a bad sort—if somebody's csrrisge didnt stopthe wsy." "Whose csrrisge, my sweet Marg—

^fhat white cat, Madge's," exclaimed Peggy. "It would give me the greatest pleasure to poison her. To think that shs wss making me her tool all the time sod I never to nsvosuspected it! Not a single word ever slipped from her that wasn't as sweet aa sugar snd ss soft ss butter. If the poor old fellow's desd, I suppose we shall have the deceitful white est ooming home with all the money. She hsd better not some in my wsy or I rosy make her remember it. What a sity It Is that I wasn't old Patcbett's daughter In real earnest! I'd have cut a dash snd msde some people open their eyes. Look hers, Antonio, I never really believed you ware a count, though I pretended to, but I did think yon were cleverer than you are. This is your lsst chance, and I don't Intend to loss every farthing I'vs got in trying of it. What with the nugget snd the money there's four thousand pounds well say. If half of thai Is loot before anything comes in, or before I ses a certainty of anything ooming In, cut it. Do yon understand sm? I out it. I'vs known too well

what It la to bo hard up, and I don't inland to lam myaoif without a penny."

TERRS HAUTE EVENING- MATT,

.m<p></p>SATTTRBAY

Kent in

of something or somebody, and I

make a guess is not fal* off at this moment. So you see, sir, the whole of the job is coming to a good end, as I said. Partly out of curiosity, and partly for our own guidance in the futuresupposing any necessity should arise— I took the liberty, without mentioning names, to put a case to a clever lawyer. That case was Mr. Patcbett's case, and what tbe lawyer said is, if a man plead guilty to a crime which it can be proved beyond a doubt it is impossible hecould have committed, and being found guilty to the satisfaction of a jury has received his sentence and is working it out, there is but little doubt that pardon can be obtained for him if he has influential friends to take up his case. Not otherwise, after the lapse Of so maay years a poor man would stand but little chance. You are the influential friend who can obtain the pardon for Mr. Patchett, and I take it that you'll see to it. You're not the sort of a gentleman to leave a job half done. Though it does seem queer, doesn't it, tb*t before a man can be righted, it is necessary he should receive a pardon for what he never did But it's the law, sir, it's the law, and its no use beating our heads against it. And now, sir, if you will do me tbe honor of taking a chop and a glass Of wine with me at the Crown it will be employing a spare hour to advantage. At half-past eight o'clock precisely I

"Rest easy, rest easy," said the Italian it will not be lost. We shall manage it, we three, between us. I know my countrymen, and how to make money out of them. Who was it that was here this afternoon in my absenoe? Your friend, Bannister, was it not "Yes, and he gave you a fine character." "Wanted you for himself, eh "That's it and I might do worse. His notions are not as grand as yours, and he knows how to get a shilling's worth of enjoyment out of every shilling he spends." "A small poltroon!" sneered the Italian, "Venture not, win not. You must aim high for eagles. You have a soul, my angel, you have a soul, and Bhall one day own a palace. That is not to be gained by one who hunts for mice. You gave bim, for good and all, his dismissal, this Bannister." "I gave him his dismissal, and he accepted it but take care of yourself, Antonio. He can't exactly round on me, or take his .revenge out of me, because I'm a woman but he swore he'd thrash you, so look out." "1 will have him take care," cried An tonio, in a blustering tone, with his pale face somewbat belied "lay he but a finger on me, and blood will be spilt. Not mine—his!" "Well, you're fairly warned," said Peggy, secretly enjoying the Italian's irigui "and its omy a fair thing for me to tell you that I've got a sneaking regard for my dear Dave, and that if I turn you up there are more unlikely things than that I shall ask him to be a father to me!"

An outburst of genuine wrath on the part of tbe Italian at this declaration was checked by aloud knocking at the door. Peggy hastily threw her napkin over tbe gold on the table, and before any one in the room had time to answer tbe knock the door was opened, and Flaxman entered.

At his appearance Peggy turned white, and tbe glare of Antonio's eyes fell upon him. "Ah, thief you—robber!' cried Antonio. "Come you to repay me in hundred pounds you stole from me in Melbourne? If not, stay but one minute, and I will have a policeman here to you and the handcuffs ready."

Flaxman gazed at bim composedly, and said "Take the advice of one who knows what he is saying. Make no further reference to policemen or handcuffs or to any money transaction between us. I am not here to reckon with you, but with her." And h« pointed to

'This lady," said Antonio, "is under my protection. How presume you to present yourself to her, and to use words that are threatening This is my apaitment, and I order you to remove yourself." ••Presently, presently. You are not aware, perhaps, that this lady and I are old acquaintances. We were lovers once, and I actually gave her an engagement ring." Antonio stared he had certainly found out since he came to England that Peggy had bad lovers enough. "I gave her many pieces of jewelry," continued Flaxman, "besides the engagement ring, which she greatly valued at their—momentary value. To speak the truth, I ruined myself for her, and she led me on to my ruin, as only a cold hearted woman can lead a young, foolish man. You may not be able to perceive the full force of my argument against her, because yoH area man who deals with women exactly as such women as she deals by men. I should not be far out of my reckoning if I were to declare my honest belief that you.and she at this very time are playing the very same game. That either of you believes in the other, or has any. faith in the other is not possible. You are well matched. Why, Antonio, when in Melbourne you pointed her out to me as Mike Patcbett's daughter, and employed me to watch ber and dog her movements—this piece of news surprises her, you perceive—you little suspected that you were introducing me to an old acquaintance, whose appearance in the colony under a false name proved her to be a bold and unscrupulous member of that order of society which is unknown by the name of 'sharper.' then you employed me to obtain certain information concerning Mike Patchett, and'I, obtaining it, withheld it from you because I would not put it into tbe bands of another sharper —meaning yourself—a power over a poor old man which be would be sure to use with cruelty. So much for those portions of tbe aflair in which you are directly interested. I have but few more words to say, and they will be addressed to you." He turned and confronted Peggy, wbo by this time had recovered her self-possession, and was gazing at bim with a smile on her lips. "As strongly as I loved you once my contempt for you is even more strong. I bad a very simple purpose in forcing myself upon you this evening, which is fulfilled by my informing you that I have placed in the possession of your enemies such information as will ruin you if they act upon it. When I tell you that for any ill fortune that may happen to you in this matter you have me to thank, I think I may say that I have repaid you for your treachery towards me in the past. Good-night."

Peggy, wbo did not attempt to interrupt or detain him, burst into aloud laugh as he closed the door behind her. "Upon my word," she said to Antonio, you and I ought to understand each other by this time. You will never be able to say to me what that young man said just now. I do believe we're well matched, but as I have had enough of this kind of thing, I suggest that yon lock the door.

Antonio would have obeyed her bad he not been prevented by tbe entrance of two other persons, Horace and the detective. Not knowing into what kind of noose he had run his head he would bsve beats hasty retreat, but the detective waved him from tbe door, with the words— "Not so fast, Business first, pleasure afterwards."

Tbe only courageous one of the three was Peggy, wbo threw herself back in her chair with an air of great enjoyment, taking care tbe while that the gold was safely hidden from view. There was a silence of a miniute or two, and it was broken by Peggy. "Quakers' meeting, she said. "Unless some one begins we shall never be able to abuse each other as much as we deserve. Before we commence though, I'll give everybody here that require* It the information that I intend to be treated as a lady. You, old man," (to Horace), "are always welcome but I dont allow strangers to Intrude upon me. Who are you she sssed, with a bold look at James Carden. "Detective," he answered promptly, "of Melbourne and London." "What is your business here?,'shedemanded, outwardly brass and inwardly like a jelly, while the two men implicated with her trembled with fear. "Speaking generally," said tbe detective, "my business ban is robbery and conspiracy."

Where's your warrsn

tf"

m. "Quite aware of it," said the detective "hut first I've come to see, out of consideration to the feedings of Mr. Horace Blakensee, whether this little affair can't be settled privately, just where we stand here and now."

Peggy'8 courage was fully restored and she developed a new phase in her character. First she treated James Carden, detective, to a most bewitching smile, which extracted from him a smile in response. Then she held up her forefinger judicially. "As a young ^voman not entirely devoid of personal attractions," she commenced, and the deteetive gave her a most polite bow, "you will believe me when tell you that I have had more than one man running after me in my time." "Many a hundred, I should say,,' remarked tbe detective. "Well, that's coming it rather strong put it at a half a dozen ," she said, taking no notice of the detective's murmur—"very low, very low"—"Yes, half a dozen would be quite sufficient for the purpose. Now, among that half dosen there happened to be—upon my word and honor It's true—a lawyer, who taught me certain things which I have never forgotten. One of the things he taught mo was that it is a crimiual offense to attempt to compound a felony. That Is what you, Mr. Detective, have attempted to do, and it shall be remembered. I cull upon Mr. Horace Blakensee, as a gentleman, to bear in mind that it may be necessary for me to enlist him as a witness that such an attempt was made." "Such a proceeding," said the detective, with abroad smile, "will of course only be taken by vou in self-defense." "Yes, sir," said l*8ggy, meekly "only in self-defense." "That's a comfort and now that preliminaries are so nicely arranged and understood, let us seo whether we can't arrange tbe matter privately. You see, I'm at it again, madam, putting myself in your power." "You nave some sort of proposition to make," said Peggy. "Exactly and I'll make it in a little more than two words, if shortness will be agreeable to you." "It will be exceedingly agreeable. Fire away." "A nugget of gold, known as the Sacred Nugget, which many a man is ready to swear to when he sees it, stolen—" "False," interrupted Peggy, quite calmly. "Just by way of argument," said tbe detective, admiring her coolness immediately, "we will say it is true. The Sacred Nugget has been stolen. We wont say by whom, but we will say," and here he. glanced at the napkin which concealed the nugget from view—"that it is here in this very room." Peggy whisked off the napkin, and tbe mass of gold glittered in the light. The detective continued. "That's a mark of confidence." "A mark of innocence and defiance," said Peggy. "Finish your proposition." "That neither I," said the deteotiv6, "nor Mr. Blakensee, nor any one in connection with us will take any steps, directly or indirectly, to punish any person now present for any unlawful act that's been done across the water, if the nugget is given up to Mr. Horace Blakensee in trust for Mr. Michael Patchett, gold digger, of Pegleg, Victoria." "Much obliged, said Peggy, "but as the nugget was given to me by Mr. Michael Patchett, gold digger, of Victoria tbe modest offer is firmly and respectfully declined.' "You fight like a lawyer If there was nothing against you I'd like to employ you in my new London office. A female detective of your sharpness and cleverness would be worth a good screw, and I'd be willing to pay it. Attend to this. It can be put in evidence that tbe last time that nugget was seen hanging over Mr. Patchett's bed in his house on Pegleg, Mr. Patcbett's reason was lost, and he was not in a fit state to make any person a gift of any description." "To which I answer in my evidence," said Peggy, "that this nugget was given to me weeks before Mr. Patchett met with any accident, and that, therefore, it is my property. There is only one man who can lawfully contradict me and that is Mr. Patchett himself. The ablest lawyer in England could not deny that tbe nugget belongs either to me or to him. If it belongs to him, let him come and claim it."

While Peggy was speaking a waiter had softly knocked at the door, and the detective, opening it, had received a paper from bim upon which a few words were written. The detective waited till Peggy bad finished, and then said: '•You've stated the lay correctly, and we're willing to stand by it and now, if you'll excuse me just half a minute, we'll settle this matter privately and comfortably between us almost before you can say Jack Kobinson."

He did not wait for permission, but left the room immediately, and returning in a few moments whispered to Horace. A glad expression shot into Horace's face, and he nodded eagerly at the detective, who throwing open the door,^ed Mike Patchett and Maage into the room.

Peggy started back and her eyes dilated with terror as Mike Patchett approached ber. Not a word was spoken Mike and Peggy standing face to face, gazed steadily at each other. For some momenta they stood, then Mike Patchett turned from her with an expression which was at once wisful and reproachful and which at tbe same time denoted that while he did not recognize tbe woman he was in some dim way aware that she bad wronged him. It seemed natural to every one in tbe room, friend and foe alike, that, turnfbg from Peggy, his eyes should light upon tbe Sacred Nugget. Aftreat joy wss in bis eyes as he took it inhis arms, none daring to restrain him a groat tenderness was in bis voles as, beckoning Madge to his side, he mid in tones of deepest affecticn: "What did I say to yer, my darling, sa you and me stood on the bill at Pegleg that morning in the sunrise? Didn't I say I saw tbe golden shadder of my luck, and yours, my gal, snd thst it pointed across the seas, to England It spoke true to me, that silent voice, as true, my child, ss the shadder of tbe cross I used to watch in the sunsets, when I wss a lonely, unhappy man Lord God, I thank yer for tbe sign that arms 1"

Lord God. I thank yer for led my child to my loving

asked Peggy

still putting a bold face on it, for there was that in Horace's manner, stern aa it was, which gave her some hope. "You can't act without one, you know."

CHAPTER XLIX. ran sexsnr of Lira.

It developed upon Horace to accomplish wbst remsined to be done, snd he performed his task with honor, snd with ss much justice ss lay in bis power to render to the wronged msn, without bringing disgrsoe upon bis own name. His father remained in tbe same condition, and at tbe last consultation of physicians, not the slightest hope wss given of his ever being restored to resson. It was beat so, and moot merdfs'. to him and all. There was better hopes of Mike Pntcbett: within a few months •f the eventful night recorded In the lost chapter, be bad occasional gleams of reason, although opon certain subjects his mind Is sttlT clouded. Psrbsps tbe most

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that whicn related to Madge. He told ber all loyally, and asked ber forgive* ness for his father and for himself. In sweetness of disposition and tenderness of heart she and her father bore a close resemblance to each other: she told Horace it was her belief and ber hope that all bad happened for tbe best, and she begged him never again to refer to the subject. She learnt from Horace how in her thoughts she had wronged her father for after tbe man with whom Mike Patchett's wife bad fled had deserted her, she lived for it few years to instil into her daughter's mind an unreasoning hatred of her husband, to whom, after the fashion of a certain kind of weak women, she attributed all her misfortunes. It was a dangerous matter to refer to, but you may be sure that Horace, in his interviews with Madge upon the subject, approached it and treated it with delicacy and wisdom,

1

A year has passed. Antonio and Peggy have long ago quarreled and parted. Antonio is now a billiard sharx, and 6potty is also a hanger-on in billiard rooms, where lie obtains an occasional job as a marker. His face is redder than ever, and be and Antonio are looked upon with suspicion by tbe police.

Peggy iias relinked ber fortune with those of Dave Bannister. They have left the stage and taken to tbe musie halls, where Peggy has already met with one or two succe&ses.

James Garden is established in London as the head of a private detective office, and is on the road to wealth. Flaxman is in his employment, and as he has become a tetotaler has a fair prospect before him of doing well.

Mike Patchett and his daughter livo Rochester. All the old man's money has been collected by Horace's exertions and Is invested in safe recurities in England. Mike Patchett is very rich, much richer than he believed himself to he. He has an income of four thousand, pounds a year, less than a hundredth part of which would suffice for his modest wants. But he lives not for himself, but for Madge. To her has come ths actual dawning of a great happiness. She knows that Horace loves her, snd that the time is very near when be will ask her to be his wife. Mike Patchett sees that they are happy, and is enjoy­!• ing, in tbe evening oif his life, life's sweetest pleasures. In some quiet way a pardon has been accorded him, without stirring ut is beloved by all wl tion with bim, and he frequently sits in the garden which surrounds the house, watching the sunset's shadows merging into a peaceful night. [TEX END.]

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Do you wish freedom from aches, pains, sores, etc.? Then purify the blood, strengthen the unlnary and dl-

estive organs, build up your broken constitution bv using Dr. Guvsott's Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla. It is gratifying to know that among intelligent communities this simple, barmless, yet affective remedy sells faster than the many humbug bitters, iron medicines and pretended kidney cures, all of which so rapidly weaken and ruin the stomach, liver, bowels and kidneys by exciting these dcllcate organs to unnatural activity. S

I wa* unable to turn in bed without help, uia when lifted up could not stand on my feot Iwaa induced to try

Atblofbobos,after

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"X happy surprise it was to Mr. A. *R. Norton, of Bristol, conn., when ATOLornonos put him on his feet, and sent him cheerfully about his business. Let him tell his own story: "About three weeks ago I was token with a Bovcro crick in the bock. For four days

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all the usual

remedied fallod. In 20 minutes after taking- tha first dose I could bear my weight uion my feet In two days I was ible to get about and attend to business. In two other cases which have come to my knowledge Its uoo has bccu attended with the same results.'* A poor man in Philadelphia had to borrow a dollar to buy a bottle of AruLornoaos. On account of his poverty his name shall remain a secret. He had, suffered terribly from Jibeumatl8m. He gratefully writes:

If you cannot get ATHLoraoaoe of your draggist, we will send It express paid, on receipt o( regular price—one dollar per bottle. We prefer that you buy it from your druggist* but if hs hasn't It, do not be persuaded to try something else, but order at once from us as directed. ATHL0PH0R0S CO., 112 WILL ST., NEW YORK. s. sssimimimiiBM

TUTT'S PILLS

TORPID BOWELS,

DISORDERED LIVER, and MALARIA.

From these sources arise three-ftmrttM of the diseases of the human race. These symptoms indicate their existence: of Mfstito, Bowels costive, liek Bead* acae. fslbuii after catlaf, exertion of body or mind, of food, IrrlteMUtgr of

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I took my Unit dose Tuesday afternoon, and on Wednesday, affer but seven doses, I had not a sharp or severe ache left. Then I reduced the dose one-half and took the remainder of tho bottle. I was able to be steady at work till Saturday, when I took a severe oold and was on-

ab!e to use my left hand. I purchased another bottle and by bed-time I found relief. Tba mcdicinoisaUyouclalmforU.,, Investigate Athlophorob all you please

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Find all the fault you choose with it I and yet the fact remains, that it is doing what no other medicine ever could do for Rheumatism and Neuralgia.

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Heart, Dot* "mom the •yes, hlgbly colored Urine, COarsTHPATIOI*, and do* maad the nse of a remedy that acts direetiy on the Liver. As a Liver medicine TTTT'I PILLC have no equal. Their action on tbe Kidneys sad Skin is also prompt removing all Imparities through tsese three eeov»•mgers of the tvitMi,n producing spp»tlte, sound digestion, regular stools, a elearskin soda vigorous body. TP1T8 P1XX0 cause no nausea or gnpfog nor Interfere with daily work and area perfect

ANTIDOTE TO MALARIA.

HE FEEM LIKE A HEW HAH. "I have had Dyspepsia, with Constipa^ tton.two years, and hsve tried ten different kinds of pills, and TBTTI are the Srst that have done me any good. Tbey have cleaned mo oat nteefy. My appetite Is splendid, food digests readily, snd I BOW havs natorsl passages. I feel likes sew man." W.J). KftTABDA, Palmyra, 0 Solde»wyirlwte,«ge. Qgce,4lKerrey

TUTTS HAIR DYE:

Out EU1S on Wbisksmi ekongMl instantly toatiiossr Black by single ap. pUeatloo of this Dm, Bold tiy Druggists, or sent by express oarseeipt of gi.

Offlee, 44 Murray Mrwt, S«w York. titti iaiiai

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