Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 16, Number 41, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 3 April 1886 — Page 2

•if./* *v v*m

CHAI BTBVI

[Entered, accordlnp to the Act of Congress, by George Monroe, in the of 6ongretw, at Washington. Printed In The Mall by authority of the Publisher.

MAY 'BLOSSOM

Her voico seemed scarcely audible. "I haven't seen you, May, since last Saturday, and here'it is Friday—almost a week! You don't come down to the fishery as often as you did. What scares you away?—not I, I hope?" "You?—no, Steve." "What, then? Ono time you camo tyvory dav. Then wo fellows couldn't oat our dinner, if we didn't see your laughing eyes peeping out beneath your little blue sun-bonnet." "Isn't it your fault, Stove?" You don come to see—Aunt Deborah and father as often as you onco did. What scares you away?—not I, I hope?" "Yon, Mav?—oh, no!" "What then?" "May, I wish I could speak what my heart is thinking of at this moment but I can't. Somohow, when I'm near you, my throat clioaks up so I can't say a word."

•••"Olty

CHAPTER IV ,rE'» LOVE.

May turned to him, speaking gontly: "Why! what's the mutter, Stevo? I hope you are not angry with me because I clonH go down to the fishery as often as I used to."

Her calm eyes mot his eager glaneo. "Oh, no, no! Only, I feel so lonely— that is, we all fool-lonely—and so I come here, and I stand gazing at the old house until—I—see— "Well, what do you see, Stove? "I seo the smoke coming from the chimney, and the llickcr of tho fire-light on the window-panes." "But why don't you come in now, as you used to?"

May attempted an indittoroneo of voice und manner that failed of its object. Stovo Harland seemed det^iiine'(1fffe| njnvu CaUHO. "Because I am content to remain out horo and listen—" "To what, Stevo?" "I listen to you singing yourself to

8l"tlinging

BETWEEN TWO LOVES.

BY MARGARET LEE.

May stood irresolute. Yes, Steve was

some distance back from the beach, and was almost concealed by foliage. Steve was fair-haired and blue-eyed His strong, regular features were bronz-

She turned to face her smiling lover— tried even to meet hisn with her old, girlish, frank look of pleasure, but in vain her head sunk, she blushed painfully.

Steve's voice was full of music. "May." He held out his hands, but she kept her clasped, and spoke without raising hor eyes. "Yen Steve."

xnay sioou irreaoiuie. les, niuvc »»s she drew back from him stretching out coining, she knew his light figure and her hands with a wild gesture of helphis voice. Ho was hastening from tho lessness: direction of his own house, which stood ~.<p></p>Steve,

XXIO IC^UIAI ITAWUIV-J V.*. UIVTV

ed with exposure to the elements, and own senses. •-. I. W ANLTIN/V 11/ 'RT tl his dress showed his calling.

Mav's thoughts were sad enough as sionately u: KVn CJ* she waited him. "He loves me, now all is clear—he has loved me all his life. Oh, I never dreamed of this! Every word—evety look, has been misunderstood. Oh, why have I been so blind? Father wishes me to be his wife—AM wife!—and the words of another are filling my heart with their holy inceme. How can I tell Steve the truth? —and I must tell him everything. Poor Steve, it will break his heart! One short hour ago I was so happy—so happy! and now— But it will all come right., Steve will give mo up. He is the soul of honor and, when I tell him that I love Richard—"

mvsolf to sloop?"

"Yes. Many's tho night, wheii you have all gone to rest, 1'vo stood horo looking up at that little window where tho ivv clings the closest. I've stood horo and listened and listened to your voico—and how sweetly it sounded, too. I havo hoard sailors tell of mermaids, who sit on coral rocks and sing their magic songs and I've hoard how those who listen leap into the waves, and aro dragged down to death—to death. Muv—"

If in excitement alarmed her. She spoke quietly "Whv, Steve, what are you saying? Do you think my songs lure people to a watery grave?"

"No, no I didn't mean that, May, although I shouldn't want to die a sweeter death." "Don't—don't talk in that way, Steve, you frighten me!" «1—1—«m't help it, May. Night after night I come up horo, determined to tell you all that's passing in my mind and how—I—"

Lie tried to tako her hand. May shrunk away. "Don't—oh, don't Stove, pleaso!

His manner changed. "Listen, May—don't leave nio. I must speak to you now, if I never speak to you again."

May sunk on tho bench, almost over come"bv the passionate intensity of his voice. "Ho stood near her, trying to see hor eves, but thev wore downcast her cheek's were pale, her lips trembled, lit seemed to lo appealing to her for sympathy ami encouragement, but hor averted head ollered no hope. i—Mav—I—it would put heart into me—to—to know that

YOU—-cared

for me

—hist-a little!" The words seem to choke him. May turned to him, trying to control her sorrow for him and soothe him. "And I do, Steve—very, very much. "I've been waiting and working these three years, May—" "Waiting? Oh. Steve!" Her voice was full of sympathy. "Waiting to tell you how dear you are to me. But I wouldn't speak until I knew that 1 could offer you a home, Mav. And now-all's done. I've money in the bank my little sloop is the luck iost that ever sailed the Chesapeake I've health and strength, and a heart full of the truest love to give you, May. Only bo my wife, darling."

May rose suddenly, and mistaking her thoughts. Steve caught her in his arms. Ilerfaint erv made him release her, but he held her hand and murmured: "May! May! I have loved you ever since vou we're a little child. You kuow that, don't vou?" "Yes." The word was a mere whisper she was shivering with dread. 'Do vou remember when I used to

WiU

almost a sentence—lif§ or death! you be—mv wife?" Ho tried to take her in his arms, but

Don't speak it, don't speak it! Don't speak it!" he cried, hoa "WThy not?" "Because I cannot, cannot marry you!"

Steve gazed at her as if doubting his

"Cannot marry me!" he repeated, pas-

"No, Steve." There was no passion in her refusal its utter coldness was an all-consuming proof that her affection for him was only that of friendship. Stev£ Harland stood motionless for a few seconds, them he staggered as if a heavy blow had stunned him, and sat down on the bench, holding his head in his hands. May started, thoroughly alarmed, and then bent over him, speaking low and tenderly: "Steve, forgive me. I know it is cruel in me to say this, but you would not have me to deceive you—and, Steve, another's image fills my heart. We grew up together. I—I—always loved you as a dear, dear brother. I never thought of you in any other way. When he came and told me how he loved me, then, for the first time in my life*, I turned my eyes into my heart and saw his image here. Steve, I am very sorry for you, but what can a girl do who loves somebod else? My heart aches for you! Oh, Sfeve, tell me you are not angry with me!" "Angry with you?" Their eyes met May's fell before the look of agony in Steve Harland's face. He had grown suddenly old-looking, she thought, his features were lined and drawn with suffering, and his eyes were dull and sunken. "No, no! Only the news was a kind of sudden and unexpected—" With a great effort he controlled himself and spoke gently. "May, do you lovo this— this somebodv else—very much?" "Yes." The word was whispered, but the girl's voice was hushed with happiness—her eyes flashed, her cheeks grew pink, and a' smile parted her lips. "And—he loves you?" "Rotter than his life." "You are sure?" "I am sure." "And you are happy in his lovo?" "Steve, turn your face away—so." May caught his hand and sunk on her knees beside him. "Steve, I will toll you my secret! I will toll you what I have concealed from father—what I should have told to Aunt Deborah long, long ago. I will tell you because you love me so much and because I trust vou! Steve, do you remember what you told mo— how you trembled when I touched you? It's just tho same with mo when I hear his stop. Come, let me show you. I havo written his name here in the sand."

Steve followed her, bent and read the letters she pointed to with qui|.t delight in hor gesture. "'Richard Aslicroft!' He?" There was a tono of incredulity in his voice, which Mav noticed. "Yes, Steve. There can be no other man in all the world for mo. W Vv'~* stous. I tromble al* ho

OONICI*

iirftV

IJKT,

a quarrel

ioti all the

rushing in mv faco. If he touches me, pulso boats. When I pass the fishery whore he is, the tears come into my eyes for happiness. Every morning I go down to tho creek, where he first told me he loved me, and I sit and think it all over again. Oh, Stevo! last winter, every day, Richard used to meet me there, and we'd walk along tho banks—yes, in tho snowv, frostv, wintery days in January —and' yet I was so warm, so glad and happy! Dear Stovo, I lovo you too, but not iii this wav. I can give you my hand without trembling I can see yon coining without mv pulses boating faster. Steve, I toll vou all mv heart—more—more than I could ovor tell to Richard. So you see, Stevo, you must not lovo me anv more."

She put hor hand on liis shoulder. "May, do you think I am made of stone?" "Stovo, don't you want me to be happy?" lie gazed at hor pale face, saw the pain ho was causing, and tried to speak cheer-

So you love Richard Aslicroft? Strange i—I never suspected it! He loves vou and vou aro both happy. Why, Mav, I should laugh for very joy, and I do-^-for very, very joy."

He sobbetl aloud. "Stevo!" Mav had never seen a man crying, and this revelation of utter despair completeunnerved her. She put her arms

lv unnerved her. She nVound his neck, and tried tosoothe hint with caressing words, but in vain his grief would not be controlled his voice was hoarse and broken. "Oh, Mav, Muv! my heart is breaking, breaking!'"* "And you blame me, Steve?"

Her tears brought him to a sense of the necossltv for self-control. He kissed her hands, held them in his own, and struggled to speak calmly. "There, there, don't cry—May, don't erv. Hush! it's all over, now, and I feel better that it is so. You can never be my wife. I heard vou, and—and I'll bear it—I'll trv to bear it like a man. Goodby, May,'good-by. I'll see your father in tho morning, and tell him I've changed my mind—oh, I'll think of something to tell him—something—something."

"Do vou remember when I used to tho ™uvhbv the decarry you along the beach, your cheeks ligh(Hl

I am a big, rough man vet, rough as I

am, I shake like a bush on a windy dav if your little hand but touches me! If yon apeak to me, I feel a tingling all over. If vou knew, if you only knew what a great, wild love is in me now, tempting me to take you in my arms *nd Kiss vou again and again, you would run away scared for your life. May, give me your answer it will be to me

Ilis manner was alarming from its unnatural calm. May caught his hand. "Steve, where are you going?"

Down to the creek you spoke of awhile ago. I want to think it all over—all over—"

He was gone, and May sat down and tried to gain some control over herself. Her brain was in a whirl. One thought brought joy Richard was soon to be with her but before he came she would have to meet her father and aunt, and explain Steve's absenee. How to do it? She felt exhausted and frightened, but reasoned that her fears were caused by her nervousness and depression. Steve's words, his voice, and the agony in his face haunted her. She could not forget them. Unfortunately for May, her father's curiosity hadquite overcome his common sense, and wnile she had been trying to quiet Steve's grief, thev had

old

pressed clone to min*~your arms clinging closely to my neck—" "Yes, vos." "That was along time ago, wasn't it?" "A long, long time ago.* think I'd better step right down an'give "And now, May, you're a woman, and

t}u»n, mv

fisherman. He had called

his sister and the parson to witness the su ppos»ed happiness of the lovers. "It's all fixed, and that's the settlin' of he said, excitedly. "Say, don't ye

blessin'?'

And'spoil their love-makin"? Let 'era alone,' said Miss Deborah, holding him back. "Yes, let them alone," advised the parson. "When it's time for blessing them—that's my business." ••That's a plctur', now, ain't it?" said Tom. with his broadest smile. "Ob, I'll be keerful."

Miss Deborah finally succeeded in get-

li®s

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

ing him back to the cozy kitehen, which was now filled with the odorS of hot coffee, smoking hot biscuits and frying fish. A few mdments later Miss Deborah announced that it was time to call the young people to supper, and' the happy Tom instantly headed the little procession. To his surprise, May stood alone at the foot of the steps leading to the porch. The sunset glow was over, and in the dim light he did not notice her pale features. '"May," he spoke, tenderly, and held out his arms. The words startled her she turned, with a faint cry, and sunk on the steps. "My gal! what's wrong?" "Steve is gone away," she moaned. "I have broken his heart!" "Oh, no," said Miss Deborah, soothingly, as she took the girl in her arms. "It's one of these lovers' quarrels. I know the symptoms." "Alius like ye women," said Tom Blossom, philosophically. "First ye quarrel with a man, an' drive him away, skeered fur his life, an' then you feel sorry and would give yer eyes to fetch him back again. I thought things was kind o' fixed up jist now, didn't you? I wonder what nail caused the tear?" "Tom," said Uncle Bartlett, meaningly, "this is more serious than you think. Look at her she's as pale as death." "So she is, Bro'r Tom,""said Miss Deborah, looking worried.

Tom gazed earnestly at his daughter face she made an effort to speak, but failed and her head sunk on Miss Deborah's breast. "Deb, take her into the house. I'll go and bring Steve back. Don't let the supper spoil."

Tom hurried off toward Steve's house, and Miss Deborah and

Uncle

Bartlett led

the exhausted girl into the little parlor, which was cool and dark, and. seated her in an easy chair near the window. "Now dry your eyes, May," said Miss Deborah, k'indly. "Dad will soon bring Steve back."

Miss Deborah disappeared to watch the supper, Uncle Bartlett bent over the silent girl, saving firmly and gently: "You voung folks are tx apt

Ho regard

a harmless incident, necesary

to every courtship. It ain't, however. Everv quarrel is sure to leave a scar. Let this be your la They are not healthy."

He stroked her' huir »nd patted her hands in his quiet, sympathetic way, then softlv withdrew into the kitchen where Miss Deborah's movements held a charm for him that he could not express in words.

CH AFTER V. I A MYSTERY.

About dusk on that day soitfe strange ncidents .took place in tho vicinity of Richard Ashcroft's house which was situated quite close to the Hampton River. A boat filled with marines had put off from one of tho United States vessels lying in the Roads, and was rowed rapidly to a small landing about a quarter of a mile from Ashcroft's place. 'fifro men in civilian dress sprung ashorei_ and the boat was then cautiously rowoiTto a shaded point of the bank where it My wholly concealod from observation. The men who had left it made their wav by a circuitous path to a clump of Wees from which they could watch tho movements of Ashcroft's household. The place, however, was seemingly deserted, and they quietly waited events. "Cap, I hope your information was correct," said the younger of tli« watchers. "This is a lonely place to be sp far from assistance." "We're safe, Forrester, JJortunately the fishermen aro startirigb^' V, don think Ashcroft wmsteajJ«lP uiiua una mSriUMrjn tenenre robs. We have two hours to wait. If the gunboat arrives on time, we'll have him caged before midnight." "There's that fellow again," said Lieut. Forrester, pointing to a dark figure that ran rapidlv across the lawn toward the beach, and" had evidently just left the house. "This is the third time to-day I've noticed him prowling about. What is he after?"

I'll give chase and find out," cried Capt. Drunnnond as he started in pursuit of the llying object. A few loucf, decisive "Hallos!" had the desired effect, and ho soon overtook a young negro who stood before him shaking with dread, and fumbling with an old hat which trembled with his motions. "Hallo, boy. What's your name?" asked Drummond. "Golly! Massa—my name's Eph." "Do you belong here?" "Niii—nin—no. Yes." "What do vou mean by 'Nin—nin—no. Yes,?" said'Drummond, stonily, at the same time giving Eph a sharp look which made him shiver. Eph's eyes rolled wildlv, his teoth chattered: "I don't mean nothin', sail."

With another glance Drummond turned away. Eph steathilv watched his chances,' and seizing what he considered a good opportunity, suddenly started on a run. Forrester joined the captain who stood laughing to himself at tne negro's fright. "Anv luck, Cap?" "Yes—that's the negro that pulled Ashcroft across the river I was sure of it! He has been watching us." "Why did you let him go?"

Captain Drummond laughed He'll go straight to Ashcroft. We must follow him up, and the game is ours. The signals are all ready. Come—he keeps along the beach no doubt Ashcroft is In one of the houses by the shore."

Eph rushed along in tho gathering darfeness and reached Tom Blossom's porch, feeling quite sure that he would find his master with the old fisherman's family. The windows were open and Epli liad a full view of the kitchen, with Miss Deborah bending over the fire, and Uncle Bartlett comfortably seated near it. "Massa Dick and Missie May must be in the parlor," Eph said to himself, and he cautiously stole to the side of the house and peered into the small, prettily furnished room. May sat there openeyed and expectant, her face turned in a" listening position toward the door which opened upon the porch.

Eph guessed at the situation and hurried back to the road leading to Hampton. Within a few yards of the house he met his master and eagerly caught his arm with a warning, "Hush-h-h! Massa Dick! Massa Dick! I'se glad I've found vou! I'se been lookiir fo evervwnar." "that's the matter?" Ashcroft demanded impatiently. Eph held him firmly. "Massa Richard! Dey is arter ye. De is arter ye," he whispered hurriedly, hi great eves dilating with fear. "I'se been a-watchin' eber since las' night! I saw him on de beach a few minutes ago He's somewhar 'bout now. I tole ye, honey, dar's trouble comin', sure as you are born—" "Speak out! what do you mean?" cried Ashcroft, gazing about him. Eph's voice drooped mysteriously. "Las' night, arter de nets were all up an' de lights were out, I was standin' lookin' 'cross de ribber seemed ter me de water was blacker dan eber—not a star to be seen on de bank opposite, de pines were moanin'. Any other night I wouldn't ha' noticed it." "Noticed what? Eph, lam in a hurry." "A light no bigger dan a fire-fly," said Eph with increased intensity. "Trust de eves of Eph. Dat light steal trough de port-holes of a gunboat."

Ashcroft started, an expression of alarm crossed his features. "Gunboat! Are you certain?", "Sartin as I stan' yar!" •T

"Goon—" "I ran round. de landin' ter de big cypress whar my skiff was tied, jumped in an paddled soft as a black snake, down to Willow Point—" "So near as that!" muttered Ashcroft, his anxiety now increasing. Eph nodded. "I lay low under de bushes, an' out 'bout a hundred yards was a gunboat as black an' still as a crow on a fence rail. She lay dar fur half an hour all of a sudden, I heered a boat rowed up, till dey came in front o' de Fishery. Dey stayed dar a few minutes, makin' up dere minds what ter do next. Den, dey turned back, an' stole down de ribber. I tole ye, Massa Richard, dey is arter ye fo' sure." "The Federals watching my house! exclaimed Aschcroft, now fully alive to his danger. "Some one has betrayed me! Who could it have been?" "Yerself. Massa Richard, dose Yanks have eyes sharper dan de p'int of a fishhook. Ye have crossed de ribber so often dat yer 'spected. Hush-sh!"

Eph motioned toward an old shed near Tom Blossom's kitchen. Ashcroft looked and caught a glimpse of a man's figure as it disappeared behind the wall. "I tole ye so. Dat's de man I seed las' night in de boat. I've been a-watchin' him eber since. I seed him awhile ago on de beach. Phew! Golly! What a look he gib me! I felt as if I had a shark hook inside o' me pullin' away at my heart! Don't stir! Don't move! He's playin' 'possum, but he can't fool dis var coon. Lay low in de high grass." Eph suddenly raised his voice. "Yes, Massa Richard, I'll go right down to de Fishery an' tell de men you'll be aar. "Meet me at the landing," whispered Ashcroft, "I'll be there as soon as possible—in five minutes after you get the hoat there."

Eph ran some distance in the direction of the Fishery, then gaining the shadows of some trees, he rapidly retraced his course, and reached tho landing where his boat was lying- Ashcroft hastened into the house,' crossed the narrow hallwav and the next moment had May in his'arms:

My darling! At

last—May—where

your father? I haven't a moment to ose."* May clung to him, trembling with secret dread.

Oh! Richard, must you indeed go tonight? I feel so frightened at the thought. I wish you would stay here, something tells me that you are in great

No more than usual, May, love. Come, you must be my brave girl you must encourage me with smiles and hopes for any success. What, crying, darling! Why, to-morrow I will be with you again. May, for my sake!"

The girl shivered and struggled to return his loving glance. She held his hands to her lips with unconscious force.

MCan

you wait for father? He will be iksoon." "I dare not. Where is your aunt?" Thus strangely summoned, Miss Deborah stared at the young people as arm in arm they stood before her, then a tender light dawned in her kind eyes she put her arms around her niece and kissed her. "I see," she whispered. "May, Richard—" Sho sat down guSte overcome with amazement and delight perhaps gratified pride entered into the many feelings that crowded upon her sense. Ashcroft grasped her hand, and quickly and firmly told her his plans and wishes. took her breath, but after some reflection she admitted the wisdom of Ashcroft's intentions. She looked earnestly at the lovers, and her voico shook. "You love one another. Let me speak to Brother Tom that is, let me speak first. It will seem sudden to him. He had other ho •haps croft agreed. "The sooner I am away from here to-night, the safer I shall be to-morrow."

back

lad other hopes—" .... UWell—perhaps it will be best," Asli-

At this moment, Tom Blossom's steps and voice were heard as he mounted the porch. He was evidently speaking to somo one outside the house, and as he entered the kitchen he loudly announced: "Where's May? I've brought Steve back with me!"

It was very quiet in the little parlor ust then. Aslicroft held May to his oreast, pressing kisses on her eyes and lips and Miss Deborah, with smiling and tearful eves, blessed them and wished Richard a safe return. At length, with a final effort, Ashcroft passionately kissed the fainting girl, put ner in Miss Deborah's arms, and hurried from the house. His brain was hot with the fever of love returned. The dangers besetting his path were lost sight of, if not wholly

—A hope done May's

pride in his hard-won laurels. Life was sweet at that moment, sweeter than ever, although death stared him in the face. The night was calm, the moon was partially concealed by masses of fleecy clouds, and the murmer of the waves sounded like distant voices calling to him.

As he crossed the sands, a man who had been lying close to the water rose suddenly and faced him. For a second Ashcroft hesitated, then he recognized the stranger with a hearty: "Good-evening, Steve." "Good-evening." Steve's voice was muffled and hoarse, and Ashcroft wondered at the change in it.

The moon now shown unclouded upon land and sea, and Ashcroft noticcd Steve's face. It was white and haggard with inward misery. "What's the matter, Steve?" he demanded, putting his hand on the young man's shoulder. "You look as if you had lost all vour hold on life. Has your sweetheart transferred her affections to some one else?"

Steve roughly shook off the detaining hand and turned away without answering. Ashcroft followed him: "Forgive me, Steve. I didn't mean to hurt you feelings," he said gently. "I'll tell you a secret, Steve. Perhaps you have guessed it before now. May Blossom has promised to be my wife. I've asked for her, and—"

A sharp thistle startled the two men. "Ah, there is Eph's signal. I must be off. Steve, I won't be down at the Fishery to-morrow, so keep a sharp lookout after the things during my absence.

He put out his hand. "Good-night," Steve muttered without accepting Ashcroft's hand.

At that moment a flash of light illuminated the beach where Ashcroft stood, and he and Steve gazed at each other in the greenish glare, and then tnrned to discover the cause. The flash and glare were now repeated at a short distance from them, where a bend in the shore and a few huts concealed whoever held a

Thoroughly* aroused to his danger, Ashcroft now turned in the opposite direction, determined to avoid the beach and trust to his knowledge of the country to escape his pursuers. At that moment he was confronted by a dozen men who had been In hiding in Tom Blossom's out-house. Their leader advanced

and eyed him and Steve, speaking low ment. and distinctly: "Richard Ashcroft?" "That ip my,name, sir!"

Richard went a few steps, and Steve stood as if spellbound, watching the scene. 5y "You are under arrest." ^11

A low cry from Steve was unheaded. Ashcroft grew white, but his voice sounded full and firm. "Upon what charge?" he demanded proudly, his eyes flashing with indignation. 'The charge of secretly conveying information to the enemies of the United States. You have been seen to visit the rebel lmes by night—returning here at dawn. Wc have positive evidence against you. I am sorry to see so young a maA go down to a traitor's grave. You are under arrest as—a spy." "A spy!" Steve repeated mechanically, speaking to himself. "It means death!"

Ashcroft looked at the oflleer who had not vet spoken. He thought he read pity and sympathy in the younger man's features. "I am in, your power, sir do your duty."

Captain Drumxnond's stern face did not relax a muscle.. He nodded to the marines. "Attention. Guard, your prisoner."

The sound of oars was now audible. Ashcroft turned, to see- the long b°at nearing the- beach, while beyond, outlined against the sky, the gunboat that Eph had described, stood black and threatening. Two heavy hands were placed on Ashcroft's shoulders, their touch recalled his wandering senses. "Allow me to inform my friends of what has happened," he said, appealing to Captain: Drummond. "It is against orders," was the stern replv. "But—" Ashcroft's voice broke*. He struggled tocon/trol it ,, "Silence!"

Captain- Drummond pointed 'to tho boat. Ashcroft sprung to him, and caught his arm.: "Man.—muni!, listen. I cannot go away without speaking one word to my pronaised wife! It may be months before I can send, a letter to her! She will not know what become of mo. Think of the suspense of watching and waiting in vain, for me^. It will kill her.. Let me speak to her—here—in your presence. Great Heaven! Have you no feeling, man? She will believe I have deserted her! For God's sake, let mo speak to her only for a moment!" "Impossible," was the stony answer.

Ashcroft broke from the men, with a wild, erv of "May! May!" but was again rmfi and liur-

.... LUK,

lied toward the boat. .n\hat moment, Eph eonae running along^he beatlx, a \d seeing, his

master

completely overpower

ed, the negro stood helplessly gizing^ the group. Ashcroft caught sight him:

"Eph! Thank Heaven. Telf-M "Arrest the negr ..AnmmaaaidettwCaptain Drummond Vjtfh found him-

Ashcroft gazed wildly it the faces about him. His brain was on fire the color had pft his cheeks his set teeth and

heavy

breathing denoted, some des-

PHiseffiZhad

nearly reached the

shore with him, when he perceived Steve Harland, who at that supreme moment staggered like a drunkeiiman, and sunk on the bench as if stunned. "Steve!" shouled AshearofU "Ah, you jiro here

His whole frame was shaking, bis lips trembled, he gazed at Ashcroft in a dull, senseless way, but made no efl'ort tostii his feet felt as if fastened to the ground with heavy weights. "A spy!" ho repeated. "He will never come back."

With a superhuman ett'ort, Ashcroft broke from his guard, and rushed to Steve, catching him by the shoulder. "Steve, tell May of my arrest." The agony of his voice and features aroused Steve's faculties to the horror of the situation, but his quivering lips refused to serve him ho could only stare fixedly at the wretch Ashcroft, who frantically clung to him. "Steve, answer me! Tell May sho is as much my wife as if we had gone to church together! You hoar, Steve. As much my wife as if wo had gone to church and been married! Tell her to be true to me, and wait—wait for me. Toll her that, won't you, Stevo?"

Steve's continued silence was maddoning. Aslicroft wildly appealed to the guards: "One moment more only one moment!"

He seisted Steve's hands, and drawing him so that the moonlight fell full upon his face, looked fixedly and with sudden solemnity into his eyes. "Tell her how I am cruelly dragged away. My message—all—everything. Oh, Steve! lot me hear the words that will Bet mv heart at rest! Speak them, Steve! speak them!"

With sudden strength, ho forced Steve on his knees, and bent over him. "Steve, promise!" "I promise," came the answer, in a hoarse, choked effort. "1 promise." "Before Heaven!"

Ashcroft sunk on his knees besido Steve. "Before Heaven." The words were just audible.

Ashcroft embraced Steve, murmuring: "Thanks! Thanks!" The impatient guards again took hold of him and hurried him into the boat in which Eph was seated and secured.

Don't forget, Stevo, don't forget!" The cry seemed to break the spell that held Sto're Harland's senses in a condition of lethargy. He rushed to the shore

Yes, the boat was rapidly gaining the distant vessel. The figures in it became an indistinct, dark mass again the sky. Whistles were heard in the distance. The smaller boat was lost in the heavy shadow of the larger ono. Even while Steve gazed, shocked and terrified at the scene ne had just witnessed, and amazed at the inexplicable sensations rising in his own heart, the gunboat began lo move and was soon out of sight.

Then Steve Harland threw himself on the beach, a prey to mingled ideas and suggestions which seemed to master his self-control. His bead grew hot with the torture of a thought which would take entire possession of him. "A spy! A traitor's grave!" he kept muttering to himself. "Should be never comeback!"

The prospect of this probability now presented itself with all the possible con

Steve sprung to his feet and strode back and

forth,

gesticulating wildly, and

catching at his throat as if he were chokil!K* "Whv did I come back here to-night? Whv didn't I tell her father that she had rejected me? Why? Because, in spite of all, I cannot give her up! My God! when I think of her becoming the wife of another, I feel as if I am going madmad! Should he never come back— Ah!"

Steve uttered a sharp cry, and retreated several steps. Torn Blossom was hurrying loward him, anxious to explain matters and sympathize with him in his disappoint-1

He put his hand on the young

man's shoulder, speaking gently an^ even confidentially. "Steve, Deborah has told me me\ thing, and so ft as May. It goes h, agin'me, but I can't break mylittle gal's heart, an' ye, Steve, I know, wouldn't have me do it. So I've given her my eollsqpt an' blessin'. She is to marry •ard Richard Ashcroft."

Steve stared at him with dulled eyes trying to frame tho words that would describe what had just happened, but in vain. His trembling lips parted only ttl mutter, hoarsely: "Should he never come back

Tom caught Steve's hands and looked eagerly in Lis white face. Alarmed and perplexed he called for help, and Miss Deborah and Undo Bartlett came. "Steve, what ails ye, man? Ye're' as pale as a ghost, an' your hands are tremblin' an' as cold as a chunk o' ice!" "What on earth is it?" cried Miss Deborah, rubbing Steve's hands with all her might. "Stove, tell us!" "Should he never come back!" was the hoarse reply, and Steve's head fell over on her shoulder. "May! Mav!" shouted Tom, and sho came quickly to Steve's side and put her hands on his arm. "Steve* what is wrong with you?" she whispered. At the sound of hor yoi( Steve raised his head, and gazed wildly in her face"Why—why—Rich—" Ho broko into a loud laugh'and staggered toward the the beach, pointing seaward. "He! may never coime back—he may never como back!" ho screamed, excitedly, then sunk insensible on the sands.

May bent over him with a low cry of misery. "Poor Stove!" "Poor boy! The gal has broken his hearts-broken his heart!" criod Tom,, helplessly looking at Stevo. [Continned next week.]

If we would have powerful minds,, womust think if powerful muscles,, wo must labor if sound lungs wo must takO' Dr. Bull's Cough Syrup. Price 26 ota.

For cuts, bruises, sprains, burns, soalds,, frostbites and chilblains nothing oqjiala Salvation Oil. It annihilates pain.. lirice 25 cents a bottlo.

What is taken from yon possess it? Your photogiw'fi orn

"now aro ovor goiof

pforo you

get through We are

our spring and sum mo- _— all run down, tired ou.oy nccJe

it begins."

So say many a fivf?ingle ifamily. answer, try Ayetlonev jiit^rilla. This is just tho modi^wK*. you need, and. wilt pay compound^tterost on tho mouoy it. costs you.

It's tho little things that tell—os^enialily the little brothers and sisters.

Paring Corns don't euro thenn.butL "PMJXACURA" does. Sold by firstrolasa. Druggists.

iAWotiemp swollen ^olltf

on' hftye'

Was cured bv a few dosca. Sly yioph'oros is very&ronfT, nr*

ieixieaai. solelflr ^vns. beliosick will

cause hfC8ttW *. and afflicted everywtfifre. Th find Dr. Pierce's "Golden Medicu Discovery" beneficent nsa of bis suiontMfe knowledge in thoir behalf. CqfaHumiption, bronchitis, cough," heart jdisease, fovor and aguo, interniittom fovet, dropsy, neuralgia, goitre, or thiafc nock, all diseases of th§4l0odj aro*t»u»*d!B»jr this worTd-ronownodTmedieine. Its pro-

portios aro wonderful, its action.mag liy druggists.

Tempcrcmcc Advocate, Atlanta.

foal.

"If thev want to find mo," says-a New York alderman, "they can findl at either of my two saloons."

An Bdltor's Opinions.

Beware of anything that the maker is afraid to own as his own. Ono' reason, among tho great many others whi'eh we could give why tho justly famed! Swift's Specific has attained such a large #alo, is tho fact that Mir. Swift, tho original -inventor, gave liiis name to it. This yjonderful medictno continues to grow in popularity, notwithstanding the papers arc full of tho advertisements of imitators and followers. Ind'oed it has como to pass that this medd«*ne is doing good in curiing thoso who have become seriously affected from taking other mixtures put up by nobody knows who.

An EfttabUnhed Snccciw—Tfc« Il.nrjcext Advrrtlner* In tho SMlh. It would be suporfluow, of course, to "call attention" to tho page advortisoment which appears in this issue of the Times-Union of the Swift Spocifle Company. This is no experiment with them, or an offort tojthrusta new and worthless drug upon tho market. This blood purifier has been on the market for years, and grows in favor and popularity each year, and calls forth continually scores and hundreds of endorsements from those unfortunates who havo beei relieved and cured by its use. Th growth of their business has been im menso. They now occupy an en tiro building in one of tho principal businoss blocks in Atlanta, employing scores of men and ship thousands of dollars of this modicine to all parts of the United States and to foreign countries.

They are ljold advortisers, rank Sag among the birgest in the world, and by far the largest in tho South. By this means thev have made known what they have, and its morits maintain its popularity wherever introduced.

One lesson they teach tho businoss man, however. Some imagine that they or their business aro too well known to need anv advertising. This company, which is*not only extensive advertisers, having spent annually thousands of dollars for the past twenty years, ranking also among the shrewdest advertisers, make no abatement in it, but increase rather than diminish their expenditures in this line and in the same territory. They also testify to the superiority of newspaper advertising.—Jackwnvillc, Fla., Time*- Union.

Tboy are trying in Germany to find a substitute for Indian rubber. No one who has used Dr. Bigelow's Positive Cure desires a substitute, as it is eminently successful in coughs, colds and all throat and lung diseases. Sold by all druggists.

SJ7-4t.

Itch and scratches of every kind cured in 15 minutes by Woolford's Sanitary Lotion. Use no other. This nover fails. Sold by Armstrong's Union Depot Pharmacy. Warranted. 50c. tf.

"The best on earth" can truly be said of Griggs' Glycerine Salve—a speed cure/ for cuts, bruises, scalds, burns, sores, piles, tetter and all skin eruptions. Try this wonder healer. 25 cents. Guaranteed.

I cheerfully recommend Red Clover Tonic to those suffering from troubles of the stomach and liver. I ani now on m? second bottle, and it makes me feel like i. new man. C, M. Connor, Nashua, Iowa. Sold by all druggists.